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Wire Taps: Nationals' prospect Erick Fedde cleared to throw; Ryan Zimmerman's big move

Washington Nationals' prospect Erick Fedde tweeted out some good news. Nats' first baseman Ryan Zimmerman talked about his big move across the diamond while volunteering in D.C. Not a lot of big news, but some good news in NatsTown on Tuesday.

By Patrick Reddington
Patrick Smith/Getty Images

A torn UCL in his right elbow ended Erick Fedde's 2014 campaign at UNLV after 11 starts and 76 ⅔ IP in which he posted a 1.76 ERA, 21 walks (2.46 BB/9) and 82 Ks (9.62 K/9) while holding opposing hitters to a .209 AVG.

Washington Nationals' GM Mike Rizzo said he saw Fedde as a "Top 10 guy and possibly even higher than that," and Asst. GM Kris Kline said the right-hander was a "Top 5-type guy" before the injury. He fell to the Nats at no.18 overall this past June and was drafted just three days after he underwent Tommy John surgery.

"He's a plus stuff guy," Rizzo told reporters after making the selection.

"He doesn't throw anything straight. A lot of life, very heavy. Above-average slider, up to 88 and the makings and flashes of an above-average changeup. A lot of strikes." -Kris Kline on Nats' 2014 1st Round pick Erick Fedde

"We've scouted him intensely over the last three years. He's got two plus plus pitches and his third pitch, the changeup is on the come. We think that's going to be an above-average pitch. Big physical guy, and we had him towards the top of our draft board and we thought the risk of him rehabbing and coming back to pre-injury form was worth the draft pick."

"We’ll put him on the Viera rehab mode," Rizzo explained at the time. "And he’ll get to know all of the restaurants in Viera, FL, and have our really talented rehab coordinators get after it and allow him to hopefully be pitching at this time next year."

On Monday, Fedde took yet another step on the long road back:

Without having thrown a pitch as a professional, Fedde is currently ranked 4th overall on MLB.com's list of the Top 20 prospects in the Nationals' organization. Baseball Prospectus ranked Fedde 5th on their Top 10...

What else happened in NatsTown on Tuesday? That's why there's links... [ed. note - "there [are] links..." -

Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals' First Baseman:

• "'We’ve got a year left with everyone here for sure and we’ll kind of see what happens after that. We’ve got to take advantage of the opportunity we have now.'" - "Ryan Zimmerman: ‘We’ve got to take advantage of the opportunity we have now’" - James Wagner, The Washington Post

• "After his tenure as a third baseman ended last season, Zimmerman is set to shift across the diamond to first." - "Zimmerman ready to begin prep for move to first" - Andrew Simon, nationals.com

• "For as long as he can remember, Zimmerman has traveled to North Carolina to spend Thanksgiving with his father's side of the family." - "Zimmerman, Nats lend support to Turkey Day initiative" - Andrew Simon, nationals.com

• "As for the hamstring that sidelined Zimmerman through much of the season’s second half, the infielder said he’s feeling strong and should begin his usual offseason training soon." - "Nationals infielder Ryan Zimmerman joins front office staff to volunteer at Food & Friends" - Amanda Comak, Curly W Live

Not enough Zimmermann trade talk? This one's for you... Post Sports Live:

How about some Gio Gonzalez trade talk (and go ahead and say it, "Everyone is available for the right return, etc..."):

• "And as I thought out loud I wondered about the availability of Washington’s Gio Gonzalez. A source told me the Nationals would likely discuss just about anyone on their roster if the deal was right." - "Sweeny’s Yankees Notes: D-Rob, ‘Replacing Jeter,’ Finding A Lefty Pitcher" - Sweeny Murti, CBS New York

Kevin Frandsen wants you to know you were loud:

• "The Nat fans should know that they were louder than the Giants fans, when it came to the stadium...'" - Kevin Frandsen to Grant Paulsen and Danny Rouhier - "Kevin Frandsen Wants Nationals Fans to Know they were ‘Louder’ than Giants Fans" - Chris Lingebach, CBS DC

Adam LaDunn:

• "LaRoche offers an instant upgrade offensively — not to mention a Gold Glove when he plays the field — and gives the Sox a popular, proven leader on a young team without Dunn and the retired Paul Konerko." - "Adam LaRoche fills big hole in the White Sox lineup and in the clubhouse" - David Haugh, Chicago Tribune

Some more links before the NL East Updates...

• "The Nationals’ current pitching staff is top notch and any minor league player coming into this major league team has a lot to work towards." - "Washington Nationals: Top five prospective minor league pitchers" - Julia Dang, isportsweb

• "Before his interview with Tampa Bay, Martinez also interviewed with the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, Cubs and Washington Nationals for managerial openings in recent years." - "Dave Martinez to pursue other opportunities outside the Rays" - Andrew Astleford, FOX Sports

• "Pedro's career wasn't as long as Johnson's, but in his prime he was basically the Sandy Koufax of the steroids era, averaging 17 wins, a 2.20 ERA and 252 Ks from 1997-2003." - "The Baseball Hall of Fame: Breaking Down This Year's Ballot" - Dan Epstein, Rolling Stone

• "'Diamond Nation made multiple attempts to continue the option agreement, but unfortunately the Hagerstown Suns ownership was not willing to continue under the same terms.'" - "Baseball deal out in city" - Pamela Gould, The News Desk, Fredericksburg.com

NL EAST UPDATES: Braves/Phillies like Tomas, Marlins ask about Price, Porcello:

• Phillies: "Ask anybody in baseball and they say that the Phillies and Tomas are a perfect fit. The Phillies need to get younger." - "Inbox: Are Tomas and Philadelphia a good fit?" - Todd Zolecki, phillies.com

• Mets: "While it’s not exactly the high-profile name Mets fans are clamoring for this offseason, the team has been in touch with Craig Breslow..." - "Mets eyeing lefty reliever who stunk it up in Boston last season" - Dan Martin, New York Post

• Braves: "Since dealing Jason Heyward to the Cardinals last week, the Braves have increased their interest in Tomas..." - "Braves showing increased interest in Tomas" - Mark Bowman, braves.com

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