/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44247598/456599780.0.jpg)
Just in case you were busy for the last few days with family, the holiday, etc. or just away from your computer, mobile device, the Twitter or whatever, we figured we'd put together a quick link post to catch you up on the last 48 hours of Washington Nationals news.
The most interesting developments? Some names to consider for bullpen additions. A report on the fact that the Nats have not talked extension with Doug Fister since they talked to the right-hander after acquiring him last winter. What else is going on? That's what the links are for...
Washington Post writer James Wagner listed a number of relievers to keep an eye on this winter:
• "According to people who have spoken with the Nationals over the last few weeks, the team is focused mostly on their current players (extensions, potential trades, etc.) and not as interested in free agency." - "Some free agent bullpen options for the Nationals" - James Wagner, The Washington Post
Some free agent bullpen options for the Nats. (They've shown initial interest in some.) http://t.co/TtsQjl8gfa
— James Wagner (@JamesWagnerWP) November 28, 2014
So, no new talks with Jordan Zimmermann and no extension talks with Doug Fister...?:
• "After the Nationals traded for Doug Fister last winter, the team approached him and his agent about a long-term contract extension." - "No extension talks between Doug Fister, Nationals since spring" - James Wagner, The Washington Post
MASN's Dan Kolko and Byron Kerr and Dan Kolko talked Steven Souza:
• "Could the Nationals carry him as an extra outfielder, giving him at-bats in a pinch-hitting role and having him fill in for Jayson Werth or Denard Span on occasion?" - "Nationals Pastime: Interested to see what lies ahead for Souza" - Dan Kolko, MASNSports.com
#Souza has plenty to be thankful for this holiday season http://t.co/A4ZW9GLWXT #MLB #Nats #Nationals
— William Ladson (@washingnats) November 26, 2014
• "The next name on the list of Nationals top 10 prospects according to Baseball Prospectus is outfielder Steven Souza Jr., who already has etched his name in organization's history books..." - "Baseball Prospectus No. 6 Nats prospect: Steven Souza Jr." - Byron Kerr, MASNSports.com
Fangraphs.com's Marc Hulet ranked the Nats' Top 5 prospects:
• "The Nationals boast an established, veteran starting rotation but Cole should be the first starter recalled from the minors if someone falters or gets injured." - "Top 5 Prospects for 2015: Washington Nationals" - Marc Hulet, FanGraphs Fantasy Baseball
RotoGraphs: Top 5 Prospects for 2015: Washington Nationals http://t.co/4vObsf1AmN
— FanGraphs Baseball (@fangraphs) November 27, 2014
Nats Hot Stove stories:
• "This doesn't look so different than the Washington Nationals signing Werth to a widely maligned seven-year, $126 million contract four years ago, a move designed to put Washington on the map as a free-agent destination." - "Watch for falling dominoes after Boston's big moves" - Chad Jennings, Lohud.com
• "Maybe Rizzo could trade for Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick, who will be in the last year of his contract." - "Early Hot Stove splashes with more to come in NL East" - nationals.com
Early Hot Stove splashes with more to come in NL East http://t.co/X650nKrm1R #mlb #Nats #Nationals
— William Ladson (@washingnats) November 28, 2014
• "With so many rumors swirling at this moment, among the most believable, as far as the Red Sox are concerned, include Rick Porcello of the Tigers, Tyson Ross and Ian Kennedy of the Padres, the A’s Jeff Samardzija, Hisashi Iwakuma of the Mariners, Jordan Zimmermann of the Nationals and the Mets’ Zack Wheeler and Noah Syndergaard." - "Red Sox keep arms in pitching chase" - Michael Silverman, Boston Herald
• Replacing LaRoche:
• "LaRoche’s departure is tied directly to Zimmerman’s need to shift across the diamond and make a permanent position switch." - "How much will the Washington Nationals miss Adam LaRoche?" - Mark Zuckerman, Nats Insider
NL EAST UPDATES: Phils look for power, Fish acquire Crow, Braves/A's talk Upton?:
• Phillies: "The Phillies will have to look elsewhere for a power bat in the outfield now that Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas has agreed to a deal with the D-backs." - "Phils' search for power moves on without Tomas" - Austin Laymance, phillies.com
• Mets: "Lately, it's been general manager Sandy Alderson who has called out these anonymous people, but he's been doing it more with humor than anger..." - "Mets' Sandy Alderson keeps making jokes about anonymous sources and they're kind of funny" - Mike Vorkunov, NJ.com
Sandy Alderson made another joke about anonymous sources. They're kind of funny. And about Matt Reynolds http://t.co/O9RWMfRQoy #mets
— Mike Vorkunov (@Mike_Vorkunov) November 28, 2014
• Marlins: "The Marlins on Friday parted with some pitching prospects to bolster their bullpen, as they acquired right-hander Aaron Crow from the Royals..." - "Marlins acquire righty Crow from Royals" - Joe Frisaro, marlins.com
• Braves:
#Athletics talking with #Braves about Justin Upton, Evan Gattis sources say. Jeff Samardzija may be the bait.
— John Hickey (@JHickey3) November 29, 2014