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Wire Taps: More Nationals' front office changes? + Nats links, tweets

Are the Washington Nationals about to lose another member of their front office to the Arizona Diamondbacks? Jon Heyman from CBSSports.com's says Asst. GM Deric Ladnier is likely headed to the D-Backs. That and more in today's link post...

By Patrick Reddington
Patrick Smith/Getty Images

According to a report by CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman on Thursday night, the Washington Nationals are about to lose another member of their front office.

Deric Ladnier, who is still listed as a Special Assistant to the General Manager on the Nationals' executives page, is "expected" to get a job as the Arizona Diamondbacks' scouting director according to Heyman, after Asst. General Manager Bryan Minniti left the nation's capital to join the D-Backs as an Asst. GM earlier this winter.

Ladnier, a one-time Atlanta Braves' scout, assistant scouting director and farm director, served as the Kansas City Royals' scouting director from 2000-2008 before joining the Nationals in 2008 and serving as a cross-checker and Asst. GM in the nation's capital.

All of that came after a seven-year pro career as an infielder in the Royals' organization (1985-1991). He put up a .262/.318/.380 line in 1.471 career plate appearances.

"Baseball Shop Breakup":

• "Deric Ladnier, the Nationals executive and the former Royals scouting director, is expected to be named the Diamondbacks' new scouting director..." - "Nats exec Deric Ladnier expected to get D-Backs scouting director job" - Jon Heyman, CBSSports.com

FBB's recommended reading:

Will the Nats add a reliever this winter?:

• "This week's debate: Should the Nats enter 2015 with Drew Storen as closer, or should they look elsewhere?" - "Point/Counterpoint: Should Storen’s closer role be secure?" - Mark Zuckerman and Chase Hughes, Nats Insider

Would the addition of a reliever be a sign the Nationals are "all-in"?:

• "How will the Nationals, owner of the National League’s best record, signal that they, too, are all-in for 2015?" - "How would Washington Nationals signal they’re all-in for 2015? By doing very little" - Barry Svrluga, The Washington Post

Ian Desmond, future free agent infielder?:

• "This, of course, is something the Nationals will have to try and avoid, as they have loads of talented players, including some that are homegrown, nearing free agency." - "Nationals Pastime: A trend in the free agent market" - Dan Kolko, MASNSports.com

VIDEO:

• "Previewing the 2014 Winter Meetings for the Nationals" - Mark Zuckerman, Chase Hughes, Nats Insider

You should follow Jerry Blevins on Twitter:

Harper contract talk from WTOP:

• "If you haven't already heard, the Washington Nationals are facing something of a dilemma in regards to one of their brightest young players..." - "The Nationals' Bryce Harper quandary" - Noah Frank, WTOP.com

NL EAST UPDATES: Free-spending Marlins on hold; Markakis vs Heyward; Hamels chatter:

• Phillies: "Hamels is owed somewhere between $100 million over the next four years and $118 million over the next five years, depending on which way the wind blows on the option." - "Why the Phillies Can’t Trade Cole Hamels Rashly, Before I Kill Someone" - Michael Bauman, Crashburn Alley

• Mets: "While Cuddyer is slotted to be the right fielder, several members of Mets brass have mentioned that he could also be a solution for Duda’s struggles against lefthanded pitching." - "Mets' Lucas Duda out to get righted vs. lefties" - Kristie Ackert, NY Daily News

• Marlins: "The Marlins like Chase Headley very much and have been weighing an offer for the free agent third baseman, but it appears they are delaying the pursuit." - "Marlins' interest in Headley derailed by word of alleged $65 million offer" - Jon Heyman, CBSSports.com

• Braves: "The one certainty is that Markakis, who agreed to a four-year, $44 million deal on Wednesday, comes at a cost that is about half of what Heyward hopes to get as a free agent next year." - "Inbox: How does Markakis measure up to Heyward?" - Mark Bowman, braves.com

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