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Wire Taps: Nationals' Backup Catcher Search Rumor, Nats Links + More

Wire Taps: Written as two words so people searching for information on wiretaps don't find a bunch of Washington Nationals-related links. Did you spend the day recovering from a big night of watching commercials? Here are all the links you'll need to catch up...

By Patrick Reddington

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Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

So what was the big story of the day for the Washington Nationals on Monday? Was it the report from former Nats' GM Jim Bowden about rumors of interest in Tampa Bay Rays' catcher Jose Lobaton? That was actually the only rumor-y, news-ish thing happening in NatsTown. Here at FBB we wrote about the conversation right-hander Ross Ohlendorf had with reporters last weekend at NatsFest. (Yes, we're still transcribing a couple leftovers.) Then we looked at left-hander Ross Detwiler and what he had to say about the fight for the fifth spot in the 2014 rotation. We also checked in with Scott Hairston to see what he had to say about starting the season with Washington after he was acquired by the Nationals last winter. So what were the rest of the people who write about the Nationals writing about on Monday? Here are some links to get you all caught up. Oh, and pitchers and catchers report on the 13th...You know the drill...

Links and lots of them, starting... RIGHT NOW!!!:

• THE BIG STORY!!!:

• "The Nationals have been in discussions with the Rays for catcher Jose Lobaton, as they look for a backup for Wilson Ramos." - "Latest buzz on Nelson Cruz, Ervin Santana and other free agents" - Jim Bowden, ESPN

• NATS BEAT:

• "If the Nationals strike again, what would the move look like? They could use another backup catcher candidate..." - "A look at the Nationals’ payroll and their options" - Adam Kilgore, Washington Post

• "Ross Detwiler says he never really doubted McCatty would be back. He considers him so important to the team that he never even pondered the possibility of him leaving." - "Washington Nationals pitchers glad to have Steve McCatty back" - Chase Hughes, Nats Insider

• "New Nats manager Matt Williams spent part of his session with reporters at NatsFest last weekend talking up Espinosa's ability..." - "Nationals Pastime: Williams on what Espinosa must do in spring to reach his potential" - Dan Kolko, MASNSports.com

• "Span will also factor heavily into Manager Matt Williams’ new philosophy for the Nationals." - "Denard Span confident he can continue strong ’13 finish" - James Wagner, Washington Post

• "At Nats Fest 2013, outfielder Denard Span met many of his then-new teammates for the first time." - "VIDEO: Span more comfortable heading into second year with Nats" - Chase Hughes, Nats Insider

• Your Daily Message From The Dalai Lama On Twitter (@DalaiLama):

• NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

•"Reports this offseason suggest that Zimmerman will receive a modest number of starts at first base, in place of Adam LaRoche. This idea has merit to it." - "2014 ZiPS Projections – Washington Nationals" - Carson Cistulli, FanGraphs Baseball

• "Nationals in six words: Can Nats win? Clown question, bro." - "No. 8 Nationals: Are they ready to win the NL East?" - Tim Brown, Yahoo!Sports Canada

• "Nats Advance Team To Arrive In Viera Monday" - Space Coast Daily

• "That National Base Ball Club is considered an ancestor to today’s Washington Nationals team, which was revived in 2005 using the logo of the team of the same name that played from 1905 to 1956." - "Rare baseball artifacts tied to Civil War team to be auctioned off by Maine company" - Seth Koenig, Bangor Daily News

• "A left-handed hitter who has above-average power, good speed but a high strikeout rate (31 percent in seven minor-league seasons), Brown looked on the cusp of a big-league breakthrough in 2012." - "Twelve days until pitchers and catchers" - Gordon Edes, ESPN Boston

• "But while the Braves' top competition in the NL East, the Washington Nationals, strengthened their rotation by trading for Doug Fister and added outfield depth by signing Nate McLouth, Atlanta has remained on the sidelines." - "MLB warm-up: The winter's biggest losers" - Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY Sports

• "Lefty Ian Krol, one of the players coming from the Nationals in the Fister trade, will replace Smyly as the Tigers’ lefty setup man." - "Despite strong arms, Detroit Tigers bullpen has questions" - Pat Caputo, Heritage Newspapers

• "Honkballer Roger Bernadina heeft een eenjarig minor league-contract getekend bij de Cincinnati Reds." - "Bernadina tekent minor league-contract bij Cincinnati Reds" - Versgeperst.com Curacao

• NATSTOWN/MINORS:

• "Baseball America national writer Aaron Fitt said Giolito deserves all the accolades, because even as a teenager, the kid was advanced in his pitching ability." - "Nats No. 1 prospect: Lucas Giolito" - Byron Kerr, MASNSports.com

• "More of the same at Nationals Park, as the Washington Nationals and Levy Restaurants have extended their concessions contract with a new multiyear deal." - "Nats, Levy Restaurants extend Nationals Park concessions deal" - Ballpark Digest

• "Nationals’ third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and wife tour museum" - Emily Heil, Washington Post

• "Davey Johnson on 2014 Syracuse Chiefs: 'I'm not saying it's Governors' Cup or bust'" - Nats Enquirer

• "Monday Quickie: Good/Bad Luck, Breakouts/Breakdowns, & Injuries" - Harper, Nationals Baseball

• "Nats pack up for spring training" - Dan Steinberg, DC Sports Bog

• "The BA Prospect Handbook, Part Two" - Luke Erickson, NationalsProspects.com

• NL EAST UPDATES:

• Phillies: "I'm not sure that the Phillies are down on Ruf as much as they felt they needed to upgrade their outfield defense." - "Phillies Inbox: Where does the team stand on Darin Ruf?" - Todd Zolecki, phillies.com: News

• Mets: "In need of a veteran reliever for the late innings, the Mets rolled the dice on Kyle Farnsworth on Monday, signing the 37-year-old righthander to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training." - "Mets will give Kyle Farnsworth a shot to make the bullpen" - Marc Carig, Newsday

• Marlins: "Andrew Heaney is a highly touted lefty poised to make his case once pitchers and catchers begin Spring Training on Feb. 16 at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla." - "Andrew Heaney joining Marlins a matter of when, not if" - Joe Frisaro, marlins.com: News

• Braves: "As Wren began looking to add depth and insurance to this season's rotation, he was not interested in providing a multiyear contract to a pitcher who could end up blocking the path of some of these prospects." - "Braves Inbox: Is Atlanta still a threat?" - Mark Bowman, braves.com: News

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