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Wire Taps: Nationals weekend in review - Dan Uggla's concussion, prospect chatter

There wasn't a whole lot of news in NatsTown this weekend. What Washington Nationals links there were, we found and collected all in one place. Dan Uggla's concussion. Check. Lucas Giolito interview? Check. Plus more...

By Patrick Reddington
Jonathan Ernst/Getty Images

Good morning and welcome to your daily Washington Nationals link post. It's a rough time of year for link collecting. It's getting closer and closer to pitchers and catchers reporting, but it's still far away. NatsFest is almost a month in the past and the last few stories on the Nationals' mid-winter meet-up are trickling out.

The big news this weekend was Dan Uggla-related. The veteran infielder, who signed a minor league deal with the Nationals, reportedly received a diagnosis for the concussion-related symptoms he's been dealing with for the last couple seasons in November and has worked to overcome the difficulties.

As for what other Nats-related news there was out there... well, there wasn't much, but what there was out there we found, collected and put all in one place. Starting with that Uggla update...

Uggla's concussion issues started with HBPs to the head:

• "We’ve given you the Dan Uggla story in bits and pieces the past few weeks. Here’s the rest of it." - "In 2015, Red Sox’ climb out of cellar among storylines to follow" - Nick Cafardo, The Boston Globe

Some Ben Zobrist trade talk:

• "Washington was reported to have inquired on Zobrist not long ago, one of the few substantial rumors out there, but were rebuffed by a high asking price." - "Four teams named in pursuit of Ben Zobrist" - Daniel Russell, DRaysBay

Nationals' prospect chatter: Giolito and Ward stories

• "This offseason is exciting as we look ahead to the potential of 20-year-old third baseman Drew Ward. He is a 6-foot-4, 210-lb. infielder from a town of about 440 in central Oklahoma..." - "Baseball America No. 9 Nats prospect: Drew Ward" - Byron Kerr, MASNSports.com

• "Where will Giolito be this year? It's anyone's guess at this point. There is talk that he could be a September callup as long as he is productive on the mound." - "Giolito discusses 2014, his future in Q&A" - Bill Ladson, nationals.com

Former Nationals' prospect chatter:

• "Alvarez — known then as Esmailyn 'Smiley' Gonzalez — still believes he has a future in baseball, but it isn’t promising." - "Former Nats prospect whose deception brought down the team’s Dominican operation is still chasing his dream" - James Wagner, The Washington Post

Nats' bullpen chatter:

• "The Nationals’ recent trade of Ross Detwiler to the Rangers could play in Treinen’s benefit. He’s the clear-cut frontrunner to serve as the club’s No. 6 starter..." - "Blake Treinen eager for whatever Nationals have in mind for him" - Mark Zuckerman, Nats Insider

• "In his first taste of the big leagues, Treinen impressed, posting a 3.00 ERA in his seven starts. He had trouble his third time through the order..." - "Nationals Pastime: Treinen's role uncertain in 2015" - Dan Kolko, MASNSports.com

• "For Nationals fans, there is no need to recall the particulars of that night, to describe Barrett’s wild pitch that led to the go-ahead run and the errant throw during an intentional walk." - "Aaron Barrett intent on moving past playoff loss in 2015" - Chase Hughes, Nats Insider

• "For Blevins, it was the most recent stop in a busy and winding off-season, one that included trips overseas and back to NatsFest..." - "The offseason of Jerry Blevins, winding far and wide and back again" - Chelsea Janes, The Washington Post

McLouth Year 2:

• "McLouth had a miserable debut season in Washington. He’s coming back from shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum." - "Nate McLouth confident about health, but not playing time in 2015" - Mark Zuckerman, Nats Insider

Williams Year 2:

• "Like the Nationals' Matt Williams, Ausmus is a successful former player who hadn't managed before taking over a win-now team in 2014." - "A look at 5 MLB managers under pressure" - Andrew Simon, SportsonEarth.com

Not just five headed for free agency:

• "Outfielder Nate McLouth, left-handers Matt Thornton and Jerry Blevins, and infielder Kevin Frandsen are all set to hit free agency going into the 2016 season..." - "Nationals Pastime: A different look at the crop of pending free agents" - Dan Kolko, MASNSports.com

New Holiday in D.C.:

• "April 6 — Opening Day in D.C.: The Washington Nationals’ first home game of the new season is against the New York Mets at 4:05 p.m. on this day. It’s an unofficial holiday in the Capitol..." - "Calendar pols: A guide to 2015’s key dates" - James Hohmann, POLITICO

NL EAST UPDATES: No love for Howard; Wilmer as SS; Fish Shields; Braves' plan

• Braves: "Thus, in an effort to fortify what stood as an uncertain road ahead, the Braves opted to sacrifice what Heyward and Upton provide in the present." - "Trade returns could have Braves sitting pretty" - Mark Bowman, braves.com

• Phillies: "When your general manager says the team is better off without you and that if you’re still in town, then they will 'work around [you],' well, it’s clear you’re definitely gone." - "Let’s Find Ryan Howard a Happy New Home" - Mike Petriello, FanGraphs Baseball

• Mets: "Wilmer Flores remains very likely to be the starting shortstop for the Mets come Opening Day, sources tell ESPNNewYork.com." - "Wilmer remains heavy favorite as shortstop" - Adam Rubin, ESPN New York

• Marlins:

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