Wire Taps: Jonathan Papelbon OK with Mark Melancon trade; Melancon sets Nationals up for present and future; Mike Rizzo works his magic (again)

It's here! It's here! Finally, the day we've been waiting for since before the season started.... deadline day! Will the Nats shock the world and land a superstar outfielder? Or will Mike Rizzo instead make a smaller deal to bolster the bullpen - or even stay pat? By 4 P.M., we'll finally know what's been brewing for the last four months.

For the purposes of excitement, here's the news.

Papelbon on board with Melancon trade
Jonathan Papelbon won't be a closer for the first time in his Major-League career, but he's fine with the trade if it takes the Nats to the playoffs and beyond.

Melancon trade sets up Nats for future while making immediate impact
Even though he's only guaranteed to be a Nat for two months, Melancon will be a big upgrade in the ninth - and better yet, Trea Turner, Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, Victor Robles and many other prized prospects are all still in the Nats organization.

Maybe Melancon isn't that great after all
And now, a quick dose of pessimism. Or reality, depending on how well you think this will turn out. No matter what, Greenberg argues that Melancon's nice-looking stats don't have much behind them.

Yet again, Mike Rizzo works his magic
Rizzo is notorious for working deals that send high-value players to the Nats while not giving up much in return, and he did it yet again with the Mark Melancon trade.

Today's Game: Nationals vs Diamondbacks, 9:40 PM (MASN, WJFK)
Probable Pitchers: Stephen Strasburg (14-1, 2.68 ERA) vs Archie Bradley (4-6, 4.17 ERA)