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The Nationals added to their bullpen and fans in Washington joined together to make jokes about how these were not the relievers they were looking for... but the Nats did add depth.
Catch up on the last 24 hours in Nationals news, all in one place...
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Nats add veteran relievers Joe Nathan, Matt Albers on minor league deals
"There’s no guarantee either Nathan or Albers will make the opening day roster."
joe nathan has an out 3/24 if not on MLB roster #nats
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 1, 2017
Astros, Nationals suffer minor damage — but not at new spring home
"The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches is fine, but county workers were picking up the pieces when the Astros and Nationals came crashing down."
Sergio Romo confirms the #Mets & #Nationals have shown interest in him & an #SFGiants reunion is unlikely AUDIO: https://t.co/nEeVJ4XZgQ
— MLB Network Radio (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 31, 2017
MLB Roundup: Nationals' biggest concern isn't their closer
"The greater challenge for the Nationals, manager Dusty Baker and pitching coach Mike Maddux is rebuilding the infrastructure of the group of setup men."
Shawn Kelley’s Much Deserved Opportunity
"Now 32, Kelley isn’t at the ideal juncture on the age curve. After two Tommy John surgeries, he’s also got some mileage on his arm."
Mark Melancon on @MLBonTuneIn, talking about a return to the Nationals after 2016, "Quite honestly I thought I'd be back there".
— Holden Kushner (@Holdenradio) January 31, 2017
Who will be the Washington Nationals' closer in 2017?
"The Washington Nationals' winter-long search for a closer has seen the team connected to elite relievers and reclamation projects alike."
Closer or not, Nationals do need more bullpen help
"Team officials are comfortable proceeding in this manner, entrusting the back end of the bullpen to some combination of Shawn Kelley, Blake Treinen, Sammy Solis and Koda Glover. "
Keith Law's Washington Nationals top prospect report
"The system isn’t deep as a consequence of trades, years of low draft picks and a few years without any first-round pick at all, but that’s unsurprising for a club that has been in contention..."
Daniel Murphy is coaching Tim Tebow it appears... https://t.co/fGeArH9L4C
— Chase Hughes (@chasehughesCSN) January 31, 2017
Mixing Fantasy & Reality: Francisco Lindor, Trea Turner, & Brandon Moss
"Trea Turner‘s home run power was unanticipated with 13 homers in about half a season last year."
Adam Eaton's first half numbers: Expect a slow start in 2017
"In his career, Eaton is a .261 hitter in the first half. When the second half arrives, he turns into a very different player."