Wire Taps: Nationals kick off Grapefruit League action vs Mets today...

Before this afternoon's Grapefruit League opener with the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie, Florida's Tradition Field First Data Field, catch up on the last 24 hours in Washington Nationals news. If you have MLB.tv or are in the New York area, you can watch today's game on the television or laptop, mobile device, you get it.

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

Nats, Astros share new park, same expectation
"The question pervades the state-of-the-art scene where the Astros and Nationals -- two win-now teams with new facilities but one obvious source of roster uncertainty apiece..."

Taft "retiring" to Palm Beach as well, leaving original Rushmore racing presidents at Nationals Park
"Washington Nationals racing president William Howard Taft will arrive this weekend at the Ball Park of the Palm Beaches and stay for good..."

Mike Rizzo says Dusty Baker’s contract will not be a distraction
"Entering the second year of a two-year deal, Baker wants a contract extension."

Mets lineup vs. Nats: Reyes 3B, Granderson 8, Cespedes 7, Wright DH, Cabrera SS, Flores 1B, Bruce RF, Kelly 2B, Rivera C. Gilmartin SP.

— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) February 25, 2017

Lerners Side-Stepped Rizzo to Sign Matt Wieters
"'This was a deal that I truly believe circumvented the front office and it’s not the first time it’s happened,' [Loverro] said."

Matt Wieters, with an assist from Koda Glover, will wear No. 32 with the Nats
"The rookie gave his number to the veteran catcher without hesitation. He'll wear No. 30 instead."

Nats GM tells Derek Norris about Wieters talks
"It's a difficult conversation to have, but it's part of the business and Derek knows that," Rizzo said. "We have a good, long relationship with him so that helped."

Wieters always thought Nats "would be a good fit for me"
"I always thought Washington was a team that would be a good fit for me." - Matt Wieters

Mike Rizzo on Wieters, Norris, closers and Baker's contract
"He’s a great student of the game. He calls a great game. He’s a great handler of the pitching staff. And a great clubhouse guy, leader in the clubhouse." - Mike Rizzo on Matt Wieters

Rumors And Rumblings: Elite Prospect Robles Happy To Still Be With Nats
"Robles is in major-league spring training for the first time and attracted the attention of manager Dusty Baker and his coaching staff Thursday during an intrasquad game..."

Today's lineup at #Mets: Turner SS, Eaton CF, Murphy 2B, Harper RF, Taylor LF, Lind 1B, Norris C, Soto 3B, Robinson DH, Gonzalez P

— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) February 25, 2017

Pleskoff Scouting Report: Austin Voth
"Austin Voth doesn’t have any one outstanding pitch in his arsenal to turn to as a defined 'out pitch'."

GAME TIME: 1:05 PM - Gio Gonzalez vs Sean Gilmartin