Wire Taps: Blanton is steal of the offseason; Boras/Nationals relationship continues growing; Are we underrating Nats?

Michael A. Taylor seems to have a proclivity to be at the center of attention in the ninth inning, whether if it was his walk-off home run in September 2015 to put the Nats within four games of the Mets, his outfield error last June against the Dodgers, or, in the obviously most dramatic of all his escapades, his walk-off home run to christen the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.

Here's what's new in Washington.

Nationals' Joe Blanton is the quiet steal of the offseason
Blanton had arguably the best two seasons of his career in 2015 and 2016, and only got $4 million from the Nats, who got a steal with the righty.

The relationship between the Nats and Scott Boras is only growing stronger
Ted Lerner hasn't shied away from signing Boras clients, and Mike Rizzo hasn't shied away from drafting them -- expect that trend to only continue in the years to come.

Have we talked ourselves into underrating the Nationals?
Although Vegas is high on the club, there's unrest in the fanbase which is expecting a disappointing season -- but are we underrating the Nats?

Nats, Blanton agree to one-year deal
The Nats got the best reliever left on the market on Tuesday, signing Blanton to an (extremely intricate) one-year deal.

Nationals christen their new spring home with a walk-off win
The pool was filled, the TVs actually worked, and the stadium was mainly finished -- all that was left to do was play the actual game, which Michael A. Taylor finished off with a walk-off home run.

With Joe Blanton, Nats add another capable reliever
Joe Blanton provides serious insurance for a bullpen that previously didn't have any -- but the guy can also pitch pretty well when coming out of the bullpen.

Baker hasn't made decision regarding top of his lineup
Baker has made about 100 different lineup combinations, but not all of them include Adam Eaton and Trea Turner at the top of it.

FP Santangelo is embracing advanced stats
"There goes the no-hitter... which, by the way, traveled at 98.5 MPH at a launch angle of 15 degrees."

Jeremy Guthrie, trying to earn a job, starts first game at new ballpark
Typically, teams trot out their front-line starters for the first game at their new stadiums. This time? Not exactly the case.

Wieters will be exactly how he has always been
Wieters certainly won't replace Wilson Ramos' offensive output. Instead, he solves any potential problems with a Derek Norris/Jose Lobaton platoon, and will put up decent -- good, not great -- stats.

Dusty Baker seems determined to ruin Nationals' batting order
Dusty Baker sometimes makes great situations look difficult.

Today's Game: Nationals vs Tigers -- 1:05 PM
Probable Pitchers: Joe Ross (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Mike Pelfrey (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Days until Opening Day: 33