In these dark times... in terms of Nationals news... even the announcement of each of Washington’s Minor League affiliates’ coaching staffs passes for big news. There were some changes around the system you can catch up on below or through our post on what’s different yesterday. It’s all very exciting stuff. Catch up on the latest news now, don’t waste another second. And we won’t waste your time either with what is really just some filler to get you to the links. Read up, Nats fans. Knowing is half the battle:
NATS BEAT:
Feinstein: Mike Rizzo ‘Obviously Deserves A New Contract’
"Buried in Nightengale’s story are Rizzo’s contract details, numbers the GM doesn’t speak about publicly, and therefore haven’t previously been made public."
Nationals Baseball: Mike Rizzo, not happy
"Rizzo has managed this continued success without sacrificing success beyond today. He understands the difference between a top prospect and another guy."
Bryce Harper is 'as focused as I've ever seen him,' friend Joey Gallo says
"Another byproduct of Harper missing one-fourth of the regular season? Gallo out-homered the 2015 National League MVP, 41 to 29, and he won’t let his friend forget it."
Nats announce minor league staff, Knorr to manage Syracuse
"Matt LeCroy remains as Double-A Harrisburg manager and Tripp Keister continues as skipper for high Single-A Potomac. Patrick Anderson holds down the fort again as manager of the low Single-A Hagerstown Suns."
Nationals shake up minor league coaching staff, with new look for pitchers
"But this year, the organization so committed to minor league continuity orchestrated what, by the Nationals’ standards, amounted to a shake-up."
How will Nationals crowded outfield play out
"For now, the Nationals see their outfield as set with those three players. Waiting in the wings, however, will be Victor Robles, the team's top prospect and MLB Pipeline's third-ranked prospect in the Majors."
Nats fans' guide to spring training: The town
"But there is more to a spring training trip than baseball. After all, you do have to eat. And baseball only takes up a portion of your day."
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
Washington Nationals send Syracuse Chiefs new manager, pitching coach
"Knorr previously managed the Chiefs in 2011, when the team went 66-74. He spent the previous two seasons as a senior advisor Washington General Manager Mike Rizzo."
Harper To Cubs Next Winter Hardly A Sure Thing
"The idea of Bryce Harper potentially signing with the Chicago Cubs was mentioned in this space recently, and was talked about a lot at Cubs convention. But the reality is, it may not be so likely after all."
Nationals announce minor league coaching staffs; Head to return as Doubledays manager
"The Washington Nationals, the major league affiliate of the Auburn Doubledays, have announced that [Jerad] Head will be returning as manager for the 2018 New York-Penn League season."
As 2018 MLB Season Approaches, It's Possible All MLB Ballparks Will See Expanded Safety Netting
"As word arrived this week that the Toronto Blue Jays would be expanding safety netting to the outfield end of each dugout and raised behind home plate in Rogers Centre, the topic of such netting design across the 30 ballparks of Major League Baseball has come back into the headlines."
2017 MLB All-Star Brandon Kintzler headlines Dixie State Spring Kickoff Weekend
"As part of the banquet and auction, Dixie State baseball will recognize its past, present and future in a special town hall event featuring DSU Athletic Hall of Famers in 2017 Major League Baseball All-Star and current Washington Nationals pitcher Brandon Kintzler and former Major League hurler Brandon Lyon."
Tiny Jewel Box presents $5,000 to D.C. youth group
"Tiny Jewel Box presented a $5,000 check from a jewel industry charity to the Washington Nationals Young Baseball Academy on Tuesday."
NL EAST UPDATES:
A look at candidates for Braves rotation spots
"Braves president of baseball operations and general manager Alex Anthopoulos has said Julio Teheran, Mike Foltynewicz and Brandon McCarthy will most likely fill three of the rotation's five spots."
What ruined Christian Yelich’s relationship with the Marlins?
"Strongly worded comments this week from Christian Yelich’s agent about the outfielder’s 'irretrievably broken' relationship with the Miami Marlins raised one big question: What happened?"
David Wright uncertain about comeback chances
"The reality is that David Wright does not know if he will ever be a productive Major League Baseball player again."
Nick Williams talks up Phillies to free agent pitcher Jake Arrieta
"For months, the Phillies have distanced themselves from speculation that has connected them to elite level free-agent pitchers Yu Darvish and Jake Arrieta."