Tim Collins made 18 appearances between the Gulf Coast League, High-A Potomac, and Double-A Harrisburg in the Washington Nationals’ system in 2017, became a free agent in November, and according to FanRag’s Jon Heyman, re-signed with the Nats on Friday, agreeing to another minor league deal that will pay him $1.25M if he’s in the majors.
Collins, 28, underwent Tommy John surgery twice, in 2015, then again in 2016, and he was realistic about his chances of working his way back up to the majors when he was interviewed by Washington Post writer Jorge Castillo last Spring, telling the WaPost’s reporter that he knows, “... to have two Tommy Johns and try to come back from that, scientifically if anybody looks at it, it’s kind of impossible,” but, he added, “then again, throwing is impossible when you research it.”
Will he make it back to the majors for the first time since 2014 in 2018?
While we wait for more news on signings big or small, catch up on the last 24 hours in Nationals news and impress your friends with how much you know... about offseason moves in a winter so slow Matt Wieters could pass it on the basepaths.
NATS BEAT:
Will the Nationals make their near-annual run at a big-name Scott Boras client?
"The Nationals have made a few necessary moves, like re-signing Brandon Kintzler and landing Matt Adams, but still require more."
The Nationals may have gotten ahead in the National League by staying in place
"At the winter meetings, Arrieta’s agent, Scott Boras, said his client could take a team to 'Playoffville.' Then he went to Silly City, floating the notion of a $200 million contract."
Pops was money today! #Soonish pic.twitter.com/CYyrZz2r9M
— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) January 5, 2018
THE 2018 Washington Nationals Prospect Sleepers
"While 'sleeper' is a rather nebulous term, for the purposes of this article it includes prospects presently ranked outside my top-30 that deserve more hype."
Looking at Nationals interest in J.T. Realmuto
"Considering all those factors, the Marlins are reportedly seeking an 'overpay' in terms of prospects for either player, which could include three top prospects and a big league-ready player."
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
MLB Free Agency: Who Each National League Team Should Sign
"The Nationals are set everywhere except for catcher. The Marlins may ask for top prospect Victor Robles, but the Nationals can say no and ask for lesser prospects."
tim collins signs minors deal with nationals. $1.25M in majors. incentives. invite to MLB spring training.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 6, 2018
Adam Eaton to host hitting clinic Sunday at Kenton Ridge
"Washington Nationals outfielder and Springfield native Adam Eaton will host a hitting clinic from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday at Kenton Ridge High School."
Should the Syracuse Chiefs change their nickname to the Mets?
"The Syracuse Chiefs will have new ownership this year as shareholders approved a sale to the New York Mets. Should a nickname change come along with the deal?"
Roundtable -- Why is the hot stove so cold, and what will happen when it heats up?
"But Washington is positioned to benefit exponentially by one more big move. Other teams, I think, can wait and see how the first half of the seasons unfold."
NL EAST UPDATES:
A Minor Review of 2017: Atlanta Braves
"Allowed to simmer a little longer in the minors, Albies — at the age of just 20 — arrived in the summer and didn’t look out of place."
A Major-League Team Is Not A Business
"The team was just purchased by a bunch of people who couldn’t really afford it, and now they need to cut down on expenses in order to get out of debt."
Mets hot stove rumors: Carlos Gonzalez, Mike Moustakas and Todd Frazier
"Thursday, the Mets were reportedly looking at former Royals' third baseman Mike Moustakas. Friday afternoon Jon Heyman reported an interest in outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and Jon Morosi an interest in Todd Frazier and catcher Jonathan Lucroy."
Carlos Santana is so strong that he pushed a car up a hill
"He posted a video to his Instagram account on Friday that featured Santana in a Phillies hat pushing a car."