Wire Taps: What we’re thankful for from the Washington Nationals’ 2018 season...

We’re thankful for all the baseball we got to watch in the last year. We’re thankful we got to see Max Scherzer put up another impressive season (and get to 300 Ks). We’re thankful we got to see Juan Soto break through in a big way. We’re thankful we got to watch free agent outfielder Bryce Harper turn things around and put up big numbers in the second-half even if it’s his last season in D.C. [ed. note - “We’re still not totally convinced he’ll sign with a new team, sorry.”]

We’re thankful that we got to see Jefry Rodriguez, Wander Suero, Austin Voth, and Austen Williams, Jimmy Cordero, and Kyle McGowin realize their dreams and make their respective MLB debuts.

[ed. note - “That’s all the debuts, right? We found two lists, but neither included McGowin or Cordero, but we remembered them!”]

We’re also thankful (or I am thankful in this case) that we got to travel up and down the East Coast covering the Nationals and interviewing players who were kind enough to share their thoughts and humor some of our dumber questions.

We’re also thankful for everyone who visits, reads, and comments on this site, 11 years after we took over the management of FBB. You’re all more appreciated than you know. Enjoy an off day today, however you choose to celebrate, and from our family to yours, THANKS.

NATS BEAT:

Nationals help Food and Friends for holidays - (MLB.com)
"Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, his wife, Heather, and members of the organization's front office helped prepare Thanksgiving meals at the team's annual volunteer outing at Food and Friends on Tuesday."

What does the Nationals’ outfield look like without Bryce Harper? Good and cheap - (WaPost)
"They seem to have all they’d need in [Juan] Soto (the phenom in left), [Victor] Robles (the could-be star in center), [Adam] Eaton (the veteran in right) and Taylor (the strong fielder who provides depth off the bench)."

Looking at Nationals' non-tender candidates - (MASN)
"MLBTradeRumors.com has identified two players on the Nationals who are non-tender candidates, both of them pitchers."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Miami Marlins must deal J.T. Realmuto before it's too late - (ESPN)
"But the Nationals reached a standoff with the Marlins in the asking price for Realmuto, after rejecting Miami's request for star outfield prospect Victor Robles, so they moved on."

MLB players to be thankful for in 2018 - (MLB.com)
"Max Scherzer is that guy who comes along every generation or so and sets a nearly impossible standard for every future generation."

Bryce Harper: Brewers could be a perfect dark horse fit - (USA TODAY)
"We all deserve to splurge every now and again. And the Milwaukee Brewers have earned the right to treat themselves."

Toolshed: NL systems giving thanks in 2018 - (MiLB.com)
"The Nats also have a bit of an opening at second base, following Daniel Murphy's trade to the Cubs in August. (Murphy was going to be a free agent.) So, don't be surprised if Kieboom -- MLB.com's No. 37 overall prospect -- takes over for Wilmer Difo at some point in 2019."

Top Statcast performers in Arizona Fall League - (MLB.com)
"AFL top exit velocities (in mph) - 116.4 -- Daniel Johnson, Nationals (groundout)."

NL EAST UPDATES:

No Realmuto trade expected over Thanksgiving - (MLB.com)
"No Thanksgiving Day trade surprises are expected by the Marlins regarding All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto. For now, Miami is expected to be relatively quiet during the holiday weekend."

Derek Dietrich: All-Time Leader - (Fangraphs)
"Dietrich is a useful player. He’s 29 years old, and he has a career wRC+ of 109. He can play a lot of positions, albeit none of them all that well."

Phillies' Chances of Re-signing Wilson Ramos Increased This Week - (NBC 10 Philadelphia)
"Had [the Nationals] not inked Suzuki, they likely would have again explored a reunion with Ramos."

The Braves’ Profits Provide Glimpse into Baseball’s Books - (Fangraphs)
"For quite some time, the Braves’ goal was simply not to lose money, something Liberty Media could afford to do because the value of the franchise kept rising."