Wire Taps: Bryce Harper on ESPN College Gameday; Nationals rumors - Nats still not giving up Victor Robles, Marlins

So... apparently Bryce Harper can really pick college pointyball winners. Shockingly, the 26-year-old free agent outfielder did not offer any hints as to where he’s going to sign this winter when he appeared on ESPN’s College Gameday, but he did pick the winner of a game that no one else on the panel got right or something, we couldn’t bring ourselves to look into it all that deeply. Go read your links and learn all about Harper’s appearance on your own...

NATS BEAT:

Bryce Harper was the guest picker on College Gameday - (MLB.com)
"As usual, Lee Corso and company invited a celebrity up to make some picks at the end of the show. And -- wouldn't you know it -- they picked the pride of Las Vegas and College of Southern Nevada alum Bryce Harper."

Some thoughts on Realmuto, Grandal and Ramos - (MASN)
"If Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo wants a difference-maker behind the plate, Kurt Suzuki is going to be a backup catcher in 2019."

Carter Kieboom has a good shot at Nats in 2019 - (MASN)
"MLBPipeline.com’s Jim Callis said Kieboom could move to second base in the majors, if necessary."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

MLB Rule 5 Draft: Here’s 9 intriguing prospects left off 40-man rosters - (Minor League Ball)
"Jose Marmolejos, Washington Nationals: The 25-year-old left-handed hitter has had an illustrious minor league career."

Arizona Diamondbacks seriously considering trade of Paul Goldschmidt - (ESPN)
"The Astros also have been active in discussions with the tier of free agents below Bryce Harper -- the likes of A.J. Pollack, McCutchen and Michael Brantley."

How Rocco Baldelli plans to manage the Twins - (Boston Globe)
"The Marlins wanted at least outfielder Victor Robles, and the Nationals wouldn’t do it. At least for now. So they signed [Kurt] Suzuki..."

NL EAST UPDATES:

The Phillies’ ‘Video Dan’ Stephenson is the man who’s seen it all - (Philly.com)
"With his camera and access, he has opened a window onto a baseball world generations of Philadelphians otherwise might never have seen."

Sources: As they consider Noah Syndergaard trade, Mets exploring free agent pitching options to replace him - (SNY)
"As the Mets continue to discuss trading Noah Syndergaard, the team is also exploring potential free agent starting pitchers to replace him, according to major league sources."

When tanking fails: How Marlins 2014 MLB Draft class crippled the team - (Fish Stripes)
"Last week, the Marlins officially took an “L” on their 2014 MLB Draft class. Right-hander Tyler Kolek (first round pick) and infielder Justin Twine (second round) were not placed on the 40-man roster..."

Latest On Sonny Gray's Market - (MLB Trade Rumors)
"The reigning NL East champion Braves have shown past interest in Gray – albeit with different front office leadership than they have now..."