Wire Taps: Washington Nationals at the Winter Meetings wrap-ups; second base market; Bryce Harper chatter

The baseball world, like Elvis, has left the building in Las Vegas, so now teams have returned to their respective homes to figure out what they’ve accomplished and what work remains.

What did Washington’s Nationals accomplish out in Sin City? What’s left to be done? Dig in to see what the writers covering the Nats in D.C. and around the country had to say...

NATS BEAT:

Do the Nationals have enough power on their roster for 2019? - (WaPost)
"So the Washington Nationals, like every franchise, were left talking about a season that is still four months away and a roster that is still forming."

Where things stand halfway through the offseason - (MASN)
"Wednesday’s trade of Tanner Roark to the Reds (for minor league reliever Tanner Rainey) may save the club some money but it leaves a huge hole toward the bottom of the rotation."

Two names possibly coming off second base market - (MASN)
"Mike Rizzo’s public stance on the Nationals’ need to acquire a second baseman has been adjusted several times over the last two weeks."

MLB Insiders around the country weigh in on Bryce Harper - (NBC Sports Washington)
"MLB Insiders Todd Dybas, Alex Pavlovic, Chuck Garfien, Jim Salisbury each weigh in on Bryce Harper's potential landing spot for 2019."

Nats top prospects: No. 10 - RHP Jake Irvin - (MASN)
"Baseball America national writer Carlos Collazo said in his write-up that Irvin has stuff that is 'more ordinary than overwhelming,' but has the ability repeat his delivery and is a 'solid strike thrower.'"

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

The 15 most disappointing sports teams of 2018 - (Business Insider)
"The Washington Nationals were expected to emerge from a 2017 season rife with injuries as a serious contender in the National League."

Historic data doesn’t make Phillies' decision on giving Bryce Harper and Manny Machado big money any easier - (Philly.com)
"At some point, John Middleton and the Buck brothers – Jim and Pete – figure to pursue and land the free agency grand prize, but only they know if they think Harper or Machado are worth it."

NL EAST UPDATES:

What's next for Phillies — could it be lefty Andrew Miller? — as winter meetings end - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"The biggest Phillies storyline of the winter is also the industry's biggest storyline. Will the Phillies land one of the two megastars on the free-agent market?"

Why Todd Frazier will be in Peter Alonso's grill at Mets spring training - (NY Post)
"The Toddfather is living up to his nickname, and come spring training, the mentoring of Mets slugging prospect Peter Alonso will go into overdrive in Port St. Lucie, Fla."

Marlins may eye veteran catcher for young arms - (MLB.com)
"The Marlins wrapped up the Winter Meetings on Thursday without making a deal for J.T. Realmuto, but they gained more clarity on what the market is for their All-Star catcher."

Braves remain patient as Winter Meetings end - (MLB.com)
"'I think the biggest mistake we could make is to try to force a deal to sign somebody to three, four or five years that we like, but we don't love,' Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said."