Wire Taps: Washington Nationals Boxing Day spectacular ... and assorted Nats links

We made it through the holiday yesterday without a Daniel Murphy-esque celebration-interrupting signing, but we still don’t think Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo is done building.

What’s next for the Nats this winter?

While you wait to find out, read up on the latest news and opinions from around NatsTown...

NATS BEAT:

Top stories of 2018: All-Star Week in D.C. - (MASN)
"From the day Nationals Park opened, Mark Lerner lobbied Bud Selig to give an All-Star Game to Washington. It took a decade..."

In baseball, mental coaches were once seen as for the ‘weak-minded.’ Now they’re essential - (WaPost)
"But these days, mental coaches are the norm in baseball. The collective bargaining agreement negotiated between the league and the Major League Baseball Players’ Union requires all teams provide access to one."

Nats top prospects: No. 6 - LHP Tim Cate - (MASN)
"The Nationals certainly hope that some of their cache of left-handed starters can make their way to the big club over the next few seasons to help bolster the rotation."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

10 historic MLB performances from 2018 - (MLB.com)
"Soto tied Alex Bregman and Trout for the game's seventh-lowest chase rate, per Statcast™, and hit nine opposite-field homers to tie for third in the NL. So, yeah, the kid looks like he could be pretty good."

These Washington Celebrities Bought and Sold Houses in 2018 - (Washingtonian)
"In January, Rizzo snapped up an end-unit townhouse with four bedrooms and bathrooms that’s a quick walk to Nats Park."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Manny Machado won't decide MLB destination until new year - (NY Post)
"Also Friday there was industry speculation the Phillies are also leery of a 10-year deal for $300 million for Machado..."

Is @noahsyndergaard in Die Hard? - (The Mets Police)
"I’m watching the famous Christmas movie Die Hard tonight. I didn’t realize Noah Syndergaard was in it. Yippie-ki-yay Mr. Met."

Marlins celebrate the season with a community holiday party - (FOX Sports)
"CEO Derek Jeter and the Miami Marlins staff celebrated the season by throwing a holiday party for the community, replete with cookies, presents, and arts and crafts."

An oral history: The Year of Acuña, as viewed by those on the inside – (The Athletic - Subscription Required)
"His​ was the most anticipated,​ scrutinized and​ over-analyzed​ debut​ season for a Braves​ prospect​ in decades."