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It’s season in review time. Top 5 stories time. Looking back at 2018 and looking forward to the 2019 campaign time. What went wrong for the Nationals. What they’re doing as they build a roster they think can compete in 2019. Get up to date on the latest news as we wait for the start of Spring Training, which is closer every day...
NATS BEAT:
Nats still have some offseason moves to make. Bet on a bang, not a whimper - (WaPost)
"The Washington Nationals are nearing the end of one of the most radical and risky offseason roster renovations you will ever see."
Top stories of 2018: The late-summer roster teardown - (MASN)
"The club sat 5 1/2 behind the Braves in the National League East as the trade deadline passed, too far out of it to justify a big addition, but too close to instigate a full-scale sell-off."
Josh Harrison's market includes #Rangers, #Angels and #Nationals, among other teams, sources say. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 28, 2018
Top stories of 2018: Soto's dazzling debut - (MASN)
"Club officials and those who follow the Nationals farm system closely knew [Juan] Soto was lurking. Some considered him all along a better hitting prospect than [Victor] Robles."
Nats top prospects: No. 5 - RHP Will Crowe - (MASN)
"National writer Carlos Collazo says Crowe does not have overpowering stuff, but does have an intricate repertoire that makes him valuable. Crowe is another Tommy John surgery graduate."
Pirates pitcher who looks like Bryce Harper convinces waiter that Harper's signing with the Yankees - (NBC Sports Washington)
"When Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Trevor Williams was mistaken for Bryce Harper while dining at a restaurant in San Diego, he decided to have a little fun with it."
When someone with the power to give you free food asks you if you're Bryce Harper, you say YES.#Pirates SP Trevor Williams (@MeLlamoTrevor) tells the story of being mistaken for the wrong bearded Major League Baseball player last night: pic.twitter.com/ubvopGkCYX
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) December 28, 2018
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
Each MLB team's top defensive play of 2018 - (MLB.com)
"If there was one critique Juan Soto would give himself from his standout debut season, he would almost certainly point to his defense and the need to improve on an everyday basis."
Dallas Keuchel Seeking Five-Year Deal - (MLB Trade Rumors)
"Beyond the Phillies and Nationals, the Reds have also been prominently connected to Keuchel, but recent indications are that they’d be reluctant to meet his asking price."
Anthony Rendon 2019 Outlook: Consistent When Healthy - (Rotoballer)
"One of the most underrated third baseman in the league put together another solid performance in 2018 that probably went unnoticed unless you are a Washington Nationals fan or a fantasy owner of Anthony Rendon."
NL EAST UPDATES:
Nelson Doubleday Jr., publisher and former owner of Mets, dead at 81 - (NY Daily News)
"Nelson Doubleday, the publishing magnate who bought the Mets from the family of their original owner, Joan Whitney Payson, in 1980 for $21.1 million and oversaw their renaissance from a downtrodden last-place team to world champions in 1986, died at his home in Locust Valley, L.I., Wednesday at 81."
Marlins Inbox: When will Mesa be with Marlins? - (MLB.com)
"Dating back to 2017, the Marlins have made more than 15 trades that brought in more than 30 players. Of that group, 15 are ranked by MLB Pipeline on Miami's Top 30 prospects list."
Braves Inbox: Any interest in Craig Kimbrel? - (MLB.com)
"Quite frankly, because of the years and dollars, Kimbrel has not even been on the Braves' radar. If we reach a point where he has to accept a three-year deal, then it might be time to at least think about a potential return to Atlanta."
Sources: #Phillies pursuing Dallas Keuchel but thus far have been unwilling to meet Keuchel's request of a 5-year contract. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 28, 2018