Wire Taps: Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo talks fair trades; Nats’ catcher chatter + more...

With rumors about the Washington Nationals’ interest in acquiring a catcher who could supplant Matt Wieters as the team’s No. 1 backstop, Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo talked during an MLB Network Radio interview on Wednesday about his thinking in trade talks and his style in negotiations.

Rizzo, who took a beating in the national press over what he gave up (RHP prospects Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, and Dane Dunning) to get Adam Eaton from the Chicago White Sox last winter, said he’s not particularly interested with the hot-take reviews of the trades he makes.

“Our thought process here and my philosophy,” Rizzo explained to Sirius/XM hosts Jim Duquette and Mike Ferrin, “has always been as long as I get the guy that I want in the trade I’m not so much concerned about how it’s viewed in the scouting world.”

“We always put these blanket analyzations on these trades like four minutes after they’re traded because you’re trading for an A-ball player who turns out to be a Hall of Fame-caliber guy five-six years down the road, but at the time of the trade you get blasted for not getting enough or giving up too much or not acquiring the right type of guy. So the zero sum wins and losses on these trades, I think that the best kind of trades are ones that help both organizations at the time that they make the trade.”

“I don’t have to win every trade that I make,” Rizzo concluded, “as long as I feel good about what I received in it I’m satisfied with it.”

Keep that in mind if the rumored trade for someone like Marlins’ catcher J.T. Realmuto actually happens. Now go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Alex Avila to Arizona could open door for J.T. Realmuto to D.C.
"We’re talking about Realmuto again today, not because of anything the Nats or the Marlins did in the last 24 hours, but because of what the Diamondbacks did: sign Alex Avila."

Poll: Who Will Sign Jonathan Lucroy?
"Unwilling to deal their very best prospects to Miami for Realmuto, the Nats could pivot away from a trade and instead sign Lucroy to supplant Matt Wieters as the everyday catcher."

Nationals satisfied with offseason moves
"As Spring Training approaches and with so much of the offseason still unsettled, the Nationals find themselves in a good position."

Curly W Live Podcast: Season 2 Premier with John Turnour
"We are kicking off season two by talking to Director of Field Operations, John Turnour, about a pretty important project that took place at Nationals Park this offseason."

As the free agent market stalls, Jayson Werth waits for a job
"Jayson Werth admits that his lobbying work on behalf of organic farmers — efforts that earned him a trip to the State of the Union address Tuesday night — are laying the groundwork for life after baseball."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

What to expect from Matt Albers
"We shouldn’t expect Albers to be able to post another sub-2.00 ERA in 2018, but he certainly looks like he should be a useful veteran addition to the bullpen."

Pham Predicts Martinez Will Win 20 Games, Cardinals Make Playoffs in 2018
"Pham also says it would be great for Harper’s 'legacy' if he decided to stay in Washington and play for one team his entire career."

Washington Nationals 2018: Scouting, Projected Lineup, Expert Insight
"The Nationals have a curious logjam of outfielders that extends all the way to the top levels of the minors..."

Think Bryce Harper’s Days With Nationals Numbered? Think Again
"But what about the Nationals? The sense that he will automatically be out of Washington as soon as the opportunity arises is misplaced for several reasons. Let’s go point by point."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Braves keeping spring home at Disney World through 2019
"The Atlanta Braves have extended their spring training agreement with Disney World through April 2019, delaying a move to Florida’s Gulf Coast."

Marlins to hold FanFest on Feb. 10 at Marlins Park
"When the Miami Marlins conduct their annual FanFest on Feb. 10 at Marlins Park, many of the players they acquired in trades this winter will be on hand to mingle and sign autographs for fans."

Plawecki says he and d'Arnaud are being underestimated
"But Plawecki, who split duties with Travis d'Arnaud at the end of last season, believes he and his teammate are being misjudged. It's part annoying, part motivating."

Phillies announce Citizens Bank Park upgrades
"The Phillies notified season ticket holders in an email last week about changes coming this season to Citizens Bank Park."