Wire Taps: Nationals acquire Matt Reynolds; Adam Eaton ready to go; Dave Martinez + Casino Heist

So, here we are, with one day until Spring Training, the best Valentine’s Day gift anyone could have possibly gotten, especially since approximately three free-agents have signed.

Here’s the scoop from Florida.

Nationals acquire utility man Matt Reynolds from Mets for cash considerations
Reynolds batted .228 and played six different positions for the Mets over the past two seasons.

Nats issue All-Star seat assignments as game, Home Run Derby tickets hit market
Half and full-season plan holders were generally kept close to their seats. Partial plan holders, however, are too plentiful to be guaranteed strip access, so access to tickets will be based on tenure. However, it would seem that the mantra on a diamond ring — spend a month's salary on it — applies here.

Dave Martinez, Harold Reynolds, and the great casino heist
Martinez, Reynolds, and Darnell Coles all went to the Bahamas on a cruise, which docked at a casino. Until the casino was robbed at gunpoint, which is a pretty great story, especially since nobody was hurt.

Nats acquire Matt Reynolds from Mets
Reynolds would be a fringe candidate at best to make the bench, but he does have a minor-league option left, meaning that he's a confirmed part of the organization now.

Nats acquire utilityman Matt Reynolds from Mets
"The Nationals acquired utilityman Matt Reynolds from the Mets for cash considerations tonight, adding another versatile major leaguer to their mix of bench options this spring."

Top 100 MLB players of 2018: Count down 100-51
"84. Gio Gonzalez - Even if it feels hard to trust Gonzalez whenever he takes the hill, he was one of baseball's most improved pitchers between 2016 and '17..."

Astros and Realmuto: A match made in heaven
"Furthermore, behind [Victor] Robles, the depth in the Nationals system, while decent, isn't nearly enough to give the Marlins what they want for their young and controllable catcher."

Adam Eaton ready for return from torn ACL
"Eaton is there way ahead of schedule considering position players are not set to report until Feb. 19. However, Eaton has not seen live pitching in about nine months..."

Former Nats pitcher arrested with more than 20 kilos of drugs
"Esteban Loaiza, who pitched for the Washington Nationals in 2005, was arrested with more than 20 kilograms of cocaine in his possession in San Diego, California, authorities said."

NL East Notes

Braves dominant 1990s run highlighted on MLB Network Presents
"Yahoo Sports recently talked to John Smoltz about the longevity of the Braves success and he made it clear where he thought the credit should go."

Catching duo stare down golden chance to reward Mets’ patience
"D’Arnaud just turned 29 on Saturday, and Plawecki will turn 27 Feb. 26. These two young men are, well, not very young on the baseball spectrum anymore."

Phillies' Hoskins transitions from 1B to OF
"Pitchers and catchers don't report to camp until Wednesday, but Rhys Hoskins has already been putting in work at the Phillies' facility in Clearwater, Fla., for a week."

Miami Marlins get rid of midgame mascot race
"Billy the Marlin will still be seen around Marlins Park this season even though the man under the costume will be different."