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So, here we are, two days into February, and nothing has happened either with Realmuto or with Yu Darvish. Here’s what needs to happen: The Nats should sign Yu Darvish, flip him to the Marlins for J.T. Realmuto, who can send him and Starlin Castro out for an equal salary dump (think Matt Kemp). Problem solved!
Here’s the beat from South Capitol Street:
Is Realmuto worth Soto?
The Nats don't really have a catcher that they love. J.T. Realmuto is a catcher the Nats would love, because the Nats don't have any catchers coming up. But the quickest and easiest way to get him to D.C. is by trading Juan Soto to Miami. Is it worth it if Soto, who has yet to reach high-A, doesn't have a clear spot in the outfield in the future?
Who will fill fifth starter spot?
The Nats have their first rotation vacancy since 2014 — and, barring a trade, it looks like it'll come down to Erick Fedde, A.J. Cole, and Edwin Jackson. Who deserves it most?
Washington Nationals sign Miguel Montero to minor league deal
Montero will compete with Pedro Severino for the backup job, which could consist of a considerably larger role this season than it did last year.
Miguel Montero signs with team that stole seven bases off him last summer
Trea Turner's season arguably peaked against Montero last June, when he stole some seventy-trillion-odd bases against him. Now, he can't be run out of a job.
Pedro Martinez joins Canadian HOF
Canada has its own baseball Hall-of-Fame, and this is an Expos article.
Pace-of-play changes may loom if games don't get below time target
2 hours and 55 minutes is the magic number. If baseball can average games under that time this season, then no pitch clock will be implemented. If not, 2019 could see a pitch clock with no runners on base.
Will the Nats do what they need to do to get Realmuto?
It seems like the Nats are unwilling to part with either Juan Soto or Victor Robles, but it seems like the Marlins are eager to make a trade — unless they decide that what the Nats have outside of their top two just doesn't cut it, at least right now.