Wire Taps: Nationals buyers or sellers?; Bryce Harper overcomes virus; Return of Wilson Ramos?

Hey, the trade deadline is coming up, and then it’s pennant race time in the most crucial season of the franchise since its inception! And how the Nats behave all comes down to these next four games. Lovely how the Nationals get to play the Marlins these four days to give us a very realistic view of just how good they actually are.

Here’s the news from Miami:

Predictions for 2018 MLB Trade Deadline (MLB)
"[Wilson] Ramos was off to a fantastic start (.297/.346/.488) before he tweaked his hamstring, but he's expected to return in early August, and the best destination is the same as it's always been, because his old mates in Washington are suffering through one of the weakest offensive catching seasons (.183/.267/.266) of the 21st century."

Buyers or sellers? These five teams need to decide now (ESPN)
"If the Nationals believe the chances of [Bryce] Harper being in Washington in 2019 and beyond are slim to none -- whether because of what they want or what they believe he wants, in venue and money -- they should listen."

Nationals’ veterans represent the best hope for a turnaround (WaPo)
Adam Eaton finally found his offensive form, and Ryan Zimmerman seems to remember how to hit again. Those would be two large additions for a team that has been struggling offensively, to say the least.

Nats GM Mike Rizzo hasn’t ruled out trading Bryce Harper but won’t give up yet on 2018 (WaPo)
The Nationals are looking at all sorts of deals between buying, selling, and something in between, according to Rizzo.

Mike Rizzo reveals what it would take for the Nationals to trade Bryce Harper (NBCSN Washington)
Rizzo did not say that the Nationals would not trade Harper, but said it would take something "spectacular," though he wants to "better this team for 2018 and beyond."

Should the Nats sell? Here's what we need to ask ourselves. (Sweetspot Nationals Baseball)
First, can they make the playoffs? Second, can they get anything they want back for what they're willing to part with? Third, is there any chance that next year goes any better than this year?

Bryce Harper homers in return from virus (MLB)
Bryce Harper got over his stomach virus well enough to demolish a three-run shot in the Nationals' 7-3 win against the Brewers.