Washington’s Nationals have added to the rotation, the bullpen, the bench, the infield, and they’ve got some depth behind the plate now as well, but those Bryce Harper rumors really have kind of overshadowed all of that this winter, and it won’t end until the 26-year-old free agent outfielder picks a home for the next decade or so. Tired of the Harper drama? You’re not alone, but you’re also going to have to deal until he picks a team/extremely large deal...
Enjoy your links!:
NATS BEAT:
Monday morning thoughts on Brian Dozier, Matt Reynolds and Bryce Harper - (MASN)
"There will be plenty of topics to discuss with Dozier, but perhaps most interesting will be his explanation for his decline in production last season."
A misunderstanding with the Nats’ ticket office has My Lovely Wife crying foul - (WaPost)
"In September, Ruth noticed that her credit card had been charged for the first installment of our 2019 Nationals tickets. She was irritated. She didn’t remember renewing for the next season."
Can Nationals still sign Bryce Harper - (MLB.com)
"Although it remains unclear whether Harper has a formal contract offer in hand from the Phillies, this is a shift in perception from the previous weeks, after it appeared there was momentum toward Harper's eventual return to Washington."
Do the Nationals have room to make free agent Bryce Harper another offer? - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Do the Nationals have an offer for Bryce Harper on the table right now? USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale breaks down the situation."
"Robles is one of the more special outfielders I've seen."#Nats top prospect Victor Robles is one of baseball's best defenders, and he lands on our All-Defense Team for an unprecedented third straight year: https://t.co/0nDLRqe3S4 pic.twitter.com/1DNNe270YB
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) January 15, 2019
Nats top prospects: No. 1 - CF Victor Robles - (MASN)
"Baseball America national writer Carlos Collazo said Robles still has the best collection of all-around tools of any Nats prospect."
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
Bryce Harper would fit Phillies as well as Manny Machado — and maybe even better - (Philadelphia Inquirer)
"By all accounts, though, the meeting with Harper, his wife, Kayla, and agent Scott Boras went well. Maybe it’s all a leverage ploy to land Machado..."
Phillies, White Sox Are Favorites For Harper, Machado Signings - (Deadspin)
"The Phillies appear to be by far the team most seriously in the running—unless Harper goes back to the 'long-shot' Nationals’ 10 year/$300 million offer..."
Each MLB team's projected Opening Day lineup - (MLB.com)
"Thanks to a boost at catcher, a new second baseman and the infusion of rookie Victor Robles, this new-look Nats lineup has a chance to remain one of the most productive in the National League."
.@Jim_Duquette: The #Phillies are not the front runner on Bryce Harper until they "Show Him The Money!"#Nationals pic.twitter.com/lMUsXgBNL9
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 14, 2019
Biggest hot stove upgrades at every position - (MLB.com)
"One of MLB's best second basemen from 2013-17, Dozier slumped last year while fighting a knee issue. Steamer projects a solid 2.6 WAR in '19..."
NL EAST UPDATES:
2019 Top 10 right-handed pitching prospects - (MLB.com)
"The Phillies stumbled upon [Sixto] Sanchez when he was throwing batting practice at a workout for Cuban catcher Lednier Ricardo in 2014 and snapped him up for $35,000."
To Doc Gooden, Mel Stottlemyre was 'more than a pitching coach' and a big part of Mets' success - (NY Daily News)
"While he will always be remembered as a Yankee, Mel Stottlemyre was a huge influence on the Mets as well."
Marlins VP Gary Denbo on where the club’s minor league system is right now. pic.twitter.com/56wcoVUA8v
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) January 14, 2019
Victor Victor Mesa makes practice debut — here's how Marlins plan to develop the Cuban star - (Sun Sentinel)
"Sporting a grey Marlins t-shirt with No. 32 emblazoned on the back, Victor Victor Mesa strolled to the batting cage on a cloudless day at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium."
Braves announce 10 title changes in baseball operations - (MLB.com)
"Executive Vice President & General Manager Alex Anthopoulos today announced 10 title changes within the Atlanta Braves baseball operations department."