Wire Taps: Future Nationals’ Hall of Famers; Bryce Harper rumors; Max Scherzer has his number retired at Mizzou...

We should probably describe this more as a collection of Nationals-related links, since there isn’t too much in the way of Nats news included below, but there’s some interesting stuff to read, so we’re not like telling you to just stop here and move on with your day. You definitely should read up on everything included below, there are some things to learn down in there and some of it’s interesting, also, we probably just ruined poor Will’s chances of pulling the links together for tomorrow, so get’em while you can...

NATS BEAT:

Hall of Famers broken down by MLB team - (MLB.com)
”Injuries have kept Ryan Zimmerman from putting up Hall of Fame numbers, and it appears unlikely that Bryce Harper will be back in a Nationals uniform. That leaves Max Scherzer...”

Host of 2018 Nationals still seeking jobs in tepid market - (MASN)
"For all the attention lavished upon Bryce Harper and Manny Machado and their long, slow quest to sign with somebody before the start of spring training, there are a ton of other free agents still unemployed as we reach late January."

How well can Robles play defense for the Nats? - (MASN)
"Baseball America national writer Carlos Collazo said scouts have been impressed by Robles’ defensive skills for a while now. And the main reason why? His speed to cover ground in the outfield."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Phillies, Nationals fans think Winter Storm Harper is related to Bryce Harper's free agency - (CBSSports.com)
"They've become so impatient, in fact, that they've turned to meteorologists for clues as to where Harper will end up -- and identified Winter Storm Harper as a potential sign of things to come."

Micah Bowie is battling for his life - (Yahoo!Sports.com)
"After battling for 15 years to earn fleeting opportunities under the bright lights of Major League Baseball, Micah Bowie is now fighting, literally, for every breath he takes."

Fans get chance to interact with Brennaman, others at Reds Caravan - (bgdailynews.com)
“'The Dodgers trade energized the fanbase of this club and that came after they were able to acquire Tanner Roark from the Washington Nationals. And quite honestly they may be very close to swinging a deal for Sonny Gray.'"

Enter the mystery team: The Manny Machado sweepstakes is getting kind of mysterious - (NBC Sports Chicago)
"And while Harper reportedly turned down a $300 million contract offer from the Washington Nationals, if Machado's biggest offer is south of $200 million, that is shocking in comparison to those early expectations, regardless of how good it might be for the team that could get him to sign such an offer."

Baseball has taken a turn for the worse in casting aside scouts - (Boston Globe)
"One reliever the Red Sox might take a shot with is Greg Holland, who had an excellent second half with the Nationals after a poor first half with the Cardinals."

PowerMizzou.com - Scherzer honored with jersey retirement - (Missouri Rivals)
"After 11 years in the major leagues, three Cy Young Awards and a pair of no-hitters, Max Scherzer still wears No. 31. And officially, as of Friday night, no Missouri Tiger will again."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies' top pick Mickey Moniak could be poised for big leap in 2019 - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
Mickey Moniak has walked in these spikes for 2½ seasons now. He’s felt the euphoria of hearing his name called above all others. He’s also felt the glare and the burn. And the main thing he’s learned?"

Mets' Seth Lugo excited to watch Familia, Diaz in action - (New York Post)
"Edwin Diaz’s arrival to the Mets last month might have resonated the most with Lugo, who became friendly with the former Mariners closer when both were pitching for Puerto Rico in the 2017 World Baseball Classic."

Marlins Inbox: J.T. Realmuto deal, free agency - (MLB.com)
"The impression I am getting is there is a bit of a domino effect going on regarding Realmuto. The industry is waiting to see where free agents Bryce Harper and Manny Machado land."

Braves interested in adding outfielder - (MLB.com)
"Count Freddie Freeman among those who have become antsy while waiting to see if the Braves add to the splash made in late November, when Josh Donaldson and Brian McCann signed with Atlanta."