Wire Taps: Washington Nationals start building for 2020; Howie Kendrick gets Heart & Hustle award; Nats’ coach interviewing with Phillies...

We’re still trying to recover from the fact that one of the Washington Post articles below has a note about the General Manager meetings beginning on Monday. Apparently when you’re in the World Series, life comes at you fast in the offseason. It’s weird to have everything that is happening happen so quickly in the winter, while we’re still trying to catch our breath this last week-plus since the Nationals won it all. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

MLBPAA recognizes Howie Kendrick, Tony La Russa, Johnny Damon - (MLB.com)
"The Heart & Hustle Award is voted on by Alumni and active Major League players, and it is presented annually to an active player who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game."

Despite late struggles, [Kurt] Suzuki was critical to Nats' success - (MASN)
"The Nationals signed Suzuki early last offseason, trying to get a jump on the catching market."

Inbox: Will Rendon, Strasburg return to Nats? - (MLB.com)
"I think the Nationals plan to pursue Anthony Rendon and Strasburg this winter. They have the money to get it done, so the budget should not be an issue despite the raises both players are due to earn."

Kendrick earns first Heart and Hustle Award - (MASN)
"Last night in New York City, Kendrick was honored for the first time in his career as the recipient of the 2019 Heart and Hustle Award."

Nationals’ free agents go beyond Anthony Rendon, Stephen Strasburg - (WaPost)
"What the Washington Nationals need, between now and next spring, will greatly vary based on whatever happens with Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon."

Nick Banks making a name for himself with big jump in 2019 season - (MASN)
"In the first part of our visit with Banks, we discuss his experience this season and how he felt playing over 130 games over the course of a long summer, including 17 with the Saguaros."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Rockies’ Trevor Story Wins Second Straight Silver Slugger Award; Nolan Arenado’s Streak Ends - (Forbes)
"Arenado lost out to Anthony Rendon of the Nationals, who won his second Silver Slugger; the first was in 2014."

Championships Aren’t Won On Paper. But What If They Were? - (FiveThirtyEight)
"I mean, sure, the Washington Nationals just beat the Astros to win the World Series in seven games. But still, the Astros were your official Elo champs for the 2019 season."

Gerardo Parra Reveals Nats' 'Baby Shark' Was Accidental - (PEOPLE.com)
"Parra tells PEOPLE the song that turned the season around was born by accident, and that it all started one morning when he awoke to find his 2-year-old daughter Aaliyah jamming to her favorite song."

How the World Series could change free-agency thinking - (NY Post)
"Paul DeJong and I were discussing the Nationals’ amazing October earlier this week, during a quick get-together in Manhattan, and the Cardinals’ All-Star shortstop dropped an observation that resonated..."

Phillies set to interview Nationals assistant hitting coach Joe Dillon - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"A candidate for the Phillies’ open hitting coach position has emerged. According to baseball sources, the Phillies have received permission from the Washington Nationals to interview Joe Dillon for the job."

MLB Free Agency: Ranking Stephen Strasburg’s Suitors - (IBTimes)
"Even though it was widely-expected for Strasburg to opt out of his final four years in Washington, it has always felt like he would be back."

Finding a Home For Top Free Agents - (FanGraphs)
"Rendon may find that potential suitors would rather pay a premium for a short-term deal (for Josh Donaldson), buy name-brand (Mike Moustakas), or shop clearance (Todd Frazier) than fork over $200 million."