Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ Spring Training position battles; Cal Ripken, Jr. talks Bryce Harper and Manny Machado + more

Pitchers and catchers report tomorrow. We’ll look at the catchers later today. I guess that means we’ll look at the Nationals’ pitchers tomorrow. Makes sense. What doesn’t? Manny Machado and Bryce Harper (not to mention Dallas Keuchel, Craig Kimbrel, etc.) not being on a major league roster a day before pitchers and catchers start to report around the big leagues.

Go read your links as we wait for everyone to come to their collective senses...

NATS BEAT:

Three roster battles to watch during Nationals spring training - (WaPost)
"Spring training begins for the Washington Nationals in West Palm Beach, Fla. this week and the team has a long to-do list to work through before Opening Day."

Anthony Rendon approaching class of his own and big contract in 2020 - (MASN)
"For all the buzz about Harper was getting with the big contract offers during this offseason, Rendon will have the same opportunity to take center stage next year if he is not re-signed during this season."

Curly W Live Podcast — Episode 23: Bo Porter – (Curly W Live)
"On the latest episode, we interviewed Bo Porter, the new analyst on NatsXtra, MASN’s exclusive pre- and post-game show for Nationals baseball."

Carter Kieboom ranks 2nd on Nationals prospect list for 2019 - (YouTube)
"Shortstop prospect Carter Kieboom ranks second on the Nationals' list and 25th in baseball according to MLB Pipeline's preseason rankings."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Nationals' pitcher Koda Glover ready to put injuries behind him in pivotal 2019 season - (SWTimes)
"[Koda] Glover’s new diet consists of eating more leafy vegetables like kale and spinach and less red meat. He’s also been incorporating yoga into his exercise regimen."

Prospects who could make an impact in 2019 - (MLB.com)
"Injuries cost Robles much of the 2018 season and made him a bit of a forgotten top prospect, especially since Juan Soto streaked past him and made such a splash in Washington."

Baseball’s comings and goings: What you missed this offseason - (WaPost)
"The Phillies made a run at Corbin, who’s had just one start at Citizens Bank Park in the last five years. That will change in 2019 as the Nationals play nine games in South Philly."

Cal Ripken Jr. weighs in on Harper and Machado's free agency - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Hall of Famer and lifelong Oriole Cal Ripken Jr. thinks Bryce Harper 'is a fit anywhere.'"

Giants, Yankees Are New Betting Favorites To Sign Bryce Harper, Manny Machado In 2019 Free Agency - (International Business Times)
"San Francisco is the new favorite to sign Harper at BetOnline with even odds to acquire the outfielder. The online sportsbook has made New York the odds-on favorite to land the infielder with 1/2 odds."

Groundbreaking for new Potomac Nationals stadium in Fredericksburg on Feb. 24 - (insidenova.com)
"Fredericksburg Baseball will hold a groundbreaking for the new home of the Potomac Nationals on Sunday, Feb. 24, from 2-5 pm."

Zimmermann donates $500K to alma mater - (Hub City Times)
"Auburndale native and former UW-Stevens Point baseball standout Jordan Zimmermann has announced a $500,000 donation to the Pointers’ baseball program."