Wire Taps: Max Scherzer doesn’t like the pitch clock, like, at all; Aaron Barrett gets some ❤️ + more Nationals links...

Max Scherzer might not like the pitch clock, we’re not sure. It’s the ambiguity in his post-game comments last night that has us a little confused.

“I refuse to negotiate this,” the right-hander said, as quoted by MASN’s Mark Zuckerman.

Okay, okay, we get it, he really isn’t sure how he feels.

“I’m not going to put my name on this clock.”

He’ll get his thoughts together eventually and let us know how he feels, we’re sure.

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Scherzer "fundamentally against" MLB's new pitch clock - (MASN)
"Scherzer voiced strong opposition tonight to Major League Baseball’s latest change to improve pace of play, declaring himself 'fundamentally against' the pitch clock after experiencing it for the first time..."

‘I’m fundamentally against this’: Max Scherzer put off by pitch clock in Nationals’ spring opener - (WaPost)
“FiveThirtyEight wrote an article the other day talking about [how] the major pace of play problems is coming from the foul balls. Tonight you saw my outing, it seemed like it was kind of slow. And I didn’t have one missed pitch clock, right?"

With full squad behind him, Aaron Barrett has emotional return to mound - (MASN)
“'It’s unbelievable the amount of support I have from my teammates,' the reliever said. 'Everybody sticking around to watch me pitch, it’s unbelievable.'"

Zimmerman slated to debut early next week - (MASN)
"Ryan Zimmerman is slated to make his 2019 debut early next week, according to manager Davey Martinez, who has mapped out a schedule with the veteran first baseman that includes a significant amount of playing time this spring."

Zimmerman to see spring game action soon - (MLB.com)
"Nationals manager Dave Martinez has devised a plan with Ryan Zimmerman to figure out how to balance getting the veteran first baseman playing time and also keep him healthy before the start of the regular season."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Max Scherzer blasts MLB spring training's pitch clock - (Yahoo!Sports)
"Scherzer saying he refuses to negotiate the pitch clock is notable given his new position on the MLB Players Association executive subcommittee, an eight-player board that works directly with executive director Tony Clark."

A Look Back At Bryce Harper's Past Performances In His Most Likely Landing Spots - (Forbes)
"Bryce Harper’s most likely suitors remain the Phillies, Giants and Padres, and although a return to the nation’s capital seems far-fetched, Nationals owner Mark Lerner did tell NBC Sports Washington on Friday that the "door's cracked a little bit" for a potential reunion."

Minor MLB Transactions: 2/23/19 - (MLB Trade Rumors)
"The Nationals have reportedly signed OF Collin Cowgill and 1B/OF O’Koyea Dickson to minor league deals."

Dominican Víctor Robles ready to reach his potential in MLB - (CDN)
"'I think his time has come,' said Nationals hitting coach Kevin Long. 'I think he has worked hard to get to this point and as long as he does not put more pressure on the account, it will be fine.'"

A Look Back At Bryce Harper's Past Performances In His Most Likely Landing Spots - (Forbes)
"Bryce Harper’s most likely suitors remain the Phillies, Giants and Padres, and although a return to the nation’s capital seems far-fetched, Nationals owner Mark Lerner did tell NBC Sports Washington on Friday that the "door's cracked a little bit" for a potential reunion."

Minor MLB Transactions: 2/23/19 - (MLB Trade Rumors)
"The Nationals have reportedly signed OF Collin Cowgill and 1B/OF O’Koyea Dickson to minor league deals."

Dominican Víctor Robles ready to reach his potential in MLB - (CDN)
"'I think his time has come,' said Nationals hitting coach Kevin Long. 'I think he has worked hard to get to this point and as long as he does not put more pressure on the account, it will be fine.'"