Wire Taps: Washington Nationals and Ryan Zimmerman continue to talk; Zim faces off against Capitals in net + more Nats links...

Ryan Zimmerman donning goalie equipment and trying to stop slap shots from the Caps’ Alex Ovechkin made for entertaining video, and the Washington Nationals’ FOF talked to reporters after the workout about potentially returning to the only team he’s even known, telling the hockey press in the nation’s capital that he’s talked with the defending World Series champs, and made his intentions clear about wanting to continue playing for the Nats. “I’m sure something will happen,” Zimmerman said. “It’s just a matter of time.” See, Zimmerman will be back for sure... right?

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Goalie Zim:

After day on ice, time for Ryan Zimmerman to get back in Nats uniform - (MASN)
"Zimmerman, making good on a long-ago promise to Nicklas Backstrom, laced up his skates and donned a full set of equipment as a special guest goalie at Capitals practice Wednesday afternoon."

Ryan Zimmerman took slap shots from Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom at Caps practice - (WaPost)
"When asked about his future at the December premiere of Major League Baseball’s World Series documentary, free agent first baseman Ryan Zimmerman said his intentions were to either re-sign with the Nationals or 'play some more golf.'"

Ryan Zimmerman says he and the Nationals continue to talk - (NBC Sports Washington)
"After trying to stop Alex Ovechkin slap shots Wednesday at Capitals practice as the guest goalie, Zimmerman said he continues to not fret about his future with the Nationals."

Zimmerman flashes glove against Alex Ovechkin - (MLB.com)
"The Nats star put on the goalkeeper's equipment -- which can weigh up to 40 lbs -- and got between the pipes to face the eight-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner (the award given to the player who scores the most goals in the NHL)."

Other Nats Links:

Nats don't get Donaldson, but neither do Braves - (MASN)
"The Nats made their play for Donaldson last month. He decided to wait things out and see if he could drive up the price and create a bidding war among multiple clubs."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

These are the top middle-infield duos in NL East - (MLB.com)
"[Trea Turner's] double-play partner will likely be a rotating cast of veterans: Howie Kendrick, Starlin Castro and Asdrúbal Cabrera, who will shift around the infield to stagger their days off."

MLB rumors: Former Giant Mac Williamson signing Nationals contract - (NBCS Bay Area)
"Williamson started last season with the Giants and made it back to the big leagues after getting designated for assignment, but he eventually ended up playing for the Samsung Lions in South Korea."

FredNats To Hold Inaugural 'Hot Stove' Banquet At Expo Center - (Fredericksburg, VA Patch)
"The Fredericksburg Nationals are holding a 'hot stove' banquet on Jan. 26 at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center Ballroom to discuss the upcoming baseball season..."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies top prospect Alec Bohm confident he has improved his defense at third base - (Philadelphia Inquirer)
"General manager Matt Klentak recently said it's 'reasonable to expect [Alec Bohm] will impact our major-league club at some point' this season."

Brodie Van Wagenen’s Words Echo As Mets Manager (For Now) Carlos Beltran Awaits His Fate - (Forbes)
"For a blissful few minutes Monday afternoon, it appeared the Mets had dodged disaster."

Marlins add Stephen Tarpley from Yankees; designate Brian Moran - (Sun-Sentinel)
"The Miami Marlins continued to reshape the bullpen after a rough year by their relievers."

Braves aren’t World Series contenders without Donaldson and there’s no easy fix - (AJC.com)
"Josh Donaldson won’t play for the Braves in 2020. The only good thing for the Braves is that he signed with Minnesota, not division-rival Washington."