Wire Taps: Washington Nationals need Victor Robles to take big step; Nats’ prospect updates + more D.C. baseball links...

All is quiet on the Nationals beat, but we found all the articles on Washington’s baseball team that we could, to keep you up to date on the latest on the defending World Series champions. There are some random accusations, some quotes from former Nats’ closer Chad Cordero, and more Nationals links below. Enjoy your weekend. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Victor Robles is the X-factor of the Nationals’ lineup - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Ever since Anthony Rendon signed a seven-year, $245 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels at the Winter Meetings, the biggest storyline surrounding the Nationals has been who will be replacing him at third base."

Former Nats pitcher Chad Cordero looks back on the team's early days at RFK - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The first time Cordero played in RFK Stadium is one he'll always remember, and not because of anything that happened on the field."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Astros personnel reportedly told MLB there are 8 other teams that steal signs - (KPRC)
"The 2019 World Series Champions, Washington Nationals, are also suspected to have cheated 'but not as much as others,' according to Scott Miller of Bleacher Report."

The Best (Expected) Secondary Pitches of 2019 - (FanGraphs)
"The top of this list makes sense, and it’s heartening for Nats fans to see that Scherzer deserved better while Corbin and Strasburg were as good as advertised."

Former Pioneer, Cowboy pitcher Teel discusses first full year in minor leagues - (stwnewspress.com)
"The former Oklahoma State and Stillwater High pitcher experienced the highs and lows – with more highs – of trying to become a big-league baseball player after being drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 16th round of the 2018 draft – foregoing his final year of college eligibility."

Here's each team's best defensive prospect - (MLB.com)
"Nationals: Luis Garcia, SS/2B (No. 2/MLB No. 91) - Signed for $1.3 million back in July 2016, Garcia has taken an accelerated path through the Minors and opened 2019 as an 18-year-old in Double-A, starting slowly at the plate before finishing the season on a tear."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Dusty Baker right man for Red Sox managing job - (Boston Herald)
"Baker’s most recent employer, the Washington Nationals, relies on old-fashioned scouting and does as little with analytics as any organization, which didn’t prevent them from winning the 2019 World Series without any asterisks attached to their title."

Braves re-sign Adeiny Hechavarria to one-year deal - (AJC.com)
"The Braves intended to address their depth before spring training, and they did so Thursday night in re-signing one of 2019’s pleasant surprises."

Future is bright for Marlins prospect Chisholm - (MLB.com)
"The offseason has hardly been a time to rest for Marlins shortstop prospect Jazz Chisholm."

The Mets have no one but themselves to blame for this mess - (New York Daily News)
"By parting ways with Carlos Beltran, the Mets have done the only thing they could have to protect their brand from a manager who’d been labeled a cheater by commissioner Rob Manfred."

RANDOM BASEBALL NEWS:

Gabe Kapler and Giants make historic coaching hire with Alyssa Nakken - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"Alyssa Nakken has been named one of Kapler's assistant coaches. She will be the first woman on a major-league coaching staff."

Dusty Baker says Astros haven't contacted him - (Houston Chronicle)
"Dusty Baker has not been contacted by Jim Crane or the Houston Astros as the franchise continues its search for manager A.J. Hinch’s replacement."