Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ skipper Davey Martinez on Carter Kieboom getting shot at third base in 2020...

So, if the decision had to be made right now, it would be Carter Kieboom at third base with Trea Turner at short, Starlin Castro at second base, and Eric Thames/Howie Kendrick (and Ryan Zimmerman, eventually, right?) at first base around the Washington Nationals’ infield in 2020. Davey Martinez talked last night about giving Kieboom a shot at third base. What did he say? Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Kieboom at 3B:

Davey Martinez says top prospect Carter Kieboom will have chance to start at third base - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Carter Kieboom will be provided every chance to be Washington’s starting third baseman next season. At least according to his manager."

Martinez: Kieboom will get chance to win third base job - (MASN)
"Who’s going to replace Anthony Rendon at third base for the Nationals? Davey Martinez intends to give top prospect Carter Kieboom every opportunity to seize that all-important job this spring."

Dave Martinez on rookie Carter Kieboom as Nats’ third baseman: ‘He can do the job’ - (WaPost)
“'We need to fill a void at third base, and we think he’s appropriate,' Martinez said of the 22-year-old. “He can do the job.'"

Other Nationals Stories:

Nationals will enter Spring Training in familiar territory with fifth-starter competition - (NBC Sports Washington)
"For a team that rose to contention behind the strength of its pitching staff, the Nationals have never been afraid to leave the back end of their rotation up to chance."

Nationals bullpen improved for 2020 season - (MLB.com)
"The Nationals knew they needed to upgrade their bullpen this offseason. Now that the dust has settled -- for now -- how does adding two of the top six free-agent relievers (by WAR standards) sound?"

Nats' primary goal needs to be a return to top of NL East - (MASN)
"Despite their remarkable run through their most recent October, the Nationals’ best chance for another one would come on the heels of an NL East title, not another wild card berth."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Perseverance, watchful eye brought him to top of the baseball world - (sentinelsource.com)
"Paul Menhart will be telling the story for the rest of his life, the story that begins on the first of May, with a walk down the block with Gracie, his 8-year-old Australian shepherd/husky mix."

Toolshed: What deals mean for prospects - (MiLB.com)
"[Carter Kieboom] was drafted as a shortstop and saw plenty of action at second with Triple-A Fresno in 2019. That said, he has the plus arm and a good enough one to make it work since Trea Turner seems to have short on lock."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Inbox: Will the Phillies make any other moves? - (MLB.com)
"MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi reported recently that the Phils are also interested in free-agent outfielder Kevin Pillar, but here’s the rub: The Phillies have little to offer."

Mets' chaos leads Brodie Van Wagenen to a surprising opportunity - (NY Post)
"Listen to me now and believe me later: Despite the Mets’ remarkable penchant for chaos, their suddenly available managing job is a desirable one."

With 'adaptation phase’ over, Marlins prospect Victor Victor Mesa ready to move past rough debut season - (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
"After a season of 'adjustments,' Victor Victor Mesa is hoping to turn a new page in 2020 and live up to the lofty expectations that came with his signing 15 months ago."

Donaldson on leaving Braves: Other offers were not in ‘same realm’ - (AJC.com)
"The 34-year-old slugger said that financially the Twins offer was not in the “same realm” as others, that the Braves did not offer until late in the process and that he has always hit well at Target Field."