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The Commissioner’s Trophy is still making the rounds, stopping at the Pentagon recently as it travels around the nation’s capital so people can take pictures with Washington’s trophy. If you haven’t seen the Harrisburg Senators new cap, which features George Washington in an intense, celebratory mood over the Nationals’ World Series win, we have the story of how it came to be below from the Washington Post’s Sports Bog. Get caught up on the latest Nats news. Go read your links...
NATS BEAT:
Carter Kieboom and Luis Garcia ranked as the Nationals' top prospects - (NBC Sports Washington)
"On the Baseball America podcast, evaluator Kyle Glaser explained that Kieboom was originally slated at No. 13 but was moved back behind Casey Mize (Detroit Tigers) and Brendan McKay (Tampa Bay Rays) 'based on some front-office feedback.'"
George Washington in ski goggles, spraying champagne is new take on Nats’ World Series gear - (WaPost)
"In the meantime, the team unveiled an alternate cap to commemorate the Nationals’ championship, and if you ever wondered what founding father George Washington might look like toasting a World Series win, well, wonder no more."
About the Harrisburg Senators' new "bottle-popping George" hats, which imagine George Washington in the Nats' World Series clubhouse https://t.co/aAi1BSSsWU pic.twitter.com/2cX087OZc5
— Scott Allen (@ScottSAllen) January 27, 2020
Fans' guide to spring training, Part 1: The complex - (MASN)
"Whatever your experience level may be, consider this your comprehensive guide to Nats spring training, from someone who has spent far too much of his life there."
The Nationals have a roster, how about a lineup? - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Ryan Zimmerman needs to pass his physical in order to complete his deal. When he does, the Nationals’ 26-man group quickly becomes clear. At least 23 of the members."
Nationals' Aaron Barrett says sign stealing 'affects people's lives' - (NBC Sports Washington)
"'I think sign-stealing has been part of the game for a long time,' Barrett said in an interview with Carol Maloney. 'But when you bring technology into it and take it to the next level I think that's a whole other can of worms.'"
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
Predicting all 30 rotations for 2020 - (MLB.com)
"The best rotation in baseball in 2019 (per bWAR standards) returns essentially untouched for ’20..."
Nationals Sign Kevin Quackenbush - (MLB Trade Rumors)
"The Nationals have signed right-handed reliever Kevin Quackenbush to a minor league contract, Dan Kolko of MASN tweets. The deal includes an invitation to major league spring training."
New for the 2020 MLB season: Much like NFL referees have done for years, umpires will be mic’d up and tell fans in attendance and those watching on television and listening on radio if reviewed calls are upheld or overturned. They may also explain rules, if necessary.
— Pedro Gomez (@pedrogomezESPN) January 27, 2020
Pentagon Baseball Fans Get Close With Nationals World Series Trophy - (Defense.gov)
"The Washington Nationals, winners of baseball's 2019 World Series, brought the Major League Baseball Commissioner's Trophy to the Pentagon so baseball fans inside the U.S. defense headquarters could get their pictures taken with it."
Baby Shark Producer Uncle Kim Chang-soo Billionaire on MLB Deal - (Bloomberg)
“'Baby Shark,' the viral earworm and de facto anthem for the Washington Nationals during the team’s World Series run last year, gave its producer Kim Min-seok a fortune of about $125 million."
NL EAST UPDATES:
The DH sucks but would undoubtedly help the Phillies - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"It would actually benefit the Phillies, though. The Phils face a potential logjam in the corner infield with Rhys Hoskins, Alec Bohm, Scott Kingery and Jean Segura. Only one of them can play third base. And Hoskins or Bohm would be at first base. If the DH came to the NL in 2021, the Phils could just slot Bohm into that position."
Some questions today about when universal DH might be implemented. Collective-bargaining agreement expires 12/1/2021, so earliest probably would be ‘22. A tradeoff would be required, and it’s doubtful MLB and union will re-open CBA when relations between two sides remain uneasy.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 27, 2020
Jeff McNeil expected to make third base his permanent home in 2020 - (New York Daily News)
"Jeff McNeil, by the halfway point of the 2019 season, led the Mets in DRS at third base, left field and right field. By season’s end, he led the team in overall DRS (5), and no other position player (in terms of innings played) was even close."
Miami Marlins: Marlins Park hosts Super Bowl 54 Opening Night - (Miami Herald)
"Miguel Rojas the Miami Marlins shortstop turned into Miguel Rojas the reporter on Monday night."
Leadoff: Anthopoulos tells when Braves will trade prospects for a star - (AJC.com)
"Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos is well aware that many fans would like to see him trade a package of prospects for an established big-league star."