Wire Taps: Washington Nationals trade for reliever Ryne Harper; Sean Doolittle shows off Phish themed glove + more Nats links...

I know, I know, everyone is hoping that Ryne Harper takes No. 34 so that they can take their moth-balled Nationals jerseys out of storage, but let’s not put that on the now-former Twins’ reliever who was acquired by Washington yesterday. Read all about the Nats’ new reliever in today’s collection of stories below.

Also, Sean Doolittle has a new glove, and the closer put a few Phish-related quotes on it. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Nats Acquire Harper, Ryne Harper:

There’s a Harper in DC again: Nationals trade for reliever Ryne Harper - (NBC Sports Washington)
"It may have taken until Jan. 29, but the Nationals finally made their first trade of the offseason Wednesday when they acquired right-hander reliever Ryne Harper from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for 21-year-old pitching prospect Hunter McMahon."

Nationals acquire reliever Ryne Harper in trade with Twins - (Washington Times)
"A reliever, Harper reached the majors for the first time last year and went 4-2 with one save, a 3.81 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 61 appearances. Harper, 30, spent eight years in the minors before making his debut on March 31, 2019."

Nats acquire reliever Harper from Twins - (MLB.com)
"Teams began to hit around against Harper late in the season, though, and he spent time in the Minor Leagues down the stretch. The Twins designated him for assignment on Friday."

Nats acquire reliever Harper from Twins for recent draft pick - (MASN)
"Relying on a slow curve that he threw a whopping 60 percent of the time, Harper struck out 50 batters while walking only 10 in 54 1/3 innings."

Zimmerman Talks:

Zimmerman speaks out against Astros, Nats sign Bonifacio - (MASN)
"The Nationals might only have one or two roster spots up for grabs this spring, but they continue to bring in more veterans to compete for those precious jobs."

What Ryan Zimmerman’s new role with Nats will look like - (106.7 The Fan)
"'But yeah, I don't think this is a one-year deal to say this is the last year,' Zimmerman said. 'I mean, my body, I feel great.'"

Mike Rizzo on what makes Ryan Zimmerman a great leader - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Zimmerman prefers to work outside the spotlight, a method he employed easily with personalities like Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth playing alongside him over the years."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Check Out Washington Nationals Pitcher Sean Doolittle's Phish-Inspired Wilson Glove - (Relix.com)
"Doolittle just signed a new endorsement deal with Wilson Sporting Goods, and for his first custom-made glove with the brand, he decided to create a Phish-inspired glove."

These 9 players could change everything - (MLB.com)
"6) Carter Kieboom, 3B, Nationals - MLB Pipeline ranks him as the No. 21 prospect in baseball, and if he's even close to being the talent the Nationals think he is, he'll go a long way toward helping them overcome the departure of Rendon and return to the postseason."

Matt Adams going to bat for Boys & Girls Club - (stltoday.com)
"Former Redbird Matt Adams, a member of the 2019 world champion Washington Nationals, will lend a glove hand Thursday to the Boys & Girls Club of St. Louis."

Analysis: Are there outfield options out there for the Pirates? - (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
"One intriguing name to watch is Michael A. Taylor of the Washington Nationals. Taylor is a good defensive outfielder and a speedy base runner. He could be an everyday center fielder on most teams."

Here's a breakdown of the NL East outfields - (MLB.com)
"With Victor Robles, who was credited with an MLB-best 23 OAA, set to once again be flanked by Juan Soto and Adam Eaton the Nationals have a chance to again possess the game’s top defensive outfield."

NL EAST UPDATES:

MLB rule changes 2020: Phillies most affected by the new 3-batter rule - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"MLB's new three-batter rule for relievers should have a fairly significant impact on the way managers manage and pitching coaches handle their bullpens."

2020 Top 25 Mets Prospects, #2: Andres Gimenez - (Amazin' Avenue)
"Considered one of the best international rookies in the 2015-2016 class, the Mets added a highly regarded talent into their minor league system when they signed Venezuelan shortstop Andres Gimenez..."

Marlins News: Kintzler and Joyce join Marlins, Latest prospect ranks released - (Fish Stripes)
"The Marlins made a couple of free-agent signings over the last few days. First, they strengthened the back end of their bullpen Saturday with the signing of Brandon Kintzler, a righty who spent most of the past two seasons with the Cubs."

Travis d’Arnaud Q&A: On joining the Braves, teaming with Flowers - (AJC.com)
"Braves catcher Travis d’Arnaud spoke with local media at Saturday’s Chop Fest at Truist Park, discussing his transition into the Braves’ clubhouse and other topics with spring training weeks away."