Wire Taps: Washington Nationals introduce Eric Thames; arbitration deadline looming + more Nats links...

Eric Thames will most likely be part of a platoon at first base, either with Howie Kendrick or Ryan Zimmerman, but whatever he’s asked to do, the veteran slugger said he’s ready to do it, and he’s just excited to be a part of the Nationals’ organization.

“I can have my assumptions and try to put myself in Davey Martinez shoes, or Mike Rizzo’s shoes, but I can’t,” Thames said.

“All I can control is how I do as a player, whether it’s off the bench, or a platoon, or every day in the outfield, first base, pitching, who knows. I’m just kidding. It could be anything.

“All I can focus on is how I do my job.”

Welcome to D.C., Eric Thames. Plenty of content on Thames can be found below, plus a few other interesting things. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Eric Thames Intro:

Joining Nationals' enviable roster was 'no-brainer' for Thames - (MASN)
"So when the Brewers declined his $7.5 million option and made him a free agent, Thames jumped at the opportunity to sign with the Nationals."

Eric Thames, new National, drawn in by winning, culture and Howie Kendrick - (WaPost)
"The winning and the clubhouse culture, hyped up by longtime friend Howie Kendrick, drew Thames to the Nationals."

Cabrera, Thames excited to join Nats' infield mix - (MLB.com)
"The Nationals formally added a pair of infielders on Wednesday, both excited to play for a team coming off a World Series championship."

Eric Thames is ready for any role the Nationals want to use him in - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The Nationals have acquired a serious upgrade in the power department, giving them a player who can platoon from the left side of the plate..."

Other Nats Links:

What to expect from the Nationals with the salary arbitration deadline looming - (WaPost)
"The Nationals had two hearings last offseason, but that doesn’t seem to indicate a change in their general approach."

Nats share 'humbling' experience on USO tour - (MLB.com)
“'I’ll tell you, this won’t be my last USO tour,' [Adam] Eaton said. 'They’ve touched our hearts. They put their lives on the line over here every single day. Hopefully, we were able to put a smile on their faces.'"

Decision time: Turner, 3 others up for arb - (MLB.com)
"Washington has four more players on its roster it needs to come to terms with: Trea Turner, Michael A. Taylor, Roenis Elias and Joe Ross."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

The Washington Nationals Were Not Magical, Merely Awesome - (Fangraphs)
"If someone tells you the Washington Nationals had a storybook season, they’re wrong. The tale of the 2019 Nats is one of science, not magic..."

Buster Olney's top 10 left fielders -- The Juan Soto era has just begun - (ESPN)
"If Soto stays focused, Long said, 'This kid, he's so special. He has Hall of Fame-caliber potential all over him.'"

Former MLB skipper McKeon, Nationals assistant GM to headline Doubledays Hot Stove dinner - (auburnpub.com)
"[Jack] McKeon, who led the Miami Marlins to a World Series title in 2003, will be the keynote speaker at the Auburn Doubledays' annual Hot Stove dinner."

Assessing The State Of The Josh Donaldson Market - (MLB Trade Rumors)
"At this point, it’s fair to wonder just how close the Donaldson camp will get to the third baseman’s reported asking price — said just a few days ago to sit in the vicinity of $110MM."