Wire Taps: Washington Nationals making some more changes to coaching staff; 1st base in 2021? + more Nats links...

Okay, we get it. Davey Martinez wants to pick his own coaches now that he’s signed a long-term extension. Washington’s Nationals will have a number of new coaches in 2021. Davey will bring in his own guys now, apparently. Will it make a difference? Are you going to miss all the people misrepresenting Kevin Long’s views on launch angle every time a hitter goes into a slump? Who will hold Martinez back next time he goes apesh*t on an umpire without Chip Hale around? Enough with the questions. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Davey Martinez shaking up staff again; in a different way this time:

Nationals will not retain coaches Kevin Long and Chip Hale - (WaPost)
“The Washington Nationals’ coaching staff will look far different in 2021, with the club choosing not to retain hitting coach Kevin Long and third base coach Chip Hale...”

Nationals continue coaching shuffle (sources) - (MLB.com)
"According to a source, Long and the Nationals could not come to terms for a new deal, and the club granted him permission to speak with other teams."

Source: Hale, Long won't return to fast-changing coaching staff - (MASN)
"The Nationals’ first offseason task appears to be a significant makeover of manager Davey Martinez’s coaching staff."

Other Nationals Stories:

Thames' poor year again leaves Nats with first base questions - (MASN)
"Thames never enjoyed any kind of sustained success at the plate. His OPS surpassed .700 for only one day during opening weekend, then remained below that the rest of the way..."

Aaron Barrett’s emotional journey with the Nationals appears to end - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The Nationals announced Aaron Barrett has declared free agency after clearing waivers and being assigned to Triple-A on Friday."

Nats need a healthy and productive Castro next year - (MASN)
"Martinez, who coached Castro with the Cubs, felt so strongly about his production capabilities that he selected him to bat third on opening night."

Reconstructing the Nationals: What happened to the rotation? - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The garish numbers bear out what was known: the Nationals starting pitching was bad in 2020."

What to watch for: Nationals offseason FAQ - (MLB.com)
"Infielders Asdrúbal Cabrera and Ryan Zimmerman, utility man Josh Harrison, catcher Kurt Suzuki and left-handed reliever Sean Doolittle are set to enter free agency."

Time to view Turner as run producer instead of table setter? - (MASN)
"It’s easy to forget now, but Turner’s season indeed started off slowly."

Reconstructing the Nationals: Two large holes and how to fix them - (NBC Sports Washington)
"There’s not an easy answer. The Nationals could try Kieboom backed by a veteran again."

Cluff values Fredericksburg experience, now continues instruction in Florida - (MASN)
"Cluff said it was good for his progression in the professional ranks to face major league-caliber pitchers in Fredericksburg, something he didn’t see as much of while at BYU or in Hagerstown."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

MLB free agency: How do contracts signed in 2019-20 offseason look a year later? - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"He pitched five innings this summer before encountering a nerve issue in his right hand that required carpal tunnel surgery. He is expected back for spring training 2021."

Former DC Mayor Anthony Williams Wins Prestigious ULI Award – (Commercial Observer)
"He was also responsible for bringing Major League Baseball back to the area and was instrumental in the Washington Nationals’ stadium deal."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Braves vs. Dodgers in NLCS: What you need to know - (AJC.com)
"The Braves officially announced their rotation but it was always clear the first three starters will be Max Fried, Ian Anderson and Kyle Wright."

Middleton: Re-signing Realmuto No. 1 priority - (MLB.com)
"Realmuto could be seeking $200 million, which is far more than the Phillies seem willing to spend."

Yankees and Mets could battle it out for J.T. Realmuto - (New York Daily News)
"Will both New York baseball teams bid on Realmuto?"

Why speedy Magneuris Sierra might not have a role on the 2021 Marlins - (Fish Stripes)
"Outfielder Magneuris Sierra only had 53 plate appearances for the Marlins during the 2020 season—plus 11 more in October—but still gave us a lot to think about."