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“I’m trying to always evolve and to get better,” GM Mike Rizzo told reporters last in the 2020 campaign, as the Nationals wrapped up a 26-34 showing in the 60-game COVID season.
“This is a team effort,” Rizzo said of what he and everyone else in the organization will have to do to rebound from the disappointing defense of their 2019 World Series championship, “... and just as I was the architect of the World Champions in 2019, I’m the president and general manager of the last place Nationals this year, so that stings, and we’re going to do everything we can not to have that happen again.”
There’s a bunch of talk below about how Rizzo and Co. in the Nationals’ front office should go about rebooting the team for 2021 and beyond.
Go read your links...
NATS BEAT:
Updates on young outfielders Quintana, Marte and De La Rosa - (MASN)
"Here is a rundown of some of the outfielders that got in significant work during fall instructional league, which wrapped up last week in West Palm Beach, Fla."
AUDIO: Soto snubbed plus 3 free agents the Nats should go after this offseason - (NBC Sports Washington)
"It's the offseason and that means it's time for Armchair GMs!! Nick Ashooh, Chase Hughes and Todd Dybas dive into three possibilities for the Nationals to sign in free agency this season."
Guess who’s back?! 2021 is going to be a special year! @Nationals pic.twitter.com/tdZ37M6jlb
— Aaron Barrett (@aaronbarrett30) November 6, 2020
Examining the holes in the Nationals' roster this offseason - (WaPost)
“Any look ahead to the Washington Nationals’ 2021 roster comes with a pile of caveats.”
Nats have multiple paths in search to bolster infield - (MASN)
"The Nationals need a big bat, someone to hit behind Trea Turner and Juan Soto, and the most logical position for that person to play is a corner outfield position."
Predicting Nats' 2021 Opening Day roster - (MLB.com)
"While the offseason has just begun and there’s months ahead for the 26-man roster to take shape, here is an early projection of the Nats' 2021 Opening Day squad."
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
Breaking down All-MLB shortstop candidates - (MLB.com)
"He led the Majors with 78 hits, while his four triples tied for the NL lead. Turner was also the only player with at least 12 home runs and 12 stolen bases this season."
@federalbaseball https://t.co/gUjnp6aRoY
— Howie Kendrick Lamar Latrell Sprewell (@_BenBecker) November 6, 2020
NL EAST UPDATES:
Predicting Braves' 2021 Opening Day roster - (MLB.com)
"Accounting for all of their free agents, the Braves will be taking more than $70 million off the books."
How much might an elite reliever like Brad Hand cost for Phillies? - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"Hand had a magnificent season as the Indians' closer in 2020. He went 16 for 16 in save situations, recorded a 2.05 ERA, struck out 29 and walked just four in 22 innings."
Jackson Coutts hit .451 this spring for @RhodyBaseball of Atlantic 10 Conference before signing with #Nats as NDFA in June. "I really didn't hear from the Nats after the season ended," Coutts told @federalbaseball today. He was 4-for-4 at @umterps and 4-for-5 at Delaware State.
— David Driver (@DaytonVaDriver) November 6, 2020
Brodie Van Wagenen make his Mets exit - (NY Post)
"Hours after Steve Cohen officially became the owner of the New York Mets, the team announced GM Brodie Van Wagenen and the rest of his front office staff left the organization."
5 moves Marlins fans want to see during 2020-21 MLB offseason - (Fish Stripes)
"While Marlins fans are very excited for pitchers and catchers to report for the 2021 season, the Marlins still need to make some improvements."