Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ outfield needs; interest in Kyle Schwarber + more Nats links...

While casting about for ideas to fill this space, we came across the following quote from last week’s Mike Rizzo spot with The Sports Junkies on 106.7 the FAN in D.C. Rizzo talked about outfielder Michael A. Taylor, who signed a one-year deal with the Royals that officially ended his time in the nation’s capital. Taylor, a 29-year-old, ‘09 6th Round pick by the Nationals, is going to play for another organization for the first time in 2021, after earning his reputation as a hard-working, contact-challenged, defensively-gifted player in his seven seasons in the majors with Washington.

“He’s a great kid that we drafted, signed, and developed as a shortstop, we made him into a really good defensive outfielder, and he was a credit to the ‘Nationals’ name on the front of his jersey,” Rizzo told the Junkies. “He conducted himself beautifully.” High praise. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Nationals have a specific need this offseason: more power - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Be prepared for the Nationals to have a lot of 'interest' in a lot of things the next month or two."

Washington Nationals have options with deep corner outfield market - (WaPost)
“They are certainly interested in [Kyle] Schwarber, a former Chicago Cubs outfielder, according to two people with knowledge of their plans.”

A look back at Nationals' Rule 5 Draft history - (MLB.com)
"The Nationals have not selected a player in the Rule 5 Draft since 2010, and they continued that trend on Thursday, when they held the No. 11 pick but didn't make a move."

Reichard: Nats players will love the hospitality of Rochester - (MASN)
"A lot of teams in different leagues that did receive invitations are waiting for the ink to dry on the fine print of Major League Baseball’s professional development licenses."

Nats' 2019 roster could be a distant memory come 2021 - (MASN)
"More than half of the Nationals’ 2019 World Series roster isn’t going to be part of their 2021 roster."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

MLB rumors: Which team will sign DJ LeMahieu in free agency? - (Sports Illustrated)
"Washington declined to shell out over $200 for a marquee third baseman last winter after Anthony Rendon left for the Angels, but the Nationals could be in the market for a major addition this offseason."

Wilmington Blue Rocks to be a Washington National Minor League baseball affiliate - (Philadelphia Business Journal)
"The Blue Rocks, an affiliate of the Kansas City Royals for 26 of its 28 seasons including the past 13, will now be the high Single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals."

Tony La Russa's call whether Adam Eaton is White Sox everyday right fielder - (NBC Sports Chicago)
"Did the White Sox acquire Adam Eaton to be their everyday right fielder? Apparently, that will be up to Tony La Russa."

Can Philadelphia Phillies sign J.T. Realmuto? New York Mets' pursuit of James McCann still leaves challenges - (Philadelphia Inquirer)
"Like the Mets, the Nationals were interested in trading for Realmuto two years ago before the Marlins dealt him to the Phillies."

Who needs George Springer the most? We rank 'em - (MLB.com)
"It's different for Washington, which is trying to build any sort of offense -- really, any -- around Trea Turner and Juan Soto."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Philadelphia Phillies To Hire Dave Dombrowski To Lead Baseball Ops: AP Sources – (CBS Philly)
"Whether rebuilding or reloading, Dave Dombrowski has been a big success at every major league stop. His next project: a Philadelphia Phillies team that’s gone nine years without a winning record."

Steve Cohen's Mets goal harder with Phillies' Dave Dombrowski hire - (NY Post)
"Just like that, the Mets face another fully loaded foe alongside the two-time defending NL East winners in the Braves and the last full-season champs in the Nationals."

Marlins Rule 5 Draft Pick Paul Campbell Could Make Legit 2021 Impact - (Fish Stripes)
"The Marlins, despite being a playoff team, had ample room to protect eligible players and were able to escape the proceedings unscathed, while also selecting a player."

Baseball's oldest living player is turning 100 - (MLB.com)
"He was playing when Babe Ruth’s number was retired, was the GM of the Braves when Hank Aaron broke Ruth’s home run record, and was in the stands when Mark McGwire hit home run No. 62."