Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ 2021 plans; Spring Training thinking; Max Scherzer talks + more Nats links...

Mike Rizzo and Co. in the Nationals’ front office are on the hunt for a middle of the order bat this winter. There are obvious spots for one to fit, with a corner outfielder or first baseman the ones Rizzo mentioned this past week. There are severa holes to fill though and while the big bat might be their No. 1 priority, it’s just one of many things the team has to do before it is time to go back to West Palm Beach, FL in mid-February.

“Our priority is to add a middle of the lineup bat,” Rizzo said in a Zoom call with reporters on Tuesday afternoon, “... so be it the corner outfield or another position.”

And then the Nationals need to add some pitching, likely a 4-5 starter type, a catcher, a backup or one to share duties with Yan Gomes, and more. That is their job, of course.

Your job?

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

No new negotiations and no plans to stop for Max Scherzer - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The veteran ace is heading into the final year of his contract concerned about now and not the future."

What was Max Scherzer’s reaction to Blake Snell being pulled? - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Max Scherzer watched Kevin Cash walk to the mound and Blake Snell shout an expletive."

Nats prepping for on-time spring but know there will be hurdles - (MASN)
"Really, there’s nothing else the Nationals can do but proceed as if spring training and the 2021 season will start on time."

The Nationals have taken the 2020-21 offseason at their own pace - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Rizzo started off his press conference by describing the Nationals’ financial situation as 'fluid,' but he later backtracked..."

Each team's best all-time Draft pick - (MLB.com)
"Nationals/Expos: Randy Johnson, LHP (2nd round, No. 36 overall, 1985) - Johnson originally turned down the Braves as a fourth-round pick in 1982 before signing with Montreal in ’85, after three seasons at the University of Southern California."

Report: Nats finalize minor league managerial appointments - (MASN)
"The Nationals have set their minor league managers for 2021, according to published reports."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Nats Reporter Alex Chappell Takes Pride in Local Roots - (Tysons Reporter)
"Now a resident of McLean, the MASN on-field reporter spent her childhood on the other side of the Potomac River in Montgomery County."

MLB Players Alliance stops in Cincinnati for Pull Up Neighbor tour - (FOX19NOW)
"Cincinnati native and current Washington Nationals player Josh Harrison helped hand out necessities alongside Reds Hall of Famer George Foster."

NL EAST UPDATES:

New Met James McCann dazzled by Steve Cohen effect - (New York Daily News)
"For James McCann, signing with the Mets was a no-brainer."

Phillies sign reliever Neftali Feliz to minor-league contract - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The Phillies have signed 32-year-old right-handed reliever Neftali Feliz to a minor-league contract, according to Silfredo Melo, a reporter in Feliz’ hometown of Azua in the Dominican Republic."

Miami Marlins' Don Mattingly bemoans lack of action in MLB, advocates for more rule changes- (ESPN)
"Add Miami Marlins manager Don Mattingly to the growing list of voices who think Major League Baseball needs more action."

Anthopoulos on Morton's impact - (MLB.com)
"Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos talks about Charlie Morton's role within the team's rotation and losing a hot bat in Marcell Ozuna."