Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ rotation depth; Nationals announce layoffs; Adam Eaton back to White Sox + more Nats links..

So long, Sparky. In a recent article by NBC Sports Chicago’s Chuck Garfien, the reporter quoted Howie Kendrick saying that Adam Eaton was, “probably one of the best teammates, if not the best teammate that I’ve ever had.” Considering the two had a fun, engine-revving home run celebration in the dugout the last few years, it probably shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Kendrick enjoyed playing with Eaton.

Here’s the full quote from Kendrick:

“When I was playing against him, he’s that guy that rubs you wrong a little bit.

But once you get on a team with him, he’s probably one of the best teammates, if not the best teammate that I’ve ever had.”

What would Eaton have contributed if not for the injuries he dealt with during his time in D.C.? He still managed to help the club win the World Series. So we have that. And no one can take it away from us (or them, really, since they, you know ... did all the hard work). Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Washington Nationals make more staff cuts amid coronavirus pandemic - (WaPost)
“In another round of staff cuts, the Washington Nationals laid off 18 total employees between their sales, marketing and ballpark operations on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the team.”

Nationals make pandemic-related cuts to business staff - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The organization eliminated 18 positions across the sales, marketing and business sections of their organization because of the financial impact wrought by the coronavirus pandemic. The Nationals also made a few front office cuts in October."

Without Eaton, how will Nationals fill out OF? - (MLB.com)
"That leaves a vacancy atop the batting order and in the outfield, which includes starters Victor Robles and Juan Soto."

Adam Eaton returns to Chicago White Sox after stint with Nationals - (WaPost)
“When asked about Eaton’s future in the spring of 2019, Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo mentioned winning multiple titles with Eaton in right field.”

Eaton reportedly returning to White Sox on one-year deal - (MASN)
"Adam Eaton’s tenure with the Nationals officially ended today when the free agent outfielder decided to return to the organization that sent him to D.C. in a blockbuster four years ago."

Cavalli and Powell show eagerness to learn during summer workouts - (MASN)
"Cavalli was at the alternate site in Fredericksburg, Va., and then was one of the few pitchers lucky enough to get an invite early on to pitch during workouts at Nationals Park against major league hitters."

On the importance of rotation depth - (MASN)
"Armenteros isn’t going to make the Nats rotation out of spring training. If he somehow does, a bunch of things have gone horribly wrong."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Trust Chicago White Sox’s Rick Hahn When It Comes To Adam Eaton Deals - (Forbes)
"Rick Hahn is going back to familiar territory in signing Adam Eaton to file a vacancy in the White Sox outfield..."

Bryce Harper’s contract suddenly has him in a tight spot - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Philadelphia has missed the postseason in each of Harper’s first two seasons. And the rock of salt in the wound was the Nationals winning the World Series the season after he left."

Report: DJ LeMahieu re-signing with the Yankees isn’t a foregone conclusion - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The Nationals were linked as potential suitors for LeMahieu earlier this offseason, but The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported that they’re more likely to 'spread the money around' rather than go all-in on one free agent."

Royals roll the dice on Michael A. Taylor’s retooled swing - (The Kansas City Star)
"Taylor, the Kansas City Royals’ new center fielder, continues to refine that feast-or-famine swing as well as his approach in the batter’s box."

Top 10 free agent predictions entering 2020 Winter Meetings - (105.7 the FAN Baltimore)
"Realmuto has spent his entire career in the NL East – with the Marlins and Phillies – and would also fill a hole at the position for the Nationals, who currently only have Yan Gomes on the depth chart."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Amid confusing offseason, will Phillies actually address their biggest needs? - (PhillyVoice)
"The Phillies offseason so far, much like the last few seasons on the field, has been filled with disappointment, confusion and frustration."

How Come the Mets Gave a Major League Deal to a Lifetime Minor Leaguer? - (Sports Illustrated)
"Alderson told Sports Illustrated, 'To get the player, we went a little beyond where we originally thought we were willing to go.'"

Contract Extension Candidate: Brian Anderson - (Fish Stripes)
"Craig Mish on Thursday asked Marlins general manager Kim Ng about the possibility of signing third baseman Brian Anderson to a contract extension."

The Braves' 5 biggest Winter Meetings deals - (MLB.com)
"Here is a look at the top five moves the Braves have made during the Winter Meetings."