Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ Victor Robles makes an entrance; Nats’ bullpen rebuild benefits + more...

Apparently, Victor Robles makes quite an entrance when he arrives on the scene. Robles is just one of the Nationals’ players who arrived in West Palm Beach in advance of the official report day for position players. Apparently Ryan Zimmerman, Howie Kendrick, Trea Turner, Carter Kieboom, Eric Thames, Wilmer Difo, and Adrián Sanchez are among the early arrivals as the Nats prepare to defend their World Series crown. What is happening in West Palm Beach? Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Robles Arrives:

Everyone notices when Victor Robles arrives at spring training - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The double doors from the field into the Nationals clubhouse pushed open Saturday morning, and in strode Victor Robles."

Early bird Robles brings noise, energy to camp - (MLB.com)
"Last year, Robles took 112 at-bats second in the order, compared to a combined 398 at-bats between spots seven, eight and nine."

High-energy Robles reports early, will get chance to lead off - (MASN)
"Robles wouldn’t know how to keep himself from reporting early. And he certainly wouldn’t know how to keep himself quiet. The 22-year-old outfielder simply doesn’t have that gear in him."

Barrett’s Spring:

Notes: Barrett relishing 'normal'; Elías; rain - (MLB.com)
"This opportunity is not lost on Barrett. He walks around the Nationals' training complex with a smile on his face, exuding his enthusiasm for every moment on the mound."

Super Bowl commercial capped Barrett's emotional comeback - (MASN)
"Aaron Barrett was working out in his hometown in Mississippi three weeks ago when he got a text message from a friend with an odd question included: 'Have you seen the Budweiser commercial?'"

Other Nats Stories:

How improved bullpen could make up for loss of Rendon - (MASN)
"So much mental energy has been spent this winter trying to figure out how the Nationals are going to account for the loss of Anthony Rendon’s production. Here’s one potential way they could do it: by having a better bullpen."

Remember when the Nationals won the World Series? They sure do (WaPost)
"Mad Max had two favorite moments, though. First, the way the Big Three starting pitchers jumped into relief roles — Corbin five times — whenever needed."

Nationals believe Astros’ sign-stealing will perpetuate culture of paranoia in baseball - (WaPost)
"The Nationals were warned to be extra cautious against the Astros, part of a long-held belief within the sport that Houston was using video to illegally steal signs, and Washington took that advice to heart."

Carlos Correa rips Kurt Suzuki for claiming the Astros cheated during the 2019 World Series - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Suzuki was not the only Nationals player to speak out. On Thursday, Max Scherzer said the Astros crossed the line and vowed for the league to find a way to ensure it never happens again."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies get an unplanned reason to slow down top prospect Spencer Howard - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"Spencer Howard, the organization’s top pitching prospect, tweaked his right knee in a pre-camp workout last weekend, manager Joe Girardi revealed after Saturday’s workout."

Noah Syndergaard takes dig at Astros after teammates' shirtless troll - (NY Post)
"The right-hander retweeted a video posted by the Mets of the team working out shirtless with the following message: 'Some assembly required. Buzzers not included.'"

Coordinators maximize Miami staff's experience - (MLB.com)
"Taking a page from the NFL, the Marlins plan on using offensive and defensive coordinators on manager Don Mattingly’s staff."

Minter on down 2019: 'It was a humbling year' - (MLB.com)
"Though he still has plenty to prove, A.J. Minter has returned to Spring Training wearing the smile that was rarely seen during last year's frequent frustration."