Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo on his father Phil Rizzo; All-Star Game managers + more...

There was sad news in the nation’s capital over the weekend, with the reports that long-time scout and father of Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo, Phil Rizzo, passed away at 90 years old. Our condolences to the whole Rizzo and Nationals family for their loss. The bulk of today’s Nats-related links deal with the story of how the elder Rizzo prepared his son for the job he’s now doing. There’s some other stuff down below as well...

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Phil Rizzo Stories:

Phil Rizzo, Nationals scout and GM's father, dies at 90 - (MASN)
"After his team won Game 7 of the World Series, Mike Rizzo’s first call was to his father. 'Dad, we did it!' he recalled opening the conversation later that evening, tearing up at the thought."

Phil Rizzo, father of Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo, dies at 90 - (WaPost)
"In May 2008, Phil Rizzo was one of eight members of the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame’s inaugural class."

Nationals announce death of Phil Rizzo, Mike Rizzo’s father - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Phil was a senior advisor for his son in the Nationals’ front office. He played in the minor-leagues during the 1950s before hanging up the cleats and becoming a scout."

HOF scout Rizzo, father of Nats GM, dies at 90 - (MLB.com)
"Phill Rizzo joined the Nationals in 2009 in a special advisor role, the same year his son was promoted to general manager after serving as an assistant GM the prior two seasons."

Ace scout, Nats adviser Phil Rizzo dies at 90, dad was GM - (Washington Times)
"When Mike Rizzo earned the promotion to be the Nationals’ full-time GM in 2009, he called his dad and the two had an emotional conversation. Mike recalled that his dad’s first words were, 'It’s about time.'"

Other Nats Stories:

Davey Martinez will face his Nationals predecessor Dusty Baker in MLB All-Star Game - (NBC Sports Washington)
"MLB announced Thursday that [Dusty] Baker would be allowed to assume [A.J.] Hinch’s role, making him the AL All-Star Team manager despite being out of the game for two years."

Baseball America Nats No. 10 prospect: LHP Seth Romero - (MASN)
"Romero worked his way back from Tommy John surgery last season and is expected to make his first appearance in minor league play since 2018."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Ranking the 2020 MLB uniforms: Brown and red and powder blue all over – (The Athletic)
"Speaking of too many alternates, the defending champion Nationals appear to be headed down that road, but I’m optimistic about where it might lead in future seasons."

10 players who have longest tenures with 1 club - (MLB.com)
"2. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals - Debut: Sept. 1, 2005 - 'Mr. National' was the franchise’s first Draft pick in 2005 after the Expos moved to Washington, and he was fittingly still a contributor to the Nationals’ first World Series title in Year 15."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies agree to minor-league deal with Logan Forsythe - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"The Phillies signed veteran infielder Logan Forsythe to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo."

Mets said no to Starling Marte trade packages revolving around J.D. Davis, Brandon Nimmo, and prospects - (SNY)
"The Mets had serious interest in making a Starling Marte trade with the Pirates work, but GM Brodie Van Wagenen had a strict line he wouldn't cross."

2020 MLB Preview: Tommy Eveld should join Marlins bullpen by year’s end - (Fish Stripes)
"Aside from a rough patch in early July, Eveld dominated in Jax for the rest of 2019. He eventually became their closer, frequently treating fans and teammates to his 'Touchdown Tommy' save celebration..."

Atlanta Braves Roundtable: Will the Austin Riley, Johan Camargo combo get the job done ? - (Talking Chop)
"One of the bigger storylines of the spring for the Atlanta Braves will be their situation at third base. Josh Donaldson’s departure to Minnesota left the Braves with some uncertainty at the hot corner."