Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ third base battle; Sean Doolittle on sign-stealing scandal + more Nats links...

Sean Doolittle shared his thoughts on the sign-stealing investigation and what haven’t yet heard from those involved. Everyone wants to know who will be playing third base in D.C. come Opening Day. Pitchers and catchers are set to report to West Palm Beach, Florida in the coming days. It’s all about to start over again. Are you ready? Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

If someone is least wrong in the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, it’s A.J. Hinch - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Despite his unmistakable disdain for what was occurring -- he twice smashed the live-feed monitors with a bat -- his players soldiered on. They either didn’t understand Hinch’s point, or, more likely and more damning, didn’t care."

Sean Doolittle speaks out on latest report of Astros sign-stealing: ‘We need answers’ - (WaPost)
“'Players around the league are pissed,' Doolittle continued. 'But we’re looking forward to hearing more from parties involved in spring training. We want an apology, some transparency and accountability...'"

Sean Doolittle calls for 'transparency' after new report details start of Astros scandal - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle is calling for transparency and accountability from MLB and those involved in the scandal. Doolittle took to Twitter to express his frustration."

Shifting coaches is among Davey Martinez’s first moves against stagnation - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The glow from winning the World Series had not worn off as of yet when Davey Martinez called two of his staff members."

Will Kieboom or Cabrera man Nats' hot corner? - (MLB.com)
"Despite saying he played third base growing up, Kieboom made four errors in the 82 innings he played with Fresno last season, just two fewer than he made in 508 1/3 innings at his natural shortstop position."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

World Series champ Nationals bring most of group back in '20 - (FOX Sports)
"Kieboom could either establish himself as the team’s no-doubt-about-it third baseman of the future or show that, while the future might hold great things, the present is a problem."

Bryce Harper’s second season with Phillies should be even better than the first - (Philadelphia Inquirer)
"Harper immediately became a villain in his former home, enduring relentless boos during the Phillies’ first road trip of the season and classless taunts about his newborn son, Krew, during the team’s final road series."

Grand Bay celebrates World Series champion Bobby Henley - (al.com)
"Grand Bay Middle School held Bobby Henley Day on Friday, recognizing the baseball career of one of its own."

These position battles will turn heads this spring - (MLB.com)
"The starting third base job is up for grabs, and the Nationals view their number of options to fill the role previously held by Anthony Rendon as a positive."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Joe Girardi poised to begin first Phillies spring training amid abundance of story lines - (Philadelphia Inquirer)
"Ready or not, here come the Girardi-led Phillies. Pitchers and catchers must report to Clearwater, Fla., by Tuesday, and the 55th manager in club history will oversee the first workout of spring training one day later."

Healthy Brandon Nimmo ready to kick it up a notch for Mets in 2020 - (NY Post)
"Despite all the rumors, the Mets never considered trading Brandon Nimmo this offseason, sources told The Post. He is too valuable to them as a center fielder."

All-Stars Kintzler, Dickerson reunite in Miami - (MLB.com)
"Kintzler, who pitched for the Cubs in 2019, signed as a free agent for $3.25 million. He is considered the front-runner to close for Miami in '20."

How young Braves pitchers project for 2020 - (AJC.com)
"Two pitchers penciled in for their rotation, Mike Soroka and Max Fried, each have less than 40 career starts. Two other pitchers vying to crack the rotation technically still are rookies: Bryse Wilson and Kyle Wright. Top pitching prospect Ian Anderson ended last season at Triple-A Gwinnett."