Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ Spring battles; Mike Rizzo contract status + more Nats news...

Apparently, the writers covering the team in West Palm Beach take their off days seriously, as they should, so the link collection is a little light today, but we found all the Washington Nationals links we could find and collected them all in one place for your convenience. So you can get caught up on the latest Nats news before the club takes on the Miami Marlins this afternoon in Grapefruit League action (radio only via MLB.com). Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Nats still have several issues to resolve before camp breaks - (MASN)
"Who's on Third?: It was the No. 1 storyline entering camp, and it remains the No. 1 storyline with two weeks to go. The job has always been Carter Kieboom’s to lose. The question is whether he’s losing it."

Who cares about Mike Rizzo’s contract ? For some Nationals employees, it means a lot - (WaPost)
"The idea that Mike Rizzo is approaching his 12th Opening Day as the Nationals’ general manager with no assurance that there will be a 13th should not be a story."

Patrick Corbin makes yet another Nationals contract gamble already appear worth it - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The Nationals previously established their preference for starting pitching. They are not alone in the idea. It just doesn’t always work this well."

Camp Battles: Nationals' No. 5 Starter - (MLB Trade Rumors)
"The last position in the starting five is up for grabs, though, and it’s a three-way battle to win the spot. Two of those players are out of minor league options..."

Ross, Voth, Fedde vying for 5th starter spot for Nationals - (Washington Times)
"Erick Fedde and Austin Voth take their pets to the dog beach together. They check out new restaurants together, too."

Inbox: Where do things stand in Nats' infield? - (MLB.com)
"[Davey] Martinez has commented on [Luis] Garcia’s physical growth over the years and his attention to detail at the plate. As Garcia continues to the develop, he will be a topic of conversation for the Nats’ future."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Matt Williams — the Carson Crusher — back managing, with South Korean team - (NevadaAppeal.com)
"He was voted 2014 NL Manager of the Year with the Washington Nationals, then was fired after the 2015 season when the club didn’t make the playoffs. He always knew he wanted another chance and understands that the biggest test this time really is communicating."

Minor League Transactions: Feb. 18-March 5, 2020 - (Baseball America)
Washington Nationals - Signed: RHP Allen Webster; Released: LHP Nick Raquet

NL EAST UPDATES:

Joe Girardi tips his hand on Phillies' potential opening day lineup - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"Phillies manager Joe Girardi left Spectrum Field late Monday afternoon uncertain about who his opening day starter would be."

Mets' Marcus Stroman fired up by improving changeup - (NY Post)
"Marcus Stroman can get fired up even over a simulated game."

Yamamoto, Hernandez state cases for rotation - (MLB.com)
"A couple of the Marlins’ fifth-starter candidates pitched on two fields on Monday afternoon, giving the organization a little more clarity regarding how the rotation will eventually iron out."

King Felix Looks Solid, But Needs To Do More For Braves - (Forbes)
"Once upon a time he was the best pitcher in the American League, but that was when he threw 94-96. He’s a different guy now..."