Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ plans after Spring Training, start of regular season postponed by MLB + more Nats links...

So, what are you going to do for the next month? We’ll be washing our hands frequently, and trying to come up with content when there is nothing going on. MLB made the right choice yesterday, opting to put the health of the players, their families, and the fans first, though it means there will be no baseball until at least mid-April.

So, while we try to put some sort of plan together for how we’ll handle the next few weeks, go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Nationals’ plans?:

FAQ: How coronavirus impacts Nationals, MLB - (MLB.com)
"Let’s look at some questions regarding this situation and how the Nats are approaching the season in which they are set to defend the World Series championship."

Opening Day delayed at least 2 weeks; Spring Training games cancelled - (MLB.com)
"MLB said the action 'is being taken in the interests of the safety and well-being of our players, Clubs and our millions of loyal fans.'"

Major League Baseball cancels spring training, postpones start of season because of Coronavirus - (NBC Sports Washington)
"In an unprecedented move, Major League Baseball suspended spring training Thursday because of the spread of Coronavirus, more than two weeks before the games were scheduled to end."

Nationals to stay at spring training facility -- for now - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Davey Martinez told reporters in West Palm Beach the Nationals plan to stay at the team’s spring training facility for the time being."

After weekend off, Nats will remain in Florida and work out - (MASN)
"Though nothing has been formally announced, folks are expecting a shortened regular season, not the full 162 games."

Nationals play spring training game as MLB makes coronavirus plans - (WaPost)
"It was a normal day and a normal exhibition game — except for the list of ways that it wasn’t."

Non-COVID-19 Nats Stories:

Baseball America Nats No. 2 prospect: SS Luis Garcia - (MASN)
"Baseball America Nats correspondent Lacy Lusk says shortstop Luis Garcia didn’t get off to the best start last season, but then was able to hit better as the year progressed."

Back on mound, Nats' Max Scherzer pleased with bullpen session - (Washington Times)
"Washington pitcher Max Scherzer was pleased with his first bullpen session after being scratched from a scheduled start."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Blue Crabs Sign Member of 2019 World Series Champion Washington Nationals, MLB Veteran - (thebaynet.com)
"The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Michael Blazek, and MLB veteran catcher, Adrian Nieto on Thursday afternoon."

Début of FredNats, new stadium put in holding pattern due to coronavirus outbreak - (fredericksburg.com)
"Throughout the lead-in to their inaugural season, the Fredericksburg Nationals were adamant that the construction of a new 5,000-seat stadium would not delay the team’s April 23 home début. But coronavirus might."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies pitcher Jake Arrieta exits spring training game with shoulder stiffness - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"Phillies pitcher Jake Arrieta left his start Thursday in the fourth inning with shoulder stiffness. He was not alarmed and called the exit precautionary."

FAQ: How coronavirus impacts Mets, MLB - (MLB.com)
"At least initially, Mets players are expected to remain in Port St. Lucie to train. That could change as new information surfaces..."

Marlins season delayed: What we know so far - (MLB.com)
"'Obviously, this is an unprecedented situation. It's better to get together and think about it and talk about it before we start trying to make decisions, [rather] than me talking [now] about what we might do.'" --Marlins manager Don Mattingly

Spring showings by these Braves might carry over to season - (MLB.com)
"There are signs that Riley Austin and Johan Camargo, candidates for the third base job, will produce in the summer like they did during the spring."