Wire Taps: Washington Nationals release statement; Nats’ minor league cuts + more links...

ESPN.com’s Jeff Passan noted on Twitter last night that Arizona Diamondbacks’ owner Ken Kendrick said on the Burns and Gambo Show in AZ that Major League Baseball, “... will not approve any plan [for a 2020 season] with baseball in November — including the union’s 114-game plan with a regular season that ends [October] 31,” and this is in spite of the fact that the March agreement with the MLBPA, “offered ‘the possibility’ of games beyond [the] normal schedule.” So, 82 games? 50 games? How much longer can both sides wait before there’s no time for any games? They want to get started in June and play in July according to the reports we’ve seen. It’s now June 3rd...

Go read your links:

NATS BEAT:

MLB, union seem far apart, but middle ground awaits them - (MASN)
"The players want more games, as many as 114 in the regular season, making their demand to be paid a prorated portion of their original 2020 salaries sound more palatable."

Nats' Top 5 lefty starters: Camerato's take - (MLB.com)
"1. Gio González, Nationals (2012-18) - Key fact: González has the highest bWAR among franchise left-handed pitchers (21). González made an immediate impact when he was acquired from the Athletics for the Nationals' franchise-high, 98-win 2012 season."

What if Bryce Harper re-signed with the Nationals? - (NBC Sports Washington)
“First, picture the press conference: Harper sits down in Nationals Park, every local and national outlet is there, he reiterates his love for the city.”

Rundown of Nats' minor league roster cuts - (MASN)
"Unfortunately, the shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic has now stretched on for two months, putting into jeopardy a minor league season altogether."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

The Shameful Predicament Of Baseball’s Permanent Underclass: Minor League Players - (Forbes)
"Over this past weekend, the Washington Nationals decided to cut their minor league players’ weekly stipend from $400 to $300. Some of their players, led by closer Sean Doolittle, publicly agreed to make up the difference. In the aftermath, Nats ownership restored the $400 stipend."

Colorado Rockies Star Daniel Murphy Selling Awesome Alexandria Home for $1.6M - (Alton Telegraph)
"Former Washington Nationals infielder Daniel Murphy has put his Alexandria, VA, home on the market for $1.6 million."

A 50-game baseball season would be ... awesome - (Yahoo!Sports.com)
"It is, almost assuredly, just a negotiating ploy to scare the players. A 50-game season with prorated money would allow for just 30.8 percent of salaries to get doled out."

Auburn Doubledays forging ahead with plans for uncertain 2020 season - (auburnpub.com)
"Considering all the uncertainty, the Doubledays are still forging ahead, even though the front office at Falcon Park has been closed since mid-March when New York's pause began."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies’ Top 5 LH starters: Zolecki’s take - (MLB.com)
"1. Steve Carlton (1972-86) - Key stat: Four National League Cy Young Awards - The only question here is where Carlton ranks among the best left-handed pitchers in baseball history. You just know he fits somewhere among Sandy Koufax, Warren Spahn, Randy Johnson and Clayton Kershaw."

Mets reopen spring training facility in Port St. Lucie - (SNY)
"Add the Mets to the group of teams that have re-opened their spring training facilities for players on a limited basis."

Marlins' Top 5 lefty starters: Frisaro's take - (MLB.com)
"1. Dontrelle Willis (2003-07) - Key facts: 2003 National League Rookie of the Year Award winner, 22-game winner in '05. For a five-year span, D-Train Mania swept across South Florida every time Willis took the mound."

Analysis: 'Bargaining game' will determine if there's a Braves season - (AJC.com)
"Whether there’ll be a Braves season, an MLB season, or how much of a season, hangs in the balance."