Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ prospect Cade Cavalli on Rookie Program; Victor Robles’s defense in center + more...

Kyle Schwarber didn’t choose to leave Chicago and the Cubs’ organization, which was the only organization he’d known as a professional, but the new Washington Nationals’ middle of the order bat said he thinks a change of scenery could be beneficial.

“I don’t ever think a change of scenery is bad,” Schwarber told reporters after his 1-year/$10M deal with the Nationals was announced.

“I definitely would have loved to have been in Chicago, but, not there, it’s reality, and you know what, I’m embracing it, and there’s nothing else that you can really say about it. I’m ready to be a Washington National. I’m ready to make another playoff push.

“All I’ve done in my whole career is win. Since I’ve been in the big leagues — since my time in the big leagues, 5 out of 6, in the playoffs, and I want to keep that going and I think this is a group that could make a really good push and go really far into hopefully another World Series.”

Will Schwarber and his new team play meaningful games in September and October this year? Go read your links while we wait to find out...

NATS BEAT:

Improved lineup or not, Nats need to pitch better in 2021 - (MASN)
"But let’s be honest here: The Nats’ best path to contending in 2021 isn’t via a more productive lineup, it’s via a more effective pitching staff."

Will Robles return to 2019 form on defense? - (MASN)
"Victor Robles came into the 2020 season bigger and stronger, but did that extra bulk and weight affect his defensive efficiency in center field?"

This ex-Nationals first baseman Eric Thames' story sums up the 2020 season - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Former Nationals first baseman Eric Thames may have only played one season with Washington, but he sure does have one good story to tell from it."

Cade Cavalli on Rookie Program - (MLB.com)
"The Nats' No. 2 ranked prospect, Cade Cavalli, discusses getting the opportunity to participate in the Rookie Program and focusing on pitching..."

MLB reportedly eyes full 162-game season, spring training starting on time - (Washington Times)
"MLB had hoped to delay the upcoming season by at least a month, according to USA TODAY, allowing more time for players and fans to receive a vaccination for the coronavirus."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Sports Gambling Partnerships Offer MLB New Revenue Streams, But There Are Still Hurdles To Consider - (Forbes)
"'It’s a great idea,' one league source said of the Nationals’ announcement Monday that the club had entered into a 'multi-year, exclusive partnership' with digital gaming company, BetMGM."

5 teams with most to gain from big move - (MLB.com)
"Washington addressed two major areas of need and now has quite a bit more thump behind Juan Soto and Trea Turner, but frankly, the work should not be done."

NL EAST UPDATE:

Could the Phillies somehow end up with both J.T. Realmuto and Didi Gregorius? - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Like all teams, the Phils sustained revenue losses because of the pandemic in 2020 and that was going to impact how they did business on the free-agent market."

Phillies' Spencer Howard, after hard year, upbeat on 2021 – (The Athletic)
"Before Spencer Howard threw a pitch in the majors, Bryce Harper was on his Twitch stream advocating for the rookie to be on the roster..."

An update on the Mets’ interests in DJ LeMahieu and Brad Hand - (SNY - YouTube)
"On BNNY, SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino discusses the Mets’ interests in both DJ LeMahieu and Brad Hand..."

MLB Trade Proposals: 3 deals to bring Andrew Benintendi to the Marlins - (Fish Stripes)
"How much young talent would the Marlins feel comfortable surrendering for the Red Sox outfielder? And could the deal be expanded?"

Podcast: RCDP, international signing period - (MLB.com)
"The Rookie Career Development Program is underway, and Braves No. 3 prospect Ian Anderson and Indians top prospect Nolan Jones join the podcast to discuss their 2020 seasons..."