Wire Taps: Washington Nationals keep on building for 2021; Nats blast MASN moves + more Nats links...

We just don’t — it’s all just — it’s such a mess. MASN did not have a good day on Monday. It started with an announcement that they will (finally?) launch a sports media app so that for the, “... first time ever, fans throughout MASN’s seven-state broadcast territory will have the opportunity to live stream the network’s entire programming lineup – including all Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals games – by using the new MASN app and authenticating via TV provider log-in.” Don’t go cutting your cords just yet, reread that last bit. Or read below. It was all downhill from there, with staff cuts, including people we all know, some who we here at FBB consider friends. It’s just a mess, which given the history, should be nothing at all close to a surprise.

Follow along and get caught up through the tweets below, and then go read your links...

If you don’t want to click through to read the whole statement referenced below on Twitter, here’s a transcription that WaPost writer Jesse Dougherty posted on his account:

“MASN has notified us that they are parting ways with Dan Kolko, Bo Porter and Alex Chappell. In addition, MASN has cut Nats Xtra to just 15 minutes pre- and post-game. To say that we are incredibly disappointed and upset by MASN’s decisions would be a gross understatement ...”

“To be clear - these decisions were made by MASN and against our wishes. As we have expressed to both MASN and Major League Baseball, we are very concerned about the negative impact these decisions could have on our fans ...”

“ ... especially now when content shared via broadcast and digital channels is vital for them to stay connected with our team. We want to thank Dan, Bo and Alex for their professionalism and for being good stewards of our team’s story over the years ...”

“They are part of the Washington Nationals family and we wish them all the best.”

NATS BEAT:

MASN STORIES:

MASN cuts Nationals programming - (Washington Times)
"Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, which broadcasts Nationals and Orioles games, has made significant changes to Washington’s pre- and postgame programming while cutting three on-air personalities: Dan Kolko, Alex Chappell and Bo Porter."

MASN announces changes to Nationals broadcasts - (WaPost)
“The feud between the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles over the regional sports network that broadcasts their games has spread to a new front.”

Other Baseballier Stuff:

Brad Hand addition nearly completes Nationals 2021 roster - (Washington Times)
"But in recent weeks general manager Mike Rizzo has, one-by-one, checked almost all those boxes."

Nats reportedly add Brad Hand - (MLB.com)
"Jon Heyman joins Hot Stove to discuss Brad Hand reportedly agreeing to a one-year deal with the Nationals."

Zimmerman returns for 2021 - (MLB.com)
"Nationals reporter Jessica Camerato discusses the return of Ryan Zimmerman, Cade Cavalli's two-way status and Starlin Castro's health."

With four late-inning arms, Nats have plenty of relief options - (MASN)
"A few national baseball writers referred to Brad Hand as the Nationals’ 'new closer' upon reporting his contract agreement Sunday night. Don’t be so sure about that."

How Nationals’ reported signing of Brad Hand affects Sean Doolittle’s future - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The Nationals filled the southpaw-sized hole in their bullpen Sunday when they reportedly signed closer Brad Hand to a one-year, $10.5 million deal."

5 standout moments at Nationals Park - (MLB.com)
"Take a look at five memorable moments that have taken place at Nats Park."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

The Nationals’ 2021 rotation is built for 2017 - (Beyond the Box Score)
"A few years ago a rotation consisting of Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Patrick Corbin, and Jon Lester would get any fan giddy, but heading into 2021, this rotation should be concerning to Washington Nationals fans."

Washington Nationals Hope Brad Hand Will Boost Bullpen, Send Club Back To Playoffs - (Forbes)
"After dropping from World Champions one year to cellar-dwellers the next, the Washington Nationals are not only determined to bounce back but doing something about it."

Nationals Add Brad, Land Hand - (FanGraphs)
"Hand got incredible results last season by both ERA and FIP, but that decreased velocity and those platoon splits are slight causes for worry."

Sources - Brad Hand, Washington Nationals agree to 1-year, $10.5M deal - (ESPN)
"The 30-year-old left-hander is poised to become Washington's closer in his 11th major league season, joining the back end of the bullpen that already includes Will Harris, Daniel Hudson and Tanner Rainey."

MASN Slashes Staff For Orioles, Nationals Coverage - (Barrett Sports Media)
"The Mid-Atlantic Sports Network is making significant programming and personnel changes to Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals broadcasts ahead of the 2021 MLB season, according to The Athletic."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Top 10 moments in Citizens Bank Park history - (MLB.com)
"1. Game 5 of 2008 World Series - 'The 0-2 pitch. Swing and a miss! Struck him out! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 world champions of baseball!'"

MLB free agency: Mets miss out on reliever Brad Hand - (NY Post)
"The Mets missed out on a chance to fortify their bullpen Sunday, when lefty reliever Brad Hand signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the Nationals."

Marlins Reel In Anthony Bass - (FanGraphs)
"The 33-year-old has taken the journeyman moniker to it’s extreme but finally found a school to call home in Miami."

Braves re-sign Pablo Sandoval - (AJC.com)
"The Braves re-signed infielder Pablo Sandoval to a one-year, minor-league deal Sunday. The contract is worth $1 million, if he makes the major-league roster."