Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ remaining roster holes; NL East updates + more...

Before he added Josh Bell to the Nationals’ lineup in a trade with the Pirates last month, GM Mike Rizzo talked to reporters about what the ideal roster would look like. Ideally, he said, it would be a mix of youth and veterans who can alternately inspire and check one another as they battle their way through the season.

“To me, the best rosters I’ve ever put together were a hybrid of both, where you have the rookie, young rookie exciting players playing with their hair on fire, and then the veteran player kind of to keep their energy-level to where they can sustain it for 162 games. I think that we’re going to try to obtain that mix again, to get the perfect mix of veteran presence and youthful exuberance and try and have that magic mixture again of veterans and youth performing at their best,” Rizzo explained.

Will the mix they’re assembling now lead the Nationals back to the postseason in 2021? We will find out when they start the season... for now... go read your links.

NATS BEAT:

Here's the Nats' all-time single-season team - (MLB.com)
"Imagine if you could go back in time and compile a team based on every player in Nationals history’s most standout single season."

Will new year lead to new urgency to fill roster holes? - (MASN)
"Pitchers and catchers, in theory, are due to report to Florida and Arizona in six weeks. There are a boatload of free agents still waiting to sign contracts."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

On This Date A Year Ago, Rivals Joined Forces - (MLB Trade Rumors)
"The Kendrick/Harris showdown proved the fourth most impactful playoff at-bat of the Wild Card Era by championship win probability added. It will be replayed in highlight reels ad infinitum."

MLB rumors: White Sox have 'stayed in touch' with free agent Alex Colomé - (NBC Sports Chicago)
"But there's could be plenty of competition, according to FanSided's Robert Murray, who reported that the Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals and Minnesota Twins are among the teams who have shown interest..."

Star Japanese Pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano Will Decide This Week Whether To Jump To MLB - (Forbes)
“Star Yomiuri Giants pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano faces a Thursday deadline to decide among U.S. offers or a return to Japan.”

NL EAST UPDATES:

Braves Pounce On Bryce Elder In Fifth Round - (Baseball America)
"The Braves drafted Texas righthander Bryce Elder in the fifth round in 2020. This year he will have a chance to put himself on the map during his first minor league season."

Former Phillies reliever Adam Morgan finds new home with Chicago Cubs - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"Former Phillies reliever Adam Morgan has officially moved on. The left-hander has signed a minor-league contract with the Chicago Cubs."

Marlins seek corner outfield help? These 4 should be free agent targets - (Fish Stripes)
"This time, we come up with a list of four players that could fit into the Marlins’ plans for 2021 and even beyond."