Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ pitchers & catchers’ report date; first workouts + more Nats news...

Washington Nationals’ pitchers and catchers report on February 17th, their first workout is the next day, and the first full squad workout for the 2021 club takes place on the 23rd. So, everyone ready for Spring Training? Here’s hoping enough games get played (and covered either on radio or TV/streaming) that we can all follow along (we’re totally not tracking live box scores, bro) as the club prepares to at least try to make up for the disappointing 2020 run. Also, it’s too late for your, “Sign Jordan Zimmermann!” cries. Sorry. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Start of Spring Training dates announced - (MLB.com)
"MLB announced the start dates of workouts for 2021 Spring Training presented by Camping World on Tuesday, with the first pitchers and catchers workouts and first full-squad workouts for every team."

Don’t look now, but the Nationals’ bullpen has some serious potential - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Yet despite recent history, there are reasons to be optimistic that the Nationals’ bullpen will take a step forward in 2021."

Checking out possible spring training surprise candidates - (MASN)
"Unless you’re one of those who mines the minor leagues for every possible nugget of information, you didn’t really know who Jake Noll was heading into 2019..."

Report: Sean Doolittle impressed by the ‘horses’ in Nationals’ bullpen - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Sean Doolittle may not be a member of the Nationals’ bullpen anymore, but the veteran left-hander is still high on Washington’s relief corps heading into the 2021 season."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

MLB, MLBPA agree to health and safety protocols for 2021 season - (WaPost)
"After an offseason of heated negotiations, Major League Baseball and its players’ union agreed to the health and safety protocols needed to start spring training on time."

A tribute to Pedro Gomez, and questions about homecomings for Pujols and Scherzer - (stltoday.com)
"Q: Any chance the Cardinals sign Max Scherzer next year in free agency so he can end his career in his hometown and replace Adam Wainwright in the rotation?"

Juan Soto, Alex Bregman, other MLB stars pay tribute to ESPN baseball correspondent Pedro Gomez - (CBSSports.com)
"Gomez clearly left an impression on many, as stars like former Atlanta Braves slugger Chipper Jones, Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto and Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman were just a few that expressed their sorrow regarding Gomez's passing."

NFL stadiums COVID-19 vaccine Joe Biden Washington DC - (wusa9.com)
"DC officials said if they set up mass vaccination sites now, the massive facilities would consume the city’s small supply of vaccines."

Sean Doolittle had a peek inside Reds before signing contract - (Cincinnati.com)
"Before signing a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds, Sean Doolittle had an inside peek at what things are like within the organization."

NL EAST UPDATES:

PECOTA doesn’t like the Phillies’ division chances - (The Good Phight)
"Well today is the day, friends. We finally get to see the first projected standings for the NL East given by PECOTA and, well, it’s not what you’d expect."

Looking at Ozuna's Braves return - (MLB.com)
"MLB Tonight provides the details of Marcell Ozuna's new contract and what value he provides to the Braves."

Mets sign Jonathan Villar - (Amazin' Avenue)
"The Mets have signed free agent Jonathan Villar to a one-year, $3.55 million deal, according to Jon Heyman. The deal includes incentives for the veteran infielder."

Bleday, Meyer among 18 invited to camp - (MLB.com)
"Outfielder JJ Bleday and right-hander Max Meyer -- the Marlins' top MLB Draft selections in 2019 and '20, respectively -- were among 18 non-roster invites to Spring Training, the club announced on Monday."