Wire Taps: Washington Nationals add Jeremy Jeffress; Max Scherzer update + more Nats news...

Breaking news! There might be something camel-ish? Maybe not camels, camels, cause like they totally got over the hump in 2019, but Davey Martinez might have something in mind to do for his teammates after warning that the days of cabbage are not gone yet either. But he isn’t giving any hints. Martinez was asked if he had any big plans on Monday morning.

“It’s early. You never know,” he joked.

“Some of these things just pop up in my head as we go along in Spring Training, so who knows what’s going to happen, but we do have protocols so I’ve got to be extra careful.”

He did not say, “No.” I repeat he did not say — Go read your links.

NATS BEAT:

Nationals add right-handed reliever Jeremy Jeffress to bullpen mix - (WaPost)
“Just days into spring training, and with some holes on the edges of their roster, the Washington Nationals have added reliever Jeremy Jeffress on a minor league contract.”

Nationals sign Jeremy Jeffress, adding another experienced reliever - (Washington Times)
"Jeffress is coming off a standout year with the Chicago Cubs, in which he pitched his way to a 1.54 ERA in 23 1/3 innings."

Nationals believe Carter Kieboom's best is yet to come - (Washington Times)
"So 35 years later, when Martinez looks at Carter Kieboom — another young player who hasn’t immediately performed at the major league level — the manager isn’t willing to make a snap judgment."

Lester 'fly on the wall'; Scherzer progresses - (MLB.com)
"Jon Lester would rather let his arm do the talking. Four days into Spring Training with his new club, the veteran southpaw reiterated his preferred role in the Nationals’ starting rotation."

Scherzer throwing on flat ground, Lester happy to blend in - (MASN)
"Scherzer threw from 60 feet Sunday and 'felt better,' according to manager Davey Martinez, who added the right-hander told him he’s 'about 80 to 85 percent.'"

Addition of Rogelio Armenteros deepens Nationals’ pool of possible starters - (WaPost)
“In a break from annual tradition, Manager Dave Martinez listed the usual fifth starter candidates — Joe Ross … Erick Fedde … Austin Voth — and then kept going.”

Martinez searching for way to move Turner out of leadoff spot - (MASN)
"Turner came up to bat with runners in scoring position only 58 times. That ranked a mere 60th in the majors."

Nationals adding another accomplished reliever in Jeffress - (MASN)
"Once he’s officially in camp, Jeffress will need to earn a spot on the opening day roster. But the 33-year-old’s track record suggests he’s likely to make it barring injury or poor performance this spring."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Who Will Be The First $400 Million Player? - (Fangraphs)
"Soto has everything going for him for this exercise. He’s excessively young, having turned just 22 in October."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Ian Anderson enters year 2 with same confidence that produced rookie success - (AJC.com)
"In his second season (note that Anderson is still considered a rookie), expect to see an even more confident and comfortable pitcher."

Phillies' Rhys Hoskins medically cleared and expects to be ready for Opening Day - (CBSSports.com)
"Hoskins underwent Tommy John surgery last October, an operation that included a four-to-six-month recovery period."

Francisco Lindor on new teammates - (MLB.com)
"Francisco Lindor discusses getting to know his new teammates, the first couple days of Spring Training and more..."

Will Banfield on forming bonds - (MLB.com)
"Marlins catching prospect Will Banfield talks about forming a bond with Braxton Garrett and the rest of the team's pitchers."