Wire Taps: Former Washington Nationals’ closer Sean Doolittle signs in Cincinnati; Spring Training 2021 + more...

Sean Doolittle was not a fan of all the rule changes for the 2020 campaign, and especially not that runner on second in extras thing (which looks like it will be back in 2021).

“That rule stinks,” Doolittle said once his season was over, after an oblique injury shut him down in early September.

His position is understandable, because he was, of course, a victim of what the rule was supposed to do, speed up extra inning affairs.

In a September 3rd game with the Phillies, shortly before his season ended, Doolittle took a loss without allowing a hit, inheriting a runner on second in the bottom of the tenth, before a bunt, two intentional walks, and a sac fly won it for the home team in Citizens Bank Park.

“The inning where I didn’t give up a hit and still got walked off?” Doolittle recalled. “That was cool.”

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

What will spring training look like? - (MASN)
"What’s spring training going to look like? Not like any spring training we’ve ever seen before."

2021 MLB season: Which start date, schedule, rule changes will stick around? - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The 2021 season will represent MLB’s second attempt at playing amid the coronavirus pandemic."

Who will play the hot corner? - (MLB.com)
"Two candidates have potential to start at third, Cade Cavalli appears on Top 100 Prospect list and more."

DOO BEAT:

Report: Doolittle signing one-year deal with Reds - (MASN)
"That agreement, first reported by The Athletic, gives Doolittle an opportunity to re-establish his career in Cincinnati after a rough 2020 season in Washington that was derailed by injuries and diminished velocity."

Report: Former Nationals closer Sean Doolittle ‘close’ to deal with Reds - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The lefty closer spent the offseason as a free agent for the first time in his career after pitching in Washington for the last three-and-a-half seasons."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Patrick Corbin 2021 Player Outlook: Plenty Of Room To Profit On Empty Bandwagon - (RotoBaller)
"Washington Nationals starting pitcher Patrick Corbin had a phenomenal performance in 2019, but 65 innings in 2020 is causing everyone to seek life jackets."

Five first basemen to target in 2021 fantasy baseball - (Fake Teams)
"2020 was a dreadful season for Josh Bell. He had, by far, the worst year of his professional career. But let's not act like the 28-year-old is projecting downwards."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phils sign Rondón, 2 others to Minors deals - (MLB.com)
"Dave Dombrowski said Monday that the Phillies plan to pursue more pitching before Spring Training opens later this month. On Tuesday, they announced three more candidates for their bullpen..."

Michael Conforto on potential contract extension, excited to play with Lindor - (SNY - YouTube)
"Michael Conforto addresses where he is in terms of a contract extension, how excited he is to play with Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco, and his expectations for the New York Mets this season."

Top tools on the Top 100 Prospects list - (MLB.com)
"Best Changeup: Sixto Sánchez, RHP, Marlins (65) '... his most effective pitch during his strong big league debut was his changeup. It arrives in the upper 80s before dive-bombing at the plate.'"

How much more will Braves spend on roster this offseason? - (AJC.com)
"Based on players currently with the organization, the Braves would have a payroll of approximately $117 million, down from at least $152 million ..."