Nationals Briefing for 12/14/2012
We will begin tracking Washington Nationals news clip several times per week to keep you updated through Spring Training 2013. As you already know, the Nationals have made roster moves to help bolster the bullpen, starting pitching, and outfield for their 2013 NL East Division title defense.
When glancing at the Washington Nationals current roster, the Nats have very few needs. We do not think the Nationals are done, they still need to determine first base and bullpen. More than likely, what they resolve at first base will likely effect moves at the bullpen. The Nats are currently in contract negotiations with 1B Adam LaRoche. The word there is that a deal could be in place before Chsristmas. If the Nationals do indeed sign LaRoche, that would be a big sign that they are willing to deal 1B/OF Mike Morse. With the trade acquisition of CF Denard Span combined with Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth patrolling the corners, there is no place on the roster really there for Morse if LaRoche is signed. Several ballclubs have exprreseed interest in Morse and the Nationals could use Morse to land significant bullpen help. We will keep a close eye on a possible LaRoche contract extension.
Former Washington Nationals start Edwin Jackson is being pursued by the San Diego Padres. The signing of free agent starter Dan Heren made the return of Jackson impossible. Consider Heren an upgrade over Jackson anyways. Read it.
Travis Harding writes that with the recent trade to bolster the major league club, the once highly touted Nationals farm system is getting limited in pitching depth. Read it. Although I agreed with the trade of Alex Meyer to land Denard Span, it was torubling that the Nationals do not protect AA pitcher Daniel Rosenbaum from the Rule V Draft. The Nats did lose Rosenbaum.
The New York Mets are going to have trouble competing in the National League East. One big reason is the emergence fo the Washington Nationals in leading the division. Read it.
James Wagner from the Washington Post writes on what impact the Josh Hamilton deal to the Abngels could mean for Adam LaRoche. Read it.
Major League Baseball is still seeking a fair resolution to the Nationals TV rights and MASN. One solution could be too find new owners of the rights now controlled by MASN, which us ultimately controlled by the Baltimore Orioles. Read it.
The Nationals have promoted minor league manager Brian Dauback from Hagertsown to Potomac and Tripp Kiester from the rookie GCL Nats to Hagerstown (Low A). Patrick Anderson is new to the Nationals system and will take over the GCL Nationals.
