Good Wednesday Morning, Washington Nationals Fans.
I am writing today's briefing from cold and snowy Snowshoe, West Virginia because I'm taking a little time with the family before the start of the season. However, I didn't want to leave you out of the loop on what is going on with our favorite baseball team: The Washington Nationals.
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Today's top story comes from Steven Mears of Talk Nats.com profiles Jeremy De La Rosa, who is the Washington Nationals Top Prospect. From the article: "To be part of Juan Soto's inner circle is invaluable. We have seen Soto and De La Rosa working out together and jumping off of rock formations and into the water for rest and relaxation. Soto has been a mentor to the slightly younger De La Rosa." The profile is worth your time to read. Hopefully, we might see De La Rosa in the majors soon.
According to reports, the Cincinnati Reds add former Washington Nationals closer and fan-favorite Sean Doolittle to their bullpen. Doolittle's contract, the terms of which are not yet known, comes months after the Reds dumped two other longtime closers — Raisel Iglesias and Archie Bradley — in cost-cutting moves. Because of his considerable experience in that role, Cincinnati is likely hoping he wins the closer's job out of spring training, allowing Amir Garrett and Lucas Sims to serve as stoppers earlier in games. As solid as Doolittle's track record is in the back of the bullpen. However, his 2021 season remains an unpredictable one.
Doolittle, 34, is a nine-year major league veteran who has thrown 401 games for the Oakland A's and Washington Nationals, all of which came in relief.
From 2012-18, Doolittle held a 2.83 ERA and 2.40 FIP in 328 innings, accumulating 10.3 fWAR that ranked seventh among all relievers in that time.
After the Washington Nationals signed reliever and closer Brad Hand, Doolittle's return to the Washington Nationals was doubtful. With Doolittle's exit from the Washington Nationals, the 2019 World Series team just lost another member.
Yesterday, National Baseball writers Brittany Ghiroli and Katie Strang from the Athletic dropped another bombshell report about fmr. New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway. The article reports that the former New York Mets manager and current pitching coach for the Los Angeles Angels, aggressively pursued at least five women who work in sports media. Callaway sent three inappropriate photographs and asked one of them to send nude photos in return." From the article: "The five women, who spoke to The Athletic on the condition that they not be identified, said that the actions by the now 45-year-old Callaway spanned at least five years, multiple cities and three teams. Two of the women said they were warned about his behavior – from fellow media members and others who worked in baseball."
The Fallout from the Athletic article was very quick. After the publishing of the article, in a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, Angels spokeswoman Marie Garvey wrote: "Late yesterday we were made aware of the allegations reported in The Athletic. This morning we suspended Mickey Callaway and will work closely with MLB to conduct a full investigation."
Get caught up on all the latest news about Washington Nationals' prospects with Lacy Lusk from Baseball America. After listening to my interview with Lacy Lusk, binge and take a listen to my interview with Byron Kerr formerly of MASN Sports. During the episode, I talk with Byron about the upcoming Washington Nationals season and he shares a really funny story that happened to him during the 2019 Post Season that involves the World Series MVP.
The Carter Kieboom Dilemma: Is Kieboom the Long Term Answer at Third Base?
No candidates elected to Hall of Fame for 2021 first time since 2013League News: Cactus League Wants to Delay the Start of Spring Training
MLB & USA Baseball Announce Lineup of Evaluation Showcase & First Ever Baseball Combine
Special Report: The Homestead Grays and It’s Impact on Washington D.C.
When baseball was baseball via Federal Baseball
Ryan Zimmerman uses his own bat to measure snowfall at his home via NBC Sports Washington
Nationals: Don’t Sleep On Juan Soto To Win His First NL MVP Award via District on Deck
What MLB, MLBPA negotiations mean for 2021 season and beyond, and why players rejected league's offer via CBS Sports
For MLB Owners, Playoff Money Trumps ‘Health and Safety’ via Sports Illustrated
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