The Morning Briefing: Mike Rizzo Gives the Nationals Bullpen a "Hand"

Last night Mike Rizzo gave the Washington Nationals bullpen a Hand. Here is the latest Washington Nationals Headlines and News

by Richard Wachtel

Updated January 25, 2021

Good Monday Morning, Washington Nationals Fans.

Thank you for starting the day and week with us. Buckle up Washington Nationals Fans, as we are in the homestretch to when Pitchers and Catchers report to Spring Training, and you don't want to miss a thing! Make sure to follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the day with the latest rumors and so much more!

Today's Morning Briefing was written by Richard and edited by our newest team member and editor, Jonathan. Make sure to follow him on Twitter.

Today's lead story: Mike Rizzo Gives the Nationals Bullpen a "Hand."

Yesterday, it was reported that the Washington Nationals are in agreement with LHP Brad Hand. According to reports, the deal is one year for $10.5 million. In the abbreviated 2020 season, Hand led the league with 16 saves and 21 games finished while producing a career-best 2.05 ERA and 0.77 WHIP. According to the Pitchf/X system, the 30-year-old southpaw relied mostly on his slider and a four-seam fastball that topped out in the low 90s during the season. Although the Nats have two left-handed starters in Patrick Corbin and Jon Lester, Hand is the only veteran southpaw reliever on the roster. During Spring Training next month, prospects Sam Clay, Seth Romero, and Ben Braymer could all be competing with non-roster invitees for a left-handed spot in Washington’s bullpen. [Click here to read the full report]

Stay tuned and buckle up, Washington Nationals fans! We are in the final stretch until Pitchers and catchers report.

The Latest in the MASN Saga: Nationals Required to Fund Their Pre- and Postgame Programming

According to Brittany Ghiroli from The Athletic, the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, which broadcasts both the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles, is in a bit of a financial crunch. The article states, "major cuts are coming to MASN," most notably, "MASN is getting rid of its pregame and postgame coverage of both teams." Read the full article here.

Mr. Washington National is Officially Back; what's next?

With the official announcement of Ryan Zimmerman returning to the Nationals for the 2021 season, there has been a flurry of articles about his role within the lineup and the clubhouse. One article that caught our eye was from Federal Baseball: "Washington Nationals weren't the same without Ryan Zimmerman. That's why he's back for 2021." From the article: "Zimmerman's absence wasn't the only reason the team finished 26-34, fourth in the National League East, but it was a factor... But the place where his leadership counts the most is in the clubhouse, where he leads by example, preparing and playing the game the right way, showing the younger players how it's done." [Click here to read the full article]

Movement in the Bronx.

Yesterday afternoon, it was announced that the New York Yankees had acquired RHP Jameson Taillon from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for RHP Roansy Contreras, INF Maikol Escotto, OF Canaan Smith, and RHP Miguel Yajure. If you are a New York Yankee fan, here is a projected starting rotation that will defiantly get you excited.

1. Gerrit Cole

2. Corey Kluber

3. Luis Severino

4. Jameson Taillon

5. Montgomery/Deivi/German

Podcast Alert:

Today, we released another can't miss episode of "In the Clubhouse." In this week's episode, Richard sits down with artist Blake Jamieson. Jamieson is currently working on Project 2020 with Topps and designed his own version of the classic 1951 Topps set released each week in January.