Washington Nationals: News & Links 1/20

News broke yesterday that the Washington Nationals have some interest in Grant Balfour, who pitched for the Oakland Athletics the last two seasons. Balfour was originally signed this winter by the Baltimore Orioles, but their doctor didn’t like the way his physical turned out so they cancelled the deal. Rest assured, other doctors have looked at him and say he is healthy and not a risk to any team that wishes to sign him.

With this coming out, also did Drew Storen rumors. If the Nationals do end up signing Balfour to a deal, Storen will then go onto the trading block. It will be sad to see, but let’s be honest Storen could be a good closer for half of the teams in Major League Baseball. One meltdown shouldn’t end a guy’s career as a closer. Someone will give him a shot and Balfour will take his spot in the bullpen. You can read about this rumor here.

The Nationals are also rumored to be in on Jaye Chapman, who once pitched for the Cubs. The Nats are one of seven teams that are rumored to be interested in Chapman. He could be another bullpen arm added to the mix. He isn’t a lefty, but there is a saying that you can never have too much pitching, and Mike Rizzo is taking that to heart this winter. You can read about this story here.

That was all the news that circulated about the Nationals yesterday. Be sure to come back later today and read about the backup catcher options for the Nats, a deeper look in Grant Balfour and why Rafael Soriano should still remain the closer no matter what happens the rest of the winter. Have a great day Nats fans!