NL Notes Cease Braves Nationals Hampson DBack

The Braves are trade interest in , and given the teams penchant for signing players to long-term extensions, locking up a Georgia native like Cease would seem like a logical next step if a deal can be worked out to obtain the righty from the White Sox . However, points out a po sible obstacle Cease is represented by Scott Boras, who traditionally Tim Thomas Jersey advises his clients to test free agency rather than sign long-term extensions. Enough high-profile Boras clients have signed extensions that this isnt at all a hard-and-fast rule, since as Rosenthal notes, Boras will ultimately operate according to his clients demands. But it is perhaps noteworthy for this particular scenario, since Atlanta president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos rarely acquires Boras Corporations clients, even though both Anthopoulos and Boras any lack of communication or lack of connection between the two sides. Trading for and extending Cease would be a way of putting this narrative to bed, though it remains to be seen if Atlanta will instead opt for another frontline pitcher besides Cease as the Braves continue to look for rotation help. More from the National League Not much has changed in the Lerner familys attempts to sell the Nationals , as the search is now approaching two full years since news first broke of the Lerners explorations about a sale. provides something of an update on the situation, though Ted Leonsis remains the top suitor but still seems unwilling to meet the Lerners desired price of around $2.4 billion. Leonsis last offer topped the $2 billion mark, but the Lerners dont appear in any hurry to make a sale unle s Leonsis or another bidder ups the ante. The seemingly neverending dispute with the Orioles about MASN broadcasting revenues also still remains a sticking point in any ownership discu sions. In terms of how this translates to the on-field product, Janes notes that the Nationals low payroll has more to do with the teams rebuild strategy than it does a concerted effort to cut costs in advance of a potential sale. The Diamondbacks had some interest in before the utilityman with the Royals earlier this week, reports. The versatile Hampton wouldve been a backup at several positions off the bench, and in particularly been a right-handed hitting complement to or at center field or shortstop, respectively. Right-handed hitting is a priority for the DBacks in general, and Piecoro suggests that might be a candidate for a return to Arizona, based off GM Mike Hazens recent comments about how the Diamondbacks could be open to a DH-centric player who swings from the right side. Arizona has already landed one notable right-handed bat this offseason in from the Mariners. Sticking with the National League champs, the Diamondbacks named Shaun Larkin as their new director of player development earlier this week. Larkin has spent the last three seasons as the Dodgers field coordinator as part of an eight-year tenure in L.A., and he previously had a long history as a minor league player, coach, and manager in Clevelands farm system. Larkins hiring is the latest move in a DBacks offseason that has seen quite a bit of turnover in the front office and coaching ranks, though as Hazen , we 100 percent expected it. This is what happens when you have a succe sful season.Bringing some outside perspectives into the organization in terms of whats going on in scouting and player development around the game, I think is important . Alec Regula Jersey