Nationals Pursue Lo Duca – The Post
There is a lot going on at the winter meetings, but no new trades took place yesterday. Tyler Clippard is a officially a National though. They are also looking into Katsuhiko Maekawa, a left-hander from Japan with off the field baggage. There are also rumors of an extension (Nationals Journal) for Wily Mo Pena.

At Catcher, Nats Are Out of Position – The Post
Incumbent catcher Jesus Flores exceeded expectations last year, but I imagine the Nats want a veteran around so that Flores can be eased into full-time catching. A lot of the talk centers around Paul Lo Duca, a free agent catcher who last played for the Mets. He is also talking to Toronto, so he’s no shoe-in for the position. The Nats are also thought be pursuing another young catcher, Arizona’s Miguel Montero.

Fight for rotation spots looks less wide open – The Wash. Times
This year’s rotation is much more promising than last year’s. Shawn Hill and Jason Bergmann seem to be set for the rotation with John Patterson in the mix if healthy. Matt Chico and John Lannan also have opportunities to build on solid rookie seasons while Collin Balester, Garrett Mock and Ross Detwiler should get shots at the big league during spring training. I think they could use a veteran, though, and my pick is LIVAN!

DICK HELLER – For Zimmerman, this could be a plum spot – The Wash. Times
3B Ryan Zimmerman isn’t signed to a long-term contract yet and Dick Heller wants that to change.

Nats’ name game endures – The Wash. Times
Don’t expect a corporate sponsored name for the ballpark until 2009. Also, there was a “holiday lighting” event yesterday and Nats320 and MissChatter were there.

MIKE HUME – Picking Splinters: Dealing With Dukes – Falls Church News-Press
Another skeptical column about Elijah Dukes.

The Rule 5 draft is today —Nationals Journal, Chatter, Nationals Farm Authority and Capital Punishment are usually on top of things.