Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals have been decidedly quiet so far this offseason. But with more than two months down and just one trade in the books, it feels like the dominoes are about to begin tumbling down in D.C.

For the Washington Nationals and the rest of Major League Baseball, winter is coming. 

Most free-agency talk regarding the Washington Nationals this winter will start and end with their search for a second baseman. But MLB's offseason isn't called the "Hot Stove" because of aging middle infielders moving teams. 

Coming into the MLB offseason, you could look at the Washington Nationals and conclude within, oh, three seconds that the last thing they needed to tinker with was their starting rotation.

But now it sounds like general manager Mike Rizzo might do that anyway. And if he does, he could do so in a big way.

One year after being traded to the Washington Nationals, right-handed pitcher Doug Fister could be on the move yet again. 

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Nationals would be inclined to deal Fister under the right circumstances:

You're a fan without a nation. 

The 2014 MLB Playoff field is set, and while you mourn your beloved New York Yankees from your home probably nowhere near New York, you need a surrogate team. Well, the Washington Nationals bandwagon is accepting applications, and no other franchise makes a better case for your temporary affection. 

Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond exited Tuesday night's 6-4 win over the Atlanta Braves after the fifth inning with what's currently being described as back tightness.

Ryan Zimmerman is nearing recovery from his hamstring injury just in time for the Washington Nationals' foray into October baseball. 

The Washington Post's Adam Kilgore provided an encouraging update on the 29-year-old third baseman's rehab:

As Comcast SportsNet's Mark Zuckerman added, he was looking good during batting practice, as well:

The critics have always been there, picking, prodding, scoffing.

The Washington Nationals won a 10th consecutive game Thursday, matching the franchise record for longest winning streak, per ESPN Stats & Info.