Wrapping up a Winter Meetings wonderland

NASHVILLE - It wasn't a loud week in the Music City for the Nationals, but as the Winter Meetings wrap up, Washington made some noise and - according to general manager Mike Rizzo - laid plenty of groundwork for the remainder of the winter.

The Nationals aimed to sign Darren O'Day, the best free agent reliever on the market, when they arrived in Nashville, but the right-hander decided to remain in Baltimore with a four-year deal. But the Nats didn't come away empty-handed in their search for bullpen help. Right-handers Yusmeiro Petit and Shawn Kelley reportedly agreed to deals, joining left-hander Oliver Perez as new additions to Washington's core of relievers. The team has not announced any of the moves.

Of course, the big story in the bullpen is what to do with right-handers Jonathan Papelbon and Drew Storen. Rizzo insists there is interest in both veteran closers. But what's the plan if the Nats are able to unload them? There is chatter about the Yankees shopping dominant left-hander Andrew Miller, the American League's 2015 Reliever of the Year. The 30-year-old Miller has three years remaining on his contract, but a trade will likely cost the Nationals some highly touted prospects.

On Tuesday, it seemed like the Nationals lost out on intimidating left-hander Aroldis Chapman when the Reds reportedly traded the closer to the Dodgers. But that deal subsequently fell apart hours later when a police report surfaced with allegations of Chapman allegedly choking his girlfriend and firing a handgun during a dispute in October. Any trade talks with Cincinnati are obviously on hold now while there is an investigation. However it plays out, we found out that new Nationals manager Dusty Baker is quite fond of Chapman from his days as Reds skipper.

Rizzo offered free agent Ben Zobrist a contract but the versatile infielder/outfielder passed on the Nationals, choosing a four-year deal with the Cubs. The Nationals still plan to add a left-handed bat and outfield support.

Several of the big name free agents - Jason Heyward, Yoenis Cespedes, Justin Upton, Chris Davis - remain unsigned. Could the Nationals become players with any of them? Probably unlikely, considering the hefty price tags and an upcoming major contract negotiation with Bryce Harper in the near future.

Around the National League East, the Mets traded lefty Jonathan Niese to the Pirates for second baseman Neil Walker. The Phillies traded closer Ken Giles to the Astros for four prospects. The Braves were considered big winners by landing a haul of top prospects - including 2015 top pick Dansby Swanson - in a deal that sent right-hander Shelby Miller to the Diamondbacks. And the Marlins continued to ask for the ranch for right-hander Jose Fernandez.

See you at WinterFest.