Nationals Chatter: Harper feature, drone issues, spring training facility update and more

Friday marks the 10-day countdown until the start of the season. We've all missed seeing the boys in red play some meaningful baseball. Don't worry, the Nationals will be playing the Mets very soon. We'll just have to wait a few more days to see the team at Nats Park. Here are a few stories about the Nationals you may have missed from other media outlets. * Nobody can argue that left fielder Bryce Harper is one of the most exciting young talents currently taking the majors by storm. Many seem to forget that Harper is only 21 and still learning to play baseball at the highest level. ESPN's Jerry Crasnick recently spent time with Harper in Nats camp in Viera, Fla. He has a very interesting profile on Harper, which features comments from third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. * ESPN.com's David Schoenfield compiled a top 10 list of teams' "core fives" in the majors. The Nats landed the No. 7 ranking in Schoenfield's book. His Nats' core consisted of Harper, right-handers Jordan Zimmermann and Stephen Strasburg, shortstop Ian Desmond and Zimmerman. He says keep an eye on Harper and Zimmermann, as both could contend for some hardware once the postseason is over. The Dodgers have the best core five, according to Schoenfield. * Remember all the buzz at the beginning of the spring when the Nats brought out their new drone? Well, they may be in some hot water with the Federal Aviation Administration. According to this report, the Nationals never received permission from the FAA to use the drone. Commercial use of drones are banned by the FAA. The maximum penalty for operating a commercial drone is $10,000, according to the AP. * Back in December, the Nats created some controversy when it was announced the team wanted the taxpayers of Washington D.C. to pay $300 million so the team could install a retractable roof. Well, taxpayers can breathe a sigh of relief, as the issue has been dropped according to Nationals principal owner Mark Lerner. Lerner said, "I don't believe it's going to happen." To watch what Lerner had to say, click here. * In previous editions of Nationals Chatter, I've addressed the Nats' spring training facility issues. The team has reportedly been interested in moving to several different locations around Florida. Well, that move might be on hold. It turns out two top Nationals officials met with Brevard County commissioner Robin Fisher about upgrades for the team's current facility in Viera. For the latest developments, click here. That's a wrap of this week's Nationals Chatter. Don't forget to come back to MASNsports.com daily for the latest on the Nationals.