Nationals Chatter: Zimmerman fantasy tips, Rendon feature and more on Harper

The Nationals made it through the first week with a 4-2 record. The Nats swept the Mets in New York, but then dropped their first series to the Braves at Nats Park. The team was bit by the injury bug several times in the first week, losing catcher Wilson Ramos and outfielder Scott Hairston while third baseman Ryan Zimmerman's status is in limbo for the time being. Here are some stories you may have missed about the Nationals from other media outlets during the first week of the season. * Zimmerman's balky right shoulder dominated most of the Nationals' headlines this past week. The Nats third baseman has experienced soreness in his shoulder since undergoing surgery in 2012. While the Nationals figure out where to move Zimmerman or decide whether or not to place him on the disabled list, fantasy owners must decide whether or not to keep him. CBSsports.com's Chris Cwik gives you a few pointers when setting your fantasy lineup. ESPN has a video that provides you with fantasy tips. * Zimmerman's injury will force Nats manager Matt Williams to be creative when it comes to constructing the lineup. Anthony Rendon has been filling in at third in Zimmerman's absence. The Nationals can afford to move Rendon to third with Danny Espinosa still on the roster. Are you curious how the Nationals lineup could shake out? Click here. * The Angels' Mike Trout just signed a six-year extension worth $144.5 million. Former Nationals general manager Jim Bowden, now of ESPN, compiled a list of young players he would sign to long-term extensions. It's no surprise that Bryce Harper was Bowden's pick for the Nationals to lock up. According to Bowden, the biggest hurdle for extending Harper will be the left fielder's agent, Scott Boras. Interested in who else Bowden would lock up? Click here. * As I mentioned earlier, Rendon will be filling in for Zimmerman at third base for as long as necessary. Rendon, a natural third baseman, has been in the Nationals' everyday lineup as the second baseman since the middle of last season. Sports on Earth profiled Rendon's rise to the Nationals. It's a lengthy read, but if you have the time, I would recommend it. * Finally, I'm ending this week's Nationals Chatter with power rankings from FOXsports.com. The Nationals are currently in the No. 5 spot in the rankings. The Nats started the season in the No. 7 spot. Here are the rest of the rankings. That's a wrap of this week's Nationals Chatter. Don't forget to come back to MASNsports.com for complete Nationals coverage.