Nats generating lots of lobby buzz

SAN DIEGO - The Nationals have yet to make a move at the Winter Meetings, and based on what I'm hearing, nothing big is imminent at this point.

But according to multiple sources, the Nats have been incredibly active here despite the lack of a completed deal, and they are plenty willing to engage in trade discussions involving some of their big-name players.

Depending on who you talk to, you'll hear different deals that have been discussed. According to one source, a potential major trade with the Mariners has been talked about, and FOXsports.com's Ken Rosenthal has also heard a Washington/Seattle deal could be in the works.

I haven't heard specifics on that front, but Rosenthal is reporting that shortstop Ian Desmond could be a centerpiece in that deal with the Mariners, with 25-year-old infielder Brad Miller potentially coming from Seattle to the Nats.

The way I see it, any trade involving Desmond would have to involve a major league-caliber middle infielder coming back to the Nats, or general manager Mike Rizzo would need to have assurances that another deal this offseason could net Washington an everyday shortstop. The Nats have little big league-ready middle infield depth in the organization behind Desmond, and if they are to trade the 29-year-old shortstop, they'll need to make sure they have a replacement coming their way.

I've had other sources tell me that discussions on right-hander Jordan Zimmermann and reliever Tyler Clippard have heated up, and that there is significant interest in both of those players. Like Desmond, they are set to hit free agency after the 2015 season.

Rizzo met yesterday with Zimmermann's agent to talk about the parameters for a potential contract extension, but he has also acknowledged that the Nats are listening to trade offers involving the righty.

Rizzo also said that the Nats have had multiple teams call on Clippard, and that after closer David Robertson signed a four-year, $46 million deal with the White Sox, that the market for relief pitchers shifted. Two other relievers found new teams today, as righties Pat Neshek and Luke Gregerson both signed with the Astros.

The Nats are also talking with multiple teams about left-hander Ross Detwiler, who is drawing interest as both a starter and a reliever.

The Nationals appear to have a number of irons in the fire, as Rizzo likes to say. They're listening to whatever offers are brought their way, and that includes offers that involve some of their top players.