By Zane Robidoux Twitter: @zrobidoeee One of the biggest things to happen before yesterday’s trade deadline wasn’t a trade at all. Rather, it was the Nationals making it known that Bryce Harper would be available in trade talks. Even though Nationals General Manger Mike Rizzo eventually redacted the statement, stating that Harper wasn’t going anywhere, for a few hours it seemed quite possible he could be moved. Of course, the deadline has since come and gone, making it a bit more difficult for the Nationals, if they so choose, to trade Harper. But does that mean they shouldn’t? It’s no surprise that Washington has had a disappointing season in 2018. They are currently 54-53, and have been hovering just around the .500 mark all season. They sit 5 games back of the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East, and are 4.5 games back of the second Wild Card spot. After winning the NL East last year by 20 games, many thought this year was going to be just as much of a breeze.