WaPo: [Felipe] López Could Go From the Bench To Cubs’ Infield (RR)

The Washington Nationals insist they will not be pressured into a trade of second baseman Felipe López just because López has publicly declared himself unwilling to sit on their bench—and they have also strongly suggested that is where López would be if the season started today.

However, two rival baseball executives confirmed Friday that the Nationals are actively shopping López, and the Chicago Cubs are among the teams that have had a scout following the Nationals in recent days—including Friday, when López started at second base against the New York Mets and went 1 for 3 with a single and made one error, his fourth of the spring.

The Cubs are seeking a second baseman, and have been in discussions with the Baltimore Orioles for months regarding Brian Roberts. But Cubs officials have expressed doubt about a deal being reached with the Orioles, and apparently are exploring additional possibilities.
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On Tuesday, López bristled at reporters’ suggestion that he might be asked to sit on the bench, saying, “Bench? Hell, no.”