"The longer the Nationals wait to address Ryan Zimmerman's contract, the larger risk they take. That's one of the points that was hinted at in Sunday's birdcage-liner story, but largely got left on the cutting-room floor. Why a risk? Several reasons.

Zimmerman wants to play for a winner, and believes the Nationals will be one soon. But if the Nationals' turnaround does not occur on the schedule the front office and Zimmerman believe it will, another losing season or two could make Zimmerman wonder what it would be like to play for a perennial power.

That opportunity would surely be there. If Zimmerman continues his current progression without an extension, he would become a free agent at age 29, the heart of his prime. Kevin Youkilis's current contract will have just expired, and Alex Rodriguez will be 38, probably ready for a move to designated hitter. So both the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, baseball's two richest teams, may need a third basemen.

There is also financial risk – by negotiating Zimmerman's next contract sooner rather than later, the Nationals would actually save money. Based on other contracts signed recently and constantly rising tide of player salaries, Zimmerman could command a contract worth roughly $200 million, according to estimates by several baseball sources."