Washington Nationals News

Desmond may play utility role for Nats
Comment
February 7
MLB.com
 
"With Cristian Guzman remaining at shortstop, it is assumed the Nationals will send shortstop Ian Desmond to Triple-A Syracuse to start the 2010 season. Not so fast, according to Nationals manager Jim Riggleman. Washington is thinking about making Desmond an all-purpose utility man -- playing all three outfield positions, shortstop and second base. Riggleman, however, wants to make sure that Guzman is healthy before putting Desmond in a utility role. Guzman is coming off right shoulder surgery and foot problems. "It will be determined in Spring Training," Riggleman said Saturday. "We have to check out the health of Guzman. ... We anticipate that he will be our shortstop. "Ian is such a good ..."
Nationals sign veteran lefty Estes
Comment
February 6
MLB.com
 
"After picking up a new second baseman in Adam Kennedy on Friday, the Nationals have also signed veteran left-hander Shawn Estes to a Minor League contract, according to The Associated Press. Estes, who didn't pitch in the big leagues last season, will get $600,000 plus a possible $400,000 in performance bonuses if he's added to the club's 40-man roster, The AP added. Estes made 13 starts for the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque, N.M., this past season, going 3-4 with a 3.07 ERA, before semi-retiring in June because he said he didn't want to pitch in Triple-A."
Nationals agree to terms with Adam Kennedy to fill second base spot
Comment
February 6
Washington Post
 
"Acting quickly after losing Orlando Hudson to the Minnesota Twins, the Washington Nationals found an alternative second baseman in less time than it takes to say "Plan B." On Friday, free agent Adam Kennedy became the newest member of a team that was determined to upgrade its middle infield and defense. As a result, Washington's list of major needs for 2010, just about the length of a lineup card in November, is nearly down to zero. The Nationals agreed to terms with Kennedy on a one-year, $1.25 million deal, with a $2 million option for 2011, according to a team official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is not complete until Kennedy passes a physical. The move gives ..."
National add Adam Kennedy
Comment
February 5
Washington Examiner
 
"Orlando Hudson will be playing for the Twins next season and so the Nationals filled their need for a second baseman by adding Adam Kennedy. Last year he had a solid season with A's hitting .289 with 11 homers and drove in 63 runs. With Kennedy aboard, Cristian Guzman will remain at shortstop."
Nationals bringing Kennedy to Washington
Comment
February 5
MLB.com
 
"A few hours after losing out to the Twins in the Orlando Hudson sweepstakes, the Nationals stayed busy by agreeing to terms with free-agent second baseman Adam Kennedy, according to a baseball source. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Nationals have not confirmed that a deal has been reached. The left-handed-hitting Kennedy had a nice comeback season in 2009, hitting .289 with 11 home runs and 63 RBIs for the Athletics. The previous two years, he played in just a combined 202 games because of injuries. Kennedy, 34, is best known for his years with the Angels. In 2002, he was the American League Championship Series MVP after hitting three home runs against the Twins in Game 5. ..."
Nationals add Adam Kennedy
Comment
February 5
Washington Examiner
 
"Orlando Hudson will be playing for the Twins next season and so the Nationals filled their need for a second baseman by adding Adam Kennedy. Last year he had a solid season with A’s hitting .289 with 11 homers and drove in 63 runs. With Kennedy aboard, Cristian Guzman will remain at shortstop. Earlier this offseason, the Nationals considered moving Guzman to second base and starting rookie Ian Desmond at shortstop. There will the possibility having the two split time but we shall see as the spring training is coming soon."
Twins going after Hudson?
Comment
February 4
Foxsports.com
 
"The Twins have intensified their pursuit of free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson, one major league source told FOXSports.com on Thursday morning. Minnesota general manager Bill Smith declined to comment Thursday when asked if he is optimistic about his chances of adding a free agent this week. Hudson is asking for at least $6 million on a one-year deal, a separate source said. He is likely to agree to terms on a new contract this week. The Washington Nationals have been linked to Hudson for weeks, but they aren't a clear frontrunner in the market for his services. The Twins have a much better chance of reaching the playoffs this year, which could nudge Hudson in their direction. Hudson ..."
Nationals monitoring Wang's progress
Comment
February 4
MLB.com
 
"The Nationals are not done looking for starting pitching. In fact, they are monitoring free-agent right-hander Chien-Ming Wang, according to a baseball source. The Nationals did not confirm they are interested in Wang. Washington has not had serious talks with Wang's agent, Alan Nero, because the right-hander is still recovering from arthroscopic shoulder surgery that he had in late July. The source said that Wang is not in any pain and is throwing from 120 feet on flat ground. There is no timetable as to when Wang will throw off a mound, however he is hoping to get offers from clubs in two weeks. When healthy, Wang has proven he can be a big winner. In 2006 and '07, Wang went a combined ..."
Brewers seek pitching boost from Nationals' Estrada
Comment
February 4
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"Barely more than two weeks before players report to spring training, the Milwaukee Brewers continued to look for ways to improve their pitching depth Wednesday. The Brewers claimed right-hander Marco Estrada off waivers from the Washington Nationals, adding another starter to their depth chart. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the club designated right-hander Tim Dillard for assignment. In essence, the Brewers considered Estrada an upgrade over Dillard, who spent most of the 2009 season at Class AAA Nashville after converting from relieving to starting. Estrada, 26, spent most of the year with Class AAA Syracuse and was ranked the No. 18 prospect in Washington's system by Baseball ..."
Nats add Mench on minor league deal
Comment
February 3
Washington Post
 
"Baseball America, in its weekly rundown of minor league transactions, details the latest batch of Nationals' minor league signings. We already knew about the Chuck James signing, but the addition of Kevin Mench is also worth noting. Mench had a promising run with the Rangers in 2004 and 2005, swatting a combined 51 homers, but since then he's come nowhere close to such productivity. Evidently he spent 2009 with the Hanshin Tigers, in Japan."
Money holding up Hudson to Nationals
Comment
February 3
MLB.com
 
"Free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson wants to play for the Nationals, but he is shopping for a more lucrative deal, according to a baseball source. Since becoming a free agent, Hudson has asked for $9 million, but the Nationals are not willing to give him that kind of money. This past season, Hudson, 32, made a base salary of $3.38 million, but with incentives, he received close to $7 million as a member of the Dodgers."
Mariners on fringe of Hudson pursuit
Comment
February 2
Foxsports.com
 
"The Mariners signed Ryan Garko on Monday, raising to five the number of position players added to their major-league roster from outside the organization this winter. Yet, team officials haven't entirely dismissed the possibility of bringing in a sixth. Seattle, a team not often linked to Orlando Hudson, remains a long-shot candidate to sign the free-agent second baseman, multiple major-league sources said Monday. The Nationals, Indians and Twins have also shown interest in Hudson recently, sources said. Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik has gained a reputation for making bold moves, but the addition of Hudson would probably require some Olympic-caliber roster gymnastics. For one ..."
Benson throwing again, looking for work
Comment
February 2
Foxsports.com
 
"A number of National League teams are keeping track of Kris Benson's progress, including the Diamondbacks, Cubs, Reds and Nationals, according to one major league source. The Dodgers are also looking to add starting depth but are a more remote possibility, sources indicated. Last week, Benson's agent said he expected the free agent right-hander to join a new team within the next few weeks. Benson has made only eight appearances in the majors since 2006, in large part because of injuries. He pitched in the majors and minors for Texas last year, with minimal success. But Benson's agent, Gregg Clifton, is encouraged by the fact that he's already throwing his fastball, curveball, slider and ..."
Washington players hop from hope to confidence
Comment
February 1
Washington Post
 
"If springtime is the period in baseball reserved for optimism, the dead of winter -- at least in the case of the 2010 Washington Nationals -- has become the gathering point for an outlook even less restrained, and certainly less practiced. For perhaps the first time, the Nationals are indulging the feeling of assuredness. They are talking like a group confident, not hopeful, of being on the right path. For the occasion of NatsFest, held Sunday at Nationals Park, 10 players mingled with fans, signed autographs and posed for pictures. But the event also brought players together with players, allowing the mainstays to meet the newcomers, and allowing everybody to take stock of the changes. ..."
Nationals, Dunn talks about possible contract extension during 'Hot Stove' luncheon
Comment
January 30
Washington Post
 
"All told, Adam Dunn has spent just 351 days as a member of the Washington Nationals, a tenure trumped many times over by his 25-year-old teammates Ryan Zimmerman and John Lannan. With the Nationals, Dunn has appeared in fewer games than luminaries such as Ryan Langerhans (176) and Robert Fick (178). Just one calendar year ago, he was a wayward free agent searching for his third team in six months. Yet it's taken Dunn just one season in the District to recategorize himself. His role has become central not just to the lineup, but to the organization. Though he joined the Nationals on a two-year contract, it became clear Friday that Washington's front office wants Dunn for years to come. ..."
Nats agree to terms with Miguel Batista
Comment
January 30
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals have announced that they've agreed to terms with right-hander Miguel Batista on a minor league contract that includes an invitation to spring training. In 530 appearances (237 starts) over 15 seasons with Seattle, Arizona, Toronto, Kansas City, Montreal, Chicago (NL), Florida and Pittsburgh, Batista is 95-108 with 39 saves an an ERA of 4.54."
Adam Dunn contract extension talk at Nationals hot stove lunch
Comment
January 30
Washington Post
 
"Friday afternoon the Nats hosted their second annual "Hot Stove" season ticket holders luncheon, where the menu included chicken marsala, cheesecake, and some news about budding contract talks with Adam Dunn. The first baseman (wearing a camo Texas Longhorns trucker hat) was actually among the players in attendance, but word of his contract talks only became public during the post-lunch Q&A, moderated by David Gregory. The panelists: team president Stan Kasten, GM Mike Rizzo, manager Jim Riggleman and third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. At one point, Rizzo was asked by a fan in attendance if there was a timetable to extend Dunn's contract, because "we'd really like to see him retire as a ..."
Nationals sign Batista to Minor League deal
Comment
January 29
MLB.com
 
"The Nationals have signed right-hander Miguel Batista to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Batista, 38, could be both a starter and a reliever. Last year he served as a reliever for the Mariners, going 7-4 with a 4.04 ERA in 56 games. He also has a history with Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, as they worked together when both were with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Rizzo was the team's scouting director, and Batista was a starter. They were with Arizona when it won its only World Series title, in 2001."
Nationals sign Batista to Minor League deal
Comment
January 29
MLB.com
 
"The Nationals have signed right-hander Miguel Batista to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Batista, 38, could be both a starter and a reliever. Last year he served as a reliever for the Mariners, going 7-4 with a 4.04 ERA in 56 games."
Three teams in running for infielder Cabrera
Comment
January 29
MLB.com
 
"It looks like it is down to three teams -- the Reds, Rockies and Nationals -- in the running for free-agent shortstop Orlando Cabrera, a Major League source confirmed to MLB.com on Thursday night. It did not appear, however, that any of the three teams were close to reaching a deal. Cabrera is one of the few shortstops left on the free-agent market. However, he came up as a second baseman, which is where Washington has a vacancy. Colorado has Troy Tulowitzki entrenched at shortstop already and Cabrera could push Clint Barmes at second base. Both the Rockies and Nationals are also believed to be pursuing second baseman Orlando Hudson, which could affect where Cabrera lands. Colorado is ..."
Hudson talks remain fluid
Comment
January 27
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson looks like he will have a choice. Take a strong financial offer from the Nationals. Take perhaps a lesser contract from the Rays. Or take a deal from another club that might put him near the Nats financially and the Rays competitively — if such an opportunity exists. The Nationals and Rays both are pursuing Hudson, but his negotiations remain fluid, major-league sources say. At least one, unidentified team might still be in the mix. That team could be the Twins, who are known to have interest in Hudson, major-league sources say. So far this offseason, the Twins have been linked more with third basemen than second basemen. Nick Punto and Brendan ..."
Front-office overhaul gives Washington Nationals new respect
Comment
January 26
Washington Post
 
"The decision that dictated Jay Robertson's 28th year in scouting and led him to the Washington Nationals was based, like so many other decisions in his sport, on a gut feeling. Robertson talks to younger scouts all the time about gut feelings. Much as scouting measurements translate into radar gun readings and batting averages, the sum -- at least among some baseball lifers -- is more a cryptic art. Good scouts trust that which they cannot describe. "In our world," Robertson said, "we substantiate a lot through stats and statistical analysis. But sometimes, even in life, you have to go with your gut." Last October, Robertson, let go after eight seasons with the Texas Rangers, needed a new ..."
Willingham not bothered by trade rumors
Comment
January 21
MLB.com
 
"After the 2009 season came to an end, Josh Willingham often heard his name in trade rumors. Teams such as the Mets, Braves and Rangers were reportedly interested in the Nationals left fielder. But the only way Willingham is leaving Washington is if the Nationals are overwhelmed by the players they get in return. So how does Willingham feel about the possibility of being traded for the second time in his six-year career? He knows that baseball is a business. Willingham believes teams realize he is a productive player. In three out of the last four years, Willingham has hit 21 home runs or more in a season. "I guess I didn't feel one way or the other about it," Willingham said before ..."
Nationals make deals with four players, avoiding arbitration
Comment
January 20
Washington Post
 
"With a busy day of contract signings Tuesday, the Washington Nationals avoided arbitration cases with four players, sparing them from all but two further salary negotiations with current team members. The Nationals came to terms with outfielder Josh Willingham, relief pitcher Jason Bergmann, and catchers Wil Nieves and Jesús Flores. Relievers Brian Bruney and Sean Burnett are the final remaining players eligible for arbitration this season. Of those who signed on Tuesday, Willingham almost certainly received the richest deal, signing a one-year contract for $4.6 million. He earned $2.95 million in 2009, a season in which he hit .260 with 24 home runs in 427 at-bats. This is the second ..."
Nationals take steps to improve
Comment
January 16
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"For all the futility the Nationals/Expos franchise has endured, last season set a mark. Never before had the team lost 100 games or more in back-to-back seasons. Washington one-upped the 102 losses in 2008 with 103 more in 2009. That has prompted changes. Gone are general manager Jim Bowden and manager Manny Acta. Replacing them are Mike Rizzo and Jim Riggleman. A few free agents actually chose to go to Washington over other franchises this off-season. Baby steps. And everything could hinge on the chosen one, Stephen Strasburg, the No. 1 pick in the June draft. Strasburg might begin the season in the minors, but it's a good bet he will come to Washington not too long into the season. Here ..."
Nationals have interest in Kennedy
Comment
January 13
MLB.com
 
"If the Nationals are not able to sign Orlando Hudson, look for them to set their sights on Adam Kennedy to play second base, according to a baseball source. Kennedy is a person Washington has been looking at for several weeks, and the same source said Kennedy could come to the Nationals for far less money than what Hudson is asking for. It is believed Hudson is asking for $9 million for 2010, which is too much for the Nationals. And don't look for them to offer Hudson a two-year deal either. In fact, the source believes the Giants set the market for infielders like Hudson when they re-signed Juan Uribe to a one-year, $3.25 million contract on Jan. 5. As for Kennedy, he had a nice comeback ..."
Nationals looking at Hudson?
Comment
January 12
Foxsports.com
 
"In looking for another middle infielder, the Nationals are prioritizing defense. That's why they remain interested in second baseman Orlando Hudson, two major-league sources said Tuesday. One person with knowledge of Hudson's market believes Washington would be willing to make him a two-year offer at the right price. If they stick with current personnel, the Nationals could move Cristian Guzman to second base and play young Ian Desmond at shortstop. Hudson made the National League All-Star team last year but lost his starting job to Ronnie Belliard late in the season. Yet, he still won his fourth Gold Glove. Hudson has a history of injuries to his left wrist, which could make the physical ..."
Nats outright Garate to Triple-A
Comment
January 9
MLB.com
 
"In order to clear space on the 40-man roster for the recently signed Matt Capps, the Nationals outrighted left-hander Victor Garate to Triple-A Syracuse on Friday. Garate was the player to be named later in the deal that sent Ronnie Belliard to the Dodgers in late August. He then made four relief appearances for the Nationals in 2009, giving up five runs in two innings (a 22.50 ERA). In 47 relief appearances for the Dodgers' Double-A Chattanooga affiliate this past season, the 25-year-old posted a 2.04 ERA and four saves, striking out 56 batters and walking 23 in 53 innings. Garate was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2005 and spent his first three years of professional baseball ..."
Winn unaware of interest from Nats
Comment
January 9
MLB.com
 
"Published reports have indicated that the Nationals have interest in signing free-agent outfielder Randy Winn. On Friday evening, however, Winn said he has not heard anything about the Nationals having interest in him. Even a baseball source, who is familiar with the Nationals' thinking, said he didn't see Winn coming to Washington because the Nationals appear to be set with a starting outfield of Josh Willingham, Nyjer Morgan and Elijah Dukes, with Roger Bernadina and Justin Maxwell waiting in the wings. If Winn, 35, were to become a member of the Nationals, he would be considered a fourth outfielder, but Winn said he considers himself an everyday player. "Like I said, I've never even ..."
Nats are optimistic that Matt Capps will excel in Washington
Comment
January 7
Washington Post
 
"Two weeks passed between the time that Matt Capps agreed to the terms of his contract and actually signed the agreement. While he waited to formalize his one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Washington Nationals, Capps celebrated Christmas with his family. He traveled to Atlanta. He tried to buy a Nationals cap at a local mall. (The store was sold out.) And finally, this week, he flew to Washington, underwent an eight-hour physical and had his agent double-check all the small print. When he signed just after midnight on Christmas Eve, Capps was just elated to find a new team -- especially one that viewed him as a closer. But now that the newness has worn off, Capps is thinking more about ..."
Capps, Nats finalize one-year deal
Comment
January 6
MLB.com
 
"After agreeing to terms on a one-year deal right before Christmas, right-hander Matt Capps signed a contract with the Nationals on Wednesday. Capps is expected to make $3.5 million and could make an additional $425,000 in performance bonuses. Washington is in need of bullpen help. This past season, Nationals relievers posted a 5.09 ERA, which ranked 30th in the Majors. Capps has spent his entire five-year career with the Pirates, collecting 67 saves while posting a 3.61 ERA. He was non-tendered by Pittsburgh on Dec. 12. Capps will battle Brian Bruney for the closer role in D.C. Capps, 26, picked the Nationals over the Cubs because general manager Mike Rizzo showed serious interest the ..."
The best team realistic money can buy, all for $80 million
Comment
January 2
USA Today
 columnist Paul White
"This team building is getting expensive.We've managed to assemble a formidable roster for Team 2009, USA TODAY Sports Weekly's annual exercise of creating a 25-man roster of the best players in their actual roles. But sticking to a realistic and responsible payroll was more difficult than it has been in several years. This is not an All-Star team, but a selection by USA TODAY baseball editors and reporters of a realistic roster, including 2009's best No. 1 starting pitcher, No. 2 starter, No. 3 starter, etc.; a bullpen with each role covered; a starting lineup; and a complete bench. Then, we pick a manger, hitting coach and pitching coach. To keep our choices as realistic as possible, we ..."
Rizzo's checklist for Nationals is halfway there
Comment
December 30
Washington Post
 columnist Thomas Boswell
"Unlike Jim Bowden, Mike Rizzo is a man of few quotes. Unlike Stan Kasten, Rizzo never talks a grand plan. But Rizzo acts. In the last four months, the Nats' new GM has been in constant, steady motion. He signed Stephen Strasburg, a Scott Boras mega-client, seconds before a deadline. Rizzo also drafted 10th overall pick Drew Storen, a reliever who lit up the minors immediately. In November, Rizzo raided foes of 17 scouts and front office execs -- adding 10 full-time slots -- within two weeks of the date when they became de facto free agents. That'll be Davey Johnson in his golf cart in spring training, whispering in his ear, and Braves draft guru Roy Clark as his new right-hand man. This ..."
Nationals sign Bruntlett after 2 years with Phillies
Comment
December 29
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Eric Bruntlett, who twice scored the winning run as the Phillies won the second world championship in franchise history in 2008, has signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals with an invitation to big-league camp.Bruntlett, 31, entered weather-delayed Game 5 of the World Series against Tampa Bay as a pinch-runner after Pat Burrell led off the bottom of the seventh with a double. Bruntlett eventually scored the decisive run on a single by Pedro Feliz. He also scored the walkoff game-winner in Game 3.He made 48 starts in '08, including 28 straight at shortstop while Jimmy Rollins was on the disabled list. He also batted .250 as a pinch-hitter.Last season, however, ..."
Nats ink Guardado to minor league deal
Comment
December 28
Washington Post
 
"The Nats on Saturday made official their signing of relief pitcher Eddie Guardado to a minor league contract. Guardado will be given a chance to compete for a bullpen job in spring training. The 39-year-old lefty, entering his 18th major league season, has 908 career appearances and a 4.32 ERA."
Nationals make 'Everyday' addition
Comment
December 27
MLB.com
 
"The Nationals made it official on Saturday morning, agreeing to terms with reliever Eddie Guardado on a Minor League deal with an invite to big league Spring Training. The news was first reported on Tuesday about the agreement. The Nationals have been interested in Guardado, 39, since the Winter Meetings. According to a baseball source, team scouts told general manager Mike Rizzo that Guardado would be a big help to the club. Nicknamed "Everyday Eddie," Guardado is considered a workhorse out of the bullpen. During his 17 seasons in the big leagues, he has played in 908 games and saved 187 of them. He is best known for his years as the Twins' closer. His best season was in 2002, when he ..."
Nationals, Capps seal the deal
Comment
December 25
Washington Times
 
"When the Washington Nationals broke camp last spring, they did so with a shaky bullpen that included a first-time closer, one established setup man, two unproven rookies and three journeymen. Was it any surprise that group proved to be the majors' worst relief corps and played a significant role in the Nationals' second-straight 100-loss season? Mike Rizzo's overhaul of his bullpen the last six months - capped off early Thursday by the signing of free agent Matt Capps to a one-year, $3.5 million contract - has been perhaps as significant a development as anything else the general manager has accomplished since taking the job. When the Nationals reconvene for spring training in two months, ..."
Nats agree to deal with Capps
Comment
December 25
Washington Post
 
"Making their clearest step yet to improve a bullpen and end their search for a closer, the Washington Nationals reached a deal late Wednesday night with free agent reliever Matt Capps, according to agent Paul Kinzer. Terms were not immediately disclosed, but the right-hander, who has saved 66 games in the last three seasons, will receive a one-year deal. In turn, he will likely inherit responsibility for the ninth-inning role, a trouble spot in 2009. Capps, non-tendered by the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier this month, had attracted some dozen suitors, and this week narrowed his list to two, the Nationals and the Chicago Cubs. But Capps, Pittsburgh's closer since 2007, wanted a chance to ..."
Pirates eye Gregg, Dotel, as Capps picks Nats
Comment
December 25
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Matt Capps, the Pirates' recently released closer, formally is gone, but the team is engaged in talks with two possible replacements in free agents Kevin Gregg and Octavio Dotel. Early this morning, Capps agreed to terms with Washington on a one-year contract worth $3.5 million, choosing the Nationals over the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets, the latter a late entry to the process. Capps also can make $425,000 in performance bonuses based on games finished. The Pirates essentially conceded earlier in the week that Capps would not take their last, best offer to him as a free agent -- close to $3 million -- and said they would shift full focus to finding late-inning bullpen help for Joel ..."
Capps, Nats close in on deal
Comment
December 24
Washington Times
 
"The Washington Nationals were close to a deal with Matt Capps on Wednesday night, trying to finale terms on a one-year contract with the free agent reliever after he turned down a standing offer from the Chicago Cubs, baseball sources said. Negotiations still weren't completed by night's end, but if signed, the 26-year-old right-hander would immediately become the Nationals' closer for 2010, a key selling point in his negotiations with both finalists for his services. Washington general manager Mike Rizzo was hopeful all along of landing Capps, who saved 66 games for the Pirates the past three seasons but was surprisingly nontendered earlier this month because the sides couldn't come to ..."
Capps picks Nationals for $3.5 million
Comment
December 24
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Matt Capps early this morning agreed to terms with the Washington Nationals on a one-year contract with a salary of $3.5 million, plus as much as $425,000 in performance bonuses based on games finished. Capps chose the Nationals over the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets, the latter a late entry to the process. Agent Paul Kinzer told reporters that the Mets' offer was comparable to the Nationals'. The Pirates, who non-tendered Capps Dec. 12 because they did not wish to pay Capps the amount he might be awarded through salary arbitration, made him a final offer through free agency of close to $3 million."
Pirates eye Gregg, Dotel, as Capps picks Nats
Comment
December 24
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Matt Capps, the Pirates' recently released closer, formally is gone, but the team is engaged in talks with two possible replacements in free agents Kevin Gregg and Octavio Dotel. Early this morning, Capps agreed to terms with Washington on a one-year contract worth $3.5 million, choosing the Nationals over the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets, the latter a late entry to the process. Capps also can make $425,000 in performance bonuses based on games finished. The Pirates essentially conceded earlier in the week that Capps would not take their last, best offer to him as a free agent -- close to $3 million -- and said they would shift full focus to finding late-inning bullpen help for Joel ..."
Yankees finalize Nick Johnson deal
Comment
December 24
New York Post
 
"Nick Johnson's sense of smell is returning. After six years of not receiving as much as a sniff of the postseason while playing for Montreal, Washington and Florida, a reunion with the Yankees sounded like a great idea when he heard the Bombers were interested. "It's a great organization and all about winning and that is something I want to get back to doing," Johnson said yesterday after he officially rejoined the Yankees with a one-year contract worth $5.5 million. The 31-year-old Johnson hit .291 with eight homers and 62 RBIs last season, but still hasn't shaken the injury bug that plagued him during his first stint with the Yankees from 2001-03. Johnson missed 29 games with various ..."
Capps, Nats agree to deal
Comment
December 24
Washington Post
 
"At roughly 1 a.m., the Nationals got their man. Making their clearest step yet to improve a bullpen and end their pained search for a closer, the Washington Nationals on Wednesday reached a deal with free agent reliever Matt Capps, according to agent Paul Kinzer. Terms were not immediately disclosed, but the right-hander, who has saved 66 games in the last three seasons, will receive a one-year deal. In turn, he will likely inherit responsibility for the ninth-inning role -- a trouble spot in 2009. Capps, non-tendered by the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier this month, had attracted some dozen suitors, and this week narrowed his list to two, the Nationals and the Chicago Cubs. But Capps, ..."
Nats hope Marquis can pitch in
Comment
December 23
Washington Examiner
 
"The Nationals entered the offseason hoping to fill enough holes on their roster that memories of back-to-back 100-loss seasons would be long gone by next summer. For now, contending can wait. After five tumultuous years in Washington, respectability is the short-term goal and right-handed pitcher Jason Marquis fit the bill. The 31-year-old has spent his entire 10-year career as a reliable piece of the starting rotation with four quality organizations. It was the Nats' biggest area of need and they let Marquis know it during negotiations that resulted in a two-year, $15 million contract. "I'm a baseball fan. I follow teams, what direction they're going, what needs they have, what they're ..."
Marquis deal is another positive sign for Nats
Comment
December 23
Washington Post
 
"Jason Marquis, the newest member of the Washington Nationals, considers himself a keen monitor of baseball's inner workings. He knows the trades, the transactions and the rumors of a 30-team social network. He likes to think he knows more about organizations than their latest won-loss record. His appearance Tuesday afternoon at Nationals Park -- and more centrally, the two-year, $15 million contract that brought him there -- vouched for the right-hander's sense of an underground movement that's afloat: Indeed, the poorest-finishing team this fall is having one of baseball's best winters. Marquis's signing with the Nationals won't transform them into a contender, but it marks another ..."
Capps set to choose between Cubs, Nationals
Comment
December 23
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Matt Capps is about to choose his next employer, and it evidently will be a new one. Capps, the Pirates' closer the past three seasons who was released Dec. 12, said last night that he expects to sign with either the Chicago Cubs or Washington Nationals "in the next couple of days," this after hearing from 16 teams, including the Pirates, during his brief time as a free agent. "The way I see it, it's a great opportunity, a great situation whichever way I go," Capps said. "To be in Chicago with that atmosphere every day, and to look at the improvements they've made in Washington ... this will be good either way." The Pirates had not formally withdrawn from the process as of yesterday ..."
Nats near 1-year deal with reliever Guardado
Comment
December 23
Foxsports.com
 columnist Jon Paul Morosi
"The Nationals are nearing a one-year deal with left-handed reliever Eddie Guardado, multiple major league sources told FOXSports.com. Guardado went 1-2 with a 4.46 ERA in 48 relief outings for the Rangers this year. His role in the Washington bullpen isn't yet clear, but he is expected to pitch in the seventh inning or later. His signing won't preclude the Nationals for signing closer Matt Capps, one source said. The Nationals are among the finalists to sign Capps after he was non-tendered by Pittsburgh earlier this month."
Grabow tries to sell Capps on Cubs
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December 22
MLB.com
 
"If Matt Capps does sign with the Cubs, credit pitcher John Grabow with an assist. Grabow, who was Capps' teammate in Pittsburgh before he was traded to the Cubs in July, has talked to the free agent right-hander, who has apparently narrowed his choices to Washington and Chicago. The two pitchers have the same agent, Paul Kinzer. MLB.com's Bill Ladson reported that Capps, who was not tendered arbitration by the Pirates, planned on making a decision by Wednesday. Grabow signed a two-year contract on Nov. 20 with the Cubs and gave Capps a little inside information. "I basically told him about the organization and how the guys are in the clubhouse," Grabow said Tuesday from his Arizona home. ..."
RHP Capps mulls Nats, Cubs options
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December 22
ESPN.com
 
"Ten days after reliever Matt Capps landed on the free-agent market, he's down to deciding whether he wants to be a closer for the Washington Nationals or a setup man and fallback closer candidate for the Cubs. Agent Paul Kinzer said Tuesday that Capps plans to confer with his family and decide between competing offers from the Cubs and Nationals by Wednesday night. "Matt is really comfortable with those two [teams] at this point,'' Kinzer said. "When it comes right down to it, he has to decide whether he's going to a place where he's definitely going to be the closer, or he's a setup man with a chance to maybe close.'' Capps, 26, amassed 66 saves from 2007 through 2009 in Pittsburgh. But ..."