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Washington Nationals News

Bryce Harper confident he can make club this spring
February 8
MLB.com
 
"Nationals manager Davey Johnson has said this offseason that he would like general manager Mike Rizzo to keep an open mind when it comes to outfielder Bryce Harper making the 2012 Opening Day roster. Johnson believes Harper, 19, can be the Opening Day right fielder if the team decides to move Jayson Werth to center field. "But I think that the main thing is ... could he handle it mentally? And I think in his mind, he's already figuring to be starting on the club, if you ask him," Johnson said recently about Harper. "And I haven't talked to him, but I know that he's done everything in his whole life to succeed at a higher level and compete with the best. But I think [Harper is] pretty"
Harper confident he can make club this spring
February 7
MLB.com
 
"Nationals manager Davey Johnson has said this offseason that he would like general manager Mike Rizzo to keep an open mind when it comes to outfielder Bryce Harper making the 2012 Opening Day roster. Johnson believes Harper, 19, can be the Opening Day right fielder if the team decides to move Jayson Werth to center field. "But I think that the main thing is ... could he handle it mentally? And I think in his mind, he's already figuring to be starting on the club, if you ask him," Johnson said recently about Harper. "And I haven't talked to him, but I know that he's done everything in his whole life to succeed at a higher level and compete with the best. But I think [Harper is] pretty"
Nationals sign Mark Teahen to minor league deal
February 7
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals signed corner infielder and outfielder Mark Teahen to a minor-league deal, the team announced this afternoon. Teahan, 30, will compete for a spot on the Nationals' bench and could give them needed depth at Class AAA Syracuse. In his seven-year career, Teahen has hit .264/.327/.409, mostly with the Kansas City Royals. Teahen struggled mightily last season with the Chicago White Sox and Toronto Blue Jays, hitting .200/.273/.300 with four home runs in 177 plate appearances."
Rick Ankiel signs minor league contract with Nationals
February 6
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals signed outfielder Rick Ankiel to a minor league contract, a person with knowledge of the agreement said, adding depth to Washington's thin center field competition with a player who performed well for them when healthy in 2011. Ankiel, 32, hit .239/.296/.363 for the Nationals last season while serving two stints on the disabled list. Ankiel became a popular clubhouse figure and, more important, played outstanding defense in center, where he displayed one of the best outfield arms in the league."
Nationals blocking Phillies fans from Park
February 4
CSN Philly
 
"For the past couple of years, whenever the Phillies have traveled down to Washington to face the Nationals, their fans have traveled with them to Nationals Park. It has become kind of embarrassing for the Nationals and their fans -- having their stadium taken over by the visitors. It has apparently become so embarrassing that the Nationals have set their minds to stopping it. According to MLB.com, the Nationals have launched a campaign they are calling "Take Back the Park," which encourages Nats fans to purchase tickets for the first three home games against the Phillies before they go on sale to the public. Starting on Friday, single-game seats for the May 4-6 series against the Phillies"
Edwin Jackson to the Nationals: Mike Rizzo on the deal, what it means to the rotation
February 3
Washington Post
 
"Rizzo indicated that acquiring Jackson makes the Nationals no more likely to trade one of their starting pitchers, such as John Lannan or Ross Detwiler. Now, saying otherwise would hurt his leverage if he did discuss a trade with another team. But he called acquiring Jackson and the ability to turn a pitcher into a bat "mutually exclusive." "We're certainly always open to making a deal if it makes sense for us," Rizzo said. "We did not acqire Edwin Jackson to trade another starting pitcher. In spring training or before spring training, if a deal comes up we can't pass up that positively impacts our ball club, we'd certainly be open-minded to it.""
Edwin Jackson, Nationals agree to deal
February 2
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals have reached a one-year agreement with right-handed starter Edwin Jackson, who traveled to Washington this afternoon to receive a physical, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. Jackson, a hard-throwing 28-year-old, gives the Nationals a crowded rotation with seven qualified starting pitchers, but the they do not plan on making major changes to the complexion of their staff before spring training, a Nationals official said. The Nationals could ultimately look to trade John Lannan or Ross Detwiler but do not plan to not trade either before the start of spring training, the official said. The official also described talk of Lannan being shopped as "overblown.""
Nationals win out in John Lannan's arbitration hearing
February 2
MASNsports.com
 
"Since 2006, the Nationals have undergone seven arbitration hearings, winning five of the seven disputes. After today, you can chalk up another win for the Nationals. One day after holding an arbitration meeting with pitcher John Lannan, it's being reported the Nationals won out, meaning the left-hander will earn the Nationals' offer of $5 million in 2012. The meeting was held Wednesday to determine whether the left-hander would earn $5.7 million he and his CAA representatives requested in 2012, or the $5 million offered by the Nationals."
Nationals' farm system named best in baseball
February 2
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals received a jolt of validation today as Baseball America, known widely as a bible for prospects, named their farm system the best in all of baseball in its annual Prospect Handbook. The recognition came five years after the Nationals' system ranked 30th — dead last. "This is a huge day," General Manager Mike Rizzo said. "We should make a big deal of this. It's probably more important to me than a lot of other GMs." Rizzo, an executive who climbed the scouting ladder from the time his short-lived playing career ended, called the recognition "the epitome of a team award." He credited every level of the operation, from ownership for the financial commitment to sign draft picks to"
Nationals, John Lannan have arbitration hearing, will learn his 2012 salary on Thursday
February 2
Washington Post
 
"After the two sides could not settle on his 2012 salary, the Nationals and left-handed starter John Lannan completed an arbitration hearing Wednesday that will determine Lannan's raise for next season. The team will learn the results Thursday. The Nationals, like all teams, prefer to avoid arbitration trials, which typically include contentious negotiations with their own player. But the Nationals and Lannan could not determine a compromise after the Nationals filed for $5 million and Lannan asked for $5.7 million."
Nationals sign Chad Durbin to minor league contract
February 2
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Chad Durbin on a minor league contract and an invitation to spring training. Durbin, 34, pitched last season for the Cleveland Indians, where he appeared in 56 games and had a 5.53 ERA."
Sources: Playoff expansion has issues
February 1
ESPN.com
 
"Baseball commissioner Bud Selig continues to talk confidently about expanding the baseball playoff field in 2012. But sources tell ESPN.com efforts to make that happen remain bogged down, all because of one thorny little complication: the details. Wednesday was supposed to be the day the commissioner's office finished a proposed schedule for the 2012 postseason and shipped it to the players' association for consideration. But sources told ESPN.com that deadline wasn't going to be met -- not because talks have broken down, but because fitting two extra wild-card pieces into the postseason puzzle has proven to be more involved than the commissioner has been willing to acknowledge. The new"
Selig expects two one-game playoffs for this fall
January 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"Baseball appears ready for an extra round of wild-card playoffs by this fall, according to commissioner Bud Selig. "I really believe we'll have the (extra) wild card for this year," Selig said Friday at SoxFest. "Clubs really want it. I don't think I've ever seen an issue that the clubs want more than to have the extra wild card." The extra round would be one-game elimination in both the National and American Leagues to the teams who would have missed the playoffs as they are set up now. Some have argued for a best-of-three, but that appears impossible with the scheduled all but set for 2012."
Lidge: 'Disappointed' and 'excited'
January 27
CSN Philly
 
"About 10 days ago, Brad Lidge learned he wasn't in the Phillies' plans for 2012. Three days ago, he wanted to hear it for himself. He called general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. "Ruben was honest with me and I appreciate that," Lidge said hours after signing a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals on Thursday (see story). "I let him know I was disappointed, but at the same time I wished him luck. There are no hard feelings. It's part of the business.""
Lidge's days with Phils come to an end
January 27
Courier-Post
 
"At his best, Brad Lidge provided one of the most indelible images of the past three decades of Phillies history, closing out Game 5 of the 2008 World Series. At his worst, perhaps no player in recent memory was more roundly critiqued and criticized. After four years of heroics and frustration, Lidge's tenure with the Phillies officially came to an end Thursday when the closer inked a one-year deal with the division-rival Washington Nationals. Lidge's departure from Philadelphia seemed almost assured when the team declined a $12 million option for the 2012 season and declined to offer salary arbitration last month."
Brad Lidge adds wisdom, experience to Nationals' bullpen
January 27
Washington Times
 
"Brad Lidge has been to the top of the mountain — and on the bottom of the pile. He's been the man on the mound when the World Series championship is decided, the one spreading his arms, ready to receive a jubilant catcher after reaching the sport's pinnacle. And he's been to the depths of his profession. In a career that's spanned 10 major league seasons with the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies, Lidge is a pitcher who's struggled through injury, inconsistency and with overcoming one devastating home run swing."
The Nationals' pitching staff: Among the best in baseball?
January 27
Washington Post
 columnist Adam Kilgore
"The addition of Brad Lidge does not wholly change the complexion of the Nationals' pitching staff. It provides Nationals something important, sure. He is a veteran in a young bullpen, a World Series winner, a right-hander with a nasty slider. In the end, they have another option in seventh and eighth innings. But the signing of Lidge does make you stock of things, and things look pretty good for the Nationals. The composition of the rotation and bullpen will shake out in spring training – the final spot in the rotation will probably come down to John Lannan and Ross Detwlier, and both Ryan Mattheus and Ryan Perry will compete for a spot in the bullpen."
Brad Lidge, Nationals agree to terms
January 26
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals have agreed to terms with veteran reliever Brad Lidge on a one-year deal, the team announced. Lidge gives the Nationals' bullpen, already one of the best in baseball, a right-hander with a devastating slider and mountains of experience, including recording the final out of the 2008 World Series. Lidge, 35, was limited by a shoulder injury to 25 games last season with the Philadelphia Phillies. But in the 19 innings he pitched, Lidge allowed only three earned runs, striking out 23 and walking 13. "Brad is one of the more interesting teammates I've had," said Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth, who played with Lidge in Philadelphia. "Not your average athlete. Very intelligent on"
Brad Lidge signs 1-year deal with Nationals
January 26
CBSSports.com
 
"The Nationals have signed former Phillies closer Brad Lidge to a one-year deal, the team announced on Thursday. The 35-year-old Lidge appeared in just 25 games for the Phillies last season because of a shoulder injury. His 2010 was limited by an elbow injury. Lidge was 0-2 with a 1.40 ERA in those 25 games last season, but managed just 19 1/3 innings, striking out 23 and walking 13, putting up a WHIP of 1.500."
Nationals introduce Gio Gonzalez to Washington
January 26
Washington Post
 
"Gio Gonzalez had never been to Washington before Tuesday night, and he and his family wanted to see as much as they could. Gonzalez attended the Washington Capitals game, where an image of the Washington Nationals' newest attraction was flashed on the Jumbotron. That caught him off guard. Gonzalez and his family poured out of Verizon Center, intoxicated by the sights. He and his brother ran up the steps at the Lincoln Memorial and, even knowing the city was wrong, shouted "Rocky!" The Mall made them think of "Forrest Gump." When they saw the White House, they started quoting the movie "Independence Day.""
MLB allows retired Tony La Russa to manage in All-Star game against Ron Washington
January 25
Dallas Morning News
 
"Tony La Russa will come out of retirement to manage the National League team for the July 10 All-Star Game at Kansas City. La Russa will go against Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington, who will handle the American League team for the second consecutive season. La Russa retired shortly after St. Louis defeated the Rangers in the seven-game World Series."
Fielder to sign with Tigers; Nats still set at first base
January 25
Washington Times
 
"The mystery team pulled off another coup. With the Prince Fielder negotiations coming to a head Tuesday, it was not the Washington Nationals or the Texas Rangers or any of the other rumored favorites who secured the slugger. Instead it was the Detroit Tigers, the American League Central champions, who jumped into the race at the last minute and walked away with Fielder for a reported nine years and $214 million. "Our pockets are deep, but they are not that deep," Nationals manager Davey Johnson told reporters at the Baseball Assistance Team dinner in New York shortly after the news of Fielder's signing broke."
Washington Nationals' top 20 prospects from Baseball Prospectus
January 25
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals' farm system received a dent when the team traded four prospects in December for Gio Gonzalez, but it remains a strong system, especially in the lower levels. Today at Baseball Prospectus, Kevin Goldstein, one of the leading – and certainly the most entertaining – prospect experts takes stock of what remains, ranking the Nationals' Top 20 prospects."
Adam LaRoche not fazed by Prince Fielder rumors, happy to stay with Nationals
January 25
Washington Post
 
"Adam LaRoche possesses a laidback temperament, the kind of demeanor that ensures the Nationals will not have to worry about him following their pursuit of Prince Fielder. LaRoche wanted to remain the Nationals' first baseman, and he's happy now that he knows with certainty that he will. But he also spent more time this offseason sitting in a deer stand than worrying about the effect Fielder may have on his future. "I can't say I cared about it," LaRoche said. "I didn't lose any sleep over it. It would have obviously been a disappointment. I think everybody knows we're turning the corner right now, and I wanted to be a part of that. "I understand why stuff like that happens. I wouldn't have"
If Nats want Fielder, now may be perfect
January 24
Foxsports.com
 
"The Prince Fielder sweepstakes finally are nearing conclusion, according to major league sources. The Nationals remain a leading contender for the free-agent first baseman, if not the outright favorite. Which is as it should be. The Nats can get by without Fielder, playing Adam LaRoche at first for one more season, then acquiring a center fielder and moving left fielder Michael Morse to first in 2013. Some members of the Nats' ownership actually would prefer such a plan, sources say; the team committed $126 million to free-agent outfielder Jayson Werth last offseason and soon might award another major contract to third baseman Ryan Zimmerman."
Nats should save a princely sum and pass on Fielder
January 24
Washington Times
 columnist Dick Heller
"Let's say it in one simple sentence: The Nats would be nuts to sign Prince Fielder. Nuts as in crazy, insane, daft, wacko, bonkers, loco, mad, et al. For one thing, they don't really need him. For another, such a free agent signing at $150 million or so could seriously impact the Nationals' chances of getting Ryan Zimmerman's name on a long-term contract extension."
Prince Fielder aside, few questions remain for the Nationals
January 24
Washington Post
 
"With Washington Nationals pitchers and catchers scheduled to report Feb. 19, less than a month remains before actual baseball revs up again. The Nationals' roster is still defined by the enormous question of whether or not they will sign Prince Fielder. (And on that front, there's "no news" at the moment, one Nationals official said.) The acquisition of Fielder, though, would be more of a luxury than an immediate need; the Nationals, of course, have two capable first basemen for this season in Adam LaRoche and Michael Morse. As their offseason winds down, what do the Nationals need?"
Nationals, Prince Fielder remain in talks
January 24
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals are among a handful of teams still working on signing free agent Prince Fielder, a person familiar with the negotiations said. The sides have yet to reach a deal but remain in communication. The Nationals have been connected to Fielder for weeks, with the owners meeting with Fielder's representative, Scott Boras, on multiple occasions. The Texas Rangers have been the team most commonly regarded as a suitor for Fielder, but another potential landing spot has emerged for Fielder, and one that could pique the Nationals' interest: the Baltimore Orioles."
Sources: Nationals know Zimmerman's price
January 24
Foxsports.com
 
"As the Nationals talk to free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder, they face a significant contractual decision on one of their own players – third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. Zimmerman has informed the team of the exact terms he would accept long-term, according to one major-league source. He has said in the past that he does not want to sign an extension that would restrict the club from making other moves. Contract negotiations are fluid, but two other sources suggest that an agreement between Zimmerman and the Nationals is within reach. Zimmerman, 27, is under contract for $12 million in 2012 and $14 million in 2013. After that, he is eligible for free agency."
The latest Prince Fielder chatter around the league
January 22
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals have stayed quiet for some time on Prince Fielder. General Manager Mike Rizzo has been declining comment on a near-daily basis for the past week or so, even deciding against taking questions from reporters when the team announced Gio Gonzalez's contract extension. Other efforts to get the Nationals' perspective on their pursuit of Fielder have come up empty, too. There have been no signs, at least publicly, that the wait for Fielder to sign is much closer to ending. But a few executives across the league have been weighing in on the Fielder sweepstakes. Here's the latest: >>> Today in Baltimore, Orioles GM Dan Duquette indicated to reporters, including MASN.com, that the"
Michael Morse signs two-year extension with Washington Nationals
January 21
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals rewarded Michael Morse for his breakout 2011 season today, signing the right-handed slugger to a multiyear agreement, the team announced. The sides agreed on a two-year extension, a person with knowledge of the deal said, avoiding arbitration through the 2013 season, at which point Morse will be eligible for free agency. Update, 7:26 p.m.: Another person with knowledge of the agreement said the deal is worth $10.5 million. Since the Nationals only bought out Morse's remaining arbitration-eligible seasons, the contract does not significantly change the relationship between the team and Morse. Morse's deal should also have little-to-no effect on the status of the Nationals'"
Nationals, Michael Morse agree to 2-year extension
January 21
Washington Times
 
"The Washington Nationals agreed on a two-year contract extension with Michael Morse on Friday afternoon, thereby avoiding salary arbitration for the final two years of the slugger's existing contract. The Associated Press reported the deal was worth $10.5 million. The length and financial terms of the extension were not disclosed by the team but a source confirmed to The Washington Times that it was a two-year deal. The deal was agreed on prior to Tuesday's noon deadline for teams to come to terms or exchange figures for salary arbitration and was contingent on Morse passing a physical. Morse and the Nationals both filed figures with the league office — Morse at $5 million and the"
Nationals, Michael Morse agree to 2-year extension
January 20
Washington Times
 
"The Washington Nationals agreed on a two-year contract extension with Michael Morse on Friday afternoon, thereby avoiding salary arbitration for the final two years of the slugger's existing contract. The Associated Press reported the deal was worth $10.5 million. The length and financial terms of the extension were not disclosed by the team but a source confirmed to The Washington Times that it was a two-year deal. It was agreed on prior to Tuesday's noon deadline for teams to come to terms or exchange figures for salary arbitration and was contingent on Morse passing a physical. Morse and the Nationals both filed figures with the league office — Morse at $5 million and the Nationals at"
Nationals are building for years to come
January 20
Washington Times
 columnist Deron Snyder
"With only three games remaining before the NFL season wraps up (no, the Pro Bowl doesn't count), baseball will take the stage shortly, when spring training begins just ahead of March Madness. We still don't know if Prince Fielder will be among the Washington Nationals reporting to Viera, Fla., but at least pitcher Gio Gonzalez will be settling in for a while. Signing Gonzalez to a contract extension that bought out his four years of arbitration, and potentially three years of free agency, involved some risk for both parties. But the strategy helped the Cleveland Indians become a perennial powerhouse in the mid-'90s, winning five consecutive AL Central titles and six in seven years."
The Nationals look like Prince Fielder favorites
January 20
Washington Post
 columnist Adam Kilgore
"My instant analysis from last night concerning the effect of Yu Darvish's contract on Prince Fielder already seems woefully wrong. I still liked the Rangers' chances to land Fielder, and then Rangers General Manager Jon Daniels said of signing him, "I'm intimately aware of our budget, and it's very unlikely." I still believe the Rangers have gobs of television money and people who are smart and creative enough in their front office to dance around budget constraints. And hitting at Rangers Ballpark, surrounded by that lineup, has to be enticing for Fielder. I'm still not totally counting Texas out. But that is one undeniably strong statement by Daniels."
Nats, Zimmerman in talks for extension
January 19
MLB.com
 
"Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman made it clear recently that he wants to stay with Nationals for the rest of his career. Zimmerman's current contract has two years and $26 million remaining. But according to two baseball sources, the Nats and agent Brodie Van Wagenen were discussing an extension for Zimmerman. This news comes on the heels of Washington's attempt to acquire free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder. It's not known how the discussions went between Zimmerman and the team. Neither Zimmerman, Van Wagenen nor general manager Mike Rizzo was available for comment on contract talks. However, back in December, Zimmerman indicated that he wants to be with the Nationals when they start"
Nationals' negotiations with MASN will have huge impact on franchise
January 19
Washington Post
 
"When the Lerner family bought the Washington Nationals from Major League Baseball in 2006, the team came with a unique television contract, one that intertwined them with Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos and the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network. To persuade Angelos to drop his firm stance against a team in Washington, the league struck a TV deal in which Angelos held the advantage. Television contracts and the money generated from media rights fees have become a crucial factor in how baseball teams are run. Along with ticket sales, they are a team's primary form of income, and in recent years the fees across sports have skyrocketed. The Lerners have never had a say on their arrangement"
Nationals will play twice on ESPN's 'Sunday Night Baseball'
January 19
Washington Post
 
"In another sign of their rising national profile, the Nationals will appear on ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball" this season for the first time since opening day 2008, the night Nationals Park opened. The Nationals will appear twice in the first eight Sunday night telecasts, according to an ESPN press release. They will play the Phillies at home on May 6, and on May 27 the Nationals will play at Atlanta. Both games, like all Sunday night broadcasts, are scheduled for 8 p.m."
A look at where the Nationals' payroll stands
January 19
Washington Post
 
"After yesterday's arbitration-avoiding deals and exchanging of figure, the Nationals have their clearest picture yet of their 2012 payroll, or at least what it will look like without Prince Fielder. They still need to determine 2012 salaries for John Lannan and Michael Morse, both of whomthey filed salary figures against. For these purposes, let's assume they win the $5.7 million and $5 million they filed for, the most-expensive case for the Nats. Based on some back-of-the-envelope arithmetic, then, the Nationals' 2012 payroll sits at a little less than $75 million at the moment."
Fielder still available as days dwindle before spring training
January 18
Washington Times
 
"In the past few days, the Washington Nationals have been busy with housekeeping. They've extended Gio Gonzalez, a $42 million outlay that'll keep the left-hander in Washington through at least 2016. They've given hefty raises to Jordan Zimmermann and Tyler Clippard in their first years of arbitration, and they boosted the salaries of lefty Tom Gorzelanny and catcher Jesus Flores with modest raises as well. They've left themselves a little work to do with left-hander John Lannan and slugger Michael Morse, who failed to agree to salary terms before Tuesday's deadline for an exchange of arbitration figures. Lannan asked for $5.7 million in arbitration and the Nationals countered at $5"
Nationals avoid arbitration with Jordan Zimmermann, Tom Gorzelanny
January 18
Washington Post
 
"As the noon deadline approaches before arbitration-eligible players and teams exchange figures, the Nationals reached one-year deals with right-hander Jordan Zimmermann and left-hander Tom Gorzelanny, avoiding arbitration with both pitchers. Zimmermann, a core piece of the Nationals' future, seemed like a strong candidate for a multi-year extension, similar to the five-year deal the Nationals reached with lefty Gio Gonzalez on Sunday. The Nationals' one-year agreement with him does not preclude them revisiting a potential long-term deal with Zimmermann this offseason."
Nationals fail to reach deals with John Lannan, Michael Morse
January 18
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals could not reach settlements with two of their seven arbitration-eligible players, starter John Lannan and outfielder Michael Morse, by today's deadline. The team therefore filed salary arbitration figures for the 2012 season with the players, a step that could lead to arbitration hearings, a nasty process the Nationals prefer to avoid. To be clear, both Lannan and Morse will play for the Nationals next season barring a trade. The arbitration process merely determines their salary."
Nationals agree to terms with Jesus Flores, have five arbitration-eligible players to go
January 17
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals avoided arbitration with catcher Jesus Flores by agreeing to terms on a one-year contract, the team announced. Flores will earn $815,000 in 2012, a raise of $65,000 from last year, plus up to $50,000 in performance bonuses based on games played. Flores, 27, appeared in 30 games last year with the Nationals after missing all of 2010 and most of 2009 with a torn labrum. Flores hit .209/.253/.314 in 91 plate appearances and showed improvement behind the plate as he regained arm strength. The Nationals plan on Flores serving as Wilson Ramos's backup this season."
Report: Washington Nationals seriously pursuing free agent Prince Fielder
January 16
Dallas Morning News
 
"If the Rangers were hoping every other serious contender had bowed out of the race for Prince Fielder, they're out of luck. An unidentified source tole MLB.com's Bill Ladson that the Nationals are still heavily pursuing free agent Prince Fielder, and appear to be one of the few teams in serious talks with the first baseman. The source told Ladson that the most likely suitors for Fielder are the Nationals, Rangers and Marlins, and that the Cubs and Mariners, widely rumored to be interested in Fielder, aren't serious contenders at this point."
Nationals, Gio Gonzalez agree on 5-year extension
January 16
Washington Times
 
"In the 23 days since the Washington Nationals acquired left-handed starter Gio Gonzalez, his new team has welcomed him with open arms. They've called; they've texted; they've done everything they can to ensure that Gonzalez is as excited about joining the Nationals as they are about adding him. That level of comfort went a long way Sunday when the Nationals announced a five-year contract extension for Gonzalez. The deal, which bought out Gonzalez's four arbitration years, also added the 2016 season to his contract and included team options for 2017 and '18. "Gio's ample talents are well-known and chronicled," Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said in a statement. "Today's extension was"
Washington Nationals extend Gio Gonzalez contract through at least 2016
January 16
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Nationals made a long-term commitment to their biggest offseason acquisition, signing left-handed pitcher Gio Gonzalez to a contract extension through the 2016 season with team options for 2017 and 2018. The extension, which the Associated Press reported was worth $42 million, will cover Gonzalez's four arbitration-eligible seasons, as well as at least the first of three seasons of being eligible for free agency."
Nats still in running to land free-agent Fielder
January 15
MLB.com
 
"The Nationals continue to be in the Prince Fielder sweepstakes, although the club is not willing to give the free-agent first baseman a 10-year deal like the one that first baseman Albert Pujols got from the Angels, according to a baseball source. It appears that the Nationals are, however, willing to give Fielder a no-trade clause. An industry source believes that the Nationals want to give Fielder a six- or seven-year deal. The length of the contract was also a problem when the Nationals were trying to sign left-hander Mark Buehrle. The club wanted to give him a three-year deal, but Buehrle ended up signing a four-year, $58 million contract with the Marlins. The source also said the"
Prince Fielder deal could cement Nationals-Scott Boras marriage, for better or worse
January 14
Washington Post
 columnist Thomas Boswell
"If the Washington Nationals sign Prince Fielder but don't extend the contract of Ryan Zimmerman whose deal runs out after two more seasons, then by Opening Day 2014 almost the entire Washington starting lineup — seven players — may be clients of agent Scott Boras. These pieces would fit together ideally, putting each player in his natural place in the batting order and in his preferred defensive position, while creating a balanced lineup that combines speed, power and hitting from both sides of the plate. So many of the players would be young, the total Nats payroll might remain at mere mid-market levels. And with just a few sane contract extensions to non-Boras pitchers, this entire team"
Yoenis Cespedes debuts in Dominican, leaves Nationals off suitor list
January 14
Washington Post
 
"In an interview with the Associated Press, center fielder and Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes excluded the Nationals from a list of potential suitors once his paperwork to attain a visa and become a free agent processes. Thursday night, Cespedes debuted in the Dominican Winter League for Aguilas Cibaenas, going 0 for 3 with three strikeouts and a hit by pitch. Cespedes told the AP he has received the most interest from the Marlins, Cubs, White Sox, Orioles, Tigers and Indians. The fact that Cespedes, a 26-year-old power hitter who could play in the majors right away, did not name the Nationals does not mean Washington will not be in play. The Nationals have tracked Cespedes for years and"