Washington Nationals Trade Rumors

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 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 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 ..."
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 ..."
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 ..."
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 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 ..."
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 ..."
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 ..."
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
Comment
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
Comment
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 ..."
Nats among final three for reliever Capps
Comment
December 22
Foxsports.com
 (scroll down)
"The Nationals might actually be on a roll. Not only are the Nats set to announce a two-year deal with free-agent right-hander Jason Marquis, but they also are one of three finalists for free-agent reliever Matt Capps. "They came out of nowhere," said Capps' agent, Paul Kinzer. "Going in, we weren't even considering them. But they're right there. They'll be in the last conversation, I know.""
Nats sign Jason Marquis
Comment
December 21
Washington Examiner
 
"The Nationals will sign Jason Marquis, according to MASN. The Phillies and Mets were other clubs reportedly in the mix for the 31-year-old righty. Back on December 15th, Marquis explained to MLB.com's Bill Ladson that he found the ability to mentor the Nats' young pitching staff appealing. Marquis racked up 216 innings for the Rockies this year with a 4.04 ERA, 4.8 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, and 55.6% groundball rate."
Tigers, Nats take serious look at Capp
Comment
December 18
Foxsports.com
 (scroll down)
"Reliever Matt Capps continues to be a hot free agent. "I always felt like there would be some demand," said Capps' agent, Paul Kinzer. "But nothing like we've had." Kinzer said that Capps plans to select five or six finalists by the weekend, then make his decision. Only three teams are still looking for closers -- the Nationals, Tigers and Capps' former team, the Pirates. Capps, 26, also could accept a setup role with a contending club, Kinzer said."
Nats GM attends Chapman's workout
Comment
December 16
MLB.com
 
"Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo went to Houston on Tuesday to watch left-hander Aroldis Chapman work out, according to a baseball source. According to Gene Duffey, an MLB.com contributor, Chapman had a bullpen session in the morning and impressed scouts with his velocity. Rizzo was not available for comment. Chapman, 21, became a free agent after he defected from the Cuban National Team on July 3."
15 teams watch Chapman throw
Comment
December 15
ESPN.com
 
"Fomer Cuban national team starting pitcher Aroldis Chapman threw a bullpen session on Tuesday in Houston in front of representatives from 15 major league teams. On Tuesday morning at the Baseball USA complex, the left-hander tossed two separate five-minute side sessions, throwing mostly in the 92-93 mph range and topping out at 96 mph. Chapman, 21, also threw his slider and change-up. Team representatives who attended included Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade, Los Angeles Angels scouting director Eddie Bane, Florida Marlins vice president of player development Jim Fleming, Pittsburgh Pirates international scouting director Rene Gayo, and Baltimore Orioles international scouting ..."
Market won't deter Nats
Comment
December 10
Washington Times
 
"The Washington Nationals worked into the night Wednesday at baseball's winter meetings having yet to acquire the veteran pitcher they placed at the top of their offseason wish list. But as options continued to be plucked off the market at prices higher than most observers expected, the Nationals maintained a sense of calm about their pursuits. Milwaukee signed free agent Randy Wolf to a three-year, $29.75 million deal Wednesday, shaking up a crowded market for the second tier of veteran pitchers. Texas landed Rich Harden for $7.5 million in 2010 and an $11 million club option for 2011 shortly after it shipped Kevin Millwood, who will earn $12 million in 2010, to Baltimore. Those moves ..."
In Cleveland, Acta's stock still climbing
Comment
December 10
Washington Times
 
"The man the Washington Nationals once hired as the hottest young manager in baseball sat at his Florida home this summer. A television was his only connection to the game that sustained him, gave him a reason to learn English and brought him from the dirt fields of the Dominican Republic to the cathedrals of the major leagues. And in those months, everything Manny Acta had built was tested. During his 2 1/2 seasons with the Nationals, Acta received ringing endorsements from Jim Leyland and Bobby Cox, made hundreds of friends and won a reputation as a sharp baseball mind who had a touch for relating to players. But those attributes couldn't stand up to the mammoth rebuilding effort Acta ..."
Nats will select Kroenke first in Rule 5
Comment
December 10
Washington Times
 
"The Nationals will take Yankees reliever Zach Kroenke first overall in the Rule 5 draft on Thursday and offer him back to New York as the player to be named later in the trade that sent Brian Bruney to Washington, according to a source familiar with discussions. Washington still has to open up a spot on its 40-man roster by midnight to make the pick, so expect another player to be released by then. Kroenke's value to the Yankees increased this week after they traded left-hander Phil Coke in the three-team deal that brought Curtis Granderson to New York. He could find work on the team as a lefty specialist next season, and there has been enough interest in the 25-year-old that the Yankees ..."
Nats seek starting pitching
Comment
December 10
Washington Post
 
"The talent gap separating the Washington Nationals from prosperity -- that realm where September determines the playoff race, rather than the draft order -- can be measured with one word, the simplest and most significant in baseball: pitching. The Nationals, right now, don't have enough of it. They know they need more of it. They'll likely spend much of their remaining offseason chasing it, and whatever they get still might not be enough. Talent evaluators familiar with Washington's system agree that the Nationals won't contend for respectability, much less a playoff spot, without upgrading their pitching -- especially their starting staff. The Nationals last season relied on a group of ..."
Nats believe signing of Rodríguez will prove beneficial
Comment
December 9
Washington Post
 
"The most surprising free agent signing from the winter meeting's opening 48 hours registered first as a four-syllable double-take -- the Nats signed Pudge? -- and shortly after as a lively parlor debate, everybody trading opinions on whether the Washington Nationals had filled a need or burned their money. By the accounts of some baseball executives, Washington's two-year, $6 million deal with Iván Rodríguez, the future Hall of Fame catcher, was about one year longer and $4 million richer than warranted. Rodríguez is 38. He's coming off the poorest offensive season of his career. No other team in baseball, according to several sources, was offering a multiyear deal. But Rodríguez, despite ..."
Nats interested in Padilla
Comment
December 8
Washington Post
 
"We've got about two minutes here before the media convenes for its daily session with GM Mike Rizzo, so my apologies for the brevity. Just a few items here. * This, from Sheinin: The Nats have interest in free agent pitcher Vicente Padilla, according to a source familiar with discussions. Various news reports mention at least a half-dozen teams that are interested in the righty, and no agreement appears imminent; it's all tire-kicking, for now. But add Padilla to the list of veteran starters that Washington might be gunning for. Padilla, of course, is coming off a strange season in which he was both designated for assignment (ending his time with the Rangers) and picked up by the Dodgers, ..."
Nats sign free agent Ivan Rodriguez
Comment
December 8
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Nationals' bid to add a back-up catcher ended Monday night with the acquisition of free agent Ivan Rodriguez, a future Hall of Famer whose stature and salary suggests a significant role, according to a team source. Rodriguez, 38, who signed a two-year, $6 million deal, will fill a major need for the Nationals, backing up catcher Jesus Flores, who is recovering from a serious right shoulder injury. If Flores is not ready for the regular season, Rodriguez will be able to play regularly. Rodriguez spent last season with the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, hitting .249 with 10 home runs in 425 at bats. During his prime, he was known as an extraordinary defensive catcher who ..."
Clubs eyeing Putz
Comment
December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"Free agent reliever J.J. Putz is drawing interest from a number of teams, including the Cubs, White Sox, Diamondbacks, Rangers, Nationals and Tigers, major league sources said late Monday night. Putz recently held a throwing session for scouts in Arizona. He is seeking to re-establish himself as a late-inning presence, after having surgery to remove a bone spur from his right (throwing) elbow earlier this year. Putz had a 5.22 ERA for the Mets this season and didn't pitch after June 4. He was an All-Star closer as recently as 2007 before averaging only 38 innings over the past two seasons because of injuries/"
Nats add reliever Brian Bruney
Comment
December 7
Washington Examiner
 
"Not exactly a blockbuster deal. But the Nats have at least kicked off Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings with a trade. They acquired right-handed relief pitcher Brian Bruney from the Yankees for — nothing. At least for now. The old player-to-be-named-later deal means New York's part of the deal will be consumated later. The Nats had to release reliever Saul Rivera to make room on their 40-man roster for Bruney. The 27-year-old was 5-0 with 14 holds and a 3.92 ERA for the Yankees in 2009. He is 8-0 with 26 holds and a 2.95 ERA over the last two seasons. Nats GM MIke Rizzo is familiar with Bruney, who pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2004 and 2005 when Rizzo was with that ..."
Mets going after Willingham, Rivera to fill left-field hole
Comment
December 7
New York Post
 
"Fearing the market for Jason Bay and Matt Holliday will soar beyond their financial parameters, the Mets have intensified their pursuit of the Nationals' Josh Willingham and the Angels' Juan Rivera to fill their left field hole, the Post has learned. The Mets have planned to use the Winter Meetings to talk more seriously to the representatives for Bay and Holliday. But the Mets' concern is that they have to spend a significant amount on a left fielder they will have meager dollars left to find a catcher, starting pitcher and a reliever or two. So they have been looking into more cost-effective ways to solve their need for a run-producing bat in left field. Rivera has two years at $9.5 ..."
Yankees trade Brian Bruney to Washington Nationals for player to be named later
Comment
December 7
New York Daily News
 
"The Yankees have traded righthander Brian Bruney to the Nationals for a player to be named later. Bruney, who earned $1.25 million last season, is eligible for arbitration. Bruney, who is in Texas on a hunting trip with Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner and some friends, received the news Monday afternoon from his agent, Terry Bross. "I'm not disappointed at all," Bruney told the Daily News in a telephone interview. "In baseball, you know you can get traded at any point. It's part of the business. You have to make the most of every opportunity." That opportunity could include a shot at the closer's job, as the Nationals are expected to non-tender Mike McDougal later this week. "Hopefully ..."
Nationals plan to stay patient this offseason
Comment
December 7
Washington Times
 
"The Washington Nationals' brain trust convenes Monday in Indianapolis for baseball's winter meetings with the same patient confidence they've had the entire offseason, something that seems out of place on baseball's worst team but could be wholly justified given the progress they've already made reshaping a ramshackle leadership structure. General manager Mike Rizzo has, by his count, hired more than a dozen baseball people to burnish a front office that was undermanned and sometimes wayward during former GM Jim Bowden's tenure. Among the additions are former Atlanta Braves scouting director Roy Clark (the Nationals' new vice president of player personnel), ex-Pittsburgh Pirates ..."
The Nationals' shopping list
Comment
December 7
Washington Times
 
"As the winter meetings begin Monday, the Nationals have identified several areas where they'll be looking to improve their roster. Here is a closer look at each of them: STARTING PITCHING This is the biggest area of need for the Nationals. They would like to add one arm or possibly two at the right price who could eat innings and take some stress off their young starters. There are a few semiattractive candidates, including Jon Garland and Rich Harden, a pair of starters who wouldn't cost the Nationals a draft pick because they weren't offered arbitration. Garland is only 30 and Harden is just 28, and both could be in the Nationals' price range. But nothing likely will be decided with any ..."
Source: 'Mutual interest' for Smoltz, Nats
Comment
December 5
Foxsports.com
 
"Could Mr. Smoltz be headed to Washington? The odds would appear long, but the Nationals are among the clubs talking to free-agent right-hander John Smoltz. "There is mutual sincere interest," said one source with knowledge of the discussions. Nationals president Stan Kasten, who previously was with the Braves, is a longtime admirer of Smoltz, who spent most of his career in Atlanta. Smoltz, 42, almost certainly would prefer to sign with a National League contender rather than the Nationals, who lost 103 games last season and finished last in the NL East."
Nats fill out coaching staff
Comment
November 21
Washington Times
 
"The Washington Nationals named their coaching staff for 2010 on Friday, bringing back three members of the 2009 staff and adding a trio of connections from manager Jim Riggleman's past jobs in baseball. Rick Eckstein (hitting coach), Pat Listach (third-base coach) and Steve McCatty (pitching coach) return in their 2009 roles. John McLaren, for whom Riggleman worked in Seattle in 2008, will be the bench coach. Riggleman is also bringing Jim Lett, who'd worked with him on the Dodgers' coaching staff, to be the bullpen coach. Dan Radison, who was on Riggleman's staffs in San Diego and Chicago, will be the first-base coach. The 2010 staff will be more of a veteran group than anything former ..."
Strasburg won't need surgery
Comment
November 21
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Nationals were never so happy to hear the words "patellar subluxation" as they were Friday night, when they received word of that diagnosis -- essentially a dislocated kneecap -- in the left knee of prized phenom Stephen Strasburg, who was injured Thursday prior to an Arizona Fall League game. The news means the 21-year-old right-hander will avoid surgery and should have no trouble being ready for spring training in February. "It was the best result that we could have hoped for," General Manager Mike Rizzo said Friday evening from his office at Nationals Park. "It's something where he just has to rest and follow a physical therapy regimen to strengthen all the ligaments ..."
Strasburg scratched from championship start
Comment
November 20
Washington Times
 
"The Washington Nationals said No. 1 overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg has a twisted left knee and was scratched from his start in the Arizona Fall League championship game. Strasburg was hurt during a workout Thursday, and an MRI exam showed inflammation. He is scheduled to travel to Los Angeles Friday to be examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum. The Nationals issued a news release saying Strasburg's injury "is not considered serious." The title game is Saturday. Strasburg also was held out of a scheduled start in the Arizona Fall League Rising Stars game Nov. 7 because of a strained neck muscle. The San Diego State right-hander signed a record $15.1 million contract after being the top pick in ..."
Strasburg hurts knee, out of Saturday's AFL title game
Comment
November 20
Washington Post
 
"Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals' prized pitching phenom, twisted his left knee while shagging flies during batting practice before the Phoenix Desert Dogs' regular season finale in the Arizona Fall League on Thursday, and has been scratched from Saturday's scheduled start in the AFL championship game, the team said in a news release Thursday night. According to the release, the injury is not considered serious, and an MRI exam taken shortly after the incident showed only "inflammation." Still, Strasburg is scheduled to fly to Los Angeles on Friday to be examined by orthopedist Lewis Yocum. Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo did not immediately return voice and text messages seeking ..."
Nationals hire McLaren as bench coach
Comment
November 18
Washington Times
 
"The Washington Nationals hired John McLaren as bench coach, the first staff change since Jim Riggleman took over as permanent manager, a club source confirmed. McLaren, 58, was manager of the Seattle Mariners in 2007 and 2008, posting a combined 68-88 record before getting fired and replaced by his bench coach, who at the time was Riggleman. McLaren will replace Pat Corrales, who had reassumed his position as bench coach in July after Manny Acta was fired and replaced by Riggleman. Corrales is expected to remain with the Nationals in another capacity."
Nationals interested in John Lackey
Comment
November 18
MLB.com
 
"The Nationals are one of several teams who have expressed interest in free agent right-hander John Lackey, according to a baseball source. The team is reportedly in competition with the Angels, Red Sox, Yankees and Mets for his services. The Nationals are looking for an ace who can tutor pitchers such as John Lannan, Ross Detwiler and Stephen Strasburg. Washington has been looking for this type of pitcher since after the Trade Deadine. It ended up signing right-hander Livan Hernandez in late August. While he did a god job for the Nationals, it's less than 50-50 that he will return to the club. Lackey, who is 31-years old, has played his entire eight-year career with the Angels. He ..."
Interest in Wagner still strong
Comment
November 16
Foxsports.com
 
"Teams would have to surrender a draft pick in order to sign Billy Wagner, but interest in the left-hander remains strong. Bean Stringfellow, Wagner's agent, said Monday that eight clubs have called to express interest in Wagner, a Type A free agent. "The best way to put it," Stringfellow said, "is that the teams that called are aware that he's a Type A free agent, and they're calling anyway." Boston, Atlanta, Washington, Houston and Baltimore are on the list, according to Stringfellow, along with three teams that preferred to remain anonymous. Of that group, Stringfellow said only the Red Sox — Wagner's most recent team — would slot him in a role other than closing. The unnamed teams are ..."
Nats drawing interest in Willingham
Comment
November 15
Foxsports.com
 
"The Nationals again are drawing strong trade interest in left fielder Josh Willingham. Whether they are willing to move him is another question. Willingham, 30, produced a career-high .863 OPS last season, hitting 24 home runs in 427 at-bats. His offense would be difficult for the Nats to replace. The Braves, looking for a right-handed power hitter, like Willingham but harbor concerns about his defense and past back troubles. Willingham might be a better fit in the American League, where he could be used as a DH. The Nats control Willingham for two more seasons. He earned $2.95 million last season, and his salary likely will rise to the $4.5 million to $5 million range in his second year ..."
Nationals keeping Riggleman as manager
Comment
November 12
Washington Times
 
"The Washington Nationals selected Jim Riggleman as their 2010 manager, promoting the former interim skipper to the full-time position. Riggleman was informed of the decision Wednesday, according to multiple club sources. A news conference is scheduled for Thursday afternoon to announce the move. Riggleman, who owns a career record of 555-694 with one playoff berth in parts of 10 seasons as a big league manager, appeared to be the front-runner for some time out of a pool of candidates that included former major league skippers Bobby Valentine and Bob Melvin, plus former All-Star first baseman Don Mattingly. The Rockville native, 57, was well-respected by Washington players and staff members ..."
Riggleman looks like leader for Nats managing job
Comment
November 11
SI.com
 (scroll down)
"Interim manager Jim Riggleman appears to be the favorite to get the Nationals job. It's somewhat unusual to have conducted a full search complete with several interviews and still return to hire the interim manager, but Nationals people always seemed very comfortable with Riggleman. Nats' GM Mike Rizzo said they expect to make a managing hire this week. Rizzo declined to say Riggleman was getting the job, but signs are pointing that way. Turnaround expert Bobby Valentine is among others to have interviewed for the job."
Valentine a finalist to be Nats manager
Comment
November 10
Foxsports.com
 
"The Nationals, down to two finalists for their managerial vacancy, expect to make a decision by the end of the week, general manager Mike Rizzo said Monday night. Interim manager Jim Riggleman is one of the finalists, Rizzo said. Bobby Valentine is the other, according to major-league sources. The Nationals have hired former Mets and Orioles manager Davey Johnson as a senior advisor and Bryan Minnitti, the Pirates' director of baseball operations, as Rizzo's assistant GM. The Nats still plan to hire one more front office executive, but the managerial opening remains the team's largest piece of unfinished off-field business. Riggleman appears to be the favorite. The Nationals went 33-42 ..."
Strained muscle sidelines Strasburg
Comment
November 7
Washington Times
 
"Top Washington Nationals pitching prospect Stephen Strasburg was scratched from his scheduled start in Saturday's Arizona Fall League Rising Stars Game because of a neck strain. Strasburg, the top pick in June's draft, was slated to start the exhibition, which pits the best AFL prospects against one another and will be televised by MLB Network. The Nationals said the decision to scratch Strasburg was precautionary. He woke up Wednesday with a stiff neck, then was examined Friday and diagnosed with a strained muscle."
Acta, Mills get second Astros interviews
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October 22
MLB.com
 
"Former Nationals manager Manny Acta and Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills both interviewed Wednesday for a second time with the Astros for the managerial position than became open when Cecil Cooper was dismissed last month. Acta, who was fired in July after 2 1/2 seasons as manager of the Nationals, and Mills were two of 10 men to interview with the Astros during a six-day span ending Monday. Houston general manager Ed Wade confirmed Acta interviewed with the front office, including owner Drayton McLane. "Manny came to town and had an opportunity to sit with us and sit with our group, including Drayton," Wade said. Acta arrived in Houston from Cleveland, where he interviewed Tuesday for the ..."
Nats weigh managerial candidates
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October 22
Washington Post
 
"As their managerial search gains traction, the Washington Nationals have compiled a list of candidates that includes Los Angeles Dodgers bench coach Don Mattingly and former big league managers Bobby Valentine and Bob Melvin. Mattingly told reporters on Tuesday that he's been approached by the Nationals, who are interested in an interview. Sources both within and outside the organization confirmed the interest in Valentine and Melvin, though certainly the team's list goes deeper than three. "I told [Nationals GM] Mike [Rizzo] to call me back after our season's over," said Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti. "[Mattingly] is tremendously valued in our organization, both professionally and ..."