Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Strasburg scratched from championship start

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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November 11

SI.com

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"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

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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

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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 ..."

Ex-Nationals manager Manny Acta among the Indians' candidates to replace Wedge

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October 15

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Former Washington Nationals manager Manny Acta is one of the candidates to replace Eric Wedge as manager of the Indians. Acta told The Plain Dealer Wednesday evening that he already went through a phone interview with General Manager Mark Shapiro earlier this week. Acta also will interview with Houston on Friday for their managerial opening. "I'm excited and honored to be part of this process," Acta said. "This team was only one game away from the World Series two years ago. They have lost some pieces, but I think things are going to be very exciting in Cleveland very soon. We are still very early in the process and I have to respect that process." Acta managed the Nationals for three ..."

Nats' MacDougal has surgery on hip

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October 14

Washington Times

"Washington Nationals closer Mike MacDougal underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right hip Tuesday in Vail, Colo., repairing an injury that hampered the right-hander during the last week of the regular season. MacDougal is expected to begin a throwing program in six to eight weeks and should be ready for spring training. The 32-year-old, who saved 20 games in 52 appearances with the Nationals this season and posted a 3.60 ERA, is entering his final year of arbitration. He is the likely pick to be the Nationals' closer next season, though the team could pursue other options this winter to add depth to a spot at which MacDougal was inconsistent late in the year."

Melvin joins list of managerial candidates

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October 12

MLB.com

"Bob Melvin, the 2007 National League Manager of the Year with the Arizona Diamondbacks, confirmed on Monday he will interview with the Astros this week for their vacant managerial position. Melvin is the latest in growing list of candidates who will be given interviews, including Boston Red Sox first-base coach Tim Bogar, bench coach Brad Mills, former Washington Nationals manager Manny Acta and Astros interim manager Dave Clark. Astros general manager Ed Wade on Monday confirmed Bogar, Mills and Acta would interview later this week, along with Astros Minor League field coordinator Al Pedrique. Clark will be among one of two candidates to interview on Wednesday. "It's obviously a great ..."

Looking Ahead, Guzmán Could Be a Second Option

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September 12

Washington Post

"Through 10 big league seasons and 1,225 games started, Cristian Guzmán knew only one spot on the field, shortstop. He never even contemplated an alternative. But on Thursday, those in charge of Guzmán's future -- General Manager Mike Rizzo and interim manager Jim Riggleman -- brought the shortstop into an office and met with him briefly to open a new possibility. The Washington Nationals, potentially, want to move Guzmán to second base in 2010. For now, the move remains only a possibility, dependent on offseason free agent activity and trades. The Nationals have determined, unequivocally, that they must acquire a starting-caliber middle infielder. If they obtain a second baseman, Guzmán ..."

Nats ready to name Rizzo as permanent GM

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August 20

Washington Examiner

"The Nationals will introduce acting general manager Mike Rizzo as their permanent general manager on Thursday, according to industry sources. The move comes just 24 hours after a Yahoo Sports report claimed that the organization was poised to name Arizona Diamondbacks vice president Jerry Dipoto to the position. The other finalist for the job was Red Sox assistant general manager Jed Hoyer. Instead, Rizzo inherits the job he assumed on an interim basis when Jim Bowden resigned March 1. During that time, Rizzo has solidified the franchise's activities in the Dominican Republic, acted as the point man in negotiations with top draft pick Stephen Strasburg - who signed at the deadline on ..."

Strasburg unlikely to pitch in Majors in '09

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August 19

MLB.com

"Right-hander Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals' No. 1 pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, is tentatively scheduled to be introduced at a press conference on Friday at Nationals Park. Strasburg will stay with the team until Monday and then go to Viera, Fla., to get his arm back in shape. He hasn't pitched in a competitive game since late May. The Nationals are hoping that Strasburg will pitch in the instructional league and then play in the Arizona Fall League. Acting general manager Mike Rizzo said it's highly unlikely that Strasburg will pitch in the Major Leagues this season or at the start of next season."

Rizzo may be out as Nats' acting GM

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August 19

MLB.com

"A day after the Nationals signed their No. 1 Draft pick, Stephen Strasburg, to a record contract, it appears that acting general manager Mike Rizzo has not secured that role for the longer term. According to YahooSports.com, the Nationals are expected to name Jerry DiPoto of Arizona as GM.The move reportedly could happen within the next 24 hours. Rizzo was talking to local media on Tuesday about Strasburg and didn't give any indication that the role he filled on a temporary basis had been earned by another candidate. Subsequent calls placed to Rizzo about his future were not immediately returned. In March, the Nationals named Rizzo acting general manager, two days after Jim Bowden resigned ..."

Nats must sign Strasburg by midnight

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August 17

Washington Times

"The most high-profile addition the Washington Nationals have made in their short history - and the most pivotal set of negotiations to secure his services - are down to this: a final, frantic few hours before the deadline to sign Stephen Strasburg. Fruit flies have longer life spans than the posturing flowing from both sides. And anything you hear about so-called "final" offers? Forget it. It all comes down to the Nationals' aim to acquire Strasburg without blowing up the structure of the draft against Strasburg advisor Scott Boras' goal of getting a precedent-setting deal for his client. Then there is the future of the former San Diego State right-hander, how much he wants to play ..."

Red Sox put claim on Nats' Guzman

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August 9

MLB.com

"The Red Sox, looking for a shortstop with Jed Lowrie on the disabled list due to an injured left forearm, put in a claim on Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman, The Boston Globe reported Sunday. If the Red Sox are awarded the claim, which has not been confirmed, they would have 48 hours to work on a deal with the Nationals, or Washington could award him to the Red Sox or simply pull him back off waivers. For Boston to be awarded the claim, every team with a worse record would have to pass on Guzman. Guzman's contract, however, could scare off other teams. He is currently in the first year of a two-year, $16 million deal that pays him $8 million next season."

Sox eye Nats shortstop Guzman

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August 9

Boston Globe

"The Red Sox have been searching to find a major league shortstop for quite some time and that search intensified this weekend after Jed Lowrie reinjured his left forearm and went on the disabled list. Major League sources indicate that the Red Sox have put in a claim on Washington Nationals switch-hitting shortstop Christian Guzman, who is hitting .315 after hitting .316 last season. If the Red Sox have been awarded the claim - which has not been confirmed - the Red Sox would have 48 hours to work out a deal with the Nationals. The Nationals could also just award Guzman to the Red Sox or they could pull him back. Guzman is a free-swinging hitter (he has only 13 walks and a .333 on base ..."

Marlins get Nats' Johnson

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July 31

Foxsports.com

"The Marlins have acquired first baseman Nick Johnson for the Nationals for Class AA left-hander Aaron Thompson, according to a major-league source. The Nationals will pay the approximately $1.8 million remaining on Johnson's salary. Johnson is a free agent at the end of the season."

Rockies trade for Washington reliever Beimel

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July 31

Denver Post

"The Rockies on Friday buoyed their bullpen by acquiring left-handed reliever Joe Beimel from the Washington Nationals. Beimel was packing up his things in Pittsburgh and was hoping to catch a flight to meet with the Rockies in Cincinnati tonight, according to his agent. "He's excited about this opportunity," Beimel's agent, Joe Sroba, told The Denver Post. "It's not like he was the last man standing. They tried to sign him in the offseason and have liked Joe for a long time. "He's anxious to be on a contending team again." Beimel this season is 1-5 with 3.40 in 45 relief appearances. He's known as a sinkerball pitcher who rarely allows a home run. In his nearly 40 innings pitched this ..."

Marlins up their offer for Johnson

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July 31

Foxsports.com

"The Marlins have improved their offer for Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson, offering another minor leaguer in addition to Class AAA right-hander Ryan Tucker, according to a major-league source. If the deal is completed, the Nationals would pay part of the approximately $1.8 million remaining on Johnson's contract, another source said. Jorge Cantu would move from first to third base for the Marlins. Third baseman Emilio Bonifacio would take over the injured Alfredo Amezaga's super-utility role. The Marlins earlier made runs at Padres closer Heath Bell and even first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and Blue Jays ace right-hander Roy Halladay. In each case, however, club officials considered the ..."

Fishing for Nick Johnson; Bell too pricey

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July 31

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"What would it take to make the Florida Marlins happy come the 4 p.m. non-waiver trading deadline? Booking Nick Johnson on a flight to South Florida. The Washington Nationals' first baseman, Johnson is the Marlins' biggest target as the clock winds down, a source that has spoken with the club confirmed this morning. The Marlins hope to land Johnson and his gaudy .408 on-base percentage, and plug him in the two spot in front of Hanley Ramirez. It seems like an ideal fit on some levels and raises questions on others. For starters, adding Johnson, who turns 31 in September, works financially. He is earning $5.5 million in the final season of a three-year deal and will be eligible for free ..."

Rockies also pursuing 1B Johnson

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July 31

Foxsports.com

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"The Rockies are trying to make something happen. In addition to targeting the Orioles' Mark Hendrickson as a possible second left-hander for their bullpen, they also are interested in Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson, according to FOXSports.com's Tracy Ringolsby Johnson would serve as a late-inning left-handed hitter off the bench. Talk of the Rockies trading for Blue Jays lefty Scott Downs was strongly denied by a source with one of the clubs."

Marlins waiting for answer from Nats

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July 31

Foxsports.com

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"The Marlins are waiting to hear if the Nationals will accept their offer for first baseman Nick Johnson, according to major-league sources. The proposed deal would send Class AAA right-hander Ryan Tucker to Washington, with the Nationals paying part of the approximately $1.8 million remaining on Johnson's contract. Jorge Cantu would move from first to third base for the Marlins. Third baseman Emilio Bonifacio would take over the injured Alfredo Amezaga's super-utility role. The Marlins earlier made runs at Padres closer Heath Bell and even first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and Blue Jays ace right-hander Roy Halladay. In each case, however, club officials considered the acquisition cost to be ..."

Rangers looking to Arizona, Toronto and Pittsburgh for deadline help

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July 30

Dallas Morning News

"Rangers brass has a day and some change to find a deal before the non-waiver trade deadline at 3 p.m. Friday to help fortify the Rangers for the stretch run, but Jon Daniels and crew will have to find away to remove the financial shackles that are making their task more difficult. The Phillies will pay the rest of Cliff Lee's salary this season, around $2 million. Philadelphia traded a top prospect whose star had diminished in some circles and a highly regarded pitcher at least three years away. They also tossed in two other prospects. Surely, the Rangers could have matched that prospect package, but was a seemingly paltry $2 million the deal-breaker? It might have been. So, working under ..."

Rockies prepping for another move?

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"The Rockies still could make one more move before the deadline, according to Tracy Ringolsby of FOXSports.com. The team is looking for a second left-handed reliever to complement Franklin Morales, and the Orioles' Mark Hendrickson is high on their list. Hendrickson, 35, went 1-4 with a 6.35 ERA as a starter this season, but is 4-0 with a 2.94 ERA as a reliever, holding opponents to a .280 on-base percentage. The Rockies, short on money, said they were finished adding pieces after acquiring Indians right-hander Rafael Betancourt, according to a major-league source. But Hendrickson is owed only about $500,000 for the rest of the season, and the tight wild-card race apparently is compelling ..."

Yankees considering Corey Patterson

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July 30

New York Post

"Corey Patterson was recently put on outright waivers by the Nationals and the Yankees are considering signing him to fill in as the backup center fielder until Brett Gardner recuperates from his hand injury, the Post has learned. The third overall pick in the 1998 draft, Patterson never developed the plate discipline necessary to capitalize on his elite speed and power potential. He hit just .133 in five games earlier this season with the Nationals. At Triple-A, he hit .274 with seven homers and 14 steals. The Yanks would view him as a 25th man who could spell Melky Cabrera plus run or play defense late in a game. The Yanks also have been looking at Josh Anderson, who was recently ..."

Riggleman: Nats unlikely to make trade

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July 30

Washington Times

"The Washington Nationals could make a deal in the next two days that reverses the course interim manager Jim Riggleman believes they're on, or it could be that Riggleman isn't able to both run the team and stay up-to-the-minute on the Nationals' discussions two days before Friday's trade deadline. But if Riggleman's hunch is right, the Nationals' roster won't look much different after the deadline. Riggleman said Wednesday afternoon that he does not expect the Nationals will trade any of their veterans before Friday's nonwaiver deadline. Washington has been fielding offers for several of its players, but the Nationals' asking price for a veteran has been rumored to be high. The Nationals ..."

Beimel might be the Nat on the move

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July 28

Foxsports.com

"Could it be that left-handed reliever Joe Beimel is the National most likely to be moved? The Nats' price for Josh "Grand Slam" Willingham remains high, and the team might choose to build around him. Willingham, currently sporting a 1.006 OPS, is a high-character type and the Nats can control him for two more seasons. The market for first baseman Nick Johnson, meanwhile, appears all but dry: The Red Sox acquired Adam LaRoche, the Giants acquired Ryan Garko and the Mets are in no position to buy. Johnson might be the perfect August acquisition for an American League team with a sudden need for a hitter, presuming he clears waivers. That leaves Beimel, who has a 3.43 ERA and .716 opponents' ..."

Phillies interested in more than Halladay

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July 27

Foxsports.com

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"The Phillies continue to be active on numerous fronts besides Roy Halladay, talking to the Indians about left-hander Cliff Lee, searching for bullpen help and continuing their endless quest for a right-handed hitter. "All balls in the air," one club official says. "Focusing on many opportunities." Still, rival clubs say the Phillies' involvement in the Halladay sweepstakes are putting other conversations on hold. The Nationals, for example, might want to further engage the Phillies on outfielder Josh Willingham and left-handed reliever Joe Beimel. George Sherrill, the Orioles' left-handed closer, is another reliever in whom the Phillies are interested."

Source: Tigers still hunting for a hitter

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July 27

Foxsports.com

"Detroit designated hitter Carlos Guillen returned from the disabled list over the weekend and batted .417 in three games against the White Sox, all Tigers victories. But Guillen is still limited physically, in the respect that his right shoulder won't permit him to bat right-handed and play in the outfield. So Guillen will be limited to DH duty for the time being. That doesn't bode well for the team's trade pursuits, since a number of the hitters that interest the Tigers (Baltimore's Luke Scott and Washington's Adam Dunn, for example) profile as DHs. But that won't stop the team from trying to upgrade. One major league source said Monday that Tigers president/general manager Dave ..."

Torn over Olsen's future

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July 27

Washington Times

"As soon as Washington Nationals team doctor Wiemi Douoguih began operating on pitcher Scott Olsen, a decision crystallized that could be one of the key points of the team's offseason. The 25-year-old left-hander was perhaps the centerpiece of a trade that brought him and outfielder Josh Willingham from the Florida Marlins for second baseman Emilio Bonifacio. But surgery Thursday to mend the small tear in his left labrum shut him down for the season, which ended after just 11 starts in four months. Olsen's left shoulder had given him trouble all year, first in the form of tendinitis that caused him to miss five weeks, then with the minor tear in the labrum. He had pitched at least 175 ..."

The Relief Market

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July 26

Yahoo! Sports

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"The Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins are among the clubs who need a lot of help in their bullpens. The asking price has been so high that Bell might as well be unavailable, but just how many wins is Bell going to be asked to protect over the next couple seasons? It's a question general manager Kevin Towers will weigh against whatever arises over the next six days. As one baseball personnel man said Saturday, "There are about eight good arms available out there and 20 teams looking." As the deadline nears, they'll be climbing over one other for the likes of the Baltimore Orioles' George Sherrill, Oakland Athletics' Michael Wuertz, Toronto Blue ..."

Deadline looms for Nats to ink Strasburg

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July 26

MLB.com

"With just more than three weeks remaining before the Aug. 17 deadline for teams to sign their 2009 Draft picks, the Nationals' absence of a permanent general manager and manager could impact their ability to sign top overall selection Stephen Strasburg. The Washington Post, citing an anonymous source familiar with the negotiations, said that the Strasburg camp is concerned that the Nationals are currently a "rudderless" organization. The hard-throwing pitcher is specifically worried that his development could be adversely impacted by the fact that the team has not established a pitching philosophy moving forward. "They're setting a record about not selecting a GM," the source told the ..."

Quick note from Nationals Park

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July 17

Washington Examiner

"The second half of the MLB season is under way with the Chicago Cubs leading the Nationals 2-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning on Thursday night. Some news to report on the Nats' starting rotation for this four-game series. Left-handed pitcher Scott Olsen has been scratched from his scheduled start Friday night due to tightness in his left lat muscle."

Nats have not reached out to Mazzone

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July 15

MLB.com

"Nationals team president Stan Kasten said on Tuesday night that the organization has not had conversations with Leo Mazzone to become its pitching coach. The Washington Post reported earlier in the day that Mazzone is being considered for the role, but Kasten insisted that Steve McCatty will remain the pitching coach, at least for this season. "I don't know why such a report would come out," Kasten said via telephone. "We have not had discussions with Leo Mazzone. Steve McCatty is our pitching coach.""

Nationals Fire Acta as Team Breaks for All-Star Game

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July 13

Washington Post

"In the middle of his third year as manager, Manny Acta was fired late last night by the Washington Nationals, a source with knowledge of the situation said. Acta's dismissal, which has been speculated about for weeks, came as the Nationals headed into the all-star break having lost six of their last seven games and with a 26-61 record, worst in the majors. Asked in an e-mail about his job status, Acta replied, simply, "Thanks for everything." During the first half of the season, Acta's job status was the subject of much debate, and those in and out of the Nationals organization questioned whether his unfailingly calm approach matched the needs of a sloppy, error-prone team. Acta, the ..."

Red Sox linked to Nick Johnson

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July 11

Yahoo! Sports

"The Red Sox continue to be linked to Washington Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson, even though third baseman Mike Lowell has shown rapid progress since going on the DL with hip complications. Boston could move Kevin Youkilis to third if Johnson was acquired. However, the Giants are also a strong contender for Johnson, and another AL team besides Boston has nosed into the picture, according to one source."

Acting GM Rizzo Says Dunn Will Not Be Dealt

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July 8

Washington Post

"Halfway through the most perplexing season of his nine-year big league career, Adam Dunn has dealt with enough losing and seen enough promise to arrive at one conclusion: He wants to stick around for the improvement. He wants to see things through. "I'd love to," said Dunn, who signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Washington Nationals in February. Dunn, apparently, will get the chance. Acting general manager Mike Rizzo, speaking to ESPN 980 radio, said Tuesday that his left fielder will not be dealt before this year's July 31 trading deadline. Rizzo needed a little probing from host Kevin Sheehan to arrive at a definitive statement, but eventually, he made an unqualified ..."

Nats swap with Bucs, acquire Morgan

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July 1

MLB.com

"The Nationals have traded reliever Joel Hanrahan and outfielder Lastings Milledge to the Pirates for reliever Sean Burnett and outfielder Nyjer Morgan on Tuesday afternoon. Morgan is considered the key to the deal for Washington. He was acquired to improve the team's outfield defense, which is one of the worst in the National League. The Nationals see Morgan as a center fielder/leadoff hitter. Washington also likes his hockey attitude. He once played with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League during the 1999-2000 season. Morgan was playing left field and batting second for Pittsburgh. Entering Tuesday's action, Morgan is hitting .277 with two home runs, 27 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. ..."

Nats, Bucs Closing In On Deal

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June 30

Washington Post

"The Nationals are close to finalizing a deal that would send Lastings Milledge to Pittsburgh in exchange for Nyjer Morgan, a team source said. I'm still trying to uncover the final wrinkle in this trade, though. It probably includes one other player that the Nats will send to Pittsburgh. Morgan, who turns 29 on Thursday, represents that sort of player that Washington previously overlooked. He excels defensively, steals bases, and hits for adequate average but minimal power."

Mike Morse traded for outfielder Ryan Langerhans

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June 28

Seattle Times

"Jack Zduriencik just announced that the Mariners have acquired outfielder Ryan Langerhans from the Nationals for Mike Morse. Langerhans, a left-handed hitter, plays all three outfield positions as well as first base. Though Langerhans characterized it as a minor-league trade, all indications are that Langerhans will be joining the Mariners Tuesday in New York. "This gives us a degree of flexibility,'' Zduriencik said. "We thought it was important to add another guy like this.'' The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Langerhans, 29, was hitting .278 (57x205) with 16 doubles, 9 home runs and 40 RBI in 64 games for Class AAA Syracuse. Langerhans has appeared in the majors in parts of the past seven seasons ..."

10 most likely to be traded - Infielders

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June 25

NBC Sports

"Mark DeRosa (Indians) - With Grady Sizemore back, the Indians aren't likely to sell just yet. Still, at least as big of a problem as being 10 games behind is that they have four teams ahead of them in the AL Central. DeRosa has been talked about as trade bait for close to two months now, and the Indians have soured on him as a third baseman after originally acquiring him to play the position. Given that he's on pace for about 30 homers and 110 RBI, it shouldn't be a problem getting more for him in trade than they would by letting him walk for draft picks at season's end. Garrett Atkins (Rockies) - It certainly doesn't bode well for Atkins' future in Colorado that he's been given a total of ..."

Nats will be in tough battle with Boras

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June 24

Foxsports.com

"My advice to Nationals fans is not to read anything concerning the Stephen Strasburg negotiations until after midnight Aug. 17, the deadline for the team to reach agreement with the No. 1 draft. Everyone else, enjoy the drama. The Nationals fully expect Strasburg's adviser, Scott Boras, to leverage them from D.C. to San Diego. But most everyone in baseball agrees that Strasburg eventually will agree to a record deal in the range of $15 million to $18 million. "Most everyone," though, does not necessarily include Boras, who proved with right-hander Luke Hochevar in 2005 that he is perfectly willing to hold out an amateur pitcher for an entire year and re-enter him in the following draft. ..."

Nationals Trade Rumors