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Josh Willingham News & Rumors

Willingham in April: .353 average and one baby boy
April 30
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Josh Willingham's scouting report on his infant son: "He does a lot of sleeping. He does a lot of eating. He does a lot of pooping." Rogan Willingham was born Wednesday, and he already sounds like a ballplayer. His daddy certainly looks like one. Josh Willingham, whom Justin Morneau calls "the strongest guy I've ever played with," has appeared in 19 games for the Twins. He has reached base in each. He leads the team with five home runs and 15 RBI, and at .706, his is the only slugging percentage posted by a Twin that begins with a number larger than 4. In Target Field, where the deep dimensions to center field and the power alleys have caused Jason Kubel to flee and Joe Mauer to wince,"
Minnesota's Josh Willingham beats out Josh Hamilton, Michael Young as AL Player of the Week
April 17
Dallas Morning News
 
"Major League Baseball announced Minnesota's Josh Willingham as AL Player of the Week Monday. He beat out both the Rangers' Josh Hamilton and Michael Young. In six games last week, including three losses to the Rangers, Willingham batted .455 (10-for-22) with a double, three home runs, four RBI, three walks and six runs scored."
Willingham shows power at Target Field
April 13
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"With four home runs in the season's first six games, Twins left fielder Josh Willingham is on pace to hit 108 home runs this year. "I'm keeping it simple, trying to see it and hit it," he said after connecting again in Thursday's 10-9 victory over the Angels. "Usually that's the method that works the best. Don't start overthinking, trying to do too much, just keep it simple." Target Field is supposed to be a tough home run park, but Willingham has hit three in three games there, after connecting in each contest against the Angels. "He's as strong as anyone I've ever played with," said teammate Justin Morneau. "He's the kind of hitter sort of built for this park, sort of a dead pull"
A ball or a wall, Willingham makes a dent in it for Twins
April 12
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Josh Willingham chooses his words judiciously and shares thoughts in snippets, at least in the presence of media members or if the topic involves himself. A typical answer is proceeded by a shrug. There's nothing boring about the way he plays baseball, though. At the plate or in left field. He demonstrated that again Wednesday night as the Twins defeated the Los Angeles Angels 6-5 for their first victory of the season, Willingham's first in his new uniform. Willingham gave the Twins their first lead of the season with a massive home run to left in the fourth inning. He followed that with an Evel Knievel crash-landing impersonation while chasing a fly ball, which resulted in an"
Gardenhire flips on Willingham, puts him in left field instead
March 26
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Twins manager Ron Gardenhire named Josh Willingham his starting left fielder Sunday, changing a projected outfield alignment that originally had Ben Revere in left, Denard Span in center and Willingham in right. "I thought Ben in left field sounded fine, but then you start seeing everything, and things start changing a little bit," Gardenhire said. "If he's going to be a part-time starter and part-time extra guy, you've got to be able to play [all three outfield positions]." Gardenhire said he is sticking with Span in center field, acknowledging that Revere, Trevor Plouffe and Chris Parmelee all could see time in right. Parmelee, in fact, has started the past two spring training games in"
Willingham looks to be in for Twins; Cuddyer, Kubel likely are out
December 14
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins were finalizing a three-year, $21 million agreement with free agent outfielder Josh Willingham late Tuesday night, according to two people familiar with the negotiations. Team officials would not confirm the deal, but they acknowledged having serious discussions with Willingham's agent Matt Sosnick while awaiting a final answer from Michael Cuddyer on their three-year, $24 million offer. By agreeing with Willingham, pending a physical, the Twins knew they effectively would be closing the door on Cuddyer and fellow free agent outfielder Jason Kubel. Barring an unforeseen development, those two players will sign elsewhere, bringing the Twins three compensatory draft picks -- two"
Willingham looks to be in for Twins; Cuddyer, Kubel likely are out
December 14
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins were finalizing a three-year, $21 million agreement with free agent outfielder Josh Willingham late Tuesday night, according to two people familiar with the negotiations. Team officials would not confirm the deal, but they acknowledged having serious discussions with Willingham's agent Matt Sosnick while awaiting a final answer from Michael Cuddyer on their three-year, $24 million offer. By agreeing with Willingham, pending a physical, the Twins knew they effectively would be closing the door on Cuddyer and fellow free agent outfielder Jason Kubel. Barring an unforeseen development, those two players will sign elsewhere, bringing the Twins three compensatory draft picks -- two"
Agent: Willingham will make decision in next 48 hours; Twins in the mix
December 13
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins have made a three-year, $24 million offer to Michael Cuddyer, but they can't wait forever. One of their top alternatives if Cuddyer signs elsewhere is Josh Willingham, and Willingham's agent, Matt Sosnick, told The Star Tribune today that his client is nearing a decision. "Josh has three viable options," Sosnick said. "He and his wife, Ginger, are going to make a decision in the next 48 hours. It may come as early as today.""
Reds interested in Willingham?
December 6
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The Reds came to the Winter Meetings in Dallas with the expressed mission of landing a quality starting pitcher. They met with several clubs Sunday and Monday. "We've been busy," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "We've talked to several clubs. Nothing close. But at least I feel things are moving in the right direction. Hopefully, by the end of the week, we'll have something." The Reds did open a roster spot by outrighting left-hander Jeremy Horst to Triple-A Louisville. Horst cleared waivers. "It gives us some roster flexibility," Jocketty said. The Reds have contacted outfielder Josh Willingham's representatives."
Twins showing interest in Willingham, Doumit
November 16
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins recently contacted Matt Sosnick, the agent for Ryan Doumit and Josh Willingham, expressing interest in both players, according to people familiar with the discussion. Sosnick and Paul Cobbe also represent Hisashi Iwakuma, a free agent pitcher from Japan who interests the Twins. In Doumit and Willingham's case, no offers have been made, but they are among the free agents on the list the Twins are considering this offseason. Willingham is a corner outfield option for the Twins if they don't re-sign Michael Cuddyer or Jason Kubel."
Stadium problem could preclude signing Willingham
September 25
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Oakland's shot at retaining Josh Willingham is slipping away, quite possibly for good. Willingham's agent, Matt Sosnick, told The Chronicle on Saturday that he approached the team last week with various possibilities for a multiyear deal for their top offensive player, and general manager Billy Beane told Sosnick that spending decisions are on hold until a decision comes down about the A's stadium situation. "We gave the A's an idea of where we were, and we were told they have interest in bringing Josh back, but before they did anything, they want to see what happens with the stadium," Sosnick said. "Josh and I both made it clear he'd like to stay, but at this point, I'm pretty sure he'll"
Josh Willingham drives in four runs as Oakland A's knock off Los Angeles Angels 6-3
September 13
Oakland Tribune
 
"Left fielder Josh Willingham and first baseman Brandon Allen both could factor heavily into the A's fortunes next season. One continued raking Monday night and the other continued struggling, and both were noteworthy developments in the A's 6-3 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Angels. Willingham drove in four runs, mashing a three-run homer in the first inning that got Oakland started on the right foot. Allen went 0 for 3 (with a walk) and is mired in a 0 for 21 slump, the longest hitless streak of his still-brief major league career. A's manager Bob Melvin will welcome all the offense he can get from Willingham, who is capping quite the impressive season as he prepares to enter free"
Josh Willingham forcing Oakland A's to make difficult decision
August 23
Oakland Tribune
 
"The A's face a crucial decision in whether to re-sign left fielder Josh Willingham, a potential free agent who could be one of the more enticing outfielders available this winter. Willingham, 32, leads the A's in homers (22) and RBIs (73). Though he's hitting just .249, he fills a void as the type of right-handed power hitter the team is perpetually searching for. Acquired from the Washington Nationals in December for reliever Henry Rodriguez and outfielder Corey Brown, Willingham says he would like to return to Oakland. His agent, Matt Sosnick, says Willingham seeks a two- to three-year contract and that the ball is in the A's court. "I think his inclination would be to stay here, if it's"
Josh Willingham's 10th-inning homer lifts Oakland A's
August 8
Oakland Tribune
 
"The A's had not won a road series in three months, so it was natural that a victory Sunday required some struggle. After Grant Balfour surrendered a tying home run to Evan Longoria in the seventh inning, Josh Willingham delivered the go-ahead homer in the top of the 10th that lifted the A's to a 5-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. The A's took the final two of the three-game set, capturing their first road series since they won two of three at Kansas City on May 6-8. They hadn't even won consecutive road games since May 8-9, when they beat the Royals and then won a series opener against the Texas Rangers. "We haven't done that in a while," closer Andrew Bailey said of"
A's Willingham, DeJesus leave trade talk to wives
July 24
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Outfielders Josh Willingham and David DeJesus say they don't closely follow the latest trade rumors. They both have other sources to track that information. "Just what my wife tells me," Willingham said. Same with DeJesus, who said, "I leave that to my wife. She goes to the trade rumor sites." Trade speculation is nothing new for either player. In fact, if DeJesus (as a Royal) hadn't broken his thumb a year ago Friday, pursuing a long fly by Derek Jeter at Yankee Stadium, the Giants might have traded for him. Instead, he was dealt to Oakland in November. "It was one of those freak things that happen in baseball," DeJesus said. "I don't ever ask 'what if?' I'm here now.""
Debating the values of Willingham, Ludwick
July 21
Foxsports.com
 
"Eleven days from the non-waiver deadline, the buyers are sounding their usual complaints: Asking prices are ridiculous, nothing will happen until the sellers turn realistic, etc. When it comes to two of the top available hitters, the frustration level among some buyers is especially high. Why? Because Padres outfielder Ryan Ludwick and Athletics outfielder Josh Willingham are good — but not that good. As potential free agents, both Ludwick and Willingham are two-month rentals. As players, both are flawed."
Pirates considering acquisition of pricey 'rental' players
July 18
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"As they set their targets for trade offers, the Pirates are willing to consider acquiring a high-priced "rental" player to provide a boost in the playoff chase. "We are open to various types of players, based on acquisition cost and fit on the club," general manager Neal Huntington said Sunday. In previous years, when the Pirates were sellers at the deadline, their strategy was to pick up players who had multiple years of contractual control -- prospects and major leaguers who hadn't yet reached arbitration eligibility. That paradigm began to change last year, when the Pirates traded for Chris Snyder. The veteran catcher came with a $5.75 million price tag for 2011 and will become a free"
A's place Willingham on DL, recall Carter
June 23
MLB.com
 
"Oakland's most productive power hitter, Josh Willingham, went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left Achilles tendon on Thursday, and Chris Carter was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento. Willingham has a .231 average in 64 games, and is leading the A's in home runs (10) and RBIs (42). He has hit .333 with runners in scoring position, but he's also third in the American League in strikeouts, with 76. This is Willingham's fifth career stint on the DL."
Atlanta has checked in on Willingham and Pence
June 17
ESPN.com
 (scroll down)
"The Braves are outpitching just about every team in baseball -- including the Phillies. But the Braves continue to worry about an offense that ranks 12th in the National League and 22nd in the big leagues in runs scored per game. So they're aggressively positioning themselves to deal for an outfield bat as soon as they can find a team ready to open its sell-off shop for business. They've checked in on both Josh Willingham and Hunter Pence. And an exec of one team reports: "They want a right-handed bat. But at this point, I think they'd take any bat.""
Willingham's HR is another huge 2-out hit for A's
May 30
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Oakland's offense is starting to click, and that's especially the case with two outs. The A's scored 12 two-out runs in a three-game sweep of the Orioles, and on Sunday, the big blow of the game came with two outs and two strikes, when Josh Willingham launched a 3-2 pitch from Zach Britton into the seats down the left-field line for his team-high ninth home run. That three-run shot in the fifth put Oakland back up 5-4 after the Orioles had taken the lead in the top of the inning with a four-run rally against A's starter Guillermo Moscoso. "They had all the momentum," Willingham said. "For us to come back and score some runs kind of equalized the momentum. ... You start to play more"
A's Outfielder Josh Willingham drops appeal of one-game suspension
May 14
Oakland Tribune
 
"Even though he still professes his innocence, A's outfielder Josh Willingham decided to drop the appeal of his one-game suspension and sat out Friday night's game against the Chicago White Sox. "I dropped the appeal for no reason other than to get it over with," Willingham said. It probably didn't hurt Willingham's decision that right-handed batters came into the game batting .094 (5 for 53) against White Sox starter Phil Humber. Lefty Ryan Sweeney started in Willingham's place in left field, and might have anyway. Willingham said there was just too much uncertainty about how the appeal might turn out and when it might be decided. "It could have been a week, it could have been a month," he"
Willingham appeals one-game suspension
May 10
MLB.com
 
"A's outfielder Josh Willingham was handed a one-game suspension and fined an undisclosed amount on Monday for what Major League Baseball deemed "inappropriate conduct" in Saturday's game in Kansas City. Willingham was scheduled to serve his suspension during Oakland's series opener against the Rangers on Monday night, but he elected to appeal the decision and will play until the process has been completed. The eight-year veteran was ejected by umpire Bill Miller for arguing a called third strike and throwing down his helmet at the conclusion of the top of the eighth inning. Willingham appeared to bump Miller, but said on Monday, "I felt like there was contact, but I felt like the contact"
Josh Willingham's five RBIs lead Oakland A's past Texas Rangers 7-2
May 10
Oakland Tribune
 
"Perhaps Josh Willingham should request more correspondence from the commissioner's office. After receiving a one-game suspension from Major League Baseball for his "inappropriate conduct" toward umpire Bill Miller over the weekend, Willingham responded Monday night with the best game of any A's hitter this season. He smacked a three-run homer off C.J. Wilson and drove in five runs to pace the A's 7-2 victory over the Texas Rangers in the opener of a three-game series at Rangers Ballpark. Willingham was ejected from Saturday's game against Kansas City for arguing a called third strike and then bumping Miller during the exchange. He learned of his suspension Monday afternoon, but because"
Josh Willingham helps lead A's past Rangers 7-2
May 10
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Josh Willingham, bad boy. The A's could get used to that. Hours after he was suspended by Major League Baseball, Willingham took the field Monday night and made a statement to anyone who thought such a penalty would get him down. He enjoyed his most productive game as an Athletic, driving in five runs in a 7-2 victory over the Rangers. The right-handed batter hit a three-run homer off lefty C.J. Wilson and a bases-loaded single off righty Ryan Tucker, collecting half of the A's four hits. Timely appeal, by the way. Willingham had been suspended one game for bumping umpire Jim Miller on Saturday. He immediately appealed, hoping MLB would wipe it out because, according to Willingham, he"
Josh Willingham's foundation helps tornado victims
May 5
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Josh Willingham grew up in Florence, Ala., and he still lives there. He's an Alabaman through and through. So this week, while Willingham's wife, Ginger, was doing hands-on work helping people in Alabama whose homes were destroyed by the deadly tornadoes that struck the South last week, Willingham was putting together plans to help victims financially. He and his wife already have a foundation devoted to helping underprivileged children in their area, and they will now use that foundation to help those with immediate needs and to help with long-term recovery efforts. Before Tuesday's game, Willingham asked A's players to consider making contributions, and he said several have responded"
Josh Willingham out of A's lineup
May 4
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Josh Willingham homered Monday and was hitting .333 over his past nine games, which qualifies him as red-hot for the A's. He wasn't in the Oakland lineup for Tuesday's series opener, however. Manager Bob Geren said he wanted to get Ryan Sweeney into a game, so Sweeney was in left field, rather than Willingham. In addition, Geren said, he didn't want Willingham to play too many games in a row after missing two games last week with a twinge in his back. Willingham started all four games of the series against Texas. Andy LaRoche made his third start in a row at third base. Kevin Kouzmanoff, who is off to a poor start at the plate and in the field, has been on the bench. LaRoche was 7 for his"
A's go with depleted lineup against Angels
April 28
Oakland Tribune
 
"Coco Crisp and Josh Willingham were both out of the A's lineup Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels, but manager Bob Geren is hopeful that neither outfielder will miss much time. Willingham, who left Monday's game with tightness in his back, took some swings before Wednesday's game. He said he could have played if absolutely necessary, but with the A's off Thursday, Willingham could benefit from two full days off before Friday's homestand opener against the Texas Rangers. "I still felt it, but it's a lot better," Willingham said. "Hopefully I'll play Friday." He said the pain is located in the middle of his back on the left side, and that swinging is the only thing that causes it."
Josh Willingham leaves flash to others, just plays baseball
February 25
Oakland Tribune
 
"The questions surrounding Josh Willingham are the same ones faced by any impact hitter the A's import from the National League. People wonder how he'll adjust to American League pitchers and whether he can thrive in the Oakland Coliseum, a ballpark that can be tough on right-handed power hitters. "I'm sure there will be an adjustment," Willingham said. "Obviously I haven't seen all these pitchers, and I'll have to do a lot more work in the film room. But it's still baseball. They've got to throw it over the plate, and I've got to hit it." That's a pretty basic philosophy, and it sums up the A's new left fielder in a nutshell. There's nothing remotely flashy about Willingham, 32, whom the"
Josh Willingham traded by Washington Nationals to Oakland Athletics for Henry Rodriguez and Corey Brown
December 17
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Nationals traded left fielder Josh Willingham to the Oakland Athletics on Thursday for two young prospects, swapping a proven, power-hitting left fielder with one year remaining on his contract for a fireballing reliever who likely will begin the year in the Nationals' bullpen and an athletic minor league outfielder. In return for Willingham, the Nationals received right-hander Henry Rodriguez, 23, and outfielder Corey Brown, 25. Rodriguez appeared in 29 major league games last season, while Brown reached Class AAA Sacramento. The Nationals have been open to offers for Willingham all offseason. Willingham, 31, is currently arbitration-eligible and will become eligible for"
A's acquire outfielder Josh Willingham from Nationals
December 16
Contra Costa Times
 
"The A's have acquired outfielder Josh Willingham from the Washington Nationals in exchange for two players, a major league source confirmed to Bay Area News Group on Thursday morning. The two players the A's are dealing aren't known. At least one has major league experience, the source confirmed, though it isn't believed either was a key member of the A's 25-man roster last season. The deal has been agreed upon, with only final details to be ironed out. An announcement could come Thursday afternoon. Willingham, who turns 32 in February, hit .268 last season with 16 homers and 56 RBIs. He hit 15 of those homers before the All-Star break, but then underwent left knee surgery in August that"
Nationals agree to trade Josh Willingham to Athletics
December 16
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals have agreed to trade left fielder Josh Willingham to the Oakland A's for two young minor league players, a source familiar with the trade confirmed. The teams are currently swapping medical information in order to finalize the deal, and it's not yet known who the prospects are. The trade was first mentioned in a report by FoxSports.com. The Nationals have been open to offers for Willingham all offseason. Willingham, 31, has one year remaining before becoming eligible for free agency for the first time. Willingham hoped to sign a multi-year extension and stay in Washington, but General Manager Mike Rizzo said in November the Nationals were not considering that. In salary"
A's in talks with Nats for Willingham
December 16
Foxsports.com
 
"The A's, continuing their quest to upgrade their offense, are in serious discussions to obtain outfielder Josh Willingham from the Nationals, according to major league sources. Willingham, 31, would be Oakland's third major offensive addition of the offseason. The team acquired outfielder David DeJesus from the Royals in November and recently signed free-agent DH Hideki Matsui. In addition, the A's reportedly made a five-year, $64 million offer to free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre last month. The team neither confirmed nor denied the proposal, and it is not known whether the offer stands. Willingham stands to earn a raise from $4.6 million in his final year of arbitration before"
The Nationals' first base options and how it affects Josh Willingham
December 7
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals have yet to make a final decision on the course of action for filling their first base position, and whatever solution they arrive could dictate the future of left fielder Josh Willingham. The Nationals' most likely solution to replacing Adam Dunn remains signing either Carlos Pena or Adam LaRoche, both of whom are free agents. In that case, the Nationals would add a sufficient home run threat and feel free to trade Willingham. The Nationals have made Willingham available, and he's drawn considerable interest. "His name gets thrown around a lot," one Nationals source said. But the Nationals will not part with Willingham easily. When healthy, Willingham is a genuine"
Willingham on the block
December 6
MLB.com
 
"While Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo talked about Josh Willingham as one of the team's middle of the order hitters in 2011, a second source told MLB.com that Willingham will most likely be traded before the start of the '11 season. The Nationals would like to get something in return for Willingham, who becomes a free agent after the '11 season. Rizzo already announced that the team is going on a year-to-year basis with Willingham. Another source went so far as to say that every healthy player on the Nationals' roster, with the exception of Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Werth, are being considered for trade discussions."
Josh Willingham unlikely to receive extension
November 18
Washington Post
 
"The Nationals have three options this offseason with left fielder Josh Willingham, who is entering his final year of arbitration and will be a free agent following the 2011 season. They could sign him to a multi-year contract extension, which Willingham would prefer; he wants to finish his career in Washington. They could sign him to another year contract. They could trade him. Early in the offseason, it seems unlikely that Willingham, 31, will get his wish. The Nationals will likely either give Willingham another one-year deal, either in arbitration or otherwise, or trade him. In late October, Willingham's agent, Matt Sosnick, expressed Willingham's desire to remain in Washington for at"
Josh Willingham likely done for the season
August 18
Washington Post
 
"With an injury to the meniscus in his left knee worsening rather than improving, Josh Willingham's season -- the best of his career before the onset of knee pain -- is likely over. "It's almost a certainty he's going to have season-ending surgery next week," said Matt Sosnick, Willingham's agent. "They want him to clean it up so he can come in fresh for the season next year." The Nationals will likely wait until Thursday, when center field Nyjer Morgan will return from the disabled list, to place Willingham on the disabled list. Manager Jim Riggleman said Willingham may be available to pinch-hit tonight, but it appears Willingham is not taking batting practice with the Nationals."
Dunn or Willingham still likely to be traded
July 27
ESPN.com
 
"As our buddy Tim Kurkjian reported Monday, the chances of the Nationals trading Adam Dunn (likely to the White Sox) seem to be increasing with every day that goes by that they fail to make progress on an extension. But we're hearing the Nationals, in the end, could wind up trading Josh Willingham instead of Dunn. Among the many teams interested in Willingham: Atlanta, Boston and Tampa Bay. If the Nationals do deal a bat, they would either trade Dunn or Willingham, but not both."
Mike Rizzo prefers keeping Adam Dunn, Josh Willingham on the Nationals
July 12
Washington Post
 
"Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo wants to keep both Adam Dunn and Josh Willingham long term, but he also said he would explore all possibilities concerning his No. 4 and No. 5 hitters, Rizzo said after the Nationals 6-2 loss to the Giants today. About Dunn, Rizzo said, "my preference is to extend him" and "it would take an extraordinary deal to trade him." About Willingham, whom the Nationals control for 2011, Rizzo said, "Josh is a part of the family and we want him around long term." "Adam Dunn is a big part of this club," Rizzo said. "Anchors the middle part of this lineup. Anchors the clubhouse. It would take an extraordinary deal to trade him. But we keep our options open for"
Nats' best move: Not to make one
July 8
Washington Examiner
 
"The need for more talent is obvious. The need to keep the talent here is equally clear. And short of a heist, the Nationals should withstand the desire to trade players such as Adam Dunn, Josh Willingham and Ivan Rodriguez. Only a year ago, we advocated trading players to get more talent in the system. But the arrival of Stephen Strasburg, the drafting of Bryce Harper and the need to make this franchise relevant have combined to keep players on the field who are worth a darn. "This team is on the verge," said ESPN baseball analyst Aaron Boone, whose dad is a Nats assistant general manager, so take this with a grain of you know what. "They're in position to start becoming relevant in the"
Braves looking to upgrade?
June 30
Foxsports.com
 
"Even though the Braves lost a big left-handed hitter to injury – Rookie of the Year candidate Jason Heyward – they remain focused on upgrading their offense with a right-handed slugger, one major league source said. Atlanta officials are considering Josh Willingham (Washington), Corey Hart (Milwaukee) and Jose Bautista (Toronto), but it doesn't appear that any deal is imminent. All three players will be free agents after the 2011 season. So, for the time being, their current teams aren't under extreme pressure to move them. But they are earning reasonable salaries, making them attractive to Atlanta and other suitors. Bautista has roughly $1.2 million left on this year's contract;"
Nationals' slugging trio sticks close to the heart
June 25
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Nationals acquired Adam Dunn and Josh Willingham prior to last season hoping they could team with franchise third baseman Ryan Zimmerman to legitimize a Nationals lineup in desperate need of run producers. After a solid 2009 season, the three have done more than their part in 2010 despite the team's recent offensive woes -- and have become close friends in the process. The laid back Southern trio first found common ground when it came to their love for college football. "Ryan can't be involved in our rivalries because Virginia stinks, but Josh is from Alabama and I'm from Texas so we had a pretty good one this year," said Dunn, a quarterback at Texas before turning to"
Nats complete sweep of Pirates, 4-2
June 11
Washington Examiner
 
"A memorable homestand ended exactly the way the Nationals hoped it would. Adam Dunn, Josh Willingham and Michael Morse all hit solo home runs, starter Livan Hernandez pitched six strong innings and the bullpen did the rest as Washington held on for a 4-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park on Thursday night. The Nats (30-31) swept Pittsburgh (23-37) and finished 4-2 during a six-game stretch that included rookie pitcher Stephen Strasburg's electrifying 14-strikeout, no-walk performance on Tuesday. Hernandez improved his record to 5-3 and after 12 starts has an ERA of 2.28. Reliever Sean Burnett pitched two scoreless innings. Dunn homered for the third game in a row and scored"
Josh Willingham's home run lifts Nationals over Orioles in extra innings
May 24
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Nationals had waited 19 days to arrive at the point they reached Sunday afternoon. One out and one cross-country flight separated them from the end of the most grueling chunk of their schedule. Their unshakable closer was on the mound. Finally, they would be able to relax. The Nationals made themselves wait a little longer. In one instant, they were teetering toward a devastating, unlikely loss. In the next, fireworks exploded, Nationals tumbled out of the dugout and Josh Willingham's game-winning home run settled in the visitor's bullpen. With Willingham's walk-off, 10th-inning home run, the Nationals jumped back above .500 with a 4-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles"
Willingham not bothered by trade rumors
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"
Mets going after Willingham, Rivera to fill left-field hole
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"
Nats drawing interest in Willingham
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"
Lineup erupts in Nats' blowout
August 26
Washington Times
 
"There has been the occasional off-night here and there, one of those ballgames in which it seems no one can produce a clutch hit. More often than not, though, the Washington Nationals' starting lineup has been this club's saving grace. With speed at the top, power in the middle and even occasional pop at the bottom, the Nationals' lineup often stacks up against any other assemblage in baseball. And when it all comes together as it did Tuesday night at windy Wrigley Field, it's really a sight to see. With a barrage of hits and three titanic home runs between Josh Willingham and Elijah Dukes, the Nationals pummeled the Chicago Cubs 15-6 to open a nine-game road trip on a high note and send"
Willingham, Dukes Flex Muscle for Nats in Rout
August 26
Washington Post
 
"Though he's been gone for a solid decade now, Jim Riggleman knows how it sounds -- that communal sigh of sadness and acceptance that falls heavy upon Wrigley Field every year. Maybe it comes in August. Maybe, in the rarest seasons, it comes in October. But there is always a moment when Cubs fans realize the present year is not The Year; you hear booing, then organ music, then talk of next year. Riggleman managed here for five seasons. He does not believe in curses, but his 0-3 postseason record convinced few Chicagoans to agree. Tuesday, Riggleman returned to Wrigley, and he sat in the opposite dugout, a fresh perspective on those familiar sounds. The booing. The organ hymnals. A critical"
Willingham's Gamble Nets Nationals a Victory
August 17
Washington Post
 
"Some decisions you don't think about. You don't calculate the risks and rewards, because you don't have time. You just go, consequences be damned. You're standing on third base, the go-ahead run, and you see an opponent in the shallow outfield get all discombobulated; he's holding the ball, and for some reason, can't figure out where to throw it. You see the indecisiveness. You break home. "Just spur of the moment," Josh Willingham said. "I took off." The critical moment in Washington's 5-4 win against Cincinnati on Sunday afternoon opened two entranceways for a little postgame armchair psychology. Those in the losing clubhouse at Great American Ball Park sought to understand what"