Weekly Roundup

What started as a nice start to another baseball season, we were blindsided with the news that Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in an automobile accident. Off to a promising start with a six inning shutout performance, the top pitching prospect looked to be blossoming into a true major leaguer. The news of his death was a tragedy, not to mention the three other lives that were taken as well. The Angels, already with their three top pitchers on the DL, are now forced to find a replacement. The Angels held a very nice ceremony for the victims before Saturday's game, and were able to beat the Red Sox in his honor. On a lighter note, there were several young players who had nice weeks, and teams are looking to these guys to build off their strong starts.

Jordan Schafer, Braves: .348 AVG, 2 HR, .423 OBP.

- Schafer has put up great numbers at the plate and has shown off his speed in the outfield. 

Emilio Bonifacio, Marlins: .500 AVG, 1 HR, .517 OBP, 4 SB.

- Bonifacio is off to a great start at third for the Marlins. The talent has always been there, it's poor consistency that has been the problem.

Adam Lind, Blue Jays: .400 AVG, 3 HR, 12 RBI, .419 OBP.

- Entering his third major league season, Lind has taken big strides at the plate. He could play a big role in the Blue Jays playoff hopes this season.

Jeremy Guthrie, Orioles: 2-0 W-L, 2.25 ERA, 5 K, 12 H.

- Guthrie has been an Orioles project for the past three seasons, and he might be putting his stuff together. He did put up 10 wins last season, and is off to a good start this year.

Josh Johnson, Marlins: 2-0 W-L, 0.57 ERA, 1 ER, 15 SO.

- Johnson is a big, hard throwing right hander who combines his fastball with a hard slider. He was able to beat Johan Santana today, and is hoping to lead that young rotation.

Here are some other young players whose first week is something they would like to forget:

John Lannan, Nationals: 0-2 W-L, 10.00 ERA, 10 ER, 3 BB, 9 IP. 

- The Nationals hope Lannan can breakout for the Nationals after putting up 10 wins last season, but he hasn't been able to command his fastball early on.

Scott Olsen, Nationals: 0-2 W-L, 14.63 ERA, 8 IP, 13 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB.

- The Nationals hoped that when they traded for Olsen, he would emerge into a solid top of the rotation starter to lead the Nationals. So far, that hasn't been the case.

Chris Davis, Rangers: .045 AVG, 1 H (22 AB), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 10 SO.

- There is a lot of pressure on Davis to put up big numbers after having a breakout 2008 campaign. So far he has struggled mightily and the Rangers could be scrambling if Davis doesn't pick it up.

Injuries

Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks: 15-day DL, shoulder tightness.

Doug Brocail, Astros: 15-day DL, strained rotator cuff.

Rumors

After Cole Hamels struggled through his first outing, several believe that he is showing the effects of an overworked pitching from last season. Hamels told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he is "fine now."

The Angels may be forced to add another pitcher with Escobar, Lackey, and Santana on the DL. Pedro Martinez is available. The LA Times mentions Anthony Ortega and Darren Oliver asi in-house possibilities.

Dodgers outfielder Delwyn Young is out of options, and several scouts have been watching him during his rehab assignment. The Indians, Pirates, and Phillies are interested.

Minor League Update

Juan Miranda, Yankees (AAA): .474 AVG, 2 HR, 11 RBI.

- The Yankees won't hesitate to recall Miranda if Teixeira goes down for an extended amount of time.

Matt LaPorta, Indians (AAA): .625 AVG, 1 HR, 1 SO, .667 OBP.

- LaPorta could be playing for the Indians very soon if he continue to swing a big bat.

Tyler Flowers, White Sox (AA): .417 AVG, 1 HR,  2 RBI, .500 OBP

- Flowers is the young power hitter the White Sox hope can fill the shoes of Jim Thome or Jermaine Dye when there time with the team runs out. So far he is looking really good.

David Price, Rays (AAA): 0-0 W-L, 4.91 ERA, 4 SO, 3.2 IP.

- Price will be pitching for the Rays at the major league level really soon. Once he gets comfortable and into more of a routine will the Rays give him the opportunity. 

What to look for next week...

Interviews will start to be scheduled next week.

Rich Harden, who is coming off a solid 10 strikeout performance, will be making his second start of the season. Some think that Harden is already DL bound, so it will be interesting to see if he can string together back to back strong outings.

The Pirates, Cubs, Nationals, Rays, Dodgers, and Mets all have their home openers. 

Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello will make his second start of the season.

 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Nationals Sign Storen, Strasburg Next

The Nationals have come to terms with their 10th overall pick, Drew Storen. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. As a sophomore at Standford, Storen went 7-1 with a 3.80 ERA and 7 saves. The Nationals hope that his attitude on the mound, as well as his mid-90s fastball, will move him quickly through the minor league system and into the Nationals bullpen as their closer or set up man. 

Now, there's Strasburg. Early indications are that negotiations are positive and that a deal should be reached well before the August 15th deadline. Keith Law of ESPN.com suggested that the Nationals have a clause in the contract that says he will be in the majors by a certain date. The Nats should offer a deal in the 22-24 million dollar range, with a 'in the MLB' clause kicking in, say, before the trade deadline. He has already thrown 109 innings this season, and the Nationals would be smart to limit him to 150-165 innings so that he doesn't overwork his arm. The Nationals are already 18 games out of first, there is no need to overwork your best and newest pitcher when you are well out of contention. 

 

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Nationals Eying Slugger?

The Nationals have assembled a team that lacks a power hitter to build a lineup around and an ace to work off of in the rotation. They have several young, unproven pitchers in the rotation who could be affected long term by their continued struggles all season. By bringing in a second tier pitcher like Jon Garland to lead this rotation would take a lot of pressure off pitchers Jason Bergmann and Colin Balester. However, GM Jim Bowden said he would not spend free agent money on pitching, but rather on hitting. When I spoke with Bowden he told me that spending money on the free agent market will be a last resort.

Rumors have been flying that the Nationals are preparing to open their wallets on a big name free agent. Jim Bowden spent several years with Adam Dunn in Cincinnati and might target him for the Nationals. However, that would be a long term investment to a .247 hitter, something the Nationals shouldn't do. It would be much smarter to target Matt Holliday of the Rockies, who is under contract until 2009 and would give them the power hitter they need. Yes he would cost them nearly 100 million, but he would give them a power hitter and leverage in negotiations with other players. This might not be Jim Bowden's decision this off season, but the Nationals would be smart to make a big time move to help this team in the future.

Perez Hopes To Stay With Nationals

Free agent pitcher Odalis Perez is drawing some interest on the open market, but says he would like to stay with the Nationals. The White Sox and Yankees have reportedly made offers to Perez, but it is believed that he is working on a two or three year deal with the Nationals. Perez went 7-12 with a 4.34 ERA in thirty games for the Nationals, but lacked the run support that would have made his numbers look a lot better.

The Nationals are also pursuing a big time power hitter, and it is believed they will target Adam Dunn, a product of Jim Bowden's from his days with the Reds.

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WIll the Nationals Pass On Strasburg?

Nationals owner Stan Kasten is telling people that he will pay a fair-market rate for Stephen Strasburg. If that's so, you can expect these negotiations to carry out all the way until the August 15th deadline, when Strasburg will decide to either sign or sit out a year - which he has not ruled out. Strasburg is 12-0 with a 1.34 ERA and 174 strike outs in 13 starts this season, one of which was a no-hitter. Some say Strasburg is major-league ready, but would likely need a couple starts in the minor leagues to adjust to professional hitters.

Even if Strasburg comes up and proves he is ready for the big leagues, he has already thrown 94.1 innings this season, and would probably need to be cut off at around 130 or 140, at most. If the Nationals were to pass on him for another pitcher, perhaps Tanner Scheppers, they would be paying much less for someone who could be equally as effective. I would be surprised to see the Nationals pass on him, but they might be better off drafting and signing someone who is eager to sign and play.

First round draft picks have been given major league contracts before, so the Nationals are going to have a hard time not agreeing to that, especially because their 2007 first round pick Ross Detwiler has been on the 40-man roster since being drafted.


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Nationals Lose Beimel, Promote Rivera

Foxsports.com is reporting that the Nationals have place reliever Joe Beimel on the disabled list with a hip injury. Beimel injured his hip after making a defensive play against Atlanta yesterday. He has a 1.23 ERA in eight appearances so far this season and the Nationals hope he will spend the minimum fifteen days on the DL before rejoining the Nationals.

Rivera is 0-3 in six outings this season with the Nationals, including a blown save. Rivera has a sub-4.00 ERA in 221 career games. 

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Will The Nationals Draft Strasbug

ESPN.com's Peter Gammons is reporting that top amatuer prospect Stephen Strasburg could command as much as 50 million dollars over five or six years in the upcoming amatuer draft. He has already struck out 74 while walking just 7 in 34.1 innings at San Diego State, and there isn't a scout out there who would say that this kid isn't the real deal. The Nationals have showed some interest, but may shy away from Scott Boras and his ridiculous tactics. The Nationals could always redraft Aaron Crow, who spurned them last year.

The Nationals would be smart to take their chances with Strasburg. They also have the tenth overall pick, thanks to Aaron Crow in last years draft, so they could get two very solid players before most teams make their selection. If the Nationals pass on Strasburg, he probably won't get past the Mariners at the number two pick.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Willingham Still Available

Nationals outfielder Josh Willingham is stuck in a crowded Nationals outfield. The Nationals are trying to move him, but the economy has forced a lot of teams to avoid adding payroll. Willingham would be a steal for some teams right now. He can hit for power, hold a decent average, and play two outfield positions and first base. 

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa told reporters in December that "if you can hit 20 homeruns, you will have a job in the big leagues." Willingham had two hits, one of them a homerun, against the Cardinals last week. Teams may be waiting to see how the Nationals play this. I can't see them releasing him, but with Nick Johnson still occupying first, the Nationals have four outfielders for three spots. 

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Milledge Sent To Minors

The Washington Nationals have sent OF Lastings Milledge down to the minors. The Nationals are off to an 0-7 start and think that sending Milledge down will give him more time to develop in the lead off role, not to mention clear up the clog in the Nationals outfield. "He is still a work-in-progress as a leadoff man," assistant general manager Mike Rizzo said during a conference call. Milledge was expected to play a big role in the Nationals chances this year, but a slow start has cost him his job. The Nationals believe that this is a smart move for the long term, and Rizzo said that Milledge took the demotion like a professional. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Nationals Could Fire Bowden

The Washington Post is reporting that several members of the Nationals ownership group would like to cut ties with GM Jim Bowden after the latest developments in the federal investigation surrounding him and other Nationals executives. Bowden has denied any wrong doing, but the skimming of the signing bonuses and scouting practices have been documented. The investigation encompasses the entire Nationals front office, putting principal owner Ted Lerner in an interesting spot. 

Mike Rizzo, who is an Assistant GM, could easily fill in as an interim GM for the start of the season, but it is still unclear who was involved in the wrong doing. The Nationals have a good group of young players, so if they get off to a good start Bowden might stay with the team. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Team by Team Updates from Orlando

Angels: After signing Gary Matthews to a five year deal, the Angels have kept fairly quiet. GM Bill Stoneman arrived late Monday and had minor discussions with a couple different teams. The Angels are tossing names around like Bartolo Colon and Felix Rodriguez in hopes of acquiring a bat. But other than just rumors, there has been no news to report.

Astros: The latest news from the Winter Meetings for the Astros is that Andy Pettitte wants to pitch next year and is leaning towards returning to the Astros. This could influence Roger Clemens decision on whether he wants to return to Boston, New York, Houston, or just retire. The Astros are also discussing a possible trade for Jason Jennings.

Athletics: The A's appear to be the number one team to sign Mike Piazza as their DH. The deal is a two year deal worth 15 million dollars. They are also working on a deal with Alan Embree.

Blue Jays: The Blue Jays are desperately trying to retain Ted Lilly but it appears that the Cubs are the favorite. Lilly has received a four year offer, worth 40 million dollars. "That's just hearsay from our end," Ricciardi said. "I personally talked to Ted Lilly on Saturday and had a great conversation with him. That's really all I can go on." The Blue Jays are also targeting Gil Meche, and are talking with the White Sox about trading Vernon Wells.

Braves: Reports from Orlando are saying that the Braves may look to trade Adam LaRoche and Marcus Giles. However, there are also rumors concerning Andruw Jones as well. It appears that GM John Schuerholz will look to trades before signings.

Brewers: The Brewers have been talking with teams about trading Geoff Jenkins or Kevin Mench, and have heard the Red Sox are interested in acquiring Derrek Turnbow. The Brewers are also interested in signing Kenny Lofton. They also are working a deal with Tony Graffanino who appears to be staying in Milwaukee.

Cardinals: The Cardinals have inked a five year, 65 million dollar deal with Chris Carpenter. The also plan to meet with Jason Schmidt. Other than that, the Cardinals have been relatively quiet.

Cubs: The Cubs have made an offer to Ted Lilly at an estimated 40 million over four years. They are also looking into Jason Schmidt and Gil Meche. They are also looking to trade Jacque Jones, have inquired about Jason Jennings, and may look to sign outfielders Cliff Floyd and Kenny Lofton.

Devil Rays: The Devil Rays main priority is to build their bullpen. However, that has not stopped them from looking to trade Rocco Baldelli, Jorge Cantu, or Carl Crawford. They are also working on a deal to sign Akinori Iwamura.

Diamondbacks: The Dbacks have been very quiet, hoping they could possibly sign Mark Mulder. The have also met with the agents of Keith Foulke.

Dodgers: The Dodgers appear to be interested in Jason Schmidt and have only had few conversations. On Monday, the Dodgers and Red Sox were talking about a trade for Manny Ramirez, but according to Colletti, the deal has a less than "5 percent" chance of getting done. They are close to finalizing a deal with Mike Lieberthal and rookie closer Takashi Saito.

Giants: The Giants have signed numerous players over the past week and have just began to finalize them. They have signed Dave Roberts, Rich Aurilia, Bengie Molina, and have resigned Pedro Feliz. The Giants are looking into signing Ryan Klesko, and have inquired about the Mariners Richie Sexon and the Cubs Jacque Jones.

Indians: Joe Borowski will take a physical either today or tomorrow for the Indians and then he will sign a one year deal. However, they will still look into signing Octavio Dotel or Keith Foulke. The Indians are really focusing on pitching and beefing up their bullpen after signing Dellucci.

Mariners: The Mariners are in hot pursuit of two pitchers. They plan to meet with Jason Schmidt and appear to be the favorites if the Cubs sign Lilly. However, Schmidt has said he wants to win now and has no problem leaving the West Coast. They are also looking to trade for Jason Jennings, but so are several other teams.

Marlins: The Marlins are showing serious interest in acquiring Rocco Baldelli. The Marlins are reluctant to part with pitching, but according to sources, Scott Olsen could get the deal done.

Mets: The Mets were in hot pursuit of Barry Zito but may have to settle for a veteran because of how high Zito's price tag is. Scott Boras is reportedly asking for a six to seven year deal, worth 102 million dollars. The Rangers seem more willing to offer the big deal.

Nationals: The Red Sox and Giants are talking a three way deal with the Nationals concerning Manny Ramirez. They would probably lose Chad Cordero and possibly acquire Noah Lowry. However it is just speculation. The Nationals Ryan Church, Jose Vidro, and Chad Cordero are all drawing interest in other trades.

Orioles: Rodrigo Lopez is on the topic of most general managers list of pitchers. The Mariners, Brewers, and Mets have all inquired about Lopez but no deal appears imminent. The Brewers have offered Kevin Mench but a formal offer will have to be sketched out. The Braves appear interested in Brian Roberts but the Orioles are reluctant to trade him.

Padres: The Padres are closing in on a deal with Greg Maddux. The deal is estimated at a one year deal worth 10 million dollars with an option for one more. They are also interested in Jason Schmidt and Ronnie Belliard.

Phillies: A frustrating off season so far might make a turn for the worst. Pat Burrell is drawing little to know interest and the Phillies continue to struggle to find pitching. Eaton only pitched in 65 innings and pitched okay when he returned. They are looking to Chicago to acquire Freddy Garcia, possibly reuniting Aaron Rowand. The Cubs might also be interested in Aaron Rowand because they are in need of a center fielder.

Pirates: The Pirates are talking with the Braves and Reds about Adam LaRoche and Adam Dunn. They have also inquired about Trot Nixon for right field. None of these deals appear to be finalized soon. The Pirates do have a slight advantage with the overload of pitching. They could acquire a decent hitter for a pitcher or two.

Rangers: The Rangers and Vicente Padilla have agreed to a three year deal, worth 33 million dollars. This will set the minimum for other second tier pitchers like Ted Lilly and Gil Meche. The Rangers also expect to make a serious run for Barry Zito, who is seeking a six year deal, worth 17 million annually.

Red Sox: The Red Sox are close to signing Julio Lugo and J.D. Drew. They also plan to finalize a deal with Daisuke Matsuzaka. Theo Epstein has also set a deadline for when he will stop trying to trade Manny Ramirez. THIS JUST IN: The Red Sox have agreed to a 5 year deal, worth 70 million dollars. I do not see Manny Ramirez being traded because the teams that are pursuing him do not have what the Red Sox want. Or they are not willing to part with what the Red Sox want.

Reds: The Reds have signed a 2 year deal, worth 5 million dollars total with Dave Weathers. Other than Weathers and Gonzalez, that is all the news from the Reds office. Adam Dunn is drawing some interest from teams but no deals have been worked out.

Rockies: The Rockies have signed LaTroy Hawkins and he will be their setup man. Several teams have inquired about Jason Jennings including the Astros, Cubs, Mariners, Mets, Rangers, and Twins. They also have interest in Kenny Lofton and Darin Erstad.

Royals: The Royals have focused on pitching, and have made an offer to Miguel Batista (3/24). They also have put Gil Meche as a top priority but it appears he will either go to the Cubs or Blue Jays.

Tigers: Jeremy Bonderman and Marcus Thames' names have come up in trades but the Tigers do not appear to be interested in trading them. They are interested in trading for Marlins pitcher Renyel Pinto. Pinto, 24, went to the Marlins last year in the Juan Pierre deal. He pitched from the bullpen most of the season.

Twins: The Twins are serious about acquiring Jason Jennings and a deal could get struck by tomorrow. With Liriano out for 2007 and Radke to retire, the Twins are looking for pitching and due to a lack of funds, will have to do it by trade. They are also working a deal to keep Rondell White.

White Sox: White Sox pitcher Brandon McCarthy may start in AAA next year unless they can trade one of their pitchers. Javier Vasquez and Freddy Garcia have both drawn a lot of interest from the Mets, Phillies, and Yankees and it is more than "50 percent" possible that one of them gets traded. The White Sox are also interested in acquiring Vernon Wells but I do not know if they have what it takes to trade him. They also have interest in Aaron Rowand.

Yankees: The Yankees have made an offer to Andy Pettitte worth 15 million for one year. The Yankees and Bernie Williams have also had minor discussions about a deal. They are also close to a deal with Kei Igawa. They have interest in Ted Lilly, Gil Meche, and Freddy Garcia (via trade).

Nationals Sign MacDougal

The Nationals and Mike MacDougal have agreed to a minor league deal. MacDougal gives the Nationals another option in the bullpen, which owns a 5.28 ERA this season. MacDougal was an All-Star closer in 2003 with the Royals, but owns a 4.18 career ERA in 262 career games. MacDougal had a 12.46 ERA in five games with the White Sox in 2009, and will have to prove himself in Triple-A before getting the call up with the Nationals.

If you are desperate for saves in your fantasy league, MacDougal could replace Julian Tavarez or Kip Wells in the closer spot if he performs well in Triple-A. Other options (unrelated to the story) include David Aardsma of the Mariners and Scott Downs of the Blue Jays.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Nationals to Fire Acta

FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Nationals will fire manager Manny Acta and replace him with bench coach Jim Riggleman. Acta has been with the team since the 2007 season, and has done a fairly good job despite poor records. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is having a breakout year for the Nationals, hitting .315 with 11 home runs and a .391 on-base percentage. Acta also has had an influence on young catcher Jesus Flores, who was hitting .311 with 4 home runs and 5 extra-base hits before landing on the disabled list.

The Nationals pitching has been quite a disappointment up to this point in the season, and a change is in order. Riggleman brings years of managerial experience, having managed the Padres, Cubs, and Mariners. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Nationals Sign Beimel

The MLB Network is reporting that the Nationals and Joe Beimel have agreed to a one year deal worth 2 million dollars. Beimel, 31, posted a 2.02 ERA in 71 games last season for the Dodgers. He will be the set up man for the Nationals, giving them a solid group of late inning relievers. To make room for Beimel, the Nationals released Shawn Hill. Hill had a 5.83 ERA last season, but Acta said it was the hardest decision he had to make while in Washington. 

Hill will likely get picked up on a minor league deal, perhaps by the Padres, who drafted him back in 1999. 

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Quick Hits: Crow, Damon, Chacon, Milledge

Quick hits:

• The Nationals have the first and ninth overall pick in this years draft. By missing out on pitcher Aaron Crow last year, they receive the ninth pick as compensation. Bill Ladson of MLB.com says the Nationals haven't ruled out drafting Aaron Crow, who chose not to sign with them last year. He probably would be in the Nationals rotation by now if he hadn't spurned them. Crow made his Independent league debut Monday, lating just 1 2/3 innings, giving up three runs (one earned) while striking out three.
• Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon has been discussing his future lately. "Hopefully, I can be happy in New York for a few more years. It’s tough to keep moving around teams. Hopefully this will be my last.” Damon has hit .286 in the past three years with the Yankees, and has averaged a little over 17 homeruns those three years. With Austin Jackson waiting in the wings, will the Yankees sign Damon?
• The Global Post has an excellent featured video on 15-year old prospect Miguel Angel Sano from the Dominican Republic. His athletic build and smooth swing has all thirty teams pursuing him. With so many stories coming out about players giving the wrong age, it is hard not to be suspicious. But the video gives you a little background and his family reassures everyone that he is indeed 15-years old. For what it's worth, I was convinced.
• Right handed pitcher Shawn Chacon has signed with the Newark Bears. Chacon will join veterans Keith Foulke, Armando Benitez, Carl Everett, Jay Gibbons, Bobby Hill, and Pete Rose Jr. on the Bears roster.
• "The Lastings Milledge Project" has taken a turn for the worst. Chico Harlan of the Washington Post says that Milledge and the Nationals have not had contact since his demotion last month. I suspect teams will follow him closely, especially after what Triple-A manager Tim Foli said: "You'd be pretty stupid to not understand how high the ceiling would be on a Lastings Milledge if he got it all together."

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Nationals Pursuing Lowe?

The Nationals, who are in need of an ace, may target free agent pitcher Derek Lowe. Lowe is reportedly far apart in negotiations with the Mets, and plans to meet with the Braves in the next day or two. The Nationals obviously have the money to bring in a pitcher like Lowe, who is seeking a three-four year deal worth 15-16 million dollars annually. The Nationals have historically been a team that does not go after top of the line pitching, but after a 59-win season, something needs to change. 

Lowe, who went 14-11 with a 3.24 ERA in 34 games, is also being pursued by the Phillies. 

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Nationals Sign Cabrera

The Nationals and pitcher Daniel Cabrera have reached an agreement on a one year deal, MLB.com is reporting. Cabrera, 27, was 8-10 with a 5.25 ERA for the Orioles last season, and was pursued by the Pirates and Mets as well. This is a great signing by the Nationals, who bring in a hard throwing pitcher who will not even have to leave his home in Baltimore to play with the Nationals. 

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Nationals Sign Tavarez

The Nationals and Julian Tavarez have agreed to a non guaranteed, minor league deal. Tavarez, 35, is 85-75 with a 4.45 ERA over sixteen seasons in both the NL and AL. Tavarez struggled last season with the Red Sox, Brewers, and Braves, going 1-5 with a 5.10 ERA. By adding this depth, the Nationals have more options to restructure their bullpen.

If the Nationals had a little more payroll flexibility, they could pursue lefty reliever Will Ohman. Ohman would be great for that bullpen, giving them the lefty specialist they need.

The 2008-2009 Free Agent List is starting to get pretty small, take a look at the remaining free agents!

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Taveras Drawing More Interest Than Expected

According to one AL executive, free agent outfielder Willy Taveras is drawing more interest than originally expected. Taveras, who hit .251 with 1 HR with 68 SB in 133 games for the Rockies, was nearly traded to the Nationals during the Winter Meetings. Now, the Nationals, with at least five other teams, are in contact with Taveras.

The Reds and Nationals have made it known of their interest, while the White Sox may target him to platoon in center.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Nationals Acquire Olsen, Willingham

The Nationals have traded Emilio Bonifacio, P.J. Dean, and Jake Smolinski to the Marlins for Josh Willingham and Scott Olsen. This is a great trade for both teams. The Nationals acquire a solid starter with ace potential as well as a outfielder with some upside. Olsen was 8-11 with a 4.20 ERA in thirty three games this season while Willingham hit .254 with 15 HR in 102 games. Both guys will have starting roles with the team and probably do fairly well playing in the same division. 

As for the prospects the Marlins will receive, Bonifacio is the only one with major league experience. He will likely be a utility player for the Marlins in 2009. In 10 games in Class-A short season, Dean went 4-1 with a 1.57 ERA. In 24 games in Class-A short season, Smolinksi hit .306 with 0 HR. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.