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glenn · 02-28-2009, 05:31 PM

Nats Blockbuster Sends Johnson West
By Jim Davidson

The Nationals made their first major move since firing General Manager Jim Bowden, sending first baseman Nick Johnson and closer Chad Cordero to the Los Angeles Dodgers for first baseman James Loney, second baseman Blake Dewitt and starting pitcher Shawn Estes. Johnson, just 29 years old, spent the last four years with the Nationals. His best season with the Nationals was 2006, hitting .290 with 23 home runs and 77 RBI. Johnson was a fan favorite, who requested a trade after the Nationals signed free agent Adam Dunn. I spoke with Johnson in spring training, and he told me he feels better than he has felt in years, and wants to show everyone he can be a top line first baseman.

Chad Cordero has also been with the Nationals since they relocated to Washington, and saved 47 games in 2005 for the Nationals, and 37 in 2007. He missed most of 2008 with a torn labrum, but signed a one year deal with the Nationals after an impressive workout. Cordero reported to spring training on time, and expected to be back at full strength in time for opening day.

Coming back to the Nationals, 24 year old James Loney, who hit .289 last year with 13 home runs and 90 RBI. He is expected to be the Nationals starting first baseman.

The Nationals also received second baseman Blake Dewitt, a 23 year old who hit .264 with 9 homers and 52 RBI. Dewitt became expendable after the Dodgers signed free agent second baseman Orlando Hudson in February. Also coming to the Nationals is 36 year old pitcher Shawn Estes. For his career, Estes is 101-93 with a 4.71 ERA, but has made just 9 starts in the majors over the past three years.

After the deal was completed, the Dodgers announced they signed Nick Johnson to a 2 year contract extension.

The Nationals had an off day yesterday in Grapefruit League action, but are even at 4-4 during Spring Training.

02-28-2009, 05:31 PM	#8
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	3/8/2009 Nats Blockbuster Sends Johnson West By Jim Davidson The Nationals made their first major move since firing General Manager Jim Bowden, sending first baseman Nick Johnson and closer Chad Cordero to the Los Angeles Dodgers for first baseman James Loney, second baseman Blake Dewitt and starting pitcher Shawn Estes. Johnson, just 29 years old, spent the last four years with the Nationals. His best season with the Nationals was 2006, hitting .290 with 23 home runs and 77 RBI. Johnson was a fan favorite, who requested a trade after the Nationals signed free agent Adam Dunn. I spoke with Johnson in spring training, and he told me he feels better than he has felt in years, and wants to show everyone he can be a top line first baseman. Chad Cordero has also been with the Nationals since they relocated to Washington, and saved 47 games in 2005 for the Nationals, and 37 in 2007. He missed most of 2008 with a torn labrum, but signed a one year deal with the Nationals after an impressive workout. Cordero reported to spring training on time, and expected to be back at full strength in time for opening day. Coming back to the Nationals, 24 year old James Loney, who hit .289 last year with 13 home runs and 90 RBI. He is expected to be the Nationals starting first baseman. The Nationals also received second baseman Blake Dewitt, a 23 year old who hit .264 with 9 homers and 52 RBI. Dewitt became expendable after the Dodgers signed free agent second baseman Orlando Hudson in February. Also coming to the Nationals is 36 year old pitcher Shawn Estes. For his career, Estes is 101-93 with a 4.71 ERA, but has made just 9 starts in the majors over the past three years. After the deal was completed, the Dodgers announced they signed Nick Johnson to a 2 year contract extension. The Nationals had an off day yesterday in Grapefruit League action, but are even at 4-4 during Spring Training.