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glenn · 02-28-2009, 08:01 PM

The Nationals Report
By Jim Davidson

With about three weeks to go before opening day, the Nationals continue to move through spring with an even 500 record. The pitching has struggled, the hitting has been flat at times, but the Nats are getting ready for the regular season. I spoke with the new GM today to talk about the team performance and to talk about the rumors the Nationals are going to sign reliever Will Ohman. "The goal of spring training is to get the team ready for opening day and the season ahead. Getting a chance to watch some of the young guys up close, and seeing what they can do.", the new GM said. When pressed on whether the Nats signing of Ohman is imminent, the GM replied, "Nothing is imminent. We have interest in improving our team, and we are looking at ways to do so."

Injury Report
SP-Matt Chico continues to recuperate from his surgery to repair a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament, and is progressing well. He says he is on track for a return around the All-Star break.

CF-Lastings Milledge sprained an ankle on a stolen base attempt, and is expected to miss the next 2-4 weeks. The Nationals are hoping to have him back by opening day, and haven't placed him on the DL at this time.

RP-Saul Rivera was shut down for the next week, as he is dealing with a tender elbow. Team officials indicated that all tests were negative, but will give him some extra time off as a precaution.

C-Javier Valentin is also out for the next week with a strained groin muscle. Valentin is expected to platoon with Jesus Flores to start the year.

Transactions
The Nats continued to pare down their roster to get ready for the regular season. 24 year old CF Mike Daniel, 27 year old infielder Kory Casto, 25 year old first baseman Matt Whitney, and 26 year old middle reliever Mike Hinckley were sent down to AAA Syracuse.

In a surprise move the Nationals also sent down 30 year old left fielder Josh Willingham. Willingham came over from the Marlins in an offseason trade that also brought Scott Olsen to the Nationals. Willingham hit .254 with 15 HR and 51 RBI last year for the Marlins. "Obviously I'm disappointed with the decision, I'm a major leaguer, and have proven I can play. If they don't want to play me, they need to trade me," an upset Willingham told me.

29 year old centerfielder Corey Patterson was placed on waivers and designated for assignment. According to my source, the Nats are looking to clear a roster spot. Maybe the Ohman signing is more imminent than the new General Manager indicated.

Around the League
In a couple surprise moves, the Boston Red Sox pulled off two major trades yesterday, sending Jason Bay and a minor league prospect to the Arizona Diamondbacks for SP Dan Haren. In a separate deal, the Sox sent 1B Kevin Youkilis and $1.3 million in cash to the Cleveland Indians for catcher Victor Martinez.

02-28-2009, 08:01 PM	#10
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	3/16/2009 The Nationals Report By Jim Davidson With about three weeks to go before opening day, the Nationals continue to move through spring with an even 500 record. The pitching has struggled, the hitting has been flat at times, but the Nats are getting ready for the regular season. I spoke with the new GM today to talk about the team performance and to talk about the rumors the Nationals are going to sign reliever Will Ohman. "The goal of spring training is to get the team ready for opening day and the season ahead. Getting a chance to watch some of the young guys up close, and seeing what they can do.", the new GM said. When pressed on whether the Nats signing of Ohman is imminent, the GM replied, "Nothing is imminent. We have interest in improving our team, and we are looking at ways to do so." Injury Report SP-Matt Chico continues to recuperate from his surgery to repair a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament, and is progressing well. He says he is on track for a return around the All-Star break. CF-Lastings Milledge sprained an ankle on a stolen base attempt, and is expected to miss the next 2-4 weeks. The Nationals are hoping to have him back by opening day, and haven't placed him on the DL at this time. RP-Saul Rivera was shut down for the next week, as he is dealing with a tender elbow. Team officials indicated that all tests were negative, but will give him some extra time off as a precaution. C-Javier Valentin is also out for the next week with a strained groin muscle. Valentin is expected to platoon with Jesus Flores to start the year. Transactions The Nats continued to pare down their roster to get ready for the regular season. 24 year old CF Mike Daniel, 27 year old infielder Kory Casto, 25 year old first baseman Matt Whitney, and 26 year old middle reliever Mike Hinckley were sent down to AAA Syracuse. In a surprise move the Nationals also sent down 30 year old left fielder Josh Willingham. Willingham came over from the Marlins in an offseason trade that also brought Scott Olsen to the Nationals. Willingham hit .254 with 15 HR and 51 RBI last year for the Marlins. "Obviously I'm disappointed with the decision, I'm a major leaguer, and have proven I can play. If they don't want to play me, they need to trade me," an upset Willingham told me. 29 year old centerfielder Corey Patterson was placed on waivers and designated for assignment. According to my source, the Nats are looking to clear a roster spot. Maybe the Ohman signing is more imminent than the new General Manager indicated. Around the League In a couple surprise moves, the Boston Red Sox pulled off two major trades yesterday, sending Jason Bay and a minor league prospect to the Arizona Diamondbacks for SP Dan Haren. In a separate deal, the Sox sent 1B Kevin Youkilis and $1.3 million in cash to the Cleveland Indians for catcher Victor Martinez.