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glenn · 02-28-2009, 08:01 PM

Nats Bolster Bullpen
By Jim Davidson

With a win yesterday, the Nationals improved to 11-9 for the spring. The big news wasn't on the field, but off the field, as the Nationals signed two free agents and made one minor trade.

The Nats signed 31 year old lefty Will Ohman to a 1 year, $400,000 contract. 4-1 with a 3.68 ERA in 58 2/3 innings for Braves, and signed 33 year old right Aquilino Lopez to a 1 year, $400,000 contract. 4-1 with 3.55 ERA in 78 2/3 innings for Tigers.

"One of my biggest areas of concern is the pitching, and we've been talking to Will and Aquilino about joining the Nationals, and I'm very pleased that it worked out. They'll give us two quality veteran arms out of the pen, and they should help solidify our bullpen, and make our team better", said the rookie GM.

The Nationals also shipped off 27 year old outfielder Wily Mo Pena, C Javi Herrera and $1.8 million in cash to the Atlanta Braves for 24 year old reliever Kevin Gunderson, 23 year old first baseman Kala Ka'aihue, 23 year old starting pitcher James Parr, and two minor league relievers.

"We've got a logjam of outfielders, and I don't generally like trading within our division, but we were able to match up well with the Braves, and get back a couple of prospects if we were willing to cover most of Wily Mo Pena's salary. It wasn't something we wanted to do, but rather than have to release one of our outfielders and pay their salary, we were able to get something back."

My take, the Nats trade a bat to a division rival, and offer to pay for his salary for a couple of guys who probably won't help them this year at all, and probably never.

According to my sources, I've learned that Scouting Director Mike Rizzo will be given control over all minor league player development and minor league player promotions and demotions.

Injury Report
SP-Matt Chico - surgery to repair a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament - out until All-Star break (60 day DL)

CF-Lastings Milledge -sprained ankle - out 2-3 weeks (Not on DL)

RP-Saul Rivera - tender elbow - day to day

C-Javier Valentin - strained groin muscle - day to day

Around the League
The Houston Astros traded centerfielder Hunter Pence to the New York Mets for Fernando Tatis, a minor leaguer, and cash.

Mets ace Johan Santana will miss the year with bone chips in his elbow.

Braves catcher Brian McCann will miss the year with a ruptured disc in his back

02-28-2009, 08:01 PM	#11
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	3/23/2009 Nats Bolster Bullpen By Jim Davidson With a win yesterday, the Nationals improved to 11-9 for the spring. The big news wasn't on the field, but off the field, as the Nationals signed two free agents and made one minor trade. The Nats signed 31 year old lefty Will Ohman to a 1 year, $400,000 contract. 4-1 with a 3.68 ERA in 58 2/3 innings for Braves, and signed 33 year old right Aquilino Lopez to a 1 year, $400,000 contract. 4-1 with 3.55 ERA in 78 2/3 innings for Tigers. "One of my biggest areas of concern is the pitching, and we've been talking to Will and Aquilino about joining the Nationals, and I'm very pleased that it worked out. They'll give us two quality veteran arms out of the pen, and they should help solidify our bullpen, and make our team better", said the rookie GM. The Nationals also shipped off 27 year old outfielder Wily Mo Pena, C Javi Herrera and $1.8 million in cash to the Atlanta Braves for 24 year old reliever Kevin Gunderson, 23 year old first baseman Kala Ka'aihue, 23 year old starting pitcher James Parr, and two minor league relievers. "We've got a logjam of outfielders, and I don't generally like trading within our division, but we were able to match up well with the Braves, and get back a couple of prospects if we were willing to cover most of Wily Mo Pena's salary. It wasn't something we wanted to do, but rather than have to release one of our outfielders and pay their salary, we were able to get something back." My take, the Nats trade a bat to a division rival, and offer to pay for his salary for a couple of guys who probably won't help them this year at all, and probably never. According to my sources, I've learned that Scouting Director Mike Rizzo will be given control over all minor league player development and minor league player promotions and demotions. Injury Report SP-Matt Chico - surgery to repair a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament - out until All-Star break (60 day DL) CF-Lastings Milledge -sprained ankle - out 2-3 weeks (Not on DL) RP-Saul Rivera - tender elbow - day to day C-Javier Valentin - strained groin muscle - day to day Around the League The Houston Astros traded centerfielder Hunter Pence to the New York Mets for Fernando Tatis, a minor leaguer, and cash. Mets ace Johan Santana will miss the year with bone chips in his elbow. Braves catcher Brian McCann will miss the year with a ruptured disc in his back