MONDAY: Extension talks for Zimmerman are indeed on hold until after the season, according to Chico Harlan of the Washington Post. Zimmerman does not seem concerned, noting that "it's come a long way" and expressing relief to have entered the arbitration system.
SATURDAY: According to the Associated Press, via the Miami Herald, Ryan Zimmerman wants long-term contract negotiations to cease once the regular season starts. The Nationals have been working toward a multi-year extension with their 23-year-old third baseman since spring training began.
Zimmerman tells The Associated Press on Saturday that if there isn't something in place by Monday's first game, he wants a break in negotiations. He says the last thing he needs is to be worrying about something other than trying to help the Nationals win.
