The Nationals made a big splash this week when they landed Gio Gonzalez in a deal to bolster their already solid rotation. Here's more on what the acquisition of Gonzalez means for the Nats and other news on the club..
- MLB.com's Bill Ladson (via Twitter) cautions that it's just a prediction, but it wouldn't surprise him to see the Nationals trade John Lannan for a bat. The left-hander is arbitration eligible for the second time this winter and MLBTR projects that he is set to earn $4.9MM. The Nats could be comfortable moving Lannan in part because of their confidence in Ross Detwiler (Twitter link).
- During last night's conference call to discuss the Gonzalez deal, Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said that the club will be aggressive in their pursuit of a long-term center fielder if the opportunity presents itself. Rizzo went on to say that the club is considering using Jayson Werth in center and expanding their search to include right fielders, Ladson writes.
- Pete Kerzel of MASNSports.com understands the concern over Gonzalez's walk rate, but also points to the strides he's made in other areas, including innings pitched and sustaining a high strikeout rate with the increased workload. Kerzel isn't concerned about the fact that Gonzalez has been traded four times, saying that it's a sign of his universally recognized potential and not an indicator of potential problems.
FillyPhan
Haha sure put Werth at a new position, that should help get his BA up. Nothing like more pressure at new position to wake up that bat.
Lastings
CF is not new to Werth. He isn’t a gold glover out there, but he can comfortably play that position.
jondogg2010
Nats don’t need a RF.. They have Bryce Harper. Said the Red Sox fan..
Adam Sager
Quentin and a prospect for Lannan.
But I can’t wait to see Harper, so I am fine with them not getting Quentin.
Martin M.
Jayson Werth ist awesome.
chrisn313
Can’t tell if u forgot an “n” or added a “t”, which ist important to the point…
Kyle Haker
You can get the bat for John Lannan, but you are gonna have to include more if you want someone to swing it.
jayrig5
I’m not sure I agree with this, but it was funny no matter what.
Also, would a Marlon Byrd for John Lannan swap interest the Nationals? That doesn’t seem like too far-fetched a scenario for either team.
hallwagner
we already had marlon byrd, we dont want him again
Zach 12
Hahaha!
I do think Lannan could fetch a nice piece though
Jose Martinez
They should move Werth to center and put Harper at Rf nothing to lose there.
Jay 30
Lannan for Austin Jackson.
Fred_G_Sanford
john lannan for john lennon’s autograph…actually the autograph is worth way more so throw in a ptbnl or somethin
Kyle Haker
if i were mike rizzo I would totally do that.
IndianaBob
In 147 at bats in AA he hit .256/.329/.395. He is NOT ready for the majors. If the Nationals burn up his service time this early they are fools. Let him excel in AA and AAA for a decent period before using up his service time.