--SS Cristian Guzman, in manager Manny Acta's mind, was the team's MVP "without question," Acta said before the Nationals' final game of the season on Sunday. "The guy gained so much respect from me this season, because of how professional he's been on and off the field," Acta said. "From Opening Day until (the last day of the season), he's been consistent; just played his heart out for us regardless of our situation." Guzman entered the day fourth in the National League in batting average (.316) and hits (183).
--C Luke Montz hit his first career homer in the third inning of Sunday's game, a solo shot to left off Kyle Kendrick. Montz, a September call-up, had just 24 at-bats before Sunday. --CF Lastings Milledge was not in the Nationals' starting lineup on Sunday, and he finished the season with the lowest RBI total to lead a team in the last 20 years. The previous low was set by Kansas City's Emil Brown in 2007. Brown led the Royals with 62 RBIs; Milledge finished 2008 with 61.
--LHP Odalis Perez left his final start of the season after 3 2/3 innings with flu-like symptoms, a team spokesman said. He gave up four runs (three earned) on eight hits while striking out five and walking one.
--OF Elijah Dukes said he will spend the offseason in Washington rehabbing his right leg, which sent him to the disabled list on three separate occasions this season. The outfielder, who has a history of legal trouble, was also asked to stay in the area rather than going to his native Florida. "Whatever they want me to do, I'm willing to do that, just to stay involved with the team," Dukes said. "Where I'm staying at, there's really nobody. That's a good thing. I can be out, chilling by myself and not bother anybody."
BY THE NUMBERS: 1976 -- The last season before 2008 in which the Expos/Nationals franchise lost 100 games.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Everyone has been upfront with the fans from the very beginning, and they understand. Does anyone like losing 90 games? No, nobody likes that." -- GM Jim Bowden, on the Nationals' struggles this season. The team finished a major league-worst 59-102.
