--RHP Tim Redding had surgery Nov. 28 to repair a damaged bone in his left foot. Redding said he first started noticing a problem sometime in June, though he pitched through the entire season without needing a stint on the disabled list. His numbers dropped significantly over the second half, though. He opened the year 6-3 with a 3.17 ERA but went 4-8 with a 5.76 ERA after that. The Nationals expect Redding to be fully recovered by the start of spring training and expect no lingering issues once he takes the mound again.
--LHP Mike Hinckley will go into spring training the favorite to be Washington's top left-hander out of the bullpen, but nothing will be guaranteed for the rookie reliever. Hinckley, once the organization's top pitching prospect, made a huge splash in his September debut, not allowing an earned run in 13 2/3 innings. Manager Manny Acta said the 26-year-old earned the right to come to spring training as his top lefty, but given his brief experience, Hinckley will still need to prove he's up to the task. --1B/3B Aaron Boone is still considering his options as a free agent, though the veteran has expressed some desire to return to the Nationals. Boone hit .241 with six homers and 28 RBIs in his first season with Washington, and he earned praise for his clubhouse leadership. The 36-year-old infielder probably won't sign until he gets a better sense of his options around the majors.
--1B/OF Kory Casto will have a difficult time making the Nationals' roster out of spring training. A two-time organization player of the year, Casto hasn't shown an ability to hit consistently in the majors. He's also hurt by the lack of a natural position in the field.
--Former major league C/1B Matt LeCroy was hired as manager of the Nationals' low Class A affiliate in Hagerstown (Md.). LeCroy spent most of his career with the Twins but played for Washington in 2006 and won over teammates and management with his positive attitude and clubhouse demeanor. After playing in an independent league this season, the 32-year-old retired as a player. This will mark his first season as a coach or manager at any level.
BY THE NUMBERS: 3 -- Nationals pitchers who made at least 30 starts in 2008: LHP John Lannan, RHP Tim Redding and LHP Odalis Perez.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "They talk about the plan they have with this team, and I believe in it." -- OF Josh Willingham, acquired by the Nationals from Florida on Nov. 11.
