--3B Ryan Zimmerman and the Nationals exchanged arbitration figures Jan. 20. The two sides are more than $1 million apart. Zimmerman, who is arbitration-eligible for the first time in his career, asked for $3.9 million. The Nationals offered $2.75 million, pointing to the third baseman's decreased stats in 2008 (when he was plagued by a right shoulder injury). The two sides are free to come to terms on their own, but if no deal is struck, a hearing before a three-judge panel will take place some time between Feb. 1-21.
--OF Josh Willingham and the Nationals exchanged arbitration figures Jan. 20. Willingham, who was acquired from the Marlins in November and is arbitration-eligible for the first time, submitted a request of $3.5 million. Washington countered with an offer of $2.55 million. The 29-year-old outfielder has averaged 21 homers and 73 RBIs in each of his three full major league seasons, but his numbers declined some in 2008 due to a back injury that forced him to miss playing time. --LHP Scott Olsen and the Nationals exchanged arbitration figures Jan. 20. Olsen, who was acquired from the Marlins in November and is arbitration-eligible for the first time, is seeking $3.5 million. The Nationals are offering $2.5 million. The 25-year-old left-hander has a career 31-37 record and 4.63 ERA, but he's shown durability in making at least 31 starts each of the last three seasons.
--RHP Shawn Hill and the Nationals exchanged arbitration figures Jan. 20. Hill asked for $775,000, while Washington offered $500,000. The 27-year-old has been considered a potential staff ace for several seasons, but his career has been plagued by arm injuries. Hill made only 12 starts in 2008, going 1-5 with a 5.83 ERA before he was shut down with persistent pain in his right forearm.
--The Nationals named Jeff Garber manager for short-season (Burlington) Vermont and Bobby Henley manager for the club's rookie-level Gulf Coast League in Viera, Fla. Garber was the organization's field coordinator in 2008. Henley, who doubles as the organization's catching instructor, will be serving his third season as GCL manager.
BY THE NUMBERS: 33 -- Times Nick Johnson walked in 2008. That ranked sixth on the Nationals even though Johnson's season ended on May 14 due to a torn wrist ligament.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Pretty much I'll just deal with what I've got, and get ready for the next year and come into the spring healthy and hopefully be on the field." -- 1B Nick Johnson, to the Washington Post, on his return from a torn wrist ligament.
