The Nationals have identified long-term fixtures at several spots (C Jesus Flores, 3B Ryan Zimmerman and OFs Elijah Dukes and Lastings Milledge), but their lineup and bullpen are both in need of an overhaul.
BIGGEST NEEDS: The Nationals have a major question at first base, where both Nick Johnson and Dmitri Young -- scheduled to make a combined $10.5 million next season -- will come into spring training with as many injury questions as ever. General manager Jim Bowden has said the team needs to find another first baseman to give the Nationals some security. Washington's bullpen, once the strength of the team, is also in a state of flux after the trade of RHP Jon Rauch and injury to RHP Chad Cordero, who is now a free agent. ARRIVALS: LHP Scott Olsen (trade with Marlins), OF Josh Willingham (trade with Marlins), RHP Terrell Young (Rule 5 selection from Reds), OF Corey Patterson (minor league free agent from Reds).
DEPARTURES: 2B Emilio Bonifacio (traded to Marlins), INF Aaron Boone (free agent, signed with Astros).
FREE AGENTS: LHP Odalis Perez, RHP Chad Cordero, RHP Ryan Wagner, RHP Jesus Colome, RHP Tim Redding (non-tendered).
Perez would like to return, though his resurgent season could make him more expensive than the Nationals would like. Cordero and Wagner became free agents after refusing outright assignments to the minors. Colome was released prior to the Rule 5 draft.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: 3B Ryan Zimmerman, RHP Shawn Hill, LHP Scott Olsen, OF Josh Willingham.
Zimmerman likely will get a nice raise, but not as large a one as he could have had if he stayed healthy all season and cashed in on the long-term contract the Nationals had been discussing. That deal is likely dead until next season. Olsen and Willingham arrived in a November trade with Florida.
IN LIMBO: OF Austin Kearns, who hit .217 during an injury-plagued season and is due to make $18 million over the next two seasons, probably will be dealt if Bowden can find any takers for his contract. RHP Shawn Hill, another injury concern, might be out of chances if the Nationals decide to give a rotation spot to one of their young pitchers.
MEDICAL WATCH:
OF Wily Mo Pena (left rotator cuff surgery in July 2008) had been working out at the end of the season and is expected to be ready for spring training.
RHP Shawn Hill (arthroscopic elbow surgery in August 2008) is expected to be ready for spring training.
1B Nick Johnson (right wrist surgery in June 2008) should be ready for the start of spring training.
