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.
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), RHP Daniel Cabrera (free agent from Orioles), RHP Josh Towers (minor league free agent from Rockies), LHP Wil Ledezma (minor league free agent from Padres). DEPARTURES: LHP Charlie Manning (claimed off waivers by Cardinals), 2B Emilio Bonifacio (traded to Marlins), INF Aaron Boone (free agent, signed with Astros), RHP Tim Redding (non-tendered, signed with Mets).
FREE AGENTS: LHP Odalis Perez, RHP Chad Cordero.
Perez would like to return, though his resurgent season could make him more expensive than the Nationals would like. Cordero became a free agent after refusing an outright assignment to the minors.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: 3B Ryan Zimmerman, RHP Shawn Hill, LHP Scott Olsen, OF Josh Willingham.
Figures were exchanged with all four players on Jan. 20. Zimmerman asked for $3.9 million; the Nationals offered $2.75 million. Willingham and Olsen each is seeking $3.5 million; the Nationals countered with an offer of $2.55 million to Willingham and $2.5 million to Olsen. Hill asked for $775,000; Washington offered $500,000.
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.
