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Not unexpected. Didn't acquire any of the A's best prospects, but they did get a live-armed reliever and a mid-level outfield prospect.

Nats have said repeatedly they liked Bernadina in left, and that's now where he'll mostly be.

My entire stash of Nats jerseys acquired last year are now completely moot for 2011 (Walker, Dunn, Strasburg, Willingham, Harris), although in theory Harris could conceivably return.

Man, it seems like Rizzo has a fascination with flamethrowers.

Henry Rodriguez, rhp Born: Feb. 25, 1987. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-1. • Wt.: 175.
Signed: Venezuela, 2003. • Signed by: Julio Franco.
Background: Signed out of Venezuela in 2003, Rodriguez didn't make his pro debut until 2005 because of a nagging groin injury. The injury continued to bother him in his U.S. debut in 2006, the highlight of which was a combined no-hitter with Trevor Cahill in the Rookie-level Arizona League. Rodriguez' confidence soared and he has been much more effective ever since.

Strengths: Rodriguez consistently works at 92-96 mph with his fastball, which has outstanding late life in the zone, riding in on righthanders and down and away from lefties. He has hit 100 mph, though he has bought into the philosophy that command is more important than lighting up radar guns. His changeup shows signs of being a plus pitch. He likes to throw inside and is aggressive on the mound. He's athletic, repeats his delivery and fields his position well.

Weaknesses: Rodriguez has tinkered with both a curveball and slider, but he still lacks a consistent breaking ball. He settled on a slider last year, which fits his repertoire much better, but it's still well-below-average.

The Future: Some scouts target Rodriguez as a power reliever, but if his slider comes around, he has the makings of a middle-of-the-rotation starter. The A's will keep him in the rotation and challenge him to keep the ball down and throw consistent strikes in high Class A this season.