Winter meetings/(Bruney/Rodriguez)

[Jollay]

Washington acquired Brian Bruney today--certainly a good acquistion--for a player to be named later.

Bruney is eligible for arby (will probably clear around 2 million) and made 1.25 million last year. He was 5-0 with a 3.92 ERA last year but went on the disabled list twice. He's only 27 and definitely has a good arm and punchout power, alhough he generally walks alot of batters.

Good acquisition for the Nats' bullpen, but then, just about anyone is....he will compete with MacDougal to close until Storen is ready.

He's almost like MacDougal lite--probably a favorite to close because he's more stable than Mac...

[Jollay]

The Washington Post is today reporting the Nats have interest in John Smoltz and in trading Josh Willingham.

Smoltz is understandably in no hurry to sign until he explores all options (including what contenders are serious about him).

And I'll believe Willingham when I see it. The Mets and Braves are both interested according to the Post, but as I've said, I don't see why a team that desperately needs to improve would deal a productive #5 hitter that helped stabiize the team unless the Nats could clear a good haul.

And why would any team give the Nats a solid return when there are free agents available at that position?

I get the supposed angle where the Nats want to improve their defense but Zimmy/Dunn for power ain't enough, especially if they are plugging in Bernadina.

I'l believe it when I see it...don't be surprised if nothing happens...

[slaterbug]

Nats get Pudge. Strange move in my opionion!

[Jollay]

Nats get Pudge. Strange move in my opionion!

2 year deal for 6 million--certainly fits the definition of a guy who can start until Flores is at full steam....

Sure why not? Not like Rod Barajas or Jason Kendall is all that better, if anything. Hit .249 with 10HR in two stops last year, certainly capable of starting in the Sprng until Flores is back and then going to the bench.

It does seem strange not so much that the Nats would be interested, but that Rodriguez would be. Definitely should help with managing the pitching staff and probably helps in landing Smoltz or another veteran pitcher.

[Jollay]

The Nats sent Jamie Hoffmann, their first pick in the Rule 5 draft, for Bruney. Probably not all that high a ceiling but can play defensively all three outfield spots.

Good job by the Nats acquiring Bruney--probably better than most they could have gotten in Rule 5.

It looks like the Nats will go for a starter and call it an offseason--never believed Willingham trade rumors. Question is, will it be Garland? Marquis? Washburn? Smoltz? Pineiro?

I would like to see Marquis first. Can hit, too. Don't want another lefty like Washburn. Not all excited about Garland or Pineiro but hard to argue with the need to sign them. Smoltz would be at least interesting and obviously the most short-term option--which if things go well with the Nats youngsters might be the way to go anyway.