July 31, 2007
Nats Update: A Dunn Deal?
UPDATE (4:10pm): Nuthin!
Per Barry Svrluga, the Nats passed the trade deadline without making a move, despite a flurry of late rumors. While they might make minor moves in August (like last year with Livan), they decided against moving Rauch or Cordero. Let's hope Chief's feelings aren't hurt and he strikes out Dunn for the save tonight!
UPDATE (2:35pm): The Red Sox, rumored to have sought after Cordero since last winter, have reportedly filled their closer needs with Eric Gagne. Per Nationals Journal, the Mets remain as the most likely suitors. The Diamondbacks and Tigers have been scouting the Nats relievers a bit, as well. With 90 minutes until the deadline, it's looking more likely that the Nats may avoid making any big splashes on the trade market this year (you can just picture Stan Kasten holding Bowden's cell phone just out of reach...)
Mere hours to go until the non-waiver trade deadline comes this afternoon, and announcements are flying, as the rest of the NL East braces for a playoff run:
Teixeira to the Braves.
Castillo to the Mets.
Lohse to the Phillies.
Meanwhile, the Nats have surprisingly stayed out of the fray. Defying the tendencies of their deal-happy GM Trader Jim, the only moves thus far have been to stand pat, as they’ve extended the contracts of Dmitri Young and Ronnie Belliard. Despite that, rumors continue to swirl around many Nats, especially the relief corps' back-end duo of closer Chad Cordero and setup man Jon Rauch. Likewise, Cincy’s Adam Dunn – a Bowden favorite – is in town today for the beginning of a three game set at RFK. Don’t be surprised to see JimBo out there this afternoon measuring his hat size and trying to fit him for a Curly W.
What do Nats fans think? Will the team make a deal? Should they? Check this post today for updates and links to the latest developments on our sensational Fox 5-esque Continuing Coverage: Nats on the Brink.
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If they can get a decent hitting prospect for either Cordero or Rauch (not both of them, though), they should go for it. I'm not getting my hopes up, though.
What they really need is a 30-40 HR-type outfielder but I suspect that will come in the form of a free-agent signing this winter.
Not sure why they locked up Belliard AND Young, both of whom got especially favorable deals. I agree Young should be rewarded for all his work and production for someone on a $500,000 salary. (Imagine being considered at the bottom of the pile at your workplace because of your half a million $ salary). I hope they outplay thier contracts and make Bowden look smart for resigning them.
Still baffles me that they didn't trade Soriano and let him float away last fall. Maybe keeping the fans happy for a little while longer? (worked for me). I think they can contend in three years or so with the young talent. Definitely need a bat or two though.. someone to complement Young, and Nick Johnson, who I trust will be back eventually.... And poor Austin Kearns. I'll give him a mulligan until next season. But he better start producing by 2009.
What is strange about Kearns is that he is hitting .300 on the road, and .210 at home. Hopefully M St. will rid Austin of the bad RFK mojo.
You do realize that the Red Sox already HAVE a closer, right? Gagne wouldn't be the closer but the set up man, I believe. Paps is still sticking with the true closer job.
But I'm happy that Cordero is still in DC as is Rauch!
Guest 4,
Yes, of course. In my haste to update the post, I wrote "closer" when I should have said "reliever" or "setup" needs. Apologies to Mr. Papelbon and Red Sox Nation.