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.