When DC GM Mike Rizzo gave Washington Post writer Chico Harlan a list of free agent pitchers the Washington Nationals would target this winter back in early September '09, (which included just about every big name on the market), for a Nationals Journal post entitled, "Reading Material, Shopping Lists", he also promised the DC Faithful, "We're going to get one of them."

According to MASNSports.com's Byron Kerr, the DC GM came through for the Faithful this afternoon and signed the first name from that original list, Jason Marquis. Mr. Kerr, in an article entitled, "Nats to sign Jason Marquis", writes simply that, "MASNSports.com has learned that the Nationals will sign starting pitcher Jason Marquis," promising more news to follow when the deal becomes official. 

MLB.com's Bill Ladson just sent out a Twitter message confirming that the signing is imminent (pending a physical) and it's already being discussed on XM's MLB channel, (XM announcer Jim Duquette called it a "money grab" by Marquis)...so it appears that the news is official...

The Washington Nationals have signed free agent right-hander Jason Marquis...#'s, years and a whole lot more to follow later this afternoon...

In Rizzo We Trust!!!