My apologies if the previous post proved confusing. As I said, it was stream of consciousness. Hopefully I communicated something understandable and cohesive, but . . . well, my words and thoughts aren't under warranty, so to speak.
I want to point out three posts on other blogs:
- "The Plan" (Nats Farm Authority)
- Sacrificing Tomorrow (Oleanders & Morning Glories)
- Cold Cast-Iron Stove (Capitol Punishment)
At any rate, this appears to be pretty much academic. The Nats aren't buying into this market at all (or at least don't seem to be); who knows, maybe that's best. But I think these are interesting perspectives.
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If the Nats aren't going to build through free agency, the least they could do is swing some trades, especially this week. Will it happen? Again, who knows. Nats.com notes a rumor the Nats could be an indirect player in Manny-mania:
. . . The Nationals would want young prospects or Major Leaguers in return.
There is apparently a related rumor that links the Nats with San Francisco pitcher Noah Lowry. This rumor (traditional rumor caveats apply) has Chad Cordero going to the Red Sox. I don't know. But if Jim Bowden has his druthers, I'd imagine there's a deal out there to be swung. That's his game, dawg.
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There are even other ways to acquire guys---the Rule 5 Draft, for instance, which is coming up. Nats Farm Authority has some nice posts on the subject. As with many facets of the team's roster, I'm thinking the team's Rule 5 plans to a great extent have to anticipate whether Jose Vidro will be traded. If Vidro's gone, I could see some sort of infield backup coming along. If Vidro remains, however, the roster might be too crowded. Additionally, Rule 5 historically is not the place to find a starting pitcher (at least an immediate one), but bullpen help---like a lefty reliever---seems a possibility.