• I know most Washington Nationals' fans are happy with what DC GM Mike Rizzo has been able to do to improve the Nats' chances of at least being competitive in the NL East in 2010, but it's still somewhat rare for members of the national press to recognize what's going on in the nation's capital, so I was surprised when SI.com's Jon Heyman listed the Nationals 10th on a list of the "Top 10 Offseason Performances" yesterday, writing:
"10. Nationals. They're not going to contend right away, but kudos them for bringing in veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez, starter Jason Marquisand relievers Matt Capps and Brian Bruney. Reportedly, they are still working on things, so there could be yet another signing."
Will the "other signing" be Orlando Hudson? Ben Sheets? Adam Kennedy? Doug Davis? Who knows, but for the first time in years at least fans of the Washington Nationals aren't lamenting what hasn't happened...uh, except for the fact that the Nationals didn't sign Aroldis Chapman...but even there, they offered more money (5yrs/$25M) than I ever would have imagined...
• More contract information today from MLB.com's Bill Ladson, who reported via his Twitter feed that Jesus Flores signed a one-year deal worth $750,000 with performance bonuses tied to games played that will pay the oft-injured catcher, "...an additional $10,000 for 70 (games played); $15,000 for 80g; $25,000 for 90g." Flores made $439,000 last season, but played in only 29 games. Backup backstop Wil Nieves gets a raise from the one-year/$445,000 dollar deal he signed last year, agreeing with Washington on another 1-year contract worth $700,000 dollars. Nieves may play an important role early as the primary backup to Pudge Rodriguez until Flores is healthy. (ed. note - "Mr. Ladson still thinks the Nationals will get Hudson...")
That's all for now...