Nats remain in mix as Pavano decision nears

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals remain in the mix to sign right-hander Carl Pavano, according to a baseball source. Pavano will most likely make a decision on his destination after the Christmas holiday.

Pavano, 34, is coming off the best season of his career, going 17-11 with a 3.75 ERA with the Twins, a team that still has a chance to keep him. If Pavano decides to sign with the Nationals, it will be his second tour of duty with the franchise. CONTINUE....

Ankiel lands one-year contract with Nationals

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- The Nationals agreed to terms with outfielder Rick Ankiel on a one-year deal Monday, according to a baseball source. The signing will be made official once Ankiel passes a physical.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but reports indicate that Ankiel will make $1.5 million, plus performance bonuses. The club did not confirm the deal. MORE....

Nats tried, couldn't get Greinke's OK

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- The Nationals had a deal in place to acquire right-hander Zack Greinke, a baseball source confirmed to MLB.com. Greinke, however, used his no-trade clause to reject the deal.

Instead, the Royals traded Greinke to the Brewers for prospects, a deal Greinke was willing to accept. The trade was announced early Sunday afternoon. CONTINUE....

A's acquire Willingham from Nationals

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By Greg Johns / MLB.com

Looking to further beef up their offensive attack, the Oakland A's traded young prospects Corey Brown and Henry Rodriguez to the Washington Nationals for left fielder Josh Willingham, the club announced on Thursday afternoon.  READ MORE.... 

Werth eager to tackle new challenges with Nats

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals introduced their newest slugger, Jayson Werth, at a news conference Wednesday on the heels of the outfielder's seven-year, $126 million deal, which includes a no-trade clause.

Werth, who shed his trademark scraggly beard for a more trimmed look, donned the No. 28 jersey he will wear next season.

Werth, 31, acknowledged that the length of the contract and conversations with members of the front office were the reasons he decided to join the Nationals. CONTINUE....

Nationals targeting Lee for first base

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals continue to look for a first baseman and they have expressed interest in free agent Derrek Lee, a baseball source confirmed to MLB.com.

If Lee were to go to Washington, it would mean that the team would have an above average defensive first baseman and a character person, who could lead players such as shortstop Ian Desmond and second baseman Danny Espinosa. CONTINUE....

Nats coach Eckstein to donate kidney to brother

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- When talking to Nationals hitting coach Rick Eckstein, it's obvious that he will do anything for his family. That day will come on Wednesday, when he donates his kidney to his older brother, Ken, in a Florida hospital. Rick found out his kidney was a match for his older brother last week. CONTINUE....

Nats hope Werth is first of many dominoes

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By Tom Singer / MLB.com

As the seat of two baseball franchises, Washington hasn't had a winner since 1969. As a baseball city, Washington hasn't flown a pennant since 1933. You think playing the World Series in the neighborhood of the Statue of Liberty stirs patriotic juices? Imagine the Series in the shadow of the White House. CONTINUE....

Nationals still in mix for prized pitcher Lee

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Although Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said it was a long shot to sign free-agent left-hander Cliff Lee, a source said on Tuesday that Washington's chances of acquiring Lee's services increased after the club agreed to terms with outfielder Jayson Werth.

"The Nationals are not out of it by any means," the source said. CONTINUE....

Werth in the fold, Nats looking for more

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals made a big splash on Sunday, agreeing to a seven-year deal worth a reported $126 million with free-agent outfielder Jayson Werth. They hope to continue that momentum during the annual Winter Meetings, which start Monday in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. CONTINUE....

Zimmerman eyes Tulowitzki-type contract

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- After Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki agreed to a seven-year contract extension worth $134 million, third baseman Ryan Zimmerman said Thursday that he would love to sign a similar extension with the Nationals. CONTINUE....

Nationals lure Werth with seven-year deal

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Nationals have agreed to terms with free-agent outfielder Jayson Werth, who is getting a seven-year deal worth a reported $126 million. CONTINUE....

Deadline approaching, Nats have 10 eligible

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo must decide by Thursday night at 11:59 p.m. ET if he will tender contracts to 10 players who are eligible for salary arbitration.

Here is the list of players who could be tendered a contract or become free agents. CONTINUE....

Zimmerman wishes Dunn had stayed

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman said on Thursday that he is happy for first baseman Adam Dunn, who must only pass a physical to finalize a four-year deal with the White Sox. However, Zimmerman acknowledged that he is concerned about the Nationals. CONTINUE....

Ace on Nats' agenda as Winter Meetings nea

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WASHINGTON -- The Nationals hope to get a lot accomplished during the annual Winter Meetings, which start on Monday in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. They are looking to improve their starting pitching, offense and bench.

All eyes will be on free-agent left-hander Cliff Lee, and Washington will be in the mix to acquire his services. The talks between the Nationals and Lee are expected to heat up by next week. Washington has to come up with a game plan to convince Lee that it is the right team for him. CONTINUE....

In expected move, Dunn declines arbitration

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Free agent first baseman Adam Dunn has decided not to accept arbitration from the Nationals.

Dunn is still a free agent and eligible to sign with any team -- including the Nationals. If Dunn, a Type A free agent, signs with another team, Washington gets two additional picks in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft.

Neither Dunn nor Nats general manager Mike Rizzo were available for comment. CONTINUE....

Espinosa to have hand surgery on Wednesday

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa will have the hook of the hamate bone removed from his right hand on Wednesday at the Curtis National Hand Center in Baltimore. CONTINUE....

Nats offer arbitration to free agent Dunn

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals have offered first baseman Adam Dunn arbitration, according to a baseball source. Washington had until midnight ET on Wednesday to make the offer. CONTINUE....

Harper the marquee as Scorpions take AFL title

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By Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Droves of fans came to Scottsdale Stadium, they watched on TV or followed it online, largely because of Nationals phenom Bryce Harper.

And while the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 Draft gave his supporters a thrill with an RBI single, it was some of his Nationals teammates who came up big to lead the Scottsdale Scorpions to a 3-2 victory Saturday over the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League Championship Game.

The 18-year-old Harper started and hit seventh in the Scorpions' lineup after spending time on the taxi squad, playing just two times a week, this fall. And he didn't waste much time contributing.

CONTINUE....

Nats could make offer soon to righty Vazquez

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals have expressed interest in free-agent right-hander Javier Vazquez, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The club could make an offer to Vazquez as early as next week.

Late last month, it was reported by MLB.com that Vazquez would be interested in playing for an East Coast team, including the Nationals, next season.

Vazquez has made it known over the years that he doesn't want to play on the West Coast, because he doesn't want to be far away from his family, which lives in Puerto Rico.

CONTINUE....

Nationals add young trio to 40-man roster

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals needed to set their 40-man roster by Friday night in advance of the Rule 5 Draft and they did just that. They put relievers Adam Carr and Cole Kimball and first baseman Chris Marrero on the roster. All three players were selected by the club in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft.

The news comes hours after Washington left right-hander Juan Jamie off the 40-man roster. He was later claimed off waivers by the D-backs.

CONTINUE....

Nationals unveil new jerseys in fashion show

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals unveiled their new jerseys on Wednesday evening at Nationals Park, as Tyler Clippard, Ian Desmond, John Lannan, Drew Storen, Ryan Zimmerman, Jordan Zimmermann and general manager Mike Rizzo helped display the new uniforms.

It marked the third time in five years the Nationals have made uniform changes -- the first coming in 2005 and the other in '08.

The changes were made after the Nationals spoke to season ticket holders, had focus groups and began talking to fans in the stands. The Nationals started talking to fans back in January.

CONTINUE....

Zimmerman's clout lands him Silver Slugger

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman missed out on winning his second National League Gold Glove Award on Wednesday, however, he won the 2010 NL Silver Slugger Award, his second in a row, on Thursday.

Zimmerman is one of two members of the Nats to nab a Silver Slugger Award. In 2006, Alfonso Soriano won the award after hitting .277 with 41 doubles, 46 home runs, 95 RBIs and 41 stolen bases in his lone season with the Nationals.

Silver Slugger winners, presented by Louisville Slugger, are voted upon by the managers and coaches of all Major League Baseball teams to recognize the top offensive producer at each position in both the American and National Leagues.

CONTINUE....

Nationals have options if Dunn doesn't re-sign

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals had a five-day window to negotiate with their own free agents. The exclusive rights came to an end at 12:01 a.m. ET on Sunday, and Washington's free agents can now negotiate with the other 29 clubs.

Most notable among them is first baseman Adam Dunn. According to a baseball source, the Nationals have had a three-year deal on the table for three months, but Dunn and his agent, Greg Genske, have not accepted the offer.

Dunn has made it known for quite some time that he wants a four-year deal, but the Nationals are not going to budge from their three-year offer. Dunn nor Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo did not respond to several messages left by MLB.com.

CONTINUE....

Nationals to receive audience with Lee

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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

WASHINGTON -- General manager Mike Rizzo made it known in September that getting an ace pitcher is the top priority for the Nationals. Rangers left-hander Cliff Lee is the only top-line pitcher on the free-agent market this offseason.

As of 12:01 a.m. ET on Sunday, Lee is now able to negotiate with the other 29 clubs.