Nationals hope to sign veteran pitcher

by Eli Greenspan on Aug 26, 2009 9:44 PM EDT Comment 3 comments

Nationals GM Mike Rizzo and President Stan Kasten believe the biggest need for the Nationals this offseason would be adding veteran presence to the pitching staff. Manager Jim Riggleman referenced guys like Vicente Padilla and John Smoltz as targets, but they have latched on with contending teams.

While a pitcher like John Lackey would put fans in the ballpark, he may be out of their price range. A second-tier guy like Jason Marquis, who has been apart of a few championship-caliber teams, might be a better option. Marquis has 14 wins with the Rockies, with 84 strike outs and a 1.27 WHIP.

It would be beneficial to Stephen Strasburg if he wasn't forced to carry the rotation in his rookie season. A guy like Marquis, or maybe Randy Wolf would be able to take some of the pressure off of him.

Trade route?

What if the Nationals went the trade route? Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster could be moved. While he has three years left on his contract, the Cubs could move him for prospects.

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Ryan Dempster	7-7	23	23	0	0	0	0	143.2	141	75	65	18	54	122	4.07	1.36

The Nationals are seeking a long-term veteran starter and if they were willing to take on a portion of the salary, there could be a match. Dempster is making a little over 13 million dollars for the next three years, the third year being a player option. If the Cubs were to take a small portion, perhaps 4-5 million dollars a year, the Nationals would only have to pay Dempster 8-9 million dollars annually, a good price for a veteran arm who won 17 games in 2008.

Kevin Millwood of the Rangers and Bronson Arroyo of the Reds could also be options.

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I like what Rizzo is doing there in Washington. It’s often the case that rebuilding teams just fields the youngest possible team with the best upside. The problem is that those players need solid veterans to teach them the in’s and out’s of the game.

Like the recent signing of Livan Hernandez for example. On paper…why bother? As washed up as Livan is, he is a great character player who loves to teach. Say what you will about Livan but the man knows how to pitch still, he just doesn’t have the talent anymore. If he can teach a guy like Strasburg or Lannon the art of working a lineup or a new pitch, then it could effect the Nationals for years to come.

by Alan E on Aug 27, 2009 5:29 AM EDT reply actions