The Nationals will send scouts to watch Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb pitch in the Instructional League, according to Bill Ladson of MLB.com. Webb is linked to the Nationals through GM Mike Rizzo, who was the director of scouting with the Dbacks when they drafted the Cy Young winner in 2000.
Webb has made one appearance in the past two seasons battling lingering shoulder issues. His last full season, 2008, Webb was at his best posting a 22-7 record and a 3.30 ERA in 34 starts.
It'll be interesting to see how new GM Kevin Towers approaches Webb's impending free agency. He is certainly worth the risk going forward, and if he stays with the Diamondbacks he would enter next season as the teams ace.
The Nationals are still working on an extension with first baseman Adam Dunn, which according to reports has about a "50-50" chance of getting done. How the negotiations unfold will say a lot about the Nationals' payroll flexibility going forward.