Those hoping for drama might be disappointed upon reading the transcript of Jim Bowden's interview with his Nationals GM successor Mike Rizzo. Still, a few hot stove nuggets emerged from the XM Radio program, which Bowden co-hosted with Seth Everett. Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post has the details.
- Rizzo thinks the Nationals will eventually be able to compete for top free agents "once the revenues catch up with the city." In his defense, they've had some sizeable offers rejected over the last few years.
- Rizzo said he's talked to the agents for Orlando Hudson and Orlando Cabrera, among others, as the team seeks to improve defensively. Rizzo described his rotation as "kind of a pitch-to-contact group." Rotation locks Jason Marquis and John Lannan certainly fit that mold.
- The Nationals were close on a couple of deals for Josh Willingham, Rizzo indicated. The Nats GM would consider a trade for a young starter, but is in "no hurry to trade Willingham."
