A source tells MLB.com's Bill Ladson that the Nationals are still "strong candidates" to land Brandon Webb this offseason, though talks between the two sides are not expected to heat up until the Winter Meetings begin eight days from now. Washington GM Mike Rizzo was the Diamondbacks scouting director when the team drafted Webb in 2000, so the two long, prior relationship.
The Dodgers, Pirates, Twins, Rangers, and Cubs have all expressed interest in the 31-year-old righty, though we could probably cross the Dodgers off the list after the Jon Garland signing. The Nats have made it clear that they have money to spend on pitching, and Webb is just the latest free agent hurler on their radar. The former Cy Young Award winner has made just one start over the last two seasons due to shoulder trouble, and initial reports out of Instructional League had his fastball velocity in the low-80's. Tim Dierkes broke down his free agent stock earlier this month.
