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Nationals Notes: Lannan, Werth, Gonzalez

The Nationals made a big splash this week when they landed Gio Gonzalez in a deal to bolster their already solid rotation.  Here's more on what the acquisition of Gonzalez means for the Nats and other news on the club..

• MLB.com's Bill Ladson (via Twitter) cautions that it's just a prediction, but it wouldn't surprise him to see the Nationals trade John Lannan for a bat.  The left-hander is arbitration eligible for the second time this winter and MLBTR projects that he is set to earn $4.9MM.  The Nats could be comfortable moving Lannan in part because of their confidence in Ross Detwiler (Twitter link).
• During last night's conference call to discuss the Gonzalez deal, Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said that the club will be aggressive in their pursuit of a long-term center fielder if the opportunity presents itself.  Rizzo went on to say that the club is considering using Jayson Werth in center and expanding their search to include right fielders, Ladson writes.
• Pete Kerzel of MASNSports.com understands the concern over Gonzalez's walk rate, but also points to the strides he's made in other areas, including innings pitched and sustaining a high strikeout rate with the increased workload.  Kerzel isn't concerned about the fact that Gonzalez has been traded four times, saying that it's a sign of his universally recognized potential and not an indicator of potential problems.

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