Washington Nationals Rumors

Rizzo: "Not Trading Dunn"

Dan Steinberg at the Washington Post has a transcript of Nationals GM Mike Rizzo's chat with ESPN Radio's Kevin Sheehan today. At first, Rizzo says Dunn is "not on the trading block," but then implies the Nationals would think about it if they were overwhelmed. So Sheehan lays it on the line: Sheehan: Do you understand that without a definitive statement on that it's a little bit surprising to some of the fans? Rizzo: We are not trading Adam Dunn. That's as definitive as I can be. Steinberg admits to being a fan of Dunn, saying "Dunn has the potential...   Continue Reading

---

Jesus Colome Becomes A Free Agent

Jesus Colome, who was just designated for assignment by the Nationals, has chosen to become a free agent, according to Pete McElroy of MASN.com. The 31-year-old allowed nearly two baserunners per inning with the Nats for an ERA of 8.40 with 12 strikeouts. Yesteday Colome's former teammate Kip Wells also chose free agency after being designated for assignment by the Nats.   Continue Reading

---

Kip Wells: Free Agent

According to Bill Ladson of MLB.com, right-hander Kip Wells has cleared waivers and elected to become a free agent. Wells was designated for assignment on June 24 after posting a 6.49 ERA and an 18/18 K/BB ratio in 26 1/3 innings out of the Nationals' bullpen. The 32-year-old will hope for a minor league contract with another club. He has a 4.71 career ERA, a 1.52 career WHIP, and one of the meanest-looking player profile pictures we've ever come across.   Continue Reading

---

Odds And Ends: Kepler, Rangers, Hairston

More links for the afternoon... MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo reports that the Twins awarded Max Kepler a bonus of about $800k. That's close to the record for a European player. Ben Klayman of Reuters reports that the Rangers are likely to make financial information available to potential buyers. Owner Tom Hicks would like to see bids for the team by mid-August, but negotiations won't necessarily be complete by the end of the season. Byron Kerr of MASN.com argues that the Nyjer Morgan acquisition shows why the Nats need to award Mike Rizzo the permanent GM job. Ben Badler of Baseball America...   Continue Reading

---

Nationals DFA Jesus Colome

According to the Associated Press, via ESPN.com, the Nationals have designated right-handed reliever Jesus Colome for assignment. Colome, 31, had an 8.40 ERA, 1.93 WHIP and 12/6 K/BB ratio in 15 innings of relief for the Nats this season. He allowed 29 total baserunners during his short time in Washington and will either be traded, released or outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse within the next 10 days. We're thinking he probably won't draw much interest on the trading block.   Continue Reading

---

Rizzo Has No Plans For A Firesale

Chico Harlan of The Washington Post spoke to Nationals acting GM Mike Rizzo today, who says "he feels no obligation to conduct a firesale," playing down the possibility of a major shakeup before the trade deadline. "A big transition period? I don't think that," Rizzo said. "We'll make deals based on good baseballs decision. 'Firesale' means you want to dump people. We don't want to dump people." Regarding first baseman Nick Johnson, the subject of many a trade rumor: "Nick is probably the one with the most trade rumors, but we're not looking to move him. We'll only move him...   Continue Reading

---

Edes' Latest: Giants, Teahen, Relievers

Currently standing atop the National League wildcard standings, the Giants are looking for a lefthanded bat to add to their lineup according to Gordon Edes of Yahoo Sports. He cites a major league executive who says that San Francisco has focused their efforts on three first baseman: Nick Johnson, Aubrey Huff and Adam LaRoche. Edes also says that the Giants have spoken to the Padres about a potential Jonathan Sanchez-Scott Hairston swap. Let's round up the rest of Edes' rumors... Royals GM Dayton Moore has heard from multiple teams about Mark Teahen, including the Red Sox, Cubs, Angels and Giants....   Continue Reading

---

Odds & Ends: Boras, Nationals, Bedard, White Sox, Giants, Astros

Some evening links for those of you who haven't checked out for the long holiday weekend yet. Billy Witz of the NY Times wrote about the relationship between the Dodgers and superagent Scott Boras. The Nationals have agreed to terms with five international players according to Bill Ladson. A formal announcement of the signings will come in a few days. Pete McElroy of MASNsports.com notes that the Nats have signed a pair of draft picks, including fourth rounder AJ Morris. Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times notes that Erik Bedard threw a 54-pitch simulated game today and will start on...   Continue Reading

---

Could Strasburg Move To Japan, Avoid Draft?

Aroldis Chapman can defect from his home country and become a free agent. Could Stephen Strasburg do something similar? Dave Sheinin of the Washington Post concludes that Scott Boras and his clients ultimately play by the rules Bud Selig makes. Here's a closer look at the super-agent and the system he's working within: Boras wants Strasburg paid like a free agent, even though the Nationals have exclusive rights to him. His asking price is believed to be $50MM, but no draft pick has ever surpassed Mark Prior's $10.5MM bonus. The Post's Chico Harlan points out that, in accordance with the...   Continue Reading

---

Heyman On V-Mart, Red Sox, Chapman

Jon Heyman of SI.com says the Red Sox will come calling if the Indians are willing to part with Victor Martinez. And take this for what it's worth, but the Indians were scouting Boston's best prospects this week. Here are details on those two clubs and the rest of Heyman's rumors: Clay Buchholz, Justin Masterson and Michael Bowden are just the sort of MLB-ready pitchers the Indians seek. Still, the Indians would require a stunning amount in return for Martinez or Cliff Lee, since both players can be part of a contending Indians club for affordable 2010 options. Generally speaking,...   Continue Reading

---

Top Stories

Search MLBTR

Lijit Search

MLBTR Mailing List

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

MLBTR Features

Recent Posts

Rumors By Team

Monthly Archives

Live Chats

Tuesdays at 2 p.m. CST