Chico Harlan of the Washington Post chatted with Nationals GM Mike Rizzo, and posted the full Q&A on his blog. A few hot stove highlights:
- Starter Scott Olsen had surgery in July to repair a small labrum tear in his pitching shoulder. Having earned $2.8MM this year, the Nats would have to pay him at least $2.24MM in 2010 if they tender him a contract. Rizzo said he's getting health reports on Olsen daily and the team will use the coming months to decide whether to non-tender him.
- Rizzo says closer Mike MacDougal has "done a great job." MacDougal represents another of the Nationals' many arbitration cases; he could earn $3MM+ in 2010.
- The Nationals consider Jesus Flores (shoulder surgery) the everyday catcher in 2010, but still may bring in another backstop for insurance.
- Rizzo seems satisfied with Elijah Dukes as the regular right fielder.
