Washington Nationals aim to strengthen rotation during offseason – MLB Update
After making a promising end to this past season, the Washington Nationals are aiming to inject energy into the bull-pen in general and rotation in particular. The ballclub is going all-out to ensure stability in the roster and is thus not hesitant in offering
long-term contracts to free agents. In this regard, Nationals’ general manager Mike Rizzo has met with the agent of Roy Oswalt and C.J. Wilson and has indicated intent of initiating talks with Mark Buehrle’s representative before the meetings in Milwaukee
conclude.
The Nationals have a strong offence and are thus focused on improving their pitching staff for the next season. They have a young, talented rotation which lacks experience and this is one thing which Rizzo will want to ensure when he signs players. While
Wilson and Oswalt may prove to be a bit expensive, it is generally believed that landing Buehrle is Washington’s top priority for the offseason.
Earlier, Rizzo announced that manager Davey Johnson will continue with his managerial role at the ballclub after an impressive end to his short stint. Johnson came to the helm of affairs in midseason and managed a 40-43 win-loss record thereafter with a
roster that was not to his liking. Now that he will have a full season at his disposal with a roster of his choice, the Nationals are expected to show an improved performance in 2012.
Talks are rife that the Nationals might land free agent closer Ryan Madson to the ballclub during the offseason, but nothing is certain as yet and it remains to be seen how things unfold in this case. With Madson looking for a four-year 40-million-dollar
deal, Rizzo is expected to show confidence in current closer Drew Storen, who saved 43 games in this past season.
“We have a big closer already,” Rizzo said. “Anything can happen. But we like where our bullpen is at. Can we improve the bullpen? Certainly, we could improve the bullpen. But we’re really satisfied that we have three guys who are very young, very controllable,
very talented. When anybody who walks up to me, that’s what they talk about. They talk about our bullpen. A closer, at this point in time, that is not at the top of the priorities.”
It will be interesting to see how the Nationals perform in the next season with a drastic change expected in the roster.
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