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News Analysis
 Swanni: Nats to Make 'Significant' Trade at Winter Meetings


By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (December 6, 2009) -- The Washington Nationals have certainly done a superb job of lowering expectations for this week's MLB Winter Meetings in Indianapolis.

The Washington Post on Friday ran a story suggesting that the team isn't likely to make much news this week. The story's headline: "Nats Aren't Expecting Hot Stove Fireworks." Earlier in the week, MLB.com published a similarly themed story with ample quotes from team GM Mike Rizzo (pictured above) saying the Winter Meetings is not a "timetable' for improving the team.

However, my view is that Rizzo has used the local media to soften possible criticism of the team if it does walk away from Indianapolis without any new pieces for the puzzle. By lowering expectations, no one can accuse the GM or anyone else of failing to deliver.

Now, that said, I also believe that the Nats are working on at least one major trade that will be announced during the meetings. Reading the tea leaves, the trade will likely be for a starting pitcher, possibly the Braves' Derek Lowe or Javier Vasquez.

Read more below.

Nationals: They have the best prospect in the game in No. 1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg, plus solid talents in catcher Derek Norris, right-hander Drew Storen and shortstop Danny Espinosa. Beyond that, though, the Nats have very little help, especially at the upper levels, which is a pity considering the state of the big-league roster.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/12/01/farm.systems/#ixzz0YeRejzP2
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 In return, the Nats will likely send power-hitting leftfielder Josh Willingham and a minor leaguer. The minor leaguer will be a sweetener because the Braves will likely be forced to pick up part of Lowe or Vasquez's salary in 2010 as part of the deal.

Now, why do I think the Nats will indeed make a splash this week despite public statements to the contrary? Two reasons:

1. Season Ticket Drive
Many 2009 season ticket holders are now trying to decide whether to renew for the 2010 season -- and don't think that the Nats' brass doesn't understand that fans need fresh evidence that the team is committed to winning. By failing to do anything noteworthy in Indianapolis, the Nats would diminish the odds of boosting the renewal rate.

2. The Team Needs the Help
Rizzo has said improving the pitching staff is the team's top priority. Well, if you want to improve your pitching staff, there's no better place than the Winter Meetings where teams (and free agents) come prepared to make deals. If you're not a player in Indianapolis, chances are you won't be a player in 2010, either.

 Go to 'Nuts for Nats' for more stories on Washington baseball.

Swanni, president of TVPredictions.com, is a Washington-area journalist and long-time observer of Washington baseball.
You can contact Swanni at swann@tvpredictions.com


 

 
   

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