Washington Nationals Wiretap

Sosa Could Go To Japan

Although Sammy Sosa does not have a home for next season yet, the former Cub has no intention of playing in Japan, although he has received offers from at least two Japanese teams, sources told the Japan Times.

Washington continues to court Sosa, but the two sides reportedly are arguing about whether he should get a guaranteed major-league contract or a minor-league deal.

Via Chicago Tribune

Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, Washington Nationals

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Nationals Continue Dialogue With Sosa

Officials from the Washington Nationals met with representatives of free agent slugger Sammy Sosa on Thursday night, the latest step in the club's pursuit of the former all-star who is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career.

Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden and Andy Dunn, the team's farm director, met with Sosa's agents, Tom Reich and Adam Katz, in West Palm Beach, Fla. "There was an exchange about each party's position," Bowden said yesterday. "Dialogue continues, but there's really nothing more to report."

The Nationals could be willing to bring Sosa to spring training, giving him an opportunity to make the team, but to this point won't guarantee the 37-year-old any money. That, it appears, could be a sticking point, and Sosa could wait until very close to spring training to see if interest develops from other clubs. There also remains a possibility that Nationals officials could try to meet face-to-face with Sosa in the coming weeks.

Via Washington Post

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Soriano Looking For $12 Million From Nationals

Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden said yesterday that the club is likely headed to arbitration with Soriano, the all-star second baseman whom the Nationals acquired in a trade with Texas last month. Soriano, who made $7.5 million last year, submitted a proposed salary of $12 million, while the Nationals countered with an offer of $10 million. The two sides can negotiate up until a potential hearing, which would be scheduled between Feb. 1 and 20.

"There's kind of an agreement to disagree on where he falls," Bowden said.

Via Washington Post

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Schneider Agrees To $16 Million Over Four Years

Catcher Brian Schneider agreed to a $16 million, four-year contract with the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, avoiding salary arbitration.

"Brian is one of the best defensive catchers in baseball, and we're glad to be able to keep him in Washington for at least the next four years," general manager Jim Bowden said. "It is the goal of any organization to sign, develop and then retain their own homegrown players, and this is what we've accomplished with Brian's contract."

He gets $2.7 million this year, $3.5 million in 2007 and $4.9 million in each of the final two years.

Via AP

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Sammy Goes To Washington?

The Nationals have expressed interest in free agent outfielder Sammy Sosa, according to a baseball source. General manager Jim Bowden was scheduled to have preliminary discussions with Sosa's agent, Tom Reich, in Melbourne, Fla., but had to postpone the meeting because he and manager Frank Robinson are getting ready to hire their coaching staff, an announcement that is scheduled to be made in the next 48 to 72 hours.

This is not the first time the Nationals have tried to acquire Sosa's services. Last February the Cubs almost traded Sosa to Washington for outfielder Terrmel Sledge and infielder Brendan Harris, but ended up trading him to the Orioles for infielders Jerry Hairston and Mike Fontenot, and right-hander Dave Crouthers.

Bowden was not available for comment, but according to the source, the Nationals are willing to give Sosa, 37, a chance provided that he accepts an invitation to Spring Training, not the one-year deal that has been reported. Sosa's last good season was in 2003, when he hit 279 with 40 home runs and 103 RBIs and guided the Cubs to the National League Championship Series against the Marlins.

Via MLB.com

Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, Washington Nationals

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