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Boston Denies Soriano Trade Talks

Feb 28, 2006 1:08 PM EST

A team source categorized as ''completely untrue" a report out of Washington indicating that the Nationals had offered second baseman Alfonso Soriano to Boston.

The same report indicated that the Nationals, in need of starting pitching, might look to deal for Bronson Arroyo or Matt Clement. Washington's most tradeable position players, according to the paper, are first baseman Nick Johnson and outfielder Ryan Church.

Arroyo, though, doesn't envision the Sox dealing him for a position player.

''Anything can happen, but I don't find it as being that valid," said Arroyo, signed this offseason to a three-year, $11.25 million deal. ''What's the worst-case scenario? We have seven [starters], right? Well, if I still think I'm one of the 12 best guys, I can still be on the club and pitch.

''Defensively, I don't think we need anybody else. [Unless] they want to go get somebody for me that's an unbelievable arm out of the pen, I don't see any other reason to make any other moves."

Via Boston Globe

Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals

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Astacio Agrees To Terms With Nationals

Feb 28, 2006 2:18 AM EST

One day after Brian Lawrence's shoulder surgery, the Washington Nationals addressed their dire starting pitching situation Monday by agreeing to terms with 35-year-old right-hander Pedro Astacio for a one-year contract.

However, the Nationals are taking no chances with Astacio. General manager Jim Bowden said the deal would not be completed -- and that he would not comment on it -- until Astacio undergoes an MRI on his right shoulder and right elbow Wednesday. Astacio is 124-119 with a 4.61 ERA in 375 games, including 326 starts, over 14 seasons. He went 6-10 with a 4.19 ERA last season for Texas and San Diego.

Via AP

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Lawrence Out Until At Least August With Torn Labrum

Feb 25, 2006 10:26 PM EST

The Nationals learned on Saturday that right-hander Brian Lawrence will miss most of the 2006 season with a torn labrum.

Lawrence will have surgery at the Washington Hospital Center in D.C. on Sunday. Dr. Weimi Douoguih, the team's orthopedic physician, will perform the surgery.

The early prognosis is that Lawrence will be out until August, but if his injury is similar to Tony Armas Jr.'s -- in which he had both a torn rotator cuff and labrum -- Lawrence would be out for the rest of the season.

"I'm disappointed that he will not be able to compete for a job on the starting staff," Robinson said. "The main thing now is for him to get this thing taken care of. [Hopefully he can] come out of the surgery OK, rehab it and get back as soon as he can."

Via MLB.com

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Nationals Feb 2006 Archive

  • Soriano Still Not Ready To Commit To Left Field

    AP | Feb 23, 2006

    A two-hour meeting between Alfonso Soriano and team officials Thursday failed to produce a breakthrough.

  • Sosa To Nationals Finally Officially Dead

    Washington Post | Feb 23, 2006

    The courting of Sammy Sosa lasted longer than previously believed -- but which Jim Bowden said Wednesday night was officially, completely dead.

  • Guillen Has Contract On His Mind

    Washington Post | Feb 17, 2006

    Jose Guillen is a guy you want to keep happy.

  • Nationals Prepare Final Pitch To Sosa

    Washington Times | Feb 12, 2006

    The Nationals sold the contract of infielder Jamey Carroll to the Colorado Rockies yesterday and also prepared to make their final pitch to free agent slugger Sammy Sosa.

  • Soriano Loses Arbitration Case, But Sets Record

    ESPN | Feb 10, 2006

    Alfonso Soriano lost to the Washington Nationals in salary arbitration Friday and will receive $10 million rather than his request for $12 million.

  • Soriano Ruling Coming On Friday

    Washingtion Times | Feb 10, 2006

    Newly acquired Washington Nationals slugger Alfonso Soriano had his salary arbitration case heard yesterday and a ruling is expected today.

  • Nationals Want Sammy To Make Decision Before Spring Training

    Washington Times | Feb 9, 2006

    According to a team source, the Nationals are not going to let Sammy Sosa's contract offer become a distraction and disrupt camp.

  • D.C. Reverses Course, Approves Lease

    Union-Tribune | Feb 8, 2006

    Reversing course, the Washington, D.

  • Nationals Make Contract Offer To Sammy

    Florida Today | Feb 8, 2006

    Nationals general manager Jim Bowden said Tuesday the team has offered Sammy Sosa a guaranteed major-league contract and is waiting to see if he'll accept it.

  • D.C. Rejects Lease For New Ballpark

    ESPN | Feb 8, 2006

    The District of Columbia Council rejected a lease for the Washington Nationals' new ballpark on Tuesday, leaving the district's government and Major League Baseball headed to arbitration.

  • Clayton Signs Deal With Nationals

    Washington Post | Feb 3, 2006

    The Washington Nationals yesterday signed 15-year veteran shortstop Royce Clayton to a minor league contract and told him he would have an opportunity to compete for the team's starting job this spring -- a clear signal to incumbent Cristian Guzman that, big contract or not, his place in the starting lineup is not guaranteed.

  • Nationals Sign Felix Rodriguez

    AP | Feb 1, 2006

    Reliever Felix Rodriguez agreed Tuesday to a $600,000, one-year contract with the Washington Nationals.