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Source: Soriano Wants Beltran Money

Oct 31, 2006 3:03 PM EST

The Baltimore Orioles, according to a team source, began preliminary discussions with Washington Nationals left fielder Alfonso Soriano, and were shocked by the free agent's initial contract outline.

According to the source, Soriano is seeking a deal similar to the seven-year, $119 million deal given to center fielder Carlos Beltran by the New York Mets before the 2005 season. It's unlikely the Orioles will be in the running for Soriano if he doesn't back off those demands. Teams can start bidding on free agents on Nov. 12.

Via Washington Post

Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals

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Soriano Declares For Free Agency

Oct 30, 2006 1:49 AM EST

Nationals outfielder Alfonso Soriano and right-hander Tony Armas Jr. were two of 24 Major Leaguers who filed for free agency on Sunday. The Nationals' other three free agents -- catcher/first baseman Robert Fick, outfielder Jose Guillen and right-hander Ramon Ortiz -- have yet to file.

The Nationals have made it clear that they want Soriano back as their left fielder, but they are willing to take two draft picks -- a first rounder and sandwich pick in 2007 -- if Soriano decides to sign with another team.

"We love Alfonso, and we are certainly going to continue to explore having him back, but we have always known that if we didn't have him back, we would have two very, very important picks," team president Stan Kasten said early this week. "We need to build up our [farm] system. Either way, we feel very comfortable."

Via ESPN

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Girardi Takes Name Out Of Running In Washington

Oct 24, 2006 3:26 PM EST

Citing family reasons, Joe Girardi took his name out of the running for the manager job in Washington.

Girardi said the talks went well, he was considered the favorite, and that the decision to pull out was "very, very difficult."

"I was very impressed, very impressed with Jim and Stan, the organization, the new stadium, the Lerners," Girardi said in a telephone interview. "I think it's a great ownership group, and the situation is going to be very good. I think it's a wonderful job. But I think I came to the conclusion at this time that it's not the right move for my family."

Via Washington Post

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Nationals Oct 2006 Archive

  • Nationals Showing Patience On Manager Search

    MLB.com | Oct 22, 2006

    The Nationals have been looking for a manager since Sept.

  • Nationals Not Close To Hiring Girardi

    MLB.com | Oct 14, 2006

    The Chicago Sun-Times reported on Saturday that the Nationals are expected to offer Joe Girardi a contract this weekend, but several sources said the report is not true.

  • Nats' Rijo Denies Saying Soriano Rejected $70 Million Contract

    AP | Oct 13, 2006

    Nationals special assistant to the general manager Jose Rijo denied a published report Thursday that he told a radio station that Alfonso Soriano had rejected a $70 million, five-year contract.

  • Tony Pena Interested In Nationals' Job

    MLB.com | Oct 9, 2006

    Yankees first-base coach Tony Pena said by telephone on Sunday that he is interested in managing the Nationals.

  • Baker And Pendleton Candidates For Nationals' Job

    MLB.com | Oct 6, 2006

    Add Dusty Baker and Terry Pendleton to the list of candidates who could possibly replace Frank Robinson as manager of the Nationals, according to baseball sources.

  • Soriano Meets With Nationals On New Deal

    Washington Times | Oct 5, 2006

    Alfonso Soriano and his agent met with members of the Washington Nationals' front office yesterday for the first of what figure to be several contract discussions this offseason.

  • Nationals Release Six Pitchers

    Associated Press | Oct 4, 2006

    Beginning the process of reshaping a last-place roster, the Nationals released six pitchers Tuesday: right-handers Brian Lawrence, Pedro Astacio, Ryan Drese, Felix Rodriguez and Zach Day and left-hander Joey Eischen.