Seriously, if you were hoping to become a major league pitcher wouldn't you just love to have the last name, Smoker?!With just one day left before the deadline to sign players from this year's Draft, the Washington Nationals announced the signing of left-handed pitcher Josh Smoker on Tuesday, the 31st overall pick in the First-Year Player Draft. Smoker, … Read more »

The Washington Nationals wisely extended the hot-hitting, work horse 2B, Ronnie Belliard, on Monday. I like this move. Belliard is surprisingly affordable and reliable. He's got a great attitude in the clubhouse, and can play decent 3B, SS and 1B. Belliard is also valuable off the bench. The Nationals don't have much to back up this … Read more »

The Nationals made headlines again today with yet another acquisition: GM Jim Bowden announced that Washington Nationals acquired 26 year-old CF Nook Logan from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.Nook, who was DFA'd last week by the Tigers, is not known as a power slugger … Read more »

The Nationals made another last minute waiver deal, sending IF Marlon Anderson and cash to the Dodgers for RHP Jhonny Nunez. Anderson has proven a useful utility player this year, but I'm happy to see the team focus on acquiring pitching, and Nunez is an intriguing player. With the Gulf Coast Dodgers this season, he's 6-0 … Read more »

I'm a little sad to see Daryle Ward leaving Washington. I had high hopes for him when he was signed in the off-season, and I'd say he delivered mightily off the bench this year for the Nats. Dependable Daryle! The Braves are keeping their Wild Card hopes alive will use the left-handed batter in clutch situations versus right-handed … Read more »

 In order to make room for Robert Fick who returned from the DL, the Nationals released Damian Jackson on Friday. I have to say that I was surprised by Jackson's lack of performance this year. I wasn't very familiar with Jackson until near the end of last season when he saw playing time with the Padres, but he … Read more »

Jose Guillen will have Tommy John surgery and will be out for the remainder of the season. So much for trading him for prospects!Reports published yesterday indicate that Alfonso Soriano could be headed to the White Sox in a deal that's rumored to include pitcher Brandon McCarthy and LF Scott Podsednik. However, Nationals GM Read more »

Jose Guillen was placed on the DL with right elbow soreness on Thursday, a problem he has had for several weeks. Guillen is hitting .216 with nine home runs and 40 RBIs in 69 games. Being somewhat injury prone is not helping his trade value!Matt LeCroy was DFA'd last Monday, but after not hearing any interest from clubs … Read more »

The Nationals wasted no time getting the trades started after the All-Star break: Bowden acquired OF Austin Kearns, SS Felipe Lopez and RHP Ryan Wagner from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for reliever Gary Majewski, LHP Bill Bray, and infielders Brendan Harris and Royce Clayton. Bowden signed CF Luis Matos of the Baltimore Orioles, and designated … Read more »

Rays Index brought this Denver Post article to my attention, where Troy E. Renck mentions in his Rockies Mailbag column that Colorado is interested in acquiring Tampa Bay LF Carl Crawford.Last month, Ken Rosanthal presented a good case for the Rays to deal one or two of their starting outfielders to make … Read more »