With Rauch to Arizona and Cordero out, which Nats might be next as trade deadline approaches?
I came across some interesting comments this week from Jim Bowden about the future of Chad Cordero.
On an ESPN 980 radio interview this week, Bowden said that closer Chad Cordero would not be tendered a new contract.
MLB.com also confirmed this, and even went further to say that one baseball source reported that Cordero is so angry that he would not re-sign with the Nationals next season.
That is pretty scary stuff for the Nats if it's true. This is especially interesting since the team traded Jon Rauch, their closer for most of the season, and Cordero was the only regular closer on the 40-man roster.
With Rauch traded to Arizona and the July 31st trade deadline approaching, who else might be on the trading block who's currently wearing a Nationals uniform?
1. Tim Redding, Pitcher: Is he consistent enough for a team driving towards a pennant? He certainly shows the veteran savvy and leadership of a guy who has been there. He can get guys out and has an array of pitchers. He doesn't overpower you, but he can make a pitch when needed to get the big out.
2. Catchers: The Nats have them. And they are trying to showcase them. Jesus Flores is the set starter, but recently we have seen a lot of Paul Lo Duca and Johnny Estrada (who the Nats actually just released Thursday). The Yankees are another team in need of a backstop who might go after a Nats catcher. Wil Nieves also had a lot going early on this year, and he can offer a lot to a clubhouse as well.
3. Willie Harris: Don't kid yourself. It would be nice to keep all of our outfielders, especially with the injuries to Wily Mo Pena, Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes. But, again, Harris can hit for power at times, is good defensively, and has speed. I also love his leadership by example--the way he claps his hands after a hit batsmen or gives a fist pump on a double. Congrats Mr. NL Player of the Week!
One of the calls during Nats Talk Live a couple of weeks ago asked, 'why trade anybody?' and frankly, besides Ryan Zimmerman, I would think any player was eligible to be traded, as the Nationals and Jim Bowden look to improve year-to-year.
It hurts to say goodbye to any player, especially one like Jon Rauch who was so successful, but you have to make some moves to get better. The Nats also continue to build the Minors, which will help protect the team long term when they decide to make a move.
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