Could interest in Lannan intensify after latest quality start?

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

June 06, 2012, 7:19am

Comments

The Nationals have spoken to a good amount of teams since the beginning of the season regarding left-hander John Lannan. General manager Mike Rizzo said their had been "mild interest" in early April. Now, Ken Rosenthal of FOXsports.com reports that the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Dodgers have had "recent discussions" with the Nationals about their former front line starter. It seems that the talks have yet to intensify, but with Lannan's latest impressive start Tuesday, and team's watching their southpaws get injured, the veteran could get an opening and a chance to move. Lannan pitched a complete game four-hitter for Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday, allowing just one run and one walk with six strikeouts. He is now 5-5 with a 4.98 ERA. Reportedly, the asking price of a prospect and what remains on Lannan's contract ($3.5M) is too much now, but as the All-Star break comes closer and teams decide if they are fishing or just cutting bait, the Nationals might get some more nibbles.