Rizzo Speaks to Bowden, MLB Network Radio

Nationals GM Mike Rizzo appeared on XM/Sirius MLB Network Radio with Casey Stern and Jim Bowden on Wednesday afternoon. The trio talked about free agency, potential deals, and a number of other Nationals-related topics. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights (thanks to the folks at Federal Baseball):

• Jayson Werth is still viewed as the team’s right fielder. He could eventually move to center field but the team isn’t preparing to open the season with him there.
• To no surprise the starting rotation will be headlined by Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, and John Lannan. Despite the resigning of Chien-Ming Wang the team still hopes to bring in at least one more starter. Rizzo expects that Tom Milone, Brad Peacock, and Ross Detwiler will compete for the last spot in the rotation.
• Rizzo was asked if landing one of the bigger name available starters would make it easier to deal from their starting pitching depth to solve the center field problem. Rizzo didn’t deny the idea, but focused more on the fact that the team could address one or both of those problems via trade this winter. The team seems open for all possibilities.
• The team intends to avoid locking up players to long term contracts if any deal might block one of the team’s younger prospects.
• When asked about the big four free agent bats available (Pujols, Fielder, Rollins, Reyes) Rizzo reiterated confidence in the team’s current shortstop and first base options.
• Finally, Rizzo repeated that any and all moves that the organization makes this winter will be with 2012 and the future in mind. They cannot afford to simply make moves for next season.