Jim Bowden of ESPN has tweeted this evening that the Washington Nationals are chasing Wandy Rodriguez. They are also looking at free agent pitchers Roy Oswalt, CJ Wilson and Mark Buehrle along with center fielders BJ Upton and Denard Span. The Nationals have seemed like a likely landing spot ever since this summer with their desire for quality SP depth and to spend money in an effort to compete for the NL East crown. Considering the free agent pitchers they are linked to all want to stay in a certain region of the country while playing for an immediate contender as prerequisites, Washington may still be a likely landing spot for Wandy.
With the Astros in a full rebuilding mode, prospects from a good farm system seem to be a logical asking price. Don’t expect any of the Nationals’ top prospects, obviously, but they do have some intriguing options like pitchers A.J. Cole, Brad Peacock and Sammy Solis along with power hitting catcher Derek Norris and OF Brian Goodwin. Another prospect to keep an eye out for is Robbie Ray, the LHP starting pitcher put up an impressive 3.13 ERA and 95 Ks in 89 innings during his first full season at single A Hagerston. They wouldn’t be able to move this season’s top picks due to a 1-year waiting rule to trade draft selections, although that restriction might change in the new CBA.
Other clubs that could be interested in Wandy are the Rockies, Angels, Royals, Blue Jays and Rangers. The Rockies, of course, put in a waiver claim this past August for Wandy but no agreement could be reached, they are expected to make a serious play for the veteran lefty again.