Nationals Sign Rick Ankiel

The Nationals have signed outfielder Rick Ankiel to a one-year, $1.5 million deal. Ankiel can earn up to $1.25 million more in performance bonuses this year. Ankiel will compete for the starting left field job against Roger Bernadina. The left field job became up for grabs late last week when the Nationals traded Josh Willingham to Oakland for 2 minor leaguers.

Nats sign Ryan Mattheus

The Nats have signed Ryan Mattheus to a major league contract. The 27-year-old righty was acquired by the Nats in July of 2009 in a trade for Joe Beimel. He had Tommy John surgery that same month.

Nationals Sign Brian Bixler

The Nationals have signed Brian Bixler to a minor league deal. Bixler, a defensively-strong infielder, was acquired by Washington from the Pirates in August.

Nationals Sign Michael Aubrey

The Nationals have signed former first-round pick Michael Aubrey to a minor league deal.. Aubrey was with the Orioles for most of the past few seasons, and was drafted 11th overall by the Indians in the 2003 Ameteur Draft, but failed to live up to expectations. He hit .235 at Triple-A this year.

Rangers and Cubs Ahead of Nationals for Webb

The Rangers and Cubs are now in front of the Nats in the Brandon Webb sweepstakes. The former Cy Young Award winner has not pitched in the bigs since 2008 due to shoulder issues, and averaged an 81 MPH fastball in Instructional League ball this year. However, scouts have said that he has improved, and that they like what they see. He is training already, and getting ready for Spring Training. His agent said that  "Brandon is hungry, excited, and ready to start 30 plus times in 2011."

Greinke Would've Been a Nat

The Nationals reached an agreement with the Royals that would've sent 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke to Washington. However, Greinke used his no-trade clause to block the trade, and got traded to Milwaukee instead. The Nationals would have likely had to give up Danny Espinosa, Michael Burgess, Jordan Zimmermann, and possibly even Drew Storen, to match what the Brewers surrendered for the right-hander.

Josh Willingham Traded to Oakland

Josh Willingham has been traded to the Oakland Athletics for 2 minor league players. One of these players is right-handed pitcher Henry Rodriguez. Rodriguez's fastball tops out at roughly 103 MPH, and averages out at roughly 98.3 MPH, the 4th fastest in baseball. The other player is outfielder Corey Brown. The 25 year old hit .283 in the upper minors last year, with 15 home runs. Baseball America thinks that Brown has Five-Tool potential and gap-to-gap power, however, he was not one of the A's top prospects at the start of the 2010 season.

Nationals Sign Chad Gaudin

The Nationals have signed Chad Gaudin to a minor league deal, with an invite to Spring Training. Gaudin spent last season with the A's and Yankees, posting a 5.65 ERA. Guadin will likely compete for a bullpen job in Spring Training, but, without a huge Spring Training, he likely won't make the rotation.

Nationals Up Against Twins for Pavano

It seems that Carl Pavano has narrowed down his options to Washington and Minnesota. Pavano is said to be making a decision later this week. Stay tuned for updates!

Bryce Harper - World's Most Perfect Swing

Bryce Harper may have the world's prettiest swing; the way he shifts power from his hind leg to his front, sending balls 500 feet and more. He always keeps his back foot planted. He has remarkable balance as well. If you watch, you will see that he cocks his front foot backwards, and then thrusts it forward, sending ions of energy into the ball, off into the Nevada Desert. He also has one of the most consistent swings in the game. You can't find footage of his swing that looks any different than any other swing you'll see from him. The only difference will be where the bat is, because pitches are not in the same spot every time. Harper is one of the most remarkable all-around prospects to ever pick up a baseball, but his swing may be his most recognizable trait.

Nationals Looking At Everett?

Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports that the Nationals are looking at utility player Adam Everett. Everett has played shortstop most of his career, and would likely serve as a bench player and a backup to Ian Desmond (SS) and Danny Espinosa (2B).

Nationals are in on Brandon Webb

Jerry Crasnick reports that the Nats are in on Webb, along with the Cubs and Rangers. The Bucs were in it, but haven't made contact with Webb's party since November 22nd. Webb's surgeon issued a positive report for 2011, which is a good sign for anyone who signs him.

Nationals are in on Carl Pavano

Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman says that the Nats are in on Carl Pavano. He says that they are one of four teams that are competing for Pavano's services, joining the Twins, and two other unnamed teams. Pavano would add atleast a bit of stability to a weak rotation, joining Livan Hernandez and Jason Marquis, probably Jordan Zimmermann, and whoever else cracks the rotation.

Nationals Check in on Jeff Francis

After signing Jayson Werth to a lucrative 7-year contract yesterday, the Nats have turned their attention to their pitching. Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports that the Nationals have "checked in" on Jeff Francis. Francis battled injuries last season, which limited him to only about 104 innings, posting a 5.00 ERA, a 5.8K/9 and 2.0 BB/9.

Nationals Sign Jayson Werth

The Nats have signed OF Jayson Werth to a 7 year, $126M contract. The Nationals seemingly came out of nowhere on this one, as Detroit, Boston, and Philidelphia were the three favorites to land Werth.

Nats fans should be thrilled about this signing, because our offense for next year looked very grim after losing Adam Dunn. If Carlos Pena is still interested in signing with Washington, then we will have a very potent offense next year. It will also help if Nyjer Morgan returns to form and is good for atleast 30 stolen bases next year.

Philly will not recieve the Nationals' first round pick, as it is protected. Instead they will receive the Nationals' second round pick, and a later round pick.