The Washington Nationals are going to look for a starting pitcher with an open mind. And they have a lot of names to consider, including Zack Greinke, Kyle Lohse -- and everything in between.
Mike Rizzo on Zack Greinke: ‘What’s not to like?’
The Nationals are open to acquiring a high-caliber starting pitcher for 2013.
Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE
General manager Mike Rizzo decided not to extend a qualifying offer to right-hander Edwin Jackson, who started 32 games last season for Washington with a 4.03 ERA. This gives Rizzo flexibility to look for a starter of impact.
It could be an ace. Or a fifth starter. All options are open.
“I’m much more open-minded with it this year,” Rizzo told Amanda Comak of the Washington Times. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be a veteran, it doesn’t have to necessarily need to be a fifth-starter type of guy.”
In a nutshell, they are trying to give more depth to an already impressive rotation of Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmermann and Ross Detwiler.
The Nationals tried once to get Greinke, and the hurler has been willing to entertain the thought of pitching in the nation’s capital. So that’s an option Rizzo will think about -- depending on the price.
When asked if Rizzo liked Greinke, he said: “What’s not to like?.
Greinke started the season with the Milwaukee Brewers until he was traded in July to the Los Angeles Angels for shortstop Jean Segura and two Double-A pitchers. He ended 2012 with a combined 15-5 record and a 3.48 ERA.
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