Off-Season Checklist

UPDATE: The deal is one year at $3.5 Million plus $425,000 in performance incentives. Love the fact that Capps is controllable via arbitration after the 2010 season. In essence, Rizzo can decide whether Matt is worth a longer and larger contract based on his upcoming season effort.


The Off-Season Checklist continues to get punched. Santa again with an early Christmas Present for Washington.

"I really like the decisions the Nationals have made this offseason and their commitment to winning beyond 2010. I'm excited about what can be," stated by the newest member of Our Washington Nationals early this morning to mlb.com. Matt Capps agreeing to a one-year deal, pending a physical, to be Washington's presumptive closer for 2010--an excellent pick up by Mike Rizzo. But maybe more important is that over a short period of time, Our General Manager has created "BUZZ" about D.C. Baseball. Players are openly talking about coming to The Nation's Capital--donning the Curly "W"--wanting to be a part of something special. Capps passed on The Cubbies to come here. Throughout the game and in the press there is positive banter about our team that hasn't been consistently heard since the inaugural season of 2005.

Mr. Rizzo is working aggressively against his GM brethren. He's apparently not backing down from anyone on his "Off-Season Checklist". In less than one month--Mike's solidified Washington's short-term (and maybe long-term) needs in the bullpen. Even the signing of Eddie Guardado can't hurt because the old veteran lefty is strictly on a pay-for-play contract (non-guaranteed). Another arm for Jim Riggleman to consider this spring. Jason Marquis stabilizes the starting rotation and there may be another veteran arm coming on the horizon. Unlike last year, Our Manager will have depth to consider in making out his lineup card in 2010. On the mound, behind the plate, even in the field--Our Washington Nationals are a much better team right now than at any time in 2009.

There is a whole new feeling about Our Washington Nationals this holiday season. With Christmas less than 24 hours away--Mike Rizzo keeps giving present after present to our fans--leaving The African Queen pondering what's next on Santa Rizzo's Off-Season Checklist?

PS--Pending the physical, the Matt Capps deal will become official. At that time, Washington will have to make a roster move to add Capps to the 40-Man Roster.