Bowden out. Nats Front Office now crossed of the no-call list.

More props to Chico, as he seemed to break this first. Jim Bowden is out as GM of the Washington Nationals. What's even more stunning is how he did it - by resigning.
Some things JimBo always came across as were arrogant, stuck in the past, arrogant, stubborn, and arrogant. Kudos to who ever it was that convinced JimBo to resign, as opposed to being fired. I know his ego had to take a huge hit, but he felt he had

...become a distraction, and unless you're [unsigned free agent] Manny Ramirez there's no place for distractions in baseball.

Now, before you canonize the guy (not sure that word should ever be used when in conjunction with JimBo), he certainly took a shot at his detractors on the way out.

I am disappointed by the media reports regarding investigations into any of my professional activities," Bowden said in a statement released by the team. "There have been no charges made, and there has been no indication that parties have found any wrongdoing on my part

and

My resignation is based upon my realization that my ability to properly represent the Washington Nationals has been compromised because of false allegations contained in the press.

I'll leave it for other sites, mostly Steven, to analyze and dissect the departure. But I urge Chico and all the other media guys to purchase bullet proof vests and those sunglasses with mirrors on the corners so you can see when JimBo is creeping up on you with the machete.

Lastly, I caught up with Zim down in Viera, and had the opportunity to ask him if he felt this was for the best of the team. I don't think he wanted any quotes out there being attributed to him, so he didn't say anything. But his body language sure did reveal a lot.


P.S. Zim apparently has the power to make objects appear and dissapear at will. I told you, he's not human.

Bowden out, LaCava in?

With all the bad news surfacing lately, specifically the Frowney news combined with the skimming investigation, Jim Bowden's seat has been a little warm lately. Whatever my feelings for the man, and the job he's done may be, I can't say this wouldn't be a welcome change.
According to more than one source, the decision may have already been made. Jimbo is out as Nats GM, and Tony Lacava (current Asst. GM in Toronto) is in. The only thing that has kept it from being made official is the whole making it official thingie. (Which, let's face it, is pretty damn important.)
So, until there's more concrete proof available that it is happening, I'll leave you with the only thing I'm good at decent at capable of. A picture of one of my cats. Murdering Jim Bowden. Enjoy.

Matt Holliday as a National?

So, I really didn't think there was anything substantial to the rumors of the Nationals being interested in Matt Holliday. After all, it came from Bill Ladson (Love ya, Bill!). But MLBtraderumors.com just won't let it die. Ladson says the Rockies need starting pitching and a 2nd baseman. MLBTR says it's pitching that will get him. How do I put this.........


For the love of all that's good, don't do it. WTF is JimBo thinking (DON"T ANSWER THAT!)? He would be here for a year, then gone. He's got Borass as an agent, so you know he'll get the best deal possible. Giving up a lot of prospects for a rental? Nooooooooo! (On the other hand, would they take Redding and Anderson Hernandez? Only if they're dumber than Jim.)
Besides, the guy is just mediocre away from Coors Field. Splits from his career:

Home: .357/.423/.645
Away: .280/.348/.455

Oh, and since I'm in an LOLCat mood, I'll post an oldie that is relevant to this off season:

You don't have to worry about him anymore, lil' kittie. (What? Look, I know it's old news, but I was gone for two weeks. Give a guy a break, you ball busters!)

La Russa as Nationals GM?

Look, it's speculation by a writer out in the LOO, so don't read too much into it, but there is mention of La Russa possibly moving to a front office gig next year. One team mentioned? The Nationals. You can read the article here, but it's a lot of crap to wade through, and unless you actually have an interest in the Cardinals, allow me to save you some time.

La Russa does not discount growing speculation that he could eventually go elsewhere as general manager. A crush of GM jobs is expected to become available shortly after this season, including in Seattle, Toronto and potentially Washington and San Francisco.

Hrmm. Do with it what you want. Personally, I'm dismissing it as column filler, but you never know.
BTW, say LaRussa does come here. Does he try and bring his bestest buddy, Dave Duncan? How many times would he have to be punched in the nuts, and his wife called ugly till he decides to leave the Saint right where he is? Discuss...

P.S. Yes, this is normally something for Steven over at his site, but I didn't see him mention it, so I brought it up. I'll leave this shit for him the rest of the way.