The 2012 non-waiver trade deadline passed nearly one hour ago, with the Washington Nationals not making so much as a peep.
As of yet, no deals have been announced, which is not to say that a trade will not crop up sometime in August. As it stands, it appears that principal owner Mark Lerner, general manager Mike Rizzo, manager Davey Johnson and the rest of the brass are content to compete with the 25 players already on the roster.
In a brief statement with the media, Lerner made a very bold remark.
“We’re going all the way with what we’ve got in this room.”
If reports are to be believed, management was unwilling to disturb the exceptional chemistry that seems to surround the team – chemistry that Johnson spoke about earlier this month in Colorado.
“To me, I look at it as when 25 guys understand their role and get mentally prepared for it on a daily basis and go out and perform,” Johnson said. “Then, it becomes a unit…chemistry is what we call it, I guess.”
Greg Fiume — Getty Images
Whatever you call it, the Nationals have it. And if they aim to make good on Lerner’s comment, they need to keep it.
The Nationals begin a three-game series at home tonight against the Philadelphia Phillies. Stephen Strasburg will take the mound in search of his 12th win and will oppose veteran right-hander Cliff Lee.
