Nationals acquired LHP Scott Olsen and OF Josh Willingham from the Marlins for 2B Emilio Bonifacio, INF Jake Smolinski and RHP P.J. Dean. Both Olsen and Willingham have their share of question marks, but this is a flat-out steal for the Nats. Either player likely would have received at least $20 million for three years as a free agent this winter. The Nationals, though, get both without surrendering a major piece and will only have to spend $5 million-$6 million on the two for 2009. Plus, both are under control through 2011. The Marlins usually do a pretty good job with their salary dumps, but this one looks absolutely terrible. Maybe there weren't any better offers on the table now, but their surely would have been once some other teams failed to meet needs in free agency. Olsen, who was 8-11 with a 4.20 ERA as a 24-year-old last season, will start one of the first three games for the Nats in 2009. He no longer appears to have the upside he once did and his attitude can be a definite problem, but he could still have a nice run as a middle-of-the-rotation guy.Related: Marlins
News: The Nationals say they have acquired starting pitcher Scott Olsen and outfielder Josh Willingham from the Marlins for three players. The Nationals will have a news conference at their stadium Tuesday to introduce their new players. The Marlins get second baseman Emilio Bonifacio and two minor leaguers: second baseman Jake Smolinski and right-hander P.J. Dean.
Analysis: Olsen's off-the-field issues have dragged down his trade value apparently. The young starter can be a sleeper in deeper Fantasy leagues, even if the Nationals remain a bottom-feeder in the NL East. Olsen really has potential, though, and the Nats could be vastly improved next season
The player who will likely benefit most from this deal wasn't even a part of it: We're speaking of five-tool Marlins prospect Cameron Maybin, who becomes the odds-on favorite to take over in center field now that Willingham is gone. It also means Cody Ross will become the everyday left fielder. The trade wasn't as kind to Willingham and Olsen. Both players go from a team that sports an up-and-coming offense to one of the game's worst lineups in Washington. That means fewer wins for Olsen, who'll anchor the Nats rotation with John Lannan, and fewer RBI opportunities for Willingham, who'll have to beat out either Elijah Dukes or Austin Kearns for an outfield job. The speedy Bonifacio goes from an everyday second baseman to a backup for Dan Uggla.
The player will likely benefit most from this deal wasn't even a part of it: We're speaking of five-tool Marlins prospect Cameron Maybin, who becomes the odds-on favorite to take over in center field now that Willingham is gone. It also means Cody Ross will become the everyday left fielder. The trade wasn't as kind to Willingham and Olsen. Both players go from a team that sports an up-and-coming offense to one of the game's worst lineups in Washington. That means fewer wins for Olsen, who'll anchor the Nats rotation with John Lannan, and fewer RBI opportunities for Willingham, who'll have to beat out either Elijah Dukes or Austin Kearns for an outfield job. The speedy Bonifacio goes from an everyday second baseman to a backup for Dan Uggla.
According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, the Nationals have picked up Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham from the Marlins for Emilio Bonifacio and a package of minor leaguers. Two of the minor leaguers are right-hander P.J. Dean and infielder Jake Smolinski. Unless there's someone much better going to Florida that we don't know about yet, this could be a huge steal for the Nationals. We wouldn't trade either Olsen or Willingham for that trio, much less both. If the Marlins like Bonifacio that much, it could mean that Dan Uggla is on the way out. The Nats could pencil in Willingham at first base and then move him to the outfield if Nick Johnson is healthy.Related: Dan Johnson, Josh Willingham, Emilio Bonifacio, Nationals
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Numbers in parenthesis for each team indicates total runs scored that game. Numbers next to each pitcher indicates earned runs.
The run differential is based on total runs each team scored when Scott Olsen has a decision. (i.e. win/loss) Similarly, the opposing pitcher listed also received a decision.
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