On Wednesday the Nationals picked up Center Fielder Preston Wilson (currently batting .258 in 71 games, with 15 home-runs and 47 RBI) in a trade with Colorado. As the ESPN.com article notes, the Nationals also received cash, and in exchange sent Pitcher Zach Day, outfielder J.J. Davis and either a player to be named later or cash (two teams, trading cash). As the Nationals.com article title states: "Nationals acquire Wilson for Day," and while they literally traded Wilson for Day, they also will have Wilson for just this season (or for the rest of the days of the 2005 season), as he will be a free agent after this season is over. According to the Nationals.com article, the Nationals had been pursuing Wilson for weeks to try to shore up/fix their offense problems. As GM Bowden noted: "We needed to get someone that could give us the three-run home run[.] We also didn't want to trade our minor leaguers nor did we want to ruin the chemistry of the team." In his best season, this power hitter managed to knock 36 balls over the fence in 2003. CNNSI's article on the trade, Washington Post.com's article (their midseason report; Boswell column that appeared before the trade), Washington Times.com's midseason report (they do not seem to know about the trade; ballbark food not junk food, according to the Washington Times.com's article).

In other news, Left-handed Relief Pitcher Mike Stanton, and his career 3.81 ERA in 996 career appearances, has been signed by the Nationals (Nationals.com article). Bowden noted: "I like his postseason experience. I think he's better suited for the National League than the American League. He has good makeup and guts" (quotes are from the Nationals.com articles). Bowden noted: "I like his postseason experience. I think he's better suited for the National League than the American League. He has good makeup and guts" (quotes are from the Nationals.com article). This season Stanton has an era of 7.07 in 14 innings of work for the Yankees, who released him after June 30th (when he was designated for assignment). Hopefully his return to the National League will revive his old form, last year, with the Mets, he limited the Nationals National League East division rivals to little offense, giving up only 2.88 earned runs, in an average of 9 innings, and limiting batters to a .211 batting "average in 25 innings" (the number does not include the Mets or the 2004 Expoes).

Outfielder Ryan Church also rejoined the team on Wednesday, after being activated off of the DL. The Nationals article notes that Church will platoon with Byrd in left field, but this article appeared before the trade with the Rockies that brought Wilson.

Junior Spivey and Tony Blanco were placed on the DL and Henry Mateo was moved from the 15 day DL to the 60 day DL.


Tonights game: The Nationals open the second half in first place in the NL East, just 2.5 games over the Braves, but 7 games over the third place Marlins.

John Patterson (3-2, 2.91 ERA) opens the second half by pitching against the Brewers Doug Davis (9-7, 4.11 ERA). Nationals.com article, ESPN.com stat pack.

Next At Home: Oddly enough, the Nationals first home game of the second season will be July 18th, Monday, against the Colorado Rockies.

Note: those oddly orange underlined words? They link to what the words state, i.e. career is highlighted above, that links to Stanton's career stats.