The Nationals are in desperate need of starting pitching. That help doesn't necessarily need to come from outside the organization. The Nats locked up John Lannan, who had proven to be one of their better pitchers over the last part of the season, with a one-year extension; which means they can avoid salary arbitration.
The #Nats will avoid arbitration with John Lannan. They agreed on a one-year deal for $2.75 million. http://wapo.st/hP5LdG
Adam Kilgore
AdamKilgoreWP
In 2010 Lanna went 8-8 with a 4.65 ERA. Many of those losses, as well as the runs that contributed to that high era, came in the first part of the season before the Nationals sent him down to the minors for a brief stint.
That trip seemed to help Lanna get back on track. Over the final two months of the season, Lannan went 6-3 with an ERA of just about 3.5. With the addition of Tom Gorzellany in a trade from the Cubs yesterday, Lanna gives the nationals two strong lefties in their starting rotation.