When the Washington Nationals signed free agent starting pitcher Edwin Jackson following the victory in their arbitration case with John Lannan, it appeared that they were going to shop Lannan around and use him to acquire a position player. However, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo spoke to the media following the signing of Jackson, and implied that Lannan will not be shopped.
@chasehughes
Chase Hughes Rizzo: 'We did not acquire Edwin Jackson to trade another starting pitcher.' #Nats
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Rizzo also said that the Nationals are "going to make some tweaks to [Jackson's] delivery." Jackson finished 2011 with a 12-9 record and 3.79 ERA in 31 starts.
If Lannan sticks around, the Nationals' rotation should be a very strong one. Jackson and Lannan would join Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and Jordan Zimmermann in a strong group of starting pitchers. Lannan will make $5 million next season, while Jackson was signed to a one-year deal worth approximately $10 million.
For more on Jackson and the Nats, check out our Edwin Jackson StoryStream and Washington Nationals blog Federal Baseball.