Broadway is Dark Tonight

The federal Receding Hairline Mapping Project just got a three year funding commitment. Nick Johnson signed a 3-year, $16.5M contract extension that could keep him around until the new stadium opens. Congratulations to Nick the Stick, who does everything you could ask of a big league player except stay healthy. Last year's bruised foot was the textbook definition of a freak injury, but it came on the heels (pun intended) of a broken cheekbone, a strained back, a fractured hand and a slew of other injuries. Still, as the WaPo article notes, $5.5M/year could end up being a steal for a player with Nick's skills. Those of you with surplus good karma are implored to send some Nicky's way. Four consecutive healthy seasons isn't too much to ask, right?

The big loser here is minor league 1B Larry Broadway, who was optioned out of big league camp earlier this week. Broadway is a lot like Nick the Stick, a big lefty first baseman with decent power and a history of injuries. Now that Nick is committed to DC for the forseeable future, Larry has become redundant. Obviously, no franchise really needs two injury-prone lefty corner infielders, but Nats Farm Authority makes a good argument for keeping him around, at least until that Larry Broadway for Jake Peavy deal comes together.

Jim Bowden, fresh off his own contract extension, has apparently decided which Nats he would build around, if given the opportunity. With Johnson and Brian Schneider signed to long-term deals, Trader Jim is turning his attention to injured right fielder Jose Guillen and petulant won't-be left fielder Alfonso Soriano. Neither of these guys deserves a long-term deal from the Nats, and the possibility that either or both might get one is just one more reason that Jim Bowden should be shown the door the day after new ownership is announced, regardless of how disruptive it might be to the franchise.

Speaking of new ownership, check out Capitol Punishment for Fred Malek's homestyle BBQ recipe. Remember kids, if Fred Malek ever invites you to a tailgate party, Just Say No.

Spring Training Update: J-Patt still looks good; Livan still looks fat, and Ramon Ortiz still sucks.