Jeff Fletcher of AOL Fanhouse cites a source as saying the Nationals were shopping Josh Willingham two weeks ago, but now he is “untouchable.”
Yes. Stick with me -- the same guy who the Nats wouldn’t give more than a sniff of playing time just a month ago. Sure, Willingham has been incredible in July, batting .329/.423/.683 with seven homers and 23 RBI, including two grand slams against the Brewers on Monday, but isn’t this a perfect opportunity to sell high? Under team control for two more seasons, Willingham might be the best trade chip the Nationals currently have on their roster, especially when you compare him to an impending free agent like Nick Johnson. Now 30 years old, Willingham doesn’t figure to be around when (if?) the Nationals are ready to compete.
You hate to say this, but perhaps Willingham is motivated to play well right now because he actually wants to get traded to a contender? You know, a real light at the end of tunnel sort of scenario. If we’ve entered a world where Josh Willingham is untouchable, then give Jeff Francoeur a contract extension.