Nationals getting a raw deal

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Robinson hasn't yet had enough
It took the Nationals until Dec. 15 to officially bring back Frank Robinson as manager for a fifth season.

Robinson, 70, agreed to a one-year contract. He is 314-334 in four years with the franchise, including three in Montreal and an 81-81 campaign last season, when the Nationals, who were in first place in the National League East at the All-Star break, wound up last in the division.

Robinson has not hidden his frustration over the Nationals' situation. He said in an interview that the club was "at a disadvantage" because it didn't have a new owner.

Robinson was brought back, but only two members of his staff -- pitching coach Randy St. Claire, and bench coach Eddie Rodriguez -- were invited to return with him. Not offered new deals were hitting coach Tom McCraw, first-base coach Don Buford, third-base coach Dave Huppert, bullpen coach Bob Natal and roving instructor Jack Voigt.

Robinson was stung by some of the departures. McCraw and Buford, both played with Robinson, and are two of the manager's closest friends.

A division of change
Since the end of the season, the balance of power in the National League East has taken a major seismic shift. The Mets have aggressively struck adding closer Billy Wagner, first baseman Carlos Delgado, and catcher Paul LoDuca.

The Marlins have ripped their team apart in a fire sale, the overall talent of the Phillies has been lessened, the Braves aren't significantly improved, and with the Nationals hamstrung by their situation, their only major move has been to trade for Soriano -- a deal that is quite frankly baffling.

I have not read or heard one opinion of the Soriano trade that makes any sense at all from a Washington standpoint. Soriano will be a free agent after the 2006 season so he says he does not want to play the outfield as the Nationals have asked him to.

As a second baseman, his offensive numbers look pretty good, but they are not nearly as impressive when stacked against those of the best offensive outfielders. So Soriano wants no part of the outfield -- not with negotiations for a new contract ahead of him.

And the Nationals already have Jose Vidro at second base, and Vidro's trade value isn't very high because he has been hurt. So this trade makes no sense, and it presents just another hurdle for Washington to clear in what has been an offseason of obstacles.

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