The Nationals lost 100-plus games for the second consecutive season but feel as if they're in a better position now than they were a year ago because they've identified a core group of long-term pieces that includes Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Dunn, Nyjer Morgan, Stephen Strasburg and John Lannan. They bolstered their young roster by adding veteran C Ivan Rodriguez and RHP Jason Marquis.

ARRIVALS: C Ivan Rodriguez (free agent from Rangers), RHP Brian Bruney (trade with Yankees), LHP Doug Slaten (claimed off waivers from Diamondbacks), RHP Jason Marquis (free agent from Rockies), LHP Eddie Guardado (minor league free agent from Rangers), RHP Matt Capps (free agent after non-tendered by Pirates), INF Eric Bruntlett (minor league free agent from Phillies), 1B Josh Whitesell (minor league free agent from Diamondbacks), RHP Tyler Walker (free agent from Phillies), RHP Miguel Batista (minor league free agent from Mariners), OF Chris Duncan (minor league free agent from Red Sox), LHP Chuck James (minor league free agent from Braves), OF Kevin Mench (minor league free agent from Japan), 2B Adam Kennedy (free agent from Athletics).

DEPARTURES: RHP Saul Rivera (signed minor league deal with Indians), C Josh Bard (signed minor league deal with Mariners), OF Austin Kearns (free agent, signed minor league deal with Indians), RHP Marco Estrada (claimed off waivers by Brewers).

FREE AGENTS: 1B Dmitri Young, LHP Ron Villone, RHP Livan Hernandez, RHP Mike MacDougal (non-tendered).

The Nationals didn't pick up a 2010 option on Young and will welcome the money saved by letting the veteran walk. Hernandez is the most likely of the group to return, but it would only be on a minimal deal. Villone is looking elsewhere for employment.

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Brian Bruney, LHP Sean Burnett.

The Nationals offered Bruney $1.5 million in arbitration, while he asked for $1.85 million. Burnett is asking for $925,000, while the team is offering $775,000.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--C Jesus Flores (right shoulder surgery in September 2009, arthroscopic right elbow surgery in October 2009) will be cutting it close to be ready for the start of the 2010 season.

--LHP Scott Olsen (left shoulder surgery in July 2009) had a torn labrum repaired, and he had begun throwing off a mound by November.

--SS Cristian Guzman (arthroscopic right shoulder surgery in October 2009) is expected to be back at 100 percent in advance of spring training.

--OF Nyjer Morgan (broken left wrist) will be 100 percent for spring training.

--RHP Jordan Zimmermann (Tommy John elbow surgery in July 2009) won't be ready until late 2010 at the earliest.

--RHP Craig Stammen (bone chips in right elbow) missed the season's final will be ready for the start of spring training.

--RHP Stephen Strasburg (dislocated left knee) won't need surgery. The Nationals said he should be OK by spring training.

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