http://0rz.net/ff1pP

 Jim Bowden, The Examiner
 May 10, 2006 7:00 AM


 WASHINGTON - When a team gets off to a slow start as we have this year, trade
discussions are initiated much earlier from other clubs. With the trading
deadline not until July 31, in normal years it is early June before teams
start serious discussions. They realize there are eight weeks remaining to
find the best deal to help their club get to the postseason.


However, when a club like ours gets off to a poor start and has so many
talented players, general managers of other clubs start the serious trade
discussions in a fast and furious manner. They want to be the first club to
acquire a key player to help their chances.

In our situation, you never want to make a trade just to make a trade or just
to shake things up. You only want to make a deal if it will benefit the
organization over the long run. Remember, you always have to give up
something to get something.

In the past, I have never been afraid to trade proven major league talent for
unproven minor league talent that can help your organization in the long run.
For example, I traded Dave Burba for Sean Casey; Jeff Shaw for Paul Konerko;
Elmer Dessens for Felipe Lopez; Rob Bell for Edwin Encarnacion; John Smiley
for Danny Graves; and Jeff Brantley for Dmitri Young. All of those deals
received immediate public criticism. However, all worked out in helping build
for the future. The deals all reduced payroll and all produced good young
players that would help for years.

There are three main ways to add good young talent to an organization: First
is the amateur draft (where I have been involved in the drafting of such
players as Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Dunn, Austin Kearns, Barry Bonds and Moises
Alou). Second is international signings as the Braves have proved with Andruw
Jones and the Expos did with Vladimir Guerrero. Finally, there’s trading
veteran players for young players as described above.

We are working on all three methods to improve this club. That is part of the
long-term plan.

Will there be a fire sale?

No.

Have we given up on this team?

No.

However, the Lerner family and incoming team president, Stan Kasten, have
made the long-term plan clear. The plan will work. It just takes time,
patience and some initially unpopular trades. The course is set. Enjoy
watching the process as we build for a bright future for the Washington
Nationals.