Bowden still working on improving Nats

11/08/2005
Even though he is a candidate to become the general manager of the Red Sox, Jim Bowden spent most of Tuesday working on improving the Nationals at the GM meetings in Indian Wells, Calif.
He spoke with the agents of right-hander Hector Carrasco and was planning to talk to Darek Braunecker, the agent for right-hander A.J. Burnett on Tuesday night.
Carrasco, 36, had his best season of his career in 2005, going 5-4 with a 2.04 ERA for the Nationals. During the month of September, Carrasco was put in a starter's role and was solid. He posted a 2.03 ERA in five starts.
Although they are not close to a deal, Bowden said the conversation between him and Carrasco's representatives was positive.
"We had some discussions and we are planning to have some more dialog," Bowden said.
Carrasco reiterated on Tuesday that he wants to stay with the Nationals because they were the team that gave him his first chance to pitch in important games. He also made it clear that he wants pitching coach Randy St. Claire to return to the team. St. Claire, whose contract expired on Oct. 31, taught Carrasco to throw a deadly changeup.
"I hope the negotiations work out because I want to go back to Washington," Carrasco said. "I want St. Clair there. I owe him a lot. He taught me everything."
Bowden is planning to have his third meeting with Braunecker regarding Burnett, who is not expected to return to the Marlins. Braunecker has already had discussions with the Blue Jays and Tigers. The Nationals are looking to add a starter to the rotation, and Burnett has been one of their main targets. Burnett was 12-12 with a 3.44 ERA for the Marlins in 2005.
In other news, the Nationals have expressed interested in backup catchers Sandy Alomar Jr. and Todd Pratt, according to a source.
Pratt, who is considered by many as the best backup catcher in baseball, hit .251 with seven home runs and 23 RBIs for the Phillies this past season.
Alomar, who was once an All-Star catcher, hit .273 with 14 RBIs in 46 games for the Rangers in 2005.
The Nationals are in need of a backup catcher because Gary Bennett is not expected to re-sign with the team.

Source: http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/