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Nationals' negotiations not going 103 mph

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The Nationals are off to a slow start in negotiations with No. 1 choice Stephen Strasburg, the San Diego State phenom who supposedly has hit 103 mph on the gun. People close to the situation say Strasburg's agent, Scott Boras, told the Nats, in effect, "We have all the time in the world."

The Nats have only until Aug. 17, in reality. But it is believed Strasburg's people don't want him taxing his arm by pitching in the major leagues this year, so they are taking the position in talks that there's no rush to sign this year. The Nationals are in a tough spot, since they failed to sign last year's No. 1 pick (though they did sign this year's No. 10 overall, Stanford pitcher Drew Storen). And they're headed for the worst record in baseball again.

Boras is believed to have mentioned Daisuke Matsuzaka ($52 million) and Jose Contreras ($32 million) as comps. The record for guaranteed money for a drafted player is much lower, $10.5 million for Mark Prior.

Most folks believe the likelihood is still that Strasburg winds up signing with the Nats right on the Aug. 17 deadline. Guesses have ranged from $15 million to $30 million.

Around the majors

• There have been hints the Nationals may be considering outside general manager possibilities in addition to interim GM Mike Rizzo. Nats president Stan Kasten says a fulltime GM will be announced during this year, so it could get interesting. It was written in a few places that Rays exec Gerry Hunsicker, who did a nice job for nine years as Astros GM, could be a candidate. However, Hunsicker said by phone he hasn't been contacted by the Nats and that he is very happy with the Rays. Sure doesn't sound like he's going anywhere. Two other good names that have been mentioned are White Sox assistant GM Rick Hahn and Marlins executive Dan Jennings.

• It wasn't a good sign when Brandon Webb felt pain while tossing off flat ground the other day. Now the Arizona Republic reports shoulder surgery is a possibility. The D-backs seem snakebit, that's for sure (sorry).

• Diamondbacks starter Doug Davis is seen as a starter who could help a contender. The Brewers seek a pitcher, preferably a left-hander. So a return to Milwaukee could make sense.

• Carlos Beltran might seek out a second opinion after Mets doctors diagnosed a larger bone bruise. In any case, he is not expected back when eligible in two weeks. "He'll be out a while," said someone close to Beltran.

• The Rays would like to acquire a closer, but would have to do it without adding payroll. Tough task.

• Rays GM Andrew Friedman said there's one scenario where Pedro Martinez signs with them, but he still sees it a long shot. Friedman didn't say why, but Martinez is believed to be seeking $5 million prorated (about $2.5 million now).

• The Indians are said to be getting lots of calls on versatile Mark DeRosa. The Cardinals and Mets are believed to be two interested teams.

• Daisuke Matsuzaka's on the DL with a shoulder issue. But he isn't helping his cause by also being out of shape.

• The Royals may have some interest in struggling Brave Jeff Francoeur. K.C. GM Dayton Moore was once a top Braves exec.

• Reds Slugger Joey Votto returned to the lineup in his hometown of Toronto and explained that his DL stay was the result of anxiety and depression that started with the sudden death of his father, Joseph, only 52, last August. Votto played after taking six days off last year, but the anxiety came on this season. Best wishes to him.

• Funny to see Boras and Leyland, who are actually pretty friendly, mix it up over the benching of Magglio Ordonez, who's hitting .271 but showing little power. When Boras pointed out publicly that major slumps by Carlos Delgado and David Ortiz (last year and this year) didn't get them benched indefinitely, the feisty Leyland took umbrage. He doesn't like anyone suggesting he is handling his team incorrectly.

While Leyland said Ordonez's benching would be "indefinite," Boras wanted to make sure that didn't mean forever. Ordonez was back in the lineup after five games out, going 0 for 2. That was probably Leyland's plan all along; people close to him note he says "indefinite" when he means a few days. But this case isn't completely resolved. The big issue in the background, of course, is the $18 million vesting option Ordonez gets with 540 plate appearances. Teams are not allowed to cut players based on salary.

• Bernie Madoff, who stole billions from the Mets-owning Wilpons, their friend Sandy Koufax and thousands of others, wants leniency now. Let's be serious. He ruined hundreds of hard-working, fine people who didn't have the wherewithal of the Wilpons. He doesn't cooperate to help others. All he does is speak up for himself and his own leniency. What a pig.

• President Obama will throw out the first ball at the All-Star Game in St. Louis. It's going to be tough to top President Bush in that department. Throwing out first pitches was one thing Bush 43 did well as president.

• It's almost unseemly that the Yankees would protest a Marlins victory based on a technicality. Good to see reason prevail, as the claim based on a lineup snafu was rejected.

• The irreverent tweeting continues at SI_JonHeyman.