John Patterson Released!

[Justblaze]

Nationals released RHP John Patterson.
Stunning. Obviously the Nationals shared the same concerns about Patterson's lack of velocity that we did, but he still looked like their probable Opening Day starter and they'll only save about $600,000 by cutting him. They're left with a rotation of Shawn Hill, Jason Bergmann, Tim Redding, Odalis Perez and either Matt Chico or John Lannan. They'll probably need both young lefties initially with Hill likely to open up on the DL. Mar. 20 - 3:21 pm et

He probably will be signed by another team, possibly a contender. He may have some sleeper value if the right team signs him. I was thinking he was going to be the Opening day starter too, this is a total stunner. He can still throw that curve. Only concern is the velocity of his fastball and his control at times.

[checkers]

ah damn... why didnt they do this like yesterday.. i could've dropped him for Cueto..

[Matthias]

Amazing. They couldn't get any trade return?

[StarsNPinstripes]

Very surprising.I have to believe some team out there will gamble on him.

[vlat89]

Well looks like Bergmann will start opening day. Not a bad matchup for him either.

[McStallen]

I've gotten burned on Patterson a few times- next to Jason Schmidt he is probably the player who has bunred me the most. I was surprised the Nats even brought him to camp this year

I can see another team taking a shot on him but I think the Nats touched the Patterson stove a few times too many and finally decided to cut him loose and concentrate on developing their younger, healthier arms.

I like Bergmann- he had some nice stretches last year and could turn into a pretty good pitcher this year, although it's tough to predict since the Nats just left their pitcher-friendly stadium

[checkers]

The Houston Chronicle reports that the Astros are interested in John Patterson

Several teams figure to make a run at Patterson after he was surprisingly released by the Nationals, but the Astros are seemingly a good fit. "We'll take a look at it and see if anything makes sense," general manager Ed Wade said. "We'll look at the possibility of doing something."

[StarsNPinstripes]

Deal with Texas seems close
From Rotoworld:

Mar. 23 - 10:15 pm et
The Rangers are close to signing John Patterson.

The Rangers' rotation is set, but they like Patterson as a low-risk option in case of an injury. If Patterson signs with the Rangers, he will start the season at Triple-A Oklahoma.

[redwings122]

Solid move by Texas.

[Justblaze]

Definitely right idea by Texas. If Patterson can be had for cheap it will be a decent flier.

As for us fantasy owner, it basically kills his chances for any fantasy worth this year and possibly beyond.