Closer Chad Cordero is a much richer man this morning (The Wash. Times) having won salary arbitration. Instead of making the $3.65 million the team offered, he’ll collect $4.15 millon. Nice work if you can get it. Will he get it all as a National? More from The Post, including news that the pregame show will be hosted by Johnny Holiday and Ray Knight, another former Red. There will also be a “sideline reporter” named Debbi Taylor nee Wrobleski.

Speaking of former Reds, Barry Larkin is spending spring training helping out (Florida Today) wherever he is needed. The “next Willie Mays” César Cedeño (Astros and Reds, naturally) will also be in camp.

P Tim Redding says his undoing was trying to keep pace with Roy Oswalt (The Wash. Times). Injuries also took several miles off his velocity, but he believes he is a better pitcher now.

Thomas Boswell of The Post thinks anything the Nats put together out of the 321 pitchers in camp has a chance to be better than last year’s rotation. He might have a point, we’ll check back at the All Star break, if not sooner.

With Alfonso Soriano and Jose Vidro gone, the club expects to be improved on defense (The Post). Nobody fielded as poorly as the Nats last season. While I agree defensive upgrades are needed, it will take a lot more than defense to overcome the pitching situation.

Acta is going to rely on stats for decision making more than his predecessor (The Wash. Times), a refreshing development. T(h)om Loverro wonders if Acta’s “plan” will be undermined by “The Plan” though.

Former Red Ryan Wagner is much more comfortable this year having been tutored by pitching coach Randy St. Claire. While in Louisville (AAA) Wagner struggled as the Reds wanted him to use an over the top delivery instead of the sidearm style that he had success with earlier in his career.

One solution to the parking situation at the new ballpark may be barges (The Wash. Times). Really.

Viewers in Hampton Roads (The Virginian-Pilot) will finally get to see the Nats in 2007.

Nick Johnson is still hurt (Florida Today).

Spring Report – The Wash. Times