Arbitration run-down: everybody eligible except John Lannan and Michael Morse (Nationals Journal, The Post) have agreed to contracts. Payroll is up above $70 million. Neither of those guys needs to be locked-up long-term in my mind.

Tyler Clippard returns with a one year deal. (Nats Insider)

Newly acquired Gio Gonzalez will get $42 million through 2016 with options for 2017, 2018 that could push him to $65 million. Hopefully, he’ll be good and this just isn’t GM Mike Rizzo falling in love with one of his trades. (Nationals Journal, The Post)

Jordan Zimmermann and Tom Gorzelanny also avoided arbitration. Gorzelanny is probably done as a starter and has competition as long-man/spot starter from Ross Detwiler and John Lannan. Zimmermann should be looking for a contract extension like Gonzalez next year if he continues to develop. (Nats Insider)

#2 catcher Jesus Flores signed too. (Nats Insider)

The Nats return to ESPN Sunday Night Baseball since Opening Night 2008 which worked out okay. They host the Phillies on Sunday, May 6 and visit the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, May 27. Having the Phillies hear on a Sunday night may decrease the number of charter buses coming to Nationals Park.

I prefer baseball be played in the sunshine on Sundays, but this does show an improved perception of the team nationally.

Still no centerfielder and/or leadoff man for the Nats. I still don’t think Price Fielder is a good idea.

Still no fanfest. Sigh.