Nats' Rizzo won't rule out trade, expects to keep Papelbon
WASHINGTON (AP) While not ruling out a trade of Jonathan Papelbon, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo says he expects the right-hander to be ''one of our late-inning relievers'' in 2016.
Rizzo spoke to reporters on a conference call Saturday, a day after trading former closer Drew Storen to the Toronto Blue Jays for outfielder Ben Revere.
Rizzo says Revere's exact role ''remains to be seen.'' The GM praised the player's defensive ability in center field - aside from acknowledging less-than-ideal arm strength - and skills as a contact hitter and base stealer.
Revere also fills one of Rizzo's top offseason priorities: adding a left-handed hitter.
Rizzo says he likes ''the way the roster is constructed right now'' and would ''be comfortable'' if next season were starting tomorrow.
