Pedro Astacio. Apparently a history of shoulder problems is a prerequisite for consideration for 3-4-5 slots in the rotation.
Robinson rips the club for not giving Lawrence an MRI:
"That's our bad...We chose not to give him an MRI. The physicals should cover everything...I would think that would be something to get our attention for the future, at least. Why not? [An MRI is] the only way you're going to be able to look at someone. But I don't make policy around here." (Frank Robinson, via Washington Post, 2/28/2006)
"It's expensive to do MRIs on every single transaction...In the case of Brian, he had made every single start the last four or five years. We saw him throw a three-hit shutout [in his final start of 2005]. We were trading a player [Castilla] with a bad knee. We felt that there was MRI risk on both sides if the deal was made, and we made a decision not to." (Jim Bowden, via Washington Times, 2/28/2006)
Meanwhile, in Boston, Red Sox deny rumors of an impending deal with the Nats, and Bronson Arroyo weighs in:
"Anything can happen, but I don't find it as being that valid...What's the worst-case scenario? We have seven [starters], right? Well, if I still think I'm one of the 12 best guys, I can still be on the club and pitch. Defensively, I don't think we need anybody else. [Unless] they want to go get somebody for me that's an unbelievable arm out of the pen, I don't see any other reason to make any other moves." (Bronson Arroyo, via Boston Globe, 2/28/2006)