John Patterson Released

The Nats released John Patterson. Zuckerman adds concerning his contract: He was given a nonguaranteed, $850,000 major-league contract over the winter. If he had made it to Opening Day, the contract would have become guaranteed. Because he was released within 16 days of Opening Day, the Nats are now only responsible for 45 days of prorated salary ($212,500). Had Patterson been cut 17 or more days prior to Opening Day, the club would only be responsbile for 30 days severance pay. From Patterson himself: *Patterson also said it didn't help his case that Mark Lerner witnessed his most recent start Sunday in Fort Lauderdale against the Orioles, an admittedly rocky performance. "I pitched pretty well my [previous] two starts," Patterson said. "But he didn't see those." *He also said he was "caught in between" Manager Manny Acta's desire for him "to get outs" and GM Jim Bowden's desire for him to throw more fastballs. In a nutshell...