Washington Nationals rumors: LaRoche and Howell

– First baseman Adam LaRoche is still a free agent and he's still interested in coming back with the Washington Nationals writes Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post. But since negotiations “remain stagnant” between the two, he's been talking to a “few other teams.” “Got to keep things open in case Washington doesn't work out,” LaRoche said. “I'm still hopeful that it will, but as you know it takes two sides cooperating to make that happen. I'm doing everything I can.” LaRoche, who hit .271/.343/.510 with 33 HR's, 100 RBI's and a .361 wOBA in 647 plate appearances is looking a three-year deal. – The Washington Nationals are also looking for a left handed reliever and according to Dan Kolko of MASNSports.com, J.P Howell remains the Natonals' top choice as a late-inning southpaw. The 29-year old reliever went 1-0 with a 3.04 ERA, 4.78 FIP, 7.5 K/9, 3.9 BB/9 and 1.3 HR/9 in 50.1 innings with the Rays in 2012. Lefties hit .198/.306/.306 with 2 HR's, 13...