Quick Branching Hits on Zimm's signing

I like the deal, alot.

You can make the argument that it is statistically an overpay dollar-wise BUT

1. Good players are typically overpaid when they reach free agency and in a disproportionate way.  The cost difference between an B player and a B+, is smaller than the difference between a B+ player and an A- one, etc.etc. Ryan is an A player.  Even if by strict theory it shouldn't be, in reality this is a deal based on the market for the type of player he is.  
1. of course that's if he's healthy. 
2. Who cares? This is not about getting the best value, it's about getting the most wins.  If you can afford to overpay you do it because each win matters.  
1. Unless you are think baseball teams should be run as businesses and not expensive hobbies
2. Of course the loss of the no-trade clause could effect the Nats in a negative way down the road actually costing them wins
1. In scenario 1, Zimmerman falls apart. Rendon is great. The Nats are hobbled with a veteran they have to pay that they likely could have gotten someone to bite on in a deal and possibly nowhere (and no will) to play him
1. A possible scenario but I wouldn't call it likely 
1. personally I think expectations for Rendon are way too high.
2. In scenario 2, the team falls apart (Gio fails, Stras injured again, Werth 2011 not a fluke, Ramos/Espy get no better...).  The Nats are winning 70-75 games a year and then plan needs to be reset.  Moving Zimm would help do it. 
1. Unlikely - and I don't think winning teams should plan for what may or may not happen 3-4 years down the road.  You should have 2 year tunnel vision.   Too much can change beyond that.  
1. That doesn't excuse stupid overpays (Werth) though

This means the Nats though either

1. Have to go all-in to winning by 2015/6 because they most likely won't have the cash to keep their best young players going into FA
1. ZNN, Strasburg, Gio, Ramos, Espinosa will all hit big bucks from 2015-2017, some will be dealt before reaching FA. 
2. By that point Werth will be done, Zimm will be declining.
3. I won't be bothered if the Nats don't spend the money at this point assuming they have done so 2011-2014 to win.
2. Have to become the Yankees/Sox of the NL and pay everyone a ton of money to play
3. Get real lucky with the late round picks their farm system will now have to use and the trades they choose to make as the core hits FA.