The Nats need to fire Bowden now, not later

Since Mr. Bowden has come to Washington he has made many moves that have raised many eye-brows. He has led the Nationals with an iron-fisted fortitude but without any clear direction. One thing has been for sure however, since 2005, Jim Bowden has been in charge. 

While the team has been far from successful, the man has had some minor victories. His trade for Alfonso Soriano was a steal and brought excitement to RFK. He acquired Milledge for next to nothing and had a gamble payoff in the Rule-9 selection of Jesus Flores. 

But while Bowden has made some positive moves in Washington, it is the moves that he has not made that are most damaging. He did not trade Alfonso Soriano when he was the hottest commodity in baseball. He did not trade Dimitri Young when it was clear Young had no future with the team. He didn't trade Cristian Guzman, Chad Cordero or Jose Guillen. He finally traded Jose Vidro, but long after his value was gone.

Where Bowden has destroyed this team is by not taking advantage of great opportunities. Too many times did the trade deadline pass with Jim Bowden stuck, keeping a player of no value to the teams future, when he could have added productive pieces to a championship puzzle.

This scandal gives Stan Kasten an opportunity he can not pass up. Firing Jim Bowden after he landed Adam Dunn would be otherwise impossible. This scandal however provides them the opportunity to make him the scapegoat, and get him out before he can hurt this team anymore. 

The team can not afford to wait. Unlike many GM's, Jim Bowden has and will hurt this team during the season, not just in the winter. This club needs to start growing immediately. It's roster is absurdly unbalanced and we need a GM who will get in there, roll up his sleeves, and get to work. Not one who want's to hold on to his failed ideas.