Clippard, Storen getting attention of shoppers

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A lot of teams have expressed interest in Nationals setup men Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen, MLB.com learned Monday night.

A talent evaluator outside the Nationals' organization said that Storen is more likely to be dealt, explaining that it would be a mistake to trade Clippard because he is versatile. He can also close games.

"It would be hard to trade Clippard, because he can do two roles for you if need be," the evaluator said. "He can work the setup role. If something happens to your closer and he goes down, Clippard can move in there.

"Storen is a little inconsistent. ... He is young enough where he could bring a left-hander in a trade. ... In my mind, I think there is a market for him. His salary is not prohibitive. I do think there is a market for him out there."

According to the evaluator, there are those who believe Storen had a setback last year because the Nationals signed closer Rafael Soriano to a two-year deal last January. The role change appeared to affect Storen on the mound, with his struggles leading to the righty being sent to Triple-A Syracuse for a couple of weeks. After he returned, Storen had a 1.40 ERA in 21 games.

"Personally, I don't believe that [Soriano affected Storen], because the name of this game is to go out and compete. There is nothing handed to you [in the big leagues]," the evaluator said.

As of right now, nothing has heated up in trade talks regarding Storen and Clippard.