Nats’ Bowden on Zimmerman: ‘We’re not going to change the pay scale of Major League Baseball’

Strategic stances forming at...The Battle of Segway.

In rare public comments on contract talks, Washington Nationals general manager Jim Bowden set the parameters for negotiations with third baseman Ryan Zimmerman by mentioning four young players of similar stature who signed long-term deals over the past two years.

“If Ryan is willing to sign a contract that is similar to what all the other good young players are signing for ... if he’s willing to do a ‘market signing,’ we are prepared to do that with him,’’ Bowden said Saturday at spring training. “We’re not going set all new markets with him. We’re not going to change the pay scale of Major League Baseball for one player.’’

..."There have been so many signings - whether you look at Tulowitzki or Cano or McCann or Sizemore - so many that are all in the same range, and our organization is prepared to do that,’’ Bowden said.

“We are prepared to do that, like everybody else,’’ he continued. “And we have communicated that to’’ Zimmerman’s agent.

The remarks were unusual for their candor - and because they were unprompted. After speaking to reporters about two other players, Bowden brought up Zimmerman. The GM said the Nationals have “made several offers,’’ and acknowledged: “At this point, no, we’re not close.’’