WaPo: Nats Ownership Encouraging Investigation Of Bowden

But behind the scenes, according to sources, some within the team’s ownership group—which includes Managing Principal Owner Theodore N. Lerner, seven principal owners and nine founding partners—are eager to cut ties with the general manager they inherited almost three years ago, and see the investigation as a way of facilitating Bowden’s exit. The Nationals, one source said, are encouraging the investigation to return an answer on Bowden so the parties can “go on their merry way.”

In the past week, the federal probe examining scouting practices in Latin America - including the skimming of signing bonuses earmarked for prospects - has intensified scrutiny of Bowden and tested the team’s willingness to tolerate it. On Monday, Bowden denied any wrongful practices, saying simply, “I’m innocent of any wrongdoing, and besides that I don’t have any comment.”

Team president Stan Kasten, asked directly about support for Bowden, said: “Listen, I support everyone who works for the Washington Nationals all the time, period. But we’re not going to talk about things that are going on away from here that I have no control or involvement in. I’ve told you, I am gonna allow the process to play out. We’ll allow the chips to fall where they may, and we’re going to look at things honestly and deal with them as is appropriate.”

Neither Ted Lerner nor his son, Mark, were willing to comment on Monday, saying through a spokeswoman that “Stan’s response will stand as the Nationals’ statement.”

Looks like the other shoe is finally dropping.