I hate to say it, but I wonder if Lannan is a non-tender candidate next year, with Milone and Detwiler fighting for the other LHP spot in the rotation if Gorzelanny pans out.
Will the Nats really consider paying Lannan 2nd and 3rd year arbitration money? Edwin Jackson, who only made $2.2 million in his first year of arbitration (Lannan made $2.75 million), got a $13.35 million contract for the last 2 years. Wandy Rodriguez made $13.5 for his last two arbitration years after making $2.6 in his first year.
Even if the Nats win arbitration, he's likely to get a raise to about $4.5 million in year two and $7.5 million in year three, just by being a major league starting pitcher. I have a hard time believing the Nats will pay that for what he gives them, considering Milone would likely give them the same thing for $4 million less.