The Washington Nationals are 12 games out in the National League East and haven’t yet determined if they are buyers or sellers, according to Bill Ladson of MLB.com. Despite their situation, Ladson says that GM Mike Rizzo is expected to make deals to to improve their club.

“Right now, we are going to make a deal that’s a proven deal for the Nationals long term,” Rizzo said. “If that means buying, we would buy. If that means selling, we will sell. That hasn’t changed since Opening Day.

“If there is a good deal to be made to acquire talent, we’ll acquire it. … We are always looking to make a deal.”

Trade candidates on the team include infielder Cristian Guzman (who has 10-5 rights), first baseman Adam Dunn and outfielder Josh Willingham.

The team’s biggest need is starting pitching, and Rizzo would like to add another dominant arm that compliments rookie Stephen Strasburg. Roy Oswalt was rumored to be on the Nationals’ target list, but it is unlikely that Oswalt would approve a deal given the team is in last place in the NL East.

Other starting pitcher targets include Dan Haren and Edwin Jackson of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dbacks are in position to start selling off their players, and Haren is their primary trade chip.

“Our biggest need now and at the Trade Deadline is starting pitching,” Rizzo said. “That’s everyone’s biggest need, and we are included in that. We need more starting pitching. Premier, front-line starting pitching is what everybody needs to get to the next level of championship-caliber clubs. We are no different.”

Ladson says the Nats need to add a defensive second baseman and another bat. Rizzo has previously inquired about Royals outfielder David DeJesus and White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin, but he was told they were not available.

The Nationals should not expect much more from this year’s team, but they should stay mindful of the future and build around Strasburg. The postseason will come, but it’s unlikely that it will happen this year.