Nationals GM won't allow Baker's contract to become 'an issue'

Washington Nationals skipper Dusty Baker wants an extension along with a raise, and he's not making it a secret.

Baker is set to have his contract expire at the end of the season and expressed to reporters Thursday that he feels he's deserving of a new contract and a boost in salary after earning a reported $4 million over the last two seasons.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo addressed Baker's demands Friday with reporters, and doesn't believe the expiring contract and any future negotiations will be a hindrance for the team.

"It's not going be an issue," Rizzo said, according to Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post. "We're not going to let it be an issue. Dusty's a true professional. He's been through this, the rigors of the regular season, a million times. I've been through it a million times. It's suffice to say there's great communication, great respect between the front office and the manager's office."

Baker owns a 133-88 record in two seasons with the Nationals and is coming off a year in which the club won the NL East by eight games.