VIERA, Fla. -- While the Nationals are looking for a general manager to replace Jim Bowden, team president Stan Kasten will make decisions in the meantime.

"I'm doing what we need to do to keep the franchise moving forward, and I'm pleased to say that has been happening," Kasten said.

Kasten is already talking to opposing teams about possible trades and is dealing with agent Brodie Van Wagenen about a contract extension for third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. The two parties hope to get a deal done by Opening Day. In fact, Kasten and Van Wagenen talked on Sunday.

"I have been deeply involved in [the negotiations] recently. I spoke to Ryan's agent yesterday," Kasten said. "As far as trades go -- things like that-- I myself talked trades with teams yesterday. Nothing is imminent, but conversations have gone continuously without anyone missing a beat."

Kasten has experience as a general manager in the sports world. He was the general manager of the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA from 1979-90 and was the NBA's Executive of the Year in '86 and '87.