Can we just sign Zimmerman?

Well, the Nationals lost their arbitration case to Shawn Hill, guess that cements that relationship. Now lets just sign Zimmerman instead of letting it go that far. The Nats have made Zimmerman the face of the franchise yet they aren't showing him the love. Sure they use him but they haven't rewarded him. I would make my face of the franchise player feel wanted, almost indespensible. If this case goes to arbitration, and I am sure Zimm will get whatever he is asking the arbiter to consider, the bad blood is there and you know he'll bolt upon free agency. Who could blame him. So Nationals front office wake up, get the crowbar out, open up your wallet and sign him to a long term deal. Look if the Nats were willing to spend big bucks on Texiera then they have the money, apply some of that to Zimmerman. If he leaves who will be the face of the franchise? Who is left from 2005 who can carry that mantle?