1B Daryle Ward targeted by Nationals
MLB.com is reporting that the Nationals are interested in possibly signing 1B Daryle Ward and reliever Felix Rodriguez, and are also closely watching to see if pitcher Ugueth Urbina can beat the attempted murder charge against him in Venezuela.
I didn't realize Ward was a free agent this year. He's definitely a catch, with impressive fielding stats and a pretty solid bat. The Nats have signed Nick Johnson to a one-year deal. We've also got backup Robert Fick and rising star, Larry Broadway. Is a Ward signing insurance in case Johnson has another injury-riddled season? Or, would they compete for the starting role? Another idea: could Ward cross the diamond and platoon at 3B with Ryan Zimmerman? Ward hasn't played third before… he has played in the outfield though, so I suppose that's another possibility.
Felix Rodriguez had a pretty poor 2005 with the Yankees, but has shown some impressive skills in years past. This has the potential of being a very good deal, if Felix can pull those socks up in '06.
Urbina… I'm not so certain about this one. His stuff seems to be declining, he's been inconsistent, and his personal life might be too much of a distraction. Whoever takes him on could reap rewards, but there's definitely some risk involved.
Nice analysis, Sam. I think they would use Ward in the OF until Johnson goes on the DL. To Johnson's credit, he was healthier last year than he ever has been in his major league career. I'm sure he had way more at-bats than he usually gets. Hopefully, he will continue in that way this year.