They didn’t get Teixeira but they added two minor leaguers (little consolation). According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, the Nationals signed OF Corey Patterson and RHP Jorge Sosa to minor league contracts today.
The 29-year old Patterson appeared in 135 games for the Reds in 2008, batting 205/238/344 with 10 home runs and 14/23 stolen bases. I’d imagine he’s a consideration for center field in 2009. A very bad one, in my opinion. I’d prefer to see Lastings Milledge take bad angles or allow Roger Bernadina an opportunity. I never have been a Corey Patterson fan and likely never will be, he’s a bad everyday player.
The 31- year old Sosa appeared in 20 games for the Mets in 2008. He was 4-1 with a 7.06 ERA and 1.89 WHIP. Another right handed arm for the pen. Cheaper than what Colome would have commanded and less of a ceiling.
UPDATE: The press release came out and there are three additional names. Joining the aforementioned two minor league deals are IF Jose Castillo, CA Gustavo Molina, and LHP Gustavo Chacin.
The 27-year old Castillo split his 2008 between San Francisco and Houston. A right-handed 2B/3B, Castillo is a fringy major leaguer. Not sure what he offers that isn’t brought to the table by Cristian Guzman, Anderson Hernandez, and Ronnie Belliard.
The 26-year old is not one of the catching Molina brothers. He is known for primarily for his defense. Spent the 2008 season briefly for the Mets. Looks like an option for Syracuse as a fill-in in Washington for short injuries.
The most intriguing name to me is the 27-year old Chacin. After a breakout 2005 season, the lefty has battled elbow injuries over the 2006 and 2007 seasons before struggling for Toronto in 2008 leading to his designation for assignment. If he can regain anything close to his 2005 form, he’s an option for the back end of the rotation
#1 by Isemann - December 23rd, 2008 at 17:25
I agree about Patterson. He is what he is…not very good.
As for Sosa, didn’t he want to fight Elijah Dukes last year after the infamous walk-off walk?
#2 by Tofu Dog - December 23rd, 2008 at 17:57
Sosa is perfect with D-Cab. We could have more guys on base per inning than any other team in the history of the game. And Corey Patterson for good luck. Two of the great Orioles players in the past few years and we can watch them all season long without having to drive up to Camden Yards. What a treat.
#3 by Pilchard - December 23rd, 2008 at 18:55
Corey Patterson is a cautionary tale for those of us that are into player development. At one point in his minor league career, he was rated as one of the top 3 prospects in the game, an absolute can’t miss.
Other than being a lefty, he just seems a slightly weaker version of the OFers already on the roster that strikeout too much, and don’t get on base as often as they should.
#4 by Steve - December 23rd, 2008 at 19:19
Not to change the subject, but I gues Rhinehart and Marrero can breathe a little easier tonight. BTW, can either of these two play outfield?
#5 by Sue Dinem - December 23rd, 2008 at 20:10
Can’t speak for Rhinehart, but Marrero was a disaster in LF in ‘07 and was slow before hurting his ankle.
#6 by JayB - December 23rd, 2008 at 21:04
C Patterson……man it just can not get any worse than this……Can I get my money back….I don’t really want that crystal Nats ball anyway.
#7 by BinM - December 23rd, 2008 at 21:50
Posted this earlier to WaPo nats’ Journal (Patterson / Sosa + 3 others)
My two-cents worth on the signings…
#8 by BinM - December 23rd, 2008 at 21:55
Steve, SueD: Why ask if either of them (Rheinhart / Marrero) can play OF? Ask instead if they can play the other corner (3B). First-step lateral movement is the key – If a player “gets a jump” on a ball, they could play either position. First-basemen don’t ussally become OF’s, it’s the other way around.
#9 by VladiHondo - December 23rd, 2008 at 22:23
It seems besides an accidental flirtation with Nick Johnson and the VERY surprising eye of Elijah “toolsy” Dukes, our front office has no clue about OBP as being IMPORTANT.
Moneyball, hell, the Nats fall in love so much with “toolsy” they’re more like BozoBall. Jose Castillo, sucks, lifetime .254 Avg, .296 OBP. Patterson an almost identical sucky .253/.291, plus he’s now a below average defender in CF.
How they can say these guys have any “value” is incomprehensible.
#10 by stats freak - December 24th, 2008 at 08:32
BinM, Rhinehart is left handed so third base is out. The guy I would most closely equate him to is Paul McAnulty of the Padres.
McAnulty in seven milb seasons has a .304 avg and an .890 OPS. He has hit 90 hrs and has 444 RBIs over those seven seasons. He also has 185 doubles. He had succeeded at every level and was a prospect.
Unfortunately in the big leagues he just has never hit. Here is the link to his baseball cube page: http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/M/Paul-McAnulty.shtml
Let’s hope Bill R. has more success than McAnulty.
#11 by Sue Dinem - December 24th, 2008 at 09:27
BinM – Is Tim McCarver your favorite announcer?
#12 by Jeff - December 24th, 2008 at 12:47
Chacin and A. Gonzales from VENE prove that you acquire a guy sometimes for his homeland value in scouting than his present value as a 4Aer or career playing out string. Cab Bowden dump Belliard and DYoung salary this year as he eyes Dunn, O-dog and one of those STL lefties (Flores/Johnson)??? Dyoung looks like a good future coach or instructor. Castillo a poor man’s utlity guy as Belliard rounded out as in WASH. portly utility guy to say the least. I WONDER if Angels are keen on a healthy Johnson since his OBP plays better there than Dunn or Konerko? Dunn should never be allowed to play LF in Nats Park…
#13 by Jeff - December 24th, 2008 at 12:48
Marrero has AL written ALL over him.
#14 by BinM - December 28th, 2008 at 14:59
SD – That was cruel. For the record, Vin Scully & Charlie Slowes.