Yesterday's full squad workouts entailed having Soriano work out at 2nd base on a field full of mostly minor leaguers while Jose Vidro worked out at 2nd on another field with the potential starting fielders. I'm reading reports that Soriano is really a "nice guy" and is already bonding with Frank Robinson. Soriano's waitress yesterday gushed about his big $10 tip and graciousness signing an autograph (even though she didn't know who he was until a coworker told her). ... Continue Reading

Jim Bowden, after not re-signing Gary Bennett to the 2006 season and letting him move on to the St. Louis Cardinals, was planning on using Robert Fick and Matthew LeCroy as big bat backup catchers, sacrificing defensive skills and experience for a better batting average than Gary Bennett had. The plan was hailed as non-traditional, something Frank Robinson is not into. Bowden may have stormed ahead with his plan anyway, had not a few glitches appeared. ... Continue Reading

What the Fick? For LeCroying out loud, Bowden has signed another potential backup catcher whose defense skills are questionable (and you all mocked PB!). LeCroy most likely will battle Robert Fick to back up Brian Schneider at catcher. "With the addition of Matt LeCroy, I am pleased to add a professional right-handed hitter to our bench who can also serve as a backup at both catcher and first base," Nationals general manager Jim Bowden said. They say he can hit, though, and I ... Continue Reading

Bill Ladson has a new article up examing the backup catcher position and its uncertainty for the Nationals going into the 2006 season. It appears that the Nationals had no intention of re-signing Gary Bennett, but of course that was when they thought they could sign John Flaherty or Todd Pratt. In retrospect, it appears they may have lost that gamble. Or at least I thought so, and carried some secret pleasure out of the whoopsie, but on another look, ... Continue Reading

First backup catchers! I know I'll get razzed to eternity for still supporting Gary Bennett, but I have loyalty, you know! I'm still lamenting his signing with the Cardinals, although I do wish him well. I was also surprised when it happened considering when I spoke to him, he thought he would be re-signed with the Nationals. I guess they wanted their cake and to eat it too. Bowden got Todd Pratt-initis (my one pick for a GB replacement if necessary), ... Continue Reading