The Da Vidro Code

Every since Marlon Anderson showed up on our roster I've been trying to come up with a rationale for the signing that doesn't include "Trader Jim is attempting to screw us on his way out the door to Boston." It hasn't been easy. But there is one piece of information floating around that might be the key to interpreting JimBo's new infielder mania. What the hell is up with Jose Vidro's knees?

The latest report is that Vidro will, once again, forgo surgery and continue attempting to rehab his right knee. This marks at least the second time that Jose has delayed the operation this offseason, and the third or fourth if you count from the middle of 2005. All these delays seem to have the blessing of various surgeons and team doctors, including St. James of Birmingham, patron saint of ligament repair, but it does make me wonder. The Nats front office, in this case at least, probably know things that the wider fanbase does not. Are they preparing for life without Vidro in 2006?

Damian Jackson and Marlon Anderson combined are set to make just over $1.6 million this year. That's a lot to pay for two utilitymen/pinch hitters, but it's reasonable for a 2B platoon. Now if Vidro were definitely going to be out next season, that money would be better spent on Junior Spivey, Mark Grudzielanek or another full-time second baseman. But since Jose's health in no worse than uncertain, you don't want to spend $3 or $4 million on a back-up 2B.

If there's any validity to my entirely unfounded speculation, JimBo's obsessive hording of infielders becomes a little more understandable. You can still question whether Jackson/Anderson is a better 2B platoon than Carroll/Harris/Short, and I would, but at least that's more of a traditional baseball argument and less a discussion about whether GM pro tempore Bowden has gone off his meds again.