I'll Take Utility Infielders for $200, Alex

Newly extended GM Jim Bowden has jumped right in to the shallow end of the free agent pool. The Nats signed infielders Damian Jackson and Bernie Castro to one year contracts. Both players figure to improve the Nats team speed, though not necessarily the on-base percentage.

Jackson is a journeyman veteran who played 6 positions for the Padres in 2005, hitting .255 with a less than impressive .677 OPS. He did, however steal 15 bases in 17 attempts.






Castro made his MLB debut with the Orioles this season. The 26 year old played 24 games at 2B and hit .288 with a slightly above average .710 OPS. He stole 6 bases in 8 attempts.





What does this mean? Wave bye-bye to Deivi Cruz, Junior Spivey and maybe Carlos Baerga and Jamey Carroll too.