• This is not the right-handed free agent you're looking for the Washington Nationals to land, but they did sign Miguel Batista, the 38-year-old veteran of 15 major league seasons to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training. The one-time Pirates, Marlins, Cubs, Expos, Royals, D-Backs, Blue Jays and Mariners' starter was (7-4) for Seattle in 2009, appearing in 56 games as a reliever, and allowing 79 hits, 32 runs and 39 walks (4.9 BB/9) in 71.1 IP over which he struck out 52 batters (6.6 K/9). Here's how Batista's described in the Nationals' official press release:
"Batista, who has had success in both starting and relief roles, started at least 29 games five times in six seasons from 2002-07. Batista has posted five double-digit win seasons to his credit, but is perhaps best remembered for tossing 8.0 scoreless innings in the 2001 World Series to help the Diamondbacks claim their first World Championship."
• Live at 1:00 pm EST this afternoon, I'll be appearing on Hot Stove TV with Hotstove.com's Tom Reese and Paul Rubillo to talk Nationals hot stove. Here's what their promo says:
1:00pm EST: Ed Chigliak of Federal Baseball will join us to talk Nationals hot stove, including the club’s big offseason acquisitions of Ivan Rodriguez, Matt Capps, and Chris Duncan.
(ed. note - "Chris Duncan...? Will he be more than a Syracuse Chiefs' outfielder...I better go prepare for this...")
• LINK TO HOT STOVE TV:
"Today on Hot Stove TV: Ed Chigliak of Federal Baseball and John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer."