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Are the Washington Nationals comfortable heading into the last two months-plus of the season with some combination of Jesus Flores, Jhonatan Solano (who's out w/ an oblique issue) and Sandy Leon behind the plate catching the majors' best rotation? There's been chatter about the Nats looking for a catcher in the weeks leading up to today's deadline, but last week NatsInsider.com's Mark Zuckerman wrote that a team source he spoke to said the Nationals, "... are prepared to continue with Jesus Flores backed up by Sandy Leon and Jhonatan Solano." According to a report out of Boston this morning, however, from Boston Globe writer Nick Cafardo (@NickCafardo), the Nationals are one of two teams that have at least expressed interest in Red Sox' backstop Kelly Shoppach:
Nationals and Brewers have interest in Shoppach.
— Nick Cafardo (@nickcafardo) July 31, 2012
In 42 games this season, the 32-year-old, 8-year veteran has a .261/.343/.513 line with 11 doubles and five home runs in 136 plate appearances. NatsInsider.com's Mr. Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) wrote on Twitter after Shoppach's name was mentioned that he, "Brought up Kelly Shoppach's name to a #Nats exec last week. Didn't sound particularly intrigued." How about Yorvit Torrealba? The Texas Rangers acquired catcher Geovany Soto from the Cubs last night. Torrealba was DFA'd before the deal was announced and the Washington Post's Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) tweeted this morning that the Nationals and Rangers are expected to talk about the catcher today:
Rangers, Nats expected to discuss Yorvit Torrealba today. Texas DFA'd him after trading for Soto last night. 12-year vet, 24 playoff games.
— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) July 31, 2012
Torrealba, a 34-year-old, 12-year veteran, has a .236/.302/.342 line with eight doubles and three home runs in 49 games and 182 PA's so far this season.
More info if any when it's available...