Washington Nationals Wiretap

Nationals High On Talented Esmailyn Gonzalez, 16

His real name actually sounds more like Ismael than the moniker given to him by the Nationals, but 16-year old Esmailyn Gonzalez has no problem being called Smiley by virtually every American he meets these days. Nicknames are nothing new to Gonzalez.

At home, in nearby Izarrette, Gonzalez is hermano (brother), or hijo (son), but he is most often referred to as Papin, an affectionate term that means "Little Papi," because he walks, talks, and plays baseball like a little man. Gonzalez is proud of being Papin, and he should be. Another "Papi," Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, is also from this part of the country, as are a number of Major Leaguers like Miguel Tejada, Vladimir Guerrero, Francisco Liriano, Raul Mondesi and Jose Rijo, now a special assistant to the GM in Washington.

Via MLB.com

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King Agrees To Minor-League Deal With Nats

Ray King has reached agreement on a minor-league contract with the Nationals with an invitation to big-league camp. He will earn a base salary of $850,000 if he makes the Nationals' Opening Day roster.

King, 31, has a career 19-22 record with a 3.28 ERA in 514 games out of the bullpen for the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee, Atlanta, St. Louis and Colorado.

Via ESPN.com

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Done Deal: Vidro Joins M's

Jose Vidro doesn't mind changing teams, leagues or positions.

The Mariners acquired Vidro and $4 million from the Nationals for oft-injured outfielder Chris Snelling and right-hander Emiliano Fruto in a deal finalized Monday.

Via AP

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