June 2011 - Washington Nationals Wiretap

A member of the Nationals claims that the team is very much in the race to sign free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder. "We're in the market," a player said of Fielder. "We're still shooting for him."

The Nationals have signed free-agent utility player Mark DeRosa to a one-year contact. DeRosa, 36, has a .272 average with six clubs over 14 major league seasons. He was limited over the last two seasons after twice needing surgery on his left wrist.

The Nationals have been keeping their eye on free agent-to-be Yoennis Cespedes, but Cespedes is not the only Cuban defector they have their sights on. Washington is also interested in Jorge Soler, a 19-year-old outfielder who defected this year and could become a free agent within weeks. Soler can play center field but will likely end up as a corner outfielder. His high upside and potential to hit for power has made him a player coveted by a number of teams. "He's got a Hanley Ramirez-type body," Nationals Director of International Scouting Johnny DiPuglia said. "Plus arm. Plus bat speed. He's a good kid, a good-energy kid." The Nationals, Yankees, Cubs and Rangers are among the teams who have shown the most significant interest in Soler.

The Nationals will struggle with when to unleash top prospect Bryce Harper in the Major Leagues. "There are people in their organization who think he should make the team out of spring training," said one talent evaluator from another team. Washington general manager Mike Rizzo is expected to be a bit more cautious and let him develop.

The Rangers are still believed to be the leaders in the race for free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder. The Cubs and Mariners are both denying interest in Fielder. Washington is also very active in the Fielder sweepstakes.

The Angels appear to have three outfielders set for the 2012 season in the young Mike Trout and veterans Torii Hunter and Vernon Wells. That means Peter Bourjos could become expendable to the Angels. The Nationals have been searching for a speedy outfielder for quite some time.

The Marlins are being very aggressive in pursuit of free-agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and the Nationals are a close second. The Phillies, Cubs, Red Sox and Yankees could also become serious contenders for the Cuban defector.

The Nationals have acquired Gio Gonzalez from the Athletics, but the Red Sox and Blue Jays were also in serious pursuit of the left-hander. Boston offered a package of players that was heavy on position players, while Toronto was willing to part only with low-level prospects with a lot of risk.

The Nationals have made their bench a priority. However, Washington is unlikely to sign utilityman Greg Dobbs, according to a source.

The Nationals are close to signing veteran utilityman Mark DeRosa, according to a source. DeRosa, 36, will sign a one-year contract with Washington. He has been with the Giants for the last two seasons, but has played sparingly due to two surgeries on his left wrist.