Josh Bard to the Nats

Posted by Jeff Bergin on Mar. 21, 2009 at 2:44 PM
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Josh Bard was released by the Red Sox given that he cannot catch Tim Wakefield's knucklball, and he showed up on the Nats doorstep to see if he could be the  Nationals 47th catcher (Flores, Javier Valentin, Will Nieves, Herrera, and another Molina in addition to Luke Montz who was sent down). 

Bard has played for 7 seasons, though has only topped 300 at bats once, and also has only topped 50 RBI once.  This should not be a concern as this signing is not really news.  Flores is the starting catcher this season and will get a majority of at-bats for the Nationals (Baseball Prospectus projects 60% of the playing time to Flores). 

What is news is that the Nationals continue to add depth.  With the signing of Beimel and now adding a 7 year veteran who can contribute, the Nationals seem intent about providing the youngster's the opportunity to shine, but also providing contingency plans in order to stay competitive.

...In other notes, look for player profiles this week  in some new pieces I will be writing called Breaking Camp, where I am going to examine a handful of players, their 2008 seasons, and what the expectations are for them in 2009.