Today, the Washington Nationals announced the signing of utilily infielder Eric Bruntlett and 1B Josh Whitesell, to minor league contracts.

Bruntlett comes over from Philadelphia, where he was a valuable reserve and defensive replacement.  He is primarily an infielder, but has played every position on the field except pitcher and catcher.  He hit .171 in just 105 at bats last season.

He'll be inthe mix for the utility spot on the big club, but if he gets more than 100 at bats in 2010, something has gone terribly wrong.

Whitesell returns to the organization that drafted him in 2003 after spending the last two seasons in the Arizona system.  He actually got some play with the big boys last year, batting .194 (108 at bats) with one homer, 14 RBI and 24 walks for the D-backs.

Whitesell has shown ability to work counts and has become decent with the glove at first.

0 comments