I kid, but here are the facts:
He didn't pitch last year.
He pitched nine games in 2008.
He didn't pitch in 2007.
He pitched one game in 2006.
Before that, when he did pitch, he hadn't had a sub-4.80 ERA since 2001.
I understand stockpiling pitchers. I do. But if this guy ever takes the mound for the Nationals this year, they should have gone through so many pitchers that 100 losses would be inevitable. If he leaves camp with the team? Oy vey!
More than likely, he doesn't show anything in Spring Training and gets cut. But there are so many young starters in camp, why bring in another used up, injury-riddled arm to take innings from guys that you might, um, actually use someday.
So he's Nick Johnson...
Saw Estes pitch in Albaquerque's minature high-altitude park last year. He was in very good shape and looked very sharp for the couple of months he was there. Pitch 7+ innings repeatedly. Smart veteran pick-up for virtually minimium wage particularly since we've got a bunch of 20-somethings throwing
He's a lefty. They can probably trade him for a prospect at some point.