Nationals Sign James Skelton

According to MLB.com’s Bill Ladson, the Washington Nationals have signed James Skelton to a minor league contract. The 26 year old catcher was originally a 14th Round pick in the 2004 Draft by the Detroit Tigers. He’s spent his entire career to date in the minor leagues. In 2011 he spent most of his time with Cincinnati’s Double-A affiliate before finishing the season with a handful of games at Triple-A. In 174 plate appearances he combined for a .221/.360/.346 line with 2 HR and 17 RBI. He’s never hit much in the minor leagues, though he does show solid plate discipline, having walked nearly as many times as he’s struck out (341 to 345). Skelton may be invited to Spring Training (Ladson’s tweet did not specify) but he’s likely a long shot at making the team’s roster.