Jeff Baker: Nats Rumors

According to Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post, the Nationals are interested in right-handed slugger Jeff Baker.

Jeff Baker has the ability to play all four corner positions and can also play a little bit of second base if needed. The reason the Nats are going after him is because of his ability to hit left-handed pitchers very well. In 2013 against lefties he hit .314, hitting ten of his eleven homers and he also had 17 extra base hits. Baker also had his highest isolated power of his career at .266. His BABIP was rather high, but that will drop some in 2014.

One thing is for sure, Rizzo is trying to make sure the Nats are the most complete team in the National League. He is going hard after a lefty reliever, already got Doug Fister and Nate McLouth and is now going after a utility player that can hit lefties. Baker could platoon with McLouth in the outfield in case of an injury and could also play third base for a good amount of time if Zimmerman struggles.

Baker gives the Nats a lot of possibilities which is always good for a bench player. Matt Williams can go to either he or McLouth off the bench first, giving them a great chance to get an inning started. Baker should be cheaper than McLouth, giving them enough money to go out and get some relievers either in a trade or free agency. Rizzo is at it again, in which the Nats could be having the best all around off season in the league.