Washington Nationals: Winter Meetings A Mixed Bag
By Ron Juckett
ROOTING FOR OLD FRIENDS
Aside from Melancon’s departure to San Francisco, two other 2016 Nationals signed elsewhere and another old Nat took a big pay day.
Marc Rzepczynski—or Scrabble—departs for the Seattle Mariners on a two-year deal worth $11 million. Although the lefty pitched 14 games during his short tenure, he played a role in the bullpen during the NLDS. In three games, he tossed two innings while striking out three.
Ian Desmond returns to the infield thanks to a five-year contract valued at $70 million with the Colorado Rockies. After a season with the Texas Rangers where he played centerfield, he moves to first base and hopes to take full advantage of the thin air of Coors Field.
When Wilson Ramos re-tore his right ACL, whatever chances of the popular catcher had remaining with the Nats left. Uncertain of a return date—ranging anywhere from next May to July—and unable to catch every day, Ramos signed an incentive-laden two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Moving to the American League allows Ramos to designated hit while he gets into a comfort zone. If healthy, last year’s All-Star can provide offense and veteran leadership to a young team.