Washington Nationals: Matt Wieters Signing Opens Other Doors
By Ron Juckett
PIECES THERE TO LAND A CLOSER
With four catchers fighting for two spots on the 25-man roster, the Nationals suddenly have a surplus player to land another reliever. In an amazing coincidence, the Chicago White Sox desperately need a major-league ready catcher AND have reliever David Robertson.
Hmm, think a match might be made?
Logic tells you Norris is the odd-man out. He struggled last year with the San Diego Padres to hit above .186 and strikes out a metric ton. With two years of team control and a $4.2 million price tag, he is affordable and reliable.
Norris—despite the low average—slugged 14 homers and 17 doubles. He can frame pitches, throw base stealers at an average rate and calls a good game. If the White Sox are doing a full-blown rebuild, you could do worse than Norris.
Chances are Chicago wants Pedro Severino instead. Blocked by Norris, Jose Lobaton and now Wieters, Severino is likely headed to Triple-A Syracuse to get regular playing time. If Norris goes, then Severino could be the regular catcher for Washington next year.
If the White Sox throw in enough money to make David Robertson affordable, Severino will earn the Opening Day nod for the ChiSox.
Without Wieters, there is no way the Nats are comfortable enough to trade either.