The Nationals came to terms this morning on a non-guaranteed, minor-league contract with infielder Ronnie Belliard, a move that provides the club some insurance if shortstop Cristian Guzman is unhealthy or unproductive this spring.

Belliard, 31, hit a combined .272 with 13 homers and 67 RBI with Cleveland and St. Louis last season and was the Cardinals' starting second baseman during their World Series title run. But he remained unsigned this winter, perhaps in part because of recent revelations that he is involved (though not charged) in a federal extortion case, which is still pending.

Nationals general manager Jim Bowden, though, has stated his willingness to give people second chances, and Belliard would appear to fit that description. The career .272 hitter is expected to report to Viera in the next couple days and will participate in big-league camp. If he makes the Opening Day roster, he'll earn $750,000.

Based on Guzman's track record and attempted return from a torn labrum in his right shoulder, there could be a spot for Belliard in Washington. Guzman reported to camp today and said his shoulder is still not 100 percent, though he believes he'll be ready to start playing in spring-training games. If he's not healthy, the Nationals could move Felipe Lopez back to shortstop and plug Belliard in at second base.

"We don't know how Cristian is going to bounce back," Bowden said. "Certainly if he doesn't bounce back -- which we expect him too -- but if he doesn't bounce back, we have the flexibility that Felipe could go back to shortstop and Ronnie could play second. Ronnie is a pretty proven right-handed bat off the bench, which is something we need."