Ray King is back with the Nationals, agreeing to a minor-league contract that will pay him $850,000 if he makes the Opening Day roster.
The 33-year-old left-hander, you'll recall, was 1-1 with a 4.54 ERA in 55 games for the Nats last season before getting traded to Milwaukee in early September for first base prospect Andrew Lafave. At the time, the popular King said he'd consider re-signing with Washington in 2008, and he made good on that promise.
King fills an obvious void in the Nats' otherwise strong bullpen. The club had no other reliable left-handed match-up man -- neither Billy Traber nor Arnie Munoz performed well in that role when given a chance last season. King may not be the best in the business, but he's got a pretty proven track record for getting left-handers out.
And if nothing else, GM Jim Bowden has just secured himself yet another commodity come next summer's trade deadline. Maybe the Nats should just consider re-signing Ray every winter, then flipping him for another prospect come July or August.
Comments (3)
Ray was a fun addition to the team and with his trade we acquired Andrew LaFave... so the trade was Ray King for Andrew LaFave and ... Ray King? Anyway, his addition is not going to put the team over the hump, just gives another vet who could be traded next July.
Posted by Gary | December 1, 2007 5:18 PM
I wouldn't say that Munoz did not perform well. I thought that overall his September performance was fairly decent actually. He's just a kid and could use more time in AAA. King adds a veteran presence and a potential tradeable asset for the July deadline. Another good move by Bowden.
Posted by Hartmanbirge | December 1, 2007 11:41 PM
Excellent manuever by GM Bowden....a PLUS...no subtraction....
Posted by Fbacolod29 | December 3, 2007 2:46 AM