Nats win, 9-1. After the game, the club announced it has reassigned outfielder Alex Escobar and catcher Humberto Cota to minor-league camp. Cota, however, exercised a clause in his contract that allowed him to opt out and become a free agent.
What it means: Barring a miraculous recovery by Johnny Estrada (not likely) or a scenario in which the Nats think Jesus Flores would get three or four starts a week, Wil Nieves is the likely backup catcher on Opening Night.
One last item to close the day: Ronnie Belliard is hitting .459 this spring. Cristian Guzman is hitting .356. Felipe Lopez is hitting .205. Asked today whether he would accept a spot on the bench, Lopez replied rather emphatically: "No. Bench? No. I've already said that. Hell no. I feel good out there. The numbers do not show that I'm hitting the ball hard, playing great defense. I feel [expletive] great. You can put that, too. I feel great."
Something to think about as the final week of camp arrives.
Comments (4)
Thanks for breaking the roster move story. I hope Escobar can make his way back somehow.
Felipe needs the fire. I still hope for a trade during this next week to ease the glut, and get us a prospect.
Posted by Positively Half St. | March 18, 2008 7:53 PM
Its good to hear that Lopez is feeling f---ing great. Too bad he sucks.
Posted by Jon | March 18, 2008 8:00 PM
The only question I believe is whether Lopez ends up in Chicago or Baltimore. If Baltimore is asking too much for Roberts, the Cubs take Lopez as the cheaper option. If the Orioles trade Roberts they take Lopez to play short. The second scenario is the least likely and least attractive. The Cubs have more to trade and hopefully Bowden is trying to undercut the Angelos crew even as we speak.
Posted by Cindy Lou | March 19, 2008 10:23 AM
It's been reported in several places that Escobar also refused his minor league assignment. Rotoworld seemed to be the first, and here's another:
Washington Nationals Alex Escobar Declared Free Agency, (refused assignment to minor-league camp)
www.sportsline.com/mlb/transactions
I've seen nothing from the team or from the beat writers on the subject. Any insights you can provide on his status?
Thanks
Posted by tomterp | March 21, 2008 5:31 PM