 |
US Presswire photo Jesus Flores returned to the majors after missing two years with a shoulder injury. |
Flores receives a modest raise from his $750,000 salary from 2011, appropriate for a player who appeared in only 30 big-league games last season. The 27-year-old hit just .209 with one homer and two RBI over 91 plate appearances, but the numbers were less important than the fact he returned to action after missing two seasons with a major shoulder injury.
Though he lost his starting job behind the plate to Wilson Ramos, Flores re-established himself as a major leaguer, and the Nationals appear committed to him as their No. 2 catcher after watching him excel this winter in his native Venezuela. In 56 games for Navegantes del Magallanes, Flores hit .330 with eight homers, 39 RBI and a .514 slugging percentage.
Today's signing of Flores, combined with yesterday's inking of left-hander Gio Gonzalez to a five-year, $42 million extension, leaves the Nationals with five remaining unsigned arbitration-eligible players: Michael Morse, Jordan Zimmermann, John Lannan, Tyler Clippard and Tom Gorzelanny.
If teams and players don't come to terms by Wednesday, they must submit dueling arbitration figures to MLB. Hearings will be set for February, but the two sides can always agree on a deal prior to those.
18 comments:
I still think he'll figure into a trade, but I hope he doesn't. I like Jesus Flores.
I still have questions about the strength of his throwing arm after his injury, but he's shown flashes--especially during Winter ball this year--of some pop with the bat. That's certainly something the Nats need during late inning pinch hit duties and Ramos's off days.
Long time reader, sparse commenter. Glad you got a vacation in Mark, but it's great to have your coverage back. 34 more days!
I too hope that Flores does find his mojo this year...with Norris out of the picture and Pudge highly unlikely to return to DC, it would be nice to know that Ramos will be rock solid behind the plate and at least a bit of a threat with the bat in his hands
I too hope that Flores does find his mojo this year...with Norris out of the picture and Pudge highly unlikely to return to DC, it would be nice to know that Ramos will be rock solid behind the plate and at least a bit of a threat with the bat in his hands.
Guess you'll have to trust new bench coach Randy Knorr formerly managers of AAA Syracuse. There's a reason why Jhonatan Solano was placed on the 40-man. He is actually the better choice as backup catcher whereas Flores (if his winter league bat projects into spring and summer) becomes trade bait (among others) perhaps for Tampa Bay and BJ Upton.
But first they have to sign Fielder somehow someway without compromising too much ... otherwise I expect they will attempt to make things happen competitively in 2013. Time is getting short for Ted Lerner inventor of the shopping plaza/mall (Wheaton Plaza).
Good for J Flo! Lets hope they knock the rest out soon!
And Mark.. SOOO Glad you are back.we need news to keep us occupied.
Tbis week the dominoes begin to fall! Extensions, contracts - after Yu signs, then PF Flyer will sign SOMEWHERE. I would think that most major leaguers would like to know where they are going as spring training gets closer. This is torture.....
Is Anon @9:09 Jhonatan Solano's agent? This must be an Anon's 20th post about Solano. I know nothing about Solano and wondering if anyone knows if this guy is MLB quality right now?
Great stories in the comments to the last post. Many thanks to those continuing this tradition which I feel very proud to have suggested. Fascinating reading. We're a pretty diverse bunch here aren't we?
Anon8, I think Anon@9:09 is a commenter known as Peric on Nationals Journal. Not sure why he comments anonymously here. He follows players in our farm system closely, although he regularly overstates their value and potential in my opinion. But he's knowledgable and can be entertaining.
Atta boy Flo!
Hopefully your career continues with the Nats, but I hope that you do well where ever you land.
Those 2 catching years that you lost, you'll be able to make up at the end of your career---fresh hands kid!
Section 222, glad you spoke up about starting the story tradition. I've been trying to find that post all night as I wanted to cut and paste the different stories into a word document so I can find them easier to re-read. Do you remember the date and or title of that post? Thanks!
I believe I have read words attributed to Davey that he favors three catchers on the roster. That is fairly rare these days in the NL but if true I would expect Flores to get some glove time at first in the spring and Solano to stick as the third. I don't favor the 3 catcher thing, but I do like Davey so whatever he says is fine ....
I do hope they land Ankiel though. He had a bad year pinch hitting but his pinch throwing was awesome ...
I'm not counting on Fielder, but assume his road trip will land him in DC this week. You can imagine a Hotel Lerner situation where he checks in but never checks out.
Section 222..... yep.... that's Peric. He goes anon here because he knows this site sees through his over zealous player analysis. Jhonathan Solano equals Wil Nieves Lite.
Peric still thinks Boomer Whiting shoud be our CF/Leadoff ace.
SonnyG10: I think you'll find most of our stories on the last (strangest moments) post of 2011, on the second page of comments (which I was unable to access, just now...)
NatsJack: "Jonathan Solano equals Wil Nieves lite". Rimshot!
I like the fact that Rizzo seems to be moving along on resolving the Arbitration cases, signing both Gio & Jesus in the last 48hrs. My instincts are that the remaining five will all be one-year deals, hopefully inked without going to a hearing.
A good signing. And pretty good pay for a catcher not likely to start more than 35-40 games.
Atta way, Jesus!
Thanks Unkyd
Post a Comment