Nats sign Williams, Claussen

[KingJ]

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070112&content_id=1778174&vkey=news_was&fext=.jsp&c_id=was&partnered=rss_was

In need of pitching depth, the Nationals agreed to terms with Jerome Williams and Brandon Claussen on Friday.

[hr]

Both fell off the map the past year or so due to injury after a good start to their careers, but are still pretty young and good cheap options for us. I like the signings.

[Peorgie T]

From the Lerners' point of view, what's not to like? If they don't pan out, there's little money wasted. Williams' performance has declined every year, so it remains to be seen if he is over his physical problems and can pitch like he did in '04 (10-7, 4.44). If not, adios. The MLB article doesn't mention it, but Claussen isn't even expected to be able to pitch until some time in the summer.

[KCFAN11]

Both have battled injurys but it may turn out ok. They didnt spend much money so it could be worth it.

[Spazz]

I watched Claussen give up a grand slam to Joe Crede during interleague play in the top of the FIRST inning at Great American Ballpark last June. The beer guy came up the asile shouting "Does anyone in this ballpark besides me and Brandon need a beer?" It was hilarious! :)

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

Blech, this turned out pretty bad.

Williams sucked, got injured, was sent to AA, then released.
Claussen never threw a pitch in the majors.

Some depth, eh? :( :)

[Peorgie T]

Blech, this turned out pretty bad.

Williams sucked, got injured, was sent to AA, then released.
Claussen never threw a pitch in the majors.

Some depth, eh? :( :)

With the state of the Nats staff last year, they had to throw anyone out there they could get their hands on and see if they could get something out of them. I hope that doesn't happen in '08; the Nats used 25 pitchers in '07. It's sad when your setup guy leads the team in wins.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

With the state of the Nats staff last year, they had to throw anyone out there they could get their hands on and see if they could get something out of them. I hope that doesn't happen in '08; the Nats used 25 pitchers in '07. It's sad when your setup guy leads the team in wins.

Even more sad when Ramon Ortiz led your team in wins and strikeouts two years ago with an ERA over 5.00. :(

[Peorgie T]

There's something to be said for Bowden's resourcefulness (or luck) when the team manages to win 73 games when none of the starters won more than 7.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

There's something to be said for Bowden's resourcefulness (or luck) when the team manages to win 73 games when none of the starters won more than 7.

I'd go more towards his resourcefulness with luck...we used a ton of pitchers, all of which got at least a couple of wins.