It's official...Nats interested in Sosa...and Clayton!

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/a...2005&fext=.jsp

According to free agent shortstop Royce Clayton, his agent and Bowden have had preliminary discussions about possibly joining the Nationals.

In fact, Clayton, 35, has already had a lengthy conversation with manager Frank Robinson early this week. Clayton said it was the best talk he has had with a manager in years, and Robinson, according to Clayton, has encouraged him to compete for the starting job with the Nationals.

Washington already has a starting shortstop in Cristian Guzman, but he coming off the worst season of his career. Clayton said that he is willing to compete against Guzman, as he did with Ozzie Smith when both were with the Cardinals in 1996. Clayton ended up being the regular shortstop
Last season, Clayton, a 15-year veteran, hit .270 with two home runs and 44 RBIs for the Diamondbacks.

The Rockies would like to have Clayton return in a backup role, but he said he is not quite ready for that.

[Ryan25Zimmerman]

Hopefully the competition will spark Guzman to play how the team is paying him

[KingJ]

Originally Posted by Ryan25Zimmerman

Hopefully the competition will spark Guzman to play how the team is paying him

He hit .324 in September when Frank actually threatened a seat on the bench. We just need to threaten him and he will produce.

[Ryan25Zimmerman]

Originally Posted by KingJ

He hit .324 in September when Frank actually threatened a seat on the bench. We just need to threaten him and he will produce.

It's too bad FR realized to threaten him in September