The DC Expos/Grays/Nationals have signed SS Cristian Guzman and 3B Vinny Castilla to four and two year deals respectively. $16.8 million for the slick-fielding Guzman (above) only seems like a good deal presuming Rey Ordonez couldn’t be lured out of retirement for the minimum wage; $6 million for the 37 year old Castilla and his Coors-inflated recent numbers, however, is tougher to swallow. If DC GM Jim Bowden is betting that at the very least, Castilla can match his ’02-’03 production with the Braves, it isn’t as though Vinny would be stealing money. But this is a questionable move for a team that oughta be building for the future.
Philadelphia re-signed P Cory Lidle to a two year pact worth $6.3 million.
Free agent 2B Jeff Kent met with the Tigers on Tuesday. Were Detroit to sign the four time All-Star, Omar Infante would have to change positions to SS or the outfield. Or he could always rejoin Blondie.