With utility player Willie Harris seemingly out of the fold, the Nationals are now considering Jerry Hairston Jr. according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson. He adds that Washington had interest in David Eckstein earlier this offseason, but the two sides haven't talked in weeks.
Hairston, 34, hit just .244/.299/.353 in 476 plate appearances for the Padres last season, though he had hit .281/.343/.432 in the two prior seasons. He missed the end of the season because of a fractured tibia, and he also battled elbow issues in 2010. Hairston provides tremendous versatility, with a ton of experience at every position other than pitcher, catcher, and first base.
