Nationals Reach Agreements With Bruntlett, Whitesell

The Nationals agreed to terms on minor league deals with infielder Eric Bruntlett and first baseman Josh Whitesell, according to a team press release.

Bruntlett, 32 in March, was acquired by the Phillies in November of '07 along with Brad Lidge.  Bruntlett hit .171/.224/.238 in 118 plate appearances this year while playing all around the diamond.  The Phils released Bruntlett in November and replaced him with Juan Castro.

Whitesell, 28 in April, hit .194/.346/.287 in 133 plate appearances for the D'Backs this year as well as .293/.398/.471 at Triple A.  He raked at Triple A in '08, and has at times shown an impressive ability to draw walks.  Whitesell came up through the Expos organization, but was claimed off waivers by the D'Backs in March of '08.  According to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert, the D'Backs were unable to sell Whitesell's rights to a Japanese team and non-tendered him at the December 12th deadline.