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.
Junior Hairston would be a very good signing. Say 7 yrs $1.26MM
Nats need to increase their scrappy factor
Yankees really need to swoop in on Hairston again. He fits their need for a utility guy, as well as a decent bat. Rather him than that bum Ramiro Pena who I am convinced he CANNOT hit.