The Nationals have designated catcher Spencer Kieboom for assignment, per a club announcement. His roster spot will go to righty Joe Blanton, whose signing was also announced.
Kieboom, 25, made it to the majors last year, though he received just a single opportunity to hit. He spent the bulk of the year at Double-A, where he slashed only .230/.324/.314 over 359 plate appearances. His younger brother, infielder Carter Kieboom, was taken by the Nats in the first round of last year’s draft.
For the elder Kieboom, there just wasn’t quite enough 40-man room for him to stick. Washington has yet to resolve its logjam behind the dish, which was created when Matt Wieters joined Derek Norris and Jose Lobaton as veteran options in camp. Pedro Severino and Raudy Read are also on the MLB roster.
I’m pretty sure Norris is optionable. According to Roster Resource he has two options left and < five years of service time.
Yeah I think that’s right. Fixed it. Doubt they intend to park his salary in Triple-A regardless, not that it excuses the error.
Reports already coming in that the Nats are going to eat his salary and let him go shortly.
http://www.fanragsports.com/news/heyman-nationals-release-derek-norris/
Blanton may be the steal of the off-season.
I agree, every team in MLB had all winter to grab him at a slightly higher price, but he’s been really great since converting to relief. He’s been a 1-WAR reliever the last two seasons, those don’t grow on trees.
It just doesn’t seem right that a guy with a name like “Kieboom” can’t hit worth a lick. 😉