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The Washington Nationals are close to signing free-agent infielder Mark DeRosa, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, and will sign a one-year major league deal where he'll serve as the Nats' super utility guy (think spork with a toothpick and a stamp licker) and a right-handed hitter off the bench:
- Twitter / @Ken_Rosenthal - "Nationals close to signing free-agent IF Mark DeRosa."
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Twitter / @Ken_Rosenthal - "Source: DeRosa with #Nationals will be a one-year major-league deal. He will play super-utility role, serve as RH hitter off bench"
DeRosa, 36, is entering his 15th season, though his last four he's seen limited action. He's a career .272 / .341 / .416 hitter, but his 2011 campaign (even at only 47 games) had him nearly in 2007-2008 form, hitting .279 / .351 / .302 in 97 plate appearances. He's never been a power hitter, but should provide some bench depth for the Nationals.
DeRosa was previously rumored to be drawing interest from a couple teams, one of which was the Texas Rangers.