The Nationals, recovering quickly from their failure to sign free-
agent second baseman Orlando Hudson, are close to finalizing a deal
with infielder Adam Kennedy, according to a major-league source.
Kennedy, 34, is expected to be the Nationals' second baseman, enabling
Cristian Guzman to remain at shortstop.
The Nats had talked about moving Guzman to second to clear short for
rookie Ian Desmond. The addition of Kennedy will allow Desmond more
time to develop at Class AAA.
Kennedy, an 11-year veteran, had a .758 OPS for the A's last season,
his highest since 2002 with the Angels. The majority of his playing
time for the A's was at third base.
The Nationals remain among the busiest teams this off-season; Kennedy
will become their sixth major-league free-agent addition, and the club
still could add another starting pitcher.
Previously, the Nats signed right-hander Jason Marquis, catcher Ivan
Rodriguez, left-hander Scott Olsen and relievers Matt Capps and Tyler
Walker.
The Nats also acquired reliever Brian Bruney in a trade, and signed
relievers Miguel Batista and Eddie Guardado to minor-league contracts.
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