Source: Nats close to deal with infielder Kennedy
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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.
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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Rodriguez, left-hander Scott Olsen and relievers Matt Capps and Tyler
Walker.
The Nats also acquired reliever Brian Bruney in a trade, and signed
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relievers Miguel Batista and Eddie Guardado to minor-league contracts.