Baerga brought into camp

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VIERA, Fla. -- Continuing to seek more veteran influence for their bench, the Washington Nationals signed 36-year-old infielder Carlos Baerga to a minor league contract yesterday.

Baerga, a three-time All-Star with the Cleveland Indians a decade ago, is unlikely to make the Nationals' roster out of spring training. But with infielder Henry Mateo still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and Alejandro Machado recently traded to Boston, Washington was in need of bench help.

"I'd say he's a long shot to make the team," interim general manager Jim Bowden said. "But we're short a couple of infielders, and I've always liked his leadership qualities. We have a young club here, and he's a good guy to have out there."

The Nationals aren't risking much by signing Baerga, a career .292 hitter, to a nonguaranteed deal. If he makes the club, he will earn $350,000. If he doesn't, Washington won't be the hook for anything.

Once a rising star in Cleveland, Baerga resurrected his career in 2003 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The switch-hitter batted .343 with four homers and 39 RBI in 105 games, becoming a beloved clubhouse leader along the way.

Baerga's production declined sharply last year after he signed a $1million deal with the Diamondbacks. Hampered by a calf strain and ignored while Arizona went with a youth movement, he slumped to a .235 average and got just 85 at-bats.

Bowden has been more than willing to sign longtime veterans to minor league deals. In addition to Baerga, who is expected to arrive in Viera today or tomorrow, he brought in outfielder Jeffrey Hammonds and third baseman George Arias this winter.

Though all are long shots to make the team, manager Frank Robinson understands the importance of having veteran role players in camp and welcomes them to his clubhouse.

"You need experience," Robinson said. "Does every guy need to be a veteran? No. But [some part] of your bench needs to be tested guys who have been around because it's a very difficult job. You need those guys."

Ready to go