The Nationals have claimed infielder Pedro Florimon off waivers from the Twins, the club announced. This is the move that necessitated the designation of Eury Perez for assignment, which the team also announced.
Florimon, a switch-hitter, slashed .221/.281/.330 over 446 plate appearances in full season action last year for Minnesota. He swiped 15 bases (caught six times) and hit nine home runs. He was worse at the plate in minimal action this year, though did manage a .257/.328/.389 slash in 314 plate appearances at the Triple-A level. Florimon’s calling card, of course, is not his bat but his glove. Depending on one’s preferred defensive metric, Florimon has been anywhere from above average (career 3.8 UZR/150) to outstanding (21 defensive runs saved) in the field.
It is not immediately clear why Washington made a claim on Florimon. He will not, of course, be eligible for the postseason, and the club already has the pennant in hand. On the other hand, the 27-year-old shortstop could conceivably be a utility infield option for the team next year, as he can be controlled for the league minimum. The team has been said in the past to be looking for alternative options at short in the event that an extension cannot be reached with Ian Desmond, but it would seem a stretch to believe that Florimon would figure in those plans.
If Danny Espinosa is traded or non-tendered, a bench spot could conceivably go to a player such as Florimon (who, it is worth noting, has a much better track record hitting against righties). It appears that Florimon also comes with an option remaining, as he was added to the 40-man before the 2012 season but did not spend any time in the minors last year.
It will be interesting to see how the Nats handle Ian Desmond’s extension. He maybe looking for a Tulo type contract.
I like Desmond, but it’d be ridiculous to give him that kind of money, especially after having an all around average-at-best year in ’14
I like Desmond, but he is in no way shape or form worthy of a Tulo type contract. When healthy Tulo is a top player in the league, top 5 arguable. At his best Desmond is a top 100 player (boosted by position), he isn’t even the best player on his own team.
Perhaps not good news for Espinosa. If Nats want to upgrade in the offseason at all they’re somewhat forced to do it at second base, as every other position is more or less locked up (presuming LaRoche is let go and Zim moves to first). Espinosa wasn’t meant to be a starting option this season and he certainly hasn’t earned the right to be one in 2015. He’ll be getting his first arbitration payday, while Florimon will get the league minimum next year.
Don’t believe Nats extend Desmond but Nats certainly hope to contend next year, I feel they’re comfortable giving him the QO after 2015 and either signing an FA or filling from the system.
Rendon is a better third baseman but they could easily put him at second and go after the Kun Fu Panda.
Congrats, Nats fans! You just nabbed the winner of the 2015 batting title!
That seems to be the pattern lately after players leave the Twins.
Surely you jest. You could take Florimon’s OPS number and it would still be a lower number than whatever somebody posts to win the batting title.
Good pick up by the nationals