Nationals Add Outfielder

(Photo: signonsandiego.com)

It was announced today that the Washington Nationals have signed outfielder Mike Cameron to a minor league deal.

At 39, Cameron is not expected to be the Nationals long term answer to their problem in center field. One report even said he is only expected to play one full season with the organization before retiring and becoming a mentor for the ball club. Cameron may not even make the opening day roster.

The reason the Nationals did not go out and sign a young big name free agent center fielder is because they have their own superstar in their farm system. Bryce Harper is expected to take over in the outfield when he makes his jump to the major leagues.

Cameron was once a marquee name in the baseball world. He is a three-time Gold Glove winner, but, his play and health has fallen off in recent years. Since 2010, Cameron played 81 games with the Boston Red Sox where he hit .219 with seven home runs. He was traded to the Marlins where his numbers did not improve.

In 17 season in the MLB, Cameron has played for eight different franchises: White Sox, Reds, Mariners, Mets, Padres, Brewers, Red Sox, and Marlins. He has a career .249 batting average with an on base percentage of .338 and 278 home runs.

Don't expect Cameron to be around for very long with the Nationals. At 39, his playing days are numbered. Right now, he is just expected to fill the time between now and when Bryce Harper finally makes his jump into the major league.