Nov 9, 2009

MLB's Nationals Claim Slaten Off Waivers

Left Handed Reliever Picked Up From Arizona

The Washington Capitals claimed left handed relief pitcher Doug Slaten off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. Slaten was one of 5 players waived by Arizona on Thursday in an effort to trim their roster, and their budget, to make room for some quality additions to their new 35 man roster. Slaten is a middle reliever who spent most of the 2009 season at Triple-A Reno where he had a record of 3-2 with 9 saves and a 3.09 ERA in 39 appearances.

The move by the Nationals will not likely increase the betting odds of them improving their record with the recent addition of Slaten to their roster. Slaten will be 30 years old by the start of next season, and he has only accumulated a 3-5 record with a 3.68 ERA in the majors since 2006, all with Arizona. This season he only made 11 appearances with Arizona in which he had no decisions but did manage to post a horrendous 7.11 ERA for his efforts. I think it is pretty safe to say that Slaten is a sure bet to either remain in Triple-A ball, or end up adding to the many troubles the Nationals already have if he were to remain a part of their 40 man active roster.

By Bryan Jackson
Staff Writer
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