Washington signed RHP Esteban Loaiza to a one-year, $2.9M contract yesterday. After pitching a career high 226 innings in 2003, Loaiza reportedly experienced fatigue last season, particularly after his trade to the Yankees. Loaiza's 2003 strikeout rate sat well above his career average so a drop in that area was not unexpected. However, he's possessed excellent control for years, so the walk problems he encountered in New York were unusual. Since his arm received a clean bill of health when he took his physical, I believe he should rebound in 2005 after carrying a lighter workload last season, though I expect evidence of his recovery to manifest more in his walk rate than his strikeout totals.

The Nationals hope Loaiza will rediscover the brilliance he demonstrated in 2003, but if he simply serves as an effective innings eater, Washington will not complain given his discounted salary. I'm somewhat disappointed that neither RHP John Patterson nor RHP Jon Rauch will enter spring training with a chance to win a rotation slot, however I understand Washington's interest in gambling on finding a bargain in Loaiza. If injuries do not clear a few spots in the rotation by July, I expect the Nationals to trade a starter to make room for their younger pitchers.

RHP Tony Armas, Jr. agreed to a one-year, $2.26M contract with the Nationals earlier in the week. Armas did not return from the shoulder surgery he underwent in late May of 2003 until June of 2004. Upon his return, he lacked his pre-injury dominance, and his control troubles increased. After throwing a comfortable percentage of groundballs during the first few seasons of his career, Armas morphed into a flyball pitcher in 2003 and did not rebound following surgery. He also ended his 2004 season early in September as a result of shoulder soreness. The 26-year-old may mature into a valuable starter in the future, but even though his shoulder passed inspection during his winter physical, I harbor substantial concerns regarding his ability to pitch effectively in 2005.