WASHINGTON (AP) - Infielders Damian Jackson and Bernie Castro signed one-year, free-agent contracts with the Washington Nationals on Thursday. The moves were announced a few hours after general manager Jim Bowden's contract extension. The 32-year-old Jackson offers versatility and speed: He appeared at six defensive positions for the San Diego Padres this season (second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield spots) and stole 15 bases in 17 attempts. After hitting .255 with five homers and 23 RBIs in 118 games in 2005, he cleared waivers this month and elected free agency. He's a .245 career hitter with 132 stolen bases in stints with seven major league clubs since 1996. Castro, a 26-year-old second baseman who made his big league debut in 2005, batted .288 with six steals in 24 games with Baltimore. He hit .315 and stole 41 bases in 47 attempts at Triple-A Ottawa.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. |
