"The Washington Nationals' bid to add a back-up catcher ended Monday night with the acquisition of free agent Ivan Rodriguez, a future Hall of Famer whose stature and salary suggests a significant role, according to a team source. Rodriguez, 38, who signed a two-year, $6 million deal, will fill a major need for the Nationals, backing up catcher Jesus Flores, who is recovering from a serious right shoulder injury. If Flores is not ready for the regular season, Rodriguez will be able to play regularly.

Rodriguez spent last season with the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, hitting .249 with 10 home runs in 425 at bats. During his prime, he was known as an extraordinary defensive catcher who also had the ability to hit with pop. Those skills are diminished now, but Rodriguez nonetheless represents a high-profile signing; he's a former AL MVP, and an upgrade over Wil Nieves and Josh Bard, who shared the catching duties last season. "