Hairston happy for brother's chance in DC

WASHINGTON -- Dodgers infielder/outfielder Jerry Hairston said he was pleased to learn that the Cubs traded his younger brother, Scott Hairston, to the Nationals for Minor League pitcher Ivan Pineyro last month, because Scott has a chance to win in Washington and play with teammates Jerry is familiar with. Jerry played for the Nationals in 2011 before he was traded to the Brewers in July of that year.

"Obviously, [the Nationals] are not out of [the pennant race]," Jerry Hairston said. "They know how to win and have fun. I told him to be excited about it; you are in D.C. I enjoyed my time here, even though it was only three months or so."

Scott Hairston brings pop and a veteran presence off the bench. Since the trade, he is 2-for 8 (.250) and has played primarily against left-handed pitching. Overall, Hairston is hitting .178 with eight home runs and 19 RBIs.

"He has a lot of power. He really didn't get a whole lot of at-bats out in Chicago. He had eight home runs in 99 at-bats, which is ridiculous," Jerry Hairston said. "We as players know that if you get a chance to run some at-bats together, you can go on a run. [Scott] is that type of guy.

"He hits left-handed pitchers really well. He can hit right-handers, too. He just didn't get that opportunity in Chicago. I know they are going younger and have a different approach, which is fine. But that's really good what Chicago did. They gave him a chance to go and be a part of a winning team. That was big."