Nationals finalize two-year deal with McLouth

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A few hours after passing his physical, outfielder Nate McLouth signed a two-year, $10.75 million deal with the Nationals on Thursday, with an option for a third year.

McLouth, 32, figures to play behind starters Bryce Harper, Denard Span and Jayson Werth. When he is in the game for Washington, McLouth is expected to hit near the top of the batting order.

McLouth is expected to play mostly against right-handed pitching. He is a career .221 hitter against left-handers compared with .260 against right-handers. An American League scout pointed out that McLouth had one decent year against left-handers, which occurred in 2008. But he hasn't had a good season against southpaws since then.

McLouth played every day for the Orioles this past season and hit .258 with 12 home runs, 36 RBIs and a .329 on-base percentage. During his nine-year career, which also included stints with the Pirates and Braves, McLouth has a career .250 batting average with 100 home runs, 326 RBIs, a .334 on-base percentage and one Gold Glove Award, which he won in 2008.

To make room on the 40-man roster for McLouth, the Nationals designated outfielder Corey Brown for assignment. Brown hit .254 (99-for-389) with 26 doubles, one triple, 19 home runs, 56 RBIs, 12 stolen bases and 57 runs scored in 107 games for Triple-A Syracuse this season. He appeared in 14 September games for the Nats, hitting .167 (2-for-12) with one homer and one RBI.