Nats looking at veteran infielder Chavez

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- After agreeing to terms with outfielder Nate McLouth last week, the Nationals are looking to improve their bench even further, and they have inquired about free-agent infielder Eric Chavez. But as a team official put it, "We're not in too deep."

A 16-year veteran, the left-handed-hitting Chavez could provide pop off the bench. He also is an excellent defensive infielder. Chavez won six American League Gold Glove Awards playing third base for the Athletics, and he can also play first base.

This past season, Chavez played for the D-backs, hitting .281 with nine home runs and 44 RBIs in his first year in the National League. As a pinch-hitter, Chavez was 5-for 16 (.313) with a homer and six RBIs.

McLouth is expected to take his physical on Wednesday. Once he passes his exam, his two-year, $10.75 million deal with the Nats will become official. McLouth is expected to play behind Jayson Werth, Denard Span and Bryce Harper.