New addition Roenicke arrives at camp

VIERA, Fla. -- Right-hander Josh Roenicke -- who also happens to be Ian Desmond's brother-in-law -- was in Nationals camp Saturday. It comes a day after he signed a Minor League deal with the club.

Roenicke said he had contact with the Nationals earlier this offseason, but then communication stopped as Spring Training was getting closer. But Roenicke heard from the Nationals two days ago and decided to join the team. It helped that Desmond played a role in getting Roenicke signed.

"It's good to join a competitor. They can win it all, so I'm excited," Roenicke said.

Last year, Roenicke was solid for most of last season with the Twins. As of Sept. 3, he had a 2.91 ERA, but he then allowed 12 earned runs in his final 6 1/3 innings and saw his ERA climb to 4.35.

"I was having a great five months and I had a rough one in September. You really can't do that late in the season. It probably cost me my job, now that I think about it," Roenicke said.