More on Wieters and the Nationals' catching corps

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Spring training signings aren't rare. They happen every year. But spring training signings of players as notable as Matt Wieters don't happen that often, at least not for the Nationals, who at this time of year typically have brought in guys only on minor league contracts with no guarantee of an opening day roster spot.

Wieters, of course, is going to be the Nats' starting catcher come opening day (barring injury). And so the news of his deal Tuesday - it's still pending a physical, which is scheduled for today, according to a source familiar with the details - sent reverberations throughout The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.

The first questions on everyone's mind: Is Wieters worth it? Is he a substantial upgrade over what the Nationals already in their catching corps?

The consensus opinion seemed to be that Wieters indeed is better than what they had. He has his flaws - he hit just .243/.302/.409 last season with the Orioles and rated 33rd among 45 qualifying catchers in pitch framing - but he has more of a proven track record than Derek Norris.

Wieters also is going to be one awfully motivated player this season after watching his stock plummet in the last year. He surprised many by accepting Baltimore's $15.8 million qualifying offer last offseason. Now he's got another season to prove himself again and earn a better deal in the open market next winter.

Yes, technically Wieters is getting a two-year, $21 million contract. But the deal includes a player opt-out after one year, and there's every reason to believe Wieters will enact that opt-out unless he has a terrible season or misses significant time with an injury. So he's got plenty of motivation to have a strong season.

What that translates into from a stats perspective remains to be seen. The move from hitter-friendly Camden Yards to average Nationals Park won't help his power numbers. It also may depend on where Wieters ultimately bats in this lineup. Manager Dusty Baker said yesterday he wasn't sure yet, but the safest bet seems to be Wieters batting eighth. That's an awfully good lineup when that guy is the No. 8 hitter, though it may not be as conducive to offensive production from someone who is used to batting in the heart of the order.

Now, what happens to the rest of the Nationals' catching corps? This is where it gets tricky. José Lobaton has proven himself to be a quality No. 2 catcher, a great defender who has the ability to notch a big hit every once in a while. He also has established himself as Gio González's best batterymate.

Norris, meanwhile, is making $4.2 million. That's not going to be a real easy contract to move, especially when every other team in baseball knows the Nationals are trying to move him.

And the Nats still have three other young catchers on their 40-man roster: Pedro Severino, Spencer Kieboom and Raudy Read. Severino would be a sought-after commodity from any club looking for a long-term catcher, but the Nationals won't part with the 23-year-old, who still might well wind up as the starter in D.C. a year from now.

Speaking of the 40-man roster, the Nationals will need to clear a space before making the Wieters deal official. That could come today, with Wieters scheduled to take his physical.