Nats sign Will Ohman to minor league deal, plus early notes

VIERA, Fla. - A whole host of Nationals players and staffers are at Space Coast Stadium today, getting in some throwing, taking some light batting practice and getting settled in for spring training. Among the players here already are Jordan Zimmermann, Craig Stammen, Ross Detwiler, Drew Storen, Tyler Clippard, Stephen Strasburg, Nathan Karns, Wilson Ramos, Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa, Jhonatan Solano, Sandy Leon, Roger Bernadina and Zach Duke. Davey Johnson is in the house, as well, after making the trip over from his Orlando home. Johnson went on a lengthy trip to Africa with his wife this offseason, but he's back and is ready to get things started here in Viera. After seeing tigers and other aggressive wildlife on his trip, reporters won't seem so fierce. Johnson will have another left-handed arm to monitor this spring, as the Nationals have announced they've signed veteran Will Ohman to a minor league deal with an invitation to big league spring training. Ohman, 35, is known around the league as a great clubhouse guy. He spent the last two seasons with the White Sox, going 0-2 with a 6.41 ERA in 2012. Left-handed hitters batted just .186 against Ohman last season. Back in 2010, Ohman put up a 3.21 ERA in 68 games split between the Orioles and Marlins. He will be competing for a spot in a crowded bullpen, but one that lacks left-handed arms. Zach Duke is the lone left-handed reliever on the roster with a big league contract. Bill Bray, Fernando Abad, Brandon Mann and Patrick McCoy are the other lefties in camp that have been signed to minor league deals.