Riggleman on Kennedy

The Nationals have agreed to a deal with veteran second baseman Adam Kennedy. Kennedy has played with the Cardinals, Angels and Athletics. Nats manager Jim Riggleman remembers dealing with Kennedy when he was the minor league field coordinator for the St. Louis Cardinals. "Adam is a professional hitter," Riggleman said. "He is a talented player. Adam can do a little of everything. He can hit. He can run the bases. He can play second very well. He is an all around player and will make a nice addition to our ballclub." How impressed are you with the way Mike Rizzo has worked to get guys even if Plan A does not work out (in this case, Orlando Hudson to the Twins)? "It has been crucial how well Mike Rizzo has done with acquiring players at need positions. We identified what we were looking for and he has gone out and addressed each need. Sometimes we have had to go to Plan B. As it turns out, a lot of times Plan B is better than Plan A." What would it mean to the Nationals if the middle infield improved defensively this season? "It all has to work together. Scoring runs, pitching well and playing good defense. I know it is frustrating for a starting pitcher when he makes the pitch he needs to make and puts the ball in play and a play is not made. It can be very devastating. Hopefully our defense will improve a lot this season (because of these and other moves)." Riggleman is less than two weeks away from his first spring training as the full-time manager for the Nationals. It has been reported that Rizzo is still shopping for one more veteran starting pitcher to complete the Nats offseason wish list.