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Nationals to use Matt LeCroy and Robert Fick behind the plate

By VoxMediaUser102394

Nationals GM Jim Bowden indicated last week that Matt LeCroy and Robert Fick will share backup catcher duties in 2006. From the Washington Post:

"Last year we struggled with our backup catching, offensively and defensively," General Manager Jim Bowden said. "The preference is always to have a Gold Glove second catcher. But if you can't have that, I'd rather have offense out of the position. With Fick and LeCroy, we have two legitimate offensive catchers."

Manager Frank Robinson didn't exactly disagree when addressing the matter on Tuesday, though he didn't exactly sound pleased that Bowden was making that decision:

On Tuesday, when Robinson was asked his thoughts on that possibility, he said, "From what I read, that's the perfect scenario. . . . I would think that would be something coming from the manager, wouldn't it? I'm not going to comment and second-guess the general manager."

As I've stated before, LeCroy could be a great low-budget alternative for fantasy owners, though it should be stated that he only made one appeareance behind the plate last year and therefore won't be eligible there at the outset in most fantasy leagues. Fick, on the other hand, played 28 games behind the plate last year but managed to hit just .265 with three home runs and 30 RBI in 230 at-bats for the Padres. RFK is just as brutal to hit in as PETCO, so don't be surprised if he suffers a similar power outage as last year.

Considering the two players are sharing the reserve role, they don't have quite as much fantasy value as they would if they were the only backup. And while they could get some action at first base behind the ever fragile Nick Johnson, the Nats also enter camp with Daryle Ward on the roster, though he's working on a minor league deal and isn't necessarily a lock to make the team. But still, when it comes time to draft a second catcher, either one would be a solid fantasy option.

Few Spots Open for Numerous Relievers [Washington Post]
Backup Catcher Role May Be Shared [Washington Post]
Matt LeCroy signs with the Nationals [FakeTeams]

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