Nationals Extend Mike Morse, Fall Out Of Fielder Race?

The Washington Nationals today announced a two-year extension for first baseman/left fielder Mike Morse, buying out his final two arbitration years. Morse will still become a free agent after the 2013 season as he was initially able to, but does the signing take the Nationals out of the running for free agent first baseman and former Milwaukee Brewer Prince Fielder? With Morse's versatility, his ability to play both left field and first base, the Nationals have a true asset on their hands. When first baseman Adam LaRoche, a free agent signed prior to the 2011 season, went down early during the season, Morse filled in at first and performed admirably for the Nationals in the first season of his career where he got significant playing time. In the 146 games Morse played in, he was a star, totalling a line of .303/.360/.550 with a team-high 31 homers. But he'll be 30 once the season begins, and probably doesn't figure into Washington's long-term plans. Meanwhile, the ...