Washington Nationals: Suitors for Derek Norris Trade
By Jason Reed
Los Angeles Dodgers
Derek Norris thrived the most when he was part of a platoon in Oakland just 3 seasons ago. Now, after failing to find his footing as an everyday starter, Norris could benefit greatly from being a platoon partner. The Washington Nationals seem to have no desire to platoon Wieters and Norris, however one ball club and genius manager who may do so is the Los Angeles Dodgers and Dave Roberts.
The Dodgers are all set at the starting catcher position, Yasmani Grandal is a slugger who led MLB catchers in home runs last season. Despite being a switch hitter, Yasmani has shown struggles from the right side of the plate. Against left-handed pitchers Yasmani may only have a minimally lower average, but lacks the power numbers that are his signature. Grandal only blasted four bombs out of the park against left-handed pitching last season compared to 23 against right-handers.
That is where Norris comes in, as he is a right-handed batter that hits left-handed pitching fairly well. In his career Norris bats a respectable .276 against left-handed pitching. Not only will this help Grandal focus on thriving from one side of the plate, it will give the Dodgers a much-needed boost against lefties. To get this deal done would be extremely easy for both parties as well. The Dodgers could give the Nationals a back up to Jayson Werth in Scott Van Slyke, who can also play first base. Or even better they could deal an arm such as Brandon McCarthy or Alex Wood to give the Nats even more depth in the rotation.