Meet the Major League Baseball Washington Nationals: Gary Bennett

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- One thing Nationals manager Frank Robinson wants to do this season is give starting catcher Brian Schneider proper rest. Robinson couldn't give Schneider enough breathers the previous two years because he had little confidence in the club's backup catchers.

After he became the starter during the middle of the 2003 season, Schneider caught 39 of 43 games from July 27 to Sept. 11. Robinson had little faith in Edwards Guzman and emergency catcher Jose Macias, and Opening Day starter Michael Barrett saw little action after he returned from injury.

Last season, Robinson said he wanted Schneider to catch 110 to 120 games, but Schneider wound up catching 135 games. Backup Einar Diaz had problems calling good games and blocking balls.

However, Robinson believes Gary Bennett will be a marked improvement behind the plate as a backup catcher. Bennett was a player the Nationals were targeting the moment the free agency period started last offseason.

Bennett, who signed with the Nationals on Nov. 29, was surprised that he signed so early during the free agency process. As a backup catcher for nine seasons, Bennett is used to signing a contract in late December, weeks after the superstars sign their lucrative deals.

"From Day 1, the Nationals said they wanted me here," said Bennett. "That was a factor in why I signed with the club. It made me feel good. There were a couple of offers in the American League, but I preferred to stay in the National League, where I have played my entire career. Obviously, I feel I have a better grasp of the opposing hitters. More>>>

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posted by ADMIN @ Sunday, March 20, 2005