Baseball

We're assuming the deal includes a spring training invite. Atkins, 26, had an 8.44 ERA over three starts with the Orioles last season and a 5.44 ERA over 17 starts with Triple-A Norfolk. He's a longshot to win a bullpen spot on the Nationals' Opening Day roster.

"I feel really positive about going to Spring Training this year," said Harper. "I really feel I have a legit shot at making the club. ...I've been working my butt off this offseason, getting ready to go out there and doing outfield stuff, working on running and jumping -- everything that consists of trying to make this team. To have Davey on my side, that a very big plus going in there." We wouldn't expect him to say much different, but Nationals manager Davey Johnson has made it pretty clear that he wants the 19-year-old on the Opening Day roster. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo plans to keep an open mind about his status, but we still think he'd have to have a terrific spring to justify starting his arbitration clock so soon.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle will be present for the workout. Young, now 38, has slimmed down significantly in hopes of receiving a spring training invite somewhere, but he hasn't appeared in a major league game since 2008. He worked out for the Phillies late last month, so perhaps he'll get his chance.

The deal comes with an invitation to Spring Training. He'll make $1.25 million if he makes the team, according to the Associated Press. Best case scenario for Ankiel is that he wins a platoon job in camp with Mike Cameron in center, which would knock Roger Bernadina to the bench and possibly off the roster. Worst case is that Washington moves Jayson Werth to center or trades a starting pitcher for another outfielder and Ankiel isn't able to crack the roster. We like his odds, but he won't be fantasy relevant outside of deep NL-only leagues. The 32-year-old batted .239/.296/.363 with nine home runs, 37 RBI, 10 stolen bases and a .659 OPS over 415 plate appearances with Washington last season.

The proposal was reportedly worth around $30 million. E-Jax instead chose to sign a one-year, $11 million contract with Washington, where he'll be starting around half of his games in a pitcher-friendly environment. The hard-throwing right-hander can hit the free agent market again in the fall at the age of 29.

Teahen was released from the Blue Jays last month after batting just .200/.273/.300 with four homers and 14 RBI across 177 plate appearances in 2011. He will get a crack at claiming a utility spot in Nats camp this spring.

Ankiel batted .239/.296/.363 with nine home runs and 37 RBI over 415 plate appearances last season, but didn't receive much interest on the open market and will now fight for a reserve role in Washington. Unless Washington deals from its surplus of starting pitching to acquire an additional outfielder, Ankiel figures to have a good chance of landing a spot on the big league roster.