Coming back to the east Coste

by Phil Wood

Chris Coste can catch, but whether he catches in Washington this season is yet to be determined.

Coste was claimed on waivers today from the Mets, where he hit .308 this spring in 10 exhibition games. At 37, he's a career back-up with a .272 lifetime BA in the big leagues.

One NL scout I spoke with describes Coste's receiving skills as "average," but says Coste brings a lot to the table experience-wise.

"He paid his dues in the independent leagues and understands what the job requirements are," he said. "This is a guy who's grateful to have a big league career and treats every day like it's the seventh game of the World Series."

Because Coste is arriving so late, he'll likely start the year in Syracuse. However, it's safe to say that he's probably going to get a look-see at some point, depending on the rehab progress made by Jesus Flores and the stamina of Pudge Rodriguez.

Coste had signed a minor league deal with the Mets, and his big league experience has come with the Phillies and Astros. He also has played in the Boston, Cleveland and Milwaukee organizations.