Another Nationals pitching possibility gone; Royals sign Francis

January 14, 2011 9:47 AM by Ben Goessling View Comments

Cross another name off the Nationals' possible list of starting pitchers - and feel free to ask how many names are left on that list.

Former Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis, in whom the Nationals had expressed some interest, has agreed to terms with the Royals, ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reported this morning. Francis, who is coming off a shoulder injury that caused him to miss all of 2009 and limited him to 10 games in 2010, will get a one-year deal from Kansas City, Crasnick reported.

There are still a few names on the market that should at least merit a look from the Nationals - Chris Young, Freddy Garcia and Jeremy Bonderman - and the Nationals have at least inquired about Young and Bonderman. Young is probably the most intriguing name on that list, but like Francis, he's an injury risk; he's pitched just 36 games in the last three seasons.

If general manager Mike Rizzo talks to reporters today after the Adam LaRoche press conference, I'll try to find out more on where the Nationals stand with their pursuit of a pitcher. As a reminder, you can watch the LaRoche presser live on MASN at 1:30 p.m.