Adam Kilgore takes a deeper look at what the signing of Rafael Soriano means for the Nationals bullpen.

The bullpen is crowded, and it will be interesting to see how it shakes out during spring training. Unless they make a trade, the Nationals have nine relievers to feasibly fill seven spots: Soriano, Clippard, Storen, Henry Rodriguez, Craig Stammen, Ryan Mattheus, Zach Duke, Christian Garcia and Bill Bray, who signed a minor league deal but has a real shot to make it as a second left-hander.

As I mentioned last night, with the quality of the starting and relief staff, there’s really no reason for a seven-man bullpen. Maybe the Nats could carry a third catcher, or a powerful left-handed pinch-hitter who could also serve as a real designated hitter when the team plays in American League parks. Is there a Rusty Staub out there? Davey Johnson liked to platoon in his days with the Mets. That roster spot could be used as a platoon option as well.