Washington Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo had history with Gerardo Parra before he signed the veteran outfielder as a free agent in early May, after Parra was released by San Francisco’s Giants.
Rizzo, in his role as the Arizona Diamondbacks’ scouting director, signed Parra in 2004 out of Venezuela, so when he was available this season, and the Nationals needed a spark, the GM brought the 32-year-old, 11-year veteran to the nation’s capital.
“First and foremost,” Rizzo told 106.7 the FAN in D.C.’s Sports Junkies in July, after Parra had established himself as a powerful clubhouse presence and useful backup outfielder, “.