Nats sign Bacsik to Minors contract

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals have signed left-hander Mike Bacsik to a non-guaranteed Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. The deal was completed on Friday, and an official announcement will be made on Tuesday.

The news comes a few weeks after the Nationals outrighted Bacsik to Triple-A Columbus. Bacsik then opted for free agency. If Bacsik makes the Major League team, he will earn $420,000.

"I am greatly appreciative of [general manager Jim] Bowden, [assistant general managers] Mike Rizzo and Bob Boone [for] their great lines of communication with us and the fairness in which they treated my client," agent Jonathan Maurer said in an e-mail sent to MLB.com. "Mike Bacsik is excited to help the Nationals contend in the new stadium in 2008."

Bacsik, who was the Nationals' swing man this season and went 5-8 with a 5.11 ERA, is best known for surrendering Barry Bonds' 756th home run, which broke Hank Aaron's record for home runs in a career.

Bacsik said he is happy to be back with the Nationals and wants to show them that he can be productive for a full season.

"I wanted to come back to the Nationals and they wanted me back, so it worked out perfectly," Bacsik said. "I feel that me and the Nationals put a lot into each other last year. I feel like it's a perfect fit and I want to keep growing with this team.

"I know I'm coming in on a non-guaranteed contract. I have to work hard to fight for a spot. I have to go on my good games and eliminate my bad ones."

Bowden was not available for comment.