It's official

Jose Vidro passed his physical on Monday to finalize the trade between the Mariners and the Washington Nationals.

Former Rattlers Chris Snelling and Emiliano Fruto are now with the Nationals.

Here is this from the end of the article on the Mariner site:

Bavasi dreaded making the phone call to Snelling on Monday to inform the Australian of the deal. Snelling, a fan favorite, has suffered through numerous injuries in his career. He will get a chance to compete for the Nationals' left-field job in Spring Training.

"He's got a bright career in front of him -- there's guys you end up liking and we like him," Bavasi said. "This guy has a special place with everyone here. But we're getting a darn, good hitter back ... someone we need right now."

The Nationals website (They have a website?) also has a story about the trade with these comments:

"This deal gives us payroll flexibility in both 2007 and 2008," Nationals general manager Jim Bowden said. "It gives us the opportunity to acquire two young prospects, who have a chance to compete for a roster spot for both '07 and '08."
...
Snelling, 25, has some big-league experience. In 59 games, he's hit .237 with five home runs and 12 RBIs. Snelling comes with caution: He has been injury-prone during his eight years in professional baseball. Snelling has had 10 surgeries, seven of which were on his left knee. He originally hurt the knee in 2002 by tearing his ACL while trying to stop at third base.

"It was tough. I believe everything happens for a reason. Hopefully, it's all behind me," Snelling said about the injuries. "I've done what I had to do to get back on the baseball field. I'll do whatever it takes to make the team and win."
...
Fruto, 22, pitched in 22 games for the Mariners this season and had a 5.50 ERA. Before his promotion, Fruto had a 3.18 ERA and struck out 55 batters in 45 1/3 innings for Triple-A Tacoma. He is known to have a good curveball and changeup.

"He has the stuff to be a good setup guy down the road," Bowden said. "We felt he was one of the better relief prospects in baseball. He was rushed to the big leagues last year."