Washington.Nationals.MLB.com

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Vinny Castilla led the National League with 131 RBIs in 2004. (David Zalubowski/AP)

• Bill Ladson on signings of Castilla and Guzman 

"Guzman and Castilla will be above-average defensively on the left side of the infield and that's important," interim general manager Jim Bowden said. "These two guys have been to the postseason and that's important, especially for this franchise that has a lot of players that haven't been to the postseason."

The right-handed hitting Castilla, 37, played for the Rockies last season and hit .271 with 35 home runs and a National League-leading 131 RBIs. During his 14-year career, Castilla has played for four teams -- Rockies, Braves, Devil Rays and Astros -- and hit .280 with 303 home runs and 1,012 RBIs.

Castilla and the Rockies had a mutual option for the 2005 season, but Castilla refused the option and filed for free agency.

The signing of Castilla means that Tony Batista, the club's starting third baseman last season, likely will not be back. The Nationals offered Batista a reported two-year deal, but both parties were far apart on dollar figures.

"This is a guy that has driven in runs. He helped Atlanta win. He has been on a winning team before. He is a good defensive player," Bowden said of Castilla. "You need veteran players that could lead other players. Vinny Castilla has done that before in his career. He will help us, which is a very important aspect of this signing. He can help develop young players."

Castilla said he signed with the Nationals because they have good young talent and he wanted to play for manager Frank Robinson and assistant general manager Tony Siegle. Castilla and Siegle worked together when both were with the Rockies from 1994 to 2000.

"I've had a great feeling this whole week because I feel wanted. I'm very excited to be part of this team," Castilla said. "They have great young talent in their organization and I want to be a part of that.