Posted by Bill Baer on Sunday, August 9, 2009 at 7:02 pm

The Washington Nationals put shortstop Cristian Guzman on waivers. The Boston Red Sox have put in a claim. Guzman is owed $8 million prorated this season, and $8 million next season. He has a slash line of .315/.333/.437 and has stolen two bases in seven attempts.

The Tampa Bay Rays claimed right-handed relief pitcher Russ Springer off of waivers from the Oakland Athletics. Clayton Mortsensen, acquired in the Matt Holliday trade, has been called up to the Majors by the A’s to replace Springer. Springer is owed $3.3 million prorated this season and will be a free agent heading into 2010 at 41 years old.

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired right-handed reliever David Weathers from the Cincinnati Reds for a player to be named later. Weathers has a 3.32 ERA this season and is owed $3.9 million prorated. He has a club option for 2010 worth $3.7 million with a $400,000 buyout.

In older news…

- John Smoltz (57 ERA+) was released by the Boston Red Sox.

- Jason Giambi (89 OPS+) was released by the Oakland Athletics.

- The Tampa Bay Rays acquired catcher Gregg Zaun from the Baltimore Orioles for cash or a player to be named later.

Contract information courtesy Cot’s Contracts.