El Duque signs with the Nationals

Former Met and Yankee pitcher Orlando Hernandez signed a minor league deal with the Nationals today.

The 44-year-old last pitched in 2007 for the Mets.  He will begin a throwing program in Viera, Fla., before joining the minors.

Nationals starting pitcher Livan Hernandez confirmed his half-brother's signing to the Associated Press.

Yankee manager Joe Girardi caught El Duque in 1998 and 1999.

"If El Duque's got anything left in the tank, he'll find a way to compete, that's who he is," Girardi said. "I loved catching the guy. He's a fierce competitor."