[QUOTE]The Nationals solved their problems in center field on Thursday, acquiring outfielder Denard Span from the Twins for Minor League right-hander Alex Meyer.

Span is a player the Nats have coveted since 2011. There was talk of Washington trading closer Drew Storen for Span, who has two years plus an option left on his contract.

In 2012, Span hit .283 and led the Twins with 38 doubles en route to notching a .342 on-base percentage. He most likely will be Washington's leadoff hitter. Span is a career .284 hitter with 90 stolen bases and 360 runs scored in 589 big league contests spanning five seasons (2008-12) with the Twins.

The acquisition of Span means Bryce Harper will move to left field and Jayson Werth will remain in right field. Werth, who was the leadoff hitter during the second half of last year, will be moved down to the middle of the order.

If the Nationals are able to re-sign first baseman Adam LaRoche, they will most likely trade Michael Morse, who played left field last year. If LaRoche doesn't sign, Morse most likely will play first base. As of Thursday, LaRoche -- who is seeking a three-year deal -- and the Nats were far apart.

An experienced leadoff hitter, Spans has logged over 96 percent of his big league at-bats at the top of the Twins' batting order./QUOTE]

Read more: Nationals acquire Denard Span from Twins for Minor Leaguer Alex Meyer | MLB.com: News