By Dave Sheinin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, March 21, 2008

VIERA, Fla., March When it started a month ago, Bret Boone's comeback came attached with some fine print -- no minor leagues, and no position changes. But on Thursday, with his body not yet back in playing shape after two years out of the game and with no path for him to make the big league roster, the veteran second baseman accepted an assignment to the team's minor-league camp and said he expects to begin the season at Class AAA Columbus.

"I've come this far. I want to pursue it," said Boone, who turns 39 next month. "I think this is a win-win for everybody, and it lets me get at-bats every day, and lets the Nationals get their team ready right now."

Boone, a three-time all-star who retired during spring training in 2006, said he might re-evaluate his plans after a couple of weeks in Columbus. "It might be 80, 90, 100 at-bats before something clicks," he said, "and it may be 80, 90, 100 at-bats before my mind clicks and says, 'No, I don't want to do this anymore.' "

Boone may also be seeking to buy time for himself while the Nationals iron out their delicate situation at second base, where veteran Ronnie Belliard has outplayed Felipe Lopez this spring, while Lopez has publicly chafed at the notion of being relegated to the bench.

Roughly an hour after veteran left-hander Odalis Perez closed out a solid, six-inning start against the Houston Astros on Thursday night, the Nationals announced he had made their team, which guarantees the $850,000 minor league contract he signed earlier this spring.

Perez, 30, signed with the Nationals on Feb. 19 after failing to receive any guaranteed-contract offers. He said Thursday night's start, in which he allowed two runs on four hits and no walks while striking out six, was his "best outing so far in spring training."

Although Perez's spot in the rotation currently lines up with Opening Day (March 31), Manager Manny Acta said the team has not yet decided who will get that assignment. . . .

Right-hander Shawn Hill, battling elbow soreness, is scheduled to pitch two innings in a minor league game Monday, which would be his first game action of any kind this spring. Hill was shut down for more than a week earlier this spring and has been limited to bullpenand batting-practice sessions.

Hill, right-hander Ryan Wagner and outfielder Wily Mo Pe¿a were placed on the 15-day disabled list after Thursday night's game. . . .

Catcher Paul Lo Duca is expected to make his Grapefruit League debut Friday in Port St. Lucie against the New York Mets.