By Chico Harlan
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, June 8, 2008

Needing to open a roster spot for Garrett Mock, the Class AAA pitcher who will be recalled to make his major league debut today, the Washington Nationals last night granted an unconditional release to outfielder Rob Mackowiak.

A .132 average and a logjam of similar outfielders made Mackowiak, 31, expendable. The Nationals had signed him during the offseason to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.

"I hit .132," Mackowiak said. "You can't expect to hang around. I didn't perform in the little appearances that I had. I guess the only thing that bothers me is that when you decided to sign with the team, you were promised more -- more at-bats. I understand they have their guys they want to play, and like I said, I didn't do well when I did get in there. I had a horrible spring, so it's my own fault."

With the 55th pick in Thursday's draft, the Nationals made one decision that officially launched another. The team used its second-round pick on Destin Hood, a high school shortstop-outfielder from Mobile, Ala. Scout Ed Durkin predicted that Hood will someday develop into a No. 4 hitter, "hit a lot of home runs, and bring people to the ballpark."

However, Hood is also a football star. In February, he signed a scholarship to play wide receiver at Alabama. Coach Nick Saban also will allow Hood to play baseball in college.

"It just depends on how the negotiation goes," Hood said yesterday. "I can report for football at any time. I'm just going to wait it out and see what happens."

Washington scouts compare him to Angels center fielder Torii Hunter.

If Hood does not sign with Washington by Aug. 15, the Nationals would lose all rights to him, but would receive a compensatory second-round draft pick in 2009. Just last weekend, Hood worked out at Nationals Park. "I sat in the clubhouse and talked to him for quite some time," GM Jim Bowden said. "A couple conclusions I had: Number one, he wants to play baseball. . . . I believe him."