Nats trade Vidro

by vaclipper on Dec 13, 2006 8:24 PM EST Comment 12 comments

to the Ms for Snelling and Fruto. Pending physicals and MLB approval (we're sending some cash along)

I like this a lot. Sorry to see Jose go, but this is a very nice deal where we get two very promising prospects.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/13/AR2006121301763.html

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Whoa!

Initial reaction: Not bad at all!

Washington Nationals 2006: Now Without Vinny Castilla! And Brian Lawrence!

by Basil on Dec 13, 2006 8:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

niiiiice

i like it

Zim Zim

by IronBMike on Dec 13, 2006 9:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

not bad???

this is GREAT!!!!!

We free up $12 million AND got two prospects. If healthy, snelling is one of our top hitters.

We have really started to re-shape our roster and this trade makes me feel much better about the direction of the team. We don't have much more dead-weight on the major league roster (Guzman, anyone??) We clearly need to develop some starting pitching, but our line up is solid and our bullpen is a strength too.

My only worry is that Guzman and Logan combine for 1000 at bats next year.

by vaclipper on Dec 13, 2006 9:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'm one to hedge bets. ;-)

Not bad as in "Hey, that's good!" Snelling is one of the few injury prone enough to rival Escobar in injuryproneness, but like you say, he could contribute well if healthy. Fruto appears to be a good arm. And . . . . . . . . . No offense to Vidro, but he's gone. And so is 3/4 of the money due him. Not bad = GREAT! ;-)

Washington Nationals 2006: Now Without Vinny Castilla! And Brian Lawrence!

by Basil on Dec 13, 2006 10:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Snelling's upside isn't that great

He came into the league as a potential leadoff hitter, but then he torn his ACL so that went down the drain. Like an article Capitol Punishment links to, if Snelling manages to find his way here his potential rounds out at a less talented Tony Gwynn or Rusty Greer.

I do think Fruto has a setup man type future paired along with Ayala and Zinicola.

Remember: If the Nationals don't get a decent stadium, the terrorists win.

by King on Dec 13, 2006 10:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Clarifying

Not saying Rusty Greer or Tony Gwynn wouldn't be a bad addition. Actually, it'd be great but the window is closing and he might be too much like Escobar.

Remember: If the Nationals don't get a decent stadium, the terrorists win.

by King on Dec 13, 2006 10:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That's true, King

Injuries have derailed his career so far. But I can't believe he just turned 25 on Dec. 3. It has to be a misprint, but it isn't. He's entering his age-25 season. He can hit some; he can take a walk; he can contribute if healthy. Add in Fruto. Subject Vidro. Subject most of Vidro's salary. I am pleased.

Washington Nationals 2006: Now Without Vinny Castilla! And Brian Lawrence!

by Basil on Dec 13, 2006 10:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

So, how about...

Washington Nationals 2007: Now without the Washington Nationals 2005!

Remember: If the Nationals don't get a decent stadium, the terrorists win.

by King on Dec 13, 2006 10:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Works for me

And pretty much true. Remember the good times. Move on. Fine by me. Good luck, Vidro.

Washington Nationals 2006: Now Without Vinny Castilla! And Brian Lawrence!

by Basil on Dec 13, 2006 10:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Subtract, subtract!

Subtract Vidro and most of Vidro's salary. I must be drunk with happiness. Or maybe just drunk.

Washington Nationals 2006: Now Without Vinny Castilla! And Brian Lawrence!

by Basil on Dec 13, 2006 10:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Fruto's Future

From the stuff I can dig up on Fruto, it would not surprise me to see the Nationals give him a shot in the rotation. He has four pitches of which two are above average (curveball & changeup). His fastball sits in the low 90s. And he has an average slider.

I said this last night in the discussions at Gameday. Fruto has the talent/stuff. He now has the opportunity in Washington. Everything is contingent upon his poise. If Fruto (with some help from RStC) can somehow learn to control himself when things go bad, he's got the makings of an intriguing starting pitching prospect. With the glut of RHRPs, a switch back to SP may make sense

Nationals Farm Authority ... glass half-full? There's nowhere for the farm system to go but up

by Brian on Dec 14, 2006 8:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs