Washington Nationals: Friday AFL/DWL Updates.

by Ed Chigliak on Oct 31, 2009 11:03 AM EDT Comment 29 comments

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

AFL:

With the Phoenix Desert Dogs down 1-0 to the visiting Peoria Javelinas after six and a half innings, the Washington Nationals' second '06 1st Round pick and future first baseman, Chris Marrero, tied it with his third HR in 12 AFL games, this one off Phillipe Aumont, the top-rated pitcher and 3rd overall prospect in the Mariners' organization according to Baseball America's '09 rankings. The Javelinas rallied for four runs in the top of the eighth to retake the lead, and even a three-run eighth by the D-Dogs wasn't enough as Phoenix drops a 5-4 decision and falls to
10-6 overall, which is still good for 1st place in the three-team AFL East.

Notes: Marrero ended the game 2 for 4 with the HR, RBI and a .362 AVG after 47 AB's for Phoenix. Danny Espinosa got the start at short and went 1 for 4 with his second double as a Desert Dog. Espinosa's hitting .302 with a .360 OBP, 349 SLG and a .709 OPS after 12 games and 43 AB's in the AFL in which he's collected 2 doubles, 5 RBI's, 5 walks, 12 K's and 1 SB.

• Final Score: Javelinas 5, Desert Dogs 4 - MLB.com GameDay.

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• DWL's Tigres Win 3-1 Over Aguilas.

BACKPAGE:

• DWL's Tigres Win 3-1 Over Aguilas.

The Tigres del Licey broke a 1-1 tie with a two-run top of the eighth that saw former Nationals' reliever Julian Tavarez surrender the game-winning HR by to Kansas City Royals' catching prospect Matt Tupman. Washington Nationals' SS Ian Desmond finished the game 0 for 4, and the 24-year-old infielder is now hitting .192 after 7 games and 26 at bats with the Tigres. Nationals' pitching prospect Atahualpa Severino started the eighth by giving up a single, and two outs later he was lifted for former Dodgers' reliever Yhancy Brazoban who recorded the final out of the frame without a run crossing. Severino (0-0, 0.00), who went (10-0) with a 2.62 ERA and 15 saves at two stops in the Nationals' system in 2009, is still unscored upon in 7 appearances and 4.1 IP for Licey, in which he's allowed just 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 3 and holding DWL opponents to a .143 AVG.

• Final Score: Tigres 3, Aguilas 1. MLB.com.

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Lannan and Stammen do good things for the kids...

http://natstown.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/10/lannan-and-stammen-bring-joy-to-guests-at-the-childrens-inn-at-nih.html

by ROSCOEtheNATSfan on Oct 31, 2009 1:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'll be interested to see what the Stammen's and J.D. Martins of the world...

…are able to do next season. Olsen, Martis? There are a lot of ?’s about the DC staff for next season…

Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."

by Ed Chigliak on Oct 31, 2009 1:38 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Will 2010 be the year we fight for .500?

by ROSCOEtheNATSfan on Oct 31, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe, if defense is a priority.......

The real Gold Glovers…. The 2009 Fielding Bible awards
http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/mlb_postseason/posts/84341?eref=fromSI
THIRD BASE—*RYAN ZIMMERMAN*, WASHINGTON NATIONALS

“…wrote a piece earlier this year on Seattle’s defense that might be worth looking at if you’re still wondering exactly how this team won 85 games — outfield defense was a huge part of it…”

The hidden game: Good defense can turn chumps into champs
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tim_marchman/04/30/team.defense/index.html

Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."

by cat daddy3000 on Oct 31, 2009 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stammen could he be in the rotation next year and not the pen?

I thought it was interesting that Stammen said that he couldn’t fully stretch out his arm this past season. From Nats320:

Can you explain exactly what happened to you and why you needed surgery? (SBF)

"I had a bone spur taken out of my back elbow and a bone chip taken out of the front. What happened throughout the course of the season was that extra bone built up in my elbow where I couldn’t fully extend my elbow any longer. So I was playing with a limited range of motion. I couldn’t fully extend on my pitches. And obviously that was affecting my ability to pitch. It’s just one of those things that happens over a course of time from throwing a baseball. And from playing golf, and throwing footballs from my younger days. It all caught up to me this year, but I had it all taken out and it really feels great."

So you seem confident that you can come back even stronger? (SBF)

"Yeah, I do. Last year, I can honestly say I wasn’t 100% the whole season, compared to what I was in the Minor Leagues in AAA and AA the year before. I am looking forward to this new season to see what happens and see how I feel."

by Hotpockets on Oct 31, 2009 4:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I read this earlier today too...

All I could think was, “How long was he pitching with a limited range of motion before he had to stop?” Before he came to DC? And I know you’re always pitching for your job, but why risk your career?

If Rizzo goes out and gets a pitcher or two (which I kinda doubt sadly) the Stammens, Martins, Martiseses might be fighting for one or two spots…or moving to the pen…

Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."

by Ed Chigliak on Oct 31, 2009 4:38 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Stammen was pitching for his career in AAA....

Wasn’t he the last called up? I imagine he thought it was now or never, if even the Nats were leaving you in the minors…

Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."

by cat daddy3000 on Oct 31, 2009 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think we could have a good rotation and pen

Lots more depth this next season (with hopefully some FA experience to come).

Padilla walked into the Nats' clubhouse for the first time and said, "My God. I'm in heaven."

by Mezza on Oct 31, 2009 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm expecting a year of building to get over the 60 win hump....

Riggler will refine the art of talking about effort in the postgame, and Kasten will glow over introducing a new sandwich at Nats Park….

Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."

by cat daddy3000 on Oct 31, 2009 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

New sandwich? What?

Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."

by Ed Chigliak on Nov 1, 2009 1:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sure.....all leftovers will be dumped into a big vat, doused with a hefty amount of Miracle Whip, and dubbed "The Kraft Surprise Sandwich"

A battered and deep-fried version will be available, served in a little helmet, and a driveup window installed for those fans wanting the “fan experience” without having to buy a ticket and actually sitting through a game.
With ticket sales flat, Kasten sees opportunity in expanding the fast food side of the enterprise…

Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."

by cat daddy3000 on Nov 1, 2009 7:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Licey Tigres tied at 1 through 4 against the Gigantes... Desmond 1-2...

No rain!!!
http://cdn1.ustream.tv/swf/4/viewer.137.swf?cid=891810

Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."

by cat daddy3000 on Oct 31, 2009 8:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Top of the 6th......

    * Bernie Castro singles on a ground ball to left fielder Mark Hamilton.
    * Timo Perez out on a sacrifice bunt, Bernie Castro to 2nd.
    * With Ian Desmond batting, Bernie Castro steals (2) 3rd base.

And Desmond, on a 3-2 pitch, drives it deeep to CF for a sac fly and a 2-1 lead…

Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."

by cat daddy3000 on Oct 31, 2009 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can't wait for DWL Dukes...

Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."

by Ed Chigliak on Oct 31, 2009 9:50 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Dukes will definitely add some interest....Tigres' baseball lacks power so far....

I want DY Waves and more!!!

Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."

by cat daddy3000 on Oct 31, 2009 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

3-1 Licey going into the bottom of the 8th.........

Licey Top 8th

    * Jose C. Valdez singles
    * With Yordany Ramirez batting, Jose C. Valdez steals (1) 2nd base.
    * Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Andres James replaces Jose C. Valdez.
    * Yordany Ramirez strikes out swinging.
    * Bernie Castro grounds out, Andres James to 3rd.
    * Pitcher Change: Juan Perez replaces Waldis Joaquin.
    * Timo Perez triples (1) on a line drive to right fielder Moises Sierra. Andres James scores.
    * Pitcher Change: Julio DePaula replaces Juan Perez.
    * Ian Desmond walks.
   Aybar makes an out……

Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."

by cat daddy3000 on Oct 31, 2009 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

3-2 Licey, after 8 complete....

Runner on second after a throwing error by second baseman Jordany Valdespin.
Pitcher Change: Atahualpa Severino replaces Yhency Brazoban.
Juan Francisco called out on strikes.
Jacob Cruz singles, Wilson Valdez scores.
Pitcher Change: Eddie De La Cruz replaces Atahualpa Severino.
Erick Almonte grounds out

Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."

by cat daddy3000 on Oct 31, 2009 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Licey loses in the bottom of the 9th......4-3...

Moises Sierra singles on a ground ball to shortstop Ian Desmond. Moises Sierra advances to 2nd, on throwing error by shortstop Ian Desmond.

Wilson Betemit singles on a line drive to right fielder Alexis Gomez. Lucas Montero scores.

Estarlin De Los Santos singles on a ground ball to center fielder Yordany Ramirez. Antonio Perez to 3rd.

And a sac fly wins it……

Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."

by cat daddy3000 on Oct 31, 2009 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

DESMOND!!!!

Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."

by Ed Chigliak on Oct 31, 2009 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A hopper near second, and a falling, ill-advised throw,,,,,,,

Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."

by cat daddy3000 on Oct 31, 2009 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yea we're going to be sinking and swimming on the back of those

But there have been heaps of players who have improved their defense over time…its a skill that just needs to be worked on…

Padilla walked into the Nats' clubhouse for the first time and said, "My God. I'm in heaven."

by Mezza on Oct 31, 2009 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My early impression of the DWL is it's a weak, slap-hitting game down there.

Not many chances to hone the defensive skills. Maybe more MLB players will join soon to up the playing level…

Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."

by cat daddy3000 on Oct 31, 2009 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Atahualpa budding talent

“Before signing, I had left baseball. I felt frustrated that he saw the chance, and did not have someone to help me. But thank God I met a friend who was signed with the Dodgers, he invited me to San Pedro de Macoris, where practiced, and I could sign with Washington. "

Wrong hand pitcher signed by only six thousand dollars in 2004 but in 2006 had Tommy John surgery.

Severino has the stuff to be closer, since it has a strong line between 93-95 MPH, a sharp breaking slider, a changeup that is improving, and serenity that is warranted in the box."

Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."

by cat daddy3000 on Oct 31, 2009 11:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bobby Valentine could be out of the mix for a major-league managerial spot this season, as the Washington Nationals look likely to give Jim Riggleman their full-time gig.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/chi-091031-rogers-whispers,0,7511697.story via MLBTR

Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."

by cat daddy3000 on Oct 31, 2009 11:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Whoa there u go!

Passing over Booby V for Riggles. I cant say id be surprised but lets hope Riggles gets it right from the start at ST and gets these guys to knuckle down and work hard on some defense.

Padilla walked into the Nats' clubhouse for the first time and said, "My God. I'm in heaven."

by Mezza on Oct 31, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs