Nats Sign Julian Tavarez

by Dave at District Sports Page on Mar 14, 2009 1:05 PM EDT

The Washington Nationals signed Julian Tavarez to a minor league contract yesterday. He should report to the team some time next week after he secures his visa.

The 35-year old swingman pitched for three teams last year for a a 5.10 ERA in 52 appearances. Tavarez actually pitched better last year than his numbers would indicate. HIs first half/last half splits were dramatic enough to imply injury in the first half, and his PECOTA and Forecaster numbers for 2009 are actually serviceable. Whereas Kip Wells is a pipe dream, Tavarez could actually help.

What's more, he's a veteran that has filled the swingman routine for many, many years, which would allow for the young starters (Mock, Martis, Zimmermann), should they not make the rotation, to start in Syracuse every five days instead of ruining any chance of progress in DC.

Rizzo's quote was a gem too.

"There's nothing wrong with competition in spring training, and we don't want a lot of comfortable players in the clubhouse," acting general manager Mike Rizzo said. "It's this time in spring training to step up and make the club. Competition, that never hurts."

Poll

Will Tavarez Help the Nats?

Yes, he'll fill the need for a veteran swingman

30 votes

No, he'll block a youngster from the major league roster

16 votes

46 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 8 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

A volatile mix

This is a recipe for a hot headed club house. Dukes and his temper and Tavares is not known for anger management. Hell, if Milton Bradley would have made it to D.C., you’d have all the ingredients for an atomic bomb. This should make for one interesting season.

" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "

by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 14, 2009 7:09 PM EDT reply actions

Javier Vazquez just jammed Adam Dunn and got a grounder back to the mound in the WBC...

…it’s the past and future on display for a Old Expos’ fan.

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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 14, 2009 8:35 PM EDT reply actions

Felipe Lopez just went yard in the WBC!!! Off Peavy!!

FLop!!!

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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 14, 2009 8:40 PM EDT reply actions

Ugly night.

Did you see Hanny and Felipe smiling after Felipe struck out? Good moment.

"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." George Carlin.

by RoscoeNats on Mar 14, 2009 9:01 PM EDT reply actions

For the 3 or 4 of us who knew they played together in DC it was special...

That K pitch from Hanny was nasty too.

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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 14, 2009 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, at least Dunn scored the only USA run. I think he was 2 for 3. Half way to the cycle...

Original Wilkerson had a whole cycle, Adam. Earn it. ha

I think Dunn gave back the run he scored when he missed a very catchable ball in RF.

If we lose Sunday, Dunn and Hanny come back to Viera.

"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." George Carlin.

by RoscoeNats on Mar 15, 2009 12:20 AM EDT reply actions

That's when I predict somethin' happens...If Dunn comes back IF they lose...

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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions