Nationals News: Relaxing on Labor Day Edition

by John Quinn on Sep 7, 2009 1:28 PM EDT Comment 26 comments

Nationals News:

Thomas Boswell makes the case for keeping Livan Hernandez around next season.

Syracuse manager Tim Foli will join the Nats' coaching staff tomorrow... perhaps a managerial candidate?

In hopes of improving their defense, the Nats are considering moving Guzman to second and calling up a defensive shortstop, like Ian Desmond.

Elijah Dukes is signed on to play winter ball in the Dominican winter league.

Chico Harlan asked some pretty good questions about when to stop pitching and when to play through the pain.

Jesus Flores is officially off the DL, though he isn't strong enough to catch just yet.

Yesterday's game was exciting -- you can't ever count the Nats out of it.

There's been a lot of talk about the Nationals' next manager -- and his last name may be Valentine.

OMG gives us some things to look for through the rest of the season.

Non-Nationals News:

Former National (current Cub) Alfonso Soriano is out indefinitely, and will have knee surgery later this month.

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera is ready to pitch again after experiencing soreness in his groin. I'm not a Yankees fan, but I do like to see Rivera pitch, so this is exciting.

Ichiro has become the second fastest player in major league history to reach 2,000 hits.

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I love that Chico actually called everyone on that "tough" vs "smart" issue...well done, Mr. Harlan!!

I have a feeling Mr. Foli won’t be the only one who gets the call tomorrow, every affiliate is finishing up today (VT is already done), so I imagine the roster expansion could take place before play starts…

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 Sep 7, 2009 1:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

FYI – Nick Johnson is still inside Type B status by four points.

Nyjer is now Type B but I assume it doesn’t matter because he’s under team control for a few more years.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/19500354/Rankings-090709

MLBTR posted the link.

by ROSCOEtheNATSfan on Sep 7, 2009 2:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Forget Johnson....... Is McDoodle worth $3mil?

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/09/nationals-aim-to-improve-bullpen.html

Ladson notes MacDougal, Burnett and Clippard, but Tim Dierkes separates the closer….

Ladson: “The other five relievers on the 25-man roster — Jason Bergmann, Victor Garate, Jorge Sosa, Ron Villone and Saul Rivera — will either not be back with the team next year or have to prove once again that they belong on the big club.”

Dierkes: “Regarding the free agent market, I can’t see why the Nationals would spend significant money. This year the Nats waited until March and signed Joe Beimel for a reasonable $2MM.”

Waiting to sign the dregs is what got us the bullpen ~~we deserved~~ we experienced this year….

"I Never Want the First Pick Again."

by cat daddy3000 on Sep 7, 2009 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh Noes

They need to splash some cash and buy at least 2 decent relief men to get this under control.

ugh!

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

by Mezza on Sep 7, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I could learn to like a couple of new guys in the 'pen.

"I Never Want the First Pick Again."

by cat daddy3000 on Sep 7, 2009 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess Storen could be ready next year. Everts is another who might get a shot… but maybe the FO thinks they can turn Baly, Martis, etc into bullpen guys?

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

by Mezza on Sep 7, 2009 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Storen's being groomed and Everts is a good story this year...

The other’s will have to work their way into a role….

"I Never Want the First Pick Again."

by cat daddy3000 on Sep 7, 2009 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ye but who do u think will be the man to make the transition?

I think Baly might end up there…has decent stuff to be a relief man. But I dont really know…its a bit of a lottery for the pen.

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

by Mezza on Sep 7, 2009 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought Mock the pen was a good idea earlier this season...

But asking him to put away his curve just seems cruel…

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 Sep 7, 2009 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bally is completely unimpressive to me.

He needs to bulk up a little and get his freaking head together.

by ROSCOEtheNATSfan on Sep 7, 2009 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mock was good

But he’s shown some good things from being a starter…

You’re right roscoe – baly hasnt been very good. I dont know if Martis has the stuff to be a relief man. We should do something with these guys – or do we keep them for depth…or trade a few for other needs?

I still think the rotation will be the best its been in years next season. Should make for a competitive pen too.

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

by Mezza on Sep 7, 2009 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

McDoodle has had a very good year

he is 14 -1 in saves! his ERA is in the 2s. what more do you want out of a closer? I say resign him for a year at $3 million or for 2 years at $4.5 million. He will be a league average closer next year as long as he is healthy, and that is solid. Sure his peripheral stats have been weak, but he has out pitched his peripherals his entire career and should continue. Meanwhile, we groom Storen for a few years in the 7th and 8th innings. Storen looks like a future closer to me, but until he spends at least a year (2 is better) getting major league hitters out regularly he is not. I do not want him learning on the job as a closer. That will hurt. Lastly, many of our younger pitchers probably would make very good relievers with experience. Personally I think Martis could be better than average in relief and should be given every chance there. Detwiler is another, but may be he should get another year to start. Battlestar is not a good starting pitcher, so lets use him in relief. I do not have as much confidence in him as martis, but you never know. This list goes on.

"What you know is often the enemy of what you can learn" Bill James

by PhDBrian on Sep 7, 2009 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ross Detwiler, Logan Kensing , Zack Segovia and Marco Estrada and shortstop Ian Desmond.

Five Syracuse Chiefs players headed to Washington
http://blog.syracuse.com/chiefs/2009/09/five_syracuse_chiefs_players_h.html

"Foli did not manage Monday’s game. Instead, he wanted to roam the concourse, sign autographs and thank fans. Hitting coach Darnell Coles took over the team, improving his Triple-A record to 1-0.

“Accidents do happen,’’ Coles said of picking up the W.

Look for Coles to get the chance to earn many more. If Foli does not return as Chiefs manager next season, look for Coles to be a leading contender to replace him or to land a top spot somewhere else."

"I Never Want the First Pick Again."

by cat daddy3000 on Sep 7, 2009 6:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

DESMOND!

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

by Mezza on Sep 7, 2009 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

~~Kensing!!!~~…… Segovia!!!!

"I Never Want the First Pick Again."

by cat daddy3000 on Sep 7, 2009 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looks like Mr. Doom and Gloom, Dave from NNN wasn't far off...

“From the 40-man: RHPs Balester, Detwiler, Martis, Estrada and SS Desmond

Need to be added to 40-man: RHP Everts and Segovia and LHP Spradlin…"

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 Sep 7, 2009 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ive never seen him make a positive comment

Ever.

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

by Mezza on Sep 7, 2009 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's sorta his thing...tough-love...we all want to like the Nationals...they just make it so hard...

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 Sep 7, 2009 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Zim

after yesterdays game at least… he could say nice things about him?

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

by Mezza on Sep 7, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

my comments on the above

Boswell is right about Livan. It made no sense when we let him go a few years back (Odalis Perez replaced him). It makes sense to sign him for the next season or three if his price is reasonable. Frankly there is not many better pitchers in free agency and he likes pitching here! He is no ace, but he will eat innings and teach the young guys. Boswell is right! Moving Guzman to second is an interesting idea, but I am not against leaving him at SS. he is slightly below average defensively and slightly above above average offensively at SS. That makes him a league average SS. Second is supposed to be easier to play than SS because the throws are a bit shorter. If he ranks as average to above average defensively and keeps his bat, then its a good move. But, we need a stud at SS to make it worth it. Bobby V then riggleman are my top choices for Manager.

"What you know is often the enemy of what you can learn" Bill James

by PhDBrian on Sep 7, 2009 7:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If Desmond shows anything....... Guz is a 2B.......

"I Never Want the First Pick Again."

by cat daddy3000 on Sep 8, 2009 1:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

2010 MLB Free Agents.........Updated 9-7-09

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/2010-mlb-free-a.html

For those of you wanting a grab-bag of wonderful Free Agents to fill all the holes in the roster………. read this and weep….

"I Never Want the First Pick Again."

by cat daddy3000 on Sep 7, 2009 11:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Got to think

That the Nats grab Hudson for 2B this time (physical pending). I doubt we’ll look to grab anyone else position-player-wise. Although Wilson at SS wouldnt kill us – the stocks up the middle are bleak. I still think Hudson at 2B would fill a nasty 2B hole in this team. Maybe have Desmond, Guz and Hudson as the 3 main guys up the middle (with Guz helping at 2B and SS). Not the worst combo. Not sure Gonzo has done enough but could fight for the job.

The outfield stocks arent bad – but I feel we’re covered there unless Rizzo goes berzonkers and signs another corner OF slugger (as a Dukes replacement – not saynig its happening – just that it could).

The free agent starter is anyone’s guess…and Livan has a decent shot as any. I would have gone Glavine/Smoltz but not sure enough is in the tank and they usually want contenders. Guys like Marquis etc will want big deals with big-ish clubs…leaving the low hanging fruit once again.

Some depth to relievers though. THE CHIEF! I wouldnt be surprised to see us pick up Chad on a minor league – no risk deal.

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

by Mezza on Sep 7, 2009 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs