Washington Nationals: DC GM Mike Rizzo's Got More Moves.

by Patrick Reddington on Jan 25, 2010 9:00 PM EST Comment 37 comments

• There's still no confirmation from the team, but FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal Twittered earlier this afternoon and reported in articles at FOXSports.com's "Buzz: Latest from the MLB Offseason", that the Washington Nationals had signed outfielder Chris Duncan, right-handed reliever Tyler Walker and former Braves' starter Chuck James, a left-hander who, Mr. Rosenthal says, "...figures to fight for the one of the Nationals' open rotation spots behind right-hander Jason Marquis and left-hander John Lannan. At the very least, he represents additional depth for manager Jim Riggleman." James, who hasn't pitched since 2008, is recovering from surgery performed by the dreaded Dr. James Andrews, which repaired a tear in his rotator cuff and cleaned up a frayed labrum according to an Atlanta Braves' press release on the decision to non-tender the then-26-now-28-year-old lefty in December 2008.

• What does the addition of Tyler Walker, a soon-to-be 34-year-old right-hander mean for Drew Storen's attempts to make the Nationals' bullpen out of Spring Training? Walker, a New York Mets' 1997 2nd Round pick, who's pitched for the Giants, Rays and last year the Phillies since debuting with the Mets in 2002, was (2-1) with a 3.06 ERA (139 ERA+) in 32 G and 35.1 IP for the NL Champions from Philadelphia, walking 9 (2.3 BB/9) and striking out 27 (6.9 K/9) while posting a 1.13 WHIP. Walker's the only one of the three players signed today to receive a Major League deal, with Duncan and James both signed to minor league contracts according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson's Twitter updates, and Mr. Rosenthal introduces Walker as, "...the fourth addition to the Nationals' bullpen this offseason, joining right-handers Matt Capps and Brian Bruney and lefty Eddie Guardado."

Storen, the Nationals' 2nd '09 1st Round pick, taken 10th overall after No.1 pick Stephen Strasburg, told MLB.com's Bill Ladson yesterday in an article entitled, "Storen has sights set on big things in '10", that, (in Mr. Ladson's words), "Besides trying to make the Opening Day roster, Nationals right-hander Drew Storen plans to pick the brains of teammates Eddie Guardado, Matt Capps and Brian Bruney," to learn all he can from the veteran relievers who will be in Spring Training with the 22-year-old former Stanford Cardinal closer, but when you factor in the additions of Guardado, Capps, Bruney and now Walker, the re-signing of Jason Bergmann, the pending deal with Sean Burnett and the rumors of Collin Balester and Craig Stammen possibly pitching out of the pen...along with the presence of Tyler Clippard who stood out late last season, and it's looking like Storen's really going to have to impress in Florida to avoid starting 2010 in Syracuse.

(ed. note - "Federal Baseball.com's pulling for Storen, while acknowledging others (and they're smart people) who think starting him in Triple-A to hold free agency off for another year is the most-likely scenario...All I'm saying is that Storen's competition better throw strikes, cause he will...")

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Storen will get his time in due time.

I prefer that he start in Syracuse to “season” his arm more.
It’s a REALLY big jump to go from a college season to the majors right away. And , yes, I know he got some game experience in the minors after he was drafted plus the Arizona League play. But he still needs some time to develop. We don’t want to hear Dr. James Andrews’ name mentioned anywhere close to Storen’s …ever!

by MissB on Jan 25, 2010 9:16 PM EST reply actions

P.S. Hey, Ed...How 'bout those Saints?!!

Great game…loved that they won. Hope they win the Super Bowl!

by MissB on Jan 25, 2010 9:21 PM EST up reply actions

It should give hope to all Nats' fans...

After approximately 30 years, the team I picked as a kid finally makes a Super Bowl…winning it is almost beside the point for me, honestly…

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 Jan 25, 2010 9:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Besides the point? Beside? Whatever...

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 Jan 25, 2010 10:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

this bodes well for thy Nationals.

"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.

by Mezza on Jan 25, 2010 10:24 PM EST up reply actions

Yea, let's hope that all this has nothing to do with his Penguins...

Let’s go Caps !!!

by Berndaddy on Jan 26, 2010 10:23 AM EST up reply actions

Barring injuries or exceptional Springs...

I’m guessing both ’09 1st Round picks will start the season in Syracuse or somewhere conveniently located closer to DC…

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 Jan 25, 2010 9:57 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

No problem

Starting out in the minors would be good for both Straus and Storen. I don’t want them to be rushed. Let them have their futures to be good. Don’t push the envelope.

Why not us? Why not now?

by Expos4 on Jan 25, 2010 11:17 PM EST up reply actions

Some Chuck Norris facts on Chuck James

BP Says:
“James, to hear those who’ve been around him tell it, is to a good attitude what Marion Barry is to ascetic restraint. He blew away the Sally League last season, but occasionally had trouble with his control. Despite his semi-gaudy K rate, his stuff is average, and he projects as no better than a back-end starter at the highest level. There’s a good chance he’ll one day be on the business end of a highly publicized clubhouse ass-beating. So that’s something.”

Also of note:

-In the weeks before the MLB draft James broke both his wrists attempting to jump off of a roof in to a swimming pool.

-In college he got bit by a copperhead snake and never sought medial treatment.

-Was denied a promotion in 2004 after his exploits in a brawl in the Sally League All-Star Game.

www.TheNatsBlog.com

by yardyoder on Jan 25, 2010 9:56 PM EST reply actions

Huh, the "I am a Golden God" act gone wrong...

I remember all this stuff from his Braves days…when he comes up to DC late this season it’ll be fun to hear Dibs retell them…

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 Jan 25, 2010 10:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I read somewhere that Ozzie Guillen doesn't want Thome back as DH.

Does this mean he’s looking for a DH? Perhaps Adam Dunn?

by John Quinn on Jan 26, 2010 11:53 AM EST reply actions

I don't think the Nationals can afford the PR hit...

…of trading their big bat. At least not before this year’s deadline…

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 Jan 26, 2010 1:26 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Nope

They have Nix and Andruw Jones to platoon there.
That is why they didn’t bring back Thome, not enough AB’s for him.

Why not us? Why not now?

by Expos4 on Jan 26, 2010 7:57 PM EST up reply actions

Probably already posted here somewhere, but

Ben Sheets has signed with the A’s. $10 million for a year. This clears up the Nats’ search at least a little bit.

by John Quinn on Jan 26, 2010 3:14 PM EST reply actions

Good thing the "ASSUME" Golden Rule is not envoked on this site......

JUST let Spring Training play out and hope that retread Riggleman let’s all the contenders compete for a spot on the roster…….and the BEST 25 come North**….

OK, if a position player is better off playing every day than riding the Gnats bench…of course, .i’ll buy off on that…….provided the starter EARNED IT, particularly, a middle infield starting position….

But if a better and healthy SP or RP is left behind for ANY reason, that’s BS……

by The Mamba on Jan 26, 2010 3:30 PM EST reply actions

In all seriousness, would you be willing to write a fanpost or something about what you think the Nats SHOULD be doing?

by John Quinn on Jan 26, 2010 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

Ahh, Mamba! The Fanpost gauntlet has been thrown...

I was thinking of doing Fanpost Fridays or something like that for the next few weeks? Just put up a new fanpost on the front page every hour or so? Anyone? Anyone?

And one other thing…Federal Baseball t-shirts? Any ideas? My first would say “The Kids Call Him…” on the front with Zim #11 on the back? Opinions? I bet Mamba hates t-shirts! J/K, Mamba:)

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 Jan 26, 2010 3:56 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Im all for the t-shirts...

NMIMH!
TAWH!

Both are timeless classics for a t-shirt IMO…

"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.

by Mezza on Jan 26, 2010 6:11 PM EST up reply actions

That's exactly what I thought...A NMIMH #1 t-shirt will sell like hotcakes...

Maybe I should open a hotcake store…

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 Jan 26, 2010 7:38 PM EST up reply actions

JQ solutions are not = to Mamba...

Complaining = Mamba

It’s more fun that way…it’s something you can dig your fangs into, eh Mamba ….

by Berndaddy on Jan 26, 2010 4:45 PM EST up reply actions

Unfortunately, the game is a business...

So things like free agent status do influence decisions, and if starting Strasburg and Storen in Triple-A means they stay in DC another year I think you almost have to do it…

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 Jan 26, 2010 3:52 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

if I didn't have to pay the artist...

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 Jan 26, 2010 7:39 PM EST up reply actions

that illustration was done in 1920

by PerryMason on Jan 26, 2010 8:27 PM EST up reply actions

I guess no Ben Sheets after all

He just signed with Seattle. A one year deal worth $10 million.

by Natastrophe on Jan 26, 2010 5:30 PM EST reply actions

Sheets to Oakland, Garland to San Diego...

Uh, Livan???

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 Jan 26, 2010 5:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

My bad

I meant Oakland, I promise :)

by Natastrophe on Jan 27, 2010 10:01 AM EST up reply actions

I killed the Mamba now the Nats are good !!! by Berndaddy

DELUDED blind faith fans is what motivates CYNICAL REALIST fans..and for the past 2 years…..we CR have NEVER been WRONG !!!!…..NOT even one time !!!!

and watching the Blind Faith grovel in triple digit losses for 2 years ……hard to find the perfect word to describe the excitement……. Or************ !!!!

Was happy with the drafting/signing of Strasburg….Storen….the acquisition of Morgan….the always too late…but the eventual dumping of total stiffs like Cabrera-Acta-Kearns-Milledge-Hanrahan-Rivera et al……. .but the hiring of .444 retread Riggleman off the bench of the WORST team in baseball, ended my happy feet moment…. as he is a poster boy of their HOPELESSNESS…..

Hopefully…. they can win in spite of him…rather than be taken back into a keystone ACTA COMA….

by The Mamba on Jan 26, 2010 5:37 PM EST reply actions

Mambo

I was no big Riggleman was he was named interim manager, if anything I thought he was nothing more than a ho hum journyman coach; but I was sold by way he handled the team for the rest of the year and I was glad he rehired.
Of course you can say that he’s a .444 retread; he’s managed before and that’s his record. But that doesn’t mean he’s not the best choice for the Nationals now and for the next few years.
Did you not like the way he handled the team and what specifically did you not like?
.

by PerryMason on Jan 26, 2010 6:56 PM EST up reply actions

Never wrong?

Are you ever right? Simply saying things like “reigning WORST team” all the time doesn’t make you prescient. The only thing I can recall you predicting is that the Nats will lose 100 games again this year. And I’m sure you’d be delighted if it happened. But it won’t.

by RobBobS on Jan 27, 2010 9:55 AM EST up reply actions