Nationals Daily Evolutions 12/16/10
by David Huzzard on Dec 16, 2010 11:00 AM EST
Email
Print
Last night I was able to watch Yunesky Maya pitch in the Dominican Winter League. To my untrained eyes it looked like Maya was throwing too many balls, but he ended the game having thrown around 36 balls to 59 strikes. He pitched 7 strong innings only giving up one run on a Chris Davis solo homer off of a hanging curve ball that Maya throws too often. His velocity appeared to be up from where he left off last season. His team ended up winning when Brayan Pena drove in the go ahead run in the bottom of the 8th.
Jayson Werth was introduced yesterday. There were many interesting things revealed during the press conference, but I have to say I like his attitude. I have always said I would rather have a player that wants to make a team a winner than to go to a winner. --Mark Zuckerman from csnwashington.com
Also interesting was the fact that Jayson Werth has a full no-trade clause. Not sure it matters though as he will be a 10/5 guy in the last two years of his deal which would be when the Nationals would be looking to move him. --Dave Nichols at natsnewsnetwork.com
Signing Werth is a step in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go before the Nats can hope to contend. --Thomas Boswell in The Washington Post
Having one of the best right fielders in baseball over the last couple seasons is nice, but what if your top prospect also plays the same position*. That isn't the worst problem to have if they both are athletic enough to play all three outfield positions. --Adam Kilgore at washingtonpost.com
*Also don't forget Michael Burgess. He isn't expected to be a superstar, but scouting reports I have seen say he is an above average defender in right and will hit like a right fielder. i am assuming that means something like .250/.350/.450. If Harper or Werth can play center then the Nationals could end up with power at all three outfield positions.
The biggest concern for the Nationals right now is still pitching, and if Jordan Zimmerman stays with the Nationals this will be an important year for him. --Ben Goessling from masnsports.com
The Nationals are still competing with multiple teams to add starting pitching. --Jeff Bergin from nationalsdailynews.com
Nationals, Orioles, Padres closing in on Lee and LaRoche. --Rosenthal and Morosi at foxsports.com
The Nationals sign two minor league outfielders that could fill the utility roll left by the absence of Willie Harris. I do hope we get to see Buck Coats at some point next season. --Ben Goessling at masnsports.com
The signing of Werth officially moved the Nationals into Phase 2, but Phase 1 (aka The Plan) is not being abandoned. --Adam Kilgore from washingtonpost.com
The Nationals would like a lefty to play first base and Adam LaRoche isn't the only one in existence. --nationalsreview.com
Joel Peralta to sign with Rays for $900,000. --Ben Nicholson-Smith at mlbtraderumors.com
The racing presidents learn ballet*. --youtube.com
*With Daniel Day-Lewis staring as Lincoln he needs to be at Nats Park in some capacity next season. I have to admit I marked out hard when Jimmy Smits ( Miguel Prado) showed up at Nats Park last season. I don't know what I would do if Daniel Day-Lewis showed up.
Our stadium now has the biggest balls of them all. --Ben Goessling via Twitter
The D.C. premier of How Do You Know was last night. --Rachel Levitin at welovedc.com
Jason Marquis had a pretty bad year last year, but he wants to live up to the contract he signed and hopes he can have a much better 2011. --Pete Kerzel from masnsports.com
Around the NL East
The Mets had a pretty bad year when it came to pitchers getting in trouble off the field, but Johan Santana most likely didn't do what he was accused of and he is suing his accuser. --Craig Calcaterra at nbcsports.com
Remember when Superman made the Earth spin backwards to rewind time? The Phillies rotation will be able to do that. If they should fail to get a batter out they will just rewind time and have a do over. That is just how great they are. --Jeff Passan from yahoosports.com
In all seriousness the Phillies rotation is pretty good, and by the end of 2011 they could be able to lay claim to the title everyone seems so ready to give them. --Joe Posnanski at si.com
General Baseball
Sad news out of Cleveland last night. After being admitted to a hospice earlier this month Bob Feller has passed away. He leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten among baseball fans young and old. --Bob Dolgan at cleveland.com
Another great read on the man whose legend sounds too big to be true and for that reason it is true. --Joe Posnanski from si.com
61 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Werthatility
It’s only in the past two years that Jayson has been considered a right fielder, and even then the Phillies did play him over in center and even left occasionally.
Please please please
no Loney. A first baseman producing like a catcher? I’d rather have Matt Stairs as the starter.
Rob
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." -- Rogers Hornsby
There was talk of this when the A's got DeJesus:
@Ken_Rosenthal: #A’s in serious discussions to get Willingham from #Nationals. Story coming on FOXSports.com. #MLB
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 Dec 16, 2010 11:49 AM EST via mobile reply actions
“The Nationals, seeking to clear payroll for other moves, would receive two minor leaguers from the A’s.”
Hope other moves involve acquiring pitching a 1B, and LFer...
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 Dec 16, 2010 12:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Add it to the $9.5M Greinke will be owed next year?
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 Dec 16, 2010 12:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Not just the $4.6M
It’s the raise he’s due to get to around $6M. My hope is that they’re trading for prospects that they can flip for a starting pitcher. Because the A’s system is mostly well stocked at the OF, SS and C positions.
"I throw as hard as I can when I think I have to throw as hard as I can." - Walter Johnson
*Formerly known as Giant Torture
Well the Nats still need OF prospects
but SS and C are the strengths of the team.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Why though
With Werth signed for 7 years and Harper a year or two away, I don’t see the need for OF prospects that can’t play CF, but maybe I should have clarified that I meant corner OF"s.
"I throw as hard as I can when I think I have to throw as hard as I can." - Walter Johnson
*Formerly known as Giant Torture
Both Werth and Harper will play some center in the future
plus their bench sucks
Aim for the head baby Jesus
More from Rosenthal:
@RT Other possibilities = Greinke, Garza, LaRoche, D.Lee, Rafael Soriano @Ken_Rosenthal: http://tinyurl.com/3ylauce #MLB
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 Dec 16, 2010 12:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Interesting thought on Soriano
I think it would be a terrible move, but interesting nonetheless. Hopefully trading Willingham would be to clear space for a Greinke deal that doesn’t involve Zimmermann.
"I throw as hard as I can when I think I have to throw as hard as I can." - Walter Johnson
*Formerly known as Giant Torture
More:
@AdamKilgoreWP: RT @susanslusser: The Chronicle has confirmed that the #Athletics are in serious talks to obtain Josh Willingham; the talks are ongoing.
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 Dec 16, 2010 12:56 PM EST via mobile reply actions
According To Rosenthal.....
“The addition of Soriano or another free-agent closer such as Bobby Jenks could give the Nats a powerhouse bullpen, with righties Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard and lefty Sean Burnett performing in setup roles.”
Rosenthal rarely has anything good to say about the Nationals….So I will take this as a hint that he thinks we could have a pretty good bullpen in 2011.
Reading the Boswell article confirmed my suspicions that Rizzo wanted to trade Dunn
And having Edwin Jackson instead of two draft picks would be really nice right now.
Also, sign LaRoche now.
by The Herndon Kid on Dec 16, 2010 1:18 PM EST reply actions
DEAL
@Buster_ESPN: Washington/Oakland have a deal in principal for Willingham for two young players, one of whom has major league experience.
Anyone have any idea who the players are
I’d love to get Chris Carter they seem to be commited to Barton so that leaver Carter with no where to play. Heres a look at their current top 10: http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/fantasy/article/2011-top-10-prospects-los-angeles-angels-and-oakland-athletics/
I'd love Carter
He would be a fit for us, but he’s been a top prospect for them for a while. Seems like a big name to end up in a rent-a-bat deal.
I agree
I doubt it’s him but Rizzo was said to be asking a lot for Willingham and no one thought we could get Ramos for Capps. Ramos was blocked in Minnesota, Carter is blocked to a lesser extent by Barton and his value is down due to his horrible ML debut last year and his lack of a position.
If it's anyone on these lists,
I’ll be shocked, quite frankly. But I guess hold onto hope…
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com
by Dave at District Sports Page on Dec 16, 2010 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
There is a guy named Michael Taylor from Cheverly, MD. Athletic fans also seem excited about Choice.
Hammer to A's done acc to reports...
More shortly….
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 Dec 16, 2010 1:26 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Interesting reading waiting for names in Hammer deal
How about Brad Hawpe and … Josh Willingham!
Nats seriously overpaid (in money and years) for Werth. Hard to imagine when I’m going to quit complaining about it either.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com
by Dave at District Sports Page on Dec 16, 2010 1:34 PM EST reply actions
yup. they are all about the same players.
some get paid like superstars (Grandy, Werth), some get traded for minor leaguers. never know when a particular GM is going to over (or under) value a particular player.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com
by Dave at District Sports Page on Dec 16, 2010 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
It's not getting old at all.
You’re not in the trust Rizzo camp with me, huh.
No way in hell does he come to DC unless he’s overpaid. Nobody does. Nobody wants to trade away the prospects either, and the fans will not settle for another year of lazy players who don’t care if they lose…Kennedy, Dunn, Guzman, etc.
Kennedy cared more than you'll ever know, Roscoe.
Kennedy was crushed by how things went last season, trust me.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com
by Dave at District Sports Page on Dec 16, 2010 1:40 PM EST up reply actions
I have no problem with Kennedy
I just think playing Espi is better for the team.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Kennedy was also a great mentor to Desmond if I recall correctly despite Desmond indirectly taking at bats from him by pushing Guzman to second. Interesting that I haven’t heard Guzman tossed around somewhere as a possible affordable middle infielder for somebody.
The wait for 10/7 begins. This man is focused. Are you?
Kennedy is a much better choice than a couple of the other options I that I have heard the Nats are interested in obtaining. Kennedy would have played FAR better than he did, if he was given the entire season. Never understood why we kept seeing Guzman at 2B and not Kennedy.
Kennedy was fine with me and I believe he didn't get what he was told
He thought that he’d get a legit shot to play a lot and Guzman blocked him. Yet another problem with the Guzman deal. I really wouldn’t have minded if they picked up the option on Kennedy and made Espinosa break down the door with two months at AAA. As it is, the hamate bone injury makes relying on Espinosa a bit riskier. Don’t have a problem with it, and we’ll probably find another quality backup in the middle infield, but I didn’t have a problem with Kennedy being that guy.
The wait for 10/7 begins. This man is focused. Are you?
I hereby issue my requisite objection to your inclusion of Dunn.
Rob
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." -- Rogers Hornsby
Do those comps include defense? Rizzo seemed seduced by the defense. He also feels that Werth will age better than Willingham. Willingham should get a nice deal his next go round. I believe we all know that they overpaid for Werth. As long as they don’t make it a habit, I’m going to cheer it was significant reservations. Yes, he could be the Barry Zito or Alfonso Soriano of the Nats. Isn’t it enough to celebrate that the Lerners aren’t cheap and root for him to do well? Personally, it’s ironic to me that the BoSox ended up with Crawford and the Nats ended up with Werth. Take away the ego of free agent rankings and dollars and the fit is better the other way. We have bigger needs in left field than right field. We have bigger needs for lefties. And our bigger outfielder maximizes his defensive value better than Boston does.
The wait for 10/7 begins. This man is focused. Are you?
If Werth produces 5 WAR per year for the first five years of the contract,
then he has deserved every penny and every second of the contract. This may be overly optimistic, but it’s how I intend to assess it years down the road. I fully expect that most of the return on the investment will come years before the Nats even begin to pay for that return, and I’m just fine with that.
Rob
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." -- Rogers Hornsby
Done
The Oakland Athletics and Washington Nationals have agreed to a trade of outfielder Josh Willingham for two players, one of whom has some major league experience, pending a review of medical information, major league sources told ESPN The Magazine’s Buster Olney.
The 31-year-old Willingham hit .268 with 15 home runs and 68 RBIs last season for Washington. He has 103 career homers in 663 major league games.
He’s the second power bat the A’s have added this week, following the signing of designated hitter Hideki Matsui.
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
Prospects to flip for Garza or Greinke?
If Rizzo were able to turn Willingham into one of those two, he truly would be poi ring to his head.
by The Herndon Kid on Dec 16, 2010 1:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Peralta signed with the Rays for 900K
That’s some bizarro stuff and not good for us at all. He was not a bad investment for arbitration. I guess with the 40-man issues it’s okay that you let him go, but many questioned us for that. Then he ends up on the Rays which is probably even worse. If we were going to dangle relievers for them in a Garza trade they probably feel that they have fewer needs.
I thought we might have given him more than that if he was going to take 1 year. Perhaps professional pride kept him from signing back here? Or maybe we weren’t as interested once we picked up Ramirez in the Rule 5?
The wait for 10/7 begins. This man is focused. Are you?
Shrug
The Rays probably wouldn’t have signed him if they would have had to give up draft picks (if that’s your objection). I personally thought he overperformed and am not seriously concerned by his absence. That is, his contribution could be exactly or nearly matched by other available means with perhaps less risk.
Rob
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." -- Rogers Hornsby
I thought we wanted him.
He wanted two years. Sides too far apart and then they break off talks. He signs quickly for 900K? Seems like it’s a lose/lose for everybody. We probably were going to give him more after we nontendered him.
Neutral on this. Just didn’t really want to see him go to a potential trade partner and fill part of one of their needs.
The wait for 10/7 begins. This man is focused. Are you?
I'm sure Marquis will have a better season in 2011...
and I loved the Presidents’ ballet appearance!
Now I must to return to the lab and do something…
"Pinky, are you pondering what I'm pondering?"--The Brain
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Federal Baseball
Related FanShots on Federal Baseball
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
GAMETHREAD SPONSOR
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Pitcher Clayton Richard gets key pinch single in 13th after coming in 0 for 16
- Livan Hernandez welcomes ball boy to the bigs with shower of sunflower seeds (VIDEO)
- Man beaten by four others in Dodger Stadium parking lot
- Lance Berkman’s knee injury creates a lot of questions for Cards but also his career
- Next generation: Scott Van Slyke, son of Andy Van Slyke, hits first career homer
