Washington Nationals: Sign Willy Taveras, Still Talking Chien-Ming Wang And John Smoltz, Bucs vs Nats.
by Patrick Reddington on Feb 15, 2010 1:53 PM EST
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Print• In December 2008, Willy Taveras' name kept coming up again and again as the Washington Nationals were attempting to make a trade with the Colorado Rockies for outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, but nothing ever came of those talks. Last week, the Oakland A's, who had acquired Taveras from Cincinnati along with infielder Adam Rosales in return for veteran infielder Aaron Miles, released the 28-year-old outfielder, who hit just (.240/.275/.285) in 102 games with the Reds in 2009 in which he collected 11 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR and 15 RBI's. SI.com's Jon Heyman is reporting that Taveras has signed a 1-year/$4 million dollar minor league deal with Washington, though what if any role he'll play with the team is anybody's guess...(ed. note - "There is some question right now about the $ amounts involved with the deal, more later.") Taveras is coming off a 2-year/$6.25M dollar deal he signed with Cincinnati in December 2009 that paid him $2.25M last season and would have paid him $4M this year...
• More on Chien-Ming Wang, John Smoltz, and the Pirates fans view of the Nationals After The JUMP!!!
• Just heard a quick quote from Nationals' team President Stan Kasten on Sirius/XM's Home Plate Update and Mr. Kasten says that the two pitchers still on Washington's radar are Chien-Ming Wang and John Smoltz. I'd imagine it's a one or the other sort of thing...MLB.com's Bill Ladson reported this morning via Twitter that, "Free agent pitcher Chien-Ming Wang is expected to make a decision by the end of the week."
• I posted a story the other day taking one last look at the Nationals' free agent acquisition former Pittsburgh Pirates' closer Matt Capps, and apparently the Pirates' fans caught wind of the discussion here at Federal Baseball, as the SB Nation's Pittsburgh Pirates site Bucs Dugout and even the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's sports section, whose Bucs beat writer I quoted extensively, posted links and comments to the story. The Post-Gazette's comments are more of the "wow look how long his sentences are, doesn't he know how to use periods" kind of responses, but what I found interesting was the discussion at Bucs Dugout about the state of each of our respective franchises. (ed. note - "And please this is not an invitation to go over and flame the Bucs sites, just think it's interesting to see what the perception of the Nationals is outside of DC.")
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"wow look how long his sentences are,........"
I think read a parody of your patented paragraph/intro sentence style in some blog somewhere, but I don’t remember where…
Taveras?…….Syracuse stockpile……..please, nothing more.
" I was just poking the universe to get things started..." -E. Chigliak, Winter 2009
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
The good Mr. Needham over at Capitol Punishment had fun mocking my long (run-on) sentences last week...
I can’t stop the flow for periods sorry. Blame Proust and Kerouac…
I’d take j-Max or Bernadina over Taveras any day…
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 Feb 15, 2010 2:35 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Imagine what Kerouac could have accomplished with a computer...
The thing that gets me with Proust is that he dictated large portions of his great work, which is beyond comprehension for me…
The cork-lined room was one of many failed attempts to keep Proust healthy…if it worked I’d totally 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 Feb 15, 2010 3:57 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
43.5 words per sentence...
need to tone it back Ed now you’ve got those Pitssburgians on your readership.
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
I'm fired up!
I can’t believe what they said about Ed’s writing. Let’s rent a bus and go to Pittsburgh. AND RIOT IN THE STREETS!!!!!
by docholliday3 on Feb 15, 2010 8:18 PM EST up reply actions
lets just compare records this year...
I want to see how we pan out…becuase im more certain that we wont be getting the #1 pick next year.
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
Ed
What are the chances that you could make a friendly wager with the Bucs Dugout guys about our teams? It would give us something to be excited about when both our teams are out of contention in June.
by docholliday3 on Feb 15, 2010 8:47 PM EST up reply actions
I think the Nats improved some this offseason
But the Bucs could easily suprise you. I really like their rotation, and their defense is better. We will probably outscore them, but maybe not. Depends on Millage’s advancement. So I am not sure I would bet them.
"What you know is often the enemy of what you can learn" Bill James
I really like the Pirates...I'd pay to watch their outfield alone...McCutchen's exciting as "heck"...
And I still want to see what Lasto can do…
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 Feb 15, 2010 9:41 PM EST up reply actions
But we've got
Our outfield: W, Morgan, Dukes and rotation fronted by Marquis and Wang, with Stras coming. And Z and Dunn. Let’s wager!
by docholliday3 on Feb 15, 2010 9:49 PM EST up reply actions
Actually
Considering how they seemed to be referring to us as traditionalists, perhaps a cross-blog fantasy baseball league could settle the question of whether we are idiots or they are idiots.
by docholliday3 on Feb 15, 2010 9:59 PM EST up reply actions
Either way im keen
Im sure all of us need our heads read for following our respective teams…
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
The good Mr. Needham over at Capitol Punishment had fun mocking my long (run-on) sentences last week…I can’t stop the flow for periods sorry. Blame Proust and Kerouac…I’d take j-Max or Bernadina over Taveras any day…
by Ed Chigliak on Feb 15, 2010 1:35 PM CST via mobile
Yeah, that was the guy…………(I’m just thankful this place is ellipses friendly…)
+2 for Maxwell and Rogearvin…
" I was just poking the universe to get things started..." -E. Chigliak, Winter 2009
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
by cat daddy3000 on Feb 16, 2010 12:09 AM EST up reply actions
I can't agree more strongly on Taveras!!!
I would MUUUCh rather play Jmax or Bernadina.
Another X red… I thought we were done with that!!!!
"What you know is often the enemy of what you can learn" Bill James
you guys got him for league minimum
the A’s are on the hook for $4-the league minimum that the Nationals will pay him.
No risk then, so why not...
Still prefer some of the Nats’ kids to Taveras…
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 Feb 15, 2010 2:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
He can run at least, and, ummmm......
I guess that’s about it, but at least it’s insurance in case Nyger goes down. $400K isn’t a bad price to pay…sucks to be the A’s though!
by CoreyMichaelDC on Feb 15, 2010 6:12 PM EST up reply actions
He is a well above average defensive CF
but his offensive skills are worse than a typical pitcher.
"What you know is often the enemy of what you can learn" Bill James
Fan Graphs isn’t real impressed with his defense. His speed is the only reason he is an average to above average defender, he takes terrible routes to balls, plus his arm isn’t that great.
by justin007000 on Feb 16, 2010 1:52 AM EST up reply actions
1 year vs a whole career...
I’m taking the positive view that with Morgan’s late start at the game he just put it together and it’s all uphill from here…because that allows me to easily dismiss the average past…
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 Feb 16, 2010 3:20 AM EST up reply actions
11 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR and 15 RBI's
28-year-old outfielder, who hit just (.240/.275/.285) in 102 games with the Reds in 2009 in which he collected 11 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR and 15 RBI’s…..
I admit i love fish..especially the bottom dwelling Grouper…….but seeing all these bottom feeding transactions….does not make me hungry….for fish….desperate moves for desperate times!!!
Not sure I get this move either, Mamba...
Unless they’re pushing Maxwell and Bernadina to earn their spots on the roster…
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 Feb 15, 2010 3:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think you hit the nail on the head...
the youngsters are going to have to earn their spots, which is a nice change from Spring Trainings of the past. If they do, then you cut Taveras (or deal him) and no harm is done.
Inventory...
I think Rizzo is just making some depth.
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
I don't mind this deal
I look at it as no more than Corey Patterson last year. Bring Tavares into camp. let him play at AAA, if someone gets hurt bring him up. Late in the season he could be a boost of speed. If he gets hot in the minors, maybe he could be dealt. The A’s pay him to play for the Nats anyway.
Why not us? Why not now?
Thanks Moneyballers!!
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 Feb 15, 2010 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
Very unlike Beane...
The A’s computer must have shutdown for all the sense they are making…
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
wow
you guys really are like Cincinnati on a year delay.
by justin007000 on Feb 16, 2010 1:52 AM EST up reply actions
Does that mean we get the prize international free agent 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 Feb 16, 2010 3:21 AM EST up reply actions
As long as we dont get their GMs
We’re still paying for the cr@p Reds players
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
I almost feel bad for Livan...
I haven’t heard anything about him for a while, especially with all the talk about Wang and Smoltz.
Does anyone think he’ll end up with the Nats?
I love Livan...but his time with the Nats has passed...
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 Feb 15, 2010 4:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Time for Livan to call it a day...
when a team with 100 losses wont call u back…
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
I bet he finds a job somewhere.
Come spring training, a few injuries, someone will give him a call.
Why not us? Why not now?
As long as Livan wants to pitch someone will sign him...
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 Feb 15, 2010 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
No Worries... The Optimism will Continue
Leave it to a bitter beat writer to call out grammar in blog postings? Give me a break. If there is a “beat generation” of hopeful Nats fans Ed, you are its Kerouac! Plus,
most good writers have mastered the art of the long sentence.
Anyone see Marquis’s lines from the Ladson article on the Nats camp? Love his confidence. I think he can be a great leader for the team this year.
by NatsGoing2theSeries! on Feb 15, 2010 4:25 PM EST reply actions
Out of options for 2010
Nationals
Jason Bergmann, Brian Bruney, Sean Burnett, Matt Chico, Tyler Clippard, Doug Slaten, Tyler Walker, Mike Morse, Josh Willingham
This is interesting. Im predicting that Chico and possibly Bergmann to be cut loose at the end of ST as they are out of minor leage options for 2010 – that said, they could both clear waivers and be DFA.
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
Chico'd clear waivers probly, unless someone in AZ still likes him...
Bergmann? I’d hate to see him go somewhere else and put it together. Waited so long for Bergmann to dominate, I’m hoping he and the Balesters get excited by the veterans coming in with the mindset of turning things around…regardless of what I think of Pudge’s declining skills, they all seem pretty excited about pitching to him…I’m imaging he’s like a catching Dibble behind the plate who’s going to insult them into success…
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 Feb 15, 2010 7:49 PM EST up reply actions
depends on how Chico bounces back from serious injury. He could possibly make a rotation… I think Bergmann is a realistic chance to make the bullpen. Slaten was another that I didnt pick up on: he could be cut loose if he doesnt make the pen.
I think ur probably right about Chico passing waivers…
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
Is their somewhere that everyone's status is noted or did you read that somewhere? I can't find any list of people's remaining options, or contract status other than year/price anywhere....
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 Feb 15, 2010 7:50 PM EST up reply actions
The good ppl at mlb.traderumours
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/02/out-of-options-2010.html#disqus_thread
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
That Mr. Dierkes is one hard-worker...
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 Feb 15, 2010 9:43 PM EST up reply actions
Within that list are the last leftovers to pick through for those hidden gems before rosters are set...
I hear the dumpster lid creaking open….
" I was just poking the universe to get things started..." -E. Chigliak, Winter 2009
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
by cat daddy3000 on Feb 16, 2010 12:38 AM EST up reply actions
Compared to Harris....
If I am not mistaken, Taveras has better stats than Harris….but at this point in the “process” I would rather have the Kids (Bernadina and Maxell) than either of the two.
You are mistaken!
Harris had an OPS of .757 last season. Tavares was in the .500s that is a huge difference. TAWH is a very hard out with little power. Taveras is the easiest out in baseball that does not pitch.
"What you know is often the enemy of what you can learn" Bill James
granted...
But Tavares was coming off a hideous year. Not guaranteed he does the same this year…
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
guys with 500 OPS over a couple of seasons do not suddenly become 800 OPS guys.
Taveras is a real easy out.
"What you know is often the enemy of what you can learn" Bill James
I dont think he'll be an everyday player...
but he could be a backup should Nyjer not learn to slide into 2B feet first.
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
Wrong Again....
Taveras has only had one sub 600 OPS year in his career. BTW, he hit .320 in 2007, and 68 SB in 2008. Last year was a down season. He is an upgrade over Harris.
so no upgrade then
they both have great gloves.
"What you know is often the enemy of what you can learn" Bill James
Yes...Upgrade
Taveras will have a higher batting average, and does have the ability to steal more than double the amount of bases than Harris.
But Does It Matter?
Each will be in Florida for Spring Training, with coaches much smarter than you and I, who will completely evaluate every player and make the correct decisions for this team. I just don’t understand why we have so many "haters’ who criticize every move that is made. Fans would have sawed off their right arm for the Nats to sign this guy last season, even for the 4mil….but he has a down year, in Cincy of all places, and folks are critical that we are even paying him the league minimum to invite him to camp! The guy has a .279 career average, and has stolen as many as 68 bases in a single season! I say he is worth a look!
With their powers combined...
Willie Ta-Harris!
by Brendanukkah on Feb 21, 2010 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
I read that Bucs Dugout post
And I can’t believe some of the things they’re saying. I’ll chalk up the Milledge/Morgan stuff to Pirates fans liking their guy more, but I can’t believe the crap they’re talking about the Nats when their team is about to start Jeff Clement at 1B and Ronny Cedeno at SS. It definitely makes the appreciate this blog even more!
The idea that Milledge is an allstar in waiting is lunacy.
Im sorry (Ed included), but I dont see it happening…ever. He might make decent everyday player when he grows up.
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
Yeah I'm not sold on Milledge, but I can't believe what some people said about Morgan
Some guy actually called us traditionalists as the reason why we like Morgan. What does that even meam?
by docholliday3 on Feb 15, 2010 8:10 PM EST up reply actions
I'm glad his tenure in Washington was a short one.
I’m not seeing him as an All-Star either. Especially playing beside McClutchen.
Why not us? Why not now?
Millagehas a good shot to be an above average player in LF in 2-3 years.
But, all star seems unlikely. He wasn’t going to do that as a CF for us. He can’t play CF period. Morgan on the otherhand should remain potent defensively for 5 more seasons. His offense could fall off a bit and likely will, but I still see him being solid at getting on base regardless.
They definately got the edge with Hanny and Burnett though. Hanny is better and will be so long term.
"What you know is often the enemy of what you can learn" Bill James
above avg batter, below avg defense
Whether his bat will overcome his comic reads on fly balls will remain to be seen.
Relievers are always a bit of luck…god knows what will happen.
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
he has been much better in LF than CF.
still probably below average, but hitting is more important, so above average overall.
"What you know is often the enemy of what you can learn" Bill James
heh
Hey – you cant have it both ways – you slam Dunn for his defense… !
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
Well, there's bad defense...
…and then there’s BAD. DEFENSE.
"And everybody lived happily ever after. Except the Phillies and the Mets. The End." --Sasskuash
Friend of Dukes and Desmond #3
Wow. Just wow.
Pirates fans are the biggest clowns I have ever seen. What a bunch of half-wits.
by StrasburgSavior on Feb 15, 2010 8:44 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Rizzo got of rid of Milledge cause the kid would not grow up.. or produce
Boswell wrote a editorial last year about how the last straw with Milledge was when he was late for a doctors appointment and Rizzo went off on him over the phone.(Granted has nothing to do with him on the field)Bottom line is Rizzo doesn’t play with jokes. Its also good for Dukes, that Lastings is gone.
Enjoy Bucs fans, we got a CF who can play.. HARD!
by NatsGoing2theSeries! on Feb 15, 2010 9:55 PM EST reply actions
I think Lastros attitude was 80-90% of the reason he was moved.
That said, I hope this isnt one of those Flop moments where a player was just bad for us…
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
At least Lasto takes the blame....
• Lastings Milledge, asked about bumps along the way with the Mets and Washington previously: “I brought a lot of stuff on myself with previous organizations. I didn’t take the game very seriously. I was always blessed with talent. After I was drafted [in the 2003 first round], I took a lot of things for granted. Once I got traded here, it was a clean slate.”
" I was just poking the universe to get things started..." -E. Chigliak, Winter 2009
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
by cat daddy3000 on Feb 15, 2010 11:51 PM EST up reply actions
Good for everyone......just glad he's doing his growing up somewhere else...
" I was just poking the universe to get things started..." -E. Chigliak, Winter 2009
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
by cat daddy3000 on Feb 16, 2010 12:31 AM EST up reply actions
if you just go by the numbers and stats and metrics
you can make this and that comparison between Milledge and Morgan.
But a decent team is made up of so much more, and because of that, the Nats stole T.Plush.
Even if their numbers are exactly the same, it’s still a steal.
The Posnanski Projection system
Has the Nats at 65-97 and the Bucs at 61-101
http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2010/02/16/baseball-predictions-in-february/
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