Wire Taps: Washington Nationals Day One At The 2011 MLB Winter Meetings In Dallas, TX.
by Patrick Reddington on Dec 5, 2011 11:43 AM EST
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• THEIR anonymous sources are unreliable. Listen to THESE anonymous sources. Don't believe everything you read. Read between the lines. Too many rumors! Here are some more rumors. It's The HOT STOVE!! The Winter Meetings are officially underway. The Florida Miami Marlins stole the spotlight last night with their 6-year/$106M dollar deal with now-former Mets' SS Jose Reyes, making a Nats-and-Werth-esque splash to start the 2011 Winter Meetings after Miami gave closer Heath Bell a 3-year/$27M dollar deal last week. The Phillies signed Laynce Nix away from the Nats, who were interested but didn't convince the 2011 Nats' outfielder to return to D.C. The Nats are still being tied to some big name free agents like Mark Buehrle and at least one writer on the Nationals beat is hearing some trade talk. Here's your Monday lunchtime collection of links...
• THE BIG STORY!:
• "The Nationals have made an offer to free-agent left-hander Mark Buehrle, a team source confirmed to MLB.com on Sunday night. Terms of the offer were not disclosed." - "Nats making pitch for free-agent lefty Buehrle" - Bill Ladson, nationals.com: News
• NATS BEAT:
• "If the Nationals miss out on their big free-agent targets, for example, they will be more likely to pursue [Yoenis] Cespedes." - "Questions abundant at MLB winter meetings" - Jon Morosi, FOXSports.com
• "In the end, the Nats have some interest in [C.J.] Wilson, but not at the price he's expected to command when this is all said and done." - "Confirming/debunking some rumors" - Mark Zuckerman, NatsInsider.com
• "Last night, the new-look, new-park, new-everything Miami Marlins filled the role the Nationals played last year." - "As the winter meetings begin, the Marlins signing Jose Reyes won’t change the Nationals’ approach" - Adam Kilgore, Nationals Journal - The Washington Post
• "While their money has been spent in rumors two and three times over, the sense I've gotten from most Nationals executives is that they plan on being relatively quiet here." - "Winter Meetings: News, notes and rumors, Day 1" - Amanda Comak, Washington Times
• "New Boston general manager Ben Cherington is dangling Ryan Kalish and Josh Reddick in hopes that he can pry an arm from the Nationals, according to a major league source." - "Red Sox eyeing pitching, could offer Nats Kalish, Reddick" - Pete Kerzel, MASNSports.com
• "Prince Fielder at least entertains the possibility of playing in Seattle, Milwaukee, Texas, Toronto, Chicago and perhaps Washington." - "Marlins besting Mets for Reyes is bizarro baseball" - Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports
• "A team source told MLB.com that first baseman Prince Fielder is not a target for the Nationals. The source pointed out that the club has Adam LaRoche and Michael Morse at first base." - "Prince apparently not in the Nationals' plans" - Bill Ladson, nationals.com: News
• "As the baseball world arrived in Dallas on Sunday, the Nationals were another year removed from the losing and rebuilding days of their predecessors..." - "Nationals take familiar underdog role into winter meetings" - Amanda Comak, Washington Times
• "The Nationals did not let Laynce Nix leave for the Phillies without a fight..." - "Nationals ‘made a strong push at’ Laynce Nix before he signed with the Phillies" - Adam Kilgore, Nationals Journal - The Washington Post
• "Aside from birth date, the 31-year-old [Laynce] Nix doesn't figure to give the Phillies any more production in left field than they got out of 39-year-old Raul Ibanez last season." - "Making some sense of the Laynce Nix deal" - David Murphy, Philadelphia Daily News
• "Manager Davey Johnson is also expected to talk to the local media on Monday at 6 p.m. ET and give his take on the team." - "Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo will be active at the Winter Meetings" - Bill Ladson, nationals.com: News
• "So while Riggleman's chances of managing in the big leagues again are slim, he will get an opportunity to manage again in 2012." - "Riggleman to manage Reds' AA club" - Mark Zuckerman, NatsInsider.com
• "The Nationals and Nix had discussions immediately after the season, and the sides had more dialogue later in the offseason." - "Report: Laynce Nix agrees to two-year deal with the Phillies" - Adam Kilgore, Nationals Journal - The Washington Post
• "Former Nationals manager Jim Riggleman has found his next career landing spot." - "Jim Riggleman set to manage at Double-A for Reds organization" - Amanda Comak, Washington Times
• "Rizzo wants a front-line starting pitcher, a center fielder who can hit leadoff and some punch off the bench, and is already talking like the Nationals can contend in the NL East with some prudent additions." - "Is balance of power shifting toward D.C. in NL East?" - Pete Kerzel, MASNSports.com
• Your Daily Message From The Dalai Lama On Twitter (@DalaiLama): "It is vital that when educating our children’s brains that we do not neglect to educate their hearts."
• NATS MINOR LEAGUES/WINTER LEAGUES:
• "The Nationals need to refine [Hector] Nelo's location on his high-octane pitch and get his two other pitches to be steadily consistent." - "Hector Nelo hits 100 mph, Nationals believe he has 'best arm' in system" - Byron Kerr, MASNSports.com
• Double-A Harrisburg: "The Harrisburg Senators and Washington Nationals have announced that Matt LeCroy will manage the Senators in 2012." - "Senators Announce 2012 Coaching Staff" - Harrisburg Senators News
• Liga Mexicana del Pacifico: Navojoa 6, Mazatlan 5 - Rafael Martin (MAZ) - 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 K - Box Score.
• Liga Venezuela Beisbol Profesional: Lara 3, Caracas 2 - Henry Rodriguez (CAR) - 0.2 IP, 2 K's - Box Score.
• Liga Venezuela Beisbol Profesional: Margarita 4, Magallanes 0 - Jesus Flores (MAG) 1 for 4, 2 K's - Box Score.
• Liga de Beisbol Dominicano: Aguilas 4, Licey 0 - Jhonatan Solano (LIC) - 0 for 1, 1 BB - Box Score.
• "Winter League Roundup" - NationalsProspects.com
• NATSTOWN:
• "Numerous sources are reporting that the 31 year old free agent outfielder Laynce Nix signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, pending a physical." - "Free agent Nix agrees to deal with Phillies" - Kristen, Win For Teddy
• "Jose Reyes signs with the Marlins. It's not like the Nats were interested (despite what some baseball guys believed) and by itself it doesn't make the Marlins better than the Nats... necessarily*." - "Nothing would feel worse than it actually is" - Harper, Nationals Baseball
• "As a result of Reyes' huge contract and a weak market otherwise, trade interest in shortstops may significantly increase for teams that still have a need for one." - "Does Jose Reyes' Contract Increase Ian Desmond's Trade Value?" - Joe Drugan, The Nats Blog
• "Reports of pigs flying, snowball fights in hell, cats and dogs living in peace, and Jim Riggleman managing* a baseball team again." - "Jim Riggleman will have a blast in Pensacola, no doubt." - Nats Enquirer
• NL EAST UPDATES:
• Marlins: "So let's get to the $106 million question: Did the Marlins sign Reyes to an appropriate deal?" - "Jose Reyes Talented but Risky Bet For Marlins" - Michael Jong, Fish Stripes
• Mets: "As we've known since May, the New York Mets will listen to trade offers on David Wright. 'It only makes sense,' one source said." - "It's time for the Mets to consider deals while David Wright still has trade value" - Buster Olney, ESPN.com
• Braves: "As I said on Friday, the National League East is getting ... harder. On the eve of the Winter Meetings the Marlins made the first big move by spending as much money in signing Jose Reyes..." - "NL East Getting Crowdeder, Expensiver" - gondeee, Talking Chop
• Phillies: "This week, when the Phillies join the rest of baseball in Dallas, for the 2011 version of the winter meetings, they likely will be focusing on some in-house issues." - "Amaro taking Phillies wish list to Dallas" - David Murphy, Philadelphia Daily News
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They’re leading for Wilson. They’re not interested in Wilson.
2012 is the year. 2012 isn’t the year.
Oswalt is their top target. Buehrle is the top target. Wilson is their top target.
If I didn’t know any better, I’d say the Nats are doing a good job at making sure nobody knows what they are going to do.
by CVDTerp on Dec 5, 2011 12:19 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
:)
on Oswalt, reports are that he’s going to wait til after Wilson and Buehrle sign to see how much he can get, so anyone who speculates on him before the other two sign is probably speculating wildly.
but aren't those reports on oswalt speculation themselves?
:)
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion man
ah, he is wise, this one..
I will cite my source, and point out that this speculated strategy by Oswalt’s camp makes a ton of sense in theory.
@Joelsherman1:
Oswalt camp waiting for CJ, Buerhle to sign to see exact market, most teams see Oswalt as fallback option. #Nationals #Marlins
I know EXACTLY what they're going to do.
Whatever the most unlikely thing that still makes sense for them.
Which is: #signnoone. Except for a few bench guys.
"I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you."
-Leslie Nielsen, Airplane
Is Flores desperate to leave Nats?
adamkilgorewp: #Nats C Jesus Flores has switched agents from Scott Boras to Barry Praver, Scott Shapiro & Bart Hernandez. (Livo’s reps)
My thought: No, but he's expecting to.
"I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you."
-Leslie Nielsen, Airplane
I wouldn't say desperate......
I think he really likes the Nats; however, I would have to think he would want to go somewhere that will allow him to be the #1 guy…..he’s a competitor! I really like Flores, but I agree he is expendible in the right trade.
"Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence In All We Do" - USAF Core Values
if he was willing to gripe to the twitters about playing time, he was probably think worse to himself
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion man
by TJL on Dec 5, 2011 1:19 PM EST up reply actions
He doesn't want to be a backup catcher...
but switching agents at this point could hurt him. Boras should have a solid package on his numbers to date for the possible Arb hearing, whereas his new agents are a little soft going into the off-eason.
"Things are going great, and they're only gettin' better..." Timbuk3
In that he felt he wanted an agent that would prioritize his (Flores') interests more...
…relative to that agent’s other clients?
"I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you."
-Leslie Nielsen, Airplane
Yes, Boras is frequently represents the only the best and brightest
so he might not be focusing on a once-bright, now trying-to-come-back-from-injury catcher. I hope that Flores doesn’t leave. I think he is due for an explosion this year, and the club will be selling very low if they trade him now. That said, I would consider trading him if somebody offer a very good deal for him, but I doubt that anyone would offer such a deal.
That would seem like a decent reason to switch agents.
Can’t believe Boras is but so focused on the arbitration case of a backup catcher. It could mean a few hundred thousand dollars for the Flores family, though, so it’s got to be something he wants to get right.
Waiting to bang my drum in parades for the Nats and Caps.
Let's Go Nats!
Sign Fielder and get it over with already! Having Fielder, in my opinion, opens up a LOT of different possibilities to fill that CF hole. That would even make our beloved Morse expendible, and that pains me to say. My biggest weakness this week? STAYING OFF the internet, when I have LOTS of work to do! lol Speaking of which; Rob….aren’t you a methodologist? I could have really used some insight from you recently! lol
"Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence In All We Do" - USAF Core Values
Orioles are interested in Fielder
@SI_JonHeyman Jon Heyman
Hearing #orioles interest in fielder is angelos secret mandate. But buck llikes him and duke isn’t afraid of big stars/contracts
off topic, but Heyman is moving from Sports Illustrated to CBS Sports next week.
I hope RobBobS doesn't read Zuckerman's post.
He seems pretty much in the “not likely to sign Fielder camp”. As always, RobBobS tends to be the anti-Rizzo.
Waiting to bang my drum in parades for the Nats and Caps.
fyi
masnsports -Tim Kurkjian will be on “The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report”. Find out what moves #Orioles and #Nationals may make at the #WinterMeetings #MLB
So,
how long before the next great Marlins firesale? They just handed out 2 horrible contracts, probably won’t get much of an increase in revenue from the new stadium, and they are being investigated for fraud.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Once every five or six years,
the Marlins decide they want to try to buy a WS. I think it’s kind of like Pon Farr. Anyway, they’re about due this year.
Rob
-- In baseball we trust.
If the Florida teams have taught us anything,
its that making a run every 5 years is a terrible terrible way to build a fan base.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
And politicians
So that they can con stadiums out of them.
"I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you."
-Leslie Nielsen, Airplane
Haudricourt:
Unless a bunch of team execs are lying — which always is possible — the free-agent market for Prince Fielder appears to be shrinking.
There is a possibility that many teams are seeing where Pujols is gonna sign before going after Fielder.
Go ahead, make my day.
by ilikeburritos on Dec 5, 2011 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe, but I don't think anyone other than the Cubs, Marlins, and Cards are seriously in on Pujols.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
NationalsPR:
Mike Rizzo and Mark Lerner talk about the Nationals in the team suite at the Winter Meetings. twitpic.com/7oxv0k
That actually looks pretty good
I’ll pass on the ones with sprinkles though.
Rob
-- In baseball we trust.
washingnats:
The #Nats have not ruled out Jayson Werth starting the season as the every day center fielder. #MLB
by dc Roach on Dec 5, 2011 4:32 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
washingnats:
The #Nats have not ruled out Bryce Harper starting the 2012 season as the team’s right fielder.
by dc Roach on Dec 5, 2011 4:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
or, to put it another way..
MarkZuckerman:
Rizzo: Acquiring CF is preference but doesn’t feel forced to bec Werth can play there, a scenario that could open RF for Bryce Harper.
by dc Roach on Dec 5, 2011 4:33 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Opens up space for Cuddyer!
also, check out Severinos DWL stats. Nasty!
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=463037
MOAR SEVERINO!
While you're at it, check last year's DWL stats by Yunesky Maya.
"I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you."
-Leslie Nielsen, Airplane
How do I un-rec something
This scares me.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
Harper can start in the bigs
Werth can stay in right and Morse can stay at 1B. Laroche is a great bench guy, but a poor defensive CF is not a recipe for success and stretching out Werth increases the likelihood of injury for him.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
Bowden, we all love Bowden..
Ryan Zimmerman’s camp at CAA says their attempts at securing an extension with the Nationals have been rebuffed, reports ESPN’s Jim Bowden.
via mlbtraderumors
$@#^%#&^%$*&$&*^!!!!! Bowden
Aim for the head baby Jesus
by Doncosmic on Dec 5, 2011 4:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Glad you picked this up at mlbtraderumors
Please resist the urge to click on Bowden’s articles, the more people adhere to this policy, the sooner we won’t have to listen to him anymore.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
Fortunately, Bowden [spit!] has his stuff on ESPN Insider
which makes me safe, as I’ll pay for ESPN when shrimp learn to whistle (thank you Leo Kottke)
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
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