Washington Nationals Trade Nyjer Morgan To Milwaukee Brewers For INF/OF Cutter Dykstra.
by Patrick Reddington on Mar 27, 2011 10:20 AM EDT
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185 games, 789 plate appearances, 26 doubles, 58 stolen bases and 24 caught stealings after Washington Nationals' General Manager Mike Rizzo declared, "We have our center fielder," in a 6/30/09 article by MLB.com's Bill Ladson entitled, "Nats get Morgan, Burnett in swap with Bucs", upon acquiring a then-29-year-old Nyjer Morgan from the Pirates, the Nats have announced a deal that sends Morgan to the Milwaukee Brewers.
@NationalsPR: "Nationals acquire INF Cutter Dykstra and cash considerations from Brewers in exchange for CF Nyjer Morgan.
The Nationals acquired Morgan from Pittsburgh in a four-player deal that sent OF Lastings Milledge and RHP Joel Hanrahan to the Pirates for Morgan and left-handed reliever Sean Burnett. Morgan was described by the then-interim GM, Mr. Rizzo, as a, "...speed-type of player that can play above-average defense for us in center field, give us a top-of-the-lineup bat that can create a little havoc on the basepaths and get you a stolen base when you need it," as he said in an AP article at the time at ESPN.com.
A season-ending injury ended Morgan's strong start in the nation's capital in late August '09, and a disappointing 2010 campaign which was followed by a Spring Training in which the outfielder struggled early before showing some signs of improvement at the plate, the Nationals made the decision to go with veteran Rick Ankiel in center to start the 2011 season, and in Morgan's mind, the decision made him expendable and effectively ended his time in D.C., as he told MLB.com's Bill Ladson (@washingnats) late last week (as quoted on Twitter):
"'I'm a realist. I'm not going to sit here and be like, 'Oh, no. I want to finish my career here.’ I just think this place isn’t for me. I’m not saying there are bad people here. It’s just that, maybe, I’m not a fit here anymore. It’s time to move on.'"
Morgan apparently read the situation correctly. The Nats send the 30-year-old, four-year MLB veteran to the Brewers in exchange for the son of former Major Leaguer Lenny Dykstra, Cutter Dykstra. Dykstra is a 21-year-old '08 2nd Round pick by Milwaukee who's put up a .274/.374/.383 slash line in 238 games and 970 plate appearancess at Rookie and A-ball in the Brewers' system. Here's what the Nationals' press release has to say about Dykstra:
"Dykstra ranked fourth in the Single-A Midwest League with a .416 on-base percentage and .312 batting average last season while playing for Wisconsin. The 21-year-old scored 66 runs and posted 10 doubles, five triples, five home runs, 39 RBI and 27 stolen bases in 100 games for the Timber Rattlers.
"Dykstra was selected by Milwaukee in the second round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft and has a .374 on-base percentage with 49 stolen bases in three minor-league seasons. Recently tabbed the eighth-best prospect in the Brewers organization by Hardballtimes, Dykstra was rated the second-best prospect in the Single-A Pioneer League and seventh-best Brewers prospect by industry-insider Baseball America following the 2008 season."
The Nyjer Morgan era in Washington, D.C. is officially over. How long will the Rick Ankiel era last?
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Better than a bag of balls in return for Nyjer...
Good for Rizzo. Lesson? Never trust what GMs say publicly. In-house options….hooey.
Mixed feelings
Hi guys. My first post but I’ve been lurking for some time.
I’m not sad to see Morgan go after last season. However, I don’t think Ankiel is the answer in CF as I don’t think he’ll stay healthy for very long. I also don’t like our options in the leadoff spot. I like Desmond but I don’t think he has the speed and the necessary ability to get on base for the job. We’ll see.
I agree on Ankiel, as much as the Nats say they love his defense...
He’s oft-injured and underwhelming even when healthy. Don’t know how long he lasts as the everyday CFer or what the Nats will do if he’s injured or unsuccessful. Bernadina and Hairston platoon? Actually play Werth in center as they threatene…I mean mentioned.
Nyjer Morgan wasn’t getting it done then he went out and sealed the deal by publically saying it might be better for if he went somewhere else.
No big surprise.
eMb
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 Mar 27, 2011 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
I know there are a couple 1Bs becoming FAs next year. I wonder about CFers.
I think what they have now is to get through the season and get a real solution for when Strasburg is back in 2012. Plus Ankiel and Hairston, from what I read, they are pleasant to be around.
via mlbtraderumors free agent tracker
Center fielders
Carlos Beltran (35)
Willie Bloomquist (34) – mutual option
Mike Cameron (39)
Coco Crisp (32)
David DeJesus (32)
Jody Gerut (34)
Scott Hairston (32)
Andruw Jones (35)
Nate McLouth (30) – $10.65MM club option with a $1.25MM buyout
Cody Ross (31)
Grady Sizemore (29) – $8.5MM club option with a $500K buyout
Dewayne Wise (34)
UGH
Thanks for the list. Sizemore’s only 29? Wow.
I guess it’ll take a trade or an in-house solution.
Thanks for the list.
Is DeJesus really a legit centerfielder?
Souldrummer twitters at @souldrummer25
"Derek Norris walks." - Gameday. 'Nuff said. Souldrummer is all in for Derek Norris. Friend of Nationalsprospects.com
Sizemore has been injured a lot recently
He’s an All-Star player when healthy but it’s been a long time since he’s been healthy. I don’t think he would be a good long-term solution. Kind of like having another Nick Johnson. Great potential but useless if he can’t even get onto the field.
-------------------------------------------------
"Save it. I'm goin' for a smoothie."
The Washington Nationals, the team of the 2010s!
Addition By Subtraction
I’m glad Mike Rizzo got this done before opening day. The negatives with Nyjer Morgan far outweigh what he brings to the table in my opinion. He was solid for 2 months after the trade with the Pirates a year and a half ago, but nothing much since. I’m not a big fan of the Ankiel and Harriston platoon, but I will take them over another year of watching Nyjer Morgan and his antics.
I would have liked to see the team give Roger Bernadina an extended look in CF to see if he could put it all together and be part of the teams future. Could you imagine the problems with Morgan sitting on the bench and watching Ankiel play in his spot? This really is a case of addition by subtraction.
Once
Ankiel was named the starter yes Nyjer had to go…….But why is Ankiel the starter? ………
Got to be honest……Hope both Morgan and DUNN had career years…….
Ankiel was never intended to be "the answer," but will do for now
…meanwhile, there’s this kid playing A-ball in Gaithersburg. Understand Rizzo’s pretty high on him.
"Are you smoking this shit so's to escape from reality? Me, I don't need this shit. I am reality. That's the way it ought to be, and that's the way it is."
- SSG Barnes
Eury Perez?
You guys. You lollygag the ball around the infield. You lollygag your way down to first. You lollygag in and out of the dugout. You know what that makes you? Larry!
my bad...Hagerstown
"Are you smoking this shit so's to escape from reality? Me, I don't need this shit. I am reality. That's the way it ought to be, and that's the way it is."
- SSG Barnes
Perez will start at Potomac this year.
Souldrummer twitters at @souldrummer25
"Derek Norris walks." - Gameday. 'Nuff said. Souldrummer is all in for Derek Norris. Friend of Nationalsprospects.com
I have my doubts about Harper sticking in CF
It would certainly seem that he has the athleticism, but I think he has a big enough frame that a move to a corner spot will be better for both him and the Nats long-term. He’ll certainly be at less risk for injury in a corner spot, and the fact of the matter is that he won’t have to focus as much effort on his glove if he’s in RF (with Werth moving to LF as he ages) and can focus more on being the basher that the Nats will need.
In house options down the line pretty much consist of Corey Brown (don’t think so) and Eury Perez (not in the near future). Ankiel’s job isn’t to be a long-term answer. It’s to be a stopgap. In terms of the list noted above with the FA class in CF, I’d actually get pretty excited about Sizemore as a possible FA pickup coming back to the organization that drafted him. We’ll see how healthy he is this season.
by bluelineswinger on Mar 27, 2011 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the tendency to accept him as a pure offensive player is wrong
If he has the ability to be a complete player (a’la Ken Griffey Jr) then it would serve the Nationals best to let him be that player. Yes, there’s some risk, but it’s not a huge risk, and the potential payoff makes it definitely worth it.
Rob
-- Thank you for using real words!
Not an Ankiel guy either.
It’s a transitional year, though, and I don’t have a problem with him holding the first spot in the likely revolving door. You hope that we could deal one of the veteran pitchers for an upgrade over Ankiel at some point. Jason Marquis you are on notice.
Souldrummer twitters at @souldrummer25
"Derek Norris walks." - Gameday. 'Nuff said. Souldrummer is all in for Derek Norris. Friend of Nationalsprospects.com
addition by subtraction
as much as Nyjer tantalized us with his talents, the guy just does not have the temperament to make it in the major leagues… though I hope that he proves us wrong. the nats will be better in 2011 because they won’t be trotting out that guy in their lineup. he was terrible hitting lead off and the few times he did get on base he ran into outs.
love the trade. a mid-range prospect for a guy everyone knew we had to get rid of. nice work, Rizzo.
by mrs. nook logan on Mar 27, 2011 10:41 AM EDT reply actions
Yeah, to get something of value for him is good.
To be prepared with backup options this year is also good. Ankiel, Bernadina, Werth, and Hairston are all guys who should make the roster who won’t totally embarass themselves in CF.
Souldrummer twitters at @souldrummer25
"Derek Norris walks." - Gameday. 'Nuff said. Souldrummer is all in for Derek Norris. Friend of Nationalsprospects.com
MLB.com's Bill Ladson on Twitter:
“I just learned the #Athletics, #Astros, #Padres and #Braves have serious interest in Alberto Gonzalez. I’ll have more on MLB.com.”
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 Mar 27, 2011 11:04 AM EDT reply actions
Carlos Gonzalez
Former A.
Dan Haren, former A.
…Thats without looking. Billy Beane’s reputation is greater than deserved. Certainly is a creative GM, but has given up players in his time.
You guys. You lollygag the ball around the infield. You lollygag your way down to first. You lollygag in and out of the dugout. You know what that makes you? Larry!
Were they near their walk years?
For salary relief, it’s certainly different. I considered adding that to my comment but didn’t.
Oddly enough
Haren was traded FOR Carlos Gonzalez
If I were Ryan Braun, I'd be really excited to be Ryan Braun, too.
Tim Hudson
Barry Zito…ok ’til his arm went dead
Mike Mulder
Though except for Hudson, these 3 were never than when they were pitching together for Oakland.
"Baseball is a game played by the dexterous but only understood by the POIN-dexterous."
Professor Frink (from MoneyBart Episode )
by MissB on Mar 27, 2011 12:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
were never better than when they were
Together in Oakland.
"Baseball is a game played by the dexterous but only understood by the POIN-dexterous."
Professor Frink (from MoneyBart Episode )
by MissB on Mar 27, 2011 12:44 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Hudson, Mulder, and Zito seem to all be guys they had to move as they became expensive in their arb years.
Souldrummer twitters at @souldrummer25
"Derek Norris walks." - Gameday. 'Nuff said. Souldrummer is all in for Derek Norris. Friend of Nationalsprospects.com
Rizzo points to bench
You have to love the way Rizzo is patiently and steadily filling the clubhouse with good attitudes (not that I really have any idea what the players think). After last season, T-Plush and Gonzo were those with behavioral complaints filed against them. Rizzo doesn’t make an example of them or let anybody think he’s under pressure to sell low, just finds the right time to let them go and see what he can get in return.
I’ll be quite happy if Nyjer has a great career from here on out, and I promise not to wish he were still around. Same would go for Gonzo.
You hope we get something out of that as well.
Seems to me that people would trust be trying to acquire him before he becomes he has more leverage after a possible DFA.
Souldrummer twitters at @souldrummer25
"Derek Norris walks." - Gameday. 'Nuff said. Souldrummer is all in for Derek Norris. Friend of Nationalsprospects.com
Baseball and Personnel
Who would have imagined in 2009 that Sean Burnett would be the so much more valuable than Nyger in that trade? Good for Rizzo that he did not stick with Nyger because he got him in his first trade but let him go when he had better options. The Nats outfield this year is far better than it has ever been even with uncertainty in center. We have adequate options with Ankiel, Bernie and Hairiston. Let’s see how this plays out over the season. As for Nyger, he really needed a new chance somewhere else. He may find his fit with the Brewers. If he performs anywhere near the level he did in Washington at the end of 2009, they will love him.
This trade may cure him of his delusions of being a top flight CF starter.
I’ll root for the guy because he seems to be genuinely nice to fans. On the other hand, his brand of fundamentally unsound baseball was becoming unwatchable.
Souldrummer twitters at @souldrummer25
"Derek Norris walks." - Gameday. 'Nuff said. Souldrummer is all in for Derek Norris. Friend of Nationalsprospects.com
sigh
So much potential shown in that one glorious month. Fare thee well, nyjer.
I hate the [expletive] Phillies.
Not the Answer
Ankiel is not the answer. Career .248 hitter. Hit .210 last year. Injuries. And Hairston is a career journeyman, too. Better to play Bernadina. He’s got a good enough CF glove, speed and youthful upside. He’ll never learn to hit lefties better unless he plays.
As far as leadoff goes, that is a problem. Neither Bernadina nor Ankiel answer that one. Maybe try Espinosa or Desmond.
Pretty much assumed, but Riggleman also announced this morning that Desmond would be hitting leadoff to start the season...
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 Mar 27, 2011 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Did he clear that with Rizzo first?
"Are you smoking this shit so's to escape from reality? Me, I don't need this shit. I am reality. That's the way it ought to be, and that's the way it is."
- SSG Barnes
or did he clear that with Boras yet?
You guys. You lollygag the ball around the infield. You lollygag your way down to first. You lollygag in and out of the dugout. You know what that makes you? Larry!
Boras...love it
"Are you smoking this shit so's to escape from reality? Me, I don't need this shit. I am reality. That's the way it ought to be, and that's the way it is."
- SSG Barnes
I think they don't want to put that much pressure on him in his rookie year
That’s why they are going with Desmond for now.
Espinosa?
I don’t see Espinosa ever hitting at the top of the order. My initial impression of him is that his main value is in defense and in slugging. The guy never gets cheated at the plate/takes a mean hack. Could be wrong, could totally develop as a player.
Love the guy though.
You guys. You lollygag the ball around the infield. You lollygag your way down to first. You lollygag in and out of the dugout. You know what that makes you? Larry!
Espinosa has nothing in his minor league numbers to show that he can get on base consistently.
Souldrummer twitters at @souldrummer25
"Derek Norris walks." - Gameday. 'Nuff said. Souldrummer is all in for Derek Norris. Friend of Nationalsprospects.com
...the FNG speaks wisdom
"Are you smoking this shit so's to escape from reality? Me, I don't need this shit. I am reality. That's the way it ought to be, and that's the way it is."
- SSG Barnes
Bernadina does not have that good a glove in CF.
Souldrummer twitters at @souldrummer25
"Derek Norris walks." - Gameday. 'Nuff said. Souldrummer is all in for Derek Norris. Friend of Nationalsprospects.com
Won't miss Nyjer
Just hope that thet can have a decent CF in 2012, when we are contending (?).
by Slaentbjorn on Mar 27, 2011 11:49 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Man, eventualy in AAA we could have Cutter Dykstra, Boomer Whiting, and Atahualpa Severino
Good luck to Morgan in Milwaukee
Cutter Dykstra is a long way away me thinks.
Boomer Whiting is not really a prospect, although his agent must be pleased as punch with this move. If he can have a strong start at Syracuse and some injuries occur he has a greater shot at a cup of coffee in the bigs. He got a cup of coffee at Syracuse and stretched that into a full time roster spot.
Souldrummer twitters at @souldrummer25
"Derek Norris walks." - Gameday. 'Nuff said. Souldrummer is all in for Derek Norris. Friend of Nationalsprospects.com
But, how sweet would it be to have guys with names like that, all on one team
I have a feeling Dykstra will be at A+ next year.
They change their names - or their agents and parents do.
Remember when Joe Thiesmann became Theismann, to rhyme with Heismann? Happens all the time now. Buncha’ shit, but it happens.
"Are you smoking this shit so's to escape from reality? Me, I don't need this shit. I am reality. That's the way it ought to be, and that's the way it is."
- SSG Barnes
me thinks that that anyone that uses “me thinks” should be banned from this site from here on out…
just me thinking…
by PerryMason on Mar 28, 2011 7:44 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Mr. Rizzo,
Please feel free to resume pointing at your head.
Signed,
A relieved fan
Rob
-- Thank you for using real words!
I, too, am a relieved fan
we don’t need more of our guys plunked because another team
thinks Nyjer tried to run into one of their players on purpose
Guess I got my games played projection for Morgan correct.
I think it is best that he move on. I agree with most here though that Bernie needs the shot in CF since he has upside and this is a building year.
"I was a victim of a series of accidents. As are we all."
---Malachi Constant
by The Herndon Kid on Mar 27, 2011 12:28 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Good luck to Nyjer...hope things work out
With his new team.
I am relieved we won’t have to watch him every day. Hope Ankiel can stay healthy…and that Hairston, Jr and The Shark complete the platoon for CF with decent WAR.
(Is that too much to ask or hope for?)
"Baseball is a game played by the dexterous but only understood by the POIN-dexterous."
Professor Frink (from MoneyBart Episode )
by MissB on Mar 27, 2011 12:32 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Regardless of how Dykstra works out...
I agree with the earlier comment, this is addition by subtraction for the Nats. While Nyger has and will show flashes of brilliance I think it is in his DNA to make mental mistakes both in the OF and base running. Add a weak throwing arm and lack of plate discipline brings me to the conclusion that the Nats do not need him in the picture for the CF competition. I favor Bernie there since I tend to discount the idea that a decent left fielder cannot do a credible job in CF, esp. with his obvious physical skills.
My first reaction: Lenny Dykstra has a kid playing ball?
My second reaction: Lenny Dykstra is still walking around a free man? I figured he’d be doing 10 – 20 by now, at a minimum.
"Are you smoking this shit so's to escape from reality? Me, I don't need this shit. I am reality. That's the way it ought to be, and that's the way it is."
- SSG Barnes
He's still got a shot
In addition to the financial shenanigans, I understand he’s recently been indicted for sexual assault.
And I read somewhere recently...
That Cutter gave Dad his signing bonus. I guess it’s nice he loves his Dad (or perhaps he’s gullible), but if Lenny were my father, I be telling him “My money, go scam someone else.”
"Pinky, are you pondering what I'm pondering?"--The Brain
by brook on Mar 27, 2011 4:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Good luck to Morgan
I want Bernie to take that CF spot now but we’ll see. I don’t see any upside with Ankiel at all..
Roger Bernadina For LF!
Ankiel
Let be official.
I’m the unofficial President od the Rick Ankiel fan club!
by PerryMason on Mar 27, 2011 4:26 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Make Espinosa the leadoff man
He’s young and can adapt. He’s got the skills and would be better than Desmond, I think. Who cares if he’s young. What kind of pressure is really going to be on him? This is the Nats. Do it and see. He may be amazing. If not, move him out and try someone else.
He's worse at getting on base that Desmond, but has more power.
Why would you want that at leadoff?
Aim for the head baby Jesus
2009 Morgan-Milledge trade was a wash
So it looks like neither team made out from the Nyjer Morgan-Lastings Milledge trade (counting the pitchers separately). Morgan no longer plays for the Nats and Milledge no longer plays for the Pirates. Milledge was very underwhelming last year: 379 AB, .277/.332/.380, 5 SB and 3 CS, and just 4 HR.
The Nats picked up Sean Burnett in that deal so it’s still a definite positive, especially now that Morgan has been traded. Hanrahan has done better in Pittsburgh, but he’s still not a reliable closer: 6 saves, 4 blown saves in 2010. I don’t think he would have figured it out in D.C. for whatever reason. So the Nats didn’t lose much by trading him back then.
-------------------------------------------------
"Save it. I'm goin' for a smoothie."
The Washington Nationals, the team of the 2010s!
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