Wire Taps: All The Washington Nationals, Prince Fielder Rumors That Are Fit To Link.
by Patrick Reddington on Jan 4, 2012 3:55 AM EST
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• The Washington Nationals did reportedly meet with Prince Fielder and his agent when the two traveled around to meet with the MLB owners that are interested in signing the 5'11'', 275 lb, 27-year-old, seven-year veteran. Fielder entered free agency this winter with a career .282/.390/.540 slash and a 162-game average of 32 doubles and 37 HR's during his time in Milwaukee. The buzz around baseball is that Fielder is about to become a former-Brewer. Are the Mariners and Cubs still in the mix? Are the Nationals Fielder's density? I mean, destiny? In case you haven't been paying attention, here's a long list of links to catch you up on the last two days of Fielder/Nats rumors...
• THE BIG STORY!!!:
• "There is certainly a price at which you have to take a Fielder signing seriously. But it is NOWHERE close to >$200M and it's not for nine or 10 years." - "Ask Boswell about the Redskins, the Capitals and all Washington sports" - Thomas Boswell, The Washington Post
• NATS BEAT:
• "The source indicated that Nationals ownership will make the final decision on whether the club signs Fielder. It's not known how many years or how much money Washington is willing to give Fielder." - "Nats meet with Boras, in running to sign Prince" - Bill Ladson, nationals.com: News
• "Turns out there was some meat to those rumors after all. The Nationals are, indeed, in the running to sign free agent slugger Prince Fielder..." - "Nationals' interest in Fielder is real, but could affect other players, too" - Pete Kerzel, MASNSports.com
• "And until Fielder signs on the dotted line with a team, nothing will be out of the question and no doors will be completely closed to him." - "Prince Fielder and the Washington Nationals: fire up the rumor mill" - Amanda Comak, Washington Times
• "The Nationals, as currently constructed, are both in a highly advantageous position and a potentially dangerous position..." - "Looking at future payrolls" - Mark Zuckerman, NatsInsider.com
• "There are baseball reasons to avoid signing Fielder. The kind of contract Boras is pushing for, for nine or 10 years, would take Fielder into his age 37 season..." - "On Prince Fielder and the Nationals" - Adam Kilgore, Nationals Journal - The Washington Post
• "'All I can tell you is, I don't hold any grudges either way,' LaRoche said via phone on Tuesday night. "If [Fielder doesn't sign with the Nationals] and I'm the guy, I'll be out there every day and [will] do everything I possibly can.'" - "Adam LaRoche uncertain about future with Nationals" - Bill Ladson, nationals.com: News
• "An MLB official told me over the weekend that word is spreading in the industry that the Washington Nationals have emerged as a favorite to sign free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder." - "Nationals a favorite for Fielder" - Tom Haudricourt, JSOnline
• "Part of the holdup has been Seattle's pursuit of Prince Fielder, which should come to a head soon with reports that he's close to a multiyear pact with the Washington Nationals." - "Mariners in holding pattern as they pursue Prince Fielder" - Geoff Baker, Seattle Times
• "Has Prince Fielder signed a contract? No. Has Prince Fielder signed a contract with the Seattle Mariners? No." - "PRINCE FIELDER WATCH 2012" - Jeff Sullivan, Lookout Landing
• Twitter: ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick): "Scott Boras home in California today, declined comment on @washingnats report that he & Prince met w/ the Lerners in D.C."
• Twitter: ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick): "'The speculation is wide & varied,' Boras said. 'I have told all owners I would not comment on who we meet with regarding these things.''"
• "The Washington Nationals are in the running to sign free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder, according to MLB.com. The Nationals reportedly face competition from the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs in their pursuit of the coveted slugger." - "MLB notes: Darvish on tour of Texas" - Toronto Sun
• "Prince Fielder is a free agent, and he is a free agent who is going to make a lot of money. The only question now is which team is going to give it to him." - "Prince Fielder Pursued By Washington Nationals" - Jeff Sullivan, Baseball Nation
• "Adding one of baseball’s most thunderous bats would further vault the Nats toward the top of the National League East; last month..." - "NY Mets find Ruben Tejada's backup, sign SS Omar Quintanilla, who drew 50-game suspension in 2010 after testing positive for banned substance" - Andy Martino, NY Daily News
• "The Nationals are today's presumptive favorites to reel in Prince Fielder. This makes sense on a number of levels..." - "Prince Fielder Could Be A Washington National This Season, And Other News Around The Hot Stove" - DEADSPIN
• "I've seen speculation that the longer the Fielder negotiations drag out, the more it's indicative that the market for him has dried up, or agent Scott Boras can't find the deal he wants." - "The Hot Stone League: January deals nothing new for Scott Boras" - Larry Stone, Seattle Times Newspaper
• "It is believed that Nats are competing with the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs for Prince..." - "Nats Meet With Boras, Possible Favorites For Prince Fielder" - CBS Washington
• "Having the ability to lock up the biggest name remaining on the free-agent market, however, doesn't always lead to actually acquiring said player." - "Addressing the Fielder rumors" - Mark Zuckerman, NatsInsider.com
• "[Prince] Fielder would fit nicely in a Washington uniform - well, as long as he's not insisting on beating the 10-year, $254 million deal Albert Pujols squeezed out of Angels owner Arte Moreno last month." - "Fielder chatter is becoming more difficult to ignore (updated with Nats in running)" - Pete Kerzel, MASNSports.com
• "The Prince Fielder sweepstakes continues to be arguably the most fascinating thing going on in baseball right now, and slowly but surely it seems like we're getting closer to seeing a conclusion." - "Prince Fielder Rumors: Nationals Meet With Boras, Opt-Out Clause Possible" - Satchel Price, MLB Daily Dish
• Your Daily Message From The Dalai Lama On Twitter (@DalaiLama): "While revenge weakens society, forgiveness gives it strength." -
• OTHER NATS STUFF:
• Liga Venezuela Beisbol Profesional: La Guaira 11, Zulia 5 - Carlos Maldonado (ZUL) - 1 for 3, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB - Box Score.
• Liga Venezuela Beisbol Profesional: Magallanes 0, Caribes 3 - Jesus Flores (MAG) - 0 for 3, 1 BB, 1 K - Box Score.
• Liga de Beisbol Dominicano: Escogido 2, Licey 1 - Jhonatan Solano (LIC) - 0 for 4, 2 K's - Box Score.
• Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico: Caguas 5, Ponce 4 - Hassan Pena (PON) - (L, 3-2), 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR - Box Score.
• "With the heavy hitters during the 'Steroid Era' now making their way onto the ballots, it causes the electorate that much more angst. But really, it’s pretty simple if you boil it down to its most elemental terms." - "If I had a Hall of Fame vote…" - Dave Nichols, District Sports Page
• "The Nationals believe in [Matt] LeCroy so much that they gave him the keys to teaching the best of their best talent next season." - "LeCroy thrilled with new challenge at Double-A Harrisburg" - Byron Kerr, MASNSports.com
• NL EAST UPDATES:
• Marlins: "All is still not settled between Hanley Ramirez and the Miami Marlins." - "Hanley Ramirez’s stance remains unchanged, according to one source — he has a strong preference to remain at shortstop, but will handle the matter professionally." - Ken Rosenthal, FOX Sports on MSN
• Braves: "Making the Hall of Fame should be a rare thing, but for guys that are on the bubble the arguments for and against induction go on and on." - "No Hall Of Fame Momentum For Dale Murphy "- gondeee, Talking Chop
• Mets: "Things are never so bad that you can't imagine them being any worse, which I suppose is what keeps me from digging a trench to lay down in whenever I contemplate the 2012 Mets." - "How Bad Will The Mets Be In 2012?" - Eric Simon, Amazin' Avenue
• Phillies: "So [Ryan] Madson, the former Phillies reliever, looks like the biggest loser of free agency as the calendar turns to 2012." - "Inside the Phillies: Former Phillie Ryan Madson is still unsigned" - Matt Gelb, Philadelphia Inquirer
• Marlins: Twitter: Clark Spencer, Miami Herald (@clarkspencer): "The Marlins have agreed with Greg Dobbs on a 2-year deal."
• Ned? Ned Ryerson? Joe? Joe Posnanski?: "It’s all well and good to say that the next three baseball Hall of Fame ballots will be 'unprecedented.' I’ve written that a few times, and it sounds good." - "The Future (and Past) of the HOF" - Joe Posnanski, SI.com
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9 or 10 years...
…seems preposterous, even considering negotiation leverage. It’s interesting (not surprising) that Boras thinks Fielder deserves as much or more money than Albert Pujols. Kilgore and Boswell are kind of stating the obvious.
Best news I’ve heard from Bos lately was the removal of the stone yard behind home plate this year. I haven’t been down to the Navy Yard since September and I’m excited to see how the area changes in the coming years. What we need down that way is a Nats bar to hang out on before/after games, although Duffy’s up on U Street by the 9:30 Club is pretty Nats friendly.
Long time lurker, Patrick. You are one of my few remaining daily blog touchstones, hands down the best source for Nats info. Thank you for your great work.
by anthonyfrancis on Jan 4, 2012 9:26 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Duffys..
Never been to Duffys…good bar to go to before Nats games? How far is 9:30 club from Nats Park..I have been to both numerous times but never had to really navigate from one to the other.
Good food, very laid back
Last year they ran a promo that gave discounts to fans wearing Nats gear. If I remember correctly, they broadcast games on Sundays with sound and offered specials. I would expect the same this year. Andrew Duffy, the owner, has a Nats fan group on Facebook I believe. I don’t have a link because I offed my Facebook account earlier this year, but he posts on there fairly regularly.
It’s off the U street metro. Driving, it’s more or less a straight shot up through the city from the Navy Yard: http://www.duffysdc.com/Blank.html
by anthonyfrancis on Jan 4, 2012 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
A good Nats bar
…should be closer to Nats Park. Within reasonable walking distance anyway.
Rob
--"Well my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." -- Mal Reynolds
by RobBobS on Jan 4, 2012 12:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Whaaaa? That area is just beginning to be developed, and I am sure that there will be an establishment nearby in the near future.
But the parking garage that blocks the view of the Capitol is teh awsum
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 4, 2012 5:09 PM EST up reply actions
yaaaaaaaa
that was ridiculous. you open up left field only to have a parking lot there.
???
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!
Near Nats Park
Barracks row has lots of restaurants and bars . It is five blocks along 8th Street north of the Washington Navy Yard (M Street, S.E) http://www.barracksrow.org/. It is walkable from the ball park. They ran shuttles to and from the ball park in past years.
There is an opportunity to much to the area around Nats park. Many of the office building have retail space at street level figure someone will invest in one. I got to believe something interesting will go in some of them.
One place open last year was Justins cafe. It is a few block north of the ball park at (First and L)
1025 1st St SE, Washington DC 20003. It is small place.
There is a restaurant and bar in the Courtyard by Marriott at New Jersey and L
Spent a great night over there
Me, my wife and another couple spent an evening over there. Unfortunately, their kid forced us (through much whining and red faced bawling) into one of the more bland places along there, but I’m looking forward to going back. The firehouse on one end and barracks on the other is awesome.
by anthonyfrancis on Jan 4, 2012 9:50 PM EST up reply actions
I really hope that you are just joking.
The perfect place for a Nats bar would be where the gravel company is.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Just Checked....
According to the DC Yards website, the following establishments are opening next year.
Opening Early 2012:
Kruba Thai & Sushi
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Opening Fall 2012:
Austin Grill Express
brb — be right burger™
Buzz Bakery
Craft Brewery by Neighborhood Restaurant Group
Huey’s 24/7 Diner
Willie’s Brew & Que
I don’t know how old that info is, but they also report a Harris Teeter is coming. If not for the economic problems over the past few years, that area might have already been developed nicely.
BITD, the chief draw of that area was "Tracks"
…which was the name of the biggest bar down there. Yeah, you figure it out. And it was big. Strip joints, gay leather bars, etc. Very domestic little scene. God knows I loves me some Nats, and anybody opens a decent bar close by, I’m there – but I will not hold my breath.
"I can go to my left or right, I am amphibious." - Charles Shackelford
I remember that area well…..just like the area around where the Verizon Center is now, it was a dump. The ballpark is the reason that the area will eventually be a beautiful area to visit, shop and live. “Tracks” however, did have a huge alternative draw…..that place was always packed.
by sullyzz on Jan 4, 2012 11:25 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hey don't knock Tracks unless you'd been there!
I went to Tracks a couple of times, it was a lot of fun. Although admittedly rather ostentatious, even the most outlandish types tended to be perfectly OK the rest of us, as long as we are OK with them. Although you wanted to get parking as close to the club as possible, because the neighborhood was terrible in those days.
I miss Tracks, but I do regard the ballpark as an improvement :-)
The funny thing is, I do not recall exactly “where” Tracks was actually located back then! And I had been there myself on several occasions with military friends, back when I was still on active duty. But yeah…..that neighborhood was in pretty bad shape. I wonder what is going to be built on the lot of the old Metro Bus Garage? They have been using it for the “Truck-A-Roo” which is pretty fun…..great food on those trucks! That has to be very high dollar property now…..right across the street from the Navy Yard Station, and only a couple blocks from the Stadium…..oh yeah.
A friend of ours still bemoans the loss
but then, he’s not much of a baseball fan.
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
Duffy's
Hey guys we’re one block from the East entrance to the U Street metro on the green line. A lot of people park their cars up here and metro down (5 stops). We show all the Nats games and have sound on occasionally, those games with sound are announced on our Nats facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/225794074110934/ . We do also offer discounts pre and post game for Nats fans. Please feel free to join our FB group and suggest to others.
Hope to see you soon!
Andy Duffy
thanks, anthonyfrancis.
Definitely good news about them building up the area around Nats Park. Thanks for joining the conversation.
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 4, 2012 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Back to the rumors...
…before all this craziness started I didn’t really care if we got Fielder. Now I’m going to be very disappointed if we don’t.
Question?
Whats more tiring?
The actual usage of steroids?
Or the endless debate by HOF voters and their persistence to “honor thy vote”?
I think writers should be ousted entirely from the process.
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!
That's kind of my point
voters shouldn’t isolate players suspected of PEDs when there’s no way to determine who amongst their peers were also using. they were the greatest players of that era, the era being what it was. they elected all the amphetamine users. they elected players that stayed home from the war(s). they elected spitballers and scuffers and all manners of cheaters. they were all the best players of their eras.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com
"Nobody’s got a monopoly on good writing, or the facts. If you can come up with one or the other or (ideally) both, you’re in the club." --Rob Neyer, Feb. 2, 2011
by Dave at District Sports Page on Jan 4, 2012 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
Best Case Scenario
and I hope…
is that the “users” hang on the ballot long enough to get in.
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!
Does dishonesty factor into your reasoning?
I can’t speak with enough knowledge of other era’s but to me there’s a difference between Jose “Yeah, I did it” Conseco and Roger “I just used Vioxx” Clemens. Coming clean matters
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion man
to me no
because there are still hundreds of players that never said anything. so are they dishonest? so who do we choose to believe? And who actually used steroids? Just those who tested positive? But did Clemens test positive? Do we believe some trainer who held onto needles out of spite?
Too many unknowns so everyone should just let it go.
to me its ridiclous that the writers feel the need to hold up to a pledge when they make terrible votes regardless. Like keep Larry Walker out because he played at Coors? So does that mean no player from Colorado can make it to the HOF? What do HOF numbers in Colorado look like?
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!
I just hope St. Peter isn't a member of BBWAA
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!
Agree, sort of.
You’re right that there are hundreds of players who used who were never caught and there’s no way to know because while everyone says Bagwell used, he was never caught or implicated in anything, but he was/is a big guy. Marvin Benard was in fact caught and even admitted it in open court, but if not for that would anyone have guessed that a little guy like Benard or FP Santangelo juiced? Of course not, so vote based on the era.
That being said, to me McGwire, Palmeiro and Larry Walker don’t belong in the HOF. McGwire was rarely healthy for a whole year even with steroids and his numbers aren’t as good as many of his peers. Palmeiro stayed healthy and was an above average player for a long time, but he was never great. Walker was great in spurts, but he was just hurt too much and yes hitting in Coors Field before the humidor hurts his candidacy, because there is analysis that shows that everyone who hit there during that time was helped and for a fringe HOF guy like Walker that pushes him too far the other way to get in.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
Palmeiro is a sure fire HOFer statistically
Look at Palmeiro’s stats. Beyond hitting 3,000 hits, and 569 HRs. 10 seasons at 35 Hr’s or more. 47 a few times. He was never the “best” 1b in the league. But was better than all of them in his era for the 20 years.
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!
I think that you make the Hall of Fame too restrictive
McGwire played full seasons 10/15 career years. I’m not sure if he was injured or just old in 2000 and 2001. The guy has a bWAR of 63.1. I’m pretty sure the average HOF career is like 50 something. Plus, McGwire was huge during his time. If we are putting aside steriods, because have excused a number of other systemic problems like amphetmine users, racists, etc. There really isn’t a reason to exclude McGuire.
Idk guys..
I’m getting less optimistic of the Nats signing him as this process prolongs..it reminds me of when everyone said Julius Peppers is signing with the Redskins and everything blew up and he joined the Bears..?
by Sportzxpert on Jan 4, 2012 11:47 AM EST via Android app reply actions
Unfair Comparison
Football free agency and MLB free agency are completely unfair to compare. NFL is operating on a salary cap, MLB isn’t. Also, Snyder isn’t involved in any negotiations with Fielder (I hope).
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
I guess it was Boswell who said January 18th is an important date
because that’s when we find out whether the Rangers will sign Darvish. And if they don’t, they become a major bidder for Fielder.
If I’m Boras (and oh how my bank account wishes I were), and I’m looking for a better market than there is now, what’s to lose by waiting to see if the Rangers want in?
So I guess that’s by way of saying that the lack of a Fielder signing NOW doesn’t portend anything other than the fact that Boras wants to get the best deal for Fielder, something which has always been true.
If you don't eat your meat, you can't have any pudding! How can you have any pudding if you don't eat your meat?!
For once I completely agree with Bos.
Thomas Boswell
Columnist
Prince Fielder’s price is not right for Nationals right now
And when they do not sign him, Bos will write another article saying the owners are cheap, and that the O’s are great.
he'll never say the o's are great
the guy despises angelos.
he always references the stories of Angelos and how they keep coming out. I want to hear some of them for once.
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!
I don’t remember the date, but I believe it was last season that he wrote a pretty disgusting and disparaging article that talked about how much better and further along the O’s were as compared to the Nats. I guess he just hates owners in general. I still don’t see his comments and opinions any better than, or more insightful, than an ordinary fan; I’d expect more from a major columnist. I’m not saying he does a bad job for the Burgundy/Gold, because I do not read articles about the Burgundy/Gold….maybe he does much better for them.
Before last season he wrote that he thought the Orioles would be better in 2011, but that the Nationals had the brighter future
I can see why he thought that; the Orioles had come off a late 2010 run under Showalter that was pretty impressive, and they had a bunch of young pitching (Britton, Arrietta, Tillman, Matusz, Bergeson) that were well regarded. Other than an innings-limited (and essentially unknown given his up & down performance coming off of rehab in 2010) Zimmermann, the Nationals were starting Livo, Marquis, Lannan and Gorzelanny. But even in the discussion where he said that, he thought that the Nationals were better run and had the better future.
Yeah I disagree with Boswell at times
But having read other major columnists like Ray Fatto Ratto in the Bay Area and Skip Bayless in Dallas I don’t think many of these Regional “major columnists” are that great. If they were, ESPN or Yahoo! would have snatched them up. That being said Grant “G-Briz” Brisbee and Jeff “I write all of Brisbee’s stuff for him” Sullivan are probably two of the best out there as it pertains to baseball.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
Apropos of nothing
I just thought I’d share a little tidbit I heard on MLB radio over the weekend. A Marlins fan (yes, they DO exist) called in and was discussing the fate of Hanley (spit)™ Ramirez if he decides to reject being moved to third base on account of Jose Reyes. He said that in such a situation, the Marlins ought to consider moving him for “a Ryan Zimmerman.”
I almost drove off the road.
Rob
--"Well my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." -- Mal Reynolds
by RobBobS on Jan 4, 2012 2:01 PM EST via mobile reply actions
One of the sportswriters….heck, maybe it was Bowden…..I don’t remember which, mentioned the same thing. I don’t remember the exact wording, but it had something to do with the Nats needing to trade Zim for Ramirez. Quite nauseating!
It does seem disgusting...
it would allow Rendon to play third and Hanley to play SS. Of course his defense sucks and his attitude does too. We would be getting totally ripped off in a deal like that.
I would rather bring Doug Slaten back than trade Zimm
Ryan Zimmerman is the face of DC baseball, and should not be traded for a self centered, terrible defending SS. Didnt we dump Milledge and cut Dukes for a reason
MOAR SEVERINO!
I can deal with certain things
But I have a hard time dealing with WALKS! What is Rizzo’s fascination with guys who walk people?
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!
The hope that they'll stop walking people?
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
It's never not funny
…when during game threads, Patrick consoles us by noting that those leadoff walks rarely come back to haunt us.
Rob
--"Well my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." -- Mal Reynolds
by RobBobS on Jan 4, 2012 2:57 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Like "Natinals" jokes...
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 4, 2012 3:03 PM EST up reply actions
Because if they learn to throw it over the plate they will usualy be good
and most MiLB FA’s have a more limited celing
MOAR SEVERINO!
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