Wire Taps: Washington Nationals Weekend In Review. Six Days Until Pitchers And Catchers Report...
by Patrick Reddington on Feb 13, 2012 11:10 AM EST
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Print• Almost There: With just six days until pitchers and catchers report (Feb.19), it's almost time to get ready to get ready for the 2012 campaign. There aren't many roster spots open this Spring for the Nats, but there are some things to be decided in Spring Training. Who will win the utility infield job? How will the Opening Day outfield be configured? Is this Bryce Harper kid for real? We haven't heard much about him this winter, do you think he has a chance at making the Opening Day roster? We might discuss this a little more in the next week, since the topic hasn't been getting the press it should...Which five starters will begin the season in the rotation? Will John Lannan get dealt this Spring? This weekend at Federal Baseball we listened back to Brad Lidge's interview on MLB Network Radio and heard what he had to say about his former Phillies teammate Jayson Werth. We also looked at the objectives that have to be met by the city of Winchester, Virginia if they're going to lure the Nats' Low-A affiliate away from Hagerstown, and went over ESPN.com's Keith Law's list of the Washington Nationals' Top Prospects. Here's what others around NatsTown were talking about this weekend...Links and lots of 'em, RIGHT NOW!!!
• THE BIG STORY!!:
• 2012 Top 101 Prospects: 1. Matt Moore, LHP, Rays 2. Bryce Harper, OF, Nationals" - "Future Shock: Top 101 Prospects" - Kevin Goldstein, Baseball Prospectus
• NATS BEAT:
• "So will the U.S. Senator from the District respond to Casey? Oh, that's right. There is no senator representing D.C. in Congress." - "Fight with Philadelphia is not one the Nationals can win" - Thom Loverro, Washington Examiner
• "For six years, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo and his network of scouts and front-office executives worked to rebuild one of baseball's worst farm systems." - "Nationals manage to change the system" - Brian McNally, Washington Examiner
• "There's no question the roster that will gather in Viera one week from today will be the most talented one in the Nationals' brief history." - "How the Nats were assembled" - Mark Zuckerman, NatsInsider.com
• "No matter how much Davey Johnson wants him on the team, Harper’s presence on the Opening Day roster makes little sense from a development or business standpoint." - "Predicting the Washington Nationals’ 25-man Opening Day roster" - Adam Kilgore, Nationals Journal - The Washington Post
• "The most interesting battle of Nationals spring training in Viera, Fla., might not be waged on the field. It centers around top prospect Bryce Harper..." - "Five things Bryce Harper has to do to make the 25-man roster" - Pete Kerzel, MASNSports.com
• "One thing I think fans would be most interested in are Lerner's responses to questions about the future -- about how to keep all the talent they've accumulated in the organization." - "A few more farm system leftovers" - Amanda Comak, Washington Times
• "Stephen Strasburg is back for a full season, and Washington added lefty Gio Gonzalez and closer Brad Lidge." - "Prediction for 2012 NL East race" - Joe Capozzi, Palm Beach Post
• "The Nationals enter Spring Training with a different attitude. For the first time in their history they expect to win, and they have every right to feel this way." - "Nats bring new confidence to Spring Training" - Bill Ladson, nationals.com: News
• "[Randy] Levine was especially impressed with the pitchers the Nationals have acquired the past two months, one of whom the Yankees had their eyes on." - "Yankees' Levine impressed with Nationals' offseason moves" - Byron Kerr, MASNSports.com
• "'I looked at his swing and I told [bench coach] Joey Cora going home, ‘My God we’ve got a big problem,’ he said." - "White Sox got Rizzo'd" - Chase Hughes, CSNWashington.com
• Related Link: "Appearing on the Waddle and Silvy Show Friday, Ozzie Guillen said he and his coaching staff noticed something was wrong with Adam Dunn's swing a few days into spring training last year." - "Ozzie knew about Dunn in spring training" - JJ Stankevitz, CSNChicago.com
• "Right-hander Ryan Tatusko gained more front-line experience early this offseason, pitching in seven games and 20 2/3 innings in the Venezuelan Winter League." - "Tatusko and Roark still connected as they focus on getting to D.C." - Byron Kerr, MASNSports.com
• "Injuries played no role in [Ian] Desmond's 2011 offensive struggles; he played 154 games but batted a mediocre .253 while reaching base at a paltry .298 clip." - "Spring storylines: Trying to bounce back" - Mark Zuckerman, NatsInsider.com
• "[Bryce Harper] needs to continue to work on recognizing off-speed stuff, especially on the outer half. He could hit 25 homers right now..." - "MLB - Matt Moore, Jesus Montero and other impact prospects for 2012" - Keith Law, ESPN.com
• "Right-hander Ryan Tatusko gained more front-line experience early this offseason, pitching in seven games and 20 2/3 innings in the Venezuelan Winter League." - "Tatusko and Roark still connected as they focus on getting to D.C." - Byron Kerr, MASNSports.com
• "'In 2005, there was no front office,' [Bob] Boone said. 'It was all intern-type people. It wasn’t that the scouts [weren’t good scouts], but we just didn’t have many guys.'" - "Going Deep: All systems go for Washington Nationals" - Geoff Morrow, PennLive.com
• "[Bryce] Harper would be exposed to immense pressure. It's not just about being able to hit at a major league level. Can Harper handle being baited by other teams?" - "Nationals should let Harper spring into action" - Rick Snider, Washington Examiner
• "[Rusty] Staub sold the game to a city, to a nation. He made stops in small burgs that required flights in small planes, no small chore for a man whose second-most evident physical characteristic is white knuckles." - "Montreal still holds special place in Rusty Staub's heart" - Marty Noble, nationals.com: News
• "I'm guessing many fans feel that [Andres] Blanco is just minor league depth, but some sources in baseball believe he'll be on the big league club." - "An extra man you may have missed" - Phil Wood, MASNSports.com
• Your Daily Message From The Dalai Lama On Twitter (@DalaiLama): "In order to use human intelligence properly our mind should be calm."
• NATSTOWN:
• "With the upcoming season right around the corner, there is one question plaguing the minds of all Washington Nationals fans since last year's disappointing outfield performance." - "The Next Best Nationals Outfield Prospect" - Patrick Hilley, The Nats Blog
• Video: Teddy and George in Cupid’s Undie Run - Let Teddy Win!
• "Though his serviceable arm is no longer needed with the Nats, Lannan may not draw as much return as some would hope." - "What Would Lannan Really Get The Nats?" - Keara Dowd, Win For Teddy
• "Yes, that's Michael Morse in a magazine, jumping into a pool fully clothed..." - "Michael Morse, magazine star." - Nats Enquirer
• "To put it in perspective, the team didn't honor Tony Gwynn, an MLB hall of famer, until 2004, three years after he retired from Major League Baseball. Although, they did name the stadium after him..." - "San Diego State University Will Retire Stephen Strasburg's Jersey" - Will Yoder, The Nats Blog
• NL EAST UPDATE:
• Marlins: "Pitcher Stephen Strasburg is back after missing most of 2011 because of elbow surgery, and the Nationals acquired left-hander Gio Gonzalez. They're also hoping that slugger Bryce Harper, their top prospect, can make the opening day roster." - "Miami Marlins have buzz like never before for a spring training" - Joe Cappozzi, Palm Beach Post
• Mets: "Everyone has their own philosophies. Everyone values players slightly differently. That's the beauty of such lists and that's the fun in creating them. And reading others for that matter." - "2012 Amazin' Avenue Top 50 Mets Prospects: The Top 5" - Rob Castellano, Amazin' Avenue
• Braves: "After Keith Law got me to flail my arms around yesterday in curfuddled disagreement, Marc Hulet of FanGraphs puts the Braves prospects universe back into order with a sane (and boring, I guess, but that's good) list." - "FanGraphs Returns Sanity To Atlanta Braves 2012 Top-15 Prospects" - gondeee, Talking Chop
• Phillies: "Quick, name the five most valuable outfielders in the National League in 2011. Let’s see… Matt Kemp, Ryan Braun, Justin Upton… who else was in there? Would you believe Shane Victorino?" - "The Outfield of the Future" - Bill Baer, Crashburn Alley
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Wow, It's an honor to be featured in Wire Taps for the first time.
Thanks for the mention.
Support the Shark!
Are you writing with the Nats Blog?
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 13, 2012 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
The article on the Outfielders possibly? I enjoyed that write-up; especially the small piece on Destin Hood.
That's the one. Thanks.
It was very interesting to see the back up of young outfield prospects that may never get a chance with their positions being blocked.
Support the Shark!
Writer, TheNatsBlog.com
Yep. I started in December.
It’s really awesome to be able to express my views, ideas, and insights to the Nats community.
Support the Shark!
Writer, TheNatsBlog.com
Nice, well-done. Known Will for a few years now, though I know he's taken a step back.
Keep up the good work.
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 13, 2012 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
Zuckerman's piece
He talks about promoting Harper to ML makes little “developmental sense”, but he only backs his claim up by saying that he only has so many at bats in the minors and that he hasn’t played in AAA. So, where’s it written that every player must have xxx at bats in the minors and must play at every level. Anyone remember John Olerud? If he’s ready, then he’s ready (I don’t know if he is, but I’m certainly not persuaded by the “number of at bats” argument). Contract issues are completely separate.
Rob
--"Well my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." -- Mal Reynolds
It can stunt his growth if they don't bring him up when he's ready, no?
The only argument I can buy IF he’s already ready is “We want him to be really confident when he reaches the bigs, so we’re going to let him feast on minor league pitching so he gets that confidence.”
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Feb 13, 2012 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
…not that Bryce Harper has EVER proved to be wanting for confidence.
Rob
--"Well my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." -- Mal Reynolds
Right – but external confidence and internal confidence can be completely different things. Some of the biggest people who walk with their chests out can be some of the most insecure people away from the sport. Took that away from the whole NHL Enforcers summer.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Feb 13, 2012 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
Keara Dowd's piece also cheap.
Particularly, this gem:
He has spent the last five seasons with the Nats, and if his career could be described in one word, it would be "inconsistent."
And here is the analysis:
Lannan’s ERA has varied from 3.70 (in 2011) to 4.65 (2010) with a minor-league stint in between. He hasn’t been terrible, but hasn’t been particularly good either. What teams may view as most important: he needed a wake-up call in 2010. Teams won’t want to give up value for a player who may or may not show up on any given day.
So, Dowd chooses to ignore the fact that in the 3 out of 4 seasons with the Nationals, Lannan has thrown 180IP with an ERA just shy of 4. I don’t know what happened in 2010, but I think we can agree that it is generally not representative of Lannan’s abilities. Would describe Cole Hamels as inconsistent because in 2009 his ERA was 4.32, despite several other seasons of sub 3.25 ERA.
Dowd also tosses in the that Detwiler is obsolete in this bit:
What may make a difference is if Lannan is packaged with someone in the bullpen. The Nats will have Ross Detwiler as well at their disposal, and his need has become somewhat obsolete as well. If there is one thing the Nats have, it’s a relief staff. The right package could give good return.
Wow. Apparently, Dowd has never heard of a spot starter, and the complete lack of SP depth at AAA. The sad part is that we do have a deeep bullpen and could trade from, but of all the people to trade Detwiler should be one of the last options.
#extendZim
in addition to this,
(a ) Gonzalez is the only left-hander in the presumed rotation
(b ) Jackson’s on a one-year contract
(c ) Wang’s no guarantee to pitch any better than Lannan or Detwiler (but is out of options, can’t pitch out of the bullpen, and currently has no value)
That second quote is particulary noisome. Lannan was optioned out to straighten out his pitching (which he did), with no reason as I recall to say it was an attitude issue, and, based on this one piece of “evidence”, to state he “may or may not show up on any given day”? That’s uncalled-for, nasty, and borderline incompetent. Remind me to ignore any further links to Dowd’s work.
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
Wow
I really like the third quote, sorry to hear Detwiler is obsolete and at the ripe old age of 25 no less….how does this person even have a job?
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
C'mon
She’s the “Senior Washington Nationals Reporter” on the “Win For Teddy” site on “Aeryssports.com”. How could you dare question her credentials?
Rob
--"Well my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." -- Mal Reynolds
It might be mean
But I posted a comment for her, just in case no one has actually told her that they can tell she doesn’t know what she’s talking about.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
Wow, it's a good thing we have guys like you looking out for the rest of the Nats fans
deciding what sites we should or shouldn’t read.
Keara’s a college student trying to find her way and voice, and all you guys can do is leave snarky comments and insults on message boards.
you don’t like someone’s opinion? fine, how about a constructive criticism or polite suggestion. better yet, start your own blog. i’m sure if you had to string together a few paragraphs instead of insulting people you’d be challenged.
grow the hell up.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at www.DistrictSportsPage.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 Feb 13, 2012 1:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Chill the hell out
You can just as well make your points without being insulting or condescending.
Rob
--"Well my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." -- Mal Reynolds
you mean, just like you did?
nice use of the quotation marks, by the way.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at www.DistrictSportsPage.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 Feb 13, 2012 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks.
Rob
--"Well my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." -- Mal Reynolds
Didn’t we have this problem on a fan post? Yea I’m to blame for that but I hate seeing boards turn into troll zones.
by RossingtonCollins on Feb 13, 2012 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
i do too
it’s one of the big reasons i don’t read or post comments very often in here anymore. i used to really enjoy it, but there are a few regulars that really bother me so I stay away most of the time.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at www.DistrictSportsPage.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 Feb 13, 2012 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
As an aside
I haven’t really seen you around much, and I wish that were different, because today on a whim I finally checked out District Sports Page, and it’s basically what I wish the Washington Times/Post sports websites were like, or if they made an ESPN DC. It’s something I think I’ll be going to regularly in the future.
I almost didn’t, because the rush to defend her and a post made in haste with emotions flying made me think maybe the rest of the site reflected that, but I’m glad I did. People aren’t always your first impression of them.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
thank you for checking out our new site
and i appreciate the kind words.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at www.DistrictSportsPage.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 Feb 13, 2012 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
Dave, before you start jumping on the snarky fans, maybe you should read the article.
If you have and still think that it was inappropraite to roast Keara, then I suggest you take something for hypocrisy. I wasn’t criticizing her voice. I was upset at a supposed Nationals fan attacking Lannan for being unreliable. Whatever else Lannan has been, he’s taken the ball every time it was handed to him, including when he took one the face the game before. Running your own players down with some cheap analysis, is probably going to get the fans upset.
#extendZim
chubias, I didn't have a problem with your analysis
i did read her post and i think your comments were all fair discussion points, but i think it would have been better served as a comment to HER post though, and not in here where she wouldn’t see it.
my problem was with RobBobS and Pig.Pen’s immature and snarky comments.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at www.DistrictSportsPage.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 Feb 13, 2012 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks for the new sig!
As long as Rob approves that is.
Now teaming with RobBobS to form the most snarky and immature tandem in the blogosphere.
At what point is another view acceptable?
Being able to look at your players with a critical eye can still be something a fan does. I love the Capitals more than I love the Nationals, but I can sum up how I feel about certain players even though they wear the word Washington on their chest. They may suit up and fight hard for the city I love and work in, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to ignore if they just aren’t consistent or they’re mediocre. I love Keith Aucoin – he doesn’t belong on the Washington Capitals, because he’s not good enough. Doesn’t mean I still don’t root hard for him. Last year I made a post here where I said something like “I think the Nats should trade Ian Desmond. I don’t know why. Just cause.” I have no clue about baseball analysis, but that was an opinion I made clear with a flimsier argument than she did. Didn’t need to divulge into snark.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Sure, there are plenty of posts that are critical of Lannan. But just like the Lannan for Bourjos idea, this article was poorly thought out and malicious.
I am not saying that she should only write things I agree with or find acceptable. What I am saying is that if Ms. Dowd is going to express an opinion on the matter, then she should be prepared for the results. In this case, the point I believe that Pig.pen and Rob were making was that the article doesn’t seem professional. If in fact, Win For Teddy is an amatuer blog, then there comments would not be non-sensical. Consider how silly Pig.pen would look if he made those comments about one of my fanposts? They aren’t great piece’s of writing, but he would look stupid, because I am not employed to do this. Similarly, Rob pointed out that being the “Senior Washington Nationals Reporter” seems a bit pretentious.
#extendZim
Titles are Titles
And if there are more than one Nationals reporters, you can have a senior one. It’s not like she’s getting paid much, if anything, to do this. The problem wasn’t the vitriol at the post. Your block quoted point-by-point analysis was actually awesome posting, and why places have comment sections. jbg’s lettered reply is ok – you can say "I don’t want to read anything more by this author because I don’t agree with him/her (I don’t like Tolkien’s The Hobbit, so I won’t read the Two Towers. Same idea). When I saw a problem (And I’m not the blog writer, so maybe it’s not even a problem, so the reply “I’ll remember that when I post at Japers’ Rink Baseball” is probably applicable) was "How does this person even have a job?, and the direct replies. For one, I don’t think this is a job; I think she’s in your boat, that it’s an amateur blog, and she’s obviously young and trying to figure things out in this world of internet media. Being snarky about her “Credentials” is some garbage that’s devolving into personal attack area.
What I am saying is that if Ms. Dowd is going to express an opinion on the matter, then she should be prepared for the results. In this case, the point I believe that Pig.pen and Rob were making was that the article doesn’t seem professional. If in fact, Win For Teddy is an amatuer blog, then there comments would not be non-sensical
Right – but the comments there should be non-sensical. We’re not there. We’re at this website, where I think the discourse should be at a higher standard. Considering she has really no inclination to come to this website to check on these comments about her work and then reply to them, I don’t think it’s fair to devolve into insulting what titles she’s been given – arbitrarily or not.
And if it turns out she is getting paid more than just a stipend for these articles she writes, I’m withdrawing part of this comment.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Well....
That’s probably because you’re not a Sr. Correspondent, then such attacks on your own writing would be distasteful.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
I'm sorry, I wrote "there" instead of "thier"
I meant to say that Rob and Pig.pen’s comments would not make sense directed to an amatuer such as myself. The case is different when you have some one that is claiming to be part of the professional press corps. Therefore, the defense that she is a young kid just trying to learn, is generally incompatible with the presentation of her article as a senior correspondent, hence the mocking.
Also, I am docking you one hundred magic, bonus points for not liking Tolkien. I am contacting the geek licensing board, who may pursue action against you including the revocation your user name, any D&D paraphanelia, and any video game record you may hold.
#extendZim
I don't see how writing at "Winforteddy" regardless of title is claiming to be a professional press member.
And Elves and Dwarves existed before Tolkien, sir!
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Winforteddy, is a division of Aerys Sports, which atleast appears to be claiming to be a professional press outlet.
In re:Tolkien, I certainly I agree that genre exsisted before and continued after, but come on how can you not like Tolkien? It is blasphemous!
#extendZim
Aerys Sports is a network of fan sites run entirely by female sports fans
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at www.DistrictSportsPage.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 Feb 13, 2012 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
Well now I don't feel so bad
So my comment was actually made on a sexist Internet site that discriminates against men….good to know.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
Okay, dc_guy's right
time for everyone to rein it in. I have no problem with a site by and for female sports fans, as long as the writing’s responsible and credible. We may all be getting a bit to snarky here (and coming from me, that’s saying something!)
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
I second the docking of hundred magic bonus points
And also move to confiscate his “Magic: The Gathering” cards and his copy of “Battlestar Galactica.”
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
The Lorne Greene or Edward James Olmos incarnation?
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
There's a new Battlestar Gallactica?
What’s it called?
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
by Pig.Pen on Feb 13, 2012 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm honestly confused about this, so I assume you are actually asking the question
The first BSG was made in 1978. The ‘new’ BSG was made 2003 and feature among others Edward James Olmos.
#extendZim
Sorry, it was a joke
Couldn’t resist. But has anyone actually watched Caprica? I was afraid that I’d be let down.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
I totally agree
But if it’s just a blog, don’t misrepresent it as something else. Admit that you’re a blogger and not a journalist. That being said, some bloggers are compensated for their work (Rob Neyer, G-Briz, Jeff Sullivan, KLaw, Posnanski etc.) so it’s a bit of blurred line. My vitrol is really born out of the fact that people think that just because they can write about something, they should, even though they don’t have the first clue about it. Most of the time I let this go, but when someone writes a piss-poor article about baseball and denigrates my unofficially adopted son in the process then I’m more likely to go a bit overboard, but it was a bit overboard.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
That’s fair, I just thought it was a bit overboard. The age we live in makes blogs look like news sources.
That said, trade Detweiler while his value’s high! (/snark).
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Feb 13, 2012 3:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Blasphemy!!!!
At the end of the year, you’ll be glad that Detwiler is still a Nat. I think it will surprise a good number of people when he breaks camp as part of the starting rotation. DJ is a big supporter.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
I don't care about all that was written above,
but I shall recommend your comment because of the last thing you wrote.
Skins rule
To be fair to both sides
The level of presentation and communication is improved to the point where we can stumble on anything and think it’s written by someone on par with Peter Gammons. I once wrote for Bleacher Report, and I am by no means a writer. Now, people cite them as legitimate. I hope the best for Keara, but in this mad world of the internet, she should love that she’s getting hits, and if people are criticizing her it just means that they’re giving her the same measuring stick that they are the heavyweights of the profession.
That doesn’t mean it needs to slip into personal attacks.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
all good points
you can disagree and be constructive. or you can be a jerk. i guess it’s easier to be a jerk.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at www.DistrictSportsPage.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 Feb 13, 2012 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
Was the sig from Japers Rink? I feel like theres more jabbing over there.
by RossingtonCollins on Feb 13, 2012 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
I actually think I got it at Pension Plan Puppets, but from a Japers Rink poster who I was friends with at the time, and have since pretty much by myself ruined that friendship. Figures. But that’s off-topic.
There’s jabbing, but it’s more so at the team.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Well it is a rough life being a Caps fan. I post over there from time to time but I never post during those lengthy discussions in the morning clips.
by RossingtonCollins on Feb 13, 2012 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve been ducking it lately, mostly because I so strongly disagree with a lot of what’s being said over there. That, and with a portion of the staff (And commenters) being lawyers, you better know your stuff, and be willing to defend it or face heat. It’s less verbal jabbing and more verbal deconstruction of your post to be used against you.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Haha, I posted something a while ago saying something along the lines of ‘Schultz sucks’…… JP owned me, so I’ve learned my lesson about that. And my view on Schultz has shifted a bit too.
by RossingtonCollins on Feb 13, 2012 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
heh, i didn't even see your sig line
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at www.DistrictSportsPage.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 Feb 13, 2012 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
Mean posters stink
booooooo.
I get most of my info. from other posters making corrections to other peoples post. In theory writers can improve their knowledge through their posts (on top of their research).
But angry posts should be ignored. So if you want to correct people (you in a general sense, not at Dave), then do it civily. Nothing makes me move on to the next post faster than angry comment.
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!
so essentially, Dave, I am agreeing with you totally
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 heartily agree that comments to posts should be part of the conversation
but they should be done civilly and respectfully.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at www.DistrictSportsPage.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 Feb 13, 2012 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
right
i am also thrilled any new writer is added to cover the Nats. For example, I was really thrilled when Amanda Comack was added at WT. But I also know she is young, just out of writing school, so leeway should be inherent (though she is certainly doing a good enough job to not need it).
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!
If my commenst after the bullets were uncivil,
I apologize. I didn’t think so (or at least thought them less objectionable than her unsubstantiated conclusions about Lannan), but have been wrong before. Point taken, and what I get for reacting to quotes and not the full context.
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
Having said that,
and after looking at the entire blog, my opinion is unchanged. And, as you suggested, I posted my opinion (toned down a bit) there.
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
i didn't think your comments were out of line
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at www.DistrictSportsPage.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 Feb 13, 2012 2:44 PM EST up reply actions
That's a relief; thanks
However, after a couple of exchanges, I’m even less impressed with Dowd; she’s now taking refuge in
I can’t help how you interpret it, only how I mean it.
That’s lazy and sloppy writing, regardless of whether she’s a professional writer, a dedicated fan blogger, or a college student.
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
I agree completely.
That’s why I would never call someone a “jerk” on this site, nor would I ever tell them to “grow the hell up”.
Rob
--"Well my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." -- Mal Reynolds
no, you're right
you just make snarky, passive-aggressive insults where the author can’t defend herself.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at www.DistrictSportsPage.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 Feb 13, 2012 2:51 PM EST up reply actions
Hmm.
If she’s offended by my remark on this site, then she’s probably a member of this site, and as such she could come out herself and tell me where to stick my quotation marks.
Rob
--"Well my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." -- Mal Reynolds
people cite Bleacher Report as legitimate?
I only know their reputation among hockey fans, and it is not good.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
by Doncosmic on Feb 13, 2012 5:04 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
You're welcome
Just in case you’re wondering I do from time to time write something on this here blog and all are free to skewer both my opinions and techniques. In fact I welcome openly hostile debate or debate of any kind that isn’t unsubstantiated. Unfortunately, for both you and the rest of Nats Town, I actually have to work which seriously cuts in to my writing time and my ability to share my thoughts in a more elaborate manor than the comments section on FB.
Also, I don’t understand why it’s okay for a young college student trying to find her voice to skewer a young pitcher trying to find his arm slot. If she feels like it’s okay to call Ross Detwiler obsolete, why can’t I call her obsolete? In the end, I might have saved her from the harsh reality that she isn’t cut out to be a baseball writer.
Finally, I thought my criticism was as constructive as it could be for someone who claimed with little to no evidence that John Lannan is inconsistent and overpriced and that Ross Detwiler is obsolete. In the end it’s my prerogative to not like whoever’s opinion I deem wrong, much in the same way it’s okay for you—the journ-o-list—to disregard capitalization.
I’ve said harsher things to Buster Olney on the twitters and he’s said harsher things to me all without either of us resorting to temper tantrums.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
BTW,
to add insult to injury, they hid your response to her blog “due to low comment rating”. Ouch.
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
If you hadn't told me
I would’ve never known, because it’s doubtful I’ll ever visit “Win for Teddy” again. It did kind of inspire me to start writing more fanposts. Who knows maybe Patrick would like a little snark on the front page every once in a while.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
you should start your own blog
instead of riding Patrick’s coat tails. you can be as snarky as you want and don’t have to answer to anybody.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at www.DistrictSportsPage.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 Feb 13, 2012 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
Dave, I respectfully request that you ease off - you've made your point
I’m not going to discourage anyone from writing more. Fanposts are a good place to start.
you're right
and I apologize to everyone, especially Patrick, for carrying discussion in this thread away from baseball.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at www.DistrictSportsPage.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 Feb 13, 2012 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
Well, maybe I will start my own blog.
Then, we can have 5,000 Nats blogs and everyone in Nats Town will have to individually visit all 5,000 blogs everyday. Or, since I’m not in it to make any money I can just continue posting here, where I would welcome you to come and disagree with me as vehemently as you desire.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
we're gonna need a bigger links post
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion man
by TJL on Feb 13, 2012 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Fortunately, White Knighting is a curable disease
I started blogging back in my junior year of college, at the time, a fresh, naive writer looking for my voice. I was, due to an excellent community of more seasoned science writers, called out on my errors in no uncertain terms. I grew to appreciate the blunt honesty.
Any writer publishing public content should expect to be dragged through the mud by readers that disagree. That’s not unique to material published on the internet. You don’t get a break because you’re new or trying to find your voice.
Your rhetoric – unintended, perhaps – sounds like the chivalrous tripe I’ve heard for years from men defending new writers that happen to be women. Here’s the parallel: women science writers are a relative rarity just as women sports writers are a relative rarity. This kind of rhetoric is often an attempt at conserving the species, I get it. The thing is, if she – like any other human being – wants to do this, little quibbles with random commenters aren’t going to be the thing that drives her away. If anything, like in my case, it will be an impetus for greater accuracy and better writing.
by anthonyfrancis on Feb 14, 2012 9:26 AM EST up reply actions
+1
Dave at District Sports Page, I agree. I have to admit I’ve never been much of a fan of Ms. Dowd’s work, either, but that’s no reason to insult her. Besides, she goes to college in the same town as where I went to college – that’s enough for me to read her blog when it’s posted here.
While you may disagree with Law
He wouldn’t make these kind of claims unsubstantiated. I know everyone around here seems to hate KLaw, but I like him. He’s one of the few guys I’ve seen really combine scouting with saber-metrics.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
by Pig.Pen on Feb 13, 2012 1:04 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I like him too,
but that may be snark responding to snark.
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
I'm not a huge fan
I think statistics can be turned and re-organized and tabulated until you get new statistics that contradict any other stats you can track. Again, dunno much about baseball, but I know in hockey there’s several stats where a former-Capital-current-Coyote named Boyd Gordon leads the NHL in…but is Boyd Gordon the most valuable or best player in the NHL at helping his team win? Naw. While I think sabermetrics is a legitimate tool one can use to evaluate baseball players, I don’t think it’s the be-all-end-all, and I don’t agree with how he rates prospects.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Fair enough
and I agree you can prove anything with the right statistic. Law doesn’t rely 100% on statistics; he does go watch as many prospects as he can. I don’t agree with all his rankings, either, but that’s part of the package.
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
agreed
he spends alot of time watching prospects, entirely the reason he moved to AZ in the first place.
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!
With all due respect to the Senator from Pennsylvania
Thom Loverro is just flat out wrong. Just because DC doesn’t have a senator doesn’t mean that they can’t exercise any ticket selling policy they want. If the Lerners wanted, they could sell tickets only to fans from Canada. There is zero reason this needs to be political. The Capitals block out Pennsylvania residents from buying tickets to Caps – Penguins home games, and no one says anything anymore. Hold tight, Lerners. Maybe Casey Jr. should stick to what he should be doing.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Whoever came up with this is a marketing genius.
Ignoring some pompous Senator—how do I know he’s pompous, they’re all pompous—from Pennsylvania, this is a marketing boon for the Nats. This promotion has not only managed to stay in the newz for weeks, it will undoubtedly resurface when the Phillies come to town, talk about free advertising!
Also, while Loverro thinks the Nats are bringing a calculator to a knife fight—maybe he’s never actually driven through DC—what the Nats are really doing is to help upgrade their calculator to a billy club because while common goals do help bring people come together, they don’t do it nearly as quickly as a common enemy. Luckily for us, and all Nats fans, that common enemy isn’t a bunch of kind-hearted, aww shucks type of people from middle-America, it’s bad perms, acid-washed jeans and mullets all spewn together in a profanity laden rant from the great city of Philadelphia.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
I can't fear the Phillies Fans
Because Charlie, Dee, and Mac are nothing to fear.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Feb 13, 2012 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe
But maybe you’ve never seen Charlie, Dee and Mac charging you in a drunken rage with no shirts on, their mullets flapping in the wind and sporting the last pair of acid-washed jeans to survive the 80’s.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
what if they bring the riot punch?
Aim for the head baby Jesus
by Doncosmic on Feb 13, 2012 5:08 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Except people did say something further when the Caps blocked out the Pens. A judge or congressman from PA said something and Leonsis had to stop.
I could have sworn he was still doing it. Also, I don’t think that’s fair at all.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
They stopped it at the time. There was a big stink.
Of course it didn’t stop the Pens from doing the same thing to Detroit years later, but that’s not a surprise.
Wow, A's sign Cespedes...
4-years/$36M according to reports.
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 13, 2012 12:22 PM EST reply actions
Wow is right...
Didn’t see that coming. How long before Beane trades him for three other prospects?
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
"Didn't see that coming."
Heh, neither did the Marlins. HA HA HA LORIA!! [spits!]™
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 13, 2012 12:37 PM EST up reply actions
Beat me to it
although I like the Loria slap-down…
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
Beane found a cache in the seat cushions?
Good for them. Now I actually hope Cespedes performs well.
Rob
--"Well my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." -- Mal Reynolds
Wonder if this means Beane is more confident about San Jose
Or if he just needs a draw for this year since he traded so much pitching talent away already.
Waiting to bang my drum in parades for the Nats and Caps.
i don't believe so
especially when they may not know where Cespedes can play yet
he may very well end up in the minors for a month or more.
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!
Good question
I believe the A’s just extended him for two years. No trade clause? Doubtful.
"I can go to my left or right, I am amphibious." - Charles Shackelford
Probably not and probably not.
The A’s have a flood of outfielders, but few look able to handle CF, including Cespedes. They already have Collin Cowgill, Coco Crisp, Jonny Gomes, Josh Reddick, Seth Smith and Michael Taylor. My guess is that Cespedes will start in a corner OF position.
Crisp’s two-year $14 mililon contact isn’t a good fit, if the Nationals want to going shopping next year. Plus the Nationals would need to give up something worthwhile from the farm.
#extendZim
I think Michael Taylor can handle CF
Or at least he has the tools to. I haven’t seen enough of him to think that he is unable to translate those tools on the field to think otherwise though.
Ross Detwiler will have a breakout year...Believe It!...and I'm serious this time!
I thought he had range issues for center?
#extendZim
I thought that was Hood?
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
I think they are talking about the OAK Michael Taylor
and not the WSH Michael Taylor
MOAR SEVERINO!
@awalker138-I have joined the twitters
Oh, they have a whole other pile folks for DH.
Including Chris Carter, Brandon Allen,and Kila Ka’aihue.
#extendZim
Random question
Patrick, do you have anyone that will be posting like a weekly minors report or not?
MOAR SEVERINO!
@awalker138-I have joined the twitters
I should be able to come up with at least a little weekly thread/recap for the minors
So yes, if no one else is doing it.
MOAR SEVERINO!
@awalker138-I have joined the twitters
Hey, jeff550. I sent you an email a while back through the address linked in your SBN profile when you click on your name...
If you want to discuss this, feel free to get back to me that way.
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 13, 2012 5:31 PM EST up reply actions
Alright, will do
I really need to update that email
MOAR SEVERINO!
@awalker138-I have joined the twitters
Actualy, if you wouldnt mind to shoot a quick email to the updated email
That way I make sure I am responding to the right email, and you can get my updated email. Thanks!
MOAR SEVERINO!
@awalker138-I have joined the twitters
The long winter has wrought dissension among the ranks.
Sigh
Rob
--"Well my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." -- Mal Reynolds
Heh...glad I missed this cat food fight!
PS I didn’t think you were out of line.
Plus, I figure you’re still digesting Ozzie’s assessment of The Big Donkey last year! Owie.
Now, maybe you’ll LOVE ALR MOAR this year.
;-)
"player development" should not be gladiator games. by cat daddy3000 on Aug 6, 2011
by MissB on Feb 13, 2012 8:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think Ozzie's just baiting me.
Maybe he’ll help out Hanley[spit]™ this year like he helped Dunn last year.
Rob
--"Well my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." -- Mal Reynolds
Heh...glad I missed this cat food fight!
PS I didn’t think you were out of line.
Plus, I figure you’re still digesting Ozzie’s assessment of The Big Donkey last year! Owie.
Now, maybe you’ll LOVE ALR MOAR this year.
;-)
"player development" should not be gladiator games. by cat daddy3000 on Aug 6, 2011
by MissB on Feb 13, 2012 8:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
What? Stupid double post.
Didn’t mean to needle you twice.
I’m not THAT mean.
"player development" should not be gladiator games. by cat daddy3000 on Aug 6, 2011
by MissB on Feb 13, 2012 9:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
129 and about half of it mere back-and-forth BS
and nothing to do with baseball. Sometimes it just be like that.
"I can go to my left or right, I am amphibious." - Charles Shackelford
Oh yeah?! Sez You!
#kiddingjustkidding
Rob
--"Well my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." -- Mal Reynolds
Dern, I thought we wuz friends
"I can go to my left or right, I am amphibious." - Charles Shackelford
Nothing to see here
Move along. Just a bit of waiting for P&C cabin fever …
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
At the very least,
the spirit of the comments is reflected in the image. Or is the spirit of the image reflected in the comments?
by anthonyfrancis on Feb 14, 2012 9:32 AM EST up reply actions
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