"We don't always get [to play] the exact positions we want sometimes," Bowden said before leaving Thursday. "But you do what's best for the organization to win. There will be unhappy people, but our job is to win. . . . A lot can happen between now and spring training."
Maybe I underestimate the espirit de corps imbued in a guy who hasn't yet reported to his team, or who has been quoted as saying "[o]f course I'm not going to play the outfield," or who apparently seeks to remain at second base because he'd command more money as a free agent, but . . .
. . . I've been wrong before.
Always be prepared, though, and in a double-keystone-keeper contingency we had better think about dealing the ol' GimpBot5000, Jose Vidro. Thankfully, Banks of the Anacostia (now with shorter name!) is on the case. Recommendation: Royals.
Yeesh.
Well, it's Friday, and that means happy thoughts. So keep a chin up. Good things come to those who wait---or who make demands of teams before they've actually reported to teams.
Or even to those who plan position switches for newly-acquired players before running the idea by the players themselves . . .
WEEKEND READING:
* Ryan? Rip into DCist? Never! * The people have spoken (77 of them, at least) and Bowda's big deal gets a B. * Beltway Boys has conjured some "Best Case Scenario" statlines for '06. Out of morbid curiosity, I checked out Cristian Guzman's BSC batting average: .252. Not sure of the methodology, but I have a feeling it would be near the high-end of projections for Guzman next season, anyway. * Curly W had a kid! A girl! * DM of Nats Blog also had a kid! A boy! Wisdom of the Crowds? Arranged Natosphere marriage! * Nate from Natty Three Play loves the Soriano trade. Loves it! Just ask him; he'll tell ya. * OMG breaks it down, hammer-time. He's "wary." * Nasty Nats sounds a "meh" on the deal and makes reference to a Sandra Bullock movie. * Brick makes a good point: compare the comps lists for Wilkerson and Soriano, and see who's got a better future. (The correct answer, from the Nats' perspective, is likely "Neither." Soriano's one-year-and-out, if that, right?) * Nats Farm Authority reviews the Rule 5 (V?) (5?) (V?) 5 draft. * Nationalz rates the trade as Huge x Three. * Don't forget to check out the Tejas-centric reaction at Lone Star Ball. They seem to have moved on, but I've always remember Wilkerson fondly. They really like the name "Terrmel Sledge" over there, too. I agree; it's cool. (But "Complete Player" is more apt.) * These are times that try the O's fan soul, it would appear. So support SC and the folks at Camden Chat. Tell them it's okay, and that you'll see them in June when the Nats sweep out.