Monday, August 15, 2011

Deadline day for draft picks to sign

US Presswire file photo
Anthony Rendon has until midnight to sign with the Nationals.
It's August 15, and that can mean only one thing: The deadline for all picks from this summer's draft to sign has arrived. All teams have until midnight to lock up their draft choices or else lose the rights to them, a mishap the Nationals experienced in 2008 when they couldn't come to terms with Aaron Crow. (The right-hander wound up signing with the Royals the following year and this summer became an All-Star reliever.)

If you've been following the Nationals over the years, this drill is nothing new. The Crow debacle notwithstanding, the Nats have done well at the deadline in the past. Obviously, they signed Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper just seconds before the 2009 and 2010 deadlines. But they also last August struck last-minute deals with Sammy Solis and A.J. Cole.

So you know the drill by now, and certainly Mike Rizzo knows the drill.

Unlike the last two years, the Nationals aren't attempting to sign the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, once-in-a-generation talents like Strasburg and Harper. Which isn't to say Rizzo's task tonight will be easy. He's attempting to sign the organization's top five picks, all who have waited until now to negotiate deals.

At the top of the list is Anthony Rendon, the former Rice third baseman who was initially projected to be this year's No. 1 pick, only to slide to the Nationals at No. 6 due to concerns about a right shoulder injury that limited him almost exclusively to DH duties. The Nats have no concern about the shoulder, and Rizzo confirmed Rendon has already passed a team-issued physical.

Rendon, though, won't come cheap. Agent Scott Boras will try to claim his client is the best player in this year's draft class and deserves to be paid the most. Given Rizzo's ability to negotiate with Boras in the past on Strasburg, Harper and Justin Upton, it doesn't appear as though money will get in the way here. Expect a deal for a large sum of money ($6 million to $7 million) to be completed after 11:30 p.m.

Boras also represents the Nationals' two compensatory picks from the June draft: Kentucky right-hander Alex Meyer and Miami-Dade Community College outfielder Brian Goodwin. Both players figure to get above-slot deals, and both players figure to sign before the night is over.

The biggest question mark of the bunch is Matt Purke, the TCU left-hander who has already been through a wild ride. Drafted out of high school by the Rangers with the 14th overall pick in 2009, Purke had negotiated a $6 million deal at the time, but that contract was struck down by Major League Baseball, so he went to college instead.

Like Rendon, Purke's 2011 season was less-than-spectacular because of a shoulder injury. But like Rendon, Purke passed a physical with the Nationals when he visited town shortly before the All-Star break. So the club isn't concerned about his health. The only question is how much money the Nats are willing to spend on the lefty, who has leverage in that he can return to TCU for another season, prove he's healthy on the mound and earn an even bigger signing bonus next summer.

That could be a bit of a risk for Purke, though, because MLB is expected to overhaul the draft signing process before next season. It's going to be one of the hottest topics of discussions for the new collective bargaining agreement, with Commissioner Bud Selig strongly pushing for a hard "slotting" system that would force all draft picks to accept predetermined signing bonuses.

The players' association might not go for that, though plenty of veteran players don't like the fact draft picks who have never played a professional game in their lives get more guaranteed money than some guys who have been in the major leagues for multiple seasons. At the very least, the August 15 deadline is likely to be bumped up to an earlier date, allowing draft picks to start playing in the minors sooner and not spent their entire summer waiting around for this deadline-day madness to resolve itself.

Check back here later for updates on all the draft signing negotiations, but fair warning: Don't expect there to be much of any news until the evening hours, probably not until the final hour on Rendon and Purke.

178 comments:

Natslifer said...

Mark - The universal quote you always get is that draft picks "took and passed physicals". Can that/does that include X-rays and MRIs for guys like Rendon and Purke?

Gonat said...

Natslifer, I am with you. Adam LaRoche passed the physical also and played through Spring Training and 43 agonizing games in the regular sseason before he went on the DL to rest the shoulder and then eventually surgery which gives me little confidence in a Nationals "physical".

NatsJack in Florida said...

I'd be more concerned about Purke than Rendon. It's not like LaRoche is done for his career.

Boras and Rizzo have probably settled on #'s for Meyer and Goodwin. It's the negotiations for Rendon that will go down to the wire.

sunderland said...

Do you really think a Nationals physical is inherently different that a Cardinals physical or a Blue Jays physical? No one is complaining about the quality of Livo's physical or Hairston's physical or Cora's physical. Players get twinges and tweaks and swelling and tightness all the time. Sometimes these heal nicely. Sometimes not so much.
Did the Nationals screw up on Strasburg's physical? Or did he just get hurt?

sjm308 said...

Hate to be lazy but who is the 5th draft pick? I guess I could look that up but they always talk about Rendon, Purke, Meyers and Goodwin but there is another pitcher that is never talked about. I am guessing he has to be decent but don't know much about him.

NatsLady said...

Also, a lot depends on the player. Look what happened with Marquis yesterday. The guy HAD to know he was hurt (he claims he thought it was a "bone bruise").

When I was twelve I broke my hand in gymnastics and knew within 10 minutes it was more than just a bruise or twist. Broke my finger as an adult, the doctor insisted it was just bruised, I insisted on X-rays, yes, it was broken.

You have to figure these kids are never going to tell a doctor anything about their pain, no matter how bad it is. In the end, there is an element of risk.

Richard said...

Robbie Ray is another nice signing last year by Rizzo & company -- who's doing well in Hagerstown btw.

Gonat said...

NatsJack in Florida said...
I'd be more concerned about Purke than Rendon. It's not like LaRoche is done for his career.

_________________________

I agree. Shoulders and pitchers aren't a great combination. The Nats haven't had a great record with injury due diligence.

Will said...

I think the Nationals have a serious problem assessing preexisting injuries. Often, they have let players play through injuries, only to see them get worse. Case in point, when Adam LaRoche had his shoulder labrum examined in ST, he only had a slight tear. He was permitted to play through the injury until it got to the point that LaRoche had to intervene and say something was wrong:
"Adam is basically saying, 'It doesn't hurt, but I can't believe I'm missing these pitches, so maybe it's something there not allowing me to get to the ball,' " Nats manager Jim Riggleman told reporters.

It's inexcusable that it came to that point. (Un)surprisingly, when the Nationals reexamined LaRoche's shoulder after his intervention, all of a sudden the "slight" tear became substantially worse, and he also had a partially torn rotator cuff. Either the trainers completely botched the initial diagnosis, or they imprudently advised LaRoche to play through the injury, which had seriously negative consequences.

Will said...

sjm, 4th round pick is Kylin Turnbull, a LHP from Santa Barbara CC.

5th rounder was Matt Skole from Georgia Tech. He's already signed and playing in Auburn.

Tcostant said...

Mark -

How about posting the entire Nats draft with a update on each. For example, did the Nats offer a contract to the Twitter idiot who the Nats draft in the the 12 (?) round. An update on each, even an "retrun to school" would be a huge help.

natsfan1a said...

Not likely on the tweeter per a post on Nationals Watch (see blog roll at left).

Anonymous8 said...

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/team/draft.jsp?c_id=was

There's the Nats link to the Draft tracker.

Tcostant said...

I like the link, but it is clearly not fully updated. For example, it has Bryan Harper unsigned when we know he already signed.

Mick said...

Rizzo has done quite well the past few years with signings. What GM has not had a mishap or two, even Cashman with Yanks has missed a few.

Drew8 said...

Ladson has reported that the Nats don't plan to sign shortstop Zach Houchins, the 15th-round knucklehead with the racist and homophobic Tweets.

Houchins said he hadn't heard from the Nats since he made a fool of himself.

Anonymous said...

Looking at Rendon on youtube, he looks kind of doughy and soft, not to mention small. How big is he anyway? And now I hear his shoulder is questionable. I don't knowwwwww......

Mick said...

Will, some of it is on the player as well. If LaRouche is not communicating the actual pain he is feeling and the MRI's do not show a tear at the time, then what should the trainer do?

Mark'd said...

I would say Rendon is about the same size of Espinosa in that range they call 6'0" in the book and they are really 5'10"

NatsLady said...

Here is an article about the money that was spent last year...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/437744-nationals-break-their-own-record-for-draft-bonuses

Anonymous said...

Looks like he's already getting a spare tire around his middle. Espinosa is cut, fast and has a rocket for an arm. I don't know. This Rendon doesn't look like your classic number 1 draft pick thats all. I am probably way off base

Mick said...

Nat's infield is fine! Remember the O's of the late 60's? They had a great SS and 2b combo who really did not hit for average early on. Mark Belanger was almost a clone of Desmond and never hit for average and the 2b Davey Johnson never really hit until he went to the Braves. I believe the O's still won a World Series and a few AL pennants. Leave this infield alone and let them develop into something special!

Big Cat said...

Speaking of Matt Purke, I was reading Phil Wood in The Examiner yesterday. Purke was drafted by the Rangers in 2009 and had agreed to a 6 million dollar bonus. MLB stepped in and nixed the deal because of Ranger financial trouble. So Purke went back to school and saw his stock drop as his velocity dropped. Apparently Purke wants that 6 million from the Nats or he will go back to school

NatsJack in Florida said...

And Ichiro is rail thin and way too small to be anything more than a light weight, punch and judy .220 hitter with a body that can't hold up to the rigors of a 162 game schedule.

Yeah, right.

Anybody remember how "doughy" Zim looked in his September call up?

baseballswami said...

Watched the mlb plays of the week show last night - so desperate for baseball after no nats in the afternoon. Espi and Desi were both represented in the 80 plays, brief mention of Zim's Waveland Ave homer and John Lannan in the top 5 - hope he didn't hurt his knee too much, though. That clip is worth watching just to see Ryan Howard's face. I think Espi and Desi have a lot of highlights in their future. I like both of their attitudes and the way they play. I think their flaws will smooth out. More concerned with the Laroche situation. MM has found a home there and Adam can't possibly be the player he was after missing so much time. It could take him a while to regain his form, and after shoulder surgery, that is never 100% certain.

Richard said...

I'll be interested to see what the Nats do re their middle infielders. They obviously like Desi and Espi but Lombarozzi is ready for a shot. I could see Espi at SS and Lombardozzi at 2B, if Espi can figure out how to hit ML pitching, which most believe he will, and Desi doesn't start hitting better. Where does this leave Lombardozzi, who the scouts say is a ML player, not to mention Rendon. If the Nats spend big on Rendon, he's got to play somewhere. Nice problem to have I guess.

Will said...

Mick, these are baseball players. Their singular passion is getting out onto the field everyday. If it means playing through a little pain, then they'll play through it. However, often that nagging pain can develop into something serious (or already be something serious), as the case was with LaRoche. Thus, they should have no business self-diagnosing themselves, as complaining about minor injuries could potentially put them on the bench rehabbing for 15 days or possibly out for the season (for example, it took an abysmal 2 months before LaRoche spoke up again). That job should be left to the professionals, who've clearly grossly misdiagnosed players like LaRoche, or were overruled by management.

Either way, LaRoche clearly spoke up enough to indicate that there was something wrong with his shoulder to warrant the initial MRI in Spring Training. That should have been enough of a call for help to shut him down.

Let's just hope they've learned something from that instance, and conducted proper due diligence for Rendon and Purke.

Steve M. said...

Today is like Groundhog Day with Boras. Same dialogue, same approach, same drama...and of course I will be glued to MLB Network at midnight.

The Purke kid is the more interesting scenario. For those who are worried about Rendon's body fat index, I don't see his waist line as the issue here. Let's hope the shoulder is healed.

Steve M. said...

Its great when people are discussing log jams in positions. It is a good thing as the best player should take the position and the one behind can be trade bait. That's basically how the Nats got Wilson Ramos as he was stuck behind Joe Mauer.

A healthy Adam LaRoche is a good problem to have. Remember, Nix, Ankiel, Cora, Pudge, and Gomes are all Free Agents and there is no LF for Opening Day 2012 right now except Michael Morse if LaRoche is playing 1st base. When Bryce Harper is ready and Rendon, that is when things will get interesting.

Bowdenball said...

Steve M-

I agree with you, but please note that the Nats getting Wilson Ramos worked out well for the Nats, not the team with the log jam. The log jam allowed the Nats to take advantage of the Twins. I'm sure that right now the Twins would much prefer to have Ramos back. Or that they'd avoided the log jam with a Ramos-like prospect at another position.

Anonymous said...

does anyone know how many Bora's clients are ahead of Rendon? i imagine the precious late hours are reserved for higher picks so we won't have to wait till almost midnight to know...

Steve M. said...

Bowdenball, I agree as log jam trades are only as good as the trade you make.

Yonder Alonso was in a log jam behind Joey Votto so instead of trading him they re-tooled him as a LF and we will see how that works out.

If Ryan Zimmerman gets a contract extension which I think is one of the top off-season priorities, Rendon will need a position change and LF is the one that makes the most sense to me, and then he could transition back to the infield which may be the more difficult transition. Not sure the last time an outfielder has transitioned back to the infield so that will be an interesting one. As far as 3rd baseman going to LF, the Royals did it with Alex Gordon and a few years back the Brewers did it with Ryan Braun.

That still leaves Lombardozzi stuck behind Espinosa and Marrero stuck behind either Morse or LaRoche although there is no 1st baseman on the 2014 depth chart right now. I still bring up Marerro in September and 2012 becomes the more difficult decision for his future as to whether he platoons or goes back to AAA.

Steve M. said...

Anon, I think Boras only has Gerrit Cole ahead of Rendon in the Top 6.

JD said...

SteveM.

Your point is exactly right. You never have too many assets. Logjams are opportunities and good teams always have steady pipelines to the majors.

We have SS,JZ,LaNnen,Peacock,Milone, Cole,Ray,Meyer. Does that mean we shouldn't try to retain Wong? pursue Buhrle? of course not.

BTW, for all those concerned about time running out and Boras being too busy. Relax. Many of the deals are already done but held up because MLB does not want over slot contracts used as leverage in negotiations. The only real question is if Purke signs or goes back to school? Everyone else will sign.

Mark'd said...

These agents aren't always doing the best service to their client by signing last minute. Storen and Zimmerman signed quick and both got up to the Majors quicker getting them a year quicker to Arbitration and Free Agency. That extra time to get into AA for these College aged kids can be huge in their assent to the Majors.

Trevor Bauer was Arizona's top pick and signed and pitched his first game in AA already and with the injury to Marquis could earn him a September callup.

jd said...

Steve M.

The thing about Marrero and Lombardozzi is that it's not at all clear that they are every day major league players. I have read very mixed reviews on both of them but they both did everything they could at the AAA level so it's time to see what they can do in the show. This is why I wanted to have them both up right after the trade deadline because I don't feel that September gives you a true picture of reality.

jd said...

Mark'd,

You are absolutely right but as an agent you try to squeeze out every last dollar.

Steve M. said...

Mark'd, Rendon is thought to be in the Zim mode and could be quick to the Majors but clearly will need a new position which is what will delay his progress.

Meyer is the more interesting player. Some say he has starting rotation stuff and some say he is a "closer". Again, more good problems to have.

Finally a real talent pool of pitchers. AJ Cole may be the best of all of them in the Minors. He is just 19 1/2 years old and pitched his best game so far in the Minors over the weekend. Someone wrote it must have been inspiration from being around Strasburg last week.

Steve M. said...

jd said... Steve M. The thing about Marrero and Lombardozzi is that it's not at all clear that they are every day major league players. I have read very mixed reviews on both of them but they both did everything they could at the AAA level so it's time to see what they can do in the show. This is why I wanted to have them both up right after the trade deadline because I don't feel that September gives you a true picture of reality. August 15, 2011 12:17 PM

We are in agreement there although Lombardozzi still has time and isn't on the 40 man, yet. I think September is great but the opportunity to see these guys on August 1st would have been better. The bench is still playing one short so still time to bring one of them up but doubt it will happen.

All I can say is, Rizzo must have a plan. Hmmmm

RPrecupjr said...

Will said:

all of a sudden the "slight" tear became substantially worse, and he also had a partially torn rotator cuff.

Um, no he didn't. Yes, his labral tear had gone from "slight" to significant ("SLAP" tear) but at no time did he or has he partially or completely torn his rotator cuff. The two things are completely different and if they were to happen in the same shoulder, would happen simultaneously/catastrophically and with a significant amount of pain, something that never happened to LaRoche.

Will also said:

LaRoche clearly spoke up enough to indicate that there was something wrong with his shoulder to warrant the initial MRI in Spring Training. That should have been enough of a call for help to shut him down.

From the Johns Hopkins website:

The treatment depends upon which kind of tear there is in the labrum. Most labral tears do not require surgery; however, in patients who have persistent symptoms despite more conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary. If the labrum is frayed, usually no treatment is necessary since it doesn’t usually cause symptoms. However, if there is a large tear of the labrum, the torn part should either be cut out and trimmed, or it should be repaired. Which treatment is used depends upon where the tear is located and how big it is. Tears of the labrum near the biceps tendon attachment (SLAP lesions) may be just trimmed or may need to be reattached to the top of the socket. The best way to do this is with arthroscopic surgery since this area is difficult to reach with an open operation through a large incision.

And this is what Adam and the training staff did. When it was a slight tear, he took some time off to let it rest and had cortisone shots. When it became more troublesome, he went on the DL to give it complete rest. After three weeks of complete rest he tried hitting off a tee and determined at that time that it just wasn't going to get any better and surgery was performed. Had he been a pitcher, whose entire livelihood is dependant on throwing a baseball, he probably would have surgery much earlier. But since he is a first baseman, the one guy on the field who can get by with a bad throwing arm (trust me, I AM one) he didn't until it became too painful for him to even swing a bat properly.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

I 'm not a doctor, I don't even play one on a golf course, but I think reading MRIs is not so obvious as all that, especially in these cases. But what I would like to know is, how good are other teams at this stuff? It's not as if thr Nats are the only team with injured players .... how do they compare? Without knowing that, I don't think one can make any conclusions about how bad or good they are.

Mick said...

Does anyone agree that if Nats are at 500 or 1-2 over by 9/1, they could make a run for Wild Card?

jd said...

Mick,

No.

m20832 said...

Unfortunately, no...

Anonymous said...

Does anyone agree that if Nats are at 500 or 1-2 over by 9/1, they could make a run for Wild Card?

They'd still be 9-10 games behind at that point, which is a lot to make up in a month. So could they make a wild card run? Sure. Pigs could fly, too.

Mick said...

You all are probably correct. My thinking was that maybe the Braves tighten up if Nats are only 9 back at that time. Nats would have nothing to lose and Braves would be dealing with a choking dog label, kinda like our Caps, lol

sunderland said...

Steve M. said...
Today is like Groundhog Day with Boras. Same dialogue, same approach, same drama...

***
I liked this....

sunderland said...

Mick - The problem in chasing the wild card from this far back is that even if the Braves choke it away, we still have others to overcome. Maybe the Braves are losing to the Mets and they stay ahead of us. Then there's STL and CIN and SFG and COL. Chasing the wild card means passing several teams.

baseballswami said...

I wish I could say that we had the chance at the wild card this year. I don't think so - but based on the way that they are playing, not on their won-loss record and the amount of ground that needs to be made up. I am seeing a lack of concentration, mental and physical errors,no consistency from day to day and in general, they don't seem to be playing in a very disciplined way. I am also not seeing that gritty spark as much as when they made their nice run earlier. The team would need to tighten up a lot AND depend on several other teams to choke in a very epic way. That's a lot of "iffiness".

Binx Bolling said...

The Nats would need something like a 16 game win streak just to get near contention for a Wild Card. With Jordan Zimmerman scheduled to be shut down around Labor Day, Craig Stammen will have to be reincarnated as Walter Johnson for the nats to have such a streak.

greg said...

and the mets. and we're only 1-2 ahead of marlins/pirates/dodgers. not a chance at the WC. *MAYBE* if we had one of those rockies 20 game win streaks or whatever it was a few years ago. but i don't see that happening.

UnkyD said...

Stop it, Mick..... Yes, we try to win every game, but we do it in the context of reloading, for next year, when we WILL be in the hunt!

Rest You Freaking Nats Rest!!!!!!!

Navy Nats Fan said...

Mark, the other problem is you have too many teams between the Nats and the wild card - in addition to the Braves, currently the Mets, Reds, Cards, and Giants are ahead of us. Plus, another 4 teams (Pirates, Marlins, Dodgers, and Rockies) are less than 3 games behind us. So not only do the Nats have to get on an amazing hot streak, no other team can do the same (to varying degrees). Odds are against us....

Navy Nats Fan said...

Wow - lots of people typing the same thought at around the same time....

sunderland said...

Wow - a lot of people are thinking and posting the same things at the same time

PAY TO PLAY said...

I think Mick is thinking with Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurjjens (sp?) both on the DL that they are primed for a fall. Yes, and San Fran and St. Louis are the 2 teams making a run.

Things aren't looking good for Atlanta with pitching for the next couple of weeks however their offense is now stroking with "George" Costanza and Uggla "The Streak Ended" are still capable of hanging on.

Crazier things have happened except the Nats are 12 games out of the Wild Card and St Louis and San Francisco look to be in the best position to take over Atlanta if they falter. San Francisco is still 4 games behind.

Grandstander said...

Angel Pagan passed through waivers. After a pretty bad season, Mets are crazy low on him, saying he's a non-tender candidate. Might be worth a scoop to see if he catches on here. At the very least it gives you a viable platoon with Ankiel in CF for the next 6 weeks.

Anonymous said...

W-W -Wildcard!!? P-P-Playoffs!!? We talkin playoffs!!?

gonatsgo said...

Anonymous 3:05 -- breathe, just breathe. I know I am talkin playoffs ---- in 2012. At this point, I really think that each and every decision that is made has to be made with 2012 in mind. Even if we crazy, ADD, obsessed fans don't like it because we might lose some games now. I say - let young pitchers learn to pitch out of trouble, let young fielders learn by their errors, let rookies get a ton of at-bats and get tired so they know how much conditioning will be required in the off-season - bring up people from the minors for auditions, sign the draft picks - Go You Freaking Nats ( front office) Go! Build that Team!!!

NatsJack in Florida said...

First it was concerns about an apparently out of shape 21 year old college kid and now it's playoffs?

2 days with out games makes this group a little strange.

And the captcha is "ulathin', apparently something Anthony Rendon needs to be taking (provided it doesn't contain steroids or HGH)

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Put it this way: to win 89 games, probably what it will take unless at least three teams all crash spectacularly, they have to go 32-11.

I'm all for optimism, but ...

JaneB said...

I love my imaginary friends, and imagining my 2012 Nats in the hunt. To echo Unkyd, RYFNR!

baseballswami said...

NatsJack in Fla ---nah, I know it's crazy. Just dreaming a little. I am guessing that this is not what most people fantasize about.........how pathetic.

Anonymous said...

Do you really think we won't hear anything about ALL the signings until mid-night? Is the deadline the reason there are not a lot of games today?

jd said...

The deadline is the reason. As I recall the signings started trickling in around 7:00 pm last year. Ray, then Cole, then Solis and finally the Grand finale: Bryce Harper at 11:59:59 and everybody pretended that it was touch and go until the last minute;It's really quite the farce and I promised myself never to worry about it again; in fact last year I read about the Harper signing the morning after.

Anonymous said...

"Is the deadline the reason there are not a lot of games today?"

No. The why shouldn't have to be explained.

Mick said...

Well then I'll take 86-76 like my 69 Nats, LO

Anonymous said...

Anon at 5:03 -- are you Yoda?

Anonymous said...

Anon at 5:08 -- are you also Anon at 4:41?
If so, do you follow baseball or just the Nats? For how long?

Drew8 said...

Mine eyes smell onions; I shall weep anon.

Drew8 said...

Anon!

Fair is foul, and foul is fair:

Hover through the fog and filthy air.

Drew8 said...

Anon

Anon

Anon

Anon

The beat don't stop until the break of dawn.

David said...

no news yet Mark? you're killing us :-)

BinM said...

When the dust settles, I think we'll find that Rizzo has inked four of the five (Purke being the non-signing, imo), and that one or two others from lower in the draft have been added as well.

Bora$, for as much as I still consider him the devil incarnate, gets his clients signed. Rendon will probably get a ML deal (add to 40-man), with a $6M+ bonus; Meyer will probably get around a $3M bonus (MiLB contract), and Goodwin could get around $1.4M in bonus money, also with a MiLB contract. Turnbull might get a record deal for a 4th round pick (maybe $1.5M+).

My gut instinct is that Purke also gets offered a record deal for a 3rd-round pick (around 3M+), but doesn't close the deal.

Mark Zuckerman said...

Sorry, nothing to report yet. As I warned you, don't expect much of anything until later in the evening. I'm about to head down to the ballpark, so I can join my beat writing cohorts and sit around waiting til midnight...

Nats Outsider said...

So, Mark, if there is no news yet about signings, can you or Mrs. Z update us on the "[little league] player to be named later"? All goes well, I hope.

Gonat said...

Rendon on the 40 man is certainly part of the deal which is most likely why the Nats cleared space on the 40 man.

Purke has a decision to be made. 5 more hours to go.

NatsLady said...

Saw this on Twitter--

14th rounder Cody Stubbs looks to be headed to UNC rather than signing with Washington Nationals

BinM said...

And for some of the earlier comments regarding Rendon looking 'soft'; Unless he seriously tries to eat himself out of the majors and blows up to 210+ before Spring Training 2012, he should be fine. As others have noted, RZim was carrying a bit of 'baby fat' when he signed back in 2005 at 6'3" - 210lbs.

As to where he eventually plays, all IF corners (3B-2B-1B) are in the realm of possibility, as is the OF. Given his current skillset, I wouldn't pidgeonhole him just yet.

Bryan Scrafford said...

This is definitely making me wish we could get more folks like Drew Storen. He signed the day after getting drafted, for less than the suggested value of his slot and has been a positive contribution to big league club already.

Big Cat said...

Mick...just checkin some things. In 69 the Cubbies had a 9 game lead over the Mets in the NL East on Aug 14. 13 days later the Mets were 2 games back and went on to win the division by 7 games. The Braves....er....the Cubs lost 14 of their final 20 games and the Mets went on to win the World Series! So crazy things do happen in baseball. Slide over Mick, Big Cat is gettin in the boat.......who you think we'll play in the first round of the playoffs?

NatsLady said...

Two hours ago from Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus and ESPN:

More and more RUMORS out there that the Nationals will get Rendon, Meyer AND Purke done; rumor No. 2 is big league deal for Purke.

baseballswami said...

It really surprises me when mlb shows the wild card list and we are on it. 12 back, but on the list - leaves me shaking my head - not in a bad way, just sayin'. Watching the Braves and Giants - getting my baseball fix. They just said that Buster Posey's wife just had twins. Isn't he,like 12 years old?The Giants are not looking so good. Too bad we're done playing them. Seems like we get teams when they are on hot streaks. Lots and lots of NLEast upcoming - makes me shudder.

NatsLady said...

And on the Strasmas watch:

The Hagerstown Suns announced that the Washington Nationals pitching star will pitch on Wednesday against Lexington at Municipal Stadium.

Gonat said...

BinM said...

As to where he eventually plays, all IF corners (3B-2B-1B) are in the realm of possibility, as is the OF. Given his current skillset, I wouldn't pidgeonhole him just yet.

August 15, 2011 7:02 PM
_____________________________

I don't think anyone will pidgeonhole him. It is going to be whether he is better than the incumbent to take someone's position and given his vertical size probably wouldn't be 1st choice at 1st base. 2nd base is taken by Danny Espinosa. 3rd base by Ryan Zimmerman. Seems LF will be his spot and for 3rd baseman watching the ball from the left side of the diamond makes that transition to LF an easier move as Ryan Braun once said.

Mick said...

I love it BigCat! 69 cubs and Mets.

Gonat said...

Bryan Scrafford said...
This is definitely making me wish we could get more folks like Drew Storen. He signed the day after getting drafted, for less than the suggested value of his slot and has been a positive contribution to big league club already.

August 15, 2011 7:12 PM
___________________________

He signed quick and he and his agents know he got picked in that slot for signability after the Crow debacle. Many thought he was a 2nd round pick being a relief pitcher. It can be debated. The same goes for players like AJ Cole that got paid well over slot because he was thought to be a middle to late 1st rounder and got 1st round money.

Wally said...

Ok, it is 8:00, so I think it is safe for us to announce SOMEONE!!

So what does it say about my life that I check in from vacation with family in beautiful coastal Maine for this?

I am betting on a clean sweep of top 5 plus 1 or 2 late round surprises.

Gonat said...

baseballswami said...
It really surprises me when mlb shows the wild card list and we are on it. 12 back, but on the list - leaves me shaking my head - not in a bad way, just sayin'. August 15, 2011 7:52 PM
_______________________

I saw that. Nice to see. It would take a Rockies run to make it.

Andrew said...

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/06/list-of-first-round-supplemental-draft-picks-to-sign.html

Follow along here as you can almost see a $dollar pattern with all the 1st round and supplement picks signing.

Mark Zuckerman said...

Nats Outsider said...
So, Mark, if there is no news yet about signings, can you or Mrs. Z update us on the "[little league] player to be named later"? All goes well, I hope.


All is well, indeed. We're having a boy. Due date is still Oct. 2, though Mrs. Z and I have a hunch he's going to arrive early. Wouldn't want to miss the thrilling conclusion to the regular season, you know?

Meanwhile, I do have news to report: Stephen Strasburg will officially start Wednesday night at Hagerstown. Story posted on the homepage.

baseballswami said...

gonat - 26 games to go against the nl east. Why is it just wrong that we will probably have the most issues with the fish? But wouldn't a rockies-like run be a blast?

Mick said...

Congrats and God Bless ya Mark!

Gonat said...

Baseballswami, I am with you. Hopefully Beinfest will fry up the rest of the Fish. LoMo always hit the Nats well. Anything is possible. I would be thrilled with 3rd place in the NL East.

It just shows you that if the Nats relievers were near as good as the Braves, the Nats could be right there with them. It was nice yesterday to see O'Flaherty give up that 2 run bomb to lefty Carlos Pena. O'Flaherty's ERA went back over 1.00 so maybe the "use" on their bullpen is starting to show.

Chipper Jones had a MRI on his knee today, Tommy Hansen on the DL, Jair Jurrjens on the DL. I think the Braves are vulnerable now and lets face it, the SF Giants are going head to head so that is the race to watch.

Wally said...

Mark - God bless, and my wishes for complete health for Mrs.Z and Baby Boy Z. First one, right? enjoy these last remaining bits of freedom. I am sure that you have heard this from many people, but everything changes, forever. And, if I may be so bold, prepare yourself that Dad now resides at the bottom of the totem pole. I mean, maybe you'll outrank the dog, but just barely. But I kid, it is all good, really good.

So back to the draft - if the Nats sign Purke and he is healthy, and Meyer, they'll have three pitching prospects that have legit #1 stuff (add Cole). Not to mention a couple 2's and 3's (Peacock, Ray and maybe Solis). That is pretty good and not all that common. Add Rendon to Harper, and maybe Norris and Hood, and I think we are a top 10 prospect org, adding to the numerous quality 26 and under guys already at the major league level. And throw in a reasonable payroll situation.

That is a long, long way from Odalis Perez, Johnny Estrada and Kory Casto. Think that I'll have another beer!

Andrew said...

Mark Zuckerman said...
All is well, indeed. We're having a boy. Due date is still Oct. 2, though Mrs. Z and I have a hunch he's going to arrive early. Wouldn't want to miss the thrilling conclusion to the regular season, you know?

August 15, 2011 8:16 PM

Mark - Good seeing you up in Philly. I took your advice and left before the rain hit for the Sunday game.

I liked that Ryan Zuckerman #11 name for the baby boy Zuckerman. It has a nice ring to it although Jordan Zuckerman #27 is good.

Gonat said...

The Brewers just turned the craziest triple play. 2nd to SS to 1st to Catcher. Ron Roenicke, the man with the strange defensive shifts, is sitting Nyjer tonight vs lefty Ted Lilly and Jerry Hairston took his spot and throws out a runner at home on a line in the next inning.

They can do no wrong now.

BinM said...

Wally: Rizzo is definately growing depth in the org. If this draft plays out well (32+ signed), the only soft spots left are in the OF, and some of the draft excess may end up there. I join you in opening another beverage, should all go well over the next 3+ hours.

baseballswami said...

Stephen Bryce Zuckerman? Sorry, Mark, we are all just trying to entertain ourselves during the wait - especially with no game tonight ( well, Nats, anyway). Still watching the Giants and Braves -- both teams need to step up, neither team is really lighting the field on fire. Cardinals seem to be fading. Couldn't happen to a nicer team imo.

Gonat said...

BinM, sort of agree on the outfield as you have 2 guys tied up for 6 years in Jayson Werth and Bryce Harper and possibly a 3rd in Rendon if they convert him to LF.

The guys I like in the Minors will be adding Brian Goodwin via the Draft tonight + Komatsu, Eury Perez and Destin Hood.

Gonat said...

Gonat said...
The Brewers just turned the craziest triple play. 2nd to SS to 1st to Catcher. Ron Roenicke, the man with the strange defensive shifts, is sitting Nyjer tonight vs lefty Ted Lilly and Jerry Hairston took his spot and throws out a runner at home on a line in the next inning.

They can do no wrong now.

August 15, 2011 8:51 PM
____________________________

This is getting ridiculous. Jerry Hairston just made a full out Bernadina dive towards the infield and got up and doubled the runner off 1st.

Gonat said...

Picks 28 to 60 are all signed except for 11 players.

Gonat said...

Picks 1 to 27 are all signed except for 21 players ;-)

See the contrast there.

baseballswami said...

Tick, tock, tick, tock,tick,tock.Waiting. At least the Brewers don't have a pitcher named "volkswagon" like the Giants do.

Anonymous said...

jimcallisBA Jim Callis
#Nationals sign 4th-rder Kylin Turnbull for $325k (slot = $225k). Santa Barbara CC RHP is projectable (6-4/195), fastball to 94. #mlbdraft

JaneB said...

Swami said:

Stephen Bryce Zuckerman? Sorry, Mark, we are all just trying to entertain ourselves during the wait - especially with no game tonight ( well, Nats, anyway).

If we have a run like the Rockies and get the wild card spot, the Z's will not have to listen to us suggest names for the Liitle League Player to be Named. Another good reason to root for a miracle, like those '69 Mets. In the meantime, I'd like to suggest Livan Zuckerman.

Big Cat and Mick, I like your thinking. In '69, I was afraid in would be sent to the principal's office for clandestine transistor radio listening in social studies. But, when I got caught, Mr. Paolo just made me turn up the sound so we could all hear.

Mark Zuckerman said...

We've got some news: The Nats have signed 4th round pick Kylin Turnbull for $350,000, about $100,000 above slot, according to Jim Callis of Baseball America, who is on top of these things like nobody else in the business tonight. Check the homepage for a story soon.

Gonat said...

Turnbull done. 1 down. 4 big ones to go.

TimDz said...

We got another two hours or so to wait on the big signings...

smoke 'em if ya got 'em.....

Anonymous8 said...

Is Turnbull a lefty or righty?

Gonat said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ0W3PSf8zk

Turnbull is a lefty.

Drew8 said...

Gonat 8:03 -- Rendon will end up at second base.

In his chat today, Boz noted that Desmond's offensive production this year is shockingly bad, so he's on the hot seat. (Desmond's OPS of .605 ranks 72nd of the 73 batters listed in the National League. )

Here's the question and Boswell's response in its entirety. No, I was not the questioner.

Q. In 2013, what are the chances that this is the lineup we see every day: Ramos, Morse, Rendon, Espinosa, Zimmerman, Harper, CF, Werth?


August 15, 2011 9:19 AM


A. Thomas Boswell :

"A pretty good chance. If Rendon can play 2nd well enough, he projects as a helluva hitter. Maybe "only" 15-20 homers, but if his college career at Rice doesn't say, "Born to .300 hitter in the Bigs" then whose does?

"Desmond has to hit better to hold his spot, even with his improved defense. Because his batting average is no worse than several other Nats many fail to understand that he has been almost The Worst Offensive Player in Baseball this year.

"Doesn't walk. Only four homers. helpless against sliders from RHers in clutch spots. His whole career, until this year, says he should be an average hitter, or better, for a MLB SS. He needs to wake up __there have been a few recent signs__ or he's going to force the Nats to confront decisions that they hoped he'd allow them to avoid.

"They GAVE him the job for two full years. You have to add up those two years and ask, "Is that enough?" Because he has such a good attitude, and is so athletic, he's going to get the benefit of every doubt."

Wally said...

Kevin_Goldstein Rumors that Purke will sign with the #Nationals . . . stronger than ever.
3 minutes ago

Gonat said...

Drew8, we will see. I think Desmond will be replaced by a veteran eventually. I just don't see Espinosa moving over to SS.

Anonymous said...

Mark, congratulations on the October arrival of a son. My kids were all girls but my grandchildren have been all boys. Took the two oldest fishing this weekend and they caught their first fish. What great fun!!!

SonnyG10 said...

MASN reports Turnbull signed.

Anonymous said...

@FungoFrogTCU: slow your role on Purke. Things I'm sure on: Deal is close/done, being held, more than $3M w/ a multi year pro contract

Gonat said...

1st round supplemental picks down to 6 unsigned which includes Brian Goodwin of course.

Gonat said...

For the debaters on walking bases loaded with a possible walk-off. Brian WIlson just walked McCann to load bases with 1 out to pitch to Uggla.

Gonat said...

Then he gives up a 2 strike single to Freddie Freeman for the walkoff with 2 outs after he struck out Uggla.

baseballswami said...

Wilson drops the f-bomb on "The Franchise" quite a lot -- I am guessing that it's flying all over the place right now. Maybe some equipment flying around, too. The Giants are in big trouble.

Gonat said...

Wilson gave up 3 runs total in the 9th. Real bad but he blew away Uggla. He had Freeman 2-2 count and threw a high heater that Freeman laid off of. On the next pitch, Freeman just put bat on ball for the single up the middle.

Guaranteed the F bombs will be flying. The Cardinals lost already so the Braves just picked up 1 full game on the Giants and Cardinals.

sjm308 said...

Willie Mo Zuckerman!

it just rolls off the tongue

Drew8 said...

At Hagerstown Kevin Keyes goes 2-3 with a jack and 2 more RBI.

Don't sleep on the Baby Beast.

Gonat said...

Keyes is performing for you Drew8. Not good under the lights. Maybe he saw Bryce's eye doctor.

Anonymous said...

Braves win, Fish and Mets ahead. booooooooooo

Mark Zuckerman said...

Thanks for all the baby name suggestions. Mrs. Z and I will give them all serious consideration. OK, not really. Though I am getting some good laughs out of these.

By the way, I posted a new item on the homepage about the Turnbull signing, and I'll have more new posts up as each signing gets done. Just in case you want to check those out.

Gonat said...

Mark, Ryan Wallace Zuckerman has a nice sound for a future 3rd baseman!

Can you give us updates on here 1st so we can keep this refreshing instead of back and forth for news. Of course we will read the stories in another window.

CBinDC said...

Ok how about Zach Zelig Zuckerman ...one thing is for sure the monogram will be original

TimDz said...

Or, everyone will think he's a narcoleptic...

____________________________________

CBinDC said...
Ok how about Zach Zelig Zuckerman ...one thing is for sure the monogram will be original

Drew8 said...

Personally, I'd go with "Big Train" or "Hondo" or "Mr. Nat."

Then again, "Campy" and "Sudden Sam" are nice, too.

I guess Teddy is out. Only winners in Family Z.

Gonat said...

http://therocket.mlblogs.com/2011/08/15/rendon-will-play-third-base-if-he-signs-with-nats/

If you listen to Ladson, Boswell is wrong. Guess I am wrong also. LOL

Drew8 said...

Rizzo has said all along that Rendon will start out playing third base in the minors because that is his best position.

Once Zimmerman reups Rendon will move to second base.

In the meantime, don't be surprised if Desmond is dealt to Tampa in the offseason (with Norris?) as part of an Upton deal.

Lombardozzi can come up as the stopgap 2b until Rendon is ready.

CBinDC said...

Of the 4 major sports own channels I think the MLB channels does the best job and with this MLB film production arm may pass NFL films, their handling of the Franchise on Showtime has been great. Now as you were

Anonymous said...

One hour, 6 minutes to go.

Anonymous8 said...

I am in for Miles Zuckerman or Michael Zuckerman.

Mark Zuckerman said...

Actually, I've been pushing for Xavier Yorvit Zuckerman.

Anonymous8 said...

Drew8 said...
In the meantime, don't be surprised if Desmond is dealt to Tampa in the offseason (with Norris?) as part of an Upton deal.

August 15, 2011 10:48 PM

Do you really want a guy that hits for a lower BA than Jayson Werth? Corner outfielders hitting .230 combined. Not like.

Plus he is a 1 year rental.

I'd rather go with Bernadina.

baseballswami said...

You know - I've been watching the Dan Uggla streak and now the Thome 600 hrs -- since when do baseball players hug each other so much? The Braves seem to hug a lot - now the Twins are very huggy. Pretty warm and fuzzy stuff. Next thing you know there will be rampant crying in baseball.

Gonat said...

Anonymous8 said...

Do you really want a guy that hits for a lower BA than Jayson Werth? Corner outfielders combined. Not like.

Plus he is a 1 year rental. hitting .230

I'd rather go with Bernadina.

August 15, 2011 11:00 PM

______________________________

BJ Upton would be a centerfielder here. The rest I agree with. JUST SAY NO TO BJ. Maybe people think he will become Justin Upton. I don't see it. Get Coco Crisp. He will be a Free Agent.

FS said...

Not sure about Xavier Yorvit Zuckerman. But please go with one of the following

a) Sandy Herman Zuckerman
b) Walter Tyrus Zuckerman
c) Walter Perry Zuckerman
d) Sanford Braun Zuckerman

:D

Gonat said...

Mark Zuckerman said...
Actually, I've been pushing for Xavier Yorvit Zuckerman.

August 15, 2011 10:57 PM
_____________________

XYZ, nice. I like Xander Yosef Zuckerman. XYoZ

A DC Wonk said...

Menachem Mendel Zuckerman?

(Just kidding -- sort of -- I'm guessing the name will start with an "M" -- but not because Mark's name is "M")

Drew8 said...

While we're waiting, did you hear they bought new cleats for a pitcher at Harrisburg?

Something about Arnesen and old laces.

(Tip your waiters.)

Mom, Dad, are we there yet ???

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

No.
Shirley Zuckerman.

Scooter said...

A nice thought, Wonky-Wonk. I don't presume to know the Zuckerpeople's minds, but it would make sense.

And stop calling him Shirley!

Scooter said...

And Drew8, I can do worse than that.

Remember, early in the season, Santangelo wanted a nickname for Todd Coffey? (Ended up with "Big Pot.") I just always pictured them talking about it in the clubhouse:

FP: Big guy, you need a nickname. Say, what do they call you up there in Milwaukee?
TC: They. Call. Me. Mister Coffey!

I'm here all week.

Anonymous8 said...

Anonymous8 said...
I am in for Miles Zuckerman or Michael Zuckerman.

August 15, 2011 10:56 PM

I am sticking with my guesses. No answer from Mark so I think I got it!

Miles Austin Zuckerman

natteringnabob said...

is it time to panic?

Gonat said...

17 minutes..........

Drew8 said...

Scooter, that WAS bad. I like it

Sidney Poitier is too classy to sprint from the pen.

Anonymous said...

Okay, seriously. This is getting a little tense, no?

Drew8 said...

Course, Mort Zuckerman is taken....

I DO like the ring of Nat Zuckerman, private eye....

How about:

Rendon Meyer Goodwin Purke Zuckerman.

TimDz said...

MLB Trade Rumors:
•The Nationals agreed to terms with Brian Goodwin, the 34th overall pick, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter). His bonus is believed to be $3MM.

Anonymous said...

SI_JonHeyman Jon Heyman
brian goodwin, OF and No. 34 pick overall, in agreement with #nationals. believed to be for $3M.

TimDz said...

Bet there will be a flurry of them coming now...

Gonat said...

Looks like Purke is done. Another 40 man deal.

Gonat said...

TimDz said...
MLB Trade Rumors:
•The Nationals agreed to terms with Brian Goodwin, the 34th overall pick, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter). His bonus is believed to be $3MM.

August 15, 2011 11:53 PM
__________________________

Ridiculous over-slot. That's just giving money away.

Wally said...

That is a lot for Goodwin. Of all the high profile picks, I like him least. Just kind of tired of the 'toolsy' types. Residual trauma from Jimbo days

TimDz said...

Itssssssssssssss 12....O clock.....

Do you know where your draft picks are?

CBinDC said...

Times up Pens down

Wally said...

Kilgore says they are all done

Anonymous said...

AdamKilgoreWP Adam Kilgore
The #Nats have agreed to sign all four first picks, club source said: Anthony Rendon, Alex Meyer, Brian Goodwin Matt Purke. No word on $

Gonat said...

jimcallisBA Jim Callis
#Nationals give 3rd-rder Matt Purke 4-yr big lg deal. Details to come, total guarantee close to No. 3 pick Trevor Bauer ($4.4 mil) #mlbdraft
2 minutes ago

Wally said...

Wow, Josh Bell signed with Pitt.

Anonymous said...

jimcallisBA Jim Callis
by MarkZuckerman
#Nationals give 3rd-rder Matt Purke 4-yr big lg deal. Details to come, total guarantee close to No. 3 pick Trevor Bauer ($4.4 mil)

Gonat said...

Another night the Lerner's have opened the wallet. Over slot for just about all the big names.

Gonat said...

Kevin_Goldstein So with Matt Purke signing with the #Nationals, I guess that Nolan Ryan won't be able to honor his word.
2 minutes ago

CBinDC said...

Well one thing the Nats do well is sign the top draft picks ....also seems to not be a good couple of days for former Nats pitchers ....I see Brian Bruney has been released ....so we get the whole jack pot again .....now what to do with the current team

NATSONE said...

BANG, ZOOM!!! A (DRAFT) CURLY W IS IN THE BOOKS!!!

Gonat said...

@AlexMeyer17
Alex Meyer career with the Washington Nationals!!!!
4 minutes ago via web

Mark Zuckerman said...

They signed all 4 top picks. Rendon and Purke get MLB deals, Meyer and Goodwin get minor-league deals. Full story posted: http://www.natsinsider.com/2011/08/nats-sign-all-4-top-picks.html

Gonat said...

Haven't seen Rendon's final numbers. Should be around $7 million

JaneB said...

Hmmmmm....
Curlie W. Zuckerman.
I'm rooting for that.

Gonat said...

@jimcallisBA
Jim Callis #Nationals gave 1st rder Anthony Rendon big league deal: $6 mil bonus, $7.2 mil guarantee, 4 years plus option. #mlbdraft
8 minutes ago

A DC Wonk said...

So, the non-signing of Adam Dunn (two sandwich) draft picks is looking pretty darn good right now, eh?

Jeremy Pivens said...

Let's hug it out, you little b******

baseballswami said...

You know - I've been watching the Dan Uggla streak and now the Thome 600 hrs -- since when do baseball players hug each other so much? The Braves seem to hug a lot - now the Twins are very huggy. Pretty warm and fuzzy stuff. Next thing you know there will be rampant crying in baseball.
August 15, 2011 11:04 PM

natsfan1a said...

And the Z-Man wins the interwebz. (Late submission just because: Frank Robinson Zuckerman.)

Also, now that we know it's a boy, just let us know where to drop off the Nats onesies (for those who are so inclined). ;-)

Mark Zuckerman said...

Actually, I've been pushing for Xavier Yorvit Zuckerman.
August 15, 2011 10:57 PM

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