Monday, May 7, 2012

Werth likely out 12 weeks after surgery

Associated Press photo
Jayson Werth injured himself trying to make a sliding catch in the sixth inning.
Jayson Werth was due to have surgery today on his broken left wrist, a procedure that is likely to keep him out for roughly 12 weeks, according to a source close to the Nationals right fielder.

The surgery was set to take place after Werth was examined by a specialist, who also consulted with Richard Berger of the Mayo Clinic, the doctor who six years ago repaired a ligament injury in Werth's same wrist that allowed him to resurrect his career.

It's not believed doctors found any ligament damage today, only a clean break of the radius bone on the opposite side of the wrist where Werth's previous injury was located.

Recovery time from such a procedure, which includes plates and screws being inserted in the wrist is typically about 12 weeks. That could have Werth back in the Nationals' lineup in early August.

Though Werth's surgery is a serious blow to a Nationals club already beset by injuries to stalwarts Ryan Zimmerman, Michael Morse, Adam LaRoche, Drew Storen, Brad Lidge and Mark DeRosa, the franchise does have a natural replacement for the veteran in right field.

Rookie Bryce Harper, who has taken the baseball world by storm since his promotion nine days ago, will likely shift from left to right field, according to manager Davey Johnson. Johnson would then use a combination of Roger Bernadina and Xavier Nady in left field until Morse is ready to return from his lat muscle injury (he's not expected back for at least another month).

108 comments:

MicheleS said...

Get well soon Jayson!

A.W. said...

Trade for someone please. Nady/Bernadina won't cut it.

Section 222 said...

Ouch. That hurts.

another &^$# who doesn't respect the traditions of america's pastime..what a shame

Guilty as charged. I don't respect a "tradition" that gives any pitcher the right to throw at a batter who has done absolutely nothing to deserve it. Is every pitcher who faces the Nats now given a pass to take a shot at Harper to "welcome him the majors"? Is that what the Unwritten Rulebook" says? Please enlighten me, since there's nowhere I can read it.

And, by the way, why was Hamels given that right? Because the Nats had beaten his team twice? Because Harper had played well in those games? Does the Unwritten Rulebook say that our pitchers should take potshots at star players of other teams for no reason? Or just at rookies? Ridiculous.

I also don't respect other commenters who think that such a tradition exists or deserves respect.

Doc said...

Jeeeeeeeeezus!

It's a good thing that we have a few good pitchers!

Nady and Bernadina in LF????? Why not just get volunteers from the bleachers?

mr baseball said...

Pray everything go well with your recovery! Our prayers and thoughts are with you and God Bless!

Section 222 said...

Sounds like Bernadina will get another "last chance" to show he can hit major league pitching. And Nady avoids what was looking like a sure DFA. They could be the most unproductive platoon in history.

A DC Wonk said...

Nady/Bernadina

Oy! Now that seems scary!

upperdeck4 said...

Section 222 said...
Ouch. That hurts.

another &^$# who doesn't respect the traditions of america's pastime..what a shame

Guilty as charged. I don't respect a "tradition" that gives any pitcher the right to throw at a batter who has done absolutely nothing to deserve it.
_____

What are you replying to?

jcj5y said...

Is there any time frame on DeRosa? Maybe a DeRosa-Bernadina platoon is enough to make it through while Morse recovers.

They have stashed several potential outfielders in AAA, but only Teahan is hitting down there, and he might be the least capable outfielder.

Section 222 said...

upperdeck4 -- i was responding to a comment by Scott at the end of the discussion of the last post.

sjm308 said...

I am hoping against hope that Bernadina sees this for what it is. If he can't take this opportunity and turn it into a success, he is finished in Washington. I have seen him make great plays, hit the ball well and yet time after time he comes up short. How great would it be if he honestly does live up to this opportunity. I have always thought he was a better corner outfielder and as long as Ankiel is hot and Harper continues we "could" be ok.

I wonder what happens with Lombo now? Surely you have to let him play 2nd base and give Danny some time to figure things out.

Still devastated by Jason's injury but hopeful that since it was a clean break the previous injury will not impede his progress.I am also hopeful that he will continue to be a presence in both the dugout and clubhouse. It really looks like Harper goes to him for advice.

Go Nats!!

Andrew said...

Can't Lombo play a little LF? he's hitting over 300

P. Cole said...

Tyler Moore in left field please.

sjm308 said...

Sec 222 - not sure what is going on but I agree that no one has the right to hit anyone. It has been going on for years but with what football and hockey are now going through I would bet this is going to get nipped soon.

jeffwx said...

So on April 12
Rizzo: Morse in "total shutdown mode" for 6 weeks after reaggravated lat tear. No surgical option to repair it.

or to return on May 24 or so.
Now today, someone reports he's down for at least another month or June 7 or so.
All injuries updates will have to be hush, hush so as not to look as desperate as you are.
I'm not so sure when Morse is back and hitting in any case, he'll need some time to get up to speed since he didn't have a full ST.

Therefore, I'm hopeful but not counting on him hitting in mid-season form until at least mid-season (all star break).

A DC Wonk said...

Tracee Hamilton:

Ah, yes, that old-school, prestigious way of baseball that includes segregation, spitters and steroids.

jcj5y said...

I'm afraid they'll need Lombo to play second as soon as Zim is back (which I really hope is Tuesday).

jeffwx said...

P. Cole...seems that management is not confident with T. Moore in LF. I'm not sure he's ready for it and serious ML pitching either.
See DC sports pages:

With Werth’s injury, the Nats are looking at a Xavier Nady/Roger Bernadina platoon in left, while still trotting out Rick Ankiel’s .311 OBP in center every night. Nady has two extra-base hits in 62 plate appearances, Bernadina a .308 OBP. That’s just not going to cut it. Tyler Moore could help with the bat, but it’s apparent the Nats don’t think he’s capable of playing Major League defense.
Moore was not even mentioned as a possibility by Davey Johnson following Sunday’s game,

UnkyD said...

(lol) I have a quart of lime KookAid that days Scott will tell you he's never been to a "boring" cocktail party.... Dawg, you're more tenacious than Velcro with super glue!!!

SALUTE!!! (I'm also betting you've seen a few episodes of Hee Haw!)

Steady Eddie said...

jeffwx -- the "total shutdown mode" for Morse was no baseball activities of any kind (I think he's been running the steps at Nats Park but that's about it). So at the end of the six weeks, he's got to start doing baseball-oriented workouts and then maybe start a rehab stint to get his timing and overall shape back. I've heard some murmurs about having him DH in American league parks in June, which could be possible as it's never been his swing that was affected, basically his throwing.

Jon said...

Do we have any more prospects that can come up and start dominating? Hood?

Candide said...

jeffwx said...P. Cole...seems that management is not confident with T. Moore in LF. I'm not sure he's ready for it and serious ML pitching either.

Wasn't that the rap on Michael Morse?

Steady Eddie said...

(Adding to my 4:00 pm comment) -- Whether Morse actually is in a condition to DH in June is another question, but we can at least hope.

jeffwx said...

More on Werth's injury:

In 2005, Werth was hit with a pitch on the wrist in spring training. The injury, which wasn't accurately detected until Werth visited with Berger more than a year later at the Mayo Clinic, was one that forced him to contemplate the end of his career. Berger, though, identified and repaired the split tear of the ulnotriquetral ligament and Werth's career rebounded to the point where the Nationals handed him a seven year contract worth $126 million in December, 2010.

The break last night was a tough blow, for Werth and the Nationals, but it appears he's avoided damaging the same ligaments that led to his earlier ordeal. He is expected to have plates and screws inserted in the wrist during surgery.

Bill B said...

They've got to leave Danny E in the lineup to work out his issues. I say, play Lombo in LF. In fact, I think a lineup of (1) Lombo, (2) Harper, (3) Zim, (4) LaRoche, (5) Desmond, (6) Ankiel, (7) Espi, (8) catcher would be much better any way. Desmond swings at way too many first pitches.

jcj5y said...

No more prospects in the pipeline who are even close to MLB-ready, unless you count Moore, and he really can't play outfield in the majors.

jeffwx said...

Thanks Steady Ed...
Candide....Not sure why they are not confident with Tyler in LF. He's younger than Morse was (Morse already had several years in the majors) and Morse had ability at SS, that requires more mobility than 1B....But I kinda agree that Moore is not ready for the outfield. It's a lot to throw at a rookie at once...learning major league pitching, learning to play your natural position in the major leagues, learning to play a new position...not everyone is Bryce Harper, I guess.

Anonymous said...

Harper had over a full season in the outfield (plus has off the charts physical talents) Moore has a handful of games.

jeffwx said...

so lets say our outfield is Bernadina/Ankiel/Harper.

What's our bench then:
Moore, Lombo, Tracey, Nady.

Nady is your only true backup outfielder....yikes... They'll do something to fix that.

Doc said...

Davey likes offense, so why not Mini Z in LF?

Unlike Bernadina and Nady, he actually can get on base!

rogieshan said...

Any update on Rendon? His bat is probably major-league ready. Some have suggested Teahen an OF/left-handed bat replacement over Bernadina. I think the Save The Shark campaign is over.

A DC Wonk said...

Just a quick note to those who think the Nats' medical staff is incompetent:

The injury, which wasn't accurately detected until Werth visited with Berger more than a year later at the Mayo Clinic...

Lesson: many soft-tissue injuries are hard to figure out.

JaneB said...

As long as he's back for September.

Mend fast, Jayson.

I wish I had more faith in Nady, whom I really like. Just...not for us now.

A DC Wonk said...

I'd like to to mini-Z in LF, too. I think his defensive liability is more than made up for by his ability to get on base, which the Nats _really_ need.

Question: what's the point of Moore being here, if he's hardly playing? What's that about? Is his role up here as a PH only?

jcj5y said...

I haven't heard anything to suggest that Rendon is ready to be back on the field at all. And he doesn't play outfield either, so even assuming he could hit, I don't think it solves much.

jeffwx said...

Good question about Moore. If we didn't have so many injuries, I think he'd be better served in Syracuse for a little while longer where he can work on hitting, and maybe OF defense some.

SCNatsFan said...

I think with the broken wrist he still out hits Nady

jeffwx said...

Former Nat News:

The Reds announced that they have outrighted Willie Harris to Triple-A (Twitter link). The utility player has appeared in 19 games this year, but has just three hits and two walks.

Section 222 said...

Not sure what Moore is doing in the big leagues if with Morse, then LaRoche, and now Werth on the DL, he's getting no playing time in the field. Bringing him off the bench to strike out once a game is not going to give him much of a chance to improve his game. If you really don't trust him to do anything but pinch hit, send him back down. We need players who can contribute with all these injuries.

Will said...

Lombardozzi/Moore platoon in LF.

Mark Teahen and Corey Brown are also options!

I just don't want Xavier Nady anywhere near my baseball team!

Anonymous said...

It would be nice if everyone on this board took a few minutes and sent Jayson a get-well card. Just mail it to the Nats main address and they'll put it in his mailbox in the locker room.

I really appreciate how hard this man has worked to make the Nationals, and baseball in Washington, succeed.

I'm sending him a card and I hope everyone does.

NatsNut said...

Maybe Nady's bat gets hot like Tracy's did with a little more regular playing time.

Anonymous said...

Major blow. Leadership on field will be missed. Hurry back Morse Code! UNLEASH THE BEAST!!!

Will said...

NatsNut, we (along with the Yankees, Cubs and Diamondbacks) have been waiting for 3 years, 220 games and 600+ ABs for Nady's bat to heat up. It hasn't.

He was washed up in 2010. He'll be washed up in 2012.

Grandstander said...

Maybe Nady's bat gets hot like Tracy's did with a little more regular playing time.

Sunshine Bob Carpenter is too pessimistic for you.

jeffwx said...

Lombardozzi somewhere in this lineup makes sense to me....We don't have a lot of players with OBP above .350 that are healthy.
Of the non-injured, there are two: Lombo, Harper.
Agree then, Lombo somewhere in the lineup.

Losing Werth (372), LaRoche(392), Zimm was painful

natsfan1a said...

Hope so, NatsNut.

Wishing full and relatively healing for Jayson and hoping that in the meantime he can be a presence with the team, at least when they're at home.

Doc said...

Nice idea on the get-well-card for JDub.

Apart from his bat, his mentoring of Oppo Boppo on Hamels pick-off motion was Werth its' weight in gold!!!

I think that he good give that insight to a lot of Nats, but Harper was one for sure that could take advantage of it!

NG said...

Has anyone heard a return date for Mark DeRosa? He might be the best of the bad RH options to stick in a platoon with Bernadina in left until Morse gets healthy. At least he hit in Spring Training, which is something that can't be said about Nady (who hasn't hit in years, and unlike DeRosa, wasn't injured).

natsfan1a said...

relatively *quick* healing, that would be

jeffwx said...

X. Nady = .119/.161/.186

That looks bad but it's all relative
M. DeRosa = .081/.227/.081

And they are both Nats !
Kinda unusual to have two bench players batting around .100

Wait...sorry Nady is a starter now

Gumbo in Gotham said...

I agree with the comments about Moore. I'd like to see him get a shot (Nady and Bernadina have had many, many chances). If management feels Moore can't play on the field yet, then send him back down to learn more.

It just makes no sense for a promising young guy to be up in the majors, but not playing regularly. IMO, those spots are for established players on the back end of their careers.

Get well soon to everyone!

jeffwx said...

Players I'd like to give up on so I can move on but can't until something better comes along:

X. Nady (still batting better than....
M. DeRosa (kinda old)
R. Bernadina (needs another chance somewhere else)

That leave C. Tracy, lombo as utilities

Faraz Shaikh said...

I think Davey plans to use Moore off the bench because he likes some HR threats on his bench, which Moore could be.

Will said...

Mark Teahen is batting .298/.357/.433 in Syracuse.
Corey Brown is batting .250/.360/.405 in Syracuse.
Tyler Moore was batting .286/.364/.597 in Syracuse.

Nady has been dreadful with the bat and is a terrible defender. Any of those guys could hit better than .119 and play below-average defense, except Moore and Brown both have some upside and could still prove to be useful players.

Faraz Shaikh said...

Werth's injury looks worse every time I see it again. I hope I am wrong but we may not see him play again this season.

I hope Hamels is suspended for at least five games. I mean a pitcher missing five games is going to miss only one start but I hope he misses more than one start because he admitted it to being intentional. And like many baseball persons have said, that was a classless move to do that to a two-week old rookie.

Anonymous said...

12 weeks is quite a while, but it's not like Werth was carrying the team. With Harper here, Zim coming back, and hopefully Lombo playing on a continuous basis, we'll be in good shape.

mick said...

You bring Brown and Teahan uplong with Moore. Add this to Zim, Bryce and LaRouch (see I spelled it right, ya happy, lo) and you roll.

I believe you sit Espinioza down to rest mentally and start Lombo at 2b. You bring Storen and Wang when ready and go with it.

We could be the 1975 Red Sox, I have said this over and over.

I feel for Werth, it is important for him to get healthy and then in August he only helps

mick said...

yikes I meant LaRoche

mick said...

Look, Nady, Bernadina SUCK, get em outta here. Maybe Derosa gets one more shot?

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

My laugh of the day, I hear Mike Cameron can play outfield.

jeffwx said...

As we ponder who to play outfield, how about C-M Wang ;)
another blog:
If you’re Davey Johnson, you don’t possibly dare disrupt the existing rotation do you? I wouldn’t. But, Wang needs to go somewhere. Can you put him in the bullpen? Doubtful; he’s a starter coming off a shoulder injury and probably needs to be on a set schedule of throwing. I doubt he’s able to jump up and be ready to enter a high-leverage reliever situation with 8 pitches to get ready. Do you send Detwiler to the pen? He’s the least experienced of the 5 starters we have; the other 4 have long since established their spots. Do you move Jackson to the bullpen? That’d make for an awful expensive middle reliever. Wang has no options (nor does Detwiler or Gorzelanny for that matter, logical choices to move up or down to make way), so they all have to find room on the active roster. I don’t think Wang is trade-bait; who would give up anything other than a marginal prospect for him based on his injury past?

mick said...

how Nady is in the ML is beyond me, Bernadina was already on borrowed time and he simply has to go.

MicheleS said...

GHOST!

you made me giggle with that one!

mick said...

jeffwx, the Yankees may be desperate enough to trade for Wang, just a thought

SonnyG10 said...

do1teach1 said...
It would be nice if everyone on this board took a few minutes and sent Jayson a get-well card. Just mail it to the Nats main address and they'll put it in his mailbox in the locker room.


Thanks for the idea. I'm going to do it.

A DC Wonk said...

I mean a pitcher missing five games is going to miss only one start

Depending on which five days. For example, if he got the suspension today, it would means his turn gets delayed by just one day. Big whoop.

NatsLady said...

I think if there were any (more) nearly ready minor-league position players, they would already be here. Rizzo is going all out and not waiting for the "development curve." That's what is so discouraging about the Werth injury and the whatever-it-is that Morse has.

We have talented prospects who are not yet ready, and we may have to give some of them up. After the Gio trade, we are not empty-handed but rather short-handed on the farm. I'm sure Rizzo doesn't want to further deplete the system, especially since the new CBA makes it harder to sign prospects (limitations on $$ and no major-league contracts.) I'm sure he wanted to wait until neared the trade deadline to make decisions. But with Nady/Bernadina et al, the team could flounder and dissipate what's been built up.

I understand that LF is an "easier" position than CF or RF, but just throwing players out there and hoping they'll know how to chase flies and have a strong enough arm to find the infield is foolish and will COST RUNS, runs that the bats won't pick up. (What bats?????)

You can see Nady not only has no bat, he doesn't have much arm left either . Ankiel ran over to RF to grab a ball so he could throw it in. He won't have to do that with Harper, obviously, but Harper will take strange routes... It's just not a good situation.

mick said...

SonnyG10: WILL DO

great idea!

Steady Eddie said...

FS -- on Moore being kept as a home run threat off the bench, I hope you're not right on that reasoning because it's hard enough for competent vets to pinch hit for power getting only one or two ABs every second or third game. It's virtually impossible for a rookie to do that and learn how to hit game speed MLB pitching at the same time.

I agree with section 222 and Gumbo -- if they're not going to let Moore get at least a few starts, they should send him back to Cuse when Zim is activated. It's looking like that was their plan all along, to give him a cuppa and be an emergency pinch hitter, just to see what it feels like to play up here (and as a reward and incentive for good hitting on the farm).

A little disappointing compared to keeping Nady (have to assume Rizzo and Davey are still hoping he'll do a Tracy with a few more starts, which strikes me as wishful thinking), but maybe better for his continued development. Yeah, Moore has raked but has only been up to AAA for a few weeks.

jeffwx said...

And for those who frequent Duffy's... A Nats friendly bar down by U.
There's a good groupon deal right now:
http://www.groupon.com/deals/duffys-irish-pub-1?c=image&sid=11168719&utm_campaign=duffys-irish-pub-1&utm_content=all-deals_washington-dc&division=washington-dc&s=body&date=20120507&utm_source=newsletter&p=1&utm_medium=email&addxe=RENXWDYxQEdNQUlMLkNPTQ==&user=e08c3dac9b2586118bbc748eed7543116242558ed37432fbecfd160fd02c48b3

mick said...

jeffwx, i'll check it out. what do they on draft? and is there enough for me, lol?

mick said...

Tracy is hitting well, I wonder if he is one of those guys that needs to play every day?

Steady Eddie said...

Ghost -- It's good you're a ghost, because under current circumstances that one feels like laughing past the graveyard.

A DC Wonk said...

Ankiel ran over to RF to grab a ball so he could throw it in.

I don't know if that was so much a statement on Nady's arm as it is about how unbelievably great Ankiel's arm is. With bases loaded and one out, I can't think of anyone else in MLB who I'd want catching that.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Mick, I agree about Nady. Bernadina has been used sparingly. He needs some regular ABs.

Lombo has earned his playing time and Davey has to find him a spot.

The three worst hitters besides DeRosa are in order Nady, Espi then Bernadina.

I'd choose Bernadina out of that group. Espi isn't in a slump, its much worse than that. He needs 2 weeks in Syracuse to find himself where he can start over in a less stressful situation.

Ron In Reston said...

mick said...
jeffwx, the Yankees may be desperate enough to trade for Wang, just a thought

That's not really an option, as Wang cannot be traded before the end of June due to his being a free agent signing.

WHen Wang comes back, as it stands now, Ejax goes to the pen. The other four have outpitched him so far, the complete game notwithstanding, and Wang's warmup routine prohibits him from being in the pen. Perry goes back to Syracuse at that point. When Lidge returns, depending on what has transpired on the field between now and then, my guess is Gorzy is gone. EJax remains as the long reliever/spot starter, with Stammen able to go two or three if absolutely necessary. But lemme tell ya, after watching what he did last night in a bases-loaded, no out situation, I see a future as a setup guy or even closer, though it may end up being with someone else. At least for now we could alternate Clip and Stamm to save both of their arms for the fall.

jeffwx said...

Nats Lady...well said.
We have some bullpen pitchers (along w/ Lannan as part of the trade) that could be traded bring in more punch and defense in the outfield. I really think such a trade would be a win-win for both teams and players.

Losing Werth hurts a lot esp. since I think we don't have suitable replacements in the organization...And Ankiel who was supposed to be our reliable bench outfielder is in the starting role where he absolutely cannot get hurt. We are weak in the OF. Ankiel is not the youngest guy on the block. I'm confident management is working on it right now.

Steady Eddie said...

Ghost -- I mostly agree with the need for a little AAA dose for Espi as a remedy (remembering what it did for Lannan in 2010), but then who's our backup MI? Not sure if we want to see DeRosa there, and of course who knows when he'll even be off the DL.

Steady Eddie said...

Ron -- good point on Stammen. At this point he's at least Clip's equal as a high leverage fireman. But leave out closer. To have TWO firemen you can have almost total confidence in is two more than many MLB teams have. Which means you can alternate them daily without fear of burning either one out.

Marty said...

Look, the LF craptoon of Nady/Bernadina/DeRosa is going nowhere fast.

I think it's time. Get Milton Bradley on the phone :)

NCNatsie said...

If there's any serious thought about sending Espi to the minors, I think it should be on this basis: as a test to see how he hits right handers from the right side. Saves face for him, gives valuable info to the mgmt, and possibly turns his career around.

Scott from Burke said...

not a flattering photo

Pilchard said...

At this point in his career Nady is a crappy defensive OF as well as being incapable of providing any offense. With this staff, if the Nats have to plan a weak offensive OF, at least play someone that has range and can be a threat when he gets on base.

I would play Bernadina and look to bring up/pick up other OFs that can at least field and run at a high level. If Corey Brown fits that bill, I would bring him up. I love the potential of Tyler Moore's bat, but he is learning to play OF. I fear that he will cost the Nats games with poor OF play more likely than win games with his bat.

My recommendation:

- Play Bernadina against righties, and bring up/pick up the best RH defensive OF.
- Relase Nady.

mick said...

Ghost and Ron.... good analysis, I agree and did not know about the June deadlines on Wang

UnkyD said...

Lol, Mick! too funny!!!

NatsLady said...

Hamels five day suspension and "undisclosed" fine. No mention of JZ. Can players/teams choose what date to take the suspension to minimize its impact?

MLB suspends Hamels

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120507&content_id=30639402&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

Anonymous said...

Do the Nats trade for a rwplacement for Weth? If so, who? I've heard Denard Span talked about, but as has been pointed out, he's not a real replacement for Werth--not a slugger, but a speedy leadoff type, and we got that covered.

But the Twins do have someone else who would fit the bill--Josh Willingham.

Yep, Josh Willingham. Seems silly to talk about bringing him back, but right now he's doing .291/.402/.570 with 5 HR and 15 RBI. Now we wouldn't get him for John Lannan--we might be talking Ross Detwiler. And he's signed for three years at $7 million a year, and I don't know if he has a no-trade clause (not that he'd veto a trade to the Nats, but it might be more difficult to move him along after this season). But if we are taliking trade to replace Werth, he may be the only guy on a no-hope team that will trade right now who is worth considering.

jeffwx said...

OK, I'm up for a Nats insider meetup at Duffy's for anyone interested before an upcoming game. Get your Groupon for pub food (Sorry Mick, not valid for draft picks). I'll buy the first round (esp since I don't drink).
We can commiserate on the Nats together and give away our tix if any more injuries befall this once mighty team...

UnkyD said...

I'd line Espy to visit Syracuse, as well. The problem? No other MIs on the 40 man... Does anyone know if Rivero can play short? DeRosa(I should know on him...)

Steady Eddie said...

NatsLady -- 5 days' suspension is as token as they come for a pitcher. They're off on Thursday anyway, so I understand (from other stuff I've read) that all he has to do is slip a day from his usual rotation spot and he's over the five days.

Section 222 said...

I too hope that Nady finds his bat soon, but consider this:

Matt Stairs' slashline when we released him last year after 74 plate appearances was .154/.257/.169. Nady has now had 62 PAs and his slashine is .119/.161/.186. Even Bernadina was even better than that in 72 PAs against lefties last year (.191/.225/.235). Corey Brown has to be better than that against lefties, doesn't he?

jeffwx said...

NJ, But what's better for the team right now...Does it really make more sense to send Det (3-1, 1.59 ERA) to the pen and replace with Wang ???

Theophilus T. S. said...

The Nats have five people -- Z'man, DeRosa, Wang, Lidge, and possibly Morse -- who should be coming off the DL in the next five weeks or so, and only one open spot on the roster. That means they are reaching a decision point on several players -- and there is a clear point as to only one of them: Moore. Given the improbability of sneaking either Bernadina or Gorzellany past the waiver wire it's time for Rizzo to see if he can find someone willing to trade us either a prospect or a spare tire until Werth comes back.

Bernadina would give the lineup left/right balance but I have no realistic expectation that he's ever going to be productive on a regular basis.

UnkyD said...

"Now we wouldn't get him for John Lannan--we might be talking Ross Detwiler"
....................
Just shoot me....

UnkyD said...

Eddie, five games.... a little different than 5 days. But you're right, in that they can monkey with the rotation to have him pitch the sixth one, rather than waiting for his turn to come around, if they want to jack with the other 4 guys...

jeffwx said...

To me, it doesn't make sense to monkey with a winning formula...out starting rotation. I don't know what you do when Wang comes back but don't break what's working so well...the Fantastic Five.

NatsLady said...

Right, 5 games. From MLB.com:

A day after Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels stoked the budding rivalry between his team and the Washington Nationals by hitting Bryce Harper with a pitch and then admitting that he did it intentionally, Major League Baseball responded by suspending the left-hander for five games and hitting him with an undisclosed fine.

Hamels, who has said he will not file an appeal, will begin serving his suspension Monday night, when the Phillies are slated to host the New York Mets. It appears Roy Halladay will pitch on regular rest on Saturday, with Hamels taking the mound again Sunday against the Padres at Citizens Bank Park.

jeffwx said...
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jeffwx said...

Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports suggests Brett Myers, Brandon League, Grant Balfour, Jonathan Broxton and Matt Capps will be among the relievers available in trades later this summer.

No Nats on this list yet.

Dave said...

Lack of Werth is going to hurt. Can't see Nady doing much out there. I certainly agree with all who say it's do-or-die time for Bernadina. He's been in the Expos/Nats organization since something like 2003. It's 2012. If he can't get it together in nine years, maybe it's time for another line of business, as Zimmy says in that commercial.

Holden Baroque said...

Roger was originally signed in 2001.

Dave said...

Aha. Eleven years, then. Don't know about you guys, but that's much longer than I've pursued some entire careers.

Holden Baroque said...

Bryan Lahair from the Cubs might be available, but it's gonna cost ya.

peric said...

Yep, Josh Willingham. Seems silly to talk about bringing him back, but right now he's doing .291/.402/.570 with 5 HR and 15 RBI.

Yep, HE'S MOSTLY A DH WITH TWO BAD KNEES you dolt! That's why Rizzo traded him to the A's because they are in the American League, and why he signed with the Twins.

That's a really stupid post ... my gawd! You'd be better off putting Lombo or Moore out there than Willingham in spite of NatsLady's reservations. Willingham is slow with terrible knees! STOP this nonsense!

peric said...

And as the starters go, I'm just passing on what's going to happen based on all situations. Unless there is an injury, that is now and has been the plan.

And they may be hedging their bets. Its doubtful that Wang will be as effective as Detwiler has been.

peric said...

Does anyone know if Rivero can play short?

Davey had him work at short and he looked good there ... there's also Josh Johnson.

ExposedinDC said...

I think we should trade....no I think we should stand pat....hopelessly undecided !!

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