tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post5678483959449423916..comments2024-02-15T05:42:18.307-05:00Comments on Nats Insider: Tuesday morning thoughtsMark Zuckermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525315258889435961noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-54674023387188829792011-10-26T13:25:14.664-04:002011-10-26T13:25:14.664-04:00On the group sales to Phillies game question: Be ...On the group sales to Phillies game question: Be aware that some tour operators will sell seats in a package (i.e., tour bus round trip, ticket to game, maybe lunch or something else thrown in) even if they don't have the actual game tickets in hand. They may or may not include a disclaimer to that affect, but even if they don't they work under the assumption that they can get the tickets once they go on sale.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-85313533097194577552011-10-26T12:31:43.907-04:002011-10-26T12:31:43.907-04:00In talking about Reyes; forget the injury risk for...In talking about Reyes; forget the injury risk for a second. Are you willing to give him 7 years at $125 mil? because that's what it will take. I am betting the Giants sign him.<br /><br /> I lost all respect for Reyes when in a battle for the batting title he bunted for a single in the 1st inning of the last game and then took himself out of the game to preserve the title. Not the kind of player I want on my team.JDnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-6222439713834116122011-10-26T11:36:21.989-04:002011-10-26T11:36:21.989-04:00A friend of mine was looking to bring his extended...A friend of mine was looking to bring his extended family to the Father's Day game and buy 30 or more tickets in the upper deck. The game is against the Yankees.<br /><br />He calls up the Nats and gets routed to Group Sales. He is told by the Rep that Group Sales hasn't started for the 2012 season. He told the rep that is "bull" that the Nats have been selling group tix for the Phillies games already. The rep said that was a false rumor that had been written about and not accurate. Group sales for 2012 are not available for any games.<br /><br />I just thought I would pass that along as I also read that the Phillies groups already have their tickets. Here is to hoping that 2012 brings a solution to the Phillies invasion.Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-27159672328400632502011-10-26T11:29:09.347-04:002011-10-26T11:29:09.347-04:00Reyes is another injury case. The lesson learned f...Reyes is another injury case. The lesson learned from 2011 is that injuries to key players can derail a season. "Lombo to play when Reyes gets hurt!" You are joking, right?<br /><br />The Nats found a way around Zim and LaRoche's injuries but there is no way to find your way around a Jose Reyes injury who you pencil in at shortstop & leadoff. Just can't take a chance on a "what if" like Reyes.<br /><br />Are you talking BJ Upton or Justin Upton? I will assume you are talking BJ Upton. Are you nuts?Dealing Ian Desmond even straight up for Upton who has 1 year left before Free Agency vs. Desmond with 4 years of team control left let alone take your suggestion of Desmond + (Milone?) is just ridiculous. I don't even know if I would trade straight up Jesus Flores for BJ Upton.Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-45694001010335537772011-10-26T11:24:42.625-04:002011-10-26T11:24:42.625-04:00Dave: My son & I have been tossing this aroun...Dave: My son & I have been tossing this around. He is back in this area after 6 years in NYC and he is a big Reyes fan (he is a bigger Nationals fan!!). I thought Reyes was a bit of a hotdog but my son insists he is quite a competitor and would love to see him here. He is injury prone but we have depth there. He solves our leadoff situation and I think Desmond and one of our young starting pitchers would bring a decent return. The reality is, most reports have the FO & Davey liking Desmond & Espinosa for the future. I was a big Desmond backer early in the season when people were bashing him but I have to think Reyes is a big upgrade and solves the lead-off situation as well.sjm308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-77282991523569062952011-10-26T11:15:46.890-04:002011-10-26T11:15:46.890-04:00i think we should sign Reyes, deal Desmond and a p...i think we should sign Reyes, deal Desmond and a pitcher (Milone?) to TB for Upton, and sign one of the #3 pitchers mentioned above (Oswalt, Buehrle, etc).<br /><br />Reyes leads off, Upton plays a good defensive CF and fits more naturally into the bottom part of the order, and we still have Lombo to play when Reyes gets hurt!Davenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-55169918193563601902011-10-26T10:31:57.351-04:002011-10-26T10:31:57.351-04:00alexva said...
jd has it right, the Royals will n...<i>alexva said... <br />jd has it right, the Royals will not trade Gordon. he is a local kid who just had his breakout year. he'll be extended this off season by the Royals. <br /><br />October 26, 2011 8:46 AM </i><br /><br />You keep thinking that. From what I have heard, the Royals were going to see if they can extend him and if they can't they are willing to hear offers. <br /><br />This was a quote from August when asked about staying in Kansas City, Gordon said, "Heck, yeah." Gordon's agent Casey Close has spoken to Royals GM Dayton Moore, and the two agreed to discuss an extension in the offseason.<br /><br />They had Greinke one year removed from a Cy Young who wasn't happy in Kansas City and they traded him with 2 years left on his contract. Not the same scenario because Gordon isn't disgruntled, but not too different either. Greinke was a fan favorite and top earner in Kansas City.<br /><br />First off, Alex Gordon is represented by Casey Close. Casey is big time and split earlier in the year from CAA where he ran their baseball division and now is with Excel Sports. His negotiations with the Yankees over Jeter were good old fashioned country hard ball. Close left behind many clients when he left CAA so he has plenty of time to represent the remaining clients like Alex Gordon.<br /><br />Now my guess is Alex Gordon is going to take his agents advice and not sign a hometown discount extension. Jeter wouldn't sign on a discount or even FMV. I don't know Gordon personally. Maybe he feels allegiance to the Royals.<br /><br />Now consider this, the Royals leadoff man of the future needs a spot. His name is Lorenzo Cain plus they have Wil Myers who may be ready. Melky Cabrera and Alex Gordon are both arbitration eligible unless they get contracts. Then there is Jeff Francoeur who has a mutual option for 2012.<br /><br />There starting outfield for much of 2011 was Melky, Francoeur and Gordon.Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-74869943430839358632011-10-26T08:52:25.868-04:002011-10-26T08:52:25.868-04:00On a more Serious note and for future reference, ...On a more Serious note and for future reference, <a href="http://www.kfns.com/JoeSportsFan/Story.aspx?ID=1560534" rel="nofollow"> jersey </a> fails are one way to identify bandwagon fans. In the immortal words of Nelson Muntz: ha-ha!natsfan1anoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-1783292254461045252011-10-26T08:46:05.916-04:002011-10-26T08:46:05.916-04:00jd has it right, the Royals will not trade Gordon....jd has it right, the Royals will not trade Gordon. he is a local kid who just had his breakout year. he'll be extended this off season by the Royals.alexvahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16607068733172426326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-34570973176476230122011-10-26T08:30:07.458-04:002011-10-26T08:30:07.458-04:00Big Cat said...
I would be willing to go 2 years ...Big Cat said... <br />I would be willing to go 2 years on Oswalt. The guy is a true professional. He works hard, is a tremendous competitor and would be a good mentor for our youngsters.....notably JZim and Stras. This non tender from the Phils is only gonna make him work harder <br /><br />October 26, 2011 6:43 AM <br />________________________________<br /><br />I think Oswalt can be considered. Just remember, he will end up on the DL most likely making him a drain on Nats resources. There has to be better choices to go through in a progression.<br /><br />CJ Wilson still has to top the list as he will get you into the playoffs. If you match him up as a #3 instead of taking on a Chris Carpenter, he wins that game as his team scores runs.Gonatnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-285780862099933262011-10-26T06:48:22.078-04:002011-10-26T06:48:22.078-04:00And NatsJack......was impressed to see you checkin...And NatsJack......was impressed to see you checking out a guys demeanor OFF the mound. you are right, you can tell a lot about a guy by the way he handles himself off the field. Maybe you could contact your buddy Alderson about a scouting job. You would probably be a good one. If not a scout.....maybe a local bird dog for oneBig Catnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-85409098356261286132011-10-26T06:43:05.925-04:002011-10-26T06:43:05.925-04:00I would be willing to go 2 years on Oswalt. The gu...I would be willing to go 2 years on Oswalt. The guy is a true professional. He works hard, is a tremendous competitor and would be a good mentor for our youngsters.....notably JZim and Stras. This non tender from the Phils is only gonna make him work harderBig Catnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-71302197388578194482011-10-25T23:20:27.802-04:002011-10-25T23:20:27.802-04:00Ladson on CF. Funny we were discussing this a year...Ladson on CF. Funny we were discussing this a year ago when Cain was Milwaukee Brewers property and then was part of the Greinke deal to the Royals.<br />_______________________________<br /><br />What are your thoughts on trading a young pitcher for a player like Lorenzo Cain of the Royals? Is he on the Nats' radar or are the Nats looking for someone more established? Or is Cain just not that promising? <br />-- Dean O., Winnipeg, Canada <br /><br />I think it's a great idea. I asked Rizzo about Cain and didn't get a response. I honestly think the Nationals are looking for a more established center fielder. There is a possibility that Werth could start the season at the position.Gonatnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-66521233621156411782011-10-25T18:51:39.396-04:002011-10-25T18:51:39.396-04:00I like Wandy Rodriguez. Also like John Lannan, but...I like Wandy Rodriguez. Also like John Lannan, but they cancel each other out you can't carry both, too similar.Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-46338170427225279272011-10-25T18:04:22.000-04:002011-10-25T18:04:22.000-04:00Mark'd said...
Notice they only say a walk is ...Mark'd said...<br />Notice they only say a walk is as good as a hit when you are 9 years old.<br /><br />###################<br /><br />Then why do we all get so upset when one of our pitchers walks the first batter of an inning? Or the second batter? Or the third, after getting one out and giving up a single? Or walks a speedster who then steals second? Or the opposing pitcher? Or when our pitcher keeps the inning alive by issuing a two-out walk? Or walks home a run? Or walks the batter just before a slugger is scheduled to bat?Just wonderin'noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-8991659155065967952011-10-25T17:48:49.903-04:002011-10-25T17:48:49.903-04:00You can bring in a new #3, you can bring in anyone...You can bring in a new #3, you can bring in anyone you want, but without run support they still get the L. My problem is that the people you seem to want are not better pitchers, they pitch on better teams. Yes, the offense is the problem. Another pitcher would be nice if the price is not too high - the offense should be better this year all on it's own based on the factors that have already been discussed. I just don't want to literally give up the farm (system) for marginally effective players. Rizzo is pretty cagey and will make productive trades or signings if he thinks they will truly improve the team.gonatsgonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-34644758212656634222011-10-25T17:09:34.740-04:002011-10-25T17:09:34.740-04:00If the Nats feel either that 1) Lombardozzi should...If the Nats feel either that 1) Lombardozzi should spend most of 2012 playing everyday at Syracuse or 2) that something of value can be had for trading Lombardozzi, perhaps the Nats could sign Jack Wilson as the utilityman.Binx Bollingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-34283147283399248872011-10-25T16:58:31.718-04:002011-10-25T16:58:31.718-04:00David, Buehrle is a left-hander who should have be...David, Buehrle is a left-hander who should have better NL stats. I think if the Nats curtailed his innings in September it would help as his stats looked great thru August 31st.<br /><br />Ozzie ran him long and hard as his top pitcher. With the Nats, he could fit more into the #3 role.<br /><br />Again, anyone better than a 3.80 ERA as a starter is an upgrade if they average close to 7 innings per game. Just don't want to move backwards.<br /><br />To Anon @ 4:36, Keep improving the offense this off-season, and I don't believe you stand firm on the offense hoping Bryce Harper steps in here in June and becomes an immediate impact player.Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-57656690403932773112011-10-25T16:58:10.686-04:002011-10-25T16:58:10.686-04:00Buehrle is a Type B free agent and doesn't wan...Buehrle is a Type B free agent and doesn't want a long term deal.Mark'dnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-2242736188363634872011-10-25T16:49:35.807-04:002011-10-25T16:49:35.807-04:00Anon, Bryce Harper won't start here Opening Da...Anon, Bryce Harper won't start here Opening Day. You have to make room for Harper when he arrives regardless. The weak link may have to sit down and Gordon can play both infield and corner outfielder.<br /><br />If Harper gets here in September, problem solved. LaRoche is gone after 2012 and Morse moves to 1st.Mark'dnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-83000663709128734232011-10-25T16:46:31.854-04:002011-10-25T16:46:31.854-04:00I take that back, I looked at his stats again, the...I take that back, I looked at his stats again, they are definitely better than Marquis. But like Marquis, he'd be coming to Washington with a streak and reputation for lots of innings, and hitting 10+ wins. And then whamo, injury... id be wary. But I'm not against the idea.Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12920783017558168652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-37882015819793547862011-10-25T16:43:26.341-04:002011-10-25T16:43:26.341-04:00gonatsgo said...
Again - we are talking about pit...<i>gonatsgo said... <br />Again - we are talking about pitching when pitching is not the problem - the problem is the offense. If we had even an average offense then our pitchers' numbers would look as good as some of the guys we are looking at signing. Many times the Nats pitchers don't actually pitch a losing game - the rest of the team just doesn't show up. CJ Wilson had a powerful offensive line-up to bail him out and get him some wins that surely would have been losses on our team. Cut down the strikeouts and get on base more - look how many wins we ended up with this year with a crappy offense - imagine what we could do with even some minor adjustments, a healthy Zim and LaRoche and a productive Werth. <br /><br />October 25, 2011 4:12 PM </i><br /><br />You are preaching to the choir on the offense. Still, the Nats need a veteran #3. If there is pitching there to improve the team, take it. I would rather get a #3 workhorse veteran, a bullpen stud like Madson, a dependable role playing CF like Crisp and then the 1 big trade for the leadoff man of the future.<br /><br />Taking a 2.60 ERA guy that pitches 30 games vs. a 3.60 ERA guy that pitches the same 30 games is worth 30 runs per year. <br /><br />The Nats starters averaged 3.80 ERA with 3.20 out of the bullpen for a 3.58 combined ERA for 7th in the MLB.<br /><br />With Strasburg, JZim, LannEn, Wang and 1 more they should be able to lower that ERA to better than 2011.<br /><br />The bullpen is a pick 'em from the existing group or really upgrade with a Madson and send Gorzo on a non-tender or trade.<br /><br />If the Nats could get Alex Gordon to leadoff with:<br /><br />1) Gordon RF<br />2) Werth CF<br />3) Zim 3B<br />4) Morse LF<br />5) LaRoche 1B<br />6) Desmond SS<br />7) Espinosa 2B<br />8) Ramos C<br /><br />w/ a bench of Crisp, Flores, Ankiel or Bernadina, Marrero, and an infield specialist<br /><br />Starters<br /><br />1) JZim<br />2) Strasburg<br />3) Wandy or Buehrle or CJ Wilson or Oswalt<br />4) Lannan<br />5) Wang<br /><br />Bullpen of<br />Burnett, Clippard, Madson, Storen and 3 others<br /><br />If HenRod, Detwiler and Lombo aren't traded they then fit respectively into the bullpen and bench.<br /><br />There really isn't more than 3 to 4 available spots to fill on this 2012 team so they better be impact players.Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-42218289249154806962011-10-25T16:36:10.119-04:002011-10-25T16:36:10.119-04:00I agree. The ultimate leadoff man will come via tr...<i>I agree. The ultimate leadoff man will come via trade and I believe it will be Alex Gordon.</i><br /><br />Uhh NO.<br /><br />Davey Johnson seems intent on getting Harper into this year's 2012 lineup if he proves worthy. Where do you put him? Who do you supplant? Morse for Gordon? NOT HARDLY. Werth? What you been smokin' again? <br /><br />And who is the odd man out of Desmond or Espinosa this point? <br /><br />A trade could empty things out a bit and leave an opening but that would likely have to bring a Grienke from the Brewers. That would have to come first before any major changes to the lineup as spec'ed out occur.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-46626008548243430372011-10-25T16:35:19.065-04:002011-10-25T16:35:19.065-04:00In my mind Buerhle = Marquis. We've already do...In my mind Buerhle = Marquis. We've already done that route, why do it again? Either go for gold (Oswalt, Greinke) or develop our young guys that have the potential to be as good or better than Buerhle/Marquis.Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12920783017558168652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-36984924343909312462011-10-25T16:30:06.731-04:002011-10-25T16:30:06.731-04:00Steve M.
I am not sure why you think the Royals ...Steve M.<br /><br /> I am not sure why you think the Royals will trade Gordon. Keep in mind they have a great minor league crop coming and I think they consider Hosmer and Gordon the heart of their team.<br /><br /> I don't think the package you propose will do it but they have done some strange deals.jdnoreply@blogger.com