tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post6913237795284894688..comments2024-02-15T05:42:18.307-05:00Comments on Nats Insider: From 38 to 25Mark Zuckermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525315258889435961noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-36930688658871100752011-03-18T21:37:09.694-04:002011-03-18T21:37:09.694-04:00To reiterate a previous poster, I not only think D...To reiterate a previous poster, I not only think Drew Storen is not "safe", I don't think he makes the club. He has been AWFUL. He needs to go to AAA (or lower) and work out what is wrong with him. <br /><br />Broderick and Burnett have been the best relievers in the spring, in my view. <br /><br />From general observation in spring training, I also think Bernadina is not going to make the club. He is not used as a starter in the way Morgan and Ankiel are. He has been as inconsistent at the plate as ever, and has taken bad routes to balls in center field. I think either Nix or Stairs (hopefully Nix) takes this spot. Stairs with a glove is frightening (as anyone at the March 16 game can attest to).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-44474136504351167822011-03-18T20:05:34.823-04:002011-03-18T20:05:34.823-04:00As far as the player roster goes, I figure the tea...As far as the player roster goes, I figure the team has 13 spots to fill, (2CA, 5/6IF, 5/6OF)...<br /><br />CA = Pudge & Ramos on a 60-40 split to start the season; Flores gets optioned to Syracuse to get regular at-bats & a chance to either work his way back, or become trade bait. <br />IF = The starters are 'locks' (LaRoche@1B, Espinosa@2B, RZim@3B, & Desmond@SS). Hairston, AGonz, Bixler & Cora are all bench possibles, along with the wild card Stairs. <br /><br />OF = Morse(LF), CF(??), & Werth(RF). CF comes down to Morgan, Bernadina, or Ankiel (all LH-batters). The fallout from CF, and Nix are still hanging around as well for the bench. <br /><br />Bench = Ramos (RH-CA) is all but assured; That leaves four spots still open. AGonz(RH-IF), J.Hairston(RH-IF/OF, Ankiel(LH-OF), Bernadina(LH-OF), & Morgan(LH-OF) are all under MLB contracts; Bixler(RH-IF), Cora(LH-IF), Stairs(LH-PH), and Nix(LH-OF) are not. As of right now, i'm leaning toward a bench of AGonz, J.Hairston, Ankiel, & Bernadina, with Morgan winning the CF starting gig. Bixler, Cora, Nix & Stairs all either go to Syracuse or 'opt-out' of their contracts.BinMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-65491602523316093282011-03-18T19:23:08.410-04:002011-03-18T19:23:08.410-04:00As of today's game (3/18 vs StL), here's h...As of today's game (3/18 vs StL), here's how I see the pitching staff...<br />Starters = (4 on Opening Day, 5 later), comprised of = Livo, Lannan, JZimm, Marquis; The 5th starter is still TBD between Detwiler, Gorzelanny, Maya & Gaudin. Gaudin is a longshot under a MiLB contract, and both Detwiler & Maya have options remaining. <br /><br />Relievers = (8 on Opening Day, maybe 7 later in season); comprised of = Gorzelanny in Long-relief, with Clippard & Rodriguez in spot roles (all three are out of options & having issues); Coffey, Slaten, Balester, Broderick & Barnett at the back-end. Stammen & Storen draw the 'short straws' & get optioned to Syracuse; Ramirez gets offered back to the NYM (off Rule V). <br /><br />The bullpen might shift from 'Clip & Save' last year to a DC version of the 'killer B's' (Balester/Broderick/Barnett), at least for the early going.BinMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-37773147858229223862011-03-18T17:36:01.957-04:002011-03-18T17:36:01.957-04:00>>>You've got to believe the top five...>>>You've got to believe the top five guys (Storen, Burnett, Clippard, Slaten and Coffey) are safe. <<<<br /><br />How can Drew Storen be "safe"?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-87251518802476545682011-03-18T14:39:57.014-04:002011-03-18T14:39:57.014-04:00Every Rule 5 pick, will only have a short time to ...Every Rule 5 pick, will only have a short time to prove themselves, by definition.<br /><br />If they're unwilling to keep Broderick (and I doubt the Cardinals will deal him) then they shouldn't have picked him or any other player in Rule 5. There's nothing more Broderick can do to prove himself.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-81847798536981070172011-03-18T14:24:58.842-04:002011-03-18T14:24:58.842-04:00By the way, it is completely against logic to rail...<i>By the way, it is completely against logic to rail against Lannan in one sentence and rave about Milone and Rosenbaum in the next.</i><br /><br />Lannan is redundant. Milone and Rosenbaum look like they may just be quite a bit better. And they are younger? He should be on the trade block. Not listed as the #2 starter. TRADE when the value is HIGH, BUY when the value is LOW. Lannan's value will never be any higher than it is now. Pull that trigger today!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-70867091155746804802011-03-18T14:15:30.088-04:002011-03-18T14:15:30.088-04:00@DC Wonk
Rule 5 is a crap shoot that only costs t...@DC Wonk<br /><br />Rule 5 is a crap shoot that only costs the Nats 25K (it is 50K to draft them, but if the team accepts them back then you get 25K back). Sure he has looked good in about 9 innings of work, but a lot of guys have looked good, and or have better track records. Does he def. deserve a shot, sure and he has improved over a number of other pitchers who were in camp. I'm guessing that they trade something to the Cards to allow them to send him to the minors this year. But I wouldn't keep him just to keep him. He could get exposed pretty fast if he has to start getting ML hitters out on a regular basis.Steveospeakhttp://fanspeak.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-79692212270931664202011-03-18T13:27:10.125-04:002011-03-18T13:27:10.125-04:00A DC Wonk: He's pitched 8 2/3 innings in sprin...<i>A DC Wonk: He's pitched 8 2/3 innings in spring training. Yes, he's pitched well, but are you prepared to say that's enough evidence he's worth keeping on your 25-man roster the entire season over guys who have established themselves at some point at the big-league level?</i><br /><br />Thanks for responding Mark.<br /><br />Let me say -- I completely hear what you're saying. <b>But</b>, if that's the case why bother picking him up as Rule 5?<br /><br />I mean -- what's the point of picking up a Rule 5 guy, have him play superbly for a short time, and then cutting him loose?<br /><br />Know what I'm asking?A DC Wonknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-68062401188222794842011-03-18T13:14:25.802-04:002011-03-18T13:14:25.802-04:00MarkFD, I don't think you want to do 8 in the ...MarkFD, I don't think you want to do 8 in the bullpen and not have another RH bat. I say that because you have Nyjer and Ankiel who are horrible as Lefty hitters vs. Lefty pitchers.<br /><br />I agree with your 1st 6 picks in the bullpen but I think 7 is the max.PAY TO PLAYnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-59861315383877880582011-03-18T13:10:00.617-04:002011-03-18T13:10:00.617-04:00The solution is that Rizzo needs to dump a whole b...The solution is that Rizzo needs to dump a whole bunch of these guys for low level minor league prospects -- or maybe even one prospect -- between now and Opening Day. Gonzalez is completely redundant w/ Bixler under contract and the banjo-hitting Lombardozzi in the high minors. Coffey should be gone; someone else will be foolish enough to take a chance on H. Rodriguez. Gaudin has had more shots than Annie Oakley -- no idea why anyone should expect him to be an improvement over any younger, cheaper and more auspicious player. Morgan speaks for himself. Are you gonna send him to Syracuse to learn to be a better left fielder? Better to stock Pittsburgh's or Arizona's Triple A team than ours. <br /><br />By the way, it is completely against logic to rail against Lannan in one sentence and rave about Milone and Rosenbaum in the next.Theophilusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-89422570551582061652011-03-18T12:54:20.902-04:002011-03-18T12:54:20.902-04:00Actually I do not think it is that tough a call ba...Actually I do not think it is that tough a call based upon Rule 5 considerations as well as people on the 40 man roster.<br /><br />Catchers (2)<br /><br />Rodriguez<br />Ramos<br /><br />Infielders (5)<br /><br />LaRoche<br />Espinosa<br />Desmond<br />Zimmerman<br />Hairston<br /><br />Outfielders (5)<br /><br />Werth<br />Bernadina<br />Ankiel<br />Morse<br />Morgan<br /><br />Starters (5)<br /><br />Hernandez<br />Lannan<br />Zimmermann<br />Marquis<br />Gorzelanny * (acts as the long reliever until he is needed as a starter and with typical rainouts in April this may be later than April 20th)<br /><br />Bullpen (8)<br /><br />Drew Storen<br />Sean Burnett<br />Tyler Clippard<br />Doug Slaten<br />Todd Coffey<br />Henry Rodriguez<br />Collin Balester * (once Gorzelanny becomes part of the rotation sometime in April you move Bally to AAA and call up Gaudin as the long reliever)<br />Brian Broderickmarkfdnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-84992398104577574632011-03-18T12:51:31.364-04:002011-03-18T12:51:31.364-04:00Anon @ 12:22
Why are you screaming?Anon @ 12:22<br /><br /> Why are you screaming?JDnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-64426085581855144122011-03-18T12:22:06.821-04:002011-03-18T12:22:06.821-04:00He, unlike Detwiller is a proven commodity and whi...<i>He, unlike Detwiller is a proven commodity and while he was sick early in spring training which set him back, he had a decent start his last time out. He can also throw out of the bullpen if needed and I think its more then just "he is out of options". Also like that he can put something on the ball and besides Zimmnn is our only other hard thrower at this point.</i><br /><br /><b>To further reinforce what sjm 308 states:</b><br /><br />Gorzelanny had ELEVEN quality starts over 23 total. Last year, even before his velocity peaked, he was the defacto Cubs ace into June. Only Lannan (12/25) and Livo (22/33) had more. That's 2010 not 2007 when Jim Tracy burned out his arm and sent him to the DL the following year.<br /><br />He has the best K/9 ratio of most all pitchers the Nats currently have with the exception of Strasburg.<br /><br />His velocity into the late innings has improved and is better than both Lannan's and Detwiler's. He is a true power pitcher. <br /><br /><b>Bottom line: Watch Gorzelanny closely, you are looking at your 2011 ace pitcher if Zimmermann falters. Expecting Livo to repeat last year's "Return of the Magnificent Seven" pitching is like betting on a volatile stock market. Its highly unlikely to happen again. Plus Gorzelanny is a lefty, and the kind of starter you want to face the Phillies lineup. And I do hope no one is seriously expectimng John Lannan or Jason Marquis to become top ace power pitchers? </b>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-74990401029107649922011-03-18T12:08:44.092-04:002011-03-18T12:08:44.092-04:00Mark,
Is there a sense that Wang is being overly ...Mark,<br /><br />Is there a sense that Wang is being overly cautious? Never having gone through a shoulder injury (or been a Major League pitcher), I know it's easy to hurl accusations around. From what I read though it seems that any semblance of soreness leads him (and/or the coaches) to add another 2 months to his rehab schedule. I know you don't want to rush it, but at some point he'll need to either sink or swim...Democraftyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01155330497637435910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-4850130074286477712011-03-18T12:06:43.221-04:002011-03-18T12:06:43.221-04:00A DC Wonk: He's pitched 8 2/3 innings in sprin...<i>A DC Wonk: He's pitched 8 2/3 innings in spring training. Yes, he's pitched well, but are you prepared to say that's enough evidence he's worth keeping on your 25-man roster the entire season over guys who have established themselves at some point at the big-league level?</i><br /><br />I'll weigh in on this again. Broderick is similar to THREE other pitchers in the Nats organization:<br />1. John Lannan<br />2. Tom Milone (Organization Pitcher of the Year)<br />3. Danny Rosenbaum (runner up Organization Pitcher of the Year).<br /><br />All are pitch-to-contact type pitchers who rely on a good GO to FO ration. What do the three I list have over Broderick? Besides Lannan's experience ALL ARE LEFT HANDED pitchers. Something the Nats are sorely lacking in according to Mark's final 25. <br /><br />I have to wonder how Tom Milone would have done were he invited to ST 2011? He finished the year very strong in Harrisburg. There is another pitcher who has increased his pitch velocity to Strasburg levels and that is Ryan Tatusko. He is a power pitcher who is about the same age as Broderick. Guess who I would rather see the Nats consider bringing up in case of disaster (injury) as happened last year? Tatusko hopefully from Syracuse NOT Broderick. <br /><br />The Nats have plenty and then some of guys like Broderick. This move on Rizzo's part confuses. Henry Rodriguez, Elvin Ramirez make sense. If HRod gets the handle on his control you have a closer. The same with Carr, KImball, and Balester.<br /><br />If you need starting pitching? Why not move a pitcher who has a five pitch major league level repertoire into starting in Harrisburg? Who? Why Drew Storen. I have no doubt this guy could easily be another Matt Cain.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-77852261952040310732011-03-18T12:01:19.581-04:002011-03-18T12:01:19.581-04:00This is the Pick 5 and there is a shortage of RH p...This is the Pick 5 and there is a shortage of RH pinch hitters in this group so Cora loses out to AGonzalez just for that reason:<br /><br />Wilson Ramos (Yes)<br />Jerry Hairston (Yes)<br />Alberto Gonzalez (Yes)<br />Alex Cora <br />Brian Bixler<br />Rick Ankiel (Yes)<br />Roger Bernadina (Yes)<br />Matt Stairs<br />Laynce NixSteve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-26928254648257139462011-03-18T11:59:15.028-04:002011-03-18T11:59:15.028-04:00I agree anon at 11:38. Not the shooting part but t...I agree anon at 11:38. Not the shooting part but the disappointment. Still it's not a good enough reason to keep him. They can't put down to keep stairs. That would be so demoralizing for someone on his way up in our organization. I get the seniority/paid your dues thing at my advanced age. But there comes a time when you make way for new and young. I think we are there.JaneBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04882101532666365432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-51852069426278661602011-03-18T11:54:11.166-04:002011-03-18T11:54:11.166-04:00A DC Wonk: He's pitched 8 2/3 innings in sprin...A DC Wonk: He's pitched 8 2/3 innings in spring training. Yes, he's pitched well, but are you prepared to say that's enough evidence he's worth keeping on your 25-man roster the entire season over guys who have established themselves at some point at the big-league level?<br /><br />I do believe the Nats will try to work out a deal with the Cardinals to keep Broderick (who has been a starter his entire minor-league career, by the way). But I'm not sure I see him cracking the Opening Day roster over the likes of Gaudin or Stammen.Mark Zuckermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13525315258889435961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-55154552640853366632011-03-18T11:53:30.006-04:002011-03-18T11:53:30.006-04:00Bowdenball:
I will bet that you will get quite a ...Bowdenball:<br /><br />I will bet that you will get quite a bit of Detwiller this year and hopefully for years to come. They are correct in letting him start in Syracuse because he honestly has not yet shown he can get through a line-up more than once.<br /><br />People keep saying the reason we are keeping Gorzelanny is that he is out of options. I think you also have to look at his abilities. This guy won 14 games for the Pirates (a horrible club). He, unlike Detwiller is a proven commodity and while he was sick early in spring training which set him back, he had a decent start his last time out. He can also throw out of the bullpen if needed and I think its more then just "he is out of options". Also like that he can put something on the ball and besides Zimmnn is our only other hard thrower at this point.sjm 308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-60908239576391712012011-03-18T11:47:37.348-04:002011-03-18T11:47:37.348-04:00I'm trying to understand how a Rule 5 guy like...I'm trying to understand how a Rule 5 guy like Broderick can pitch so well, and not be on Mark's list as likely to make the 25. Anyone?A DC Wonknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-55591266402555288432011-03-18T11:46:47.886-04:002011-03-18T11:46:47.886-04:00This is the first Spring in the Nats existence whe...This is the first Spring in the Nats existence where there truly are tough decisions for the reserve players because these are many bona fide bench guys.<br /><br />Right now I am most concerned about the relievers. Sean Burnett is the only one who has performed well and I haven't seen a stopper in the bunch which is not good. Henry Rodriguez stays but on a short leash for the purposes Mark stated. Tough choice on the last spot. Broderick and Gaudin have performed better than Stammen and Balester who we have seen before and can see again. The Broderick Rule 5 makes him an interesting dilemna at this time.Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-2796031448380912112011-03-18T11:32:49.526-04:002011-03-18T11:32:49.526-04:00OMG! Josh Willingham was one of my favorite Nats ...OMG! Josh Willingham was one of my favorite Nats players. If Rodgriguez does not work out, someone must be shot! Disgraceful. I am sick about this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-15870812446701925962011-03-18T11:32:43.761-04:002011-03-18T11:32:43.761-04:00Thanks guys. I figured that's what it was. K...Thanks guys. I figured that's what it was. Kind of a shame as I was excited about seeing Detwiler, but certainly the right move.Bowdenballnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-21128106820833522972011-03-18T11:15:11.383-04:002011-03-18T11:15:11.383-04:00Bowdenball,
Gorzelanny starts in the rotation beca...Bowdenball,<br />Gorzelanny starts in the rotation because he has no options left. He would have to clear waivers, which is unlikely, for him to be demoted to AAA. Detwiler, on the other hand, still has options left.Willnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-30384627309152251112011-03-18T11:13:31.868-04:002011-03-18T11:13:31.868-04:00Gorzelanny == no options. Simple as that. Gorzel...Gorzelanny == no options. Simple as that. Gorzelanny either makes the rotation, bumps a guy out of the bullpen or goes on the DL. Else we lose him and have nothing to show for prospects we gave up just a couple months ago. <br /><br />Balester is definitely looking like he's getting the raw deal here. He pitched very very well at the end of last year in the same role he's now getting beat out for. <br /><br />This is my big issue with acquiring guys with no roster flexibility. Gorzelanny, Henry Rodriguez, and Broderick if we keep him all have to stay on the 25-man roster, all year, else we lose them. You can DL them but none of them seem to be "hurt" right now. This inflexibility prevents you from fielding your best team when the time comes.Todd Bosshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02588001750834983356noreply@blogger.com