Thanks to everyone who tuned in for our on-the-fly live episode of Beltway Baseball at 3 p.m. Chase Hughes, Amanda Comak and I discussed the breaking Edwin Jackson news, the effect it has on the rest of the rotation and touched on last week's Brad Lidge signing.
We also took your questions on Rick Ankiel and Ian Desmond. If you missed the show live, here's Part I for your viewing pleasure. You can access Part II (featuring reader questions) by clicking on the "Read More" link below...
We have more pitchers than we know what to do with (granted a lot less than in years past), how do you see the last spots in the rotation and the bullpen playing out?
Has Det put on any weight (or actually done the necessary conditioning) so that he can actually pitch every 5 days without running out of steam?
The other major sports teams in the area have sunk into the abyss, so why hasn't the Nationals FO exploited this void and promoted the brand? One example of many: a FanFest BEFORE ST!
Kind of Nats-related. Will Pudge get a job or retire? Do you see any of our other free agents re-signing with us -- or where do you see them ending up? Especially Rick Ankiel - here or elsewhere? We know Livo is truly gone now.
I second the Winter Fanfest question. I think this issue is starting to get some real momentum with the Nats faithful, and I'd like to hear the beat writers start pressing on it.
Even with last year's derided bench, Nix hit 16 homers and Ankiel hit 9. Now the Nats have missed out on Dobbs and they don't even have Marrero's doubles power.
Who's the imposing pinch hitter among DeRosa, Cameron, Bernadina, Flores and Lombo?
I understand there are rumors of a FanFest for next winter at the DC Convention Center. Can you confirm that? Also want to hear your comments about our bench and how you think it compares to last year.
Sounds like there may be news on Lannan's arbitration hearing today. If it breaks before the episode is shot, would be interested to hear your take(s) on the outcome. If it doesn't break before then - predictions, takes on how it might impact Lannan/FO relations?
I'll add a third to the fanfest mystery. Even the A's, M's and other teams in decline hold them. Why wouldn't a team on the rise want to juice up the fan base and sell more tickets?
On another note, In a battle between Davey and Rizzo regarding whether Harper comes north with the team in April, who wins? In most cases it would be the GM, but Davey is more than just a routine field manager. Thanks! ..
While I think that the bench and the log jam of extra pitchers are interesting issues, I want to know what Nats brass is thinking about in terms of the top of the order. AS of now we're told that Desmond will get the first shot to lead off, but who bats 2? What is Plan B if Ian does not fair well as a lead off man? Can we assume that Lombo has a very strong chance to make the OD roster as they'll need some options for the 1-2 spots? IF so, does that mean that Espi and/or Desi may see some bench time to work Lombo in? What platoons are we looking at to fill those top 2 holes? DeRosa in RF/Bernadina in CF split maybe? The Nats have loads of middle of the order guys, but the top is thin. In what looks like a very tough Division getting production from those top spots is a must.
Johnny Damon has a terrible arm, and Rick Ankiel has a great arm. Johnny Damon is a better hitter than Rick Ankiel. Is there any thought of putting Johny Damon on the bench instead of Rick Ankiel?
There's obviously no one left on the free agent market to add a much-needed runs creator to the Nationals' line-up. A mediocre bench bat may still be had, but no more. Given the current situation, do you see any chance that the Nats will acquire a bona fide runs-generating outfielder (perhaps a lead-off or number two hitter) before the season begins via a trade?
It's not very likey the Nats are going to be no more than an average at best hitting team this year. It seems to me that if they are going to have any chance at all of contending for a wild card it's going to be with pitching and defense. For this reason I think they should give up on the idea of moving Werth to CF, sign Rick Ankiel to platoon with Cameron in center (with either/or hitting at the bottom of the order). This would make them very strong up the middle defensively and help hide Morse in left until Harper arrives, at which time they move him to 1st and either trade LaRoche or have him come off the bench.
Any thoughts about Kosuke Fukudome as a one-year pick-up for the Nats?
His defense isn't as good as Ankiel's, and he'd probably cost more, but he has the kind of high OBP the Nats desperately need at the top of the line-up, and which none of the current "extra" OFers has(Cameron, Bernie; nor will Bryce when he gets called up).
Echoing other's thoughts about a winter Fanfest and wanting to know what youthink will happen to Pudge. ALSO, and more Present Day Nats related: are you guys willing to predict the date Harper comes up?
DeRosa as a super utility guy with some pop, Flores is a starting caliber C on the bench, Bernadina only facing RHP, as a 4th OF, with Cameron and his RHB decent power and OBP skills and plus D, for a corner at least, for lefties. Lombo as a MI back-up. The bench is not so bad.
Also Mark.. just a question about the site. How come some things that are on CSN are not here on NI? I get it if Chase or another reporter does it (althouth we would love to give Chase comments too). Good example, your Ankiel article? As you can see from the Questions and comments from previous posts. We are all curious about his future.
First off, congrats for Year No. 2. Keep up the great work!
My question: "Do the Nats currently have any tablesetters to get to Ryan Zimmerman, Michael Morse and Adam LaRoche? Does Desmond walk enough for the leadoff slot and can he cut down his strikeout ratio? It may seem farfetched, but what about Werth as a leadoff batter?
I am not curious about Ankiel's future. Nice arm, ok great for those 4 plays per month that it might matter -- what else does Rick bring to the table? Next. The guy played here as a part time player for one season, and he has not hit .240 since his drug-aided break out season of 2008 and he K'd all over the place last year and could not get on base if his life depended on it. His skills are at best questionable, he's gonna be 33 in August. Who really wants Rick Ankiel on this club other than Scott Boras?
Agree with Anon @ 10:25. Would add that if Scott Boras had delivered Prince Fielder to the Nats on a six-year contract, then I might be in favor or doing Boras a favor by signing Rick Ankiel as a fourth/fifth outfielder. But he didn't. So I'm not.
Derosa hurt for past 2 years Flores was a Starting Catcher 2 years ago Bernadina is ok at best vs rigthies Cameron should have retired Lombo still hasn't proved anything at MLB level
Mark'd said... Will the Nats go 3 catchers to use Flores and Ramos as pinch hitters. Bench looks WEAK
February 02, 2012 9:45 AM
The bench is missing a LH power bat like Laynce Nix otherwise I think its not as bad as it looks and remember BHarper will shove the weakest guy off of the bench when he takes a roster spot (Cameron?) and Chris Marrero will be available mid-year.
The best bat on the bench each game is going to be the extra catcher be it JFlo or Rammoose. I think Davey is going to have to go unconventional and use the extra catcher as his RH pinch hitter and need an emergency catcher 3rd catcher.
DeRosa is Mr. Super Utility. In his career he has played 327 games at 3B, 212 at 2nd, 160 RF, 139 at SS, 80 LF, 33 at 1B. The only positions DeRosa hasn't played is CF and C from what I have seen.
I know jokingly Morse said he would catch when he was a bench guy in the 2010 season.
My question to Mark is, who is the emergency 3rd catcher?
Exposremains said... Derosa hurt for past 2 years Flores was a Starting Catcher 2 years ago Bernadina is ok at best vs rigthies Cameron should have retired Lombo still hasn't proved anything at MLB level
February 02, 2012 10:34 AM
Good summary and I agree except Bernadina is the 3rd outfielder right now so there is still one spot left on the bench and that person is the RH platoon to Bernadina----I think it should be DeRosa which is why I think Lombo makes the team.
I think Mike Cameron is going to be a waste. There has to be a RH outfielder out there better than Mike Cameron.
I see the starting OF against RH pitching
Morse, Bernie, Werth
I see the starting OF against LH pitching
Morse, Werth, DeRosa
I think when BHarper is called up he plays against RH pitching and the OF is
It's amazing to me that people complain so much about the bench. Every team in MLB has a bench that its fans probably perceive to be weak. If the bench guys were talented and productive, they'd be starters. Show me an MLB team with a bench to get excited about, and I'll show you a team that's not using its resources efficiently.
One thing we probably have on the bench that many others don't is a utility infielder with upside. That's a rare thing.
Just sayin' said... Agree with Anon @ 10:25. Would add that if Scott Boras had delivered Prince Fielder to the Nats on a six-year contract, then I might be in favor or doing Boras a favor by signing Rick Ankiel as a fourth/fifth outfielder. But he didn't. So I'm not.
February 02, 2012 10:30 AM
Good point. Rick can still be a starter in Houston and some other undesirable venues which I am sure he doesn't really want to do. If he wants to stay in the Majors on a good team, he is a 4th outfielder and late inning defensive replacement.
For a soon to be 33 year old journeyman, making $1 million a year to play part-time is better than some of the alternatives he could be looking at in the "real world".
The worst thing that this team doesn't have is a CF. I complain about the bench because the Nats had one of the worst or the worst bench in MLB last year and because it was identified as an area of need. I don't see how this year's bench is better. Thats why.
When Jim Riggleman was manager, McClaren was already in place as bench coach, and Davey was the obvious replacement when Riggleman bailed. Now, Davey seems very much more integral to the Nats' planning process than Riggleman ever was.
What happens if something happens to Davey? Who's next in line?
Here's Rick Ankiel's numbers versus Left handed starters in 2011:
.200 .246 .262 .508
This guy is marginally better vs. RH pitching
.243 .300 .379 .678
That is not starter numbers and looks more like September call-up type of guy. Bernadina as a LH outfielder gives you more speed and a better bat and Ankiel gives you better defense. Bernadina is still league minimum and younger. Ankiel is not going to improve, Bernadina probably will improve marginally. Easy decision, Bernadina over Ankiel.
Mike Cameron's only way he can make this team is if everyone else like Tracy and Xavier are just horrible in Spring Training. Was this the best Minor League veteran invites Rizzo could find?
I'm guessing the emergency catcher is Jayson Werth - he was originally drafted as a catcher in 1997 and didn't switch to full time OF until 2003. Once Harper is on the team I wonder if they would use him as an emergency catcher as well.
P2P, Ankiel is much better vs RH pitching than against LH pitching but a .300 OBP is nothing to get excited about.
Being a year older and seeing his OBP on the decline doesn't help his case to being a starter. I think most teams would rather try a Minor Leaguer instead of Ankiel.
What happens if something happens to Davey? Who's next in line?
This was well discussed when Davey was given the job for real (i.e. had the "interim" tag removed) and he put his staff together. Bo Porter, Randy Knorr, Trent Jewett and even Rick Eckstein are seen as future managerial material and are being groomed as such. So it would have to be assumed that should something untoward happen to Davey, one of these guys will emerge. What form of martial arts match will be used to determine that, should such become necessary, is no doubt still TBD.
Emergency catcher? Ha. Ok, for the maybe 2 innings of one game some time this summer where it might be needed, if at all, I am guessing that it will be someone who does not make a ton of money and/or is not Bryce Harper, the future.
John C. said... I'm guessing the emergency catcher is Jayson Werth - he was originally drafted as a catcher in 1997 and didn't switch to full time OF until 2003. Once Harper is on the team I wonder if they would use him as an emergency catcher as well.
February 02, 2012 11:10 AM
That's a great call on both Werth and Harper as the emergency 3rd catcher. It really just gives Davey the ability to burn his 'sitting' catcher in the 5th or 6th inning or later as a key pinch hitter from the right side instead of going to (dare I say) Mike Cameron and DeRosa has 1 HRs in his last 2 years in the Majors.
Have the Nats put out any sort of feelers on a "if you can't find a bigger role someplace else" offer for any of the older DH types as a bench guy? Vlad, Damon, Matsui, Ordonez, Chavez, Ibanez, etc? I suppose Branyan, Gload, Connor Jackson, Nady, and Helms will be around for minor league deals.
Is there actually a possibility of Lannan starting season at AAA? If he does lose his job to CMW or RD, it is hard to imagine him in the bullpen when we already have Gorzo and Burn as two lefties.
What I don't understand is how Lannan can go to AAA but RD can't if he loses the rotation spot. Is it because RD was moved too much in and out of minor leagues?
What happens if CMW actually loses his rotation spot to RD or Lannan? Does he have to go to bullpen or we can possibly option him to minors?
Anonymous said... Emergency catcher? Ha. Ok, for the maybe 2 innings of one game some time this summer where it might be needed, if at all, I am guessing that it will be someone who does not make a ton of money and/or is not Bryce Harper, the future.
dfh21
February 02, 2012 11:20 AM
As remote as the chance you will ever need a 3rd catcher, Managers by nature are reluctant to burn their backup catchers in pinch hitting roles except during September where they have a 3rd catcher.
John C. gave 2 good backup plans "if" ever needed. When Nieves was a backup catcher, it was never really a need to use him as a pinch hitter. On this bench, your backup catcher is going to be your best pinch hitter (as projected right now).
I think DJ will definitely use his backup C as a pinch hitter. All the more reason for a LH guy like Chavez or Gload to show up on the radar if you can neutralize a LOOGY with Flores or Ramos.
Mark! How do we watch? I forget -- it's been too long since I could actually watch it live!
AND: reading about Jayson as emergency catcher made me smile to remember Laynce Nix as our emergency first baseman -- a position he last played in High school and didn't even have a glove for (if I recall right). I wonder who this year's emergency emergency position player will end up being?
(reverse jinx question) How bad of a year will Desmond me allowed to have before something would change at SS? Do you feel that Lombardozzi could be ready to be an everyday 2nd baseman by mid-year?
Finally. What would your dream scenario be for CF (both this year and next)? Upton at mid-year?
What I don't understand is how Lannan can go to AAA but RD can't if he loses the rotation spot. Is it because RD was moved too much in and out of minor leagues?
That is exactly the case. Detwiler is out of options, so if we tried to send him to Syracuse, he would have to pass through waivers. My guess is there is no way he gets through waivers and then we've lost him with absolutely nothing in return. There's no way Rizzo risks that, so if someone has to get sent down to keep the roster at 25, I'm guessing it's Lannan. Obviously, this is all based on everything being equal come the end of ST. If Detwiler looks horrible, they just might take a chance on him getting through waivers. I don't know about CMW's options, whether or not he can be sent down.
JaneB said... Mark! How do we watch? I forget -- it's been too long since I could actually watch it live!
Just go to the top of the homepage right now and you'll see the live stream window. You can click on it now, but nothing will come up until the show starts at 2 p.m., so I'd recommend waiting until we're a bit closer to the top of the hour.
Why didn't the Nationals go after Juan Pierre? At best he's a speedy CF/leadoff hitter and at worst a solid speed guy off the bench. Seemed like a logical fit.
Any plans to beef up the bench before ST? I thought one of Rizzo's goals this offseason was getting more bench bats, but unless I missed something the only thing they've done is sign DeRosa, who I'm having a tough time getting excited about.
Any thoughts as to what they could get back for Lannan? What is his value to other teams? And does the Nats' interest in Jackson mean they have zero faith in Detwiler handling a starting gig?
Jackson $8-12 million for 1 year. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, who first reported the news (Twitter links), says the deal between the Nationals and the Scott Boras client is pending a physical. It's a one-year agreement that's believed to be in the $8-12MM range.
That's a seriously good rotation, and if you stash Lannan in AAA, it's just money, you're losing. I'd still have to believe they are after another offensive piece in a larger deal.
If the Nationals don't trade Lannan for a center fielder (as part of a package most likely), then the Nats didn't get all that much better.
Jackson is a win or two better than Lannan at best. But if they can bring in an Upton-like center fielder, the addition of that person and Jackson could make the Nationals an 88-92 win team.
I'd really love to know what your thoughts are on what the Nationals are going to do with Lannan...how much does his option for AAA factor into the decision making process? I'm pretty sure that Det will beat out Lannan and since Lannan can't do bullpen work a trade or AAA seem like the only options
Echo those interested in where Pudge may go, don't see him retiring. Darn shame if he does, totally healthy and raring to go by all accounts I have read.
To those talking about carrying a third catcher; must be a defense first type since they are usually used in late game situations and with the game on the line.
Much as I liked Lannan, you've gotta be able to beat the Phillies. If we can flip him in a package for a CF/leadoff hitter, I think this makes us much better.
Thanks for taking my question on Desmond. I do want to mention that I meant the reverse jinx part, I really do hope he has an awesome year and lays any doubts to rest.
What a blessing in disguise staying home sick from work today. Great to see you and Comack chat it up. Too many pitchers is a GREAT problem to have. 17 more days, folks!
Nats Printable Schedule for 2012? All I see are download to your Microsoft Outlook calendars. No printable PDFs on the Nats website. What is going on here? Are they forcing me to go to free magnetic calendar night? I note the Colorado Rockies have a printable schedule on their website. Why don’t the Nats have one on their website? Just an oversight?
Thanks natsfan1a, however, it doesn't cut it for the wall. Hopefully, Nats mgt will get the message that we need a PDF on the website. It is a much better visual (everyone agrees).
@Anon 3:29 - http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/schedule/printable.jsp or as a direct PDF: http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/downloads/y2012/Nationals2012Schedule_NoTimes.pdf
The Ian Desmond delusional love affair goes on and on and on. Can't Hughes, Zuck and Comak find someone else on the roster to crush on like this?
Comack looks at him and she sees a ball player, he's so enthusiastic!, would it not suck to have him finally get it together for some other club, etc. Irrational stuff.
Ian's an athlete, but he's not a ball player. Ball players, especially SSs, make plays. Ian's not a playamker at this point in his career, and he's been the guy now for a long time -- why does anyone reasonably expect it all to come together now? Is Ian THAT much more enthusiastic now than he was last year, or the year before?
Despite what Moe, Larry and Curly just said on that chat, Ian has not hit his entire career, not at any level for any sustained period (2009 seems like forever ago, no?); he has never hit for power (what was Hughes talking about?), and his defensive game last year was an improvement but largely because it was freakishly awful in 2010. Ian Desmond is arguably the worst everyday SS in baseall in terms of his all around game. His approach at the plate is pitcher-like and his glove play is bottom of the league. He has nice speed and he has nothing else, Ian literally has no other plus skill in his tool box.
Comak is a crazy person. At least Zuck hinted that Desmond needs to step up his game, because they have young guys coming up. With player critique like this from media people supposedly in the know it is no wonder Nats management has been slow to make the cut-bait decisions on their home grown talent.
If Ian Desmond does not play well from the jump, the Nats have to find someone who can do better, they cnnot lose games hoping that at some poitn Ian will come around (his upside is not that high, it just isn't -- no power, does not make consistent contact, no OBP skills, iffy when it's good glove) -- and Ian's had more than enough chance to get his game right. A SS who cannot field to average levels AND who cannot hit to average levels is nothing to be taking home to mom, no matter how enthusiastic he may be.
With Pitchers and Catchers reporting soon, when do we expect the reporters to get to sunny Viera? And how long do you plan on being there?
ReplyDeleteOn a serious note:
ReplyDeleteWe have more pitchers than we know what to do with (granted a lot less than in years past), how do you see the last spots in the rotation and the bullpen playing out?
Has Det put on any weight (or actually done the necessary conditioning) so that he can actually pitch every 5 days without running out of steam?
How do you rate the projected bench this year vs. last year? Nix in the 1st 1/2 was a pleasant surprise.
ReplyDeleteThe other major sports teams in the area have sunk into the abyss, so why hasn't the Nationals FO exploited this void and promoted the brand? One example of many: a FanFest BEFORE ST!
ReplyDeleteKind of Nats-related. Will Pudge get a job or retire? Do you see any of our other free agents re-signing with us -- or where do you see them ending up? Especially Rick Ankiel - here or elsewhere? We know Livo is truly gone now.
ReplyDeleteVery simple question, do you expect the Nationals to re-sign Rick Ankiel?
ReplyDeleteI second the Winter Fanfest question. I think this issue is starting to get some real momentum with the Nats faithful, and I'd like to hear the beat writers start pressing on it.
ReplyDeleteDo you expect the Nats to add another bench bat?
ReplyDeleteEven with last year's derided bench, Nix hit 16 homers and Ankiel hit 9. Now the Nats have missed out on Dobbs and they don't even have Marrero's doubles power.
Who's the imposing pinch hitter among DeRosa, Cameron, Bernadina, Flores and Lombo?
Hi Mark:
ReplyDeleteI understand there are rumors of a FanFest for next winter at the DC Convention Center. Can you confirm that? Also want to hear your comments about our bench and how you think it compares to last year.
thanks
sjm
Sounds like there may be news on Lannan's arbitration hearing today. If it breaks before the episode is shot, would be interested to hear your take(s) on the outcome. If it doesn't break before then - predictions, takes on how it might impact Lannan/FO relations?
ReplyDeleteAnd, yeah, put me down for a *winter* FanFest.
In other news, thanks for fixing the font/line spacing. Much better now!
ReplyDeleteI'll add a third to the fanfest mystery. Even the A's, M's and other teams in decline hold them. Why wouldn't a team on the rise want to juice up the fan base and sell more tickets?
ReplyDeleteOn another note, In a battle between Davey and Rizzo regarding whether Harper comes north with the team in April, who wins? In most cases it would be the GM, but Davey is more than just a routine field manager.
Thanks!
..
Echoing Gonat's question, it looks like Rizzo's attempt to remake the bench was a failure.
ReplyDeleteThere seemed to be more talent available this winter than Rizzo attempted to access.
While I think that the bench and the log jam of extra pitchers are interesting issues, I want to know what Nats brass is thinking about in terms of the top of the order. AS of now we're told that Desmond will get the first shot to lead off, but who bats 2? What is Plan B if Ian does not fair well as a lead off man? Can we assume that Lombo has a very strong chance to make the OD roster as they'll need some options for the 1-2 spots? IF so, does that mean that Espi and/or Desi may see some bench time to work Lombo in? What platoons are we looking at to fill those top 2 holes? DeRosa in RF/Bernadina in CF split maybe? The Nats have loads of middle of the order guys, but the top is thin. In what looks like a very tough Division getting production from those top spots is a must.
ReplyDeleteThanks Zuck.
dfh21
Johnny Damon has a terrible arm, and Rick Ankiel has a great arm. Johnny Damon is a better hitter than Rick Ankiel. Is there any thought of putting Johny Damon on the bench instead of Rick Ankiel?
ReplyDelete+1/2St.
I know the off season is not done but the bench for this year is worst than last year. That's scary!
ReplyDeleteThere's obviously no one left on the free agent market to add a much-needed runs creator to the Nationals' line-up. A mediocre bench bat may still be had, but no more. Given the current situation, do you see any chance that the Nats will acquire a bona fide runs-generating outfielder (perhaps a lead-off or number two hitter) before the season begins via a trade?
ReplyDeleteIt's not very likey the Nats are going to be no more than an average at best hitting team this year. It seems to me that if they are going to have any chance at all of contending for a wild card it's going to be with pitching and defense. For this reason I think they should give up on the idea of moving Werth to CF, sign Rick Ankiel to platoon with Cameron in center (with either/or hitting at the bottom of the order). This would make them very strong up the middle defensively and help hide Morse in left until Harper arrives, at which time they move him to 1st and either trade LaRoche or have him come off the bench.
ReplyDeleteAny thoughts about Kosuke Fukudome as a one-year pick-up for the Nats?
ReplyDeleteHis defense isn't as good as Ankiel's, and he'd probably cost more, but he has the kind of high OBP the Nats desperately need at the top of the line-up, and which none of the current "extra" OFers has(Cameron, Bernie; nor will Bryce when he gets called up).
p.s. Forget Bernadina... He can't hack center field
ReplyDeletePlease pull video from the archives and do a Livo retrospective!
ReplyDeleteWill the Nats go 3 catchers to use Flores and Ramos as pinch hitters. Bench looks WEAK
ReplyDeleteEchoing other's thoughts about a winter Fanfest and wanting to know what youthink will happen to Pudge. ALSO, and more Present Day Nats related: are you guys willing to predict the date Harper comes up?
ReplyDeleteDeRosa as a super utility guy with some pop, Flores is a starting caliber C on the bench, Bernadina only facing RHP, as a 4th OF, with Cameron and his RHB decent power and OBP skills and plus D, for a corner at least, for lefties. Lombo as a MI back-up. The bench is not so bad.
ReplyDeleteAlso Mark.. just a question about the site. How come some things that are on CSN are not here on NI? I get it if Chase or another reporter does it (althouth we would love to give Chase comments too). Good example, your Ankiel article? As you can see from the Questions and comments from previous posts. We are all curious about his future.
ReplyDeletePS.. Thanks for fixing the font/spacing
And count me in on the Winter Fan Fest and LACK of PR in the offseason by the NATS. Good Grief! Show us some love!
ReplyDeleteMark:
ReplyDeleteFirst off, congrats for Year No. 2. Keep up the great work!
My question: "Do the Nats currently have any tablesetters to get to Ryan Zimmerman, Michael Morse and Adam LaRoche? Does Desmond walk enough for the leadoff slot and can he cut down his strikeout ratio? It may seem farfetched, but what about Werth as a leadoff batter?
I am not curious about Ankiel's future. Nice arm, ok great for those 4 plays per month that it might matter -- what else does Rick bring to the table? Next. The guy played here as a part time player for one season, and he has not hit .240 since his drug-aided break out season of 2008 and he K'd all over the place last year and could not get on base if his life depended on it. His skills are at best questionable, he's gonna be 33 in August. Who really wants Rick Ankiel on this club other than Scott Boras?
ReplyDeleteAny word on the contract extension for Ryan Z?
ReplyDeleteAgree with Anon @ 10:25. Would add that if Scott Boras had delivered Prince Fielder to the Nats on a six-year contract, then I might be in favor or doing Boras a favor by signing Rick Ankiel as a fourth/fifth outfielder. But he didn't. So I'm not.
ReplyDeleteDerosa hurt for past 2 years
ReplyDeleteFlores was a Starting Catcher 2 years ago
Bernadina is ok at best vs rigthies
Cameron should have retired
Lombo still hasn't proved anything at MLB level
Mark'd said...
ReplyDeleteWill the Nats go 3 catchers to use Flores and Ramos as pinch hitters. Bench looks WEAK
February 02, 2012 9:45 AM
The bench is missing a LH power bat like Laynce Nix otherwise I think its not as bad as it looks and remember BHarper will shove the weakest guy off of the bench when he takes a roster spot (Cameron?) and Chris Marrero will be available mid-year.
The best bat on the bench each game is going to be the extra catcher be it JFlo or Rammoose. I think Davey is going to have to go unconventional and use the extra catcher as his RH pinch hitter and need an emergency catcher 3rd catcher.
DeRosa is Mr. Super Utility. In his career he has played 327 games at 3B, 212 at 2nd, 160 RF, 139 at SS, 80 LF, 33 at 1B. The only positions DeRosa hasn't played is CF and C from what I have seen.
I know jokingly Morse said he would catch when he was a bench guy in the 2010 season.
My question to Mark is, who is the emergency 3rd catcher?
Exposremains said...
ReplyDeleteDerosa hurt for past 2 years
Flores was a Starting Catcher 2 years ago
Bernadina is ok at best vs rigthies
Cameron should have retired
Lombo still hasn't proved anything at MLB level
February 02, 2012 10:34 AM
Good summary and I agree except Bernadina is the 3rd outfielder right now so there is still one spot left on the bench and that person is the RH platoon to Bernadina----I think it should be DeRosa which is why I think Lombo makes the team.
I think Mike Cameron is going to be a waste. There has to be a RH outfielder out there better than Mike Cameron.
I see the starting OF against RH pitching
Morse, Bernie, Werth
I see the starting OF against LH pitching
Morse, Werth, DeRosa
I think when BHarper is called up he plays against RH pitching and the OF is
Morse, Werth, Harper
It's amazing to me that people complain so much about the bench. Every team in MLB has a bench that its fans probably perceive to be weak. If the bench guys were talented and productive, they'd be starters. Show me an MLB team with a bench to get excited about, and I'll show you a team that's not using its resources efficiently.
ReplyDeleteOne thing we probably have on the bench that many others don't is a utility infielder with upside. That's a rare thing.
Just sayin' said...
ReplyDeleteAgree with Anon @ 10:25. Would add that if Scott Boras had delivered Prince Fielder to the Nats on a six-year contract, then I might be in favor or doing Boras a favor by signing Rick Ankiel as a fourth/fifth outfielder. But he didn't. So I'm not.
February 02, 2012 10:30 AM
Good point. Rick can still be a starter in Houston and some other undesirable venues which I am sure he doesn't really want to do. If he wants to stay in the Majors on a good team, he is a 4th outfielder and late inning defensive replacement.
For a soon to be 33 year old journeyman, making $1 million a year to play part-time is better than some of the alternatives he could be looking at in the "real world".
The worst thing that this team doesn't have is a CF.
ReplyDeleteI complain about the bench because the Nats had one of the worst or the worst bench in MLB last year and because it was identified as an area of need. I don't see how this year's bench is better. Thats why.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhen Jim Riggleman was manager, McClaren was already in place as bench coach, and Davey was the obvious replacement when Riggleman bailed. Now, Davey seems very much more integral to the Nats' planning process than Riggleman ever was.
ReplyDeleteWhat happens if something happens to Davey? Who's next in line?
Here's Rick Ankiel's numbers versus Left handed starters in 2011:
ReplyDelete.200 .246 .262 .508
This guy is marginally better vs. RH pitching
.243 .300 .379 .678
That is not starter numbers and looks more like September call-up type of guy. Bernadina as a LH outfielder gives you more speed and a better bat and Ankiel gives you better defense. Bernadina is still league minimum and younger. Ankiel is not going to improve, Bernadina probably will improve marginally. Easy decision, Bernadina over Ankiel.
Mike Cameron's only way he can make this team is if everyone else like Tracy and Xavier are just horrible in Spring Training. Was this the best Minor League veteran invites Rizzo could find?
I'm guessing the emergency catcher is Jayson Werth - he was originally drafted as a catcher in 1997 and didn't switch to full time OF until 2003. Once Harper is on the team I wonder if they would use him as an emergency catcher as well.
ReplyDeleteP2P, Ankiel is much better vs RH pitching than against LH pitching but a .300 OBP is nothing to get excited about.
ReplyDeleteBeing a year older and seeing his OBP on the decline doesn't help his case to being a starter. I think most teams would rather try a Minor Leaguer instead of Ankiel.
Lannan lost his arbitration. Neither the first nor the last thing he has lost.
ReplyDeleteWhat happens if something happens to Davey? Who's next in line?
ReplyDeleteThis was well discussed when Davey was given the job for real (i.e. had the "interim" tag removed) and he put his staff together. Bo Porter, Randy Knorr, Trent Jewett and even Rick Eckstein are seen as future managerial material and are being groomed as such. So it would have to be assumed that should something untoward happen to Davey, one of these guys will emerge. What form of martial arts match will be used to determine that, should such become necessary, is no doubt still TBD.
Emergency catcher? Ha. Ok, for the maybe 2 innings of one game some time this summer where it might be needed, if at all, I am guessing that it will be someone who does not make a ton of money and/or is not Bryce Harper, the future.
ReplyDeletedfh21
John C. said...
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing the emergency catcher is Jayson Werth - he was originally drafted as a catcher in 1997 and didn't switch to full time OF until 2003. Once Harper is on the team I wonder if they would use him as an emergency catcher as well.
February 02, 2012 11:10 AM
That's a great call on both Werth and Harper as the emergency 3rd catcher. It really just gives Davey the ability to burn his 'sitting' catcher in the 5th or 6th inning or later as a key pinch hitter from the right side instead of going to (dare I say) Mike Cameron and DeRosa has 1 HRs in his last 2 years in the Majors.
Have the Nats put out any sort of feelers on a "if you can't find a bigger role someplace else" offer for any of the older DH types as a bench guy? Vlad, Damon, Matsui, Ordonez, Chavez, Ibanez, etc? I suppose Branyan, Gload, Connor Jackson, Nady, and Helms will be around for minor league deals.
ReplyDeleteI predict Lannan will be worth 5 million too, unlike say, Jason Marquis.
ReplyDeleteIs there actually a possibility of Lannan starting season at AAA? If he does lose his job to CMW or RD, it is hard to imagine him in the bullpen when we already have Gorzo and Burn as two lefties.
ReplyDeleteWhat I don't understand is how Lannan can go to AAA but RD can't if he loses the rotation spot. Is it because RD was moved too much in and out of minor leagues?
What happens if CMW actually loses his rotation spot to RD or Lannan? Does he have to go to bullpen or we can possibly option him to minors?
At least we know Harper CAN catch. Hell, DJ will get him up sooner just for that!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteEmergency catcher? Ha. Ok, for the maybe 2 innings of one game some time this summer where it might be needed, if at all, I am guessing that it will be someone who does not make a ton of money and/or is not Bryce Harper, the future.
dfh21
February 02, 2012 11:20 AM
As remote as the chance you will ever need a 3rd catcher, Managers by nature are reluctant to burn their backup catchers in pinch hitting roles except during September where they have a 3rd catcher.
John C. gave 2 good backup plans "if" ever needed. When Nieves was a backup catcher, it was never really a need to use him as a pinch hitter. On this bench, your backup catcher is going to be your best pinch hitter (as projected right now).
Captcha is winism
I think DJ will definitely use his backup C as a pinch hitter. All the more reason for a LH guy like Chavez or Gload to show up on the radar if you can neutralize a LOOGY with Flores or Ramos.
ReplyDeleteMark! How do we watch? I forget -- it's been too long since I could actually watch it live!
ReplyDeleteAND: reading about Jayson as emergency catcher made me smile to remember Laynce Nix as our emergency first baseman -- a position he last played in High school and didn't even have a glove for (if I recall right). I wonder who this year's emergency emergency position player will end up being?
(reverse jinx question) How bad of a year will Desmond me allowed to have before something would change at SS? Do you feel that Lombardozzi could be ready to be an everyday 2nd baseman by mid-year?
ReplyDeleteFinally. What would your dream scenario be for CF (both this year and next)? Upton at mid-year?
FS said...
ReplyDeleteWhat I don't understand is how Lannan can go to AAA but RD can't if he loses the rotation spot. Is it because RD was moved too much in and out of minor leagues?
That is exactly the case. Detwiler is out of options, so if we tried to send him to Syracuse, he would have to pass through waivers. My guess is there is no way he gets through waivers and then we've lost him with absolutely nothing in return. There's no way Rizzo risks that, so if someone has to get sent down to keep the roster at 25, I'm guessing it's Lannan. Obviously, this is all based on everything being equal come the end of ST. If Detwiler looks horrible, they just might take a chance on him getting through waivers. I don't know about CMW's options, whether or not he can be sent down.
Is there any basis to the Lannan Trade Rumors?
ReplyDeleteSo Rizzo would rather have Jackson than Lannan? You gotta be kidding me. One is erratic, the other consistently good. Riz must really like Detwiler.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/02/nationals-aggressively-shopping-john-lannan.html
ReplyDeleteWater 23 -- I think yes.
dfh21
JaneB said...
ReplyDeleteMark! How do we watch? I forget -- it's been too long since I could actually watch it live!
Just go to the top of the homepage right now and you'll see the live stream window. You can click on it now, but nothing will come up until the show starts at 2 p.m., so I'd recommend waiting until we're a bit closer to the top of the hour.
Why didn't the Nationals go after Juan Pierre? At best he's a speedy CF/leadoff hitter and at worst a solid speed guy off the bench. Seemed like a logical fit.
ReplyDeleteAny plans to beef up the bench before ST? I thought one of Rizzo's goals this offseason was getting more bench bats, but unless I missed something the only thing they've done is sign DeRosa, who I'm having a tough time getting excited about.
ReplyDeleteWow, Edwin Jackson reportedly a Nat.
ReplyDeletedfh21
Any thoughts as to what they could get back for Lannan? What is his value to other teams? And does the Nats' interest in Jackson mean they have zero faith in Detwiler handling a starting gig?
ReplyDeleteComak on Twitter:
ReplyDeleteSource confirms: The #nationals have agreed to terms with Edwin Jackson on a one-year deal pending physical. He's in town today for it.
I am guessing Lannan to the Tigers, Red Sox or maybe Mariners in return for some mid-level prospect postion guy. We'll see.
ReplyDeletedfh21
Jackson to the Nats according to MLB radio.
ReplyDeleteThere's 200 innings.
ReplyDeleteUmm Wow.. didn't see that coming with jackson...Who is going to be traded now? Will it be Lannan or Det?
ReplyDeleteROTFL--Every time Mark wants to have a chat, Rizzo signs another pitcher!
ReplyDeleteWatching the Carribean Series. Apparent, the umpires are provided by Samsung.
ReplyDeleteJackson deal is done. Nats get him on a one year deal.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/#!/JonHeymanCBS/status/165141722840571904
Samsung, no wonder there are so many blown calls.
ReplyDeleteJackson $8-12 million for 1 year.
ReplyDeleteJon Heyman of CBSSports.com, who first reported the news (Twitter links), says the deal between the Nationals and the Scott Boras client is pending a physical. It's a one-year agreement that's believed to be in the $8-12MM range.
it finally pays off to be friendly with boras!
ReplyDelete-longterm
That's a seriously good rotation, and if you stash Lannan in AAA, it's just money, you're losing. I'd still have to believe they are after another offensive piece in a larger deal.
ReplyDeleteIf the Nationals don't trade Lannan for a center fielder (as part of a package most likely), then the Nats didn't get all that much better.
ReplyDeleteJackson is a win or two better than Lannan at best. But if they can bring in an Upton-like center fielder, the addition of that person and Jackson could make the Nationals an 88-92 win team.
Here's hoping, anyway.
I'd really love to know what your thoughts are on what the Nationals are going to do with Lannan...how much does his option for AAA factor into the decision making process? I'm pretty sure that Det will beat out Lannan and since Lannan can't do bullpen work a trade or AAA seem like the only options
ReplyDeleteEcho those interested in where Pudge may go, don't see him retiring. Darn shame if he does, totally healthy and raring to go by all accounts I have read.
ReplyDeleteTo those talking about carrying a third catcher; must be a defense first type since they are usually used in late game situations and with the game on the line.
Mariners might be a good fit. Too bad they'll never trade Ichiro.
ReplyDeleteRizzo said no to a six-man rotation, what will he say to a seven-man one?
ReplyDeleteMuch as I liked Lannan, you've gotta be able to beat the Phillies. If we can flip him in a package for a CF/leadoff hitter, I think this makes us much better.
ReplyDeletehaha nice having the mike on when they don't realize it's on...
ReplyDeleteawesome. I hope you can host some other nats writers in future.
ReplyDeleteMark.. you need a to do a show on CSN daily so we can get more info!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking my question on Desmond. I do want to mention that I meant the reverse jinx part, I really do hope he has an awesome year and lays any doubts to rest.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing in disguise staying home sick from work today. Great to see you and Comack chat it up. Too many pitchers is a GREAT problem to have. 17 more days, folks!
ReplyDeleteFYI: I see Desmond as the starting shortstop in the 2012 All Star game and WS...
ReplyDeleteOr so more Nats surprise transactions occur. :-)
ReplyDeleteMicheleS said...
Mark.. you need a to do a show on CSN daily so we can get more info!!!!
February 02, 2012 3:19 PM
Nats Printable Schedule for 2012? All I see are download to your Microsoft Outlook calendars. No printable PDFs on the Nats website. What is going on here? Are they forcing me to go to free magnetic calendar night? I note the Colorado Rockies have a printable schedule on their website. Why don’t the Nats have one on their website? Just an oversight?
ReplyDeleteAnon, might this work, at least until you can pick up a pocket schedule at the park?
ReplyDeleteI say sign Oswalt and make things really interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks natsfan1a, however, it doesn't cut it for the wall. Hopefully, Nats mgt will get the message that we need a PDF on the website. It is a much better visual (everyone agrees).
ReplyDelete@Anon 3:29 - http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/schedule/printable.jsp
ReplyDeleteor as a direct PDF: http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/downloads/y2012/Nationals2012Schedule_NoTimes.pdf
Thanks for the assist, Marty!
ReplyDeleteThe Ian Desmond delusional love affair goes on and on and on. Can't Hughes, Zuck and Comak find someone else on the roster to crush on like this?
ReplyDeleteComack looks at him and she sees a ball player, he's so enthusiastic!, would it not suck to have him finally get it together for some other club, etc. Irrational stuff.
Ian's an athlete, but he's not a ball player. Ball players, especially SSs, make plays. Ian's not a playamker at this point in his career, and he's been the guy now for a long time -- why does anyone reasonably expect it all to come together now? Is Ian THAT much more enthusiastic now than he was last year, or the year before?
Despite what Moe, Larry and Curly just said on that chat, Ian has not hit his entire career, not at any level for any sustained period (2009 seems like forever ago, no?); he has never hit for power (what was Hughes talking about?), and his defensive game last year was an improvement but largely because it was freakishly awful in 2010. Ian Desmond is arguably the worst everyday SS in baseall in terms of his all around game. His approach at the plate is pitcher-like and his glove play is bottom of the league. He has nice speed and he has nothing else, Ian literally has no other plus skill in his tool box.
Comak is a crazy person. At least Zuck hinted that Desmond needs to step up his game, because they have young guys coming up. With player critique like this from media people supposedly in the know it is no wonder Nats management has been slow to make the cut-bait decisions on their home grown talent.
If Ian Desmond does not play well from the jump, the Nats have to find someone who can do better, they cnnot lose games hoping that at some poitn Ian will come around (his upside is not that high, it just isn't -- no power, does not make consistent contact, no OBP skills, iffy when it's good glove) -- and Ian's had more than enough chance to get his game right. A SS who cannot field to average levels AND who cannot hit to average levels is nothing to be taking home to mom, no matter how enthusiastic he may be.
dfh21
Once more, with feeling:
ReplyDeleteHere's how Fangraphs ranked 22 qualifying shortstops across a range of categories for 2011.
Desmond's .967 fielding percentage ranked 18th of 22.
His 23 errors ranked 20th out of 22.
His UZR of -5.4 ranked 18th of 22.
His on base percentage of .298 ranked 19th of 22.
His .358 slugging percentage ranked 19th of 22.
His WAR of 1.4 ranked 20th of 22.
Yes, Ian Desmond has established himself -- as one of the very worst shortstops in baseball.
We're satisfied with this level of performance? Really?
He. Is. Terrible.