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US Presswire photo Gio Gonzalez tossed six more scoreless innings last night. |
Perhaps it was appropriate the Nationals' latest win -- the one that gave them the best record in the NL at 13-4 -- was wrapped up at such a late hour back in D.C. Anyone who stayed up til the end was probably operating with less than 100 percent brain function. And truth be told, you don't want to try to analyze this ballclub with all of your faculties intact.
What began as the feel-good story of a perennial loser suddenly enjoying success is now treading into the theater of the absurd.
How do you even try to explain what is transpiring right now?
-- Nationals starting pitchers are riding a 20-inning scoreless streak after Gio Gonzalez added six more to the tally last night in San Diego. Even more remarkable, the Nationals rotation has surrendered a run in only three of its last 44 innings.
-- With their young closer recovering from elbow surgery and their fill-in closer unable to locate his slider at the moment, the Nationals simply turn to option No. 3, Rodriguez, whose 100 mph fastball, 92 mph changeup and 88 mph slider are making opposing hitters trot back to the dugout bawling their eyes out.
-- Unable to string together any hits in key spots for much of the night, the Nationals finally produced three late runs, all of them coming via left-handed pinch-hitters sent to the plate to face left-handed pitchers.
-- The final score of the Nationals' last five victories: 1-0, 3-2, 2-0, 3-2, 3-1.
-- Oh yeah, it appears Ryan Zimmerman is headed to the disabled list with a right shoulder injury that wasn't supposed to be anything but has actually proven to be far more significant than initially believed.
Results of an MRI taken yesterday in San Diego were be sent to team orthopedist Wiemi Douoguih this morning, but manager Davey Johnson told reporters late last night that the initial diagnosis is "not real favorable" and Zimmerman is "going to need some more rest."
Seriously, if they didn't publish standings every day in print and online, you'd assume the Nationals were a disaster, toiling away in last place yet again with no hope of snapping out of their funk while several key players are sidelined with injury.
Instead this club wakes up this morning at 13-4, tops in the NL and only a half-game behind the Rangers for the best record in baseball.
The natural inclination is to try to analyze this, to make sense of it all and explain how they're doing this. But it's perhaps reached a point where there is no more explanation.
The Nationals' pitching staff is ridiculously good. Historically good, at this rate. The lineup is sorely lacking in run producers, especially with Zimmerman and Michael Morse out, yet somehow enough runs cross the plate each night thanks to the unheralded performances of players like Chad Tracy and Rick Ankiel.
How do you explain that? You don't. You just sit back and enjoy what has turned into a remarkable ride to open the season.
And pray it all doesn't come to a screeching halt.
191 comments:
Every day I think - this is the day that the bubble bursts - and yet, I wake up at 5, check my phone for the 29292 text and there it is - another win. Smoke and mirrors? To me the answer is depth. Closer goes down - a couple of options, if one doesn't work maybe the other will. Power hitter down, LaRoche steps up, the bench steps up, Ankiel looking pretty good - someone else may have their breakout year this year. Zim goes down - Lombo can fill in - and by the way, he gets on base and can play the game. Can this be the end of the dl parade now, though - please?
Not wanting to jinx things, I have to ask what the most series wins in a row that the Nats have won?
What a great party this team is becoming!
I can't believe I am awake after last night. This team is going to give me either an ulcer or a heart attack.
Question, did Zimmerman hurt himself sliding head first again? I hope not.
Another win!?! How can it be? Must be magic.
Zimm's shoulder worse than originally thought? That is par for the course with the Nats' terribly incompetent medical staff. LaRoche, Morse, now Zimm - all had some sort of soreness, were allowed to play, and then the first two went on the DL with ALR having surgery. It borders on the absurd. If I were a Nat, I'd get my own doctor.
I hope Zimm is only out for a few days.
There is no way that the team can keep winning with the blows to the offense, is there? TEAMS OF DESTINY somehow have everything go right, and there certainly is some fraying in the fabric at the moment. As frustrating as the DL train is, we should take this as a reminder to keep expectations in check, and to keep the first goal at enjoying a first winning season.
If the team actually contends for, and makes the playoffs, we can be delirious. In the meantime, we should all resolve to get to more games at the park than we did in previous years.
+1/2St.
Analyze this team's success? Easy answer: Mike Rizzo and Davey Johnson.
The R Zimm news really sucks.One game at a time. Win each series. GYFNG!!!
BTW, Mark, Once everybody gets settled in, I think your new system will a huge improvment.
I think we all need a pick me up this morning, so here is your daily dose of koolaid
All I can say, our pitching is going to keep us in EVERY Game regardless of our offense. GYFNG!
Joe - agreed on the one game at a time, one series at a time. Also - winning ugly is still winning. The Giants went to a world series that way in 2010. If we can keep banking wins and squeaking them out until the second half of the season when everyone returns? Wow. That would be cool. Wins in April count just the same as wins in September. Isn't that just so profound?
How does one rank the Nats' starters? How could anyone be better than Gio? He simply dominates.
On March 8 I posted a list of 10 players I wish ill this year. Here is an update:
10. Tom Milone - He is 3-1, and that is great. He can do that as long as Gio is this good.
9.Erik Komatsu/Brad Meyers- The first is hitting poorly, the second is on the DL. We might get both Rule 5 kids back.
8. BJ Upton - He started injured and has played only 4 games (how do you get "BJ" from "Melvin Emanuel"?).
7. Felipe Lopez - Noweher to be seen. Nice.
6. Aroldis Chapman - He's pretty awesome so far.
5. Ryan Braun - He's doing pretty well. Maybe he WAS innocent.
4. Mark Buehrle - He's pitching pretty well, but not as well as Gio or Ross Detwiler, eh?
3. Aaron Crow - How are you enjoying that 12-game losing streak, Meat?
2. Jose Reyes - I like the .215 BA and .278 OBP.
1. Nyjer Morgan - His .170/.188/.170 slash line warms my heart, but when he made a selfish stupid play last week, an ump's bad call turned him from a goat to a hero. It's OK- his expiration date with the Brewers is fast approaching.
For those who didn't see the list before, remember it was all in fun. Reposted with typos fixed.
+1/2St.
Maybe the Nationals should get new uniforms...made of bubble wrap? Or a field constructed outta a Sleep Number mattress?
Here's all you need to know about last night's game, or indeed this season as a whole:
Goon Squad 1, JayB 0
Our starters has been unbelievable, but our offense has to show up at some point. I really hope Zimm is not out for long.
MicheleS said...
I can't believe I am awake after last night. This team is going to give me either an ulcer or a heart attack.
April 25, 2012 7:05 AM
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I came up with Kardiac Kids nickname last year for just that reason. Maalox + Bourbon or Maalox + Vodka.
Tyler Clippard isn't as crisp as last year but he sure got the job done. It may be time for him to consider a 3rd "+" pitch.
He saved the game last night as the 7th inning was the inning where the game was won. Stammen for the first time faltered because he commited the cardinal sin of relievers---walked the leadoff hitter.
Who will Rizzo bring up with Zimm going on the 15 day dl? I would not play around here. Just give him the rest so he can come back sooner then later.
I would opt for moving DeRosa to 3rd and letting Lombardozzi also play and bring up C. Brown. However, once you do that you now risk the fact that placing him on the 25 man roster gives him no options and he can't be send back down. I think that is correct but I am sure if not, it will be corrected here.
Agree with most here that this is extremely exciting and we just want to keep winning series.
Rizzo & Johnson should be proud, the clubhouse is solid with a great mix of veterans and youngsters. The red hat stays on for another day!
Go Nats!!
Yay, a happy game results morning email! I haven't yet read the game thread, but at 350 posts and counting, it looks we'll do just fine with the new system.
Thanks to Michele for the a.m. Kool-Aid. I sort of liked flying under the radar, but I think those days are gone. There was national buzz about the team before the season started and it's only increased with time.
I'm not surprised about Zimm but also hope he won't be out for too long. Am definitely enjoying the ride, even though at times I might be white-knuckling the dashboard and stomping on the passenger-side phantom brake (kinda like my mom used to do when I was driving her around).
In a baseball-player kind of way Zim reminds me of Josh Hamilton. They just play full out every minute. The kind of plays Zim has been making are just going to ding him up. Do we really want him to start playing more conservatively? Is he capable of doing that? He is a really special player - I don't think he is fragile, I just think the way he plays is hazardous at times. No guts no glory, I guess.
sjm308-
Corey Brown could be sent up and down as many times as needed this year, because an option covers an entire season. He would not be able to be sent down without going through waivers after that.
+1/2St.
I am thrilled but exhausted this morning. Glad today's game is an earlier start. These West Coast trips are tough to make it through.
On Zimmerman's latest injury, it's hard to be surprised given his history. The guy is a fine player but he's fragile. He will make many more trips to the DL in the course of his career.
Thanks 1/2 street, I can never figure that stuff out.
Over 350 posts last night. I am wondering what the record is? Mark, what a service you have delivered!
What is nuts is that I went back and read the last 150 or so since I wimped out and left the game after 6 innings. I am thinking many of those fine posters are now and work but thanks for the entertainment. If was fun.
Peric, the kid from Ga. Tech is probably not ready but isn't he a 3rd baseman as well?? I do know that he can hit but I haven't heard much about his development. He signed early and had a good first year as I recall. I think is Matt Skole.
Mark Z, is the Nats' injury progression the norm in MLB? I just seems like our guys go from "boo-boo needing rest" to "we need a second opinion" to the DL to surgery with some regularity. I cannot even think of a time when we had someone shut down for a couple days rest and then bounce back. (Laynce Nix, perhaps?)
So, is the Nat's medical staff on par with the rest of MLB? This Insider wants to know!
The way I read Cot's Contracts, Brown was completely out of options. I.e., this is not an option year in which he can be yo-yo'ed up and down. This surprised me, as I didn't think the A's ever brought him up to the major leagues.
If anybody can cite Chapter & Verse on MLB rules, I would be most appreciative.
NatsNut said...
It's the MAGIC, Mark. The fourth componenent after pitching, defense and hitting.
April 25, 2012 8:36 AM
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I would say its the "intangible" that those very good teams have. Its team chemistry and picking each other up and that winning attitude coupled with that luck and some timely calls from the umps.
Davey enstilled this winning attitude before Spring Training started. It was brewing last September.
Text message results in the morning for me.
I was thinking this morning: these west coast road trips allow me to get a little mental-emotional distance from the team and to really consider the possibilities of the successful streak coming to the end. I hope it doesn't happen, but if it happens while I'm sleeping, at least I didn't sit there and sweat it out while watching television.
GYFNG! Let's take the Padres series and then move on up the freeway to take the Dodgers one as well.
Incidentally, I just had to compose this post on my school's computer, then email it so I'd have it on my iPhone, then copy and past it into the site via the phone. Very, very frustrating indeed.
sjm, the team is down a RH batter -if- Zim had to go on the DL. That sounds like Tyler Moore to me.
Copy and paste. The past is the past.
Actually, I do believe that's right, Theophilus. I remember now that Brown had already passed through waivers at the end of last season, so I guess he is out of options. When they bring him up, they need to be sure they want him, because he would have to be passed through every time.
Of course, that is also true for Bernadina, Nady, Tracy, and Ankiel. If they brought Brown up, they could decide to pass Nady through waivers instead when someone came off the DL.
+1/2St.
It would seem a right handed batter with thump would be an appropriate call up even if he is not ready for permanent location on a MLB roster - that would be Moore.
Or, you could go with experienced major leaguer Mark Teahan but he's a lefty.
Or, you could go with Brown if you want to make him a starter.
Or you could go with Solano so you don't have to chain Flores to the bench.
Or you could go with ... Harper ... and never look back.
I hate to ask, Mark, but did anyone ask any follow-up questions about Zimmerman's injury? I understand that Davey is not a doctor, but "some rest" could mean anything from another week or two to a few months.
Zimmerman was held out of the lineup Saturday. It's now Wednesday and nobody knows what's wrong with him. The guy's the best offensive player on a first place major league baseball team, and five days after we were made aware that he was having health concerns we still have no idea what's wrong with him other than "it's not real favorable" and he's gonna need "some rest." How is this lack of information possible? An elementary school would probably require more detail than that about a kid who'd been out sick for five days.
Never rush a prospect unless you have to ... but if you are in a playoff race (and they area), you have to balance short term and long term differently. Smart money is on Teahan.
Schedule (R=Road, H=Home):
Padres(R), Dodgers(R), DBacks(H), Phillies(H), Pirates(R), Reds(R), Padres(H),Pirates(H),O's(H), Phillies(R),Braves(R), Marlins(R).
That gets us to June when we have to start playing the big boys of the AL East. Let's hope our #3 and #4 hitter are back then.
"The way I read Cot's Contracts, Brown was completely out of options. I.e., this is not an option year in which he can be yo-yo'ed up and down. This surprised me, as I didn't think the A's ever brought him up to the major leagues."
That doesn't matter. If he was on their 40-man roster at any point during a season and did not make the 25-man roster, he would have to have been optioned down to play in the minors. And once a player has been placed on a team's 40-man roster, the only way to get him off is to pass him through waivers. Which apparently the Nationals did sometime after acquiring him, because he's not on their 40-man roster now. What that means, though, is if they bring him up this season they have to add him to the 40-man roster, and if he really is out of options then the only way they could send him back to the minors after bringing him up would be to pass him through waivers. Given that, it's unlikely they'd bring him up as a short-term replacement.
BTW, my limited understanding of MRI's are that they are sometimes more revealing several days later than immediately after an injury due to the developing inflamation (fluids,etc). An xray can show a problem more immediately if it is a problem that x-ray's detect. Not all MRI's are created equal and some work better for specific areas of the body and specific injurries.
Not a doctor, never been on TV ... well except at the games ... and there might have been a few colorful incidents in my youth .... but never caught playing doctor....
Bowdenball, Mark's not out on the west coast. I saw a snippet of the post game presser, Davey wasn't exactly forth coming with info (questions were asked - he just gave as little as possible). I have a feeling that Amanda/Kilgore and others have been asking the questions but have been getting hit in the face with a brick wall by the team.
I remember that first Nationals year in D.C. where they seemed to win ever close came before the all star break, but it turn around soon after. I hope we don't have a repeat, because this is fun. I just truely hope that Zimm isn't out to long and that Morse and Storen do come back when they are suppose to.
Another fun win, I feel asleep in the 5th, I think each team had one hit at that point; so I missed all the fun. At least we have an early game tonight :)
The bad news on Zim puts a damper on last night's win. But only a bit of a damper. 13-4 is over and above everyone's expectations. This pitching staff is able to carry us through offensive adversity. Let's hope Zim's injury is really "minor" amd he's back to help ius take back the park next weekend. Go Nats!
Brown signed, initially, with Oakland in June of '07, and didn't debut until last August, so he has options. The issue is, hes not on the 40 man, so we'd have to drop somebody to bring him up, and as a rule 5 guy, he'd have to be on the 25 man, by next January. All that really means (I think) is that it's best to let him continue to excel at 'Cuse, until we feel that it's less of a chance to bring him up. These injuries make this prolly his last, best chance to make it, looks to me, anyway. Feel free to slice and dice me... I've prolly a half dozen errors, there.....:)
Just trying something out here. :-)
Nats: go do that voodoo that you do so well.
Just trying something out here. :-)
Nats: go do that voodoo that you do so well.
NatsNut said...
@Gonat: Exactly. Intangible, chemistry, makeup, whatever you want to call it. You can't quantify it, you can't predict it, hell, you can't even explain it. It's magic.
April 25, 2012 8:46 AM
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The only reason I don't want to use the "M" word is because a team slightly to the North used that term. Give me some more 3 run homers and I will start to believe 1970 is here in Washington and I wasn't even born then!
How's about supernatural power?
For the roster move, Carol or Teehen seem to be the most likely. If Moore could play 3B I think he would get the call for a look, but since he can't I just don't see him coming up.
lol, whatsanattau! As long as you were never caught, no harm, no foul.
Understood about the terminology, Gonat. How about amazin'? No, wait. Can't do that onr, either. Superpowers? Maybe.
On a somewhat related note, has anybody referred to the top of our rotation as the Magnificent Sevens (37, 47, 27)?
May the force be with us...
1a - just plain "magnificent" works for me. That way we don't forget Ross and EJax.
"Brown signed, initially, with Oakland in June of '07, and didn't debut until last August, so he has options."
Not necessarily. As I said earlier, it depends on when Oakland put him on their 40-man roster. And that's hard to figure out.
Yeah, that's the problem, sm13. They'd have to change their uni numbers. :-)
Tcostant said...
For the roster move, Carol or Teehen seem to be the most likely. If Moore could play 3B I think he would get the call for a look, but since he can't I just don't see him coming up.
April 25, 2012 9:23 AM
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For the roster move? Has there been an announcement on Zim?
If there was a DL move, I don't see it that way you wrote about because the Nats have 3 players who can play 3rd: DeRosa, Tracy and Lombardozzi. You don't necessarily need a permanent 3rd baseman.
I think you need a RH power bat to come off the bench which is Tyler Moore, and he has options.
By the way, Lombo only had 1 ball hit his way last night in that 5-3 grounder.
Nice Mel Brooks references ... bravo
5. Ryan Braun - He's doing pretty well. Maybe he WAS innocent.
NO HE WAS NOT..first he claimed there was a reason his tests were abnormal (meaning there is a problem with the tests but he knows why) THEN it has to do with the person who couriered the test...he got off on a loophole which has since been closed...and right now he's hitting more than 60 points lower than he did last year..yes prince fielder isn't hitting behind him anymore..but read up on how the whole thing went down...the samples were sealed and the tester kept the samples at his house because he didnt want the samples sitting in a fed ex mailbox for an extended period so he kept them sealed in his refrigerator
Here is Amanda's piece on bringing up Moore
NatsJack, you are describing the 2010 SF Giants formula for success.. Great pitching, good defense, timely hitting, and a bullpen that shuts the door.
That's a lot of heartburn. Need some blowout wins every once in a while. With Zim and Morse in the middle if the lineup, this team can score runs.
We are left with conflicting opinions regarding Brown's option status -- one in favor, two against but arguing different theories of the rule.
In the absence of a consensus, I will not advocate recalling Brown at this time because "use him or lose him" doesn't serve either his or the team's interests. The only circumstance it would be justified would be if Ankiel suffered a long-term injury.
Have previously taken the position that Moore wouldn't make progress at the Major League level if used only as a spot player. Teahen bats left and the team has more than enough LH bench players. Between Michaels and Carroll, in either case the best hope is that one of them starts out with a hot streak. So you call them up in order of expendability when Zimmerman returns -- Michaels first, Carroll second.
If the Nats really want to do something bold, call up Perez, with options. His skill set would allow him to be pesky if not necessarily good, playing daily in CF w/ Ankiel and Nady platooning in LF.
It wasn't that tense after I fell asleep somewhere around 12:30....
Gonat -
My post was more "if" Zimm ends up on the DL (which sounds likely), but your missing my point. If Moore could come up and play 3B, I think they would bring him up and see what he could do. But, they won't bring up to sit on the bench, no way. So I know other guys can play 3B, but my point is more that Moore wan't come up unless he could play regularly, which isn't the case here. Hope this is clearer.
My point is Moore
sec3 was my inspiration in the game thread, whatsa. :-)
I'm also dubious about Braun. Re. other players on the list, regardless of how things went down with Lopez at the end of his time here, I will always recall one scene after the last game of the season at RFK, just before Soriano became a FA. (As my grandpa-in-law used to say: I might have told you this before, but it's worth telling again. :-)) Lots of folks, including kids holding stuff that they hoped to have autographed, were standing along the road from the player parking lot as the members of the team left. They called out to Alfonso as he drove out the gate. He kept going, although he did raise his index finger and give a slight head nod in acknowledgment of their adulation. Brain Schneider likewise drove on by (love ya anyway). One player drove out, then pulled over and waited for the kids to catch up so he could sign for them. Know who that was? Felipe Lopez. So there's that.
"injury that wasn't supposed to be anything but has actually proven to be far more significant than initially believed."
Isn't that always the case with this squad?
Scott in Burke-
I don't think Braun was innocent, either. His numbers aren't MVP at this point- I was joking in the spirit of the overall exercise.
+1/2St.
Completely off topic and apropos of nothing:
Johnny Boy: Y'know Joey Clams...
Charlie: Yeah.
Johnny Boy: ...Joey Scallops, yeah.
Charlie: I know him too, yeah.
Johnny Boy: ...yeah. No. No, Joey Scallops is Joey Clams.
Charlie: Right.
Johnny Boy: Right.
Charlie: ...they're the same person!
Johnny Boy: Yeah!
Charlie: 'ey!
Johnny Boy: 'ey...
Positively Half St.,
I like your list. I would add a few players to your list. I don't know how they are doing but I would put Greinke, Texeira, Cliff Lee, Orlando Hudson and Pavano at least. All those players said no to the Nats at some point in the rebuilding and even though to the exception of Texeira we are better off they deserve to be mentioned.
positiviely half street:
You got a lotta nerve
To say you gota helping hand to lend
You just want to be on
The side that's winning
EEEEK.. Just got my tickets to see the Boss. For the love of God $20 ticket fees!!!!
saw him on ghost of tom joad tour...not great...i consider Backstreets one of the great American epics..right up there with Good Vibrations and Brownsville Girl
Tcostant said...
Gonat -
My post was more "if" Zimm ends up on the DL (which sounds likely), but your missing my point. If Moore could come up and play 3B, I think they would bring him up and see what he could do. But, they won't bring up to sit on the bench, no way. So I know other guys can play 3B, but my point is more that Moore wan't come up unless he could play regularly, which isn't the case here. Hope this is clearer.
My point is Moore
April 25, 2012 9:53 AM
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Of course Moore isn't playing 3rd base. He is sort of replacing DeRosa in LF if you want to look at it that way so DeRosa can replace Zim at 3rd.
Moore comes up and plays some LF, some 1st base, and mostly bench. He is adding a RH bat that the Nats needed desperately last night although Davey made all the right moves unconventionally last night. "M" word?
NatsJack, still hoping Zim's issue is an inflamed AC joint and rest and Motrin is all he needs. Nats really need him for that May 4th series.
ok - I am now more confused then ever about Corey Brown
My memory says he had to pass through waivers this year as he was out of options and no one claimed him. That would almost have to mean he is out of options and is ours for the year, but if we bring him up, we have to place him on the 40 man/25man and that means a couple of things. He will replace someone else and we cannot yo-yo him up and down so when he does come up he will need to stay. That will make it tougher for us to do that and I am now in the camp of Teahan, Carroll or even Solano (which would free up Jesus for more pinch hitting time).
Again, I have no inside info on Zimm but my bet is that he goes on the 15 day DL.
Braun was guilty but I got 1/2 streets humor as well.
Need to get some runs for JZimmnn tonight!!
One other thing about Brown, he was never a rule 5 guy as far as I can tell.
I'm late to the party again, having to work sucks.
What's great about this fast start is every game they win lowers the bar for what they have to do the rest of the year to get to 90 wins and a likely playoff spot. They need 77 more to get there and have 145 left to do it, so need a WP of .531 the rest of the way. .531 is 86 wins over the course of the season. So, now they only have to be an 86 win team the rest of the way and they'll win 90. Very nice.
We all know the pitching has to regress some and the hitting will probably improve some.
The point is, the hot streak means they can have a significant drop off and still get to 90 wins.
The poster from Digitopolis said:
Not necessarily. As I said earlier, it depends on when Oakland put him on their 40-man roster. And that's hard to figure out.
-----------
Agreed, but would it not be surprising to learn that he had spent years on their 40, without ever being called up? Unless he signed a ML deal, as a rookie....
I think an undersold point, here, is that Moore is already on the 40, unlike any if these other names... He could play a couple of times a week, at 1st and in LF, get some PH ABs..... It wouldn't surprise me, since you do t have to drop anyone.... I think if they're willing to drop someone, we'll see Brown...
Re: Brown. BR.com says he only has 3 major league games, all w/ us last year. Cotts says he has 23 days of service time. Add those together and it seems unlikely he was ever called up before last year. That would mean he has this year and next year to go back and forth from minors to majors as many times as Rizzo wants.
Am I missing something??
But of course, he's not on the 40 man which is another issue. Calling Moore up makes more sense since he's already on it.
I just called Corey Brown's agent. He has options left so he could be put on the 40 man (39 on it) and then be sent back down without having to clear waivers.
Did anyone see or post this article from Yahoo and Accuscore?
You can start drinking the kool-aid now.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/accuscore--white-sox-enter-the-playoff-picture.html
Andrew, thanks for that info. Can you disclose if the agent said anything else relevant.
"Re: Brown. BR.com says he only has 3 major league games, all w/ us last year. Cotts says he has 23 days of service time. Add those together and it seems unlikely he was ever called up before last year. That would mean he has this year and next year to go back and forth from minors to majors as many times as Rizzo wants.
Am I missing something??"
Yes. His service time has nothing to do with his option status. It's all about (a) the number of years he was on Oakland's 40-man roster but (b) not on their 25-man roster for the entire season. For each year like that, one option would have been burnt. We know (b) but we do not know (a). If (a) is greater than 3, he's out of options.
On C. Brown. As far as I can tell, he is not on the 40 man (I think he went through waivers last year to take him off), so to bring him up they'd have to add him to it. It looks like there is one open spot on that roster. Once he's on the roster, if they want to send him back down he'd have to have an option. Sounds like he has one. Only if they wanted to remove him from the 40 man roster would they have to put him through waivers again.
So the issue with Brown is not options, it's whether they want to put him on the 40 man. If they fill that last slot,they'll have to take someone off when Kimball or Marrero come off the 60 day DL.
Steve M., if you are asking whether there was anything like "Corey is packing his bags for San Diego" I can tell you that didn't happen.
I am thinking like NatsJack or Gonat. Could be someone in short-term thinking like Solano so Flores can pinch-hit or Tyler Moore makes a lot of sense.
Personally, I do want to see Corey Brown. I know him and want him to get a chance and see if he shines with the opportunity.
Section 222 said...
On C. Brown. As far as I can tell, he is not on the 40 man (I think he went through waivers last year to take him off), so to bring him up they'd have to add him to it. It looks like there is one open spot on that roster. Once he's on the roster, if they want to send him back down he'd have to have an option. Sounds like he has one. Only if they wanted to remove him from the 40 man roster would they have to put him through waivers again.
So the issue with Brown is not options, it's whether they want to put him on the 40 man. If they fill that last slot,they'll have to take someone off when Kimball or Marrero come off the 60 day DL.
April 25, 2012 10:54 AM
_________________________________
Read Andrew's post at 10:45. We have Insiders here. How many people here can call up an agent and get the definitive status of a player? Huge!
NatsJack,
It's a lot to ask of a young pitching staff to be almost perfect every time out.
I,m with ghost on this. We need Zim and Morse badly to have any semblance of an offense.
It's all about (a) the number of years he was on Oakland's 40-man roster but (b) not on their 25-man roster for the entire season. For each year like that, one option would have been burnt. We know (b) but we do not know (a). If (a) is greater than 3, he's out of options.
Fortunately, it sounds like Billy Beane was not as stupid as Jimbo, and did not bring up his No. 1 draft pick in 2007 for a cup of coffee, thereby having to put him on the 40 man and burn an option year. That's what Jimbo did with Detwiler, which is why we're in the tough situation of not being able to send him to the minors when Wang returns.
I like the point about how this streak has lowered the bar to the playoffs to where the Nats need only be an "86-win team" from here on out to get 90 wins. This allows some regression to the mean.
However, it really DOES change the go-for-it-now versus 2013-and-beyond calculus.
I wonder if Zim going down (and being at risk for going down again later this year) coupled with Morse out for who knows how long might be what triggers a decisive Rizzo move for offense.
This may be sacrilege, but I'm wondering if they shouldn't trade some pitching in the system for a one-year rental bat, since the price would be lower than for another long-term Gio.
i understand why a trade for offense is desirable, but my goodness, all they do is win...will the nats starting pitching keep up this pace? probably not, but give them a chance...it's not like they're doing it with smoke and mirrors..these guys are very good..and the pen is excellent...
Oh I don't know Natsjack ...
I think I said the Nats would win the division and they would do it by having the best and deepest bullpen of power arms around. As we've seen starting pitching can be matched (thus the low scoring games) its the bullpen. The loss of Storen hurt the bullpen yet Davey managed to put its components in the right places to win games. Even while every silly has been trying to DFA Gorzelanny to make space for their favorite pitcher[s] (see AAAA pitcher Lannan, John ).
Its ironic that the Nats now seem to almost be based on the Riggleman model positionally. Superlative fielding, speed, and clutch small ball hitting to eke out just enough runs to win. Seems to work better without all the nutty double-switching ... maybe it would have for him as well if he had been a little smarter.
I'm with you, Scott... Ride this pony!!! Strangely, I'm not worried about offense, after the ASB. Morse, Zim, Brown, Moore, Harper, Lombo..... Enough of these guys will be effective, to allow us to engage the afterburners, and hit October on a roll....
(mmmm... Cherry..... KookAid, Anyone?)
Shades of 2005 haunt me. Before the all-star break, the Nats were winning all those close games, because the breaks would fall their way. Then, they regressed to an 81-win team.
Yes, the Nats' Pythagorean wins (taking luck and the breaks out of the picture) still put them at a 100-win team. However, I just don't want to wait until luck evens out, and we start getting on the losing end of 4-3 and 5-4 games that nullify the "cushion" the team has built.
I'm for adding a big bat in a walk-year to help prevent a collapse. I think counting on Morse and Zim to be in the lineup most days from June onward might be too tenuous.
A Brown w/ options is a good possibility. Unfortunately he hits from the left side so all he does is move Bernadina to the end of the bench. Maybe a good result, so far as some of you are concerned. I just don't see Johnson throwing him in as an everyday player.
So my ten cents is still on Michaels. Or Perez.
Even if there was not currently a vacancy, the Nats have plenty of players on the 40-man roster who are expendable. Perez finesses any future 40-man issues. Not saying he's a long-term fix but he's a round peg for a round hole.
… well, I'm back incognito once more, with my 'natscan' cap firmly in place. Thanks to our intrepid band leader Mark, you'll hear no more from 'david watts', but will have 'natscan reduxit' to kick around once again.
… to honour the occasion, and in recognition of the continuing science fiction we call the Nats, I just gotta say it: this is beginning to remind me a whole lot of Joe Boyd, Douglass Wallop's fallen hero. All I hope is that there is no "Mr. Applegate" hiding somewhere in the wings of Nats Park.
Go Sena…, er, I mean, Go Nationals!!
Snivius, the Nats didn't have Youth in 2005. They were old and tired and couldn't hang on and didn't have pitching besides Patterson and Chad Cordero and a younger Livo.
The key here is staying healthy....cough....cough.
Theophilus T. S. said...
A Brown w/ options is a good possibility. Unfortunately he hits from the left side so all he does is move Bernadina to the end of the bench. Maybe a good result, so far as some of you are concerned. I just don't see Johnson throwing him in as an everyday player.
So my ten cents is still on Michaels. Or Perez.
Even if there was not currently a vacancy, the Nats have plenty of players on the 40-man roster who are expendable. Perez finesses any future 40-man issues. Not saying he's a long-term fix but he's a round peg for a round hole.
April 25, 2012 11:30 AM
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I don't think Perez is ready for Prime Time for the long-term. Again, like Solano, for a short-term 10 to 12 day fix since a 15 day DL can go back retroactive (if needed).
Devy isn't reinventing the wheel...and he's never been known as a brilliant strategist..read about game 6 in 86..both managers made plenty of mistakes...but managing is so much about personality...the players love johnson, his confidence and his track record..they didn't respect riggelman..that's one reason th eteam is doing so well..the manager is relaxed and confident, and so are the players...i read on here the lack of Phillies talent will show Charlie Manuel is not a good manager..so what? he was perfect for that team and they won it all...Francona was wonderful for the Sox..the won rwo series..once the talent level went down he's too relaxed...i could make the same moves davey makes and the team would be .500...i woudl hold my hand out for the ball and stephen strasburg would tell me to f off...the managers job is from the time he shows up until he leaves..riggs thought it was just the 3 hours while the game was played...oh yeah, I've been a fan of Davey Johnson for a long long time
Gonat --
Perez for 15 days; that's all I'm suggesting. Might give us a clue whether he has any sort of long term future at all or is merely the second coming of Willy Tavares.
Snivius, that 2005 team was essentially a bunch of retreads and no-names haphazardly built into a roster, which played for a while on the enthusiasm of having a new home; in other words, it was smoke and mirrors. The nucleus of the 2012 team is young, largely home-grown, and even if there is a slump down the road (teams on the rise rarely escape such things), the future is bright.
I realize the Washington baseball mindset is to walk around with a thundercloud over your head, based on the town's ill-fated past with the sport, but this time there's genuine reason for optimism...admittedly a weird feeling around D.C.
Positively Half Street, Nyjer's slash line warms my heart too. Glad to know that someone else is laughing.
I realize the Washington baseball mindset is to walk around with a thundercloud over your head, based on the town's ill-fated past with the sport, but this time there's genuine reason for optimism...admittedly a weird feeling around D.C.
In fairness, it's not just baseball. But yeah.
And the 2005 team also would have been in it if they'd been allowed a proper front office, and normal moves. Which they weren't. Not that I'm still bitter.
Theo, I am ok with borrowing Eury Perez for 15 days, just not long-term.
It simply defies common sense explanation what this team is doing. I'm just going to enjoy the ride as long as it lasts knowing that speed bumps have to lie ahead....don't they?
So, an option is burned when a player is put on the 40 man?? If true, I missed/forgot that. So, options can be burned without ever being on the 25 man? That would mean you can run out of options with zero service time. Is this true?? I have to read the CBA again, I thought I had this figured out.
It's noon in DC and 9AM in San Diego. Dr. Wiemi D. has evaluated the MRI and called Rizzo.
When does Rizzo tell Mark Z?
Transactions: Options
I laughed out loud when I saw the title of this (beautifully written) post, Mark. PFB!
Zimm. yikes. It sounds like Davey is starting to break it to us gently. As frustrating as it is for us, it must be killing Zimm. ANd how funny to think that we could be the best we've ever been ("We" -- like "We" have anything to do with it!) without the face of the franchise.
I hope we have him back by September. Please baseball gods, oh please. At least by then.
We, yes "WE"..we put in the time, go to the games, finance the operation...WE...when I hear "Why do you say we? Are you part of the team?" I get annoyed..YES, I am...i went to 4 NYJets games last year, driving and flying up and down the eastern seaboard...arguing with dolphin fans in miami, the whole bit..am I part of the team? You're damn right I am
"So, an option is burned when a player is put on the 40 man?? If true, I missed/forgot that. So, options can be burned without ever being on the 25 man?"
Yes. Because at the end of spring training when rosters are set, anyone who's on the 40-man roster either has to be placed on the 25-man roster, optioned to the minors, pass through waivers before being assigned to the minors, or released.
So who else got Springsteen tickets this morning? I was stuck in a meeting so I outsourced computer duty to a friend. Section 128. Where are you MicheleS?
I really don't understand what's keeping the team from bringing Tyler Moore up. Does he have insanely bad breath or something? We need a LF, and Bo Porter seems to think he's at least adequate right now, and considering how rarely opposing teams' batters get the ball out of the infield... The guy's been destroying pitching at every level for 3+ seasons now, so what's the problem?
I went for the cheapies and i am in 306. Those $20 ticket processing fees were a doozy.
Mark will be on ESPN980 at 12:45
From Nats PR, the 7 starter no run games in the 1st 17 games set a modern day record with that feat.
Just read that Rizzo wants to "put eyes on" Moore in left before they call him up. Which says to me that the GM isn't convinced he's adequate there (an opinion that seems to be shared by other scouting-types on the Internet).
And while he has hit for extreme power in high A and AA, and so far this year, his ability to reach base at the big league level is still in some serious doubt. If he's going to hit .220 with 10 homers, is it really worth bringing him up?
Candide-
First, they need a spot for him. Second, I don't know if you can really say he's been destroying pitching for 3+ seasons. Even when he was slugging 31 HRs in 2010 and 2011 he was only posting an OBP of .321 and .314. If you have a 4/1 K/BB ratio against minor league pitching, what is going to happen when you face big league guys? It might not be pretty.
However, although I don't think nearly as much of him as you do, I would like to see them give him a shot. There's nobody else in the organization who seems capable of doing the job.
Call into 712-432-1980 and you can listen to Mark Zuckerman live! on ESPN 980
Yes! Scott from Burke
I always say "WE" as well. Just unbelievable what this team is doing. I'm really bummed about Zim. It seems like no Nats player can get dinged up and rest for a day and be ok. Waiting to hear on the MRI.
After the blabber on about the NFL draft, of course...
Ljcj5y said...
Just read that Rizzo wants to "put eyes on" Moore in left before they call him up. Which says to me that the GM isn't convinced he's adequate there (an opinion that seems to be shared by other scouting-types on the Internet).
And while he has hit for extreme power in high A and AA, and so far this year, his ability to reach base at the big league level is still in some serious doubt. If he's going to hit .220 with 10 homers, is it really worth bringing him up?
April 25, 2012 12:37 PM
Here's the nice thing about a short-term callup. There's no substantial scouting intel on them like when the Nats faced that Rizzo kid in San Diego last year and he looked all-world for 3 games. Quickly the league figured him out through scouting that he couldn't hit up and in pitches and the kid failed quickly and was sent down and in the off-season traded.
Tyler Moore could have that same type of effect for a few days or turn out to be the real deal. Who knows unless you call him up.
I got as far as the point where I would have had to plunk down $92 (fees included) for a seat in the nosebleeds, and I punted. I saw Springsteen at the Cap Center in 1984, and there's no way he's as good now as he was then. Even if he shows up at Nats Park with a hologram of the Big Man.
Thom Loverro is a blabbering idiot. Such a know-it-all.
Love it Mark! A mix & match at 3rd base. Lombo/DeRosa/Tracy.
"Ghost Of Steve M. said...
Thom Loverro is a blabbering idiot. Such a know-it-all."
Pot. Kettle. Black.
Mark's right if we can hang on until June/July we can stay in the race, from my earlier post:
Schedule (R=Road, H=Home):
Padres(R), Dodgers(R), DBacks(H), Phillies(H), Pirates(R), Reds(R), Padres(H),Pirates(H),O's(H), Phillies(R),Braves(R), Marlins(R).
Don't you think we can stay at .500 or just slightly above during this stretch?
Here's Rizzo on 106.7 earlier today on Zim's MRI:
“We’re still not sure. It could be a day or it could be a couple of days. Um, if its a couple of weeks we’ll obviously have to make a roster move, but I’m not going to get into any 'ifs or buts' or anything as we have plans in place for a lot of different scenarios".
Moore is going to get a shot eventually. Maybe in spring training this year. So far, I think the Nats have done a good job of putting their players in a position to succeed when they make the huge leap from AAA to MLB. I would not want Moore to have an Anthony Rizzo-type experience, for fear that it would be harmful to his long-term development.
417b620e-8e2f-11e1-b06f-000bcdca4d7a said...
"Ghost Of Steve M. said...
Thom Loverro is a blabbering idiot. Such a know-it-all."
Pot. Kettle. Black.
April 25, 2012 12:53 PM
I may be a know-it-all, sure. If you don't like what I write, just skip over it. Unfortunately if I want to listen to Mark on 980 I have to listen to Loverro.
I like Loverroit's Andy Pollin I despise...and keep posting..ghost is a ****
bowdenball said...Even when he was slugging 31 HRs in 2010 and 2011 he was only posting an OBP of .321 and .314.
With OPS of .873 and .846. And (so far) this year, he's at .970. If he's not ready to face major league pitching, even for a short time, then when will he be ready?
If you have a 4/1 K/BB ratio against minor league pitching, what is going to happen when you face big league guys? It might not be pretty.
I wasn't aware that what the Nats' current lineup is doing qualifies as "pretty." This season, the Nats have sent Nady out to left in 9 games, Bernie in 4, DeRosa (early lead in race for the Matt Stairs Memorial Trophy) in 7, and Lombardozzi in 2. You're saying we need to hold back Moore for these guys?
Scott, I want to make sure I am understanding you, who is a **** ?
Apart from Rizzo's need to "lay eyes on" Moore as a LF, Comak's piece clearly says Moore himself isn't convinced he's ready to be a big league OF.
whoever writes Pot. Kettle. Black.
I ended up getting Secition 130; had seats on the floor in secition 7 before the computer froze and needed to try again twice.
Ghost of Steve M.-pay no attention to SFB, I honestly think this guy is on drugs or something. He is the same guy who criticized Mark Z. earlier this year for spending time with his family.
I've got a feeling it'll be Teahen. I hope I'm wrong.
Scott from Burke said...
whoever writes Pot. Kettle. Black.
April 25, 2012 1:17 PM
___________________________
Thanks. I thought when Mark banned the Anon's it would put an end to why many people left commenting here and then you get people like this.
It wasn't nice of what I said about Loverro and I'm sure many people like Tom. Again, you can't listen to Kevin Sheehan or Mark Zuckerman without Loverro and I can't listen to Lavar Arrington without listening to Chad Dukes and I skip Czabe and Pollin altogether.
I could listen to Danny Rouhier all day if they'd put him on during the day in his own segment.
I love Czabe..and dig the junkies..Lavar Arrington? No...i remmeber when the junkies broke the story that D McNabb refused to wear a wristband, and Lavar defended McN instead of his co-workers..i didnt like him before then but THAT was absurd...didn't like Lavar as a player either..at PSU he once assaulted the Purdue punter..and got kicked out...but that shot he put on Aikman? oh my god..that was classic
JaneB said
'hope we have him back by September. Please baseball gods, oh please. At least by then'
I can tell you right now that if Zim is out until September we are not making the playoffs. The starting pitching has been beyond spectacular (kudos to Rizzo) but when they level off just a little bit we will need some offense.
If Zim goes on the DL and they're going to call up an infielder on the 40-man, it has to be Moore or Rivero. Available outfielders are Harper and Eury Perez. (They seem to have 39 players, so they could add Teahan without losing anyone.)
My guess: If Zim is out for more than a couple of weeks, they'll call up Harper. I bet that's what Davey pushes for, and it might really energize the team. Harper is the only one who might conceivably replace Zim's offense.
blovy8 said...
I've got a feeling it'll be Teahen. I hope I'm wrong.
April 25, 2012 1:23 PM
Mark Teahen is out of options so you risk Teahen going back to the Minors as he has to pass through waivers.
Sounds like Rizzo isn't about to announce anything yet as they haven't disclosed the results of the MRI. He clearly is leaving things open ended as he said on the radio this morning "It could be a day or it could be a couple of days. Um, if its a couple of weeks we’ll obviously have to make a roster move..."
If Zim goes on the DL, the player they choose would give the real picture of the severity of the issue I believe. If a player without options is chosen, then you would think this is long-term vs. short-term.
Candide-
Like I said in the very next sentence of my previous post, I'd like to see him come up too, for the same reasons as you. The guys there now aren't getting the job done. I just don't think we should necessarily expect a significant upgrade from what we're getting now. More power probably, but that might be all, he might make just as many or more outs and strike out with runners in scoring position even more. And it would probably come at the expense of defense.
Question for the assembly here. Who do you think has the thinner skin, Steve M or C. Montgomery Burns?
"Harper is the only one who might conceivably replace Zim's offense."
You're talking about the severely depleted offense Zim has shown so far this year, right? Because that's all Harper's performance at AAA shows that he could be a replacement for.
if you don't poke the skin it won't matter
Ghost of SteveM wrote me a note that began with the word "Thanks"
i will now defend him to the death (or unril he disagrees with me)
BTW, the only reason to have a guy like Teahan in your minor league system, is to use him when you need him. So use him and lose him is better than not use him and keep him.
Moore seems like the obvious call-up if Zim goes on the DL for a short stint. DeRosa and Lombo (and maybe Tracy, but I'm skeptical) will fill in at 3B. You get a power hitting RH bat on the bench, and every now and then Moore gets a start at 1B against a LH pitcher. Having him in the show for a few weeks isn't going to mess with his development too much. And none of the other options (Carroll, Teahan, etc.) provide offense off the bench. They aren't being brought up to start and play defense.
I was interested to see DeRosa replace Lombo at 3B for the 9th inning yesterday. A sign I guess that Davey doesn't have all that much confidence in Lombo's D, at least at that position.
If Zim goes on the DL for a long stint, too bad we didn't re-sign JHJr.
JHHr. could be the answer to the question ... who do you trade for.
JD.... That is SO not a foregone conclusion, right now... Between the handful of farm boys on the cusp, and the possibility of Rizzo making a mid-summer deal... There's a very real possibility of 90+ wins, even if Zim AND Morse are out...
Not a prediction.... Just a very possible outcome... KookAid, anyone...?
{:^D
Here is the upshot. No one the Nats call up can come close to replacing Zim's productivity long term especially with Morse on the shelf already and I don't believe that we have the prospect pieces to acquire someone who will make a significant difference.
If Zim is out for months rather than weeks we are s**d just like LA would be if Kemp and Ethier were hurt, just like SF was with Possy out etc. Them's the breaks.
It's no one's fault that our best 2 run producers both got hurt at the same time (and let's get off the medical opinions by all the internet doctors) and that our best 2 hitting prospects are either hurt on not nearly ready.
UnkyD,
You are right it's not a foregone conclusion it's just my opinion. I don't see any farm boys on the cusp and for a mid summer trade; who are you dealing to get a bat in Zim's class?
I knew it! I've been saying how Zim's throws have been so weak all season. This shoulder issue isn't new. I'm somewhat discouraged about this. With both Morse and Zim out indefinitely, where are we going to get our power from? A positive Mri finding is never good.
And stop with the Harper-before-he-figgers-it-out nonsense!! Geeze.... What possible good does it do him, of the club to bring him up, while he's still struggling with AAA pitching?! It prolly won't be that long, but he doesn't have a switch that you can just flip, and he'll automatically hit MLB pitching well enough to be useful...
Enough!!
NatsJack in Florida said...
Steve M is OK by me. He just calls them as he see's them.
April 25, 2012 1:45 PM
Thanks, I have my opinions and also come to the table with some facts (better known as stats) and some decent contacts just like NatsJack and many others on here. I've always said, this is where the insiders come to.
What I like on this site is how people share their vast knowledge and the web links and stats and estimates and predictions.
For Andrew to get on the phone and call Corey Brown's agent and report back on his option status is a great resource. That's again what makes this place special and then of course we have Mark Zuckerman who is the best of the beat writers IMO.
bowdenball said...Like I said in the very next sentence of my previous post, I'd like to see him come up too, for the same reasons as you.
You did indeed. Mea maxima culpa.
So, speaking of resources, anybody know what Casey Blake is doing these days? Short- to medium-term, he might have enough left to be worth a try? Or is he really done?
blake willmake the plays and bang out afew doubles...very professional..good in the clubhouse...i'd love to see it
Mike Rizzo will be in Rochester tonight for the Red Wings and Chiefs game tonight so he will get to see CBrown, Bryce and Tyler Moore.
Listen to his comments at about the 1:45 mark on this morning's live segment on 106.7 for Rizzo on Tyler Moore. I guess he will see him tonight and hopefully in LF
http://washington.cbslocal.com/?podcast_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podtrac.com%2Fpts%2Fredirect.mp3%2Fnyc.podcast.play.it%2Fmedia%2Fd0%2Fd0%2Fd1%2Fd0%2FdD%2Fd5%2FdC%2F10D5C_3.MP3%3Fauthtok%3D5561755754051626322_OTrq1tFBP6cBramxhQuONB01HE&podcast_name=Seg+07+Washington+Nationals+GM+Mike+Rizzo+joins+Holden+and+Danny&podcast_artist=106.7+The+Fan&station_id=114&tag=pages&dcid=CBS.WASHINGTON
I know he was hurt a lot last season, and the Rox let him go at the end of March, which makes me wonder if his neck surgery worked as planned, but he'd be affordable, no commitment required, and can play a passable third base or left in a pinch. If he can play. He's not listed as retired, so maybe he still thinks he can play.
Any decision to bring Harper up would obviously have to pass Rizzo's "won't hurt his development" test. But that test doesn't involve looking at his AAA stats.
Harper is FAR more talented than any of the other options, and this team's identity is built on the notion that talent will win if given the right opportunity.
So I'm not saying that it's good or bad for his development, because I don't really know. I'm just predicting that a long-term (one month or more) DL trip for Zim equals a call up for Harper.
I can't see Blake in lf..he has a good glove and his arm is average..loved having him at third with the dodgers
Don't forget that bringing Harper up now will still wind up costing them maybe tens of millions of dollars, as a Super Two. So what can they get for that kind of money, who will NOT have to learn how to hit MLB pitching for the next several months?
I say "in a pinch" for Blake in left just because it wouldn't be his first time out there. We've already used up Plans A, B, and C.
Just to clarify, Harper is no longer in danger of super two (as of a few days ago), but they lose control a year early if he comes up before some calculated date in June. Which in not an issue if they lock him up prior to that year. I believe.
All these moves people are thinking of making and yet I look at the standings and we are 13-4 with NO moves being made. Yes, we probably won't keep that up but Scot made several good points today and one was and I am paraphrasing, these guys like and respect Davey and they play hard for him. You get quotes from DeRosa who is a pro talking about hitting .078 and Davey still batting him 3rd. That is going to pay huge dividends. I am all for keeping this chemistry like it is at least until we lose 4 or 5 in a row not even think about changes. I am guessing Rizzo is also thinking that but he also has to think ahead.
Just to be clear, I am not thrilled with how DeRosa, Tracy, Nady and Bernadina are playing right now but I am thrilled with 13-4 and that is bigger then individual stats. I am guessing the clubhouse is energized and positive and that is a huge part of any sport.
Scott, I am thinking as I read your posts that we are decades apart in age. The junkies can be fun but I hate that they have no respect for music from the 60s. They do have one of the 4 that knows baseball and the guy on after them is really good, I think his name is Danny something.
I am also a "we" guy with my nationals/senators. I think after rooting for a team for over 60 years (I realize they were gone for part of that time) I am entitled to that. Andy/Steve are not my cup of tea either and its ridiculous how much time is spent on the Skins. The fact that Kevin Shehan never played catch with his sons also has him on my out list. Lovera does at least know a little baseball and if not for him it would not get mentioned. Thats my sports radio take for the year.
Ghost, thanks for your knowledge and input and don't worry what color the kettle is.
whatsanattau-
Are you sure you don't have that backwards? I thought you protect the extra year of control as long as the player doesn't get called up near the start of the season, but the Super 2 eligibility date is in June.
"Just to clarify, Harper is no longer in danger of super two (as of a few days ago), but they lose control a year early if he comes up before some calculated date in June. Which in not an issue if they lock him up prior to that year. I believe."
You have it backwards. The date just passed after which a Harper callup will not result in him accruing a full year of service time (FA clock) but the Super Two cutoff date is not until mid-June (actual date TBD).
backwards am I sometimes
"Just to be clear, I am not thrilled with how DeRosa, Tracy, Nady and Bernadina are playing right now but I am thrilled with 13-4 and that is bigger then individual stats."
As Goon Squad they are all doing great, and that is the role with which they all made the team. Where they have come up short is as fill-in starters for injured players. But then again, nearly all of the regular starters with the exception of Desmond, LaRoche and Werth have also come up short so far.
Yep... backwards...
Many numbers letters and dashes: agreed. I think if DeRosa could have begun the year in the role he was signed for he might have had a better start, and the others have all contributed. This is why I am advocating for no moves being done quickly. Hell, Zimm might actually be ok - ok, wait, that was probably not very smart.
Anyway, a win tonight gives us 6 series in a row and that is how you make the playoffs. I am sure there are stats on this but how many one year rentals have really paid off for teams? I know the Expo's getting Colon did not work. I am guessing you could say that Berkman was a success for the Cards but he turned into more than one year. Same with Pence for the Phillies. Who actually played for just a partial season with one team, helped that team win at least into the playoffs and then moved on? I am sure there are a bunch but maybe not.
Go Nats!!
How can you not be thilled with the role Tracy has done off of the bench? A top performer as a PH. As a starter, not so much.
Nady and DeRosa haven't done much vs. replacement. DeRosa isn't going anywhere (right now).
Bernadina has the speed that none of them have but Corey Brown has speed also and better defense and is LH.
The whispers in NatsTown for a while is how Nady was a DFA candidate. I don't disagree if you had a suitable replacement for him which will eventually be Michael Morse. Rizzo is watching the AAA guys tonight. I wouldn't even be surprised if he took both Corey Brown and Tyler Moore with him back to SoCal if Zim was going to the DL and someone was DFA'd.
I remember NatsJack saying during Spring Training, expect the unexpected with Rizzo.
Forget are you smarter than a fifth grader. How about can you throw harder than Jamie Moyer? Yeah, right. I might nominate this for MiLB promotion of the year. Now go sit in the truck. :-)
Lineups out, still no further statements or details on Zimmerman other than that he's listed as "available" on the lineup card.
Apparently the Nats front office has the same approach to dealing with their fans that the Marc Wahlberg character in The Departed had to dealing with the Feds.
Speaking of that expression (which Sean Burnett mentioned on a broadcast earlier this year), Letterman had Philip Humber do a top ten list the other day, and "go sit in the truck" was one of them.
Ghost,
Your point is well taken. Contrary to what JayB says the bench is actually very good> Tracy has already contributed directly to 2 wins and Nady had that big 8th inning tying home run. Th e problem is as you say that players who should be coming off the bench are playing every day just like last year with Nix etc.
I may be wrong but I don't see Brown and Moore as clear upgrades to what's already here. Our best bet is to have some good luck with Zim and Morse and hope against hope that Rendon returns ahead of schedule.
"Who actually played for just a partial season with one team, helped that team win at least into the playoffs and then moved on?"
Edwin Jackson, Cardinals, last year.
JD, and there is the conundrum of sorts. Is Brown an upgrade over Bernadina and Nady in the long-term and is Moore an upgrade over Nady.
I think short-term, they could be, longer term they would have to be able to make adjustments.
I like Tyler Moore but I don't love him because I see him as a DH. To be fair, I haven't seen him in LF but I have seen him at 1st base. He's adequate until a ball is thrown in the dirt----need I say moore?
Rizzo is at AAA to get his own eyes on what he has. This is a scouting endeavor of his own players.
"Lineups out, still no further statements or details on Zimmerman other than that he's listed as "available" on the lineup card."
If he really is available tonight, that would indicate they don't think they will need to DL him. Because they can backdate the DL to the last day he played (last Friday) and that means he could come back sooner than if he so much as pinch hits in a game now.
Lineups out, still no further statements or details on Zimmerman other than that he's listed as "available" on the lineup card.
Collectively, we've had this conversation before, and I don't expect a resolution, but it isn't a given that they owe us all the information they have, as they have it. Just saying.
Well, my notion was that Teahen is totally expendable and has ML experience at 3rd, along with mostly playing OF. The trouble is that he's a lefty version of DeRosa and probably would hit that way. But Rizzo wouldn't burn any options then, just have to pass Teahen through waivers like was able to do for Carroll.
At least Nady had some interest from the Braves a few weeks ago when they were desperate.
Chad Tracy starting at 3B tonight as Zim Watch continues. Bernadina starting in LF.
Bowdenball,
I live in the NY area and I can tell you that the Mets protect their injury information better than the CIA protects state secrets. Last year players such as Bay, Reyes, Wright, Pagan were all listed as day to day and were gone for months at a time. Davis had mild collision and was supposed to miss a couple of days but was out for the year.
I also follow the Canadiens and they are even worse, their management(since fired) treat their fans like mortal enemies a request for info regarding the injured Andre Markov was viewed as treasonous.
I don't think it's a Nationals phenomenon. I think its pretty common throughout professional sports.
By the way, this is the best defensive alignment Davey has for the outfield spreading Bernadina, Ankiel and Werth.
Nady was a very decent player a couple of years back. He may yet turn out to be useful.
Ghost,
Tracy at 3rd scares me a bit but then again so does Lombo.
One more comment on the wide ranging views of official scorers. Line drive at Ankiel last weeks zips over his glove and ruled and error and later changed to a triple. Last night Venable clearly loses Ramos's ball in the lights and Ramos makes it to 3rd but its ruled a 3 base error and still hasn't been changed.
Is anyone questioning those calls? Ramos was more of a triple then the one at Ankiel.
I was under the impression that the official scorers usually only reconsider a ruling when someone complains or a groan comes out of the press box, so probably there was questioning of a sort. They do seem to have wide latitude with balls a fielder doesn't actually touch.
Tracy may give the official scorer tonight a workout...
JD-
It makes sense in other sports, but I've never understood the reason for secrecy in baseball. In the other sports the teams often change their game plan significantly based on the other team's personnel. But that doesn't happen in baseball. The most the Padres or Dodgers could possibly do with the information is alter their rotation to get another righthander to face the Zimmerman-less Nats, and even that seems very unlikely.
Bowdenball... I can see where keeping your cards close to your vest, could let you maintain a SLIGHT edge over potential trading partners... There's all kinds of strategy, short term and long term, and it never makes sense to spout off everything you know...
I thought Ramos's ball was a tough error, but it's his home park, he should be used to the lights by now, and be able to compensate for that. The ball *did* hit his glove. The ball Ankiel misjudged could have gone either way, I agree, but he didn't get close enough to it to call it an error, IMO.
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