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Associated Press photo The Nationals lost Michael Morse from their lineup in the top of the first. |
By night's end, the outcome of the Nationals' series opener in Philadelphia -- a fairly nondescript, 4-2 loss -- seemed less important than the status of their two injured regulars, two key players who have already spent considerable time on the disabled list this season.
"It was definitely a blow for us, but it's kind of what we've been dealing with all year: Guys stepping up in different situations," rookie Tyler Moore said. "Just another day. We're hoping Mikey's hand is fine [and that] Desi's fine. We'll see tomorrow."
It doesn't appear the Nationals will have either Morse or Desmond back in the lineup for Saturday night's game at Citizens Bank Park, and manager Davey Johnson said Desmond probably will get the entire weekend off. But this club still was breathing a sigh of relief that neither injury is considered serious and both players should return in short order.
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120 comments:
Giants 5, Braves 3.
Nats magic numbers: 31 for division, 28 for playoffs (currently Dodgers to eliminate).
GYFNG
Giants win again (5-3), Braves lose again, lead remains 6.5 games, and we're one game closer to the end of the season.
Everyone breathe in, breathe out.
Great angle, Mark. And the players and Davey are right. Somebody will step up. They have all year. They will continue. As EJax (who's rapidly becoming my favorite Nat, basically for volunteering to pitch the 14th inning, if there had been one, the other night) said: "We're comfortable with anybody we put on the field, regardless of what happens."
Loss didn't hurt. Barves lost. They're running out of games. I just hope ATL blows the wild card too. They just might. See September 2011.
LaRoche needs more regular days off. He has been awful as of late and clearly wears down over time. After the all star break he was on fire. Now he's one of the worst hitterS on th team. Play Moore every 3 days at first and though you sacrifIce defense you benefit everyone.
When was the last time LaRoche didn't start a game? Moore is a first baseman and eager to play. Our bench players usually don't give us worse results than our starters. Morse, LaRoche, even Desi - our bench players can handle it. Is LaRoche our oldest starter? I have noticed that he has cooled off considerably. Morse had been also - I think he has been struggling with a thumb issue. Maybe Harper is getting it together?
GYFGiantsG!!!
This season we have three super-rookies, Lombo, Moore, Harper. On any given day, one or two of them makes an impact on a game. Lombo had a super streak of performances as a starter, then pinch hitter. Bryce has had ups and down but his ups are really up (and his downs are pretty ugly). Last night Moore, who has played rarely - steps in with a two run bomb. Harper with two hits. Lombo and Harper are defensive plusses, Moore doesn't hurt you much. I know that there are some quality rookies out there this year, but I can't imagine that any team that is leading a division has gotten so much quality play out of three rookies. At the start of the season, Lombo sneaked in as a utility bench player - we all wondered how he would get at-bats! Harper wasn't up and maybe he wouldn't be until September, Moore wasn't up either. What a treat they have been to watch! And if Morse needs dl time, I am quite ok with Corey Brown, too. I just feel that the Nats need to hang on tight for one more week and then call up just a few key players that will add some support and relief. Keeping focus and keeping a high energy level in Major League Baseball has to be a grind - I don't know how they do it day in and day out.
Swami - great points on our rookies and the key to all, if not most of that is that Davey had the guts to play these guys and not use DeRosa, Nady, Tracy etc. It did probably help that we had injuries but Davey still made the choice to go very very young.
I think most of you know I am not negative at all but I am just amazed that Suzuki and Morse do not have broken bones, especially Morse since there was a bat on the other end when the ball struck his hand. Not exactly the same but if you hit your hand with a hammer and its on a table the results are much different then if you had your hand outstretched in the air. Both will hurt like crazy but the fact that there is nowhere for the hand to move when struck makes it more severe.
OK, physics lesson over. Back to baseball. Thank you Giants but a previous poster is wrong, every loss hurts and up 7.5 would be one full game closer to the division championship and one full game more that the Braves would need to make up.
Go Nats!!
It'll be easier to deal with these situations once the roster expands in a week and reinforcements arrive.
Just ventured over the the left here and read the Post's thoughts on the playoffs. It was not that insightful but it did bring up one point. Would you rather know who you were playing on Oct. 3 and have 2 full days to make travel plans and probably have your pitching lineup set and rested, OR would you want to play the wild-card team but not now until the night before where you would be playing? Really seems crazy this year and of course if the away team in that playoff game wins, they will be traveling back home for the first game as well.
know - now its all the same isn't it?
"This season we have three super-rookies, Lombo, Moore, Harper."
If it weren't for Harp and TyMo, the Nats would not have had any offense last night. It was the vets who did not produce with men on. They had numerous pitches up and over the plate, but the 2 rooks were the ones who capitalized.
Harp cut back on his swing last night and kept his shoulder closed, or, at least, square. It was just a matter of time before the kid made an appropriate adjustment. He came close to knocking one out, a would-be oppo boppo, and hit it about 370, but the fence there is 384. All good signs, though, that the kid is special.
Maybe the Nats had a let-down after the Braves series, and the Braves are conveniently tanking, removing any pressure on the Nats to win. They should be taking advantage of the Braves latest flop to pad their lead and wrap the NL East title up, early.
I don't see the Braves beating Baumgarden today, either. It will be 7 losses in 8 games for them. Good teams take advantage to put another team, playing like that, away.
They have Lombo to fill-in for Desi and either TyMo or Shark to spell Morse, but Desi better get better quick. Izturis went 3 for 4 today, but not for us. We now have no one (that means we have no one) to fill in if either Danny or Lombo goes down.
Am reflecting a bit on the Red Sox-Dodgers mega-trade.
(1) The media in Boston is toxic. We are SO lucky here. We got a taste of national attention with the Stras issue (and even the Metro). Amazing how everyone who didn't give a poop about this team is suddenly an expert.
(2) Does it have a smell of "desperation" from the Dodgers' side? The Giants are spotting them a Cabrera and still leading the division by three games. Dodgers will now have Victorino, Hanley, AGonzalez and Beckett (Crawford being out for the year with his TJ surgery) to fit in their clubhouse, and they seem to have stripped their farm system and taken on a LOT of salary--Boston is send "cash" to LA with the deal, but probably not much since salary dump is one of the goals. Speaking of which, doesn't this put LA in danger of the luxury tax?
(3) Are they going to keep Bobby V? Not a fan.
The Dodgers will be here Sept 18-20. Both teams will be very different than in April--ours improved by maturity and toughness, theirs "improved" by acquisitions from other teams.
I like our chances. Go Nats. Go GIO!!!! Go rookies!
Izturis went 3 for 4 today, but not for us.
Where did Izturis land? I was in favor of keeping him and sending TyMo down, but can't deny Moore is earning his keep.
I do think there was a significant let down for the Nats. They had four straight rain delays, a thirteen inning game and the grind of playing the team at their heels. Then - I understand from other posters - they did not really have Monday off. They traveled to Philly - scene of many crimes against the Nats,but usually a pretty competitive atmosphere, only to find that the stadium was empty and quiet, Desi couldn't play and then Morse got his hand smashed. I often have felt that our team is not at its best the game after an off day. Nothing backed by stats, just a feeling. A few of the veterans have been looking pretty impotent at the plate, too. If they can just hold on for a week, then there will be a fresh infusion of energy and relief. The bench was pretty thin last night, but TyMo represented! Go Rookies!!!
This just doesn't sound like StanK. There has to be a different motivation and the Red Sux have lost their minds.
Why wouldn't the Sux wait for the off-season to make that trade ans have multiple teams trying to take bits and pieces.
Baseballswami, Monday or Thursday? TyMo's pinch hit was significant coming off the bench. Harp looked motivated. The middle if the order looked flat.
Werth had his opportunities.
I was wondering if EJax and his continuation of laboring through 1st innings is going to plague this team.
The Nats do much better grabbing an early lead Instead of working from a deficit. Kendrick to his credit bent but didn't break and it was Charlie's fault not pulling him 2 or 3 batters earlier.
I'm all for Chad Tracy's extension but would have liked to have heard firstly that they signed the option on LaRoche. He's earned it.
Ghost, yes, FP called it after the walk, said Kendrick was tired, his pitches were up in the zone, and managers should pull a pitcher earlier rather than later. Then Moore hit the dinger.
Ghost - yes, Thursday, thanks. At this point of the season it's all a blur. I really thought we were going to pressure Kendrick in the first, lots of pitches, base runners. Wish they could have cashed in then or kept it up. Some of our veterans are beat up, but our young guys are still fresh and eager to play. Sounds like a good scenario for some days off? Do our veteran starters get less days off than other teams? Hard to tell from the stats because of DL time. Seems like they never, ever have days off. Even when returning from the DL they were in there every, single day. They had that grinding road trip, then a home stand against division rivals with rain delays and extra innings. They have got to be a little beaten up. When September hits, the energy changes. This is still the dog days - if they can just grind it out.
Found it. Here is JFK in the Presidents' Race. So apparently when I saw him outside the park one day it was the real deal. LOL.
JFK in the race
http://blog.letteddywin.com/2011/04/13/nationals-presidents-race-jfk-5th/
Ghost, just a guess here, but the Sox have given up, and are rebuilding. By tearing up the roster now, they can promote kids from the farm and see how they perform now when it clearly doesn't matter, instead of next year when it will.
Ghost Of Steve M. said...
I'm all for Chad Tracy's extension but would have liked to have heard firstly that they signed the option on LaRoche. He's earned it.
LaRoche has a mutual option, so he would have to agree. Likely he wouldn't, thinking he'll get a multi-year deal either here or elsewhere as a free agent.
pRAA, you could be right. I say keep the band together but can't commit to multi year yet to LaRoche.
ehay2k, sure, I understand the dynamics with the Sux but you have more options waiting for the off-season in my opinion. Why not wait 2 1/2 months and trade AGone by himself and Beckett by himself and hand onto Crawford for next season when he is healthy. They will probably net better prospects.
Dodgers aren't giving them a lot of high level prospects.
Ghost. The Sox are in major rebuild mode and is sounds like that clubhouse is super toxic. They are doing a money dump and the Dodgers wanted AGon and had to take Crawford & Beckett to get him.. I really don't think any team would take Beckett, by appearance only (so not sure if by fact) he appears to be the ring leader of the clubhouse turmoil. I wonder how Don Mattingly is going to be able to deal with Hanley AND Beckett. The ownership must have a ton of confidence in him and the current clubhouse to keep those guys in check.
And it smells of desparation by both teams. Dodgers to reclaim LA and the NL West and the Sox to get back to rebuilding and throwing up the white flag for a couple of years and to rid itself of those bad contracts.
MicheleS, egos abound. It could be the mist dysfunctional clubhouse in sports.
Speaking of rookies, the Nats have a fun little story brewing at the bottom of the bushes.
Matt Foat, a first baseman from Southern Cal, went undrafted. The Nats signed him this summer as a minor league free agent.
Lookie here. After 43 games in the Gulf Coast League, Foat is hitting .358. He leads the Nats' minor league system in batting.
He doesn't seem to have a first baseman's pop. The GCL Nats played him at second base last night.
Just read an article about the pirates, who came home in the middle of the night from the west coast after 20 straight days and immediately had to go to a charity event. There are complaints about it online. One of our posters was commenting about a similar situation with the Nats on Thursday. Haven't heard a negative peep from our boys, but it does not seem to be a good idea. The writer is Kovacevic. Interesting to me because someone had just mentioned it.Perhaps a subject for the players union?
The Nats were forced to play golf on the morning after a home game before heading up to Philadelphia (a three hour bus ride) that night. Yes, that's right. They were forced to play golf on an off day. Hell, most of them probably would have been doing something like that anyway.
While LaRoche will be an interesting signing, if I had one extention to make right now its a slam dunk. Extend Jordan Zimmermann, just like they did Gio as soon as he was here. I realize he is under control for several more years but so was Gio. If we can extend for another 5 years how great would that be. That is the extention I am looking for.
OK, faux GM hat off. Fan hat back on, and its a new hat today people as the Red Home Curly W only lasted 2 days and one of those was an off day. Today we are starting a new streak with the 1916 solid blue with small block W in white (bought this in Cooperstown so its a special hat for me).
Go Nats!
pRAA, yes many of the guys would golf and most would sleep in. Probably a 11AM tee time near their apartments where they would roll out of bed at 10:30 instead of teeing off at 8AM after getting to bed at 2AM and waking up at 6AM to drive over an hour and a half away.
I was the swimming professional at Woodmont years ago when I came back to the University of Maryland to coach. If they ate lunch after their outing, I can guarantee you they were well fed.
Ghost, exactly. Plus much less stressful to be in a foursome with buddies than putting on a face for the boss.
Sjm, can you imagine making the drive from Arlington to Woodmont in DC rush hour.
The GW Parkway to the Beltway to I270 to Montrose to Rockville Pike.
I'm not saying millionaires shouldn't have obligations, just saying they are human beings, we are in the midst of a competitive race and there shouldn't be distractions.
NatsLady, I wrote in the off season how guys like Stammen curtailed his golf to concentrate on baseball. In previous years Stammen was doing multiple ProAms.
From what I've been told, things have changed so much on this team that players no longer are packing golf clubs on road trips.
I heard this direct from a player that since Livo left that he was the unofficial teams golf coordinator. Gio doesn't golf and Stras and JZim hadn't lifted a golf club since Spring Training until Thursday.
When a golf tournament or team dinner feels like an obligation, probably not a good thing.
As far as I am concerned... the Nats won last night... whew... Morse will be fine, lol
When a golf tournament or team dinner feels like an obligation, probably not a good thing.
Or maybe it is. Players being focused on baseball and using their off-time to "do their own thing" is okay by me.
Hope Morse and Desi are both feeling better soon. This team has dealt with injuries all season and look where they are.
Only heard the last couple of innings of the game, while driving home from the Pfitz, where the good guys won. More importantly (well, perhaps not), the IHOP batter of the game got three hits, and we had free pancakes for breakfast. Yay! Then there's the little matter of the MLB deal on Papa John's pizza (50% off today and tomorrow for online orders with code MLB100). Not sure my stomach is up to that, though. We'll see. btw, the P-Nats starter was Gilliam, who was part of the Gio trade. He had himself a nice game (7.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, 0 HR). In mascot news, Patty was not a hit with the canine fans (it was bark in the park night), and I personally found myself missing Uncle Slam on more than one occasion. :-)
Is there any new revelations on Espi's steal attempt last night?
Ghost, everyone is agin' it. Phil Wood and the cueball were upset, and said he might not have the green light going forward. Also plenty of discussion of how this team doesn't have much of a running game, that being Davey's style (except in the case of Larkin).
By the way, Charlie and Dave after Espi was caught stealing put a spin on it that Papelbon was almost an automatic free steal, 8 of 9 was his previous record in steals given up, now 8 of 10.
Sounds like our relievers--heck, sounds like our starters.
------------------------------
By the way, Charlie and Dave after Espi was caught stealing put a spin on it that Papelbon was almost an automatic free steal, 8 of 9 was his previous record in steals given up, now 8 of 10.
"Where did Izturis land? "
Izturis went 3 for 4 for the Angels yesterday. But, uh, I failed to notice that it was "M. Izturis", not C. Izturis".
Laddie, thanks. Because I looked and couldn't find where OUR (former) Izturis had found a new home. If he hasn't, maybe Rizzo still has his phone number...
I was thinking during the game last night that the Nats left all their hits on the golf course. Then I wondered if Harp and Moore played golf.
If he hasn't, maybe Rizzo still has his phone number...
Think Carlos Rivero and Zach Walters. They're probably going to go young its what go them here in the first place Natslady. Its the kind of mindset you need in today's game if you want to not just win but excel now and in the foreseeable future. They don't want to be a clone of the Braves as Chipper, in an apropos moment, described frequent bridesmaid never the bride.
Moore doesn't hurt you much.
He isn't as bad as he could be in left field Swami but the combination of an almost complete lack of confidence and significant lack of speed adds up to potential problems in left-field. His best position is first base that seems certain at this point. And if he had a left-handed bat he would already be there starting ... unfortunately all Nats corner infielders with the exceptions of Matt Skole and Adam LaRoche are right-handed.
Apropos of a discussion here earlier in the month -- and assuming I understand the process correctly -- if you're the Giants GM wouldn't you claim James Loney off waivers to muck up the Adrian Gonzalez trade to the Dodgers? According to what I've read and assuming it's correct, Loney would have to clear waivers in the NL to be traded to the AL and that hasn't -- at least as of yesterday -- yet happened. Given Loney's contract status (free agent as of the end of this season), even if you immediately DFA him wouldn't such a move make sense? Heck, it might even make sense for the Nats or Braves (or another NL playoff contender) to claim Mr. Loney (although I guess there might be 40-man roster issues even if you plan let him go immediately after the claim). Would welcome correction if I'm missing something here.
To follow up I could see the Nats going for a guy like LoMo ... except they are going to be leery about trading within the division especially now that they are the team to beat. As it is Rizzo's general preference appears to be to make trades outside of the league.
Giants GM wouldn't you claim James Loney off waivers to muck up the Adrian Gonzalez trade to the Dodgers?
But, Eugene, the players returned to the Dodgers having gaudy contracts and big names from past performances but this year both have had really miserable years. The Dodgers are pulling a Yankees/Marlins deal where they are pulling in a bunch of big expensive names into their lineup in an attempt to get into the playoffs and perhaps stay competitive from here on out. But they may also be creating a witches brew of egos and malcontents starting with Hanley Ramirez. They look like ripe for an implosion.
If I am the NL I let the Dodgers do their thing and then smile and shake my head ruefully as they imploded. Carnival barker Stan is a joke and we should know that better than anyone in baseball.
If Rivera and Walters weren't ready a month ago, I'm wonder how they are ready now--but I've never seen either one play. It's fine for "call-ups," but I'd rather have a veteran if Espy or Lombo go down in addition to Desi. Same as before.
The Giants couldn't make a claim as they are above the Dodgers in the standings. The D-Backs could have, though. Might not have wanted to take the risk that Boston would let them have Gonzalez and his contract. I had this discussion with a D-backs fan on another site.
Oh, sorry if I misunderstood. You thought the Giants should have claimed Loney off waivers from the Dodgers?
The Nats need to stand pat, as long as Morse and Desi can go, bring up Lannan, Cory Brown and roll
As far as Henry goes, 2013 Spring training baby, lol
I wonder where all the experts are now? Who absolutely excoriated Mike Rizzo for not going after Carl Crawford? Where are they? Right now a certain backup nicknamed the Shark looks a lot better.
for you old DC boys like coach sjm... Good Counsel almost came back and won last night. Bobby Milloy's boys will win the WCAC again, look for St John's to be in championship game this season
but I'd rather have a veteran if Espy or Lombo go down in addition to Desi. Same as before.
Same two words Natslady and why you have to suffer with Mike Morse or Tyler Moore in the outfield: no bat. No bat. No bat. No bat means great fielding and losing games like they did last night. They need bats as much as they do gloves.
peric... I have no problems with Rizzo, he is the Bobby Beathard of the Nats
GHOST: looks like the clock has struck midnight for Sheets and Miss Iowa returns:
David O'Brien@ajcbraves
#Braves DL Sheets w/ shoulder inflammation Miguel Batista recalled for 'pen
michele... you have to wonder if braves are not a lock for a wild card?
NatsLady @ 1:29: Yes, claim Mr. Loney to put a monkey wrench into the Dodgers-Red Sox deal. Again, I'm no expert on the rules, but if -- as I understand it -- the Dodgers haven't already run Mr. Loney through waivers, they have to do so now, before trading him to the AL. And the most you lose as the claiming team is the pro-rated share of Mr. Loney's contract for the next six or seven weeks. Seems like a bargain to keep Adrian Gonzalez (forget the others, really) away from the Dodgers.
Peric @ 1:20: Agree with you 100% on the long-term advantages to the Giants (and everyone else) of letting the Dodgers screw up their payroll and clubhouse. And that may well be why nothing is happening on the Loney-waiver-claim front. But I could also see the Giant's GM saying 'let's stick one to LA now and simultaneously improve our chances of winning the division'.
The deal did happen
The deal did happen
Mick. unlike some prognosticators in the National Media - NO ONE is a lock for the anything. Everyone thought the Pirates would make it, now the Cards are in the hunt. It's going to be a dog fight until the end. Plus Braves were using a 6 man for a little while to try to strech Medlen out. That just got flushed. Every division is still up for grabs (sorry, I don't think a 6.5 lead is insurmountable). SO buckle up it's going to be a doozy from here on out.
And now it's apparently a done deal.
The Nats need to stand pat, as long as Morse and Desi can go, bring up Lannan, Cory Brown and roll
Mick, Lannan is a starter and a starter ONLY. That has been demonstrated time-and-again. You don't disturb his schedule by calling him up to sit in the bullpen unused. Lannan finishes all of his scheduled starts in the minors then he gets recalled and they keep pitching him in simulated games until he's needed. Same with Ryan Perry. Now, Yunesky Maya can pitch in relief.
The thing is they still have 39 not 40 and you wonder if and when they will use it and purchase Christian Garcia's contract. If he is even close to as good as he's been in AAA he is 1000 zillion times more valuable to Davey and the Nats at this juncture. Yet another pitcher with closer stuff to go with Clippard, Storen, Mattheus, and Burnett? He is just what the doctor ordered right now.
Whereas Lannan is a huge risk beyond the 4th inning.
I agree Michele... I am in shock that the Sox-Dodgers trade did happen!
Rivera is hitting, yes, but Zach Walters is at .209/.243/.299 in Syracuse. How is he upgrade over Izturis? I mean for this year?
Peric... you may be right, I say Lannan from the standpoint of filling the spot when Strass is shut down. I know very little about Garcia, but I trust your judgement on him.
So Dodgers are picking up $275 million in contracts? This sounds risky financially
Rivera is hitting, yes, but Zach Walters is at .209/.243/.299 in Syracuse. How is he upgrade over Izturis? I mean for this year?
Iszturis big advantage was he was a switch-hitter. Yes, I actually think Walters may be an upgrade offensively. He's just getting his feet wet in AAA. Their isn't a remarkable difference between AAA and the majors and Beasley believes he is doing everything the right way both in the field and with the bat. He feels he will adjust and get even better. He might just surprise you.
peric - while I am not usually an insider anywhere, I do happen to know personally that LoMo is pretty much of a jerk in the clubhouse and loaded with potential but doesn't have much of a work ethic. Can't see him fitting in here. I know the Marlins hope he finally gets healthy, grows up a little bit and is a key player for them. They don't have very many right now. Did you guys hear that Atlanta had to put Sheets on the DL?
This off season is going to be so fascinating for the Nats. The first domino that has to fall is the decision on ALR. That could be impacted by Tyler & Rendon's development. The next is if they decide to go after a CF - not sure they will, but then that impacts Morse. Rizzo always has a suprise for us, so it will be interesting to watch.
Michele... you bring up some interesting points... however where does any new CF fit in?
Peric... you may be right, I say Lannan from the standpoint of filling the spot when Strass is shut down. I know very little about Garcia, but I trust your judgement on him.
They actually have 4 or 5 guys who can fill that role Mick. All are capable. Lannan just happens to be the most expensive relative to his salary and first on the pecking order.
I'd much prefer the power pitcher: Ryan Perry. Fits in well with the current make up of the rotation.
Mick.. The CF is going to be interesting. Do they go after Bourne/Upton (BLAH - I hope not) or do they keep it in house, Let Brown develop and take over for Harper so he can move to LF. Then what happens to Morse?
to add, let's say LaRoche is traded, etc.., even if Morse was moved to 1b, what does that do for Moore is a natural 1b? The only way another CF comes in would mean the Nats are trading.. I do not see that right now.
peric... I could be wrong, but I am not as confident on Perry as you are right now. I know you follow and see a lot of these guys, let me ask you, have you seen enough of Perry to make this assessment?
Mick.. unless Rizzo wants to get another starter to go with Stras/Gio/Jz/Det to replace Ejax - thats where the young guys get used as trade chips. Not sure if any of our young guys in the minors are ready for a full load next year. Perry just got stretched out this year, so do they let him move up to AAA next year? Do they go after a FA for that?
good point Michele
The next is if they decide to go after a CF - not sure they will, but then that impacts Morse. Rizzo always has a suprise for us, so it will be interesting to watch.
They've already got Eury Perez and Corey Brown plus Brian Goodwin might yet develop he's really only had a year of minor league baseball so ... but some believe he is a better corner outfielder. We'll see.
If the Nats do go out for a CF it'll either be BJ Upton or they will trade for someone significantly younger like Peter Bourjos. The "surprise" might be coming away in trade with a top, ready for the majors prospect, for CF. The logic in doing that is that you get a player that can grow with the rest of their young lineup and maintaining player control over multiple years is huge for Rizzo.
My gut feeling is they would do the latter mostly because of the success they enjoy with these types of players with Davey Johnson managing. However, keep in mind that Davey is still a part of the FO and he continues to maintain that they have everything they need in-house. Clearly Davey is not Ladson's "source" and let's face it ... given the success Davey has had? His opinion will carry the most weight even over Ladson's "source".
Peric.. I hope you are assuming Davey comes back next year. I hope he does.
MicheleS @ 1:50: If 'fascinating' equals 'controversial' (at least among blog posters) I agree with you. And I'll venture a few predictions:
-- The Nats will let Adam LaRoche walk to a longer-term contract somewhere else, having made whatever sort of offer is necessary (either the option or the new 'qualifying' offer) to get a draft choice in return. The Nats won't give Mr. LaRoche a long-term deal because he doesn't fit into their mid-term plans and they've got plenty of solid options at 1B.
-- The Nats let Edwin Jackson walk to a longer-term contract somewhere else, having a made the 'qualifying' offer necessary to get a draft choice in return. Pretty much the same rationale, although if Mr. Jackson were to accept the one-year offer they wouldn't object as it would allow another year of development for some of the prospects in the pipeline.
-- The Nats will, indeed, pursue that ever-elusive, free agent CF/leadoff hitter. But they won't break the bank (in either dollar or contract-length terms) to get him. It will essentially be a repeat of the Prince Fielder pursuit. And the result may well be the same.
I know you follow and see a lot of these guys, let me ask you, have you seen enough of Perry to make this assessment?
LuCroy, his manager, thinks the sun rises with Perry starting. Right now he is Harrisburg's ace. He is, again, the only power pitcher they have in reserve with a fastball that moves between the low to mid 90's touching on the high nineties at times. No one else they have on the 40-man or in the upper minors (AA/AAA) can do that.
Perry is also out of options. They need to see what he can do now.
Peric.. I hope you are assuming Davey comes back next year. I hope he does.
Even if he's not managing he will still be in the FO inner circle brain trust for Mike Rizzo. He will still be involved in making these calls.
Quick amendment: I agree with Peric that the pursuit of the CF/leadoff hitter might be via trade rather than free agency.
Eugene, remember last off season? Buerhle/Prince leads us to Gio deal and keeping ALR (I am sure we made an offer for Prince, but weren't going to commit suicide for it). Agree it will be controversial to us, we all squawked when the 4 Baby nats went for Gio, now, we are good with the move. So it will be fun to watch this off season.
I think the team needs to figure out where morse fits then go from there. I still don't believe, long term, the roster can tolerate alr and morse. If you keep both then you need of spots for morse, werth and Harper in the outfield so there is no rom to sign anywhere. My gut tells me alr would love to be here and the nats would love him to stay but there won't be enough room.
Magic number 28 for playoffs 31 division.
I just don't understand why the analysts all love this for the Dodgers. You just got stuck with $250M in salary with a 1B you coveted and got a clubhouse cancer of a SP who may not pan out, a OF with TJ surgery, that you will be lucky if he comes back to form by late next year. I realize it's all $$$ and the Dodgers farm system has been bare for years, but still that just binds up the MLB roster with garbage for years. The true winners was the Sox for dumping the garbage and being able to re focus on what got them good in the first place - In house Development supplemented by a few FA's
I like what I saw of Corey Brown in his short stint with us. Everyone seems to be in love with the concepts of a "true centerfielder" and a "true lead-off guy" -- He did seem like a pretty natural outfielder and what about Bryce? He could probably develop into one. We have people who can lead off - they maybe not be the stereotype that everyone seems to want, though. We have a lot of good stuff - who to keep, who to trade? It will be interesting to see how this big deal works out with Boston and La.
NJ.. Exactly! Only person that commented on that was the following:
Steve Berthiaume@SBerthiaumeESPN
Hearing #Dodgers lineup will be juggernaut for years. Keep in mind: that was also the narrative in Boston all through winter of 2010-2011.
Magic numbers 28 playoff 31 division
Manassas keep repeating until the # is at 0
"Perry is also out of options. They need to see what he can do now."
I agree. He just got bombed in his last start, but that was after he completed a 9-inning win, allowing only 1 run. Don't know his pitch count in the 9-inning game, but he had not been stretched so far until that game, and the following game may have seen the result of so many pitches in the prior one. It makes all the sense in the world for them to see what he can do before the off-season, especially if EJax walks.
Disagrre about LoMo. He will have to get a personality transplant before Rizzo will go anywhere near him.
This is funny (and PATHETIC that I am following the braves on twitter)
David O'Brien@ajcbraves
#Braves Chipper on being out of lineup today: "Just old."
Sorry about repeat. just got phone and the first attempt didn't show. Go Giants Go Nats
Manassas.. we have all been there before...
;-)
David O'Brien @ajcbraves
#Braves Batista found out at 1 a.m., caught 8 a.m. flight out of Atlanta and got here 45 minutes ago. Suited up now.
Of course everyone should realize that a pursuit of a young CF / leadoff doesn't affect Morse as much as the outfielder with the long, no-trade contract, Jayson Werth. IMO opinion this would in fact set the stage for turning Werth into the 4th outfielder. Why? Even now he either bats first in the lineup or 7th ... not fifth. The young players have all matured offensively so that they are superior bats. Next season with the acquisition of say, a top prospect CF? If that player bats first where do you put Werth?
Harper, Espinosa, Desmond, Zimmerman, Moore, Lombardozzi all appear to be better choices in the grand scheme of things.
And LaRoche and Morse are still on the roster. Even if one or both leave via trade/FA? Then Anthony Rendon comes up ... and even now he isn't as bad for having only 40 at bats as many here seem to believe. He has 3 extra base hits out of his 7 hits. 5 walks to seven strike outs in 40 at bats? He is hitting the ball just at someone. He looks like a much sooner not later.
Peric, you can say 1000 times werth won't be starting but it won't make it true. I do admire your consistency and persistence on the issue though.
GO GIANTS:
San Francisco Giants@SFGiantsFans
BREAKING: The #Dodgers are trying to acquire half of the #RedSox in an attempt to keep up with the 1st place #SFGiants
Ben Sheets to the DL
This is sad. RIP - Neil Armstrong.
Ghost.. read the entire thread.. you will laugh.
Heck, that's an eternity compared to the notice he had for his emergency start with the Nats back in the day. :-)
NatsLady said...
David O'Brien @ajcbraves
#Braves Batista found out at 1 a.m., caught 8 a.m. flight out of Atlanta and got here 45 minutes ago. Suited up now.
August 25, 2012 2:47 PM
This should be interesting to watch the Dodgers try to incorporate Red Sox into their team. How can those guys go from Bobby Valentine to Donnie Baseball? It was Agon, Beckett, Punto and Crawford, who is on the dl? Did the Dodgers trade any 25 -man guys or are they renting a bus to take people to AAA to make space? I would imagine they need at least 3 spots on the 40 also, maybe 4 if Crawford gets one. Depends on who they traded away and if they were on the 40. This sounds like a pretty complicated situation. We saw what happened when the Marlins tried to buy a team. I think when you have a team like the Red Sox that is suffering from so many personnel issues it might not be a good idea to bring over so many in a group. They may just be bringing the problem with them.
MicheleS, give me some posts I should read again.
Speaking peNsion mArketing. July 20 10969 was the closest I ever got to a hole in One. 4 inches from the pen.
Damn phone changes words it doesn't know. July 20 1969 Neil Armstrong walked the moon. I came within 4 inches of a hole in One. I cannot see a delete button is there One and I am missing?
I was about 4 inches from the pen once. Fortunately, I had a good lawyer.
Rimshot.
I have the same problem when I post from my phone. Sometimes I wonder who programmed that auto correct feature. Some evil person for sure.
Manassas, when you're logged in, there's a garbage can icon that you can click on to delete a post (should appear next to the date/timeline).
Manassas, I have to say that "Speaking peNsion mArketing" made for a rather entertaining read.
For a moment I thought that Sofa's "marketing shtick from a few threads back had mutated into awhile new set of catchphrases.
Hah! Don't laugh at the autocorrect feature, it will find a way to mock you! Changed "a whole" into "awhile" on me there.
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