tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post119247143585500450..comments2024-02-15T05:42:18.307-05:00Comments on Nats Insider: Most important development of springMark Zuckermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525315258889435961noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-66263290288616447512011-03-18T09:59:12.105-04:002011-03-18T09:59:12.105-04:00THE most important development is that Nyjer Morga...THE most important development is that Nyjer Morgan may not be our CF this season, which opens the door from Bryce in 2012!!Harper_ROY_2012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-61499129812836296402011-03-18T00:37:16.756-04:002011-03-18T00:37:16.756-04:00I am constantly hearing about Riggleman and his pr...I am constantly hearing about Riggleman and his preference for veterans. I asked Mark quite some time ago about what went into the decision making process and I am pretty sure he said it was not just Riggs or McCatty but Rizzo and the scouts as well who make the final decisions on who stays up and who is sent down. Options also obviously play a part as well. Riggs has a voice but its not like he has final say and if you look around the majors, there are lots of other teams that give their veterans a longer rope.<br /><br />Its easy for people on here to gripe and complain and I am not against that but its a lot harder to make these choices when your job is on the line as well. I am going to trust Rizzo to make the right choices.sjm 308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-62009561300467769912011-03-17T17:08:17.461-04:002011-03-17T17:08:17.461-04:00NatsJack in Florida said...
Why is it nobody ever...NatsJack in Florida said... <br />Why is it nobody ever wants to mention Brian Broderick?<br /><br />You might also want to read:<br /><br />What to do with Brian Broderick?<br />http://www.nationalsarmrace.com/?p=838<br /><br />Mark in ArlingtonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-21255299444580940952011-03-17T16:34:53.286-04:002011-03-17T16:34:53.286-04:00The most important development of the spring so fa...The most important development of the spring so far has been the emergence of Detwiler IMO. The fact that he is pitching well so far begins to lead to thoughts that he'll live up to his prospect status - which I think was a real question coming into this spring. The way the Nats are constructed, the lineup is MLB quality even if it has some youth risk especially in the middle infield. The bullpen has a lot of good arms to chose from to put together a pretty good squad.<br /><br />The starting rotation is by far the biggest question mark and will likely be the sole reason for determining whether the Nats can break the .500 mark. Rizzo and company have shown they're willing to reward spring performance when establishing Morse as the starter in LF. I'm hoping the same reasoned approach will take place with the starting rotation. Based on performance thus far, the rotation should be IMO (factoring in experience for the order): Marquis, Gorzelanny (very close call with Gaudin), Zimmerman, Detwiler, Maya.<br /><br />Lannan has always been a marginal talent and general overachiever so a move to a potential reliever role seems inevitable. And to finish up, counting on Livo to repeat his performance from last season is INSANITY!ForDaFanzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14573004008241096790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-58093380855535274922011-03-17T14:47:01.667-04:002011-03-17T14:47:01.667-04:00The Jason Marquis story is important. With him pe...The Jason Marquis story is important. With him performing well, we have one slightly above average pitcher (ZNN), two average pitchers (Marquis, Gorzelanny), two number 5 pitchers (Livan, Lannan), with a solid group fighting for the next open spot. <br /><br />This isn't a terrible group by any stretch. Average starters plus above average bullpen makes a much better team than last year.Nattydreadnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-7846575838369447632011-03-17T13:56:16.240-04:002011-03-17T13:56:16.240-04:00Anon @ 1:11 - "Terrible" is a pretty str...<i>Anon @ 1:11 - "Terrible" is a pretty strong word--a great rotation, it obviously ain't. But if your point of comparison is the Phillies or Tim Lincecum, then so many MLB teams are "terrible" that the term doesn't have much meaning.</i><br /><br />With Livo, Lannan, and Marquis "entrenched in stone"? Yes, they are terrible! Absolutely! They won't match up against Houston's rotation and where do you think they are expected to finish?<br /><br />Yes, terrible. A lot of that is Riggleman and veteran's preference though. Again, if Zimmermann, Detwiler, Gorzelanny, and Maya rise to seize their roles ... and if say Tom Milone or Ryan Tatusko go gang busters in Sryacuse? They just might move up to the middle of the pack or beyond.<br />MIGHT is a strong word. This is Riggleman and he will bend over backwards to pad the loss column for his veterans.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-30772496089099035912011-03-17T13:51:50.043-04:002011-03-17T13:51:50.043-04:00As long as their performance doesn't absolutel...<i>As long as their performance doesn't absolutely stink, don't expect the rule 5 guys to be cut now.</i><br /><br />Ramirez probably not. He can go on the DL for an extended period of time. Broderick? He had an amazing record as a starter last year in AA. Not sure why the Nats decided to move him into a relief role. But they have a similar pitcher already in their system now AND HE's LEFT HANDED!? That would be organization pitcher of the year Tom Milone, who at age 24, will be pushing for a spot in the rotation from Syracuse. AND IMHO John Lannan onto the trade block. <br /><br />Broderick is a right handed Milone and Rosenbaum. Who is more valuable? The lefties Milone and Rosenbaum probably. <br /><br />Have to wonder what Milone would have done were he invited to this ST camp?<br /><br />But Ramirez? With his velocity they'll try to keep him as long as possible in order to evaluate him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-38015901550343886812011-03-17T13:49:24.063-04:002011-03-17T13:49:24.063-04:00Saw Nats yesterday. I was impressed by how good th...Saw Nats yesterday. I was impressed by how good the "second string" middle infield of Cora and Gonzales looked. No "Oh s***" if somebody gets hurt there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-11255430514900745002011-03-17T13:47:38.861-04:002011-03-17T13:47:38.861-04:00Got it, Steve M. Thanks. Good point on Villone t...Got it, Steve M. Thanks. Good point on Villone too.The Great Unwashednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-35573897035096767652011-03-17T13:39:27.701-04:002011-03-17T13:39:27.701-04:00Anon @ 12:47 -
As long as their performance does...Anon @ 12:47 - <br /><br />As long as their performance doesn't absolutely stink, don't expect the rule 5 guys to be cut now. The Nats don't have to offer them back to the original team unless they're not on the 25-man roster, and the 25-man roster doesn't have to be set until midnight before opening day.<br /><br />Anon @ 1:11 - "Terrible" is a pretty strong word--a great rotation, it obviously ain't. But if your point of comparison is the Phillies or Tim Lincecum, then so many MLB teams are "terrible" that the term doesn't have much meaning.<br /><br />I'd say bottom 5 of 30 teams is terrible. That's where the Nats' starting pitchers fell last year--5th worst for the whole season (altho "only" 8th worst in FIP). I expect better this season, and based on ST, that seems a reasonable expectation. How much better, we'll have to wait and see.HHovernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-45596215356725614632011-03-17T13:32:36.485-04:002011-03-17T13:32:36.485-04:00+1/2St.: good point
I really hope Maya somehow ma...+1/2St.: good point<br /><br />I really hope Maya somehow makes the squad. Don't we want him adjusting to life in America with the big-league infrastructure and under Livan's wing, rather than in Syracuse??Alexnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-87372590462800783772011-03-17T13:31:40.889-04:002011-03-17T13:31:40.889-04:00sm13 said...
Piay to Play has it just right on ho...sm13 said... <br />Piay to Play has it just right on how to handle Ramos & Pudge this year. That plan helps both of them and the team. <br /><br />___________________<br /><br />I also agree with PAY TO PLAY, but will Riggleman run it like that? Pudge couldn't handle the rigors of catching everyday last year because Riggleman preferred him to Nieves and the result was Pudge turned into a "double play" replay machine.<br /><br />I would like to see Pudge play less and see if he can maintain so decent stats and let Ramos progress at his own pace.Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-30590219174833380082011-03-17T13:30:02.677-04:002011-03-17T13:30:02.677-04:00I am surprised that Maya has been mentioned so inf...I am surprised that Maya has been mentioned so infrequently in all of these comments. I agree that he is a very important wild card. Tonight's game is exciting just because an excellent outing by Maya would really change the complexion of the spring.<br /><br />+1/2St.Positively Half St.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07048223068323120438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-17459274278367477802011-03-17T13:28:26.126-04:002011-03-17T13:28:26.126-04:00and on the rule 5s: I don't see the Nats keepi...and on the rule 5s: I don't see the Nats keeping the Mets' kid (ramirez). Got him before Rodriguez was traded from the A's, plus the visa problems. Was worth $25K but ultimately...fail.<br /><br />Broderick is another story if he wins the long relief job from Gaudin (who I think can start in AAA with Detwiler). Pretty sure he has a minor league contract.Alexnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-47467372078753059672011-03-17T13:27:16.197-04:002011-03-17T13:27:16.197-04:00Great Unwashed, I was prefacing that as "addi...Great Unwashed, I was prefacing that as "adding" reclamation projects during the actual Spring Training like years past.<br /><br />They added Villone but he isn't making the team. Just nice to not see them try to push someone else's garbage on the 25 man.Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-19584586868662748282011-03-17T13:24:22.343-04:002011-03-17T13:24:22.343-04:001. Zimmermann is the biggest development. Part of ...1. Zimmermann is the biggest development. Part of the present and future and we need him to be a 2 or 3. Detwiler is a close second (but Morse is great story).<br /><br />2. @Anonymous: interesting question: what's more valuable? A top-line CF (Jackie Bradley) or #2/3 starter (Jungmann or Hultzen if not Cole)?<br /><br />I'm starting to think Bradley (let's say Rendon, Purke, Cole, Jungmann/Hultzen, and Springer are the top 5 in the draft). even with Brown, Perez, CF is scarce...<br /><br />3. Realistically, Nats rotation is closer to "terrible" than "good." Look, I'm ALL about the improvements but at the end of the day, we've still get 4s and 5s, but they're legit MLB pitchers (and like 8 deep). Z-mann can emerge as a 2/3 but our top 3 v. anyone else's top 3 is still scary (except Pitt or KC)...No need to cringe anymore though. <br /><br />We're comin...Alexnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-1897753462179934632011-03-17T13:20:01.359-04:002011-03-17T13:20:01.359-04:00Steve M.,
No reclamation projects this Spring? W...Steve M.,<br /><br />No reclamation projects this Spring? What do you think Chien Ming Wang is?The Great Unwashednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-50468947528875028752011-03-17T13:19:08.834-04:002011-03-17T13:19:08.834-04:00Still wish they hadn't wasted money on Coffey;...<i>Still wish they hadn't wasted money on Coffey; that makes the bullpen decisions less objective.</i><br /><br />Apparently, the rumor is that the Nats are looking for a veteran for the back end of the rotation. Apparently, Storen's struggles and your astute observation about Coffey have them thinking they need a veteran closer. <br /><br />They option Kimball but keep Storen? I suspect they just might option Storen to work with Kimball and Carr in Syracuse. Or they could distribute between Harrisburg and Syracuse. And if the send Storen to Harrisburg they really ought to try him AT STARTER which may be where he ultimately belongs? They need five pitch power pitching starters more than closers with all the arms Rizzo has acquired for the bullpen!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-2962802079644412282011-03-17T13:11:19.974-04:002011-03-17T13:11:19.974-04:00Too bad we don't know the name of the GM who c...<i>Too bad we don't know the name of the GM who called the current Nats rotation 'terrible'. </i><br /><br />That GM is right. All you have to do is put Livo (last year the velocity on his fastball was second lowest of all starters) against any of the Phillies four, in fact against any of the top 2 of most teams in the NL!? I'm afraid that is really BAD. Yes, Livo came in and rescued a complete disaster last year but he isn't an ace, not a #1 or #2 major league starter. He really ought to be in the bullpen replacing Miguel Batista as the emergency starter and middle relief. He has the so-called "rubber arm"? <br /><br />Your #2 is between Jason Marquis and John Lannan? John Lannan still looks miserable out there and not better than a #5? Marquis looks better but he is still the guy Colorado left off their playoff roster and the guy who was the worst starter in the entire NL last year out the gate. And the reason why the Nats were lucky they had acquired Livo's services at the last minute from the so-called "trash heap". <br /><br />That's YOUR rotation? Its definitely NOT major league.<br /><br />But, if Zimmermann steps up to join Gorzelanny you might have something. If Detwiler learns to be consistent you might have something. The only given in this rotation is Gorzelanny believe it or not. He maintained and improved his velocity through the full 162 last year (2010 NOT 2009 like Marquis) and into the late innings.<br /><br />Gaudin? See above under Livo and Marquis. Imagine Gaudin versus Lincecum? <br /><br />And then there's the wildcard: Maya. He has never pitched a 162 game season but he does come with velocity to go with Livo's guile. <br /><br />So, they would have to get lucky. Zimmnn, Detwiler would finally, finally have to step up and way up. Gorzelanny would have to produce as a full time starter again like he did in 2007. Maya would have to prove that he is Livo when he was much younger. Then yeah, that GM would be eating his words and wishing he had these pitchers ... but the chances? I don't know because after all its Riggleman: veterans get the preference even if it pads the loss column.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-84388554403793664912011-03-17T13:08:24.530-04:002011-03-17T13:08:24.530-04:00Considering how weak our pitching has been, I beli...Considering how weak our pitching has been, I believe the most important development is the improvement shown - albeit - in 11 and 12 innings to Zimmermann and Marquis. We really need all the pitching we can get, so I'm jotting those two down as the most important development thus far.Rabbitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-8630519993672548692011-03-17T13:04:29.174-04:002011-03-17T13:04:29.174-04:00If Gaudin w/ his 4.6 lifetime ERA is qualified to ...If Gaudin w/ his 4.6 lifetime ERA is qualified to be the "long" relief guy, then Broderick is certainly qualified.<br /><br />I would think the Mets would be willing to trade Ramirez to the Nats in exchange for one of our surplus Class AAAA starters (Gaudin?). That's assuming the Nats think Ramirez is worth keeping. However, the Nats may think they have enough bullpen depth in the system (Ballester (likely to be optioned), Severinho (sp.?), Kimball, Carr, Peacock, etc.) that another RH relief pitcher isn't worth giving up anything. Still wish they hadn't wasted money on Coffey; that makes the bullpen decisions less objective.Theophilusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-88474679084103628302011-03-17T12:58:29.510-04:002011-03-17T12:58:29.510-04:00Really, be nice if the Nats got lucky and Gerrit C...Really, be nice if the Nats got lucky and Gerrit Cole landed in their lap at #6. Seems unlikely but it's something to hope for. A second "Strasburg" would be very nice to have.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-23909281898320493322011-03-17T12:54:16.547-04:002011-03-17T12:54:16.547-04:00I agree with others who say Pudge's max should...I agree with others who say Pudge's max should be 5 days a week, with Ramos getting two days in a row. One thing I am not surprised with is the improved defense, like it....alot. As in most sports, success starts with defense.K.D.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-47217314457706860072011-03-17T12:52:27.957-04:002011-03-17T12:52:27.957-04:00Ankiel and Bernadina should man center until Harpe...<i>Ankiel and Bernadina should man center until Harper is ready two years from now.</i><br /><br />You might see Corey Brown out there well before Harper makes it back. We'll see if he can do a Mike Morse to the Internatioinal League this year while proving his fielding prowess. <br /><br />The best outfield might be one where you would find Werth in left (we're stuck with him through good or ill), Brown in center, and Harper in right with Morse moving to first base if he proves himself in left as Dunn had to. He would make a far better fielder at first than Dunn and even the improved Marerro. We'll have to see how much Marerro has improved.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-40673482776021383752011-03-17T12:47:54.484-04:002011-03-17T12:47:54.484-04:00They just cut 3 more and Broderick wasn't offe...They just cut 3 more and Broderick wasn't offered back to his old team ... so? It looks like Rizzo is intent on keeping both Rule 5 picks at this point. Unfortunately, its like one reason why Kimball has been optioned ... for now. He may end up as the Nats closer before the year is out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com