tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post1952325326505434172..comments2024-02-15T05:42:18.307-05:00Comments on Nats Insider: Is Nyjer Morgan's time up?Mark Zuckermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525315258889435961noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-22455724769641806052011-03-26T17:23:16.664-04:002011-03-26T17:23:16.664-04:00It's not his skin color, it's his baseball...It's not his skin color, it's his baseball smarts or, rather, lack thereof, and his shite attitude.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-3668285868112921152011-03-26T13:02:20.447-04:002011-03-26T13:02:20.447-04:00Now, that's completely unfair. Virginia is muc...Now, that's completely unfair. Virginia is much advanced in the last 150 years.<br />OK, somewhat advanced.Soul Possession, PFB Sofahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08891662837668214475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-32793221265299914312011-03-26T12:56:44.737-04:002011-03-26T12:56:44.737-04:00Sorry Nyjer, but for some reason the current batch...Sorry Nyjer, but for some reason the current batch of Nats fans can't get past their Virginia state of mindAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-15960799497071024702011-03-26T11:24:11.955-04:002011-03-26T11:24:11.955-04:00Bozo and Nyjer are comparable in that neither is f...Bozo and Nyjer are comparable in that neither is funny.Theophilusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-87331769084732550342011-03-26T11:02:30.408-04:002011-03-26T11:02:30.408-04:00rather have bozo the clown play centerfield on the...rather have bozo the clown play centerfield on the 25 man roster over nyjer morganAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-84081688862760979112011-03-26T10:38:09.715-04:002011-03-26T10:38:09.715-04:00If Morse, Ankiel and Werth start, that leaves Jerr...If Morse, Ankiel and Werth start, that leaves Jerry Hairston, Laynce Nix, Matt Stairs and Roger Bernadina if Nyjer is DFA'd.<br /><br />Only Bernadina is a plus defensive outfielder in that group of backups and your only MLB close to ready OF in AAA is Corey Brown.<br /><br />I think Nyjer Morgan is an insurance policy and nothing more. Once Corey Brown is ready, then I think you cut him loose.Andrewnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-28064967998236094732011-03-26T10:24:35.385-04:002011-03-26T10:24:35.385-04:00"What about Syracuse? Morgan does have an opt..."What about Syracuse? Morgan does have an option, so the Nationals could choose to send him to Class AAA."<br /><br />Yes, Mark says he has an option left.Anonymous8noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-83117126066205446192011-03-26T10:20:57.938-04:002011-03-26T10:20:57.938-04:00If Nyjer has an Option left, then you don't DF...If Nyjer has an Option left, then you don't DFA him as you send him to the Minors. The Nats aren't deep in spare outfielders.<br /><br />By the way, Boomer Whiting's bunt yesterday was great to see.Andrewnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-18705828759154166992011-03-26T10:09:58.539-04:002011-03-26T10:09:58.539-04:00Yes, it's time for Nyger to go, and I think he...Yes, it's time for Nyger to go, and I think he recognizes it. He's lost the confidence of the team management and the fan base. Too bad. Had a couple of things gone differently, it could have had a different outcome. I suspect that he has not responded well to the extra work provided by Bo Porter and the recent incident with Pujols and the Cards probably sealed the issue. If he's been shopped and no takers found, cut him. Nats, don't drag this out and turn it into a soap opera.JamesFannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-28542473955390204812011-03-26T10:05:14.378-04:002011-03-26T10:05:14.378-04:00Ankiel seems to be the CF by default as its not li...Ankiel seems to be the CF by default as its not like he earned it. Still hoping that Rizzo can redeem himself and pull off a trade for the CF of the future.<br /><br />I see BHarper in LF and Morse a 1st baseman in 2013.Mark'dnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-64275009273203605562011-03-26T10:00:36.807-04:002011-03-26T10:00:36.807-04:00As I replay watching last night's game in Vier...As I replay watching last night's game in Viera (it is SO nice to be in Florida to see baseball--of almost any kind--when it's cold at home in Silver Spring!), and rereading these comments about Nyjer Morgan, the Nats 25-man roster--anticipating the new season, I find myself wanting to expect the best of player potential but fearing that the dye is cast. I'm somewhere between Don and Anon@12:25 a.m.<br /><br />I thought Morgan played a decent game last night, tracked balls in the outfield better than some of the drama last year, got a key hit, etc. I was less impressed by Alberto Gonzales, though he too contributed. It was ironic to see Alex Cora and Gonzo batting in order as I see them competing for the same bench spot.<br /><br />As a casual fan, I'm not inclined to get as agitated as some readers here, but (1) I'd probably send Morgan down to Syracuse; (2) focus on keeping versatile and savvy experienced players on the bench like Cora and Jerry Hairston; (3) offer Stairs a coaching job because as an earlier commentator said a week or two ago, the Nats aren't good enough to need such a specialist; (4) tolerate the balancing act of maintaining access to quality players while utilizing options.<br /><br />As many have observed--the season is a marathon not a sprint. Let the race begin. I'm off to see whether Mark Z. can maintain his streak of witnessing winning Nats spring training games!Carl in 309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-67604557672585147962011-03-26T09:34:00.358-04:002011-03-26T09:34:00.358-04:00JayB doesn't seem to be around this a.m. so ma...JayB doesn't seem to be around this a.m. so maybe it's safe to say this: I can be very comfortable w/ Desmond as a lead-off hitter. Desmond is a team guy. He do what he's asked to do: take more pitches, try to pull the ball less, take the pitch to right more often even if it means fewer doubles and more singles. He can bunt, he runs like hell (even though out of the RH batter's box). He's smart enough to see that getting on base in front of Werth, Zimmerman and LaRoche gives him a good chance to lead the league in runs scored. <br /><br />People who see Desmond's OBP, etc., numbers from last year are unduly influenced by all of the games he spent at the bottom of the order, where his primary objective was to make something happen before the pitcher struck out, and help turn over the lineup.<br /><br />I don't think he'll get a lot of walks, because 3-2 is not "his count," but I think otherwise his performance will be perfectly acceptable.Theophilusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-10729752484018858152011-03-26T09:18:04.865-04:002011-03-26T09:18:04.865-04:00Both parties need a fresh start.
DFA/Release -3 d...Both parties need a fresh start.<br /><br />DFA/Release -3 days.joemktgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-65829766577967748242011-03-26T09:14:30.356-04:002011-03-26T09:14:30.356-04:00Its a no brainer and has been for a long time. Re...Its a no brainer and has been for a long time. Release Morgan flat out, go to the bathroom and wash your hands. There.....its done and over. And as my dad used to say "The dogs will bark and bark and run in circles......but the carnival moves on!" PLAY BALL!!bnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-20040424361139817772011-03-26T09:13:44.579-04:002011-03-26T09:13:44.579-04:00I agree about Stairs to a point -- I saw him play ...I agree about Stairs to a point -- I saw him play first base in Kissimmee one day and it was embarassing. He was out of position for cut off throws, failed to field routine grounders, etc. But I'd still keep him over Morgan. He also (along with Werth) advised Storen on what he was doing mechanically. And he can still be a home run threat off the bench. I can see more value in Stairs than Morgan. <br /><br />Bernadina is probably the best of the bench options -- he IS a model citizen -- but I think he's best served going back to AAA to learn to take the proper routes on fly balls. If there were an injury to Ankiel, Morse or Werth, Bernadina is more equipped to play in their place than Morgan or Stairs. And he still could even if he were sent down to AAA. <br /><br />In watching the ST games this year, I have become a big fan of Rick Ankiel. He's an excellent defensive outfielder -- the best CF this team has had in years. And although the average doesn't show it, he gets key hits and is productive with the bat. He definitely should be the opening day CF in my view.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-29431228558179179092011-03-26T09:11:04.710-04:002011-03-26T09:11:04.710-04:00N.M. sealed his fate with that horrible caught ste...N.M. sealed his fate with that horrible caught stealing against St. Louis last week. When Carpenter turned off the mound and threw him out at 2nd base it was classified as a caught stealing but was just another embarrassing pickoff.Anonymous8noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-43543160295879915802011-03-26T09:10:17.117-04:002011-03-26T09:10:17.117-04:00There's a lot of value in having guys around w...There's a lot of value in having guys around who know how winning teams function mentally. Look at the records of some of these guys and consider what they might bring. Cora was a valuable member of the Red Sox 2007 world champions, for example. They talk about him as manager material. What he could do for our young infielders is worth considering.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-79408414866710176852011-03-26T09:07:42.823-04:002011-03-26T09:07:42.823-04:00I sorry, I don't get Ankiel. His career offens...I sorry, I don't get Ankiel. His career offensive stats aren't that good and the Nats have guys with "decent" power and a .250 BA. Maybe he's Willie Harris II in Rizzo's mind. They need a leadoff hitter -- and it ain't goin' be Hairston or Cora, either. They need Nyger -- but not prima donna Nyger, a controlled, team-oriented Nyger. I can see why Rizzo and company is/was interested in him. He's still a work in process at 30. But where should he work on stuff? Maybe Syracuse -- to see if he can work out his demons and get his OBP up to .350+ and his caught stealing and pick offs way way down. Maybe in DC, since the Nats are still a work in process, too, maybe give him a couple of months in DC. But at 30 years old ...Richardnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-1856075637745836552011-03-26T09:04:33.256-04:002011-03-26T09:04:33.256-04:00Before Morgan goes, the Nats should trademark the ...Before Morgan goes, the Nats should trademark the silver Elvis Wig so that he can't take that act with him.Theophilusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-67289094873651406422011-03-26T09:00:26.273-04:002011-03-26T09:00:26.273-04:00Players like Bixler and Nix were predestined to be...Players like Bixler and Nix were predestined to be AAA guys, available for call up in an emergency. Stairs has a particular role on a ML roster, which he fills very well. Nix is just a spare outfielder. He can be a spare here, or a spare in Syracuse. On the other hand, you can't call up a LH pinch-hitter from Syracuse in the middle of the 8th inning. Stairs demonstrated what he can do by flummoxing LaRussa last night. And I do think there are teams that would trade for Nix, if the Nats were willing to rely on Brown (or Morgan?) as their first OF call-up.Theophilusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-70651923344303270262011-03-26T08:52:58.759-04:002011-03-26T08:52:58.759-04:00Add to Morgan's sins borderline (at least, bec...Add to Morgan's sins borderline (at least, because we don't really know what was going on behind the scenes) insubordination (refusal to learn how to slide feet first, at least) and uncoachability (still getting picked off at first).Theophilusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-5715931403525717792011-03-26T08:37:55.818-04:002011-03-26T08:37:55.818-04:00So long PUSH...
UNTERPSo long PUSH...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />UNTERPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-27652359330600328802011-03-26T08:25:22.699-04:002011-03-26T08:25:22.699-04:00Whoops, "caught stolen bases and pickoffs&quo...Whoops, "caught stolen bases and pickoffs"NatsTimenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-82388615529176438562011-03-26T08:24:03.074-04:002011-03-26T08:24:03.074-04:00Bernadina may still get the shaft because he's...<i>Bernadina may still get the shaft because he's got options and the Nationals may prefer to keep veterans Matt Stairs and Laynce Nix on their bench, but the guy sure does seem to profile as a solid fourth outfielder who can do a lot of different things to help a team.</i><br /><br />This isn't the good 'ole boys Country Club. Loading this team with comfortable veteran one-dimensional players that contradict the pre-season goal of more athletic players who can make an impact is how they need to choose the bench. <br /><br />Bernadina before Ankiel, Nix, and Stairs.<br /><br />Nyjer Morgan to A ball. He needs to learn at the lowest levels how to play the outfield and run the bases. Nyjer gets himself on the base at a .319 clip which would be much lower if he wasn't purposely plunked by opposing pitchers so much for being an absolute bad person. Then take off all of his stolen bases and pickoffs and I think there are pitchers like Micah Owings with higher OBPs adjusted.NatsTimenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-80786720395005360082011-03-26T08:13:06.614-04:002011-03-26T08:13:06.614-04:00I appreciate the heads up from the folks there who...I appreciate the heads up from the folks there who saw that Morgan had not really changed; all bad attitude and surliness. I didn't know that until today. <br />He's at an age when a lot of players start to decline and his best wasn't nearly all that good.<br />Good riddance.Mark Lnoreply@blogger.com