tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post906494800041486674..comments2024-02-15T05:42:18.307-05:00Comments on Nats Insider: What jobs are still up for grabs?Mark Zuckermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525315258889435961noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-5644614633185565962011-03-14T20:26:26.889-04:002011-03-14T20:26:26.889-04:00I keep reading (not only here) that Bernadina has ...I keep reading (not only here) that Bernadina has been 'impressive' but I'm here in Florida and I wonder what people are watching. He has been shaky in the field (he's dropped a few routine fly balls) and at best has been inconsistent at the plate. <br /><br />Nyjer Morgan has been awful, He's been stomping around angry all spring, and has cost the Nats two games in the past week (Including today)misplaying fly balls that should be routine to a major league player. <br /><br />I think Ankiel has looked the best of the CF candidates. He's the only one who has played solid defenseively and while his average isn't high, he's been productive with power and key hits.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-35531360120091941592011-03-14T17:12:16.491-04:002011-03-14T17:12:16.491-04:00Theophilus said...
Gonzalez is not the right-hand...Theophilus said... <br />Gonzalez is not the right-handed 1B backup. Notwithstanding being the starting left-fielder, Morse is the backup at both 1B <br />____________________________<br /><br />If there was another Right-handed LF, then Morse could play some 1st base too. <br /><br />Keep in mind that Bernadina and Nyjer are lefties and we know how bad Nyjer is in lefty/lefty matchups so who do you replace them with when a LH pitcher starts and Riggles wants to sit Nyjer and LaRoche?Anonymous8noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-20741720572991133882011-03-14T16:20:53.941-04:002011-03-14T16:20:53.941-04:00As for Kimball... I don't make this stuff up. ...As for Kimball... I don't make this stuff up. He's going to Syracuse no matter how he looks. Clippard and Burnett are lock solid for the pen. Everyone else is fighting for a spot and that includes Storen who has looked much better since he cut down on the number of breaking pitches per inning.NatsJack in Floridanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-20851133213320852182011-03-14T16:11:47.341-04:002011-03-14T16:11:47.341-04:00It looks more and more like Marerro might make thi...It looks more and more like Marerro might make this team? But logic would state that he goes to Syracuse and starts at first base there. BUT they already have two first baseman in Syracuse in Aubrey and Barker? And Tyler Moore in AA Harrisburg?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-16857249322375953832011-03-14T16:09:42.722-04:002011-03-14T16:09:42.722-04:00Kimball looks better than Coffey, Storen, Clippard...Kimball looks better than Coffey, Storen, Clippard, and Slaten. NatsJack, I suspect he makes the team as the defacto closer. With Burnett as his left-handed co-closer side-kick. <br /><br />I hope they instead send Storen to Syracuse ... to learn how to be a major league STARTER and a #2 slot at that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-35358491343683049442011-03-14T15:33:03.269-04:002011-03-14T15:33:03.269-04:00Stairs needs to make a transition to coaching -- h...Stairs needs to make a transition to coaching -- he's apparently good at teaching people (Werth, for example) now. I say send him to Syracuse and let him start the transition. Maybe he can help The OppoBoppo Kid when he gets there.JaneBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04882101532666365432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-82985775828000072422011-03-14T13:21:10.261-04:002011-03-14T13:21:10.261-04:00Gonzalez is not the right-handed 1B backup. Notwi...Gonzalez is not the right-handed 1B backup. Notwithstanding being the starting left-fielder, Morse is the backup at both 1B and (probably after Hairston and Cora) at 3B. Gonzalez is nearly completely superfluous. Noticeably, however, in the event of a catastrophic injury, there is no viable long-term backup at 3B in the system -- except possibly Morse.Theophilusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-18871223690524591482011-03-14T13:11:26.011-04:002011-03-14T13:11:26.011-04:00Matthew makes a good point about who hits leadoff ...Matthew makes a good point about who hits leadoff if Morgan does lose out the starting CF job (or when he's resting). Just to look at the options, of the guys returning from last year, Espinosa had the most PA's at leadoff (81), followed by Bernardina (45) and Gonzo (17). Which is to say that no one had extensive leadoff experience. <br /><br />Jerry Hairston spent the majority of his PA's (230) at leadoff. Werth is an OBA machine, but the team seems to like him at #3.<br /><br />So the most likely leadoff candidate behind Morgan appears to be Espinosa, but that's a tough way to expose a rookie. What spot did he primarily bat at AA HarrisburgNatinBeantownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-71095645191681970042011-03-14T13:01:54.246-04:002011-03-14T13:01:54.246-04:00FWIW, here is Adam Kilgore's picks from early ...FWIW, here is Adam Kilgore's picks from early this morning as he did a roster guess with Nyjer as the CF and Gaudin taking the last bullpen spot and here is his bench w/ Ramos:<br /><br />21. Jerry Hairston<br /><br />22. Rick Ankiel<br /><br />23. Roger Bernadina<br /><br />24. Alex Cora<br /><br />25. Laynce NixSteve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-41429454104973923562011-03-14T12:29:05.272-04:002011-03-14T12:29:05.272-04:00If CF is up in the air, it will have an impact on ...If CF is up in the air, it will have an impact on the starting lineup as well. We pretty much know the lineup if Nyjer sticks around. If Bernie wins, it doesnt seem as simple as swapping him in at leadoff, right?Matthew Jnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-43935837515438405502011-03-14T12:28:10.603-04:002011-03-14T12:28:10.603-04:00I think Alberto Gonzalez has the leg up being a ri...I think Alberto Gonzalez has the leg up being a righty and he played 3 games last year at 1st base which now needs a RH backup so I see Alberto getting a roster spot and Cora is probably the odd man out.PAY TO PLAYnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-90751375303954253722011-03-14T12:22:24.433-04:002011-03-14T12:22:24.433-04:00I wonder if the Nats would ask Stairs to go to Syr...I wonder if the Nats would ask Stairs to go to Syracuse. Would Stairs go? He's major league, left handed pinch hitter. Period. Syracuse doesn't appear to be a fit. Seems like this year Rizzo will have to do some wheeling and dealing toward the end of camp.RIchardnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-64333271372428284312011-03-14T12:11:51.405-04:002011-03-14T12:11:51.405-04:00Hard to think that the Cards, with all their pitch...Hard to think that the Cards, with all their pitching woes early on won't jump on getting Broderick back. Not sure what we give up for him but Nats Jack is right, he has been great.<br /><br />I like Hairston, Ankiel, Bernadina (if he is not starting in CF) and the last choice is tough. If you go with Nix, you have little flexibility in the infield except that Espinosa can move over to short to rest Desmond. If you go with Cora or Gonzalez you definitely have more flexibility (Gonzo can play both corner spots as well). Its great to have these tough choices all the way through the line-up.sjm 308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-20597834481128441692011-03-14T11:58:28.487-04:002011-03-14T11:58:28.487-04:00To me, Nyjer is all but done here. He doesn't...To me, Nyjer is all but done here. He doesn't fit what Rizzo's looking for attitude-wise and he's replaceable. Listen to us talk about how much one person or the other deserves a roster spot and there's one guy who slated to start that no one (at least from reading) is saying really deserves it. My bet is Rizzo's looking to shop him or he goes to AAA.<br /><br />NatsliferAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-90457846609246779092011-03-14T11:46:05.780-04:002011-03-14T11:46:05.780-04:00Cole Kimball goes to Syracuse to learn the closer ...Cole Kimball goes to Syracuse to learn the closer role.<br /><br />But he's an injury or a failed performance away from getting to D.C.NatsJack in Floridanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-79548364507754180202011-03-14T11:44:05.602-04:002011-03-14T11:44:05.602-04:00I'm looking at OF completely differently. I t...I'm looking at OF completely differently. I think the competition for LF is over: goes to Morse. The competition is really for CF at this point, between Nyjer, Bernadina (didn't help himself with that gaffe vs. Yanks on Saturday), and Ankiel. <br /><br />The forthcoming Marquis situation is interesting, and works out well for the Nats: with Detwiler and Maya in the wings, and Marquis an FA after this season, I'm looking for a prospective contending team with pitching issues, e.g., Yanks, to come in a work a deal. Rizzo can sit back on this one, and let the best deal come forward in due course. So no issues with Detwiler and/or Maya going to Syracuse, as they'll be back shortly.joemktgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-65186654934792082312011-03-14T11:38:34.099-04:002011-03-14T11:38:34.099-04:00Not a word about Cole Kimball - He makes the team ...Not a word about Cole Kimball - He makes the team at this point if he keeps up his great spring.HersheyPhilnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-92070123876244795292011-03-14T11:36:01.213-04:002011-03-14T11:36:01.213-04:00Sec314 said... I'd have to agree that the star...<i>Sec314 said... I'd have to agree that the starting rotation is Livo, Lannan, Zimmermann, Marquis and Gorzelanny. Much as I like Lannan for his guttiness, however, I hope they keep him (and the others) on a short leash and are willing to make changes FAST rather than sending someone out to the mound every five days who clearly isn't ready. Lannan has not looked good this Spring and his luck and spunk may have run their course.<br /><br />I like the idea of pressure pushing up from Syracuse on daily basis. <br /><br />March 14, 2011 11:29 AM </i><br /><br />Well said. Finally a rotation with legit reserves in AAA that aren't named Mock, Martin, Martis & MattC.<br /><br />Still holding out hope for a trade with the Royals for a legit CF.PAY TO PLAYnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-8054170759213593872011-03-14T11:33:05.580-04:002011-03-14T11:33:05.580-04:00I can't see why he continues to be overlooked ...I can't see why he continues to be overlooked (Broderick, that is). Balester and Stammen still have options and Ramirez is damaged goods. That boils down to Gaudin or Broderick. <br /><br />This is what I really like about this year. We actually get to see Rizzo and crew make some seriously difficult decisions.NatsJack in Floridanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-54428037808073761782011-03-14T11:31:42.402-04:002011-03-14T11:31:42.402-04:00HHover,
Broderick is a rule 5 pickup so he must ...HHover,<br /><br /> Broderick is a rule 5 pickup so he must make the team or be returned to his former team (Cards) for half the pickup price. <br /><br /> I don't see how some of these battles get resolved without some trades.JDnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-84531217339618240572011-03-14T11:31:16.151-04:002011-03-14T11:31:16.151-04:00HHover, I agree with you on Marrero it was just an...HHover, I agree with you on Marrero it was just an interesting comment on started on the other thread then to see Goessling ask Riggleman about him definitely could get you thinking that there is the slightest chance. <br /><br />It is really the smallest of chances but with Michael Morse starting in LF, it opens up the question as to what RH they will have backup LaRoche in a LH/LH matchup where Riggleman would prefer a RH 1st baseman in those spots. I guess we could see Alberto Gonzalez there.Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-29463936128611993622011-03-14T11:31:03.188-04:002011-03-14T11:31:03.188-04:00What's with the $750K non-guaranteed signing o...What's with the $750K non-guaranteed signing of Ron Villone? Nats' spiritual leader at Syracuse??<br /><br />I agree with NatsJack that Broderick shouldn't be overlooked. Gorzelanny hasn't had a good opportunity, but he still looks like the weakest of the group. <br /><br />Even if Ballystar goes to AAA, I think he's a BP keeper at some point during the Nats' season.Dochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17614998804163989623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-67243828728507846952011-03-14T11:29:28.609-04:002011-03-14T11:29:28.609-04:00I'd have to agree that the starting rotation i...I'd have to agree that the starting rotation is Livo, Lannan, Zimmermann, Marquis and Gorzelanny. Much as I like Lannan for his guttiness, however, I hope they keep him (and the others) on a short leash and are willing to make changes FAST rather than sending someone out to the mound every five days who clearly isn't ready. Lannan has not looked good this Spring and his luck and spunk may have run their course.<br /><br />I like the idea of pressure pushing up from Syracuse on daily basis.Sec314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-74764596147920004952011-03-14T11:23:32.591-04:002011-03-14T11:23:32.591-04:00@NatsJack
Are you saying Broderick deserves to be...@NatsJack<br /><br />Are you saying Broderick deserves to be mentioned, or that he deserves to take someone else's place on the OD roster? I agree with the first; but for the second, it's hard to see whose place he takes.<br /><br />@Steve M<br /><br />I agree there are encouraging signs for Marrero. But to keep him on that path, I think you want him playing regularly in the minors rather than occasionally off the bench.HHovernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-26866458608062831182011-03-14T11:23:28.404-04:002011-03-14T11:23:28.404-04:00The problem with Marerro is that you can't put...The problem with Marerro is that you can't put him in the outfield so he is a first baseman and pinch hitter only. **IF** he had a left handed bat and glove he would almost be a lock to make the team as the left-handed pinch hitter. As things stand now they may use Nix in that role sending Stairs to AAA along with Cora. Bixler may make the team as the right handed bat and he can play the outfield. <br /><br /><i>Stairs and Cora in Syracuse would be extremely valuable</i> to the franchise. This may a year where some top prospects finish up in AAA and that could in fact include Harper at some point. Corey Brown, Chris Marerro, Steven Lombardozzi, Derrick Norris, Josh Johnson, Jesus Valdez, Tyler Moore, Jhonotan Solano and Chris Curran are all prospects who look like they could be working in both Syracuse and/or Harrisburg.<br /><br />And I agree about Broderick. They keep trotting him out and he keeps pitching well? What's the deal with him?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com