tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56711801294938837022024-03-12T21:03:02.249-06:00Beltway BoysCovering the Washington Nationals since 2004, the Beltway Boys provides in depth analysis of Washington's baseball team.Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-22116611447311757272013-01-17T21:16:00.001-07:002013-01-17T21:16:58.235-07:00If 2013 Doesn't Get Me Blogging Again, Nothing Will<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixc9Ec-Kly3ooxF7zwzLFAEIcTPOE_FCGcsBdxSW0SVPe6-sZf258dHymiA0JGins6h2fsEwP_rRXMefnAyxVPO672mlIq5uB28NGnUwh-778C3m7ymIL9Zz9OWe6bAAcB4JEqdDmGqSo/s1600/ken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixc9Ec-Kly3ooxF7zwzLFAEIcTPOE_FCGcsBdxSW0SVPe6-sZf258dHymiA0JGins6h2fsEwP_rRXMefnAyxVPO672mlIq5uB28NGnUwh-778C3m7ymIL9Zz9OWe6bAAcB4JEqdDmGqSo/s320/ken.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken McMullen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, I've never had the best of timing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I started blogging about the Washington Nationals a few days after it was announced the team was moving from Montreal.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I stopped blogging a year ago Christmas when I got a real, <i>paid job</i> writing for my local paper. </div>
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<br /></div>
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In between, I wrote a thousand stories about some of the worst teams ever to wear a major league uniform. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Last May I had the chance to go back home to Washington for a couple of weeks and got credentials from the team to cover a few games against the San Diego Padres. I spent some time in the press box and in the club house, and man, was it fun.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I mean, when Bryce Harper walks by, nods and says "Hey bro," you know life is pretty good. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I'm thinking if I can't find a reason to write about the upcoming season I never will. A 98-win team adds a fleet center fielder, a former number-one ace and perhaps the premier closer in the American League and didn't lose a single player they wanted to keep.</div>
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This could be a very special season in Washington.</div>
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<br /></div>
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One my favorite years was 1969 when Ted Williams led the Washington Senators to an 86-76 record. I'm guessing that 2013 just might be even better. Oh, I'm not talking wins. An 86-win season will be a bitter disappointment for Nationals' fans.</div>
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No, I'm talking about the special feeling a sports team can provide its fans. </div>
Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-63200311695363606562011-12-25T14:58:00.000-07:002011-12-25T14:58:40.388-07:00$26 Million For Carlos Beltran? Nationals Lucked Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fantasyknuckleheads.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/carlosBeltran.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://fantasyknuckleheads.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/carlosBeltran.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There were a lot of Nationals' fans unhappy with the team last winter when they signed outfielder Jayson Werth to that 7-year, $126 million contract. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unhappy not because they got Werth, who was and continues to be a quality major league outfielder. It was that contract that left a bad taste in the mouths of so many fans.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That wasn't a bad contract. You maybe could call in questionable, but not bad.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The contract that the St. Louis Cardinals gave Carlos Beltran a couple of days ago--now<i> that</i> was a bad contract. And really, that could have been Washington who, fearing that they would not be able to fill a hole in their lineup for 2012--gave an aging star far too much in return for what probably will be far too little.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bad contract, man. I'm talking $26 million bad.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is no question that Beltran was at one time a premier player. From 1999 through 2008--playing for both the Royals and the Mets, he averaged .281/.357/.497 with 29 home runs, 108 RBI and 30 steals. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But injuries limited both his effectiveness and his playing time in 2009 and 2010. The 34-year-old averaged just 72 games per season and hit .295-17-75. Yes, he rebounded in 2011,batting .300-22-84, using a combination of health and his own personal fountain of youth. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <br />
That said, there is no way that Beltran is worth $13 million a year. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Cardinals, still hurting over the loss of Albert Pujols to the Angels, decided to sign someone quick, anyone, to replace him. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That turned out to be Beltran.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sure, there is a chance that Beltran hits .300 and hits another 24 homers like he did last year, but is that worth $13 million? No way. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the end, that is just too much money for too many expectations and not enough talent left in the tank. </div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-14599423419633553262011-12-23T14:42:00.000-07:002011-12-23T14:42:32.557-07:00Signing Mark Buehrle or Trading For Gio Gonzalez: Which Would Have Cost The Nationals More?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/visual/whatshot/gio-gonzalez-122211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/visual/whatshot/gio-gonzalez-122211.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's been almost 24 hours since the Washington Nationals acquired pitcher Gio Gonzalez and fan reaction has pretty much fallen into two categories regarding the deal.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Either the team gave up way to much for a pitcher that walks way too many batters, or the 26-year-old Gonzalez will indeed help make the Nationals contenders in 2012.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But within both groups there is a common link. Many on both sides think that if the team wanted to add a top-end starter, they should have signed him as a free agent instead of trading for him. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This way, the logic goes, they could have gotten him for<i> "nothing."</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Make sense?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let's take the case of Mark Buehrle, the former White Sox hurler who signed a four-year, $58 million deal with the Miami Marlins a couple of weeks ago. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That works out to $14.5 million per year for Buehrle, who will be 33 at the beginning of the contract and 36 when it ends in 2015. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Over that same period of time, Gonzalez will probably earn about as much in four years as Buehrle will earn in one. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In his two full years, Gonzalez has averaged a 16-10 record with a 3.17 ERA. During that same period, Buehrle went 13-11, 3.94 and hasn't won 16 games in a season since 2005. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After 12 major league seasons, Buehrle is as good as he's going to get and will probably begin to decline fairly quickly, something that happens to all pitchers at this stage in their careers. Gonzalez, though, at 26, continues to get better as he refines his game.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">True, the Nationals gave up four quality prospects, but history suggests that only one or two of them will have successful careers. Popped tendons, lost release points, and 100 mph fastballs will keep some of them from reaching their potential.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">By not signing Buehrle, the Nationals also saved their top pick in the upcoming amateur draft, something they would have forfeited had they signed him. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://media.naplesnews.com/media/img/photos/2011/12/09/BuehrleSigns_t607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://media.naplesnews.com/media/img/photos/2011/12/09/BuehrleSigns_t607.JPG" width="320" /></a>They also saved roughly $45 million which would just about cover the first two years of a potential Prince Fielder contract, or more than the amount required to sign local boy Joe Saunders, a John Lannan-esque pitcher capable of easily replacing him in the Nationals' rotation</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Nationals could then trade Lannan and receive in return a couple of good-to-decent prospects, players that would help replace the kids lost in the Gonzalez trade. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Trading for Gio Gonzalez instead of signing Mark Buehrle really didn't cost the Nationals anything. It was just a different way of accomplishing the goal that team GM Mike Rizzo said was a priority for months--adding a durable starter to the pitching staff. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The team "lost" four prospects instead of $45 million. Are each of those kids worth $11 million to the Nationals? While this might change, right now I'd have to say no. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">All in all, it was a good day for the Nationals. </div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-61604778887938326942011-12-22T23:21:00.000-07:002011-12-22T23:21:56.830-07:00Gio Gonzalez: Taking A Different Look At Nationals New Rotation<div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.usatoday.net/communitymanager/_photos/daily-pitch/2011/12/22/giox-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i.usatoday.net/communitymanager/_photos/daily-pitch/2011/12/22/giox-large.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newest National Gio Gonzalez</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Gio Gonzalez is now a National and the Washington Nationals are now contenders. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just like that.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The American League all-star cost the Nationals Brian Peacock, Tommy Milone, Derek Norris and A.J. Cole, a rich haul to be sure. But none of those players were in the team's plans for 2012 and now a good rotation is close enough to great that it's no longer a long-distance call. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Gonzalez joins Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann, giving the team as good a top-of-the-rotation as you'll find in the league. Add John Lannan and Chien-Ming Wang and there isn't a breather for the opposing team. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Take a look at these stats. Strasburg, Zimmermann and Wang's numbers are based on last year's numbers based on 30 starts. Lannan's and Gio's are their actual stats:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1--Strasburg: 12-8, 2.54 (6.9/1.9/11.3)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2--Zimmermann: 10-11, 3.18 (8.6/1.7/6.9)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.natsnq.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/rdetwiler01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://www.natsnq.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/rdetwiler01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ross Detwiler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>3--Gio Gonzalez: 16-12, 3.12 (7.8/4.1/8.8)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4--John Lannan: 10-13, 3.70 (9.5/3.7/5.2)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5--Chien-Ming Wang: 12-9, 4.04 (9.7/1.9/3.6)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And if one of them gets hurt, here are Ross Detwiler's numbers from last year, based on 30 starts:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6--Ross Detwiler: 12-15, 3.00 (8.6/2.7/5.6)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The four National League playoff teams from last season averaged 65 wins from their top five starters. The Nationals' top five listed above would have won 60 games. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">They are close, really really close. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-83565822573222203542011-12-21T20:57:00.000-07:002011-12-21T20:57:09.956-07:00Mark DeRosa Ready To Join Nationals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.prorumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/mark_derosa1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://blog.prorumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/mark_derosa1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It looks like Mark DeRosa is going to be joining the Nationals in 2012.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 36-year-old will be the team's super-utility player. In 2009, his last full year in the majors, he played significant time at first base, third, as well as both left and right field.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">From 1998 through 2005, DeRosa was mostly a part-time player, averaging .263/.320/.380 with 3 home runs and 13 RBI. But over the next four seasons, he was an every-day player, hitting .281/.356/.448 with 17 homers and 80 RBI. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Injuries, though, have kept him either on the disabled list or the bench the past two seasons. He hit just .194/.279/.258 in 2010 with the Giants in just 93 at-bats. He rebounded somewhat last year, hitting .279/.351/.302 in 86 at-bats with San Francisco.</div><br />
He has played for Atlanta, Texas, Chicago and San Francisco over his 14-year career.Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-18465933650603920882011-12-21T19:23:00.001-07:002011-12-21T20:11:53.653-07:00Dear Mike Rizzo: Forget Fielder, Keep Adam LaRoche<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fastcache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/11/2008/06/b6/d2/b6d219ed75b73d665054ad8d95fe3c0a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://fastcache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/11/2008/06/b6/d2/b6d219ed75b73d665054ad8d95fe3c0a.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In most every story written about premier free agent first baseman Prince Fielder, the Washington Nationals are listed as one of the teams pursuing him. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some suggest the team is making the 27-year-old a signing priority while others say they are at least in the mix.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If the Nationals were to somehow sign Fielder, he will end up costing them more than $20 million a year. Does that make sense for Washington, who still controls Adam LaRoche for another year?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are the two player's stats based on their last five years and based on a playing 162 games <i>(LaRoche's numbers are based on 2006-2010 because of his injury-shortened 2011 campaign):</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Fielder: .284/.400/.537, 38 home runs, 112 RBI</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br />
</b> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>LaRoche: .273/.343/.493, 29 home runs, 99 RBI</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Over the course of a full season, Fielder will reach base 39 more times than LaRoche, will hit 9 more home runs and drive in 13 more runs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Defensively, Fielder is adequate and LaRoche, while not a Gold Glover, is close to it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://nbchardballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/laroche_adam.jpg?w=320" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://nbchardballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/laroche_adam.jpg?w=320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Adam LaRoche will earn $8 million in 2012 while Fielder will probably sign a contract worth $23 million or so over seven or eight years.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Is that additional offensive production (roughly one run every 12 games) worth the extra $15 million, especially when those extra 13 runs will probably be offset by Fielder's so-so glove?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Absolutely not. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">LaRoche--assuming he is healthy this season--will hit 25 or so home runs and drive in close to 100 runs. Next season, Michael Morse will return to first base and the top-rated prospect in all of baseball--Bryce Harper--will take over in left. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And with the $15 million that the Nationals would save by not signing Prince Fielder, the Nationals could acquire a top-of-the-line center fielder.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes, the best thing to do is to do nothing. The Nationals can contend in 2012 with Adam LaRoche at first. Prince Fielder would be little more than decoration for the Nationals. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Very expensive decoration. </div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-88280610479741945232011-12-21T10:55:00.000-07:002011-12-21T10:55:49.559-07:00Chatter About Gio To Nationals: I Say Go For It<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9c/Gio_Gonzalez_on_June_6,_2011_%281%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9c/Gio_Gonzalez_on_June_6,_2011_%281%29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Ken Rosenthal reported on Monday night that the Washington Nationals are trying very hard to get a deal done for the Oakland Athletics' Gio Gonzalez.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Reports suggest some type of a four-for-one trade would be needed to obtain the lefty 26-year-old from the Athletics. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Because he plays in a division far far away and in a league we almost never see, Gonzalez isn't a well known commodity to most Nationals fans. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But he is a really good pitcher. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A lefty, the six-foot, 200 pounder has averaged 16-10, 3.17, 7.7/4.1/82 over the last two seasons. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He is controllable for the next four years and would provide the Nationals a fifth solid arm for next year's rotation. Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, Gonzalez, John Lannan and Chien-Ming Wang would in all likelihood comprise a playoff rotation. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBvKV327de3IiocWNSb4izAqaAde5S88zWUMzQyMXJbwozxpU9YEmkaQy6CCy2R5xxdQdcy0sEqB1Nb1OQI1PGb63rjUmWUcCw49TEZ50lmG88AI-l-1YsUal8eP6zwuOc_Y8IMljHnM/s320/Rosenbaum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBvKV327de3IiocWNSb4izAqaAde5S88zWUMzQyMXJbwozxpU9YEmkaQy6CCy2R5xxdQdcy0sEqB1Nb1OQI1PGb63rjUmWUcCw49TEZ50lmG88AI-l-1YsUal8eP6zwuOc_Y8IMljHnM/s320/Rosenbaum.jpg" /></a>Who would the Nationals be willing to give up for Gio Ganzalez? Certainly the Athletics would want to replace Gonzalez in the rotation, and Ross Detwiler would fit the bill. They'd need to throw in another starter, someone like Tommy Milone, Daniel Rosenbaum or Brian Peacock (probably Peacock). Catcher Derek Norris would certainly make sense, and adding Roger Bernadina as one of those change-of-scenery-might-help players might sweeten the deal.<br />
<br />
This time last year, the Nationals had completed a 4-for-1 trade for then Royals' starter Zack Greinke but it fell apart when Greinke invoked his no-trade clause and ended up in Milwaukee.<br />
<br />
But the team wasn't close enough to contention at that time and adding Greinke at the cost of the team's future made no sense. But it does now. Stephen Strasburg is healthy. Danny Espinosa is a Gold Glove second baseman with power. Micahel Morse is a 30-home run power hitter.<br />
<br />
And Wilson Ramos is a superb catcher.<br />
<br />
Now is the time to give up prospects--especially blocked ones like Norris--and turn a good starting rotation into a great one.<br />
<br />
Hey Mike, the time has come. Make the deal. <br />
<br />
</div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-14634563302506474762011-12-12T09:16:00.000-07:002011-12-12T09:16:41.949-07:00For the Nationals, There Are A Lot of Good "Plan B's" Out There<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://c365781.r81.cf2.rackcdn.com/datas/19734418/original/Jason%20Bourgeois.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://c365781.r81.cf2.rackcdn.com/datas/19734418/original/Jason%20Bourgeois.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just because the Washington Nationals struck out at the just completed Baseball Winter Meetings, there is no reason for the team to throw up their hands and say, "Well, at least we tried." Team General Manager Mike Rizzo went for the creme of the free agency crop, and creme is always more expensive than the milk that is left behind.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maybe for the Nationals, milk is just fine. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This Nationals team has the capability to contend in 2012, even without that much needed middle-of-the-rotation starter and a top center fielder. So why not split the difference and get a couple of good-but-not-great players through a trade, from perhaps a team that is going to continue the fire sale that began last season.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There wasn't much left in the Houston Astros outfield after Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence was traded away. But one player remaining could certainly help Washington.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jason Bourgeois is a 29-year-old outfielder who played for three teams in three years before returning to Houston last season. Playing half the season, Bourgeois hit .294/.323/.357 and if you base his stats on a 500 at-bat season, would have collected 140 hits, 16 doubles, 4 triples, 2 home runs, 32 RBI and 64 stolen bases. He doesn't hit righties as well as I'd like, but he does play a solid center field. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You would think that a 29-year-old player with just 401 career at-bats wouldn't cost much in a trade, and Bourgeois could be a quality stop-gap until such time when whatever happens in the Nationals outfield (say: Bryce Harper) happens. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I think Bourgeois would provide she short-term relief the Nationals are seeking, both in center at as a leadoff batter.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://burningdowntheyard.com/wp-content/uploads/Wandy-Rodriguez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://burningdowntheyard.com/wp-content/uploads/Wandy-Rodriguez.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And if the Nationals are still seeking that veteran starter capable of throwing 200 innings, the team would need look no farther than a few spots up the Astros roster until they find the name <i>Wandy Rodriguez.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">At 32, Rodriguez is John Lannan with a higher strikeout rate. Over his last four seasons, Rodriguez has averaged 13-12, 3.40, 8.6/3.0/8.2. He's old enough now that he'll never be around when the Astros begin to win with the talent they have been acquiring the last couple of seasons. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Both players will cost the Nationals minimal salary increases. Wandy Rodriguez will make $11 million over the next two seasons before he gains his free agency while Bourgeois will make $500,000 dollars in 2012. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To get the two players, the Nationals will likely offer one or two of their young pitchers, perhaps Tommy Milone and A.J. Cole. Thrown in as well to cover Bourgeois would be someone like Roger Bernadina, someone who has the ability to be an everyday player but has yet to do it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That's a win-win for both sides and gives the Nationals a serviceable outfielder and a solid pitcher. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here's hoping that the Nationals don't stop looking because they didn't get their first choice to take to the dance.</div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-20694278775766679762011-12-09T14:58:00.000-07:002011-12-09T14:58:07.587-07:00Nationals Should Have A "Plan B" And His Name Should Be Edwin Jackson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/edwin_jackson.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/edwin_jackson.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now that the Washington Nationals have missed out on both Mark Buehrle and C.J. Wilson, they claim that the team really never had a "Plan B," and that they are content heading into the 2012 season with a rotation made of players they now control.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have no problem filling the back of the rotation with John Lannan, Chien-Ming Wang and Ross Detwiler or Brad Peacock, but if the team <i>really</i> wants to contend next year--or at least try to--they need to add one more top-of-the-rotation starter to join Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My guess is general manager Mike Rizzo is still looking for another starter, and Roy Oswalt certainly remains a potential target.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But there are several quality starters still available, some with the same talents and statistics that made Mark Buehrle and C.J. Wilson so intriguing. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What about them? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What about, say, Edwin Jackson?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jackson is an aggressive pitcher with a good fastball. He pounds the strike zone and breaks bats. His problem, though, is with his control. When he can't find the strike zone, he forces his team to endure long at-bats and even longer innings.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That said, he would be an ideal number-three starter. Over the past four seasons, Jackson has averaged 12-10 with a 3.99 ERA, allowing 9.4 hits and 3.2 walks while striking out 6.7 batters per nine-innings.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">No, that's not great, but it's pretty good. And Buerle would have cost the Nationals more than $15 million, about twice what Jackson would cost. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Picture what Jason Marquis did for the Nationals last season before his trade to Arizona and that's what the Nationals would likely get out of Jackson. In 20 starts last year, Marquis went 8-5, 3.95, 9.8/3.0/5.3. During his time in Washington, he was the team's second-best pitcher behind Jordan Zimmermann.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Marquis cost the team $8 million per season and would have won 10-12 games had he remained all year. Jackson will cost the team about $8 million and would win 10-12 games for the Nationals. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.centerfieldgate.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/ap-jason-marquis-start-sundayjpg-abe24e66353fec1f_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://www.centerfieldgate.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/ap-jason-marquis-start-sundayjpg-abe24e66353fec1f_large.jpg" width="320" /></a>Jackson, however, is just 27, five years younger than Marquis, and has the talent to improve as his career progresses.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sign Jackson to a three year contract (or a two year deal with a club option) and then trade Ross Detwiler, Tommy Milone or Brad Peacock as part of a package for that coveted center fielder.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Someone like Adam Jones of the Orioles.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just because the Nationals didn't get the pitcher they wanted doesn't mean they still can't the pitcher they need.</div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-78022596429163723062011-12-07T22:58:00.001-07:002011-12-07T23:02:12.720-07:00With Whispers of Adam Jones Availability, What Would The Baltimore CF Cost The Nationals?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/59/Adam_Jones_on_June_18,_2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/59/Adam_Jones_on_June_18,_2009.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Washington Nationals came to Dallas intent on signing a veteran pitcher capable of both leading and teaching their youthful starting rotation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mark Buehrle</b> was "Plan A" and team GM Mike Rizzo was so confident that a deal could be reached that he really didn't have a "Plan B."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In most years, Washington would have signed the 32-year-old with relative ease, but this isn't most years. With the Miami Marlins working feverishly to stock talent to play in their new stadium, they swooped in and offered more money--and more years--and now Mark Buehrle is a Marlin.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Both Rizzo and manager Davey Johnson have repeated this evening that the team is content to head into next season with the rotation they now have.<b> Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, John Lannan, Chien-Ming Wang</b> and probably <b>Ross Detwiler</b>, they believe, should be enough to help the Nationals contend in 2012.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And they are probably right.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But for that to happen--for the Nationals to be able to rely on that rotation--they must come up with a proven center fielder. Names like Denard Span, B.J. Upton and Peter<span class="st"><i></i> Bourjos are most often mentioned and any of them would fit the bill nicely.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st">But if the Nationals can't strengthen their rotation, their new center fielder needs to be really special, someone who can be a difference-maker every time he steps to the plate.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st">Someone like <b>Adam Jones.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lRH5YrRRLW2ynkDt5pkTiBk9CGc5Yf0Nk7BCqyBjCPZ8mTzDAv-qTyaCyFJO5mIKAduggDGmm3cwhBGrYsExkDPLn22FK5SgBes5OHUkJV0-mzYGsCpZBZCALevG5_fdgk9msNhSJTKl/s1600/stephen-strasburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lRH5YrRRLW2ynkDt5pkTiBk9CGc5Yf0Nk7BCqyBjCPZ8mTzDAv-qTyaCyFJO5mIKAduggDGmm3cwhBGrYsExkDPLn22FK5SgBes5OHUkJV0-mzYGsCpZBZCALevG5_fdgk9msNhSJTKl/s320/stephen-strasburg.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="st"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st">New Orioles' general manager Dan Duquette has been saying all week that he is not looking to trade the talented center fielder, that he would have to be "blown away" to make a deal.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st">General managers say that a lot, don't they?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st">Jones is the kind of guy a GM would be willing to trade multiple prospects for. He came to Baltimore from Seattle in a multi-player trade that sent Eric Bedard to the Mariners. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st">Over the last three years, Jones has averaged .281/.326/.455 with 25 home runs and 86 RBI. He's been an All Star and has won a Gold Glove. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st">And he is only 25.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st">Normally, this is the kind of player a team would want to build a team around. But the Orioles won just 69 games in 2011. A once promising young rotation has shown itself to be far more young than promising and their few decent everyday players have shown themselves to have gaping holes in their game.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st">Mark Reynolds, for example, hit 37 home runs last year but struck out 196 times and batted just .221.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st">They remind me a lot of the Washington Nationals of three or four years ago. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st">Other than center, only shortstop (J. J. Hardy, .269-30-80), right field (Nick Markakis, .284-15-73) and catcher (Matt Weiters, .269-22-68) seem manned by players that are part of the Orioles' long-term plan.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st">Adam Jones is a tremendous player. If the Orioles are willing to trade him, it is going to take some real prospects to land him.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.palmbeachpost.com/multimedia/dynamic/01137/peacock-pitch_1137195c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.palmbeachpost.com/multimedia/dynamic/01137/peacock-pitch_1137195c.jpg" width="228" /></a><span class="st">What would it take?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st">1--<b>Stephen Lombardozzi</b>, who has a career minor league slash line of .298/.369/.411 and won a minor league Gold Glove last year.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st">2--<b>Brad Peacock</b>, who was named Double-A Pitcher of the Year in 2011 after going 15-3, 2.39 for Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Syracuse</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st">3--<b>Roger Bernadina</b>, who though he averaged .245-9-37 the past two seasons still has the talent to be an everyday player</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st">4--A medium level prospect, someone like <b>Tyler Moore</b> who has averaged 30 homers over the past two seasons, or a better prospect who is younger and still in the low minor leagues.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st">The Nationals are ready to contend beginning in 2012, and the addition of Jones will give the team a formidable outfield with Michael Morse in left and Jayson Werth in right. Morse will likely move back to first in 2013 with Bryce Harper replacing him in left.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="st"> </span></div><span class="st">Obviously, there is much to look forward to for Nationals fans.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br />
</span>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-83045340097934876882011-12-06T12:06:00.000-07:002011-12-06T12:06:59.228-07:00Ross Detwiler The Answer For Washington Nationals If Team Can't Find Another Starter<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homermcfanboy.com/images/detwiler051909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://www.homermcfanboy.com/images/detwiler051909.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Last night, the rumor mill had it just a matter of time before C.J. Wilson signed a six-year contract with the Washington Nationals. Then--just like that--came a flood of denials from team sources saying they made no such offer.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now the word is the Nationals aren't terribly sure they will be able create enough distance between themselves and the other suitors for Mark Buehrle, the pitcher they have always wanted. Suddenly, manager Davey Johnson is making himself available to the media. telling anyone who will listen that all is well with the team's rotation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In one of the first scrums of the morning, Johnson said, "You know, I really like my staff. I like it as it is right now. Any time you can improve, go for it, [but] I haven't been pushing in that direction."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So what does that mean? If the Nationals return home with no additional starters to shore up the rotation, can the Nationals really, truly contend in 2012?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, I think so.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let's take a look at how the existing rotation members might do in 2012. The wins and losses are based on them pitching for a team with a good but not great offense and an outstanding bullpen. All the other stats are based on their career averages (or last season's numbers if necessary)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Stephen Strasburg (22): 12-6, 2.54 (6.9/1.9/11.3)</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Strasburg, if he's not the best pitcher in the National League on opening day, will be by season's end. Though his season will end early as he continues to rehab from Tommy John Surgery, his 160 innings will be enough to at least place the Nationals in a position to contend for a Wild Card berth.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jordan Zimmermann (25): 12-8, 3.18 (8.9/.2.2/7.7)</b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.mlive.com/benchwarmer/photo/stephen-strasburg-22jpg-19cdc53d66b226e5_large.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media.mlive.com/benchwarmer/photo/stephen-strasburg-22jpg-19cdc53d66b226e5_large.jpg" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strasburg</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Zimmermann blossomed into the pitcher the Nationals thought he would be in 2011. Over his first 18 games, he went 6-7, 2.66 with 82 strikeouts and just 21 walks in 115 innings. His opponents offensive slash line was just .237/.275/.328.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Over his last 10 starts, he tired and his numbers suffered, though not that badly. Zimmermann went 3-4 with a 4.14 ERA and a .278/.325/.457 slash line.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wouldn't be surprised if Zimmermann out pitches Strasburg in 2012.<b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>John Lannan (26): 11-9, 3.75 (9.4/3.7/4.7)</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">John Lannan is the reason I don't think the Nationals really need Mark Buehrle. Though the former White Sox southpaw has been doing it longer, their internal numbers are quite similar. The biggest difference is that Lannan has played his entire career for a loser, Buehrle for a winner. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Other than that, they are similar enough that the Nationals would only be a little better with Mark Buehrle in the rotation because, obviously, if Mark Buehrle comes, John Lannan goes, probably packaged in a deal designed to bring the team that center fielder they so badly want.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Chien-Ming Wang (31): 9-9, 3.86 (9.6/2.7/5.5)</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nationalsarmrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/wangCheinming_copyright-the-Washington-Nationals1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.nationalsarmrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/wangCheinming_copyright-the-Washington-Nationals1.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wang</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">After getting the rust out of his system--his first two starts were pretty bad--Wang reverted to pre-injury form last summer. In nine starts, he went 4-1, 3.71 (.251/.292/.391 opponent slash line). Those numbers are pretty much identical to his two All-Star seasons with the Yankees in 2006-2007 when he averaged 19-7, 3.68. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wang is 100-percent healthy and could provide top-of-the-rotation quality from the back of the Nationals' rotation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If the Nationals don't come up with that fifth starter, the team does have several youngsters to choose from, any of which could provide starts almost as good as Mark Buehrle or Roy Oswalt or C.J. Wilson:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">25-year-old <b>Ross Detwiler</b> first pitched in the major leagues in 2007 and over the past two seasons has started 23 games, roughly what a number-five starter might over the course of a full season. Over that period, Detwiler has gone 5-8 with fine ERA of just 3.39, giving up 9.1 hits and 3.2 walks while striking out 5.5 per nine-innings. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He's ready. He has thrown 172 major league innings and has enough experience to grab the number-four spot in the rotation. If given the chance, a 10-10, 3.75 type of record would be very realistic.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">24-year-old <b>Tommy Milone</b> has had an amazing minor league career since joining the Nationals' organization back in 2008. Over four seasons, the southpaw has a career record of 37-22 with an ERA of 3.05, walking just one batter per nine-innings while striking out 8.1. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In five starts with the Nationals last fall, Milone went 1-0 with a 3.81 ERA, walking just 1.4 batters per nine-innings and striking out 5.2. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Milone is very similar to Lannan but his deceptive follow through garners far more strikeouts while at the same time walking just a third of the batters than Lannan does. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Milone is ready and could take over a spot in the rotation if needed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Brad Peacock</b> came out of nowhere in 2012 and was named baseball's Double-A pitcher of the year after going 10-2, 2.01 with the Harrisburg Senators. He was promoted to Triple-A Syracuse and did almost as well, going 5-1 with a 3.19 ERA. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In 12 September innings, Peacock went 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA. He only allowed 5.3 hits per nine-innings but walked 4.5, much higher than his minor league career average. His strikeouts were down too, fanning just three per nine-innings. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Though Peacock without question has the best stuff of the three, he may need a little more time refining his skills in the minor leagues. And while Milone gets by on guile and grit (and an 88mph fastball), another few months of minor league experience will only help him.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homermcfanboy.com/images/detwiler051909.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://www.homermcfanboy.com/images/detwiler051909.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ross Detwiler</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">That means that Ross Detwiler is the guy most likely to fill the hole in the rotation if the Nationals can't find that starter they are looking for. That said, a full season of Detwiler will likely bring two or three fewer wins than a full season of Mark Buehrle, which isn't enough to keep them out of a Wild Card hunt but could be enough to allow a team to sneak past them in the standings. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I still believe that the best bet for the 2012 Nationals would be to sign Roy Oswalt to a two-year deal, move John Lannan down to the number-four starter, and give the kids one more year to polish their game before joining Washington for good in 2013. </div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-82405358621339943052011-12-05T23:18:00.000-07:002011-12-05T23:18:54.349-07:00Nationals Already Have Answer To Outfield Problem: His Name Is Bryce Harper<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/2013848/204460_Nationals_Spring_Baseball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/2013848/204460_Nationals_Spring_Baseball.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryce Harper & Jayson Werth: The Future Is Now</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">After months of repeatedly telling us that priorities at the Winter Meetings would be a starting pitcher and a center fielder, we are now hearing that the Washington Nationals just might start Jayson Werth in center next season and insert Bryce Harper in right.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This whole process is a lot like buying a car at a dealership. No one tells the truth and no one expects you to. That said, what are the Nationals really up to? Are they really content moving Werth to center or was that statement for agents and players as part of the bargaining process?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Personally, I would much rather let Bryce Harper start in right on opening day and give him the opportunity to learn how to hit major league pitching sooner rather than later.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The last thing the team needs is to insert some stop-gap, good-enough-but-not-great center fielder into the lineup until Harper is ready.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Harper is a good enough hitter that he could overcome a potential slow start as he learns how to hit major league pitching and end the season with acceptable-to-good numbers. Unlike Danny Espinosa, who was unable to make corrections last year when major league pitchers figured him out, Harper is a student of the game and more than capable to make corrections as the season progresses.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://athleticsforlife.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/gal_coco-crisp_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://athleticsforlife.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/gal_coco-crisp_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coco Crisp: No Way He's Better in 2012 Than Teen Harper</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Given a full season, Harper should be able to hit .270/.340/.475 with 20 home runs and 70 RBI, give or take. And by 2013--when the Nationals should <i>really</i> be able to contend--he would have had enough time at the major league level to hopefully blossom into the star we all think he'll become.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hopefully, team general manager Mike Rizzo comes away from Dallas with that starting pitcher he wants, but really, the outfield should be just fine.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">All Bryce Harper needs is a chance.</div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-78677020734088450922011-12-03T13:04:00.001-07:002011-12-03T13:04:38.527-07:00Does A Potential Mark Buehrle Signing Make The Nationals That Much Better?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.wikia.com/baseball/images/4/4f/Mark_Buehrle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.wikia.com/baseball/images/4/4f/Mark_Buehrle.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Buehrle -- Next Nationals Starter</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Washington Nationals' general manager Mike Rizzo has made it clear that by the time baseball's Winter Meetings conclude next week in Dallas, he wants to have come away with a veteran starting pitcher capable of not only being the rotation's leader but also its teacher.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>C.J. Wilson</b>, <b>Mark Buehrle</b> and <b>Roy Oswalt</b> are the three most likely candidates that Rizzo is pursuing. If the team signs either lefty--Wilson or Buehrle--the Nationals will probably package <b>John Lannan</b> with a couple of prospects to get that last piece of the <i>we-are-ready-to-contend</i> puzzle, a center fielder able to lead off.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Reports indicate that Buehrle is the pitcher Rizzo wants the most and it looks like he may command a three-year, $45 million contract with an option year. Lannan will probably make an arbitration-enabled $3.5 to $4 million in 2012.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Is Buehrle worth that much more? Here are their 2011 statistics:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mark Buehrle: 13-9, 3.59 (9.7/2.0/4.8)<br />
John Lannan: 10-13, 3.70 (9.5/3.7/4.7)</b><br />
<br />
Not too much of a difference, at least when you compare what their incomes will be in 2012.<br />
<br />
The bottom line, then, based on their respective 2011 stats:<br />
1--Over the course of a nine-inning game, Lannan will give up 1.5 more base runners than Buehrle<br />
2--Over a 200 inning season, Lannan will give up 82 runs, Buehrle 79.<br />
<br />
So over a full season (<i>30 starts and 200 innings</i>), John Lannan will allow 45 more base runners that will translate into <u>three more earned runs. </u><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/3669918430_b0c9c928fd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/3669918430_b0c9c928fd.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Lannan: Mr. Consistency</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">How much better would essentially trading Lannan for Buehrle make the Nationals? Not much, really. But if Buehrle signs as the number-three starter and Lannan moves down to number-four, that fill out a very nice rotation.<br />
<br />
Here would be the starters and their probable (but it's a guess) ERA's:<br />
<br />
<b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1--Stephen Strasburg (3.00)<br />
2--Jordan Zimmermann (3.20)<br />
3--Mark Buehrle (3.50)<br />
4--John Lannan (3.75)<br />
5--Chien-Ming Wang (3.60)</b><br />
<br />
That is a rotation capable of winning one of the two National League Wild Card spots.<br />
<br />
And of course the team will need one or two more starters to cover for injuries and poor performance. It's that way every season.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr align="justify"><td><a href="http://www.mysanantonio.com/mediaManager/?controllerName=image&action=get&id=1618327&width=628&height=471" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.mysanantonio.com/mediaManager/?controllerName=image&action=get&id=1618327&width=628&height=471" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad Peacock: Needs His Own Rotation Spot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>How about one of these three (2011 stats shown):<br />
<br />
<b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1--Ross Detwiler: 4-5, 3.00 (8.6/2.7/.5.6)<br />
2--Tommy Milone: 1-0, 3.81 (9.7/1.4/5.6)<br />
3--Brad Peacock: 2-0, 0.75 (5.3/4.5/3.0)</b><br />
<br />
I'm not sure I see a kink in the Nationals' pitching armor as long as Lannan remains in the rotation and it wouldn't surprise me--especially if they find that coveted center fielder--for the team to head into the last weekend of play with a playoff spot already secured.Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-50098676502784165212011-11-23T13:24:00.000-07:002011-11-23T13:24:35.013-07:00With New CBA In Place, Nationals May Kick-Start Last Phase Of "The Plan"<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fastcache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/11/2006/04/bowdenbowdenyar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://fastcache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/11/2006/04/bowdenbowdenyar.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim Bowden At His First Press Conference In D.C.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>"The Plan" is not something we've heard much about recently.<br />
<br />
It wasn't too long ago that the Washington Nationals divested itself of any meaningful talent, trading the few quality players they had away for prospects while hoarding their draft picks in the yearly amateur draft.<br />
<br />
In some point in the future, we were assured, the team's young talent would rise like cream to the top, filling all of the gaping holes on the major league roster.<br />
<br />
And it seemed to work.<br />
<br />
Last season, five of the team's eight starting position players were either cultivated through the team's minor league system or received as minor league prospects through trades. The same goes for three of their starting pitchers and their top two relievers.<br />
<br />
In another two or three years, another crop of young pitchers will be ready to make the jump to the major leagues, giving the team one of the most formidable young rotations in the game.<br />
<br />
Oh, and that kid, you know, the one who is supposed to be maybe the best hitting prospect since Ken Griffey Jr, he'll certainly be in the starting lineup by 2012.<br />
<br />
I think his name is Bryce Harper.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cf.mp-cdn.net/54/94/3415d4a6f07fd24ae4504a9cc4ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cf.mp-cdn.net/54/94/3415d4a6f07fd24ae4504a9cc4ad.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken Griffey Jr.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But the way baseball operates has undergone a major change in the last few weeks, enough so that the Nationals might not want to wait for the next wave of rookies to mature.<br />
<br />
With the handshake that accompanied the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, new rules have been placed in effect that may force the Nationals to look for those final pieces for a pennant run earlier than expected.<br />
<br />
First, the addition of a second wild card entrant--possibly next year but no later than 2013--makes it much easier for a good-but-not-great team to get into the playoffs. As Thomas Boswell of the Washington Post pointed out in yesterday's column, all but one 90-win team over the past 15 years would have gotten into the playoffs under the new system. <br />
<br />
Secondly, the cost for signing premium free agents has been reduced. Though the formula has become more complicated--no more "Type A" and "Type B" free agents, a team can still lose its top draft pick if the player was offered arbitration, but the guaranteed salary they would be forced to pay is so high that its likely that fewer players will be offered arbitration. My guess is this will allow the Nationals to be more aggressive with their free agent offers this winter.<br />
<br />
And lastly, Washington will never again be able to do what they did last summer. The Nationals were able to draft four players with first round talent and then went way over-slot to sign them. New rules will make this a near impossibility in the future.<br />
<br />
The Nationals, then, have three good reasons to make a splash this off season. Baseball Karma has given them a golden opportunity, if, that is, they can get to 90 wins. That means they will have to find a way to win 10 more games than last season.<br />
<br />
How do they do it?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.usatoday.net/sports/gallery/2010/baseball/Stephen%20Strasburg/s20100722_smilespg-vertical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://i.usatoday.net/sports/gallery/2010/baseball/Stephen%20Strasburg/s20100722_smilespg-vertical.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Having <b>Stephen Strasburg</b> (1-1, 1.50) back will certainly help. He'll be worth at least a couple of more wins in his first season back from Tommy John surgery. <b>Jordan Zimmermann</b> (8-11, 3.18) will be available for the entire year and should give the Nationals another win. And <b>Chien-Ming Wang</b> (4-3, 4.04), who pitched in the majors for the first time in almost three seasons, will be far better as the team's number-five starter than was Tom Gorzelanny last year. Count on an extra win from him.<br />
<br />
That's four wins down and six to go.<br />
<br />
First baseman <b>Adam LaRoche</b> has a career 162-game average of .267-26-92 to go along with his stellar defense. Last year, arm and shoulder problems limited him to .172-3-15 in just 43 games. He is working out now in Phoenix is should be 100% ready by the beginning of spring training. A healthy LaRoche has to be good for another two wins.<br />
<br />
All Star third baseman <b>Ryan Zimmerman</b> is also coming off an injury-plagued season. The 26-year-old played in just 101 games and his power was sapped due to an abdominal injury. A healthy Zimmerman will add another win, easily.<br />
<br />
That gets the Nationals up to 87 wins, give or take.<br />
<br />
The team can likely find two or more wins if they are able to sign or trade for a quality, veteran pitcher, someone along the lines of Roy Oswalt, Mark Buehrle, C.J. Wilson (as free agents) and Wandy Rodriguez or Gio Gonzalez as potential trade targets.<br />
<br />
That puts the team at roughly 89-73. <br />
<br />
If the Nationals stay with an in-house solution in center, someone like Rick Ankiel or Roger Bernadina, they are not going to find the extra win or two among that group.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://nbchardballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/rick-ankiel-getty-nats.jpeg?w=320" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://nbchardballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/rick-ankiel-getty-nats.jpeg?w=320" width="200" /></a></div>But you would think that the maturation of the team's younger players should be worth a couple of wins. Take a look at what those players did in 2011 and what they should be able to do this year:<br />
<br />
Wilson Ramos: (2011) .267-16-52 (2012) .265-20-65<br />
Danny Espinosa: (2011) .236-21-66 (2012) .260-25-75<br />
Ian Desmond: (2011) .253-8-49 (2012) .270-10-50<br />
<br />
If all goes well, if there are no heartbreaking injuries to deal with, or Werth-like slumps to live through or jaw-dropping regression by the kids to watch in stunned silence, the Nationals should finish the year with 85-90 wins in 2012, perhaps 92-93 if they find both that veteran pitcher and quality center fielder they are after.<br />
<br />
Based on history, 89 wins could get them in the playoffs if the second wild card spot is available in 2012, and 90 wins will.<br />
<br />
Can they make it? Here's hoping.Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-78991006707355542392011-11-22T10:17:00.001-07:002011-11-22T10:24:43.362-07:00OSWALT OR BUEHRLE OR WILSON, OH MY!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With baseball’s
annual Winter Meeting now three weeks away, Nationals’ general manager Mike
Rizzo continues to focus on adding an experienced center fielder and a veteran
starting pitcher. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ssgbaseball.com/wp-content/themes/sports_group/images/slider/roy-oswalt.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://www.ssgbaseball.com/wp-content/themes/sports_group/images/slider/roy-oswalt.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roy Oswalt -- The Best Fit In Washington?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My guess is that
if Rizzo is going to make a splash at the meetings, it’s going to be with a
pitcher. If they have to, the Nationals can probably get by with a holdover
from last season (Rick Ankiel or Roger Bernadina) or a platoon of veterans
capable of giving the team some steady-if-unspectacular offense while providing
steady defense.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But adding another
veteran starter is imperative if the team is going to make a true pennant run.
Sure, Brad Peacock or Ross Detwiler or Tommy Milone <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">might </i>come out of nowhere and give the team 12-14 wins, but they
probably won’t. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One more quality
starter to go along with Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, John Lannan and
Chien-Ming Wang could actually make the Nationals—gulp, dare I say it?—an early
favorite in the hunt for one of now two Wild Card berths.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are several
pitchers that meet Rizzo’s requirements, namely a veteran, “innings eater” type
who doesn’t have a history of injury problems. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Right now, Mark
Buehrle, Roy Oswalt and C.J. Wilson are the most coveted of the available free
agents. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Who should be the
Nationals’ top choice among the three? Let’s take a look at their comparative
statistics:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Roy Oswalt (Age: 33)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Career Average:
16-10, 3.29, 8.7/2.1/7.9</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2011: 9-10, 3.69,
9.9/2.1/6.0</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">TSN Scouting Report:</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Assets: </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Has pinpoint control and an ability to throw
plenty of first-pitch strikes. He's also an innings-eater with a winning
attitude and leadership qualities. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Flaws: </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His diminutive stature has started to take its
toll, as he's not as dominant as he used to be. Also gives up a few too many
hits. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.com/images_root/image_pictures/0535/3014/mark_buehrle_no_hitter_crop_340x234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://cdn.bleacherreport.com/images_root/image_pictures/0535/3014/mark_buehrle_no_hitter_crop_340x234.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Buehrle Seems GM Mike Rizzo's Favorite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mark Buehrle (Age: 32)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Career Average:
15-11, 3.83, 9.5/2.0/5.1</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2011: 13-9, 3.59,
9.7/2.0/4.8</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">TSN Scouting Report:</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Assets</b>: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the game's great work horses, he
doesn't fatigue much late in the game. Logs a lot of innings, pitches to
contact and can lead a staff. Is successful throwing an array of off-speed
pitches. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Flaws</b>: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he loses focus, he gets knocked around
for big innings. That's due to less-than-stellar velocity and average stuff. At
times, he can take a while to regain his focus when on the mound.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nationalsarmrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/wilsonCJ-307aj101310-chris-omera-AP-livesportsdb.com_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.nationalsarmrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/wilsonCJ-307aj101310-chris-omera-AP-livesportsdb.com_.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C.J. Wilson Has Just 2 Years of Starting Experience</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">C.J. Wilson (Age: 30)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Career Average
(as starter): 16-8, 3.14, 7.4/3.5/7.9</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2011: 16-7, 2.94,
7.9/3.8/8.1</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">TSN Scouting Report:</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Assets</b>: Pitches
aggressively with a low-90s fastball that has great movement. Also boasts a
good curve and solid change-up. Constantly challenges hitters. Is capable of
dominating left-handed batters. Can close, set up or start. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Flaws</b>:
Right-handed hitters have a little more success than lefty bats, so greater
refinement in his pitches could help. Must improve his durability and stamina
to thrive in the starting rotation. <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is no
question that all three pitchers have the potential to help the Nationals
become contenders, but that doesn’t mean they all bring the same abilities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of the three,
Wilson will likely cost the most and require the longest contract. Reports from
multiple sources indicate that he has set his sights on a six-year, $120
million deal. And while there is no way he’s going to get that much, he’s going
to come close as the top free-agent pitcher of the litter. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I think a more likely
scenario is $80 million over five years with an easy-to-reach sixth year
option. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That is way too
much money for any free agent pitcher not named Sabathia, but it is especially
too much considering that Wilson has only been a starter for two years and has
only 73 starts under his belt. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I mean, who’s to
say that he won’t revert back to his days before becoming a starter when he
averaged 4.1 walks per nine-innings and had a bloated 4.30 ERA? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With the kind of
money Wilson is going to get, the Nationals can buy a quality starter and a
decent center fielder. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Signing Wilson
makes no sense, not from a talent perspective and not from a financial
perspective. Let the Yankees overpay for him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And though Mark
Buehrle has been a model of consistency for the Chicago White Sox, his stats
don’t suggest that he is anything more than a good, consistent pitcher.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/3669918430_b0c9c928fd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/3669918430_b0c9c928fd.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Buehrle Seems Too Much Like This Guy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And those stats look close enough to current
Nationals’ lefty John Lannan that I’m not sure it makes sense to give the
32-year-old what he’s asking for, and no, I’m not suggesting John Lannan is the
same pitcher as Mark Buehrle. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But take a look
at their career averages based on a 162-game season:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mark Buehrle:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">15-11, 3.83 ERA,
223 Innings Pitched, 9.5 hits per 9 innings / 2.0 walks per 9 innings /5.1
strikeouts per 9 innings.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John Lannan:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10-14, 4.00, 200
Innings Pitched, 9.4 hits per 9 innings / 3.4 walks per 9 innings / 4.7
strikeouts per 9 innings.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Their lines just
aren’t as different as you would expect. Lannan’s ERA is a bit higher, and he
gives up one more walk per game, but his hits allowed and strikeouts allowed
are about the same. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But look at this:
In 33 starts, Lannan gave up 90 runs. Buehrle allowed 93 runs in one less
start. That’s as close to identical two pitchers can be without being exactly
identical.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And Lannan
averaged 5.6 innings per start while Buehrle went 6.5 innings per start. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Man, that’s just
too similar.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I doubt that John
Lannan is going to be as successful as Buehrle over his career—in fact, I think
we can count on that—but that doesn’t mean they aren’t similar pitchers. True,
Buehrle has averaged 15 wins per major league season and Lannan only 10, but
Lannan has spent his career on a truly terrible team. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Over Buehrle’s
career, the White Sox have averaged 87 wins per season, and in the three
seasons where they finished below .500, Buehrle had three of his worst seasons,
winning 10 games in 2007 and 13 in both 2009 and 2011. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lannan’s
Nationals, on the other hand, have averaged just 66 wins during his time in
Washington, 21 games fewer than the White Sox. Had he played with the White Sox
during that same period, he would have likely averaged 12-13 wins per season.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So really, Mark
Buehrle is a 2-3 win improvement over John Lannan, and that just doesn’t
warrant the millions it will cost the team to get him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the end, I
think that the least attractive of the three free agents could be the best fit
in Washington.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of the three, Roy
Oswalt will require the least amount of guaranteed money and the fewest number
of guaranteed contract years, due in part to injuries that have slowed him over
the last couple of seasons. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From 2001 through
2010, Oswalt averaged 30 starts per season, going 15-8 with a fine 3.18 ERA.
But he was limited to just 23 starts in 2011 and injuries robbed him of some of
his efficiency. He went 9-10, 3.69 last season, giving up two more hits per
nine-innings and striking out two less batters per nine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nbchardballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/jordan-zimmermann-throws.jpeg?w=320" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://nbchardballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/jordan-zimmermann-throws.jpeg?w=320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zimmermann & The Other Kids Could Use A Teacher</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But Oswalt would
bring far more to the Nationals than wins. He is a leader in the clubhouse,
just the kind of guy that Mike Rizzo likes. The top three Washington starters—Strasburg,
Zimmermann and Lannan—are all 26 or younger and fourth starter Chien-Ming Wang,
while 31, has just 115 career starts, a relatively small number for his age.
John Lannan, four years younger, has 13 more starts than Wang.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oswalt could
bring a winner’s mentality to the starting rotation. He could be a teacher, a
leader and darn fine starter. Because of his age, it is likely that Washington
would not want to / have to commit to a long-term deal, making that rotational
slot available to one the team’s young pitchers in a relatively short period of
time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To be able to
contend, the Washington Nationals need a “rock” in the rotation to give the
kids time to turn winning ability into games won. Once that happens—say in a
couple of years—the team could then afford to bring in one of the bevy of young
arms they have stockpiled and still contend.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Nationals
contention window will open with the beginning of spring training and looks
like it could be a five-year window. For now, the team will need an influx of
outside veteran talent to win before ultimately letting the maturing youngsters
lead them through those outlying years.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No question, though:
it’s going to be a fun ride over the next few years. And goodness knows, after
the last seven seasons, we’ve earned it.</span></div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-61694889973772513332011-11-19T17:53:00.001-07:002011-11-19T17:54:58.396-07:00Bryce Harper IS The Outfielder That GM Mike Rizzo Is Looking For<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Over the next six weeks, Washington Nationals team General Manager Mike Rizzo will burn up the phone lines at Nationals Park as he searches for the one or two remaining pieces that will transform the once moribund franchise into—this seems almost sacrilege to say—a true pennant contender.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.everyjoe.com/files/2010/10/roy-oswalt-phillies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://cdn.everyjoe.com/files/2010/10/roy-oswalt-phillies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roy Oswalt Tops Mike Rizzo's List For FA Pitchers</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">As his team rocketed through September and finished the season on a 15-5 tear, Rizzo told reporters that his team was one starting pitcher and a center fielder away from joining the elite of the National League East.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Many free agent pitchers have been mentioned as possibilities for the Nationals rotation, including Mark Buerle (13-9, 3.59), Roy Oswalt (9-10, 3.69) and C.J. Wilson (16-7, 2.94).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> And though the Nationals have three stalwart prospects to fill that last spot in the rotation, Tommy Milone (1-0, 3.81), Brad Peacock (2-0, 0.75) and Ross Detwiler (4-5, 3.00) have yet to pitch a meaningful September game in their young careers.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Though their potential is undeniable, their lack of experience could be deadly to a potential pennant chase. The Nationals need a veteran quality starter to help calm the inevitable summer storms. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">But the need for a center fielder is another matter entirely.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Heading into spring training, Michael Morse is a lock in left. After filling in at first when Adam LaRoche was lost for the year in mid May, the 29-year-old returns to his natural position after blossoming at the plate. Morse was perhaps the surprise of the National League last year, hitting .303-31-95 in his first season as a full-time player. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Jayson Werth is penciled in as the team’s right fielder. Werth’s first year in Washington was perhaps the team’s worst individual effort since Cristian Guzman back in 2005. In 150 games, the 32-year-old hit just .232-20-58.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">But there is little doubt that Werth’s horrid season is likely not to be repeated in 2012. In his last three seasons with the Phillies, Werth averaged .279-29-84 with a solid .376 on-base percentage. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Chalk up last year to a combination of “just one of those years” and trying too hard to justify his $126 million contract.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">That said, playing in that Philadelphia bandbox certainly puffed up his home run stats. From 2008 through 2010, Werth hit 50 homers at home and just 37 on the road.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The combination of a rebound year in 2012 along with the more spacious home ballpark should mean that Werth will give the Nationals a good-but-not-great season, something along the lines of .270-20-75. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">That leaves the hole in center and a myriad of players to fill it. Grady Sizemore, who was non-tendered by the Indians following three injury-plagued seasons, seems the most logical choice of the group, though how much interest the team has for him at this point isn’t known.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/50333_10002329169_5524224_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/50333_10002329169_5524224_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sizemore May Resign With Indians</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Sizemore, a former member of the organization, averaged just .234-9-36 over the last three after hitting .279-28-81 from 2006-2008. Sizemore is seeking a one-year contract to prove his health as well as his worth. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">And after his one year in center, he would move on to greener pastures, giving up his spot to that remarkable phenom currently percolating in the minors, Bryce Harper.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">But as badly as the team wants to bring along the 19-year-old along slowly and cautiously, he seems to be proving at every stop along the way that he’s ready to face major league pitching right now. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Harper, the top overall pick in the MLB Amateur Draft in 2010, graduated from high school two years early and played in an advanced junior college league that used wood bats. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Hitting against 19-year-old pitchers in what should have been his junior year of high school, Harper was unstoppable, batting .442-29-89 in just 215 at-bats. That works out to 72 homers and 222 RBI over a 162-game season. Wow.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Harper’s first taste of professional baseball came in the Nationals’ Florida Instructional League following the 2010 season. He Batted .319 with a .407 on-base percentage and led his team in hits, home runs and runs batted in. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Though he originally was not ticketed to play in the highly touted Arizona Fall League that fall, Harper’s outstanding effort earned a spot on his team’s taxi squad, which limited his play to a couple of starts a week.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">That said, the second-youngest player ever to participate in the AFL batted .343 with a .629 slugging percent in limited play. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Harper earned some significant playing time during the 2011 spring training, playing in 13 early games and he responded by hitting .389 with a .450 on-base percentage and a 1.006 OPS. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Like at virtually every other stop he’d made as a professional, Harper started slowly in the Low-A South Atlantic League as a member of the Hagerstown Suns this spring. But like virtually every stop he’s made, Harper then got hot and for six weeks, he was the hottest hitter in the league, perhaps in all of baseball. And then, like at virtually every stop he’s made, he plateaued and continued to be a very good player for the remainder of the season.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sportressofblogitude.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/bryce-harper-eye-black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.sportressofblogitude.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/bryce-harper-eye-black.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryce Harper </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">After 72 games, Harper had batted .318/.423/.554 with 14 home runs and 46 RBI and was promoted to Double-A Harrisburg. It was there that his cycle of slow starts and hot streaks ended. Oh, the slow start happened, but just as he began to heat up, injury ended his season.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In 129 at-bats, Harper hit .256/.329/.395 with 3 home runs and 12 RBI for the Senators.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">There was some concern that the semi-struggle at Harrisburg was more the product of his being pushed too far too quickly within the Nationals’ system, but those fears were allayed over the past month in the hot desert sun in Arizona.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Playing against the top prospects across major league baseball, Harper batted .333/.400/.634 with six home runs and 26 RBI. Adjusted to a full major league season, those numbers would be .333-36-156 with 24 stolen bases. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">And, oh yeah, he started slowly, then destroyed opposition pitching for three weeks, then plateaued and played solid baseball through the season’s end. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Now, I agree that it is difficult look at all of those teams and accompanying stats and be able to tell just how well he did. So let’s add up every swing, punch-out and home run he’s produced from that first day of spring training through the final out of the just completed Arizona Fall League season.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It pretty much adds up to a full major league season and gives a fairly good indication of the type of player Bryce Harper is:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Slash Line: .307/.398/.535</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">At-Bats: 498</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Runs: 83</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Hits: 153</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Doubles: 32</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Triples: 4</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Home Runs: 23</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Runs Batted In: 84</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Stolen Bases: 31/38 (81.5%)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Walks: 73</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Strikeouts: 111</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">That’s outstanding on a number of levels. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In the Low-A South Atlantic League, Harper was 18 playing against pitchers four years older than him. In the Double-A Eastern League, the median age is 25; some of those guys were in their eighth professional season while Harper should have been a senior in high school. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If he was able to put up all-star numbers when he was in essence the little brother trying to hit against all the neighborhood big brothers, how might he fare against players of his own age and experience level?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I don’t think we’ll ever know the answer to that because it’s not going to happen, because when the Nationals break camp and go north next spring, Bryce Harper needs to go with them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It is a near certainty that whoever the Nationals are going to sign to play center, he will be gone by the end of the year, opening the door for Harper to begin playing every day in 2013.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">But he’s ready now, and so that stop-gap center fielder just isn’t necessary. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The most important part of a young player’s game is the ability to adjust, and Harper’s continuous cycle of slow starts followed by blazing hot streaks is just that, Harper getting overmatched and then adjusting to how he’s being pitched.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">There is no reason to believe that won’t happen at the major league level too. I have little doubt that Harper’s first couple of months would be beset by strikeouts and prolonged slumps. But in time, he would make the necessary adjustments and provide enough offense for the Nationals to make a real run at the post season. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://diamondhoggers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/harper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://diamondhoggers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/harper.jpg" width="216" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Some worry that a bad start might harm Harper’s confidence in himself. But one thing that Harper doesn’t lack is confidence. And bad starts don’t end a player’s season before it starts. After 30 games last year, Michael Morse was hitting just .211/.253/.268 with a home run and just nine RBI, and his season ended quite nicely. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Jayson Werth’s first 30 games were almost as bad, and though he didn’t totally climb out of the hole he had dug for himself, he came close. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So there is no reason to believe that Harper couldn’t do the same, especially when he has a nice track record of doing just that. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">And history suggests that Harper can make the jump to the majors this year.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Back in 1989, there was a 19-year-old phenom who many compare today to Bryce Harper. His name was Ken Griffey Jr. In his first few weeks as a major leaguer, he struggled mightily, hitting just .189/.246/.340 through early May.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">But he made adjustments, learned from his mistakes, and by the end of the year hit .264-16-61 and finished third in Rookie of the Year balloting. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I suspect that Harper’s first-year stats would closely mirror those of Griffey, giving the team’s outfield more than enough offensive production to make a real run at the post season.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">An outfield of Michael Morse, Jayson Werth and Bryce Harper could produce 70 home runs and 250 RBI in 2012. That compares favorably to the New York Yankees outfield trio of Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson and Nick Swisher who combined to hit 71 home runs and drive in 240 RBI last year. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Starting Bryce Harper on Opening Day, does, however, have its drawbacks. His arbitration and free agency clocks would begin sooner, costing the team certainly more money and possibly the loss of Harper to free agency at an earlier date.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">But in the here and now, none of that really matters. The Washington Nationals are finally in a position to win next year, thanks to equal parts of better players, the softening of the competition, and the possibility of a second wildcard spot in the playoffs.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In baseball, windows of opportunity open and close all too quickly and every chance to win needs to be grasped. For the Nationals, Grady Sizemore or Coco Crisp wouldn’t provide any better chance to win next year than Bryce Harper.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">That being the case, it makes more sense to start Harper in right, move Werth to center, and leave Morse in left. Sure, there is a chance that Harper’s first year in the majors may be a bit substandard, but there is enough talent on the roster to make up for any short-term difficulties he may face.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">And there is no question that Bryce Harper circa 2013 would be a far better player having a year of major league experience under his belt rather than another season in the minors. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">While the Nationals can contend next year, 2013 will likely be the Nationals’ “big” year. The imperfections in the games of Danny Espinosa, Wilson Ramos and Ian Desmond will likely be gone with another year of experience. So it’s better to make </div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-29182156122404156202011-07-28T13:56:00.000-06:002011-07-28T13:56:42.231-06:00Nationals Could Have Strong Left Field Platoon if Team Resigns Laynce Nix and Jonny Gomes in 2012<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d.yimg.com/i/ng/ne/ap/20110728/18/4186475905-newly-acquired-outfielder-jonny-gomes-takes-his-first-at-bat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d.yimg.com/i/ng/ne/ap/20110728/18/4186475905-newly-acquired-outfielder-jonny-gomes-takes-his-first-at-bat.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonny Gomes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">The Washington Nationals acquired outfielder Jonny Gomes on Monday, a move that had most of the Nats' Nation scratching their collective heads. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He's not young, and he's not an everyday player. He's also due to be a free agent at the end of the year. One of the "advantages" of this deal, or so says General Manager Mike Rizzo, is that he is projected to be a "Type B" free agent, which means the Nationals will gain a compensatory pick in next year's draft if they don't sign him.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, sure, but the team gave up two prospects to get him. I'm not sure I see the advantage in trading two prospects to get one.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I would much rather keep the 30-year-old Gomes and let him platoon with his former teammate and friend Laynce Nix in left field. Gomes doesn't hit right-hander's well, batting only .226/.308/.429 over his career while Nix is only .179/.230/.270 against lefties.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But take a look how the two of them would have produced in a platoon in 2011, using this year's production statistics as a guide. Typically, the left-hander in a platoon gets 450 at-bats in a season while the right-hander amasses about 150. Take a look: </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nix: .287/.323/.537, 28 HR, 72 RBI</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Gomes: .333/.439/.537, 9 HR, 33 RBI</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nix and Gomes, then, would have combined to hit .293 with 37 home runs and 105 RBI. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/mlb/players/full/5576.png&w=350&h=254" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/mlb/players/full/5576.png&w=350&h=254" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laynce Nix</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The two players would give the Nationals some above-average pop in left while providing good-enough defense. And the player not starting would be a quality bat off the bench. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Laynce Nix and Jonny Gomes would keep left field warm for as long as the Nationals need before Bryce Harper is ready to take over, say sometime late in 2012 or early in 2013. Something tells me, however, that the team won't be keen on resigning either of them this off-season. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But here's hoping .....</div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-55627729208177251582011-07-01T23:20:00.000-06:002011-07-01T23:20:57.345-06:00Stephen Lombardozzi is Nationals' Answer At Leadoff And Second Base<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/photo/9465516-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" i$="true" src="http://media.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/photo/9465516-large.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen Lombardozzi Playing for (AA) Harrisburg</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">While there are many question marks that need addressing before an average Washington Nationals' team becomes a good one, most believe that their middle infield--Danny Espinosa and Ian Desmond--is rock solid and immovable. Whatever trades may come and go, they will be left untouched. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And Espinosa certainly isn't going anywhere. The 24-year-old rookie from Long Beach State is on pace to hit 30 home runs and drive in more than 100 runs. And he might already be the best fielding second baseman in the National League.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And though shortstop Ian Desmond has started slowly at the plate, his defense is now always solid and at times sparkling. Most believe he will be a career .275 hitter with some pop and a lot of steals.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">They are a great double-play combination, both young with a high upside, and yet I highly doubt that either of them will be playing their positions for Washington next year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Nationals, you see, are in dire need of a leadoff hitter. They have tried Roger Bernadina, Rick Ankiel, Espinosa--even Jayson Werth--at the top of the lineup with no success. And while Desmond may be the long-term answer at short, others are far less certain.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.realclearsports.com/blognetwork/fantasy_football_maniaxs/ian%20desmond%20hit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" i$="true" src="http://www.realclearsports.com/blognetwork/fantasy_football_maniaxs/ian%20desmond%20hit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian Desmond's Days May Be Numbered</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But playing at Triple-A Syracuse right now is a player who could bring stability, both to the top of the lineup and the middle of the infield.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">His name is Stephen Lombardozzi.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 22-year-old second baseman and Maryland native was taken in the 19th round of the 2008 amateur draft, and the son of former major league infielder Steve Lombardozzi has rocketed through the farm system in short order.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In four years, he has made stops in the Florida Gulf Coast League, Class-A Hagerstown, Double-A Harrisburg and was recently promoted to Triple-A Syracuse. In 1500 at-bats, the right-hander has hit .300/.374/.414, averaging 26 doubles and 24 steals per season. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After batting .309 with the Double-A Senators this season, he has rocked the International League to the tune of .413/.421/.468 in 49 at-bats.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Defensively, he is every bit as good as Espinosa. His career .985 fielding mark is outstanding and about the same as Espinosa's. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He's ready for the major leagues now. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, what to do?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Jason+Marquis+Washington+Nationals+v+Pittsburgh+t_tfqta8ahZl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" i$="true" src="http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Jason+Marquis+Washington+Nationals+v+Pittsburgh+t_tfqta8ahZl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lombardozzi & Jason Marquis Would Make a Great Pkg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If the Nationals keep their team intact--perhaps call up a player or two from the minors--the team has a real chance of winning 75-80 games, manna from Heaven for long suffering Nationals' fans. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">However, if they sell of some short-term parts, players like Ivan Rodriguez, Joey Cora and/or Jerry Hairston, Jason Marquis, Livan Hernandez and perhaps Todd Coffey, they may only win 70-73 games in 2011 but could wind up with an additional two or three Wilson Ramos-types that they received in trades. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If any of these trades occur, I feel certain that Espinosa would move back to his natural position of shortstop and Lombardozzi would take over at second. Desmond could be used in a trade package to a contender along with, say, Marquis or Livan, the type of trade that would certainly bring someone like Ramos--perhaps more than one--in return. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If the Nationals' offense was even just average this year, the team would be in a true pennant chase for the first time in six seasons. But they have the pieces already in place to resuscitate the bats for 2012. Here is my projected lineup for next year with my projected offensive statistics:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1--Lombardozzi (2B) .275-4-40, 25 steals</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2--Werth (RF) .280-22-75, 20 steals</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3--Zimmermann (3B) .290-27-90</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4--Morse (LF) .280-25-90</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5--LaRoche (1B).270-20-70</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6--Espinosa (SS) .250-25-80</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7--Bernadina (CF) .265-10-50, 25 steals</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8--Ramos (C) .250-15-55</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This of course assumes the return of LaRoche, but he is such a good fielder (and good enough hitter) that he needs to return in 2012. I am also unsure about Bernadina/center field. There might be a change there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The first three spots in the rotation are likely already set. Both Strasburg and Zimmermann are capable of winning 15 games with an ERA near 3.00. John Lannan continues to show he's capable of being a pitcher who can throw 200 innings with an ERA between 3.80 and 4.00. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/2010/10/03/hA6vWHut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" i$="true" src="http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/2010/10/03/hA6vWHut.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Milone Could Be A Solid Starter By 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The last two spots could be filled through trade, free agent signing, or the promotion of one of several promising minor leaguer's, someone like Tom Milone, Ross Detwiler, Brad Meyers or Brad Peacock.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The bullpen, through current roster players (majors and minors) is set.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The addition of two more quality players, a starter and a center fielder, and this is a 90-win team capable of at least contending in 2012.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And man, am I excited.the 2008 amateur draft, </div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-18769364030314833392011-06-17T13:07:00.000-06:002011-06-17T13:07:46.485-06:00Tom Milone: Picture John Lannan Only Better<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mlblogssyracusechiefs.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/tom20milone1.jpg?w=432&h=299" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" i$="true" src="http://mlblogssyracusechiefs.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/tom20milone1.jpg?w=432&h=299" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Milone With Double-A Harrisburg In 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Tom Milone took the mound for the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs a few nights ago and the crafty left-hander (crafty is the term used for lefties who can’t throw a fastball much faster than 90 mph) threw eight shutout innings, allowing eight hits and no walks while striking out nine.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Who is this guy that most Nationals’ fans have never heard of before? Think John Lannan but with a little better control.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">I have enjoyed watching Lannan pitch the last three years, partly because he’s good, but also because I love it when underdogs succeed at the major league level.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/2008/11/25/RcIaTVgQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">An 11th-round pick in 2005 out of Siena College (17-5, 3.86), Lannan was considered to be no more than another organizational arm who might one day become a lefty specialist out of the pen.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In his first two seasons (Vermont and Single-A Savannah), that is how he pitched.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In 35 starts, Lannan was just 9-13 with a 4.89 ERA. In 2007, he blossomed and cut his hits per nine innings in half, and began hitting his spots.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the span of just a couple of months, he was promoted to Double-A Harrisburg, then Triple-A Columbus and finally to the major leagues, where he started six games for Washington.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He finished the season with a record of 12-3, 2.31 ERA, and a slash line of 6.6/3.0/5.3 (hits/walks/strikeouts per nine innings).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lannan’s career 32-43 record and 4.02 ERA with the Nationals is deceiving.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum had 26 quality starts two seasons ago, and former Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee had 23.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nationalsarmrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/miloneTom-Tom-PriddyFour-Seam-ImagesMiLB.com_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" i$="true" src="http://www.nationalsarmrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/miloneTom-Tom-PriddyFour-Seam-ImagesMiLB.com_.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milone As A Potomac National in 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Lannan had 21.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In other words, he’s still young, still learning and he still gets clobbered when he doesn’t spot his pitches well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last season—probably due to a nagging arm injury—Lannan was horrible in the first half of the season, going 3-6, 5.76 before being sent down to Double-A Harrisburg in June. When he returned, however, he was his old self.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In 10 starts after being recalled, Lannan was 5-2, 3.42. Seven of those were "quality starts."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With a bit more luck and a little more offensive support, Lannan could win a dozen or so games each year for the next decade. He’s an ideal No. 5 starter.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">In two starts this year, he’s pitched 10 innings, allowing 12 hits and three walks while striking out seven. Lannan’s ERA is 3.60.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Milone, like Lannan, is a lanky lefty who must pitch to spots to be successful.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He is eighth all-time in games started for Southern Cal.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In 2007, he was named Pitcher of the Year in the prestigious Cape Cod League with a record of 6-1 and a 2.92 ERA. He struck out 46 and walked just seven in 52 innings.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">His next summer was spent in Wenatchee, Wash., pitching in a West Coast summer league. In 51 innings, Milone went 6-1 with a 2.61 ERA.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Against some of the best college hitters, Milone combined to go 12-2 (2.81 ERA) while striking out 101 in 103 innings. He walked just 13.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But a lack of a dominating fastball, and a so-so 16-17 career record with a 4.78 ERA at Southern Cal, relegated Milone to a 10th-round afterthought in the 2008 amateur draft.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/2008/11/25/RcIaTVgQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" i$="true" src="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/2008/11/25/RcIaTVgQ.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Lannan With Potomac</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Though major league scouts didn’t think much of his ability, Milone was confident that he would succeed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Pitching for Vermont and Hagerstown that first year, Milone crafted a record of 1-6 but with a solid 3.51 ERA. He allowed 10.3 hits per nine innings but just 1.3 walks.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nationals’ scouts saw enough to promote him to High-A Potomac for the 2009 season. And just like Lannan two seasons earlier, Milone blossomed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After watching him pitch in a bullpen session early in the year, Potomac pitching coach Paul Menhart approached Milone about adding a cut fastball to his repertoire.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pitching to contact is fine, he said, but disguising his 87 mph fastball would help him greatly.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Milone’s cutter looks like his fastball but dives at the last second. Against right-handers, it first dives in, then away as it crosses the plate.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">His ERA was 3.89 when he began to throw his new pitch in early July.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">By the end of the year it had dropped to 2.91, best on the team. His batting-average against, .275 the season before, was just .252 with Potomac.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Milone’s fastball tops out at 87 mph, but usually sits in the 84-86 mph range. His curveball is sharp and about 10 mph slower than his fastball, providing good separation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">His changeup, though, is by far his best pitch; one he can throw wherever he wants and at any point in the count.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">His control is remarkable. Over his minor league career, Milone has walked just 68 while striking out 310, more than a 4-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Milone has trouble when he’s not hitting his spots. When facing a walk, he tends to throw his fastball down the middle of the plate, a bad place for a slow fastball.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Washington+Nationals+v+New+York+Yankees+Qz2vkleKZ6ul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" i$="true" src="http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Washington+Nationals+v+New+York+Yankees+Qz2vkleKZ6ul.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But that is a peril that all contact pitchers face. If you don’t have an “out” pitch, there just aren’t many safe pitches to throw.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Overall, Milone’s minor league numbers are similar to—and in some cases much better than— Lannan’s. Both players have started exactly 62 minor league games:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Record</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lannan: 22-20 (.524)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Milone: 29-20 (.610)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>ERA</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lannan: 3.95</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Milone: 3.08</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Opponent’s Batting Average</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lannan: .258</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Milone: .255</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Hits/Walks/Strikeouts Per Nine-Innings</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lannan: 8.9/3.4/6.3</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Milone: 9.0/1.5/7.6</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">No, that's not a misprint. In 62 games he has allowed just 1.5 walks per nine-innings. To give that number some context, Stephen Strasburg, who in considered be one of the best control pitchers ever, allowed 2.1 walks per nine innings in his time with Double-A Harrisburg last year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">No, Milone is not Strasburg but he has Strasburg control.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">One would think that Milone might have a major league career similar to Lannan, that of a mid-to-back-of-the-rotation starter who can be counted on to win 10 to 14 games a year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sure, Milone is not on any watch list and isn’t considered much of a prospect. But Lannan didn’t show up as a true prospect until the 2008 season, after he had already pitched in the major leagues.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Milone has a prospect grade of “C” and is lumped together with a bevy of other non-prospect types like Taylor Jordan, Nathan Karns and Pat Lehman.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am in no way suggesting that Milone is going to repeat the success of Lannan.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But he has similar tools, has even better control, and at 23, is mowing down older and more experienced opponents in the Eastern League.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lannan was also 23 when he pitched for Harrisburg.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, it seems unlikely that a 10th-rounder will eventually make the Nationals’ starting rotation, especially when you consider that the Nationals will have a solid rotation when all of the team’s walking-wounded return to the major league roster.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But isn’t that the same thing we all said about Lannan, the 11th-round selection from Siena College?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He’ll pitch for Triple-A Syracuse this year and will be just a phone call away from the major leagues.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Suddenly, the Nationals have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to young pitchers, and it’s about time. The 2011 season is looking better and better with each passing day.</div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-74732217959241590882011-06-15T11:43:00.000-06:002011-06-15T11:43:46.113-06:00With Adam La Roche Out For The Year, Who Is Nationals' Long-Term Answer At First Base?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/1306054/215819_nationals_marlins_baseball_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/1306054/215819_nationals_marlins_baseball_medium.jpg" t8="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adam La Roche</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Now that Adam La Roche is "officially" out for the year, you have to wonder how his loss is going to effect the team beyond the last 100 or so games remaining in 2011.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">La Roche will likely be 100-percent healthy by next spring and if given the opportunity will provide the Nationals the semi-big bat that they expected this season. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Over his six full seasons in the major leagues (2005-2010), La Roche has averaged .271/.340/.488 with 28 homers and 97 RBI over a full 162 game season, never missing any significant time due to injuries. There is no reason to believe that he won't return from shoulder surgery and hit .275-20-80 while playing flawless defense. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But do the Nationals want to do that? I doubt that the team will keep him beyond his current contract which expires at the end of the 2012 season. But if not La Roche, who then is the Nationals long-term solution at first base?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, it could be Michael Morse, who took over for La Roche earlier this year. In his first four seasons with the Seattle Mariners, Morse batted .300/.365/.397 with just 3 homers and 37 RBI in 300 at-bats. But since coming to Washington in 2009, the 29-year-old has hit .290/.344/.515 with 28 home runs and 88 RBI in 503 at-bats. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.patrickfloodblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Mike-Morse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.patrickfloodblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Mike-Morse.jpg" t8="true" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Morse Sans Beard</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">This season, he is on pace to hit .290-30-104 while playing flawless defense at first. I keep saying that he's no Adam La Roche, but thus far he's been just that. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Nationals also have two pretty solid prospects who could take over for La Roche in 2013, Chris Marrero at Triple-A Syracuse and Tyler Moore of Double-A Harrisburg.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 22-year-old Marrero is a former first-round pick who former General Manager Jim Bowden chose for his bat. Now in his sixth minor league season, Marrero has averaged .282-20-85 per season and is on pace to bat .290-20-83 for the Chiefs this season. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The problem has always been his glove. Drafted as a third baseman the year after the Nationals took Ryan Zimmerman, he was moved to the outfield and quickly failed there. From 2008-2010, he played exclusively at first base and averaged 20 errors per season. But his defense looked vastly improved this past spring and in 61 games this year Marrero has committed just two miscues. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Several coaches have publicly said that Marrero's glove is now ready for the major leagues.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Moore, at 24 is two years older than Marrero (Marrero was drafted directly out of high school) and wasn't considered much of a prospect until last season when he launched 31 homers and drove in 111 runs for Class-A Potomac. That earned him a promotion to Double-A Harrisburg and is currently on pace to hit .273-26-80 for the Senators.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Defensively, he's always been <em>good enough</em> but not particularly great. he's averaged 10 errors per season and has a career .990 fielding mark (La Roche, considered one of baseball's best defenders, has a career .994 fielding percent).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, what to do?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Assuming that he stays healthy, La Roche brings a stellar glove and power bat to the Nationals. Forget 2011; he is Mr. Reliability. Wind him up and he'll hit .275-20-80, certainly enough production when considering the runs he saves in field.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Morse has now proven he is an everyday major leaguer. He plays acceptable defense in left and seems above-average at first. He's 29 and looks to be able to provide 25-30 homers a year for the next four or five seasons for the Nationals. He could play in left field just as easily as at first.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlDbiwvjC7_O9on7ef6CvuHXQviH9OiEquYh_rGp79yglWxfYfD1IvpSpqA5w96s6NxQhg2uKB8lpwPlvE5MupfbibZu9zIYztXM8N2qzGbHdaOc16sL-j_FFwys9xo3f4NPA6CVkE5I/s1600/Nationals+1B+Chris+Marrero+-+Prospect+D2J.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlDbiwvjC7_O9on7ef6CvuHXQviH9OiEquYh_rGp79yglWxfYfD1IvpSpqA5w96s6NxQhg2uKB8lpwPlvE5MupfbibZu9zIYztXM8N2qzGbHdaOc16sL-j_FFwys9xo3f4NPA6CVkE5I/s320/Nationals+1B+Chris+Marrero+-+Prospect+D2J.jpg" t8="true" width="153" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Marrero</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">And now Marrero's glove is as major-league ready as his bat. No, he'll never be a star, but he could become a quality complementary piece that all champion caliber teams need to be successful.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tyler Moore could be the best pure power hitter among the group. Over the past two years, he's averaged a home run every 17 at-bats. Over a 550 at-bat season, that works out to 33 home runs (Marrero has averaged a homer every 26 at-bats, or about 21 homers over a full major league season).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I think the wild card in all of this is Bryce Harper. If all goes as planned, Harper will make it to the major leagues sometime next year, probably near the half-way point of the season. But when he gets here, where will he play? I don't think he's ready to be an everyday center-fielder, which means he will probably take over in left (I doubt a 19-year-old is going to supplant Jayson Werth in right). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So here's how the dominoes will fall:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Morse will remain at first for the rest of this season. Laynce Nix will be the team's left-fielder against righties and is on pace to hit .296-22-64 this year. This off season, the Nationals trade for a real center fielder who can succeed at the top of the order, perhaps using Nix as part of the package.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Adam La Roche returns in 2012 and becomes the team's first baseman with Morse returning to left. When Harper finally makes it to Washington, the contending teams will begin looking to add veteran players for their pennant chases, players like Adam La Roche.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics16/640/UU/UUDKWNKKHRQRHYM.20080424032233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics16/640/UU/UUDKWNKKHRQRHYM.20080424032233.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler Moore With Mississippi State</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">The Nationals trade La Roche, move Morse back to first, and Harper takes over in left. Werth remains in right and center is covered by the player they traded for, the guy that probably cost them a pitching prospect or a back-end-of-the-rotation major leaguer (or both), either Moore or Marrero and one more player, maybe Roger Bernadina or Nix.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With Stephen Strasburg back in the rotation and Bryce Harper in the outfield, the difference between just "another" season in 2012 and a special one could be that guy who ends up leading off and playing center. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hopefully, they find the right guy.</div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-82311164730019567042011-06-11T10:15:00.000-06:002011-06-11T10:15:21.680-06:00Projecting Bryce Harper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://dcprosportsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/bryce-harper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://dcprosportsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/bryce-harper.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nestled around a slow start and a short slump this year, Bryce Harper is producing the kind of season befitting baseball's premier minor leaguer. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">His high school graduating class received their diplomas about the same time that Harper crushed a 480-foot home run a few days back. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Instead of kissing his high school sweetheart at the prom, he blew a kiss at the opposing pitcher. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">One day soon--probably after he plays in the South Atlantic League All Star game--Harper will be promoted, likely bypassing High-A Potomac and their bad playing field and landing at Double-A Harrisburg, where he will play against baseball's best prospects. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My guess is that he'll reach Washington sometime next season, just after the Nationals have gained all the leverage they can with his potential arbitration and free agent status. And their he'll stay until the riches of a Scott Boras free agency come calling.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But how good has he been thus far in 2011? His offensive statistics, projected over a full season look like this:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> AB: 506--Runs: 98--Hits: 172--Doubles: 33--Triples: 2--Home Runs: 33--RBI: 103--Steals: 30--Walks: 80--Strikeouts: 122. Add to this a .341 batting average, .433 on-base percent and .607 slugging mark and it seems remarkable that he hasn't yet been promoted. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And if based on a major league 162 game season, he'd be on his way to hitting .341-38-117 with 30 stolen bases. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Harper will likely settle in to center field this time next year and will bring another potent bat to the Nationals' lineup. A middle-of-the-lineup that features Jayson Werth, Ryan Zimmerman, Michael Morse, Bryan Harper and (possibly) Adam LaRoche will have little trouble scoring runs. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Add a (hopefully) healthy Anthony Rendon and this truly can be a team that contends in 2012.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-69637185663770872462011-05-05T14:28:00.000-06:002011-05-05T14:28:17.456-06:00Stephen Strasburg's Former Catcher Promoted To Potomac <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eastcountysports.com/main/2006-07/college/GCbaseball_mugs/Selik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://www.eastcountysports.com/main/2006-07/college/GCbaseball_mugs/Selik.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selik In Junior College</td></tr>
</tbody></table>That a player was promoted from Low-A Hagerstown to High-A Potomac this early in the season is a surprise to no one. <div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That it wasn't Bryce Harper is.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Twenty-three-year-old Cameron Selik, the Nationals' 22nd round pick in last year's amateur draft, is now with the Potomac Nationals of the Carolina League and should make his first start with the team sometime this weekend. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The San Diego native had a good-but-not great career with the University of Kansas, and began his professional career last summer as a reliever for the short-season Vermont Lake Monsters. In 28 innings, he went 1-0 with a 2.54 ERA, striking out 10.2 per nine-innings while walking 4.1. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He moved into Hagerstown's rotation this year and dominated, going 3-0 in five starts with a minuscule 0.31 ERA (best in all of minor league baseball), striking out 9.3 per nine-innings and dropping his walk rate from 4.1 last year to 0.9 this season. His strikeout-to-walk ration last year was an above average 2.4:1. This year it's 10:1. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">John Sickels said that the 6'3," 240 pounder is a "strong legs" type of pitcher with a decent fastball that tops out at 92 mph and breaking ball with a "nasty" bite to it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2VvJZXj3z4hYzttKe6kaxwluuIOXNIKp11eqjkAeKvVNKVNpQMXiJJwTDcPhLUvUsDHjb8i4-49ODm5e4T-a2w3-OPS90LzTdVJH-RbikxkcbyqCVurW_sjJG4UpM6D_JaYAb_RQV_0/s400/22-Cameron+Selik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2VvJZXj3z4hYzttKe6kaxwluuIOXNIKp11eqjkAeKvVNKVNpQMXiJJwTDcPhLUvUsDHjb8i4-49ODm5e4T-a2w3-OPS90LzTdVJH-RbikxkcbyqCVurW_sjJG4UpM6D_JaYAb_RQV_0/s400/22-Cameron+Selik.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting For The Kansas Jayhawks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A few weeks after Sickels' scouting report was published, Selik hit 95 mph a couple of times in a start against Baylor and he seems finally over his Tommy John Surgery from three years ago. <div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He grew up catching Stephen Strasburg and started his pitching career in junior college as a member of the rotation as well as being one of the team's closers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">MASN's Byron Kerr talked to Suns' play-by-play announcer Bryan Holland who said that "He has a devastating slider that slips low and away. Cameron also has a great differential in speed between his fastball, slider, and changeup. This makes him virtually unhittable when the batter has two strikes on him."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It would seem that Selik has joined the cabal of Nationals' minor league pitchers on the fast track to the major leagues, but a 23-year-old pitcher in the South Atlantic League should dominate the competition.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let's see what happens in Potomac this summer before jumping to any conclusions about his future.</div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-86781485795991394352011-05-03T13:43:00.001-06:002011-05-03T13:44:28.745-06:00South Atlantic League Pitching Can't Contain Bryce Harper<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.nationalsarmrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/harperBryce_hagerstownSuns_Drew-AngererThe-Washington-Times.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" j8="true" src="http://www.nationalsarmrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/harperBryce_hagerstownSuns_Drew-AngererThe-Washington-Times.jpg" width="200" /></a><em>No matter what happens, Bryce Harper won't be playing baseball for the Washington Nationals in 2011.</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">That was the guarantee that came from pretty much every one within the organization. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Too much pressure on the kid, they said.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And a couple of weeks ago, they seemed to be clairvoyant. The kid with his own Sports Illustrated cover was batting .235 and hat just one home run. Since then, though, Harper is proving to be every bit the player we all thought he'd be.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In 32 at-bats since April 21st, Harper is batting .500 with six doubles and five home runs. He's driven in 14 runs. He slugging at a 1.156 clip and his on-base percent is .600.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He's now on pace for a record-setting season that would look like this:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">At-bats: 569</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Runs: 120</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hits: 205</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Doubles: 60</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Triples: 0</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Home runs: 45</div><div style="text-align: justify;">RBI: 150 </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stolen Bases: 30</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Batting Average: 358</div><div style="text-align: justify;">On-Base Percent: .600</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Slugging Percent: .697</div><div style="text-align: justify;">OPS: 1.153</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He's on track to walk 105 times while striking out 150. However, since mid April, he's walking more and striking out less, so those numbers will likely look a great deal different by September.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wouldn't count on the Class-A South Atlantic League pitchers figuring him out anytime soon. They were getting him out easily during the season's first couple of weeks until Harper made an adjustment. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://nbchardballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/bryce-harper-nationals.jpg?w=320" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://nbchardballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/bryce-harper-nationals.jpg?w=320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Harper is obviously dominating Sally League pitching. The question is how long the Nationals will let him remain before he is promoted to High-A Potomac. Right now, game time is little more than enhanced batting practice for the Las Vegas native and isn't helping his development. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Currently, Harper is ninth in the league in batting, third in doubles, home runs and RBI, sixth in on-base percentage and fourth in slugging percent. What makes his production even more impressive is his age. Catcher Chris Wallace has similar numbers (.384-7-24) to Harper but is 23. John Massanari (.388-7-23) is 25. Matt Curry (.375-4-19) is 24.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Bryce Harper is 18 years old and in his first professional season.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">The team is probably beginning to firm up the date when Harper will be promoted to High-A Potomac, and there is little doubt he'll finish the 2011 season at Double-A Harrisburg. Another good spring (remember, he batted .389/.450/.889 this year in Viera) and he could very well find himself as the team's starting center fielder this time next year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">This is a team that could make the jump from bad to good very quickly. With Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg on the team in 2012, just about anything is possible.</div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-49238078101211676002011-04-29T23:03:00.000-06:002011-04-29T23:03:12.719-06:00Marquis Mania in Washington<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/photo/gallery/100220/GAL-10Feb20-3819/media/PHO-10Feb20-208636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" j8="true" src="http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/photo/gallery/100220/GAL-10Feb20-3819/media/PHO-10Feb20-208636.jpg" width="320" /></a>This time last year, Jason Marquis--one of the biggest names to sign with the Washington Nationals in the days before Jason Werth-- had started three games and lost all of them, limping into the clubhouse after that last one with a 20.52 ERA. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">It was obvious that for the first time something was very wrong with his precious right arm. In 12 major league seasons, the 31-year-old had averaged 12 wins per season with a 4.54 ERA. Now, just a season removed from being an All Star, he was the worst starter on a bad team. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Eventually, bone chips were found and surgery was performed. He rejoined the team in August and went 2-6 with a solid 4.29 ERA. Marquis continued that good pitching into 2011; after Friday night's complete game win against the San Francisco Giants, he is now 3-0 with a 2.66 ERA, striking out 6.6 batters per nine-innings while walking just 1.8. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">He is tough, he is a competitor, and last year was the first of his career that he didn't play in the post season. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>He's a winner. </em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Many within the organization were hoping that he'd be healthy enough to trade sometime this summer for a prospect or two. He is, after all, in the final year of his two-year contract. But really, trading Marquis makes no sense at all.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Nationals are expected to begin the 2012 season with a rotation of Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, Ross Detwiler and John Lannan. The fifth spot could easily be filled by Livan Hernandez or one of the young-but-ready kids working their way up the system.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_296w/WashingtonPost/Content/Production/Blogs/nationals-journal/Images/Tigers_Nationals_Spring_Baseball_082f2.jpg?uuid=8OmY_k6AEeCCS83wMsq_Uw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" j8="true" src="http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_296w/WashingtonPost/Content/Production/Blogs/nationals-journal/Images/Tigers_Nationals_Spring_Baseball_082f2.jpg?uuid=8OmY_k6AEeCCS83wMsq_Uw" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">But Marquis should be that man. He's mature, he wants to win and his past record tells a story of a winner. The rotation needs a veteran presence, a guy who runs the clubhouse who can also still win half of his games. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">And that's Jason Marquis. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Before the Washington Nationals can be great, they have to be steady. And to be steady, they must have a pitcher who can be effective every fifth day, someone who can protect the team and give them a chance to win each game he pitches.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Jason Marquis is worth his contract dollars, finally. But to make those millions worthwhile, the Nationals need to extend him for two more years.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">And give the rotation's children a chance to grow up.</div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671180129493883702.post-26652504408564245932011-04-29T14:48:00.000-06:002011-04-29T14:48:33.558-06:00Bryce Harper Looking Better Every Day<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/04/08/bryce-pi_201104080057466_660_320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" j8="true" src="http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2011/04/08/bryce-pi_201104080057466_660_320.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">After a slow start, Hagerstown's Bryce Harper is on a tear. In 62 at-bats, the 19-year-old is batting .323-5-18 for the Class-A Suns.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But take a look at what he's done expanded to 550 at-bats, a typical major league season:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Runs: 126</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Hits: 180</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Doubles: 45</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Triples: 0</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Home Runs: 45</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>RBI: 162</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Stolen Bases: 36</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Walks: 100</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Strikeouts: 153</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>On-Base Percent: .425</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><em>Slugging Percent: .645</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Ten days ago, he was hitting .235. Today, he's pretty much got the South Atlantic League pitchers figured out. Left there for the entire season, my guess is he'd hit somewhere around .325-30-110 with 30 steals. But I think the Nationals will want to challenge him again, possibly moving him up to High-A Potomac in July. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">One thing's for sure though: he's every bit the player we thought he'd be.</div>Farid Rushdihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654439979916844730noreply@blogger.com0