SB Nation - Gaby Sanchez

Baseball America's Top 10 Prospect Lists for 2010

raygu — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:00:13 -0000

In addition to the top 20 Prospect lists that SB Nation's John Sickels is writing up over at Minor League Ball, Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus are working on their top 10, or 11 in the case of BP, prospect lists for 2010.

Today, I give you the Baseball America top 10 prospect lists for 2010 for the National League East teams:

Marlins

1. Mike Stanton, of

2. Logan Morrison, 1b

3. Chad James, lhp

4. Matt Dominguez, 3b

5. Gaby Sanchez, 1b/3b

6. Ryan Tucker, rhp

7. Kyle Skipworth, c

8. Isaac Galloway, of

9. Scott Cousins, of

10. Jhan Marinez, rhp

More after the jump:

Nationals

1. Stephen Strasburg, rhp

2. Derek Norris, c

3. Drew Storen, rhp

4. Ian Desmond, ss

5. Danny Espinosa, ss

6. Chris Marrero, 1b

7. Jeff Kobernus, 2b

8. Justin Maxwell, of

9. Michael Burgess, of

10. Destin Hood, of

Phillies

1. Domonic Brown, of

2. Kyle Drabek, rhp

3. Michael Taylor, of

4. Travis D'Arnaud, c

5. Trevor May, rhp

6. Anthony Gose, of

7. Sebastian Valle, c

8. Jarred Cosart, rhp

9. Antonio Bastardo, lhp

10. Domingo Santana, of

Mets

1. Jenrry Mejia, rhp

2. Wilmer Flores, ss

3. Fernando Martinez, of

4. Ike Davis, 1b

5. Brad Holt, rhp

6. Jon Niese, lhp

7. Reese Havens, 2b/ss

8. Josh Thole, c

9. Ruben Tejada, 2b/ss

10. Juan Urbina, lhp

Braves

1. Jason Heyward, of

2. Freddie Freeman, 1b

3. Julio Teheran, rhp

4. Mike Minor, lhp

5. Craig Kimbrel, rhp

6. Christian Bethancourt, c

7. Randall Delgado, rhp

8. Zeke Spruill, rhp

9. Cody Johnson, of

10. Adam Milligan, of

MLB Trade Rumors: Marlins Listening to Offers for Ricky Nolasco??

raygu — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:00:20 -0000

by Wilfredo Lee - AP

2 months ago: Florida Marlins' Ricky Nolasco delivers a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

View full size photo »

Yesterday ESPN's Buster Olney tweeted that the several teams have talked to the Marlins about the availability of Ricky Nolasco and Jorge Cantu. Here is is tweet:

Spoken with teams about Florida's arb.-eligible trade bait, and there clearly is major interest in Jorge Cantu and Ricky Nolasco. about 8 hours ago from web

It appears that the Marlins are listening to offers for all of their arbitration eligible players including Dan Uggla, who is almost certain to be wearing a different uniform by Christmas. Should the Marlins deal Cantu, they will be left with Emilio Bonafacio at either 3B or 2B (should Chris Coghlan stay in LF), and either 1B prospects Logan Morrison or Gaby Sanchez to play 1B. The Marlins have a 3B prospect Matt Dominguez but he is not yet ready with the bat, but is certainly major league ready with his glove.

Trading Nolasco, who had a terrible first two months of 2009 and returned to form after being sent down to the minors, should net the Marlins some top major league ready prospects. Nolasco pitched better than his 2009 stats indicate, so there should be many teams looking to deal for him.

Who are those teams? I would guess that the Mets, Cubs (he was drafted by the Cubs), Brewers, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Rockies would have some interest from the National League. I wouldn't be surprised to see the two of them packaged to the same team for several prospects.

Could the Brewers send a package headlined by Mat Gamel for Nolasco and Cantu? How about the Dodgers with a package around Chris Withrow and James Loney? The Diamondbacks could offer a change of scenery for struggling outfielder Chris Young.

Poll

Where is Ricky Nolasco more likely to pitch in 2010?

Brewers-in a deal involving Mat Gamel

38 votes

Dodgers-in a deal around Chris Withrow

31 votes

Diamondbacks-for Chris Young?

18 votes

Marlins-they wait till June 2010 to deal him

64 votes

151 votes | Poll has closed

First It Rains, Then It Pours, Washington Nationals Whipped, 11-3 By Florida Marlins.

Ed Chigliak — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 05:52:48 -0000

More photos » by Wilfredo Lee - AP

3 months ago: Washington Nationals' Marco Estrada delivers a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Florida Marlins on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

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A three hour and ten minute game after a two hour and thirty-minute rain delay is enough to test any fan's patience, and an 11-3 loss that featured the end-of-'09 Syracuse Chiefs' bullpen marching out to the mound to get pounded one after another got old real quick. The difference early was that the Marlins were cashing in on the runners Marco Estrada let on, or at least Jorge Cantu was. Hanley Ramirez K’d looking and hit into a force in his first two RBI chances tonight and Cantu followed Ramirez with a 3-run HR in the first after a leadoff single by Chris Coghlan and a walk to Nick Johnson, and a two-run double in the third for a 5-1 lead that chased Estrada after the right-hander gave up back to back walks to Coghlan and Johnson to start the frame. Estrada's out with one down in the third, having thrown 61 pitches, 35 for strikes and allowed 3 hits and 5 ER.

The Nationals, however, when it was still a game, came up short in several opportunities. Ian Desmond walked his way on in the first and Ryan Zimmerman singled, but Adam Dunn followed with his 159th K of '09, and Josh Willingham struck out to let Marlins' starter Anibal Sanchez off the hook on a first and second, no-out chance. Ian Desmond doubled to start the third, but only got within 90ft of home before he was stranded. In the fifth, after Ryan Zimmerman hit into a double play with Willie Harris on second and Ian Desmond at first, Adam Dunn finally cashed one in, scoring Harris from third with an RBI double to make it 5-2. By the end of the sixth though, once Logan Kensing had given up 3 runs on a solo home run, a single and a two-run blast before he recorded an out, the game was completely out of reach, then Victor Garate, who allowed a solo HR and a two-out double in his DC debut gave up an RBI double and a sac fly to score two in the seventh and Zack Segovia, who gave up a grand slam in his first appearance with Washington, surrendered a leadoff triple, a walk and a sac fly to start the eighth before retiring the next two Marlins in order.

Marlins win, 11-3 final.

Miss The Game? The DC Faithful Stuck With It...

Check Out The SB Nation's Florida Marlins Blog: FishStripes - Open Thread And Ichthyomancy.

"Game 142: Another Fun Collapse" - by Doghouse

BACKPAGE:

• Maxwell And Desmond Get It Done.

For The Completists, Full Game Report After The JUMP...

Nationals now 49-93. (Countdown To 100 Losses Stands At...7.)

• Maxwell And Desmond Get It Done.

The Nationals’ one early run comes on a big opposite field blast by Justin Maxwell, his first of the season, and it goes out to deeeep right to leadoff the second, and Maxwell comes back with his second of the year on a second-deck job to left in the the eighth when the Nationals are already down 10-2. Ian Desmond was 4 for 4 with a walk tonight, and two games into his MLB career, the 23-year-old rookie shortstop is 6 for 8 with 3 doubles, 1 HR and 4 RBI's, and he also made slick play on a grounder from Hanley Ramirez with runners on first and second in the third, sliding to his right side to field a sharp grounder and throwing from his back to get a force at third. Ryan Zimmerman goes 1 for 5 with 2 K's and the Nationals' third baseman strands 6, grounding into two double plays for 22 GIDP in '09, good for 4th in the NL behind Kevin Kouzmanoff (25), Yadier Molina (26) and Miguel Tejada (28).

GAME REPORT:

Florida Marlins At Washington Nationals. Game 142 Of 162.

Anibal Sanchez gets Willie Harris looking to start the first, then issues a one-out walk to Ian Desmond, who’s starting at short tonight in Florida. Ryan Zimmerman moves Desmond up with a single to right. Adam Dunn K’s chasing a 2-2 fastball outside for out number two. Two on, two out for Josh Willingham. The Hammer gets a two-strike change and K’s way out in front...Marco Estrada, the DC right-hander making his debut as a starter, gives up a leadoff single to Chris Coghlan who snaps a grounder through second. Nick Johnson doesn’t see anything he likes, and the ump agrees. Single and a walk to put two on for Hanley Ramirez. Estrada gets squeezed on the inside corner when he "misses" with a 2-2 heater, but he hits the outside edge to get Hanley Ramirez looking with two on and no one out, uh, before the K, that is. Jorge Cantu battles and finally gets a fastball up that goes out in a hurry for a 3-0 Marlins’ lead early. The Mustachioed John Baker takes a two-strike fastball. Dan Uggla doesn’t see the 1-2 curve coming and it’s 3-0 Fish after one.

Justin Maxwell starts the second with a fly, ball, to, right and GONE!!! J-Max hits one all the way the other way into the second deck in right. 3-1 ballgame. Josh Bard grounds out to second, but Alberto Gonzalez gets one through the middle of the infield for a one-out single. Marco Estrada gets down a good enough bunt for Gonzalez to move up. Willie Harris pops out to third to end the Nationals’ second...Cody Ross rips a low liner to third, but that’s where Zimmerman plays. Brett Carroll pops out to second. Marco Estrada gets the opposing pitcher swinging.

Ian Desmond doubles off the old-timey scoreboard in left, sliding in headfirst ahead of Coghlan’s throw. Ryan Zimmerman K’s chasing an 0-2 heater outside. Adam Dunn hits a weak grounder toward third to at least move Desmond up. Josh Willingham walks in front of Justin Maxwell. J-Max flies out to Brett Carroll in short right...Chris Coghlan walks to start the Marlins’ third. Nick Johnson takes the second straight walk. Hanley Ramirez grounds to short, Ian Desmond makes a sliding play and throw to third for the force from his back. Jorge Cantu knocks Estrada out with a two-run double to the left-center gap for a 5-1 Florida lead. John Baker grounds back to the mound as DC righty Saul Rivera settles things down. Ian Desmond can’t barehand a weak grounder up the middle by Dan Uggla, but Cantu almost gets nailed going to far around third. Cody Ross up with runners on first and third. Ross swings through a two-strike change.

Josh Bard grounds out to start the fourth. Alberto Gonzalez hits a low liner to Uggla at second. Pinch hitter Jesus Flores flies deeep to right, but Cody Ross robs him with a catch as he hits the wall...Ross Detwiler gets back into the action for the first time since his September call-up. Detwiler vs Brett Carroll. Carroll grounds out to Desmond at short to start the bottom of the fourth. Detwiler walks Anibal Sanchez. Chris Coghlan pops out over the mound. Nick Johnson grounds out to Dunn to end the fourth.

Willie Harris walks to start the fifth and moves up a base when Ian Desmond smacks a single through second. Ryan Zimmerman grounds to short, Hanley Ramirez to Dan Uggla to Nick Johnson double play. Adam Dunn lines a single up the middle to score Harris from third, 5-2 Marlins. Josh Willingham vs Anibal Sanchez. Hammer walks and Sanchez is out. Tim Wood gets Justin Maxwell to chase strike three to end the DC fifth...Hanley Ramirez takes a leadoff walk in front of Cantu. Cantu flies out to Willie Harris in straight center. John Baker goes the other way with a line drive out to left. Dan Uggla shatters his bat lining out to first.

Josh Bard starts the sixth at the plate. Fly ball to left for the first out. Tim Wood gets a ground ball to second for Dan Uggla to handle. Jorge Padilla K’s in a pinch hit appearance...Logan Kensing takes over for DC and gives up a HR to left to Cody Ross for a 6-2 lead in the sixth. Brett Carroll hits a single to center. Gaby Sanchez gets hold of a hanging slider over the middle and he hits it real far, two-run HR, 8-2 Marlins. Chris Coghlan grounds out to first. Willie Harris hits the wall hard while catching Nick Johnson’s deep fly. Logan Kensing gets a line drive to short from Hanley Ramirez to end the sixth.

Brendan Donnelly gets Willie Harris to drill one straight down for the catcher to handle. Ian Desmond rips a one-out double to left on a line drive. Zimmerman swings through a two-strike fastball inside. Adam Dunn will not swing at the fastball outside, even with two strikes...Victor Garate takes over for the Nationals against Jorge Cantu. Leadoff walk. John Baker gets hit by a pitch. Dan Uggla flies out to left. Cody Ross doubles off the wall in left center to score one. 9-2. Brett Carroll flies out to center to score Baker. 10-2. Pinch hitter Wes Helms flies to left to end the seventh.

Josh Willingham K’s to start the eighth. J-Max hits a flat-out bomb off Matt Lindstrom!!! Deeeeep to left and into the upper deck!! One to each side tonight. 10-3 Florida. Josh Bard flies out to left. Alberto Gonzalez lines to center to end the Nationals’ eighth...Zack Segovia takes over for DC. Chris Coghlan triples to the wall in center, and probably could’ve scored on an error on a throw in. Nick Johnson walks and is replaced by Andy Gonzalez. Hanley Ramirez hits a sac fly to center. 11-3 Marlins. Jorge Cantu takes strike three. John Baker grounds out to first to end the eighth.

Renyel Pinto’s on to end it. Pinch Hittin’ Pete Orr singles through short to start the ninth. Willie Harris flies out to left. Ian Desmond singles on a short fly to right that drops in front of Brett Carroll. Ryan Zimmerman grounds to second, Dan Uggla tags Desmond and throws to first, double play to end it. 11-3 Marlins win.

Nationals now 49-93.

2009 Trade Deadline Preview: Florida Marlins

Brendan Scolari — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:15:08 -0000

More photos » by Jeffrey Boan - AP

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Buyers or sellers?

The Marlins are 6.5 games behind the division leading Phillies with a 51-48 record. That is a bit of a gap to make up but they are also only 3.5 games behind the Rockies in the Wildcard race. Marlins' executives have said that they will be buyers, but given their standing in the playoff races that decision could really come down to how the play in the next week. Their performance in that time frame could determine whether they are selling off veterans or adding pieces in an attempt to make the playoffs. The most likely scenario though is probably that the Marlins stand pat and wait to see how the season plays out.

Short-term need

Other than Hanley Ramirez there isn't another standout position player on the Marlins right now. That said, the most logical spots for an upgrade right now are at either corner outfield spot or at third base. Jeremy Hermida's atrocious defense takes away all of his value offensively and Chris Coghlan hasn't hit enough to help the team. The Marlins have tried other options in the outfield such as Cameron Maybin and Alejandro De Aza but they aren't helping either. At third the platoon of Wes Helms and Emilio Bonafacio isn't working as neither of them have done anything offensively. A big bat at any of these three positions would go a long way in helping the offense.

On the mound Josh Johnson and a recovered Ricky Nolasco form a fiersome duo at the top of the rotation. The problem is that beyond them there is a huge dropoff. Chris Volstad has been solid but Andrew Miller had to be demoted to Triple-A and there hasn't been a set fifth starter. An established starting pitcher would give the rotation a boost but the Marlins aren't likely to go after a rental player such as Jarrod Washburn. Unless they shoot for an ace they might not be able to find a replacement that is a definite upgrade.

The Marlins also haven't gotten much out of their bullpen. Closer Matt Lindstrom is currently on the DL but was too wild to be effective even when he was healthy. Kiko Calero has been the team's best reliever and Burke Badenhop and Leo Nunex have also done solid work. This might be the easiest area for the Marlins to trade for an upgrade wthout paying too much in either prospects or salary.

Long-term need

For the long term the Marlins shouldn't have too many positional needs if most of the prospects develop as planned. The infield should have John Baker, Hanley Ramirez, Matt Dominguez, and either Logan Morrison or Gaby Sanchez at first base. That means the only open spot is at second base where Dan Uggla will likely move on in the next few years. The outfield should be filled by some combination of Cameron Maybin, Chris Coghlan, Cody Ross, Jeremy Hermida, and Michael Stanton.

So that means that the Marlins need to focus on improving their pitching. They have some young arms for the rotation but given the team's extremely low payroll there's no telling how long they will be able to keep guys like Johnson and Nolasco. That means the farm system needs to keep churning out pitchers, something it lacks right now. The bullpen also needs work as there aren't any shutdown relievers in the organization. Signing late inning relievers is expensive on the open market so the Marlins will have to use some pitchers from inside the organization to fill out the 'pen.

Big leaguers on the market?

Unless the Marlins front office decides to be sellers there shouldn't be many major leaguers on the market. If they are, Dan Uggla and Jeremy Hermida could both find their way out of town to save the team money for next season. But if the Marlins are buyers then those two are probably staying. The most likely candidates on the major league roster would be guys who are bouncing back and forth from the minor leagues like Gaby Sanchez and Andrew Miller. Either of them could be traded for upgrades at key positions if the Marlins decide this is their year to make a run at the playoffs.

Minor league strength

The Marlins have a strong farm system with a number of possible impact players within arm's reach of the big leagues. However, most of these players are positon players, not pitchers. Their top pitching prospects, Ryan Tucker and Sean West, haven't lived up to expectations so far this year (Tucker because of injuries and West because of general ineffectiveness).

The impact hitters include Cameron Maybin, Logan Morrison, Michael Stanton, and Matt Dominguez. Maybin was one of the key players in the Miguel Cabrera trade with the Tigers. He's a very toolsy center fielder who is still developing his hitting skills at Triple-A but should be a full-time starter by next year. Morrison is a slugging first baseman with outstanding plate discipline. He missed two months of the season but has walked 39 times so far this year and has only 25 strikeouts. Stanton is an outfielder with light tower power but a huge strikeout problem. He hit 39 homeruns last year in Single-A at age 18 and has 21 homeruns between High-A and Double-A this year in only 320 at bats. The problem is he's also struck out 95 times, so he's going to have a tough time hitting for a high avetage in the majors. Finally, Matt Dominguez is a stellar defensive third baseman who's also holding his own offensively in High-A at only 19 years of age. The Marlin's offensive future looks very bright.

Take on short-term money to win?

While it looks like the Marlins might try to add a player or two at the deadline, they don't want to add much salary. If they trade for a player with a large contract they would probably need the other team to pay for most of it.

For more coverage of the Marlins, check out Fishstripes.

Here Come The Marlins

Eric Stephen — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:01:09 -0000

More photos » by Lenny Ignelzi - AP

Hanley Ramirez leads his Florida Marlins into LA for the weekend.

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Hanley Ramirez, Josh Johnson, and the Florida Marlins come to Los Angeles for a three-game series at Dodger Stadium starting Friday night. Both clubs had Thursday off, so they will likely be well rested. Both are coming off sweeps; the Marlins just took three straight in San Diego, and five of Florida's last eight series have resulted in a sweep.

Just like the Dodgers, a Ramirez is the Marlins' best player. Hanley is a true superstar -- he has started at shortstop for the National League in the last two All-Star games -- quietly having his best season. Ramirez is leading the league in batting average, hitting .348/.411/.563, with a 4.16 wOBA, and is fifth in MLB in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) with 4.5 (just slightly behind Matt Kemp, by the way).

Old friend Cody Ross still mans centerfield for Florida, and as Joe Frisaro of MLB.com recently noted, Ross was once part of a Dodger minor league outfield with potential:

"[Shane] Victorino, [Jayson] Werth and me, we all clicked," Ross said. "All three of us were in Las Vegas. Me and Victorino were in the outfield. Werth came down on rehab assignments.

"We'd hang out in Spring Training. Those guys became pretty good friends of mine, and we'd keep in touch, even in the offseason."

Heralded corner infield prospect Gaby Sanchez was recalled on Monday, but so far has been limited to pinch-hitting duty. Meanwhile, the Marlins continue to play one of the worst players in baseball, Emilio Bonifacio, at third base. Among those qualified for the batting title, only three players have a lower WAR than Bonifacio's -0.4 (yikes, Vernon Wells!). Bonifacio is below replacement level as a player, yet his in penciled into the first or second spot in the Marlins' batting order nearly every day. He is seventh in the NL with 410 PA.

The Marlins' pitching is headlined by Josh Johnson, the 25-year old ace of the staff. He is 8-2 with a 2.74 ERA, a 2.90 FIP and a 3.37 x-FIP. Over the last two years, Johnson's winning percentage (.833, 15-3) is the best in baseball among pitchers with 15 or more decisions.

Closer Matt Lindstrom struggled mightily (6.52 ERA, 1.897 WHIP) but is currently on the disabled list. The remainder of the Marlins' bullpen has performed well, led by flamethrowers. Leo Nunez, Dan Meyer, Kiko Calero, and Renyel Pinto have combined for 151 strikeouts in 149.1 innings.

Over the past few years, the Marlins' reputation has been that of a poor defensive club. They have improved this year somewhat, but have been sunk defensively by unlikely source. As Juan Rodriguez of the Florida Sun-Sentinel reported, the defensive problem has been on the mound:

"At most of the positions [the Marlins] don't look anything way above average or below average with the exception of pitchers," said Ben Jedlovec, a research analyst at BIS. "Their pitching staff, when you break it down by the individual components, they haven't been holding runners very well. A lot of guys have been taking off based on the pitcher. ... What really weighs down the pitching staff is that they haven't been fielding the position very well."

Marlins pitchers have committed 10 errors, tied for fourth most in the NL, even though they do not field as many balls as the average pitcher.

2009 Marlins
Record	49-47, 3rd NL East, 6 GB
Pythag Record	46-50 (10th in NL)
Runs Scored	4.49/gm (5th in NL)
wOBA	.317 (12th in NL)
Runs Allowed	4.66/gm (9th in NL)
FIP	4.07 (7th in NL)
Defensive Efficiency	.692 (19th in NL)

**********

Fish Stripes is the SB Nation Marlins blog. Here are some recent posts:

Craig noted the Marlins shared a hotel in San Diego with some attendees of Comic-Con
A look at the Marlins' recent struggles -- well the non-Hanley Marlins -- with runners in scoring position
Why was Gaby Sanchez called up?

**********

The Dodgers won two of three in Florida back in May, including a near no-hitter by Friday's starter, Clayton Kershaw.

May 15: Dodgers 6, Marlins 4

May 16: Marlins 6, Dodgers 3

May 17: Dodgers 12, Marlins 5

**********

Pitching Probables

Friday: Clayton Kershaw (8-5, 3.41 FIP) vs. Josh Johnson (8-2, 2.90 FIP)

Saturday: Hiroki Kuroda (3-5, 3.83 FIP) vs. Rick VandenHurk (1-0, 7.12 FIP)

Sunday: Jason Schmidt (1-0, 4.72 FIP) vs. Chris Volstad (7-9, 4.78 FIP)

I will be there on Sunday covering the game.

SBNation's NL East Midseason Blogger Roundtable - Part 1

WholeCamels — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:38:10 -0000

More photos » by Tom Mihalek - AP

Will the Phillies' All-Star outfield lead them to a second straight National League pennant? (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

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Over the All-Star Break, the NL East bloggers at SBNation held an online roundtable discussion looking back at the first half of the season, and looking forward to the second half. You can see our pre-season roundtable here. Part 2 coming tomorrow...

The Bloggers:

• Moderator - Sky Kalkman - (Beyond the Box score)

Peter Baker (The Good Phight) - SBN Philadelphia Phillies blog

Martin Gandy (Talking Chop) - SBN Atlanta Braves blog

Eric Simon (Amazin' Avenue) - SBN New York Mets blog

Ed Chigliak (Federal Baseball) - SBN Washington Nationals blog

Craig Strain (Fish Stripes) - SBN Florida Marlins blog

• Part 1: Trade Deadline -

• Sky Kalkman (Moderator): Which teams, under which circumstances, will be buyers over the next three weeks? How about sellers? If there are any undecideds, what will be the tipping point?

Ed Chigliak (Federal Baseball): Unless the Nationals' "Acting" GM was trying to force potential buyers' hands last week when he said there would be no fire sale in Washington, a lot of the potential deals that have been discussed involving players on the DC roster might fail to materialize. Mr. Rizzo said unequivocally that Adam Dunn would not be traded and wondered aloud why anyone would want to trade Josh Willingham, and with no real major league ready first base prospect in the system, I'm really hoping they don't trade Nick Johnson, because even a half season with Adam Dunn at first gives me nightmares, and right now it's Dunn, Josh Willingham or they call up Brad Eldred from Triple A Syracuse...

Eric Simon (Amazin' Avenue): Unless there is reasonable hope that a few of their injured stars will return soon, the Mets should be sellers at this season's trade deadline. That may be a tough thing to admit for a team with the highest payroll in the National League, but it's worth seeing what guys like Gary Sheffield, Pedro Feliciano and Francisco Rodriguez might bring back. I suppose if the Mets come back from the All-Star break and go on a nice winning streak that the priorities could change, but regardless of their proximity to first place I am never an proponent of trading a boatload of promising youngsters for a middling veteran who will add little real on-field value over the final two months of the season (see: DeRosa, Mark).

Peter Baker (The Good Phight): The Phillies are definitely buyers and have been linked with virtually every major trade target out there, which is a weird feeling for someone who has been a Phillies fan as long as I have. As I write this, Pedro Martinez is allegedly on his way to Philadelphia for a physical; while that's not "the answer" I think it's a creative solution for the back end of the rotation. I'd love to see them push big for Roy Halladay but fear how badly they'd have to gut the farm system in order to get him.

Craig Strain (FishStripes): Waiting and watching. The Marlins are four games out of first with a four game set against the Phillies immediately after the break. If when the smoke clears from that series and the Marlins are tied for first, they may be a buyer. However, if the Marlins are eight games out resulting from it, they will probably stand pat. If it turns out to be something in between, the Fish would be cautious but shopping.

More after the jump...

• Sky Kalkman (Moderator): What holes will teams be looking to fill? What are the biggest holes they *SHOULD* be looking to fill but don't seem to be concerned about? Which holes from the first half can be plugged internally, perhaps by improvement the same player?

Eric Simon (Amazin' Avenue): If the Mets wind up buying at the deadline, their needs will be dictated by the names on their disabled list. If Carlos Delgado is no closer to returning, then a potent bat at first base should be at the top of their wish list. Alex Cora's weaknesses (his hitting and fielding, e.g.) have been exposed by regular playing time, and the Mets could use someone a little better in the event that Jose Reyes isn't ready to return. Same story with Carlos Beltran. Jeremy Reed and Angel Pagan likely aren't going to be comforting answers to the question, "How do you replace the best all-around centerfielder in baseball?" The truth is they could use a guy like Ryan Church, who is better suited to a corner spot but won't embarrass himself defensively in center (and his bat plays better there anyway). Do you think the Braves would consider dealing him for someone like Jeff Francoeur? Nah, they're not stupid.

Ed Chigliak (Federal Baseball): If the Nationals are going to insist on keeping Austin Kearns on the roster, it would be nice if he stepped up as one of the players who could provide help from within the organization...that's looking less and less likely though as he's been reduced to a late-inning defensive replacement...an expensive one...the biggest change of all could come from within if they simply cut down on the errors. 82 first-half errors? And it's obscene how many of those errors directly led to losses. The Nationals have plenty of young starters in the system, but they're lacking in legitimate outfielders and major-league-ready bullpen arms. Any moves this season will be bringing back young relief pitching I'd suspect, and Mr. Rizzo likes sinker-ballers...

Martin Gandy (Talking Chop): The Braves are going to be buyers if they do anything, but they may stand pat. They don't have a lot left in the minors that they want to trade, and there doesn't seem to be anything on the market that really fits their needs -- a big middle of the order bat who is affordable. I can see the team getting another arm for the bullpen, as they have been overused quite a bit and could benefit from a fresh arm.

Peter Baker (The Good Phight): The Phillies need another starting pitcher, and ideally a right-handed bench bat. Every late game, high-leverage Eric Bruntlett at-bat gives me a sad.

Craig Strain (FishStripes): The Marlins front office is looking for a closer and/or some more bullpen help. What they should be doing is demoting Bonifacio and fixing the hole that he creates, both in the field and at the plate. Third base can be fixed internally by calling up Gaby Sanchez to replace Bonifacio.

• Sky Kalkman (Moderator): Who are the most popular trade targets for those holes? Any targets flying under the radar? Any targets your team is especially intrigued in? Any popular names they're backing away from? Any rumors you'd like to start?

Ed Chigliak (Federal Baseball): I was already laying the groundwork for a Nick Johnson to San Francisco for Jonathan Sanchez rumor since Sanchez was struggling all season and a Johnson deal seems regrettably inevitable, then Sanchez had to go and ruin it with his no-hitter this week. I can't think of an instance of a pitcher with a no-hitter being traded in the same year he threw a no-no...unless you count DC starter (currently Triple A Syracuse starter) Shairon Martis, who threw a rule-shortened no-no in the '06 WBC and was traded to Washington that summer...

Peter Baker (The Good Phight): The above-named Roy Halladay, and I'd like to see them inquire with the Reds about Aaron Harang, too.

Eric Simon (Amazin' Avenue): Adam Dunn's name is always out there; that he has the flexibility to play both first base and left field -- albeit poorly in both cases -- makes him attractive in Delgado's absence. Victor Martinez would be a nice get, as he could help them at first for the remainder of this season and at catcher beyond 2009.

Craig Strain (FishStripes): The most mentioned on the reliever front has been Matt Capps, but Pittsburgh doesn't want what the Marlins are offering and Capps wants to stay with the Pirates.

• Sky Kalkman (Moderator): Which prospects and young major leaguers are most likely to change hands? Any that teams have deemed off-limits?

Martin Gandy (Talking Chop): The Braves have traded away an entire starting lineup of prospects over the past two years, and the result is most of their prospects are lower in the minors and probably not useful as trade chips. The two top guys, Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman, are so far off-limits it's not funny.

Ed Chigliak (Federal Baseball): The Nationals already moved a 24-year-old outfielder, Lastings Milledge, who has now quickly fallen out of favor with two organizations...I don't think the Nationals will be moving prospects, the system is just approaching being rebuilt. I'd expect if the Mets try to go for Nick Johnson they'll have to part with some of their young pitchers...Omar Minaya already traded for him once?

Peter Baker (The Good Phight): J.A. Happ has been mentioned in about half of the Roy Halladay trade scenarios, with Kyle Drabek the centerpiece in the other half. One of more of solid Triple-A prospects Carlos Carrasco, Lou Marson, and Jason Donald are likely to go in any trade. I can't really imagine any of the regulars being traded but for a major multi-team blockbuster of some kind.

Eric Simon (Amazin' Avenue): Fernando Martinez's name always comes up, but if the Mets didn't part with him for Johan Santana I can't see them doing so for anyone else. LHP Jon Niese is pitching really well in Triple-A and should really be with the Mets right now, but Mets management is inept so I can't say I'd be surprised to see him dealt for some well-traveled spare part.

Craig Strain (FishStripes): Logan Morrison and Mike Stanton are untouchable.

• Sky Kalkman (Moderator): Why he heck would the Braves be looking to trade Javier Vazquez? Sure, they need offense, but without him, they don't have a shot at the playoffs, do they?

Martin Gandy (Talking Chop): Should I take this one? I'll take this one... The Braves need a big bat, on the order of Teixeira or close. The Braves also have Tim Hudson coming back from injury, and that leaves them with a potential for 6 starters for next season (Vazquez, Hudson, Jurrjens, Lowe, Kawakami, and Hanson). The consensus is that Vazquez has done nothing but increase his trade value quite a bit since coming over for essentially one top-prospect (Tyler Flowers). There are so many teams that need a top starter that the Braves may have the opportunity to get better than excellent return for Vazquez, and with Hudson returning not lose that much in the rotation. This gets even more interesting if the other top two starters with the potential to get traded, Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay, are taken off the market. GM Frank Wren just might get an offer he can't refuse. My thought would be a top prospect, a major league bat, and another solid prospect.

Ed Chigliak (Federal Baseball): I wish the Expos/Nationals had never traded Vazquez, though I wouldn't have been able to watch Nick Johnson these last years...

Peter Baker (The Good Phight): I don't know why the Braves would trade Vazquez. You win games by preventing runs and/or scoring them. Vazquez has been terrific so far, he's obviously found some kind of comfortable niche, and I think it'd be dumb to disrupt that. It's easier to find good hitters than good pitchers.

Eric Simon (Amazin' Avenue): I'm with Martin here. Vazquez's value is very high right now and the if the Braves don't think they'll compete down the stretch this year it behooves them to test the market because they do expect to have Tim Hudson back next year. I can't see Frank Wren moving someone as productive as Vazquez unless he's blown away, however, so smart money is probably on him staying put.

Craig Strain (FishStripes): TBS doesn't show the Braves games anymore, so how the heck should I know.

•Sky Kalkman (Moderator): Without any trade-deadline moves, what has to happen for your team to win the division? How much more likely is your team to make the playoffs by plugging its holes or adding an impact player?

Ed Chigliak (Federal Baseball): I'll be brief and get out of the way so the teams with actual playoff prospects can discuss this...There's no way DC wins the division or makes the playoffs. The Nationals may, however provide someone with the impact player they're looking for...

Peter Baker (The Good Phight): At this point, stay the course and hope they don't get injured, while simultaneously hoping that none of the Mets, Braves, or Marlins get hot. Any one of them could, but it's really the Phillies' race to lose at this point.

Eric Simon (Amazin' Avenue): All of their injured players need to come back and perform. It's as simple as that. I think 2009 is a lost cause for the Mets and they should probably start selling off whatever parts have value.

Craig Strain (FishStripes): If the Marlins stand pat, and fix a couple of problems internally, that is about as good of a chance as they have to make the playoffs. And oh, figure out how to beat the Braves.

SB Nation's Mid-Season NL EAST Roundtable...Washington Nationals Edition - Part 1.

Ed Chigliak — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:30:13 -0000

More photos » by Alex Brandon - AP

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Note: Over the last week or so, the SB Nation's NL East bloggers have been participating in a roundtable discussion about what we've all season in the first-half of the '09 campaign. The proceedings were moderated by Sky Kalkman of the SB Nation's Saber-Slanted Baseball Community Beyond the Box Score...(Thanks, Sky.)

The cast of characters:

• Moderator - Sky Kalkman - (Beyond the Box score)

Peter Baker (The Good Phight) - SBN Philadelphia Phillies blog

Martin Gandy (Talking Chop) - SBN Atlanta Braves blog

Eric Simon (Amazin' Avenue) - SBN New York Mets blog

Ed Chigliak (Federal Baseball) - SBN Washington Nationals blog

Craig Strain (Fish Stripes) - SBN Florida Marlins blog

• Part 1: Trade Deadline - (After The JUMP)...

• Part 1: Trade Deadline -

• Sky Kalkman (Moderator): Which teams, under which circumstances, will be buyers over the next three weeks? How about sellers? If there are any undecideds, what will be the tipping point?

Ed Chigliak (Federal Baseball): Unless the Nationals' "Acting" GM was trying to force potential buyers' hands last week when he said there would be no fire sale in Washington, a lot of the potential deals that have been discussed involving players on the DC roster might fail to materialize. Mr. Rizzo said unequivocally that Adam Dunn would not be traded and wondered aloud why anyone would want to trade Josh Willingham, and with no real major league ready first base prospect in the system, I'm really hoping they don't trade Nick Johnson, because even a half season with Adam Dunn at first gives me nightmares, and right now it's Dunn, Josh Willingham or they call up Brad Eldred from Triple A Syracuse...

Eric Simon (Amazin' Avenue): Unless there is reasonable hope that a few of their injured stars will return soon, the Mets should be sellers at this season's trade deadline. That may be a tough thing to admit for a team with the highest payroll in the National League, but it's worth seeing what guys like Gary Sheffield, Pedro Feliciano and Francisco Rodriguez might bring back. I suppose if the Mets come back from the All-Star break and go on a nice winning streak that the priorities could change, but regardless of their proximity to first place I am never an proponent of trading a boatload of promising youngsters for a middling veteran who will add little real on-field value over the final two months of the season (see: DeRosa, Mark).

Peter Baker (The Good Phight): The Phillies are definitely buyers and have been linked with virtually every major trade target out there, which is a weird feeling for someone who has been a Phillies fan as long as I have. As I write this, Pedro Martinez is allegedly on his way to Philadelphia for a physical; while that's not "the answer" I think it's a creative solution for the back end of the rotation. I'd love to see them push big for Roy Halladay but fear how badly they'd have to gut the farm system in order to get him.

Craig Strain (FishStripes): Waiting and watching. The Marlins are four games out of first with a four game set against the Phillies immediately after the break. If when the smoke clears from that series and the Marlins are tied for first, they may be a buyer. However, if the Marlins are eight games out resulting from it, they will probably stand pat. If it turns out to be something in between, the Fish would be cautious but shopping.

Eric Simon (Amazin' Avenue): If the Mets wind up buying at the deadline, their needs will be dictated by the names on their disabled list. If Carlos Delgado is no closer to returning, then a potent bat at first base should be at the top of their wish list. Alex Cora's weaknesses (his hitting and fielding, e.g.) have been exposed by regular playing time, and the Mets could use someone a little better in the event that Jose Reyes isn't ready to return. Same story with Carlos Beltran. Jeremy Reed and Angel Pagan likely aren't going to be comforting answers to the question, "How do you replace the best all-around centerfielder in baseball?" The truth is they could use a guy like Ryan Church, who is better suited to a corner spot but won't embarrass himself defensively in center (and his bat plays better there anyway). Do you think the Braves would consider dealing him for someone like Jeff Francoeur? Nah, they're not stupid.

Ed Chigliak (Federal Baseball): If the Nationals are going to insist on keeping Austin Kearns on the roster, it would be nice if he stepped up as one of the players who could provide help from within the organization...that's looking less and less likely though as he's been reduced to a late-inning defensive replacement...an expensive one...the biggest change of all could come from within if they simply cut down on the errors. 82 first-half errors? And it's obscene how many of those errors directly led to losses. The Nationals have plenty of young starters in the system, but they're lacking in legitimate outfielders and major-league-ready bullpen arms. Any moves this season will be bringing back young relief pitching I'd suspect, and Mr. Rizzo likes sinker-ballers...

Martin Gandy (Talking Chop): The Braves are going to be buyers if they do anything, but they may stand pat. They don't have a lot left in the minors that they want to trade, and there doesn't seem to be anything on the market that really fits their needs -- a big middle of the order bat who is affordable. I can see the team getting another arm for the bullpen, as they have been overused quite a bit and could benefit from a fresh arm.

Peter Baker (The Good Phight): The Phillies need another starting pitcher, and ideally a right-handed bench bat. Every late game, high-leverage Eric Bruntlett at-bat gives me a sad.

Craig Strain (FishStripes): The Marlins front office is looking for a closer and/or some more bullpen help. What they should be doing is demoting Bonifacio and fixing the hole that he creates, both in the field and at the plate. Third base can be fixed internally by calling up Gaby Sanchez to replace Bonifacio.

Ed Chigliak (Federal Baseball): I was already laying the groundwork for a Nick Johnson to San Francisco for Jonathan Sanchez rumor since Sanchez was struggling all season and a Johnson deal seems regrettably inevitable, then Sanchez had to go and ruin it with his no-hitter this week. I can't think of an instance of a pitcher with a no-hitter being traded in the same year he threw a no-no...unless you count DC starter (currently Triple A Syracuse starter) Shairon Martis, who threw a rule-shortened no-no in the '06 WBC and was traded to Washington that summer...

Peter Baker (The Good Phight): The above-named Roy Halladay, and I'd like to see them inquire with the Reds about Aaron Harang, too.

Eric Simon (Amazin' Avenue): Adam Dunn's name is always out there; that he has the flexibility to play both first base and left field -- albeit poorly in both cases -- makes him attractive in Delgado's absence. Victor Martinez would be a nice get, as he could help them at first for the remainder of this season and at catcher beyond 2009.

Craig Strain (FishStripes): The most mentioned on the reliever front has been Matt Capps, but Pittsburgh doesn't want what the Marlins are offering and Capps wants to stay with the Pirates.

• Sky Kalkman (Moderator): Which prospects and young major leaguers are most likely to change hands? Any that teams have deemed off-limits?

Martin Gandy (Talking Chop): The Braves have traded away an entire starting lineup of prospects over the past two years, and the result is most of their prospects are lower in the minors and probably not useful as trade chips. The two top guys, Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman, are so far off-limits it's not funny.

Ed Chigliak (Federal Baseball): The Nationals already moved a 24-year-old outfielder, Lastings Milledge, who has now quickly fallen out of favor with two organizations...I don't think the Nationals will be moving prospects, the system is just approaching being rebuilt. I'd expect if the Mets try to go for Nick Johnson they'll have to part with some of their young pitchers...Omar Minaya already traded for him once?

Peter Baker (The Good Phight): J.A. Happ has been mentioned in about half of the Roy Halladay trade scenarios, with Kyle Drabek the centerpiece in the other half. One of more of solid Triple-A prospects Carlos Carrasco, Lou Marson, and Jason Donald are likely to go in any trade. I can't really imagine any of the regulars being traded but for a major multi-team blockbuster of some kind.

Eric Simon (Amazin' Avenue): Fernando Martinez's name always comes up, but if the Mets didn't part with him for Johan Santana I can't see them doing so for anyone else. LHP Jon Niese is pitching really well in Triple-A and should really be with the Mets right now, but Mets management is inept so I can't say I'd be surprised to see him dealt for some well-traveled spare part.

Craig Strain (FishStripes): Logan Morrison and Mike Stanton are untouchable.

• Sky Kalkman (Moderator): Why he heck would the Braves be looking to trade Javier Vazquez? Sure, they need offense, but without him, they don't have a shot at the playoffs, do they?

Martin Gandy (Talking Chop): Should I take this one? I'll take this one... The Braves need a big bat, on the order of Teixeira or close. The Braves also have Tim Hudson coming back from injury, and that leaves them with a potential for 6 starters for next season (Vazquez, Hudson, Jurrjens, Lowe, Kawakami, and Hanson). The consensus is that Vazquez has done nothing but increase his trade value quite a bit since coming over for essentially one top-prospect (Tyler Flowers). There are so many teams that need a top starter that the Braves may have the opportunity to get better than excellent return for Vazquez, and with Hudson returning not lose that much in the rotation. This gets even more interesting if the other top two starters with the potential to get traded, Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay, are taken off the market. GM Frank Wren just might get an offer he can't refuse. My thought would be a top prospect, a major league bat, and another solid prospect.

Ed Chigliak (Federal Baseball): I wish the Expos/Nationals had never traded Vazquez, though I wouldn't have been able to watch Nick Johnson these last years...

Peter Baker (The Good Phight): I don't know why the Braves would trade Vazquez. You win games by preventing runs and/or scoring them. Vazquez has been terrific so far, he's obviously found some kind of comfortable niche, and I think it'd be dumb to disrupt that. It's easier to find good hitters than good pitchers.

Eric Simon (Amazin' Avenue): I'm with Martin here. Vazquez's value is very high right now and the if the Braves don't think they'll compete down the stretch this year it behooves them to test the market because they do expect to have Tim Hudson back next year. I can't see Frank Wren moving someone as productive as Vazquez unless he's blown away, however, so smart money is probably on him staying put.

Craig Strain (FishStripes): TBS doesn't show the Braves games anymore, so how the heck should I know.

Ed Chigliak (Federal Baseball): I'll be brief and get out of the way so the teams with actual playoff prospects can discuss this...There's no way DC wins the division or makes the playoffs. The Nationals may, however provide someone with the impact player they're looking for...

Peter Baker (The Good Phight): At this point, stay the course and hope they don't get injured, while simultaneously hoping that none of the Mets, Braves, or Marlins get hot. Any one of them could, but it's really the Phillies' race to lose at this point.

Eric Simon (Amazin' Avenue): All of their injured players need to come back and perform. It's as simple as that. I think 2009 is a lost cause for the Mets and they should probably start selling off whatever parts have value.

Craig Strain (FishStripes): If the Marlins stand pat, and fix a couple of problems internally, that is about as good of a chance as they have to make the playoffs. And oh, figure out how to beat the Braves.

End Part 1...Part 2 Release Pending...

Marlins miss out on Orioles Sherrill and Red Sox Delcarmen

Matt Buggenhagen — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:53:03 -0000

More photos » by Manuel Balce Ceneta - AP

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As we reported last week the Florida Marlins have recently been in search of some relief help , and one of the names on their list was Orioles reliever George Sherrill.

According to Foxsports.com, the Marlins and Orioles did have serious discussions about a move that would send Sherrill to the Marlins; however, the deal broke down because the Marlins felt the asking price was too high.

The Orioles were asking for either Double-A first baseman Logan Morrison or Class AA outfielder Mike Stanton, neither of whom the Marlins were willing to give up for Sherrill.

Morrison, is considered by John Sickels of Minor League ball to be the organizations # 2 rated prospect, and Stanton is considered to be the teams # 4 rated prospect. Take a look at Sickels out look on each player.

Logan Morrison, 1B, Grade A-: I think people are underrating his power. In 2009, he'll put everything together, batting average, OBP, and homers.

Mike Stanton, OF, Grade B+: Anyone who likes space race history will love the book comment I wrote about him this year. Could be a superstar, could flail helplessly against Double-A pitching, too soon to rate higher than a B+.

After reading that it's no wonder the Marlins didn't want to part with either guy in exchange for Sherrill. Good no deal by the Marlins.

On another note Foxsports.com is also reporting that the Marlins also struck out in their attempt to land Red Sox reliever Manny Delcarmen for Triple-A first baseman Gaby Sanchez. Sanchez is considered by Sickels to be the teams # 12 rated prospect.

Gaby Sanchez, 1B, Grade C+: Borderline B-, but MLEs show him as a .260/.340/.420 hitter, not great for a first baseman. I do like his plate discipline.

As a result, the Marlins settled for Luis Ayala and Brenden Donnolly.

These "potential" deals tell us a lot about what's to come. The pitching market is so bare that teams are going to start asking for outrageous returns. I mean a teams # 2 rated prospect in exchange for George Sherrill? C'mon. However, as we approach the July 31 deadline and more players become available expect the prices to drop considerably. For now it looks like were going to be in a holding pattern for a few more weeks.

For more MLB Daily Dish follow us on twitter at twitter.com/mlbdailydish

Logan Morrison injured

craig — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:42:27 -0000

As HadMatter reported in yesterday's open thread, Logan Morrison is out for awhile.

Just talked with Jim Fleming, who oversees scouting and player development for the Marlins, and he had some bad news on Logan Morrison.

The Marlins' Double-A first baseman will miss 6-8 weeks after suffering a small fracture in his right wrist while in the field on Friday night. Morrison brought his glove hand, the right hand, into the baseline to fetch an errant throw and got it caught on the baserunner as he sped by.

"We were hoping it was just a bruise, but the MRI showed it was an emulsion fracture," Fleming said. "It's not a big deal. It's in a splint right now and they're debating whether to cast it or not."

----

The injury comes at a time when the Marlins' big-league first baseman, Jorge Cantu, is struggling with a less-serious injury to his left hand. Cantu was not in Sunday's lineup against the Mets...

While this isn't good news for Logan or anyone in the Marlins organization, I doubt that he would've been the first choice to replace Cantu should his injury merit DL time. I suspect the honor of being called up to play first would go to Gaby Sanchez.

But whatever the case it is going rob Morrison of about a month of action. However the boy has the talent and will probably pick up where he left off. The question I have is why he is still playing first?

The Washington Nationals' Adam Dunn Era: Day Two. Live From Florida.

Ed Chigliak — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:05:15 -0000

More photos » by Alan Diaz - AP

8 months ago: Florida Marlins' Emilio Bonifacio, left, safely steals second base as Washington Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman (15) is late on the tag in the first inning of a baseball game in Miami, Monday, April 6, 2009. The Marlins won 12-6. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

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Olsen vs The Marlins...

Does Scott Olsen have the book on his former team? Is he upset about Florida trading him to Washington? Is Olsen going out there tonight with something to prove, or do the Florida Marlins know all the there is to when it comes to the 25-year-old left-hander out of Kalamazoo, Michigan?

Selected by Florida in the 6th Round of the 2002 MLB Amateur Draft and traded to DC after 176 starts over seven seasons in the Marlins' system, Olsen jumped from the Double-A Carolina Mudcats to the Marlins' rotation at just twenty-one years old, debuting in the majors on June 25, 2005, and since then the 6'4'' lefty has pitched all but one game at the major league level. Tomorrow's start will be his first for any team other than Florida and will, of course, be against the same Marlins...Does Scott Olsen have something to prove? Was Florida right to part with him when he was due a substantial raise?

All we have to go on for Olsen against his former teammates is the Spring start he made against the Marlins on March 18th, '09, which was described by MLB.com's Bill Ladson, in an article entitled, "Olsen can't contain opposition in loss", as, "his worst outing of the Spring." 4.0 IP, 5 hits, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K's, 4 doubles, one by his opponent on the mound tonight and that day, Josh Johnson, and one each by Emilio Bonifacio, Robert Andino and Gaby Sanchez. Bonifacio, one three players Washington traded to get Olsen and Josh Willingham, was 4 for 5 with 4 runs scored and 2 RBI's and the whole inside the park, blah, blah against John Lannan yesterday afternoon in the Season Opener, and Bonifacio was 4 for 5 with a run scored, a double, 2 triples and 4 RBI's when the teams met back in March, with 1 double and 1 for the 2 triples Bonifacio hit that day coming off Olsen.

Florida's right-handed starter tonight, Josh Johnson, who along with Olsen, Anibal Sanchez and last night's Marlins' starter Ricky Nolasco, was part of the first rotation in MLB History to have four rookies with at least 10 wins in 2006, has dominated Washington in the 4 starts and 1 relief appearance he's made against them thus far in his career, posting a (3-0) record with 21 K's in 26.0 innings, over which he's allowed 18 hits, 10 walks and 9 runs.

Olsen vs Johnson tonight at 7:05 pm EST. Olsen vs the Marlins. Josh Johnson puts his undefeated streak against the Nationals on the line...

I Know I Said "Just One More Season Preview" Yesterday, But...

My hometown newspaper...or at least the closest thing there still is to a "hometown" paper, the Newark Star-Ledger presented its MLB Season preview this morning to get everyone prepared in the last few hours before games started on Opening Day, and in the full page feature by Star-Ledger Staff writer Michael J. Fensom, the Washington Nationals get a mention in the NL East section under a subheading of "One More Thing", where Mr. Fensom writes, after mentioning the Nationals' low '08 win total, that:

"...the team has surely improved from its 08 debacle: It signed Adam Dunn, the best power hitter to hit Washington since Frank Howard, and could benefit from the development of younger players such as Lastings Milledge, the former Met who will bat leadoff..."

...and now I'm excited, because this is one of the rare instances in which a Star-Ledger staff writer is mentioning the Nationals without sneaking in a snide remark, or otherwise running down the nation's capital's favorite team, but then Mr. Fensom continues:

"And if the Nats are willing to spend the money, they have the No. 1 pick in the 2009 amateur draft -- and the inside track at Stephen Strasbourg, the top amateur pitching prospect since Roger Clemens."

Uh...you want to tell them or should I?

Speaking of Strasburg...

Washington Times' writer Ben Goessling took a look at the Nationals' minor league system yesterday in an article entitled, "Developing A System". Mr. Goessling had to reach back a few weeks for a quote from the Nationals' about San Diego State University's Stephen Strasburg, who is describe by Mr. Goessling as, "...a pitching prospect so sublime that scouts have predicted he could be in the majors by September."

That is, if Washington can sign Strasburg after selecting him...as Mr. Goessling reminds everyone, the Nationals have two top 10 picks this year, but:

"The reason for the extra first-rounder, illustrates what might be the biggest concern with the 2009 draft: being able to sign both players."

The Nationals need to draft and sign impact players with both 1st Round selections to accelerate the development of the DC system, which Mr. Goessling points out, "...hasn't had a 1st Round pick in the Majors since Ryan Zimmerman in 2005." Ross Detwiler got one introductory appearance. Colton Willems, Chris Marrero both first round picks in '06? Detwiler in '07? or Stephen Strasburg?? Which one of those prospects do you think would make it to the Majors first?

Adam Dunn's 6th Opening Day HR? Getting To Know Adam Dunn...

In 2005, Adam Dunn hit 2 HR's on Opening Day for the Cincinatti Reds against the the NY Mets, one each off Pedro Martinez and Braden Looper. In 2006, Dunn hit one off Cubs' starter Carlos Zambrano in a loss to the Cubs. In '07 it was 2 more in each of his first two at bats, again against Zambrano. In '08 against Arizona, Dunn was held in the park by Brandon Webb and the D-Backs' bullpen. Last night in the '09 Opener against the Marlins, Dunn went deep for his 6th Opening Day HR, this one off Ricky Nolasco.

What to expect from Dunn early? Before last night, in 168 April games over 8 seasons in the majors, Dunn's hit ..271 with a .423 OBP, 25 doubles, 47 HR's and 104 RBI's in the first month of the season...

Game Thread...I'm collecting the Best Nationals-related Opening Day quotes I hear all day today for a GAME THREAD I'll put up just before Game Time...Find Your Favorites...Game Thread up after After 5:00 pm EST...Game 2 of 162 starts at 7:10 pm EST live from Miami...

Who's Watching The Nationals?