SB Nation - Brad Eldred

Washington Nationals' Possible Candidates for September Roster Expansion

Dave at Nats News Network — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:54:55 -0000

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Collin Balester could rejoin the team as early as Sept. 1 when the major league rosters expand. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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With September 1 literally just hours away, major league teams can expand their active roster to include anyone occupying a spot on their 40-man roster. Traditionally, teams have utilized the "September call-up" in one of several ways:

1) For contenders, it's a chance to give their regulars a night off here and there in preparation for the gruel of the playoffs

2) For middle of the pack teams, it's often a reward to long-time minor leaguers or AAAA-types toiling in obsurity

3) For bottomfeeders, it's an opportunity for a chance to see that prospect that everyone is excited about, even for just a quick appearance

The Nats seem to fall into all three categories this year.

The Nats have already indicated that they will wait until Syracuse's season is over before calling anyone up, though. So any help will still be at least a week away from arriving in D.C.

Because of the rash of injuries, trades and bullpen struggles, general manager Mike Rizzo has already made the bulk of his September call-ups before the roster expansion happened. Jorge Padilla, Pete Orr, Justin Maxwell, Mike Morse...even pitchers like J.D. Martin, Tyler Clippard and Jorge Sosa would have been prime candidates, were it not for the need earlier in the season.

So who is left? Let's take a look!

ON THE 40-MAN ROSTER

By my count, with Justin Maxwell's impending promotion there are currently 14 players on the 40-man roster NOT on the active 25-man roster:

C: Jesus Flores (15-day DL), Luke Montz (AA-Harrisburg)

SS: Ian Desmond (AAA-Syracuse)

OF Austin Kearns (15-day DL), Nyjer Morgan (15-day DL)

LHP: Scott Olsen (15-day DL), Ross Detwiler (AAA-Syracuse), Matt Chico (AA-Harrisburg)

RHP: Collin Balester (AAA-Syracuse), Shairon Martis (AAA-Syracuse), Marco Estrada (AAA-Syracuse), Luis Atilano (AAA-Syracuse), Ryan Mattheus (minor league DL), Stephen Strasburg

60-day DL: OF Roger Bernadina, RHP Terrell Young, 1B Dmitri Young, RHP Jordan Zimmermann

Players on the 60-day DL do not count toward the 40-man roster, so there may still be some wiggle room to place a player or two on the 60-day to open 40-man space.

Of the 14 players on the 40-man, Flores, Morgan, Olsen and Mattheus are out for the season with injury. And from the sounds of this, Kearns is probably joining them. So we can rule all of those players out.

Rizzo has already been on record that Chico is not likely a candidate, and Strasburg's plans have been laid out in excrutiating detail. Additionally, Rizzo has all but ruled out a cameo for Drew Storen, blazing his way up the minor league chain after being selected No. 10 overall in this year's amateur draft.

That leaves Desmond, Detwiler, Balester, Martis, Estrada and Atilano off the 40-man roster eligible. It's been assumed that the Nats will recall a couple starters to relieve some of the burden from young arms accumulation of innings. But with the signing of Livan Hernandez, who eats innings as well as any pitcher in the majors, maybe that goal has already been achieved.

Still, I can envision seeing Balester, Detwiler, Martis and Estrada all being recalled and utilized as starters or swing-men in September.

And I'll also pencil in Desmond. He's had a terrific season, and the Nats have to be wondering if the best arm and range in their minor league system can handle the bat enough at the big league level to replace the very quickly aging Cristian Guzman and his bunions.

Atilano is 2-0, 2.45 in two starts since his promotion to Syracuse, and the one-time first round draft pick of the Altanta Braves has enjoyed a fine season overall, but the Nats are probably happy to let him finish the season and head into spring training.

As for players currently not on the 40-man roster? There are certainly some candidates, and most of them are bullpen guys that could again help manage the workload of some of the young starters.

OTHER PITCHERS

There are six relievers in Syracuse that could certainly get "The Call" : RHPs Zech Zinicola, Zack Segovia, Josh Wilkie, Clint Everts and LHPs Jack Spradlin and Yunior Novoa.

Segovia has some major league experince, a 2.70 ERA and five saves for Syracuse. Everts was the Expos 2002 first round pick. In 2009, in over 57.1 IP at three levels (Potomac, Harrisburg & Syracuse), Everts has been outstanding (8-1, 1.41 ERA, 1.116 WHIP, 10.4 K/9). Spradlin is 4-3 with four saves and has a 3.19 ERA and 1.212 WHIP across AAA-AA in 44 games. He has struck out an even 7.0 per nine.

Wilkie was an unheralded pitcher from George Washington University (sound familiar?) and has been promoted twice this season. Novoa has a great change but has only been "just decent" this season, despite being promoted three times this season. Zinicola (6.04 ERA) has struggled this year.

OTHER HITTERS

Most of them are already with the big club. Rizzo said the other day he doesn't envision calling up a third catcher just for the heck of it. Montz is the only other catcher on the 40-man, and he's really regressed this season (.184/.295/.314 in 347 plate appearances) after hitting 16 homers last season.

Could Seth Bynum (.263/.306./453, 18 HR, 62 RBI in 433 ABs), Kory Casto (.268/.332/.373, 7-55), Norris Hopper (.291/.342/.344, 23 SBs), Brad Eldred (.267/.338/.478, 16-56) or Daryle Ward (.235/.320/.389, 12-45) get promoted? Possible, but not likely. The only compelling possibility is Hopper, who is a plus defender in center. But you have to figure whatever at bats Wee Willie Harris doesn't get are going to go to Justin Maxwell, in what could make or break his tenure in the organization.

SURE TO BE INCORRECT PREDICTIONS

The Nats add a bunch of arms, but just one more hitter, injury notwithstanding.

From the 40-man: RHPs Balester, Detwiler, Martis, Estrada and SS Desmond

Need to be added to 40-man: RHP Everts and Segovia and LHP Spradlin

Your guess is as good as mine, though. Let's hear 'em in the comments.

SB Nation NL East Blogger Roundtable: Part 1 - The Trade Deadline

Eric Simon — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:00:19 -0000

More photos » by John Amis - AP

Fernando Nieve did *not* just fall on his keys. (AP Photo/John Amis)

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Last week I ~~sat down~~ logged into ~~for a nice in-person conversation~~ a shared Google Doc and had a mid-season ~~fireside~~ monitor-side chat with our esteemed SB Nation colleagues from the NL East. The players:

Sky Kalkman (Moderator) from Beyond The Boxscore
Peter Baker (Phillies) from The Good Phight
Martin Gandy (Braves) from Talking Chop
Ed Chigliak (Nationals) from Federal Baseball
Craig Strain (Marlins) from Fish Stripes
Eric Simon (Mets) from Amazin' Avenue

The roundtable will be posted in two parts. The first part is about the 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.

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.

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...

Spring Training: - Game Thread: Washington Nationals at Detroit Tigers

Ed Chigliak — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 07:54:42 -0000

The Washington Nationals Do Not Want Adam Dunn Playing First In The WBC?

Washington Post writer Amy Shipley described Adam Dunn's error-filled attempt to play first base for the United States in place of an injured Kevin Youkilis in the WBC the other night in an article Thursday entitled, "Venezuela Races Past Strapped Team USA", where Ms. Shipley wrote that Dunn:

"'...incomprehensibly fielded a ground ball and threw so far out of the reach of catcher Chris Iannetta...that Iannetta didn't even extend his glove for it..." (and on), “...Dunn’s second error -- he threw the ball into center field trying to prevent a stolen base -- [which] did not cost the U.S. team any runs, but it was almost as ugly. His third error came when he mishandled a routine ground ball in the eighth."

Ms. Shipley quoted USA Baseball Executive Director Paul Seiler who admitted that playing Dunn at first, "...is not something the Nationals want me to do with him," but Mr. Seiler says he's sure, "...if we reached out to the Nationals...it wouldn't be an issue."

New York Times' writer Jack Curry, however, in an article about Rays' third baseman Evan Longoria joining the US Team entitled, "Longoria Joins United States for World Baseball Classic", reports that US Manager Davey Johnson, "...was hoping the United States would add a first baseman because, he said, the Washington Nationals do not want Adam Dunn...playing that position."

"That position"? Does the Nationals' decision that they don't want Dunn, "playing that position" extend beyond the WBC? That would be good news for Nick Johnson, bad news for Josh Willingham, as all three are still under consideration for just two spots in the Nationals' starting lineup...

...The Nationals cut six more players from their roster yesterday, Roger Bernadina, Ryan Langerhans, Pete Orr, Brad Eldred, Luke Montz and pitcher Gustavo Chacin.

Chacin, Eldred, Langerhans and Orr were sent to Minor League camp according MLB.com's Bill Ladson's article entitled, "Nationals make third round of cuts", while Bernadina and Montz were shipped off to Triple-A Syracuse...where Bernadina will join Justin Maxwell and Leonard Davis in the Chiefs' outfield and Montz will be the starting catcher.

Recent reports are that Collin Balester, Jordan Zimmermann and Shairon Martis are battling it out for the final two spots in the Nationals' starting rotation. Collin Balester gets another chance to turn his Spring around today when he starts against the Detroit Tigers and Nate Robertson who is listed as Friday's TIgers' starter for the game in Lakeland, Florida's Joker Marchant Stadium, in MLB.com's Mark Bowman's article, "Bonderman strong as Tigers silenced." Balester's (1-0) with a 6.55 ERA in 3 starts, 1 relief appearances and 11.0 total IP this Spring, in which he's allowed 11 hits, 8 ER, 4 HR and 6 walks. Balester's fighting an uphill battle with the way Zimmermann and Martis have been pitching...

STRASBURG FILES...

(4-0), 1.98 ERA, 59 K's in 27.1 IP, 5 walks and only 19 hits surrendered to the 99 batters he's faced...(K'd 59 of 99?)...it's Stephen Strasburg against BYU, who beat Strasburg's San Diego State Aztecs last night, and are in town at Tony Gwynn Stadium to face SDSU two more times today and tomorrow. The game gets underway at 6:00 pm pacific time, with Strasburg's undefeated record on the line...How many will Strasburg K today?

Who's Following Strasburg? Who's Watching The Nationals?

DC and Detroit get underway at 1:05 pm EST...looks like it's scoreboards only...

Baseball Prospectus' Will Carroll's Team Health Reports: Washington Nationals.

Ed Chigliak — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 06:17:10 -0000

When Baseball Prospectus' Will Carroll published the Washington Nationals edition of his yearly Team Health Reports* back in early February, I was traveling between DC and New Jersey and I missed the opportunity to send some questions his way, but with the recent string of injuries once again affecting the Nationals' roster, I thought I'd see if Mr. Carroll would still be willing to answer a few questions, and he was...

(ed. note - " * = You'll need a subscription to Baseball Prospectus to read the full Nationals' Team Health Report by Mr. Carroll.")

1) How does sudden aging affect a prospects' health report? (Alright that's a joke.)

Ha, joke yes, but age isn't as much of a factor as most think. Conditioning and the response to aging is more important. 23 or 19 isn't as significant as 33, but while "old" or "young" teams often get thought of as more or less injury prone depending on who you speak with, it's really not the case.

2) Should DC fans be worried about Elijah Dukes' multiple leg injuries last season?

Worried, yes, but not so much so that you're not sleeping well. Dukes hasn't shown that he can stay healthy, but given all the focus on his off-field issues, is the fact that we're talking about sprains and strains a positive? I think Dukes is a fourth OF, maybe a DH and if he could be pushed to that role, he's more likely to be productive.

3) Ryan Zimmerman seemed to be missing some pop after suffering a labrum/shoulder injury last year, will the power return?

Good question. Was it the shoulder or something else? I think it was and that it was probably worse than we thought when you factor in park factors. He's going to have to find that power quickly or Kevin Goldstein's assertion** that he's the most overrated player in baseball might hold up.

4) You gave Shawn Hill a Red Light warning and he's already been back to Dr. Andrews this Spring, would a new role or a new delivery make a difference?

At this stage, no. It looks like the damage is already done. If he's able to come back -- and there's some precedent for this in Jon Rauch -- then maybe he can stay healthy, but there's really no reason to believe it so.

5) Does Jesus Flores' shoulder strain change his status as, (as you wrote), "one of the few green-rated catchers around?"

No, it's risk and probability not certainty. People win the lottery and that's not probable. Even though he's green-lit doesn't mean he's bulletproof.

(ed. note - "Thanks, Mr. Carroll.")

(ed. note - "Baseball Prospectus' writer Kevin Goldstein's quote about Ryan Zimmerman is from an article, (which you'll need a subscription to Baseball Prospectus to read in its entirety), entitled, "Future Shocks: Nationals Top 11 Prospects", where Mr. Goldstein lists Zimmerman 2nd on a list of the, "Top 10 Talents 25 and Under (as of Opening Day 2009)" in DC, with the caveat):

"The much-touted third baseman has become one of the more overrated players in the game, and is now just the best player on a very bad team, an outstanding defensive player with a career OPS just above 800—and that's just not a star."

STRASBURG FILES...

Both sdsuaztec4, our resident Stephen Strasburg scout, and ROSCEtheNATSfan, a frequent Federal Baseball commenter, pointed to an article by ESPN.com's Buster Olney yesterday entitled, "Is Strasburg The Best Prospect Ever?", where Mr. Olney looks for holes in Strasburg's game while questioning someone he refers to simply as "a longtime scout", who'll have none of it, assuring Mr. Olney when asked just how good Strasburg is, that San Diego State University's starter is:

"'The best I've ever seen...And it's not even close.'"

But Mr. Olney injects some reality into the discussion for anyone thinking it'll be easy for the Washington Nationals to select and sign Strasburg, noting that Strasburg is, "...represented by Scott Boras, who has been known to hold out players for months, for years, in his effort to get his clients what he deems to be a fair market value." Mr. Olney then goes on to list six reasons why the Nationals need to sign Strasburg, and by the time your hear about Aaron Crow, Esmailyn Gonzalez and Jim Bowden again, you'll be ready to watch our favorite Strasburg video, which is linked at the end of the article.

GAME THREAD: New York vs Washington: Space Coast Stadium, Viera Florida...

Jordan Zimmermann's turn on the mound, against the New York Mets, who counter with righty John Maine. Zimmermann had 3 K's in 3.0 scoreless and hitless when he faced the Mets last Wednesday, starting opposite Mike Pelfrey, and the 22-year-old right-hander will probably face an equally-make-shift Mets' roster in this afternoon's tilt.

Last night the Nationals exploded for 8 runs on 14 hits, a double, a triple and 2 HR's,

as they beat the Houston Astros 8-6. Austin Kearns doubled and homered, with a three-run blast in the first. Nick Johnson, Corey Patterson and Ryan Zimmerman each knocked in runs, but it was Brad Eldred, who came up in a tie game, in extra innings, with 1 on and 1 out, and ended it with a walkoff blast in the bottom of the tenth. What will happen today?

Today's game gets underway at 1:05 pm EST...Who's Listening To The Nationals?

Spring Training: LIVE -Game 9 Game Thread: Washington Nationals at Baltimore Orioles.

Ed Chigliak — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:44:53 -0000

(ed. note: "MLB.tv viewers, the game is being broadcast on the internets today, so everyone can watch the Nationals and Orioles...Who's Watching The Watc...Nationals?")

We're gonna try something new today...Doghouse, leader of the federalbaseball.com W.A.R. Effort, is on his way to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida's cleverly-named Fort Lauderdale Stadium, the Spring home of the Washington Nationals' Mid-Atlantic rivals, the Baltimore Orioles, and he'll be reporting live via iPhone this afternoon...I'll add updates throughout the game, so if you're watching(It's on MASN!! and MLB.tv!!) or listening or following along, check back for some updates or stay with us for the first attempt at a live game thread this season...

Back with more soon...

Here's the Nationals' starting lineup courtesy of the Washington Post's Tracee Hamilton:

Cristian Guzman - SS

Alex Cintron - DH

Kory Casto - 3B

Brad Eldred - 1B

Corey Patterson - CF

Jose Castillo - 2B

Roger Bernadina - LF

Justin Maxwell - RF

Wil Nieves - C

DC's Own DC, Daniel Cabrera throwing strikes...(or at least fastballs)...check out the box score for the O's lineup...

The Orioles' fans are watching too, check out the SBN's Baltimore Orioles blog:

Camden Chat

...to see what O's fans are thinking.

DOGHOUSE -

"It's a cavalcade of scrubs except for Guz at short and Cabrera pitching..."

DOGHOUSE -

"Away, there goes my scoops (ed. note - "?"), Hmmmm, a few drops of rain. Eldred(Who?) with a perfect bloop single to short...after Cintron and Casto flied to OF...Cabrera looks VERY TALL..."

DOGHOUSE -

"He's got a good build," says Mrs. Doghouse of Daniel Cabrera, despite the fact that he's quickly in a two-on, 0 out jam..." (ed. note - "O's score on a Nick Markakis' groundout. 1-0 Baltimore.")

DOGHOUSE -

"For a guy who practically hands the ball to (catcher Wil) Nieves, he's having trouble finding the zone...and Cabrera walks Huff...Nats are looking very much little league right now...'This feels too familiar,' Mrs. D mutters as Cabrera issues another free pass...(ed. note - "But Roger Bernadina saves the day with a diving catch to rob Felix Pie on a bases loaded liner...1-0 O's after one...")

DOGHOUSE -

"Awesome! After a diving catch worth of TAWH, Bernadina knocks in J.Castillo with a beautiful broken bat double that bounces exactly over first, and hooks away. I almost see JimBo's love of toolsy OFers with no power..."

DOGHOUSE -

"TARB - The Amazing Roger Bernadina!!!" TARB can't get them all...(single by Brian Roberts falls in short left...)

DOGHOUSE -

"As a humiliating double steal goes down, the O's fan next to use shakes his head with a rueful and sympathetic grin..."

DOGHOUSE -

"(Ross) Detwiler to the rescue!"

DOGHOUSE -

"Detwiler pitches with a real easy-looking motion, 'He looks like the ball can hurt him," notes Mr. Doghouse, 'He's got an O'Connor build. Despite a free pass, Ross Detwiler gets a DP ball, prompting an eyeroll from out neighbor, 'He's (Wiggington) beyond slow."

DOGHOUSE -

"This inning, Casto doesn't quite have Zimmy's range. 'I think we're gonna say goodbye to Detwiler,' sighs Mrs. Doghouse, 'Although I would like to see the Human Rain Delay...."(ed. note - Human Rain Delay = Jesus Colome?")

DOGHOUSE -

"(New DC Pitcher Preston) Larrison throws as hard as Cabrera with just as much control...(another double steal follows a walk and a HBP)...and he gives up the double steals, like Cabrera...Mmmm, soft serve! Larrison has a walk, HBP, double steal, no coffee for you, sir!"

DOGHOUSE -

"Hard to tell with my non-zooming phone cam, but I think you can see the red socks, (Mike Hinckley) plays w/ his pants up like a real ballplayer."

DOGHOUSE -

"'It's OK, Wil,' encourages Mrs. Doghouse as Wil Nieves K's, 'You're still a pretty man." (ed. note - "Did she just call Nieves 'pretty'?)...'Hey, I'm sitting right, here', Doghouse responds...the inning ends quickly for the Nats, and it feels like we've been here a lot longer than 4.5 hours...in spite of the nice weather (70's and breezy)."

DOGHOUSE -

"Hinckley is throwing hard and changing speeds -- like a real pitcher almost! Two groundouts to 3rd so far, and Casto only made me slightly nervois on the plays. An easy popup to Bernadina? to end the inning, and I think we're down to no starters in for DC..."

DOGHOUSE -

"(Steven) Shell in to pitch. Promptly gives up a single up the middle...TARB now in center robs a bloop single...(Ian) Desmond goes back on a fly ball, frantically waving off everyone else...(Jorge) Padilla, who clearly has a bead on it, yells, 'I GOT IT!!' loud enough to hear it in the stands and makes the play...J-Max with a booming triple off the wall in RF. Let's see what this Herrera can do..."

DOGHOUSE -

"WOW! 18yr-old Destin Hood waits out a full-count walk! (ed. note - "And then takes second on a ball in the dirt.")...TARB smacks a double into the RF corner...(moving Jorge Padilla around, he stops at third) I never thought I'd miss Tim 'Send'em' Tolman, even though it was probably the right call..2 down for J. Maxwell, who grounds to second to end the DC 8th.)

DOGHOUSE -

"Awww...Hood gets to bat again, but chops out weakly, Nats drop 6-2. It's spring, it means nothing...Except a nice day with baseball." (ed. note - "Thanks, Doghouse!!!")

(ed. note - "For the Completists...Full Game Report after the jump...though there were too many subs, so Full-Unedited Game Report is probably more like it...")

We’ve got baseball, and it’s on TV!!! Nationals vs Orioles. Cristian Guzman starts the day by poking a single through short off O’s starter David Pauley. Alex Cintron gets caught looking for heat when a change is coming, swinging strike three. Kory Casto skies one to left, former Cubs’ prospect Felix Pie closes his glove on it...(Pie, Adam Jones and Markakis? Nice outfield, O’s, seriously.) Brad Eldred finds some grass in short left, and Guzman speeds around to third. Corey Patterson gets caught looking, and it’s time for a first look at Daniel Cabrera...Adam Jones rips into a 1-2 pitch from Cabrera to move Brian Roberts to third. Nick Markakis grounds to second, Roberts scores, 1-0 Orioles. Aubrey Huff gets ahead in the count again and Adam Jones steals second. Huff walks. Huff steals second off Cabrera. Cabrera walks ??? to load the bases. Cabrera gets Luke Scott swinging at a ball out of the zone for the second out. Roger Bernadina saves the day with a diving catch in left to rob Felix Pie. 1-0 after one.

Jose Castillo grounds to short, and gets a free pass when Ryan Freel throws wide of first. Roger Bernadina rips a line driver over first and into right, Castillo scores, 1-1 ballgame. Justin Maxwell gets called out looking at a fastball low on the outside corner. Wil Nieves grounds sharply to short, Freel gets this one. Cristian Guzman grounds out to second, 1-1 after one and a half...Ryan Freel gets robbed by Roger Bernadina again!! Diving catch on what should’ve been extra bases!!! Brian Roberts finds some grass Bernadina can’t get to for a two-out single. Adam Jones rips a two-out double to right. Double steal off Cabrera puts both runners in scoring position. Cabrera busts Markakis low and inside for a swinging K to end the threat...

Jose Castillo grounds out to first. Kory Casto grounds back to the mound for the second out. Fly ball to left from Brad Eldred to end the top o’ the third...Ross Detwiler walks the first batter he faces, Aubrey Huff. Ty Wiggington grounds to Casto at third, Castillo at short, to Eldred, double play. Luke Scott gets one under Brad Eldred’s glove at first for a two-out double. Kory Casto makes a Zimmermanesque stab at Felix Pie’s grounder, but can’t beat the speedy Pie to first. Robby Hammock rips a grounder through short for the two-out RBI to give Baltimore back their lead. 2-1 O’s. Ryan Freel grounds to Casto at third, throw to first, 2-1 O’s after three.

George Sherrill takes over on the mound in the 4th. Corey Patterson chases a high heater from Sherrill. Jose Castillo finds the gap in right center for a double with one down. Bernadina grounds out to second, Patterson to third, two down for Justin Maxwell. Maxwell takes the first pitch to center, Adam Jones makes the grab...New Nationals’ pitcher, Preston Larrison, walks Brian Roberts to start the O’s fourth. Adam Jones gets hit by Larrison, two on, no outs. Double steal. Nick Markakis takes a high called strike three. Huff singles up the middle, two runs cross, 4-1 Orioles. Ty Wiggington flies out to Maxwell in right...Matt Wieters doubles to left and another run scores, 5-1 O’s. Larrison is done. Mike Hinckley comes on to face Felix Pie. Larrison is done. Pie grounds to second, and Jose Castillo throws it by first, 6-1 O’s on the error. Chad Moeller flies out to shallow left to end the fourth.

Jamie Walker, the veteran lefty starts the fifth...Wil Nieves swings over a slow bender for the first out of the fifth. Cristian Guzman lines out to Adam Jones in center. Alex Cintron pushes an outside fastball into right. Kory Casto grounds into a force at second to end the DC fifth...Ryan Freel grounds out to Casto at third on the first pitch of the O’s fifth. Brian Roberts grounds out to Casto. Adam Jones flies out to right, and Hinckley’s got a quick frame

Nationals sixth starts with Dennis Sarfate on the mound for the O’s, striking out Brad Eldred. Jorge Padilla K’s looking for the second out of the sixth. Jose Castillo reaches on a chopper to third that Wiggington can’t get to first in time. Roger Bernadina flies out to Felix Pie in left,, 6-1 after the DC fifth...Steven Shell takes over on the mound. Nick Markakis starts the frame with a single up the middle and then is replaced by Holbert Cabrera. Craig Brazel flies out to Bernadina in center. Shell gets a fly ball from Wiggington for the second out. Matt Wieters flies out to left, Shell gets through a scoreless frame.

...too many subs...

Justin Maxwell starts the seventh with a wind-aided triple off the outfield wall. O’s pitcher Chris Tillman gives up a grounder to short to Javy Herrera that brings Maxwell home. Ian Desmond flies to center for the 2nd out. Destin Hood patiently takes a two-out walk. Kory Casto up, Hood takes second on a pitch in the dirt...Casto goes down swining...Stand up and stretch...Steven Shell’s back out for the seventh. Nolan Reimhold? flies out to Jorge Padilla in left. Chad Moeller grounds to Kory “The Vaccuum” Casto at third. Justin Turner rips a two-out single to center. Donnie?Murphy grounds to third, and Casto fires to first...On to the eighth...

Chris Marrero leads off the eighth with a line drive single to left. Chris Tillman’s stll on for the O’s, Jorge Padilla grounds into a force at second cutting down Marrero. Jose Castillo goes down (somehow? Sorry.) Roger Bernadina doubles to right and moves Padilla to third. Justin Maxwell grounds out to second to end the DC eighth...Bobby Brownlie to pitch the bottom of the eighth. Justin Christian backs Justin Maxell up to the wall where he catches the first out. Jolbert Cabrera goes down chasing. Craig Brazell flies out to left...Three outs to get four runs...

Freddy Deza tries to end it for the O’s. Javier Herrera chases high heat for the first out. lines out to Donnie Murphy. Destin Hood grounds out to first to end it. 6-2 O’s win.