SB Nation - Kory Casto

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.

Andrew McCutchen Launches 3 HR's, Pittsburgh Pirates 11, Washington Nationals 6.

Ed Chigliak — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 03:15:12 -0000

More photos » by Gene J. Puskar - AP

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26,855 Pittsburgh Pirates fans* got a glimpse of the future tonight as 22-year-old center fielder Andrew McCutchen hit 3 HR's off 3 different Nationals' pitchers, taking DC starter Craig Stammen to center for a leadoff blast in the first, and following it up with a two-run HR in the fifth off Tyler Clippard, and a 3-run blast off Logan Kensing in the sixth to make it 11-4 Pirates in what ends up an 11-6 win. Stammen can't get out of the fourth. The 25-year-old righty gives up 9 hits, 2 walks and 6 earned runs in 3.0 IP, throwing just 44 pitches, 30 for strikes and surrendering a double, a triple, a HR and 3 singles in his short time on the hill.

The Pirates' center fielder, McCutchen took a curtain call after his third HR, but ground out in his last AB with the whole crowd thinking four. 4 for 5 with 4 runs scored and 6 RBI's on the night, McCutchen's now hitting .293 with 14 doubles, 5 triples, 6 HR's, 33 RBI's and 9 stolen bases in 50 games played...the Nationals combine for 12 hits and 6 runs of their own, with Ryan Zimmerman (3 for 4, 1 RBI), Cristian Guzman (2 for 5, 1 RBI) and Nyjer Morgan (3 for 5), providing the bulk of the Nationals' offense while the middle of the Nationals' lineup (A. Dunn, J. Willingham and Elijah Dukes) were a combined 1 for 9.

The Pirates take two straight from the Nationals in PNC Park...Sunday finale at 1:35 pm EST Sunday. Collin Balester (1-1, 4.00) vs Paul Maholm (6-5, 4.70) on the hill.

(ed. note - " * = Pirates AVG attendance = 19,167, so with a concert after the game, I'm estimating approximately 7,688 of those in attendance were treated to a show by McCutchen as they waited for the Jo Dee Messina concert.")

Pirates win, 11-6 final.

Miss The Game? The Frustrated DC Faithful Were Watching...

Check Out The SB Nation's Pirates Blog: Buc's Dugout GameThread.

BACKPAGE:

• Nick Johnson Blog

• Minor League Minute

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

Nationals now 32-72. (Countdown To 100 Losses Now Stands At....28.)

(photo by Doghouse, sent via iPhone)

BACKPAGE:

• Nick Johnson Blog:

With the game tied at 8-8 after nine, the Florida Marlins and Chicago Cubs were in extra innings in Nick Johnson's Marlins' debut at the time this post went up. Wearing #20 and batting second in front of Marlins' shortstop Hanley Ramirez (who was injured in the game), Nick JOhnson went 2 for 3 with a run scored and 2 walks in front of the Florida fans in Land Shark Stadium. Johnson arrived at the park this morning after flying to Florida late last night, and he told MLB.com writer David Villavicencio, in an article entitled, "Johnson joins Marlins, excited to compete", about his time in DC and his excitement about the Marlins' playoff possibilities, "'It was tough,' Johnson said of his time with the Nationals. 'In Washington, we didn't win a lot of games...'":

"'I haven't been in something like this in a while. I'm really excited about it and I'll enjoy it. I've come to a team that has a chance to win, and that's what you play for. You don't play for .500 ball.'"

Minor League Minute...

The Norfolk Tides scored runs in the bottom of the eighth for an 8-6 win over the Syracuse Chiefs (AAA) Saturday night. Chiefs' center fielder Justin Maxwell was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored in the losing effort, and RF Kory Casto finished the nigth 3 for 4 with a HR and 5 RBI's...The Harrisburg Senators (AA) beat the Portland Sea Dogs Saturday with former P-Nats' pitcher Jeff Mandel improving to (2-0) since making the jump to Double-A. Sean Rooney, who was tearing up Carolina League pitching with Potomac is 11 for 33 in his first 11 games with the Senators after going 1 for 3 with an RBI in the win. RHP Clint Everts closed out the win for his 3rd save as a Senator...The Winston-Salem Dash shut the Potomac Nationals (Class A) out Saturday, taking a 5-0 victory on the road in Pfitzner Stadium. P-Nats' left fielder Jesus Valdez was 3 for 4 with 3 of the 4 P-Nats' hits...The Hagerstown Suns (Class A) dropped a 2-1 10-inning affair against to the West Virginia Power. Suns' starter Paul Demny allowed just 1 run in 5.1 IP in the loss...The Vermont Lake Monsters (NY/Penn) took an 8-3 decision over the Lowell Spinners Saturday. DC's '08 2nd Round pick Destin Hood was in RF for the Lake Monsters, and he finished the game 1 for 5 with a run scored and 1 RBI...

This has been your Minor League Minute...

GAME REPORT:

Washington Nationals At Pittsburgh Pirates. Game 104 Of 162.

Nyjer Morgan pops up a bunt attempt and Bucs’ backstop Ryan Doumit sprints down the first base line to make the grab. Pirates’ righty Virgil Vasquez on the hill in PNC, Cristian Guzman and Ryan Zimmerman single in succession, both up the middle and Guzman’s on third when Adam Dunn steps in. Dunn goes opposite field and into the corner with a fly. Lastings Milledge has to sprint from left center. He can’t get there. Milledge drops it. Guzman scores, 1-0 DC. Josh Willingham takes one on the elbow. Elijah Dukes works the count, fouls off a few and flies out to center, Zimmerman tags and scores, 2-0 DC. Bard flies out to Brandon Moss to strand two, 2-0...Craig Stammen gives up a long fly ball to left that won’t come down, Josh Willingham leaps at the wall but comes up empty, Andrew McCutchen homers to start the bottom of the first. 2-1 DC. Lastings Milledge flies out to Nyjer Morgan. Garrett Jones takes a 1-2 fastball outside to center for a single. Ryan Doumit grounds to short, Guzman to Anderson Hernandez to Adam Dunn, double play.

Alberto Gonzalez pops out foul of first. Stammen K’s swinging. Virgil Vasquez looking for a quick frame. Nyjer Morgan sends a chopper up the middle for a two-out single. Cristian Guzman grounds sharply to first with Morgan running, but Garrett Jones makes the play...Delwyn Young grounds out to Alberto Gonzalez at second. Andy LaRoche pops out behind short. Brandon Ross pops up to the infield, Zimmerman closes his glove on the second.

Ryan Zimmerman singles through short to Milledge in left. Adam Dunn walks to put two on for Willingham. Hammer pops out. Elijah Dukes grounds to short, Ronny Cedeno to Delwyn Young to Garrett Jones, double play...Ronny Cedeno rips a single through short to start the Pirates’ third. Adam Dunn fields and throws into the basepath on a bunt by the pitcher. Andrew McCutchen drops a swinging bunt down and beats the throw to first. Cedeno takes third. Lastings Milledge drills a line drive to left and to the wall, Cedeno scores, McCutchen’s around third and home before the throw in reaches the infield. 3-2 Pirates. Garrett Jones flies to deep right center, Elijah Dukes tracks it and makes the catch as he hits the wall!!! DUKES!!! Ryan Doumit grounds to first, Adam Dunn makes a nice backhand play and toss to Stammen covering.

Josh Bard singles to center to start the fourth. McCutchen goes back to the track to catch Alberto Gonzalez’s flyout. Craig Stammen flies out to Moss in right. Cristian Guzman grounds to short, Cedeno pumps toward second then fires to first, in time...Delwyn Young smacks a low liner up the middle and off Stammen’s foot. Andy LaRoche flies to deeep center and off the wall in spite of Nyjer Morgan’s effort. Delwyn Young scores, LaRoche takes third. 4-2 Pirates. Brandon Moss lines to short center, Nyjer Morgan dives in and misses. Morgan throws home to try for LaRoche, but it’s wide of home and he gets an error. Moss to second. 5-2 Pirates. Tyler Clippard takes over for Stammen. Ronny Cedeno chops an infield single over the mound. Moss to third. Virgil Vasquez pops up a bunt, Alberto Gonzalez charges in to make the catch and the throw to first for a DP. Andrew McCutchen takes Clippard deeep to left and just out into the first row, 2-run HR, 7-2 Pirates. Milledge pops out to end the Pirates’ fourth.

Ryan Zimmerman lines a double to left and it's to the wall before Milledge gets there. Adam Dunn K’s swinging. Josh Willingham walks on four straight. Elijah Dukes flies out to Milledge in left. Josh Bard knocks Zimmerman in with a line drive over Brandon Moss’ head in right, 7-3 Pittsburgh. Alberto Gonzalez lines out to end the inning...Elijah Dukes takes a few steps back to catch a fly ball off Garrett Jones’ bat. Ryan Doumit K’s trying to lay off a sinker in the dirt from Clippard. Delwyn Young chases a fastball up and out of the zone to end the fifth.

Jeff Karstens is on for Pittsburgh. Ramon Vazquez in at second. Anderson Hernandez doubles over Moss’ head in right to start the sixth. Nyjer Morgan "lines" a bunt toward short and beats out the throw to first. Hernandez to third. Cristian Guzman lines to left and just inside the line, Hernandez scores. 7-4 Pirates. Second and third for Zimmerman. Zimmerman lines out to right, Moss throws a laser home to hold Morgan at third. Adam Dunn swings over a two-strike change outside. Josh Willingham tears into a fastball and lines right- into Ramon Vazquez’s glove at second. Willingham’s robbed. 7-4 Pirates after five and a half...Andy LaRoche lines to left off new DC righty Logan Kensing. Brandon Moss sneaks a hard hit grounder under a diving Dunn at first. Dukes throws to third trying for LaRoche, but it’s late. Ronny Cedeno grounds to second to score LaRoche, 8-4 Pirates. Kensing walks Ramon Vazquez. Andrew McCutchen flies to deeeeep left and GONE!! 3-run HR. 11-4 Pirates. Ron Villong on in relief. Milledge flies out for the second out. Garrett Jones hits a fly ball to left, and Willie Harris misses when he dives. Ryan Doumit flies out to end the sixth.

Jeff Karstens vs Dukes in the seventh. Dukes down swinging at a two-strike change outside. Bard grounds back to the mound. Weak grounder to short from Alberto Gonzalez and it’s 11-4 Pirates in the seventh...Ron Villone gets Steven Pearce and Andy LaRoche swinging to start the frame. Villone saws off Moss and gets a pop out to the infield.

Donnie Veal gives up a leadoff walk to Willie Harris and a second straight free pass to Nyjer Morgan before he’s lifted for Evan Meek. Cristian Guzman grounds out to advance both runners. Ryan Zimmerman hits a sac fly to left center to score Harris from third. 11-5 Pirates. Adam Dunn K’s swinging to end the inning...Ryan Zimmerman leaps to snag a line drive from Ronny Cedeno. Villone hits Ramon Vazquez. Andrew McCutchen grounds to short, Guzman to Gonzalez to Dunn, double play.

Austin Kearns leads off the ninth against Evan Meek, who throws four balls. Elijah Dukes walks. Josh Bard gets punched out on a two-strike bender outside. Alberto Gonzalez up. Wild pitch advances both runners. Gonzalez grounds out to short, Kearns scores. 11-6. Willie Harris grounds out to first, and DC drops two-straight to the Pirates.

Nationals now 32-72.

Nationals Beat Orioles. 5-4 Final. PLUS: The Washington Nationals' Winter: A Look Back.

Ed Chigliak — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 01:14:41 -0000

More photos » by Alex Brandon - AP

8 months ago: Washington Nationals pitcher Joel Hanrahan throws in the ninth inning of an exhibition baseball game with the Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park in Washington, Saturday, April 4, 2009. Nationals won 5-4.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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If you missed last night's game, check out the Game Thread to read what the DC Faithful saw in the Nationals' win...

Line of the Day: LOUtheMETSfan...after Mike Hinckley allows three straight singles and the O's tie the game at 4-4...

LOUtheMETSfan: "We've been WoodHincked©!!"

The Washington Nationals - (September 28, 2008 - April 6, 2009) (ed. note - "In case you were off watching football or something...")

What Was The Biggest Story Of The Washington Nationals' Offseason?

Mark Teixeira Turns Nationals Down...

10 votes

Esmailyn "Smiley" Gonzalez's True Identity Revealed...

27 votes

Jim Bowden Resigns As DC GM...

49 votes

Jordan Zimmermann And Shairon Martis Make Rotation...

6 votes

Adam Dunn Signs With DC...

26 votes

The Washington Nationals And Stephen Strasburg Start To Dance...

7 votes

125 votes | Poll has closed

This just in...Washington Nationals Trim Roster as Opening Day Approaches

Dave at Nats News Network — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:36:48 -0000

Per the team's press release:

WASHINGTON NATIONALS OUTRIGHT KORY CASTO AND MIKE O’CONNOR TO TRIPLE-A, PLACE TERRELL YOUNG ON 15-DAY DISABLED LIST

The Washington Nationals announced that infielder Kory Casto and left-handed pitcher Mike O’Connor have cleared waivers and been outrighted to Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. The club also placed right-handed pitcher Terrell Young on the 15-Day Disabled List, retroactive to March 27, with right shoulder inflammation.

Nationals Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

This pretty much ensures that Wil Nieves and Josh "The" Bard will both be on the opening day roster.

It'll be a short stay for one of them though, as they'll have to make room for Jordan Zimmermann on April 19.

Washington Nationals' Fans Celebrate Kory Casto Day In Virginia. Game Thread...

Ed Chigliak — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:07:49 -0000

Kory C. Casto, known around here as "Casto!!(clapclap) Casto!!(clapclap)" will more than likely be placed on waivers sometime between the end of this afternoon's game and tomorrow morning, and if he's unclaimed he'll be assigned to Triple-A Syracuse as the last cut of the Nationals' '09 Spring Training...

The Montreal Expos made Casto their 3rd Round pick, 87th overall in 2003, after having selected reliever Chad Cordero with the 20th pick in the 1st Round and OF Jerry Owens with the 57th pick in the 2nd. The 6'0'', 190 lb, left-handed hitting Casto was 21 when drafted by Montreal out of the University of Portland in his home state of Oregon, where he'd hit 19 doubles, 14 HR's and 57 RBI's in 55 games and 204 at bats and put up a .338 AVG, .446 OBP and .637 SLG.

In parts of 6 minor league seasons, Casto's hit .272 in 617 games and 2,273 AB's in the Expos and Nationals' systems, and he's collected 134 doubles, 18 triples, 79 HR's and 367 RBI's at various stops and level. Back in 2007, he was ranked as the fourth best prospect in the Nationals' organization by Baseball America.com's Aaron Fitt, ahead of the likes Esmailyn "Smiley" Gonzalez, Matt Chico and Ian Desmond and behind only Collin Balester, Chris Marrero and Colton Willems.

But...in 82 games worth of his MLB career after having been called up on April 3, 2007, Kory Casto has hit just .192 in 217 AB's, with just 12 doubles, 2 HR's, 19 RBI's and a .264 OBP. Late in March, MLB.com's Bill Ladson wrote an article entitled, "Nats have decision to make about Casto", which discussed the situation the Washington Nationals were faced with in regards to Casto, who was out of options and unlikely to make the Opening Day roster. This morning, Washington Post writer Chico Harlan wrote, in a Nationals Journal post entitled, "The 25th (or 26th) Man On The Team", reported that, "The team is probably going to take a third catcher for its final roster spot", which meant (if true), that Casto was on the outside looking in and facing the waiver wire tomorrow...

So, I just wanted to take this opportunity to say goodbye to Kory Casto, if that's the case, cause I'm assuming he won't make it through 29 other teams, and when he comes up with Oakland or Minnesota, or more than likely, Seattle, we here at federalbaseball.com will be pulling for him, like we do for so many other prospects who've left the system...Good Luck, Casto!!(clapclap) Casto!!(clap)!!!

(ed. note - "If however, you clear waivers, then we'll see you soon, Kory!")

It's the Nationals and the Orioles live from Virginia at 3:30 pm EST. Who's Following The Nationals? I've got it on the radio...

The 2009 Washington Nationals: Who Will Still Be A National On Monday?

Ed Chigliak — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:11:36 -0000

Anderson Hernandez's Injury Opens Up Infield...

What does Anderson Hernandez's trip to the DL with a hamstring injury mean for the Washington Nationals' 2009 Opening Day roster? Count Alberto Gonzalez in, according to Washington Post writer Chico Harlan, who notes in a Nationals Journal post entitled, "Hernandez Will Start Year On DL", that the injury also opens up an opportunity for someone else in camp, as Mr. Harlan writes, "A final roster spot remains for a position player, almost certainly to be filled by either a third catcher (Wil Nieves or Josh Bard), Kory Casto or Alex Cintron." Cintron has played mostly short and second in his career, while Casto's played the outfield, first and third, but Casto is not a second baseman, and with Hernandez out for now, and Ronnie Belliard next in line at second, the situation would seem to favor Cintron, even though Casto's out of options and would have to clear waivers to get assigned to the minors. Kory Casto might be out of luck...

The Nationals need a third catcher as much as they need a seventh outfielder. But judging by the last few years in the franchise's history, it probably does make sense to have extra outfielders around since it's almost a certainty some injury will occur in the first few days of the season, when someone's groin or hamstring doesn't hold up under the stress of the first real sprint, slide or dive. So having Josh Willingham to play the outfield if Elijah Dukes, Austin Kearns or Lastings Milledge goes down, or if Adam Dunn, who'll start the season in left, were to move to first in the event of what many see as an inevitable injury to Nick Johnson...

...For once the Washington Nationals are prepared. Even if one of the starting three, (which I'm startled to see looks like it might be Dunn, Milledge and Kearns), goes down, with Willingham able to play left or possibly first, Dunn (supposedly) capable of playing left and first, and even right when necessary, as in the WBC, and Elijah Dukes pushing for time in center and right, the Nationals shouldn't end up with Willie Harris tied for second on the team in HR's again...So now, watch them trade Nick Johnson this weekend...one last time, DO NOT TRADE NICK JOHNSON.

John Lannan Gets Bad Outing Out Of His System...

His pitches were high in the zone and he was behind in the count. That's what DC lefty John Lannan told MLB.com's Bill Ladson the problem was yesterday, in an article entitled, "Nats come up short in loss vs Jays", after Lannan allowed 10 hits, 3 walks and 7 ER over 4.2 IP against the Toronto Blue Jays in the last Spring Training start he'll make before meeting the Marlins on Monday in Miami.

Lannan ends Spring Training with a (1-2) record and a 3.97 ERA in 22.2 IP over which he allowed 25 hits, 12 R, 10 ER, 1 HR and 5 walks while collecting 5 K's.. Last spring, Lannan was described by MLB.com's Bill Ladson as, "...the Nationals' best pitcher in Spring Training (after) going (2-0) with a 2.18 ERA In 5 games", but he lost the battle for the final spot in the Washington rotation to a high-kicking Matt Chico and was scheduled to pitch for the Columbus Clippers when Chad Cordero's trip to the DL prompted his return to the Nationals' roster. DC Manager Manny Acta told MLB.com's Bill Ladson in the same 4/5/08 article quoted above, which is entitled, "Lannan happy to be back in Majors", that he liked, "'[Lannan's] command. It's very good for a guy his age, especially being left-handed...He is able to hit that glove consistently and he shows no fear." Lannan's legendary cool will be tested on Monday, though it's the Marlins' opener, so the pressure's on them...

GAME THREAD...Washington at Philadelphia

Scott Olsen vs Jamie Moyer on the mound...1:05 pm EST, Washington and Philadelphia from the Phillies' Spring home, Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater, Florida, in the last game in Florida before the Nationals head north to Norfolk, VA and Nationals Park for two straight exhibition games with the Orioles...

Who's Watching The Nationals' Last Spring Training Game In Florida?

Before the Game...Check this out...

Paul Francis Sullivan of Sully Baseball.com emailed me to let me know that he'd taken a second look at DC baseball history for a series of posts he's written comparing each MLB team's best All-Time Home Grown team and the best All-Time Acquired team, this time excluding the Expos, and sticking solely to the nation's capitals' "original Senators, expansion Senators and the Nationals." Which Nationals' starter makes the "Home Grown" starting rotation? Who starts at third for the "Home Grown" team...over Ryan Zimmerman?

Who's Watching The Nationals?

Spring Training - Game Thread: Washington Nationals vs New York Mets.

Ed Chigliak — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:36:24 -0000

The 2009 Lineup Takes Shape...

When asked, in his most recent edition of the "Inbox: What's different with Kearns?", whether Adam Dunn was second in line at first if Nick Johnson were to be injured again, MLB.com's Bill Ladson responded, "You are going to think I'm crazy, but don't count out (Dmitri) Young," (as Johnson's backup)...and a little less than three hours after Mr. Ladson published his article, Washington Post writer Chico Harlan checked in with a Nationals Journal post entitled, "Nats Intend To Add Dmitri Young To 40-Man Roster" which made Mr. Ladson's intuition appear possibly prescient.

(ed. note - "I'll hold off on commenting on giving a not-quite-ready-to-play DY this spot until the player who's left off the roster to make room is identified...")

In an article entitled, "Nationals to carry an extra position player", yesterday, which announced (in its title) the fact that the Nationals would carry an extra position player in place of a fifth starter due to the scheduling in the first weeks, which provides two off days, MLB.com's Bill Ladson speculated that the final roster spot could go to:

"Kory Casto, who is out of options...He can play the corner outfield and infield positions."

Does the decision to honor what is reported to be an agreement the Former DC GM had with DY, to bring him back from Triple-A, mean the end of Kory Casto's time with the Nationals then? If you believe the Nationals' Depth Chart as it's currently configured at the Nationals' Official site, Casto's third in line at third and fourth behind Nick Johnson, Josh Willingham and Adam Dunn at first, and not even on the map in the outfield, which doesn't bode well for the former Montreal Expos' 2003 3rd Round pick...

And What About The Bullpen...???

Here's how the Nationals' official site's Depth Chart has it:

"Wild" Joel Hanrahan (CL) - (WBC - (0-0), 6 G, 5.0 IP, 1.80 ERA, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K's)

Joe Beimel - ('08 - (5-1), 71 G, 49.0 IP, 2.02 ERA, 50 H, 11 ER, 21 BB, 32 K's)

Saul "Sa-ool" Rivera - (WBC - (0-0), 5 G, 3.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 1 H, 1 K)

Jason Bergmann - (Spring - (0-0), 7 G, 9.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 0 ER, 1 HR?) (ed. note - "Someone tell me how that works...even if Bergmann came on with bases loaded and gave up a HR the 4th run would be the new pitcher's, right? I'll assume it's a rare MLB.com error.")

Steven Shell - (Spring - (0-0), 8 G, 10.0 IP, 4.50 ERA, 12 H, 5 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 4 K's.)

Garrett Mock - (Spring (0-0), 10 G, 12.0 IP, 1 SV, 5.25 ERA, 16 H, 9 E)

Julian Tavarez - (Uh...visa issues?)

Back in the article by Mr. Ladson entitled, "Nationals to carry extra position player", Mr. Ladson wrote that the roster decision meant that the Nationals would carry just 4 starters and 7 relievers on the Opening Day roster. That's seven above, with the four starters, John Lannan, Scott Olsen, Daniel Cabrera and...Jordan Zimmermann or Shairon Martis, presumably, but still undecided...and that leaves Ryan Wagner, Terrell Young, Will Ledezma and Mike Hinckley out of the picture, though I'd imagine one of the two lefties, Ledezma or Hinckley might step in for Mock, (who has struggled this Spring), as the LOOGY...

And Speaking of Stephen Strasburg...

Sports Illustrated writer Lee Jenkins' article entitled, "Stephen Strasburg Is Ready To Bring It", is now available online. (ed. note - "Mr. Jenkins was also kind enough to answer a few question I had about Strasburg the other day, you can view the email exchange HERE.")

ESPN's Baseball Tonight did a segment on Stephen Strasburg today with Buster Olney narrating a highlight package, and speaking in studio...some of the highlights: (paraphrasing of course)...

Buster Olney - "Strasburg is not like any other pitching prospect, this year or perhaps in any year...and according to scout's he's better than Mark Prior...David Price...Todd Van Popple or Brien Taylor...and better than A.J. Burnett is right now...Lots of movement on his fastball, a cutting action, above average slider and change. 74 K's and 7 BB in 34.1 IP so far with SDSU...Mr. Olney then calls Strasburg, 'The Lebron James of the upcoming baseball draft'...(but Mr. Olney cautions)..."This is going to be the toughest negotiation of the year in baseball...it's gonna be drawn out and it could get ugly."

ESPN's Peter Gammons - "My only question is, 'Is Strasburg gonna end up in the majors in Japan?'"

Strasburg's on the road against Texas Christian University Friday night.

You remember New York Newsday columnist Ken Davidoff right?

In a "Ken Davidoff's baseball insider" article with the SEO-friendly title, "Miguel Tejada, Johnny Damon, Derek Jeter, Pat Venditte, Jimmy Gobble and Anderson Hernandez", Mr. Davidoff writes that he:

" • Bought a copy of the Washington Post while in DC, and laughed when I read this story: Anderson Hernandez might be the Nationals' starting second baseman? Ay yi yi."

C'mon, that's 164 characters, trim it down a bit and save it for a Twitter post! Why the virtual eye-roll for Anderson Hernandez? Just because he never panned out in NY? Enjoy Luis Castillo...

Speaking Of New York's Hated Mets?

GAME THREAD - Washington at New York - 7:10 pm EST from Tradition Field, Port St. Lucie, Florida.

John Lannan vs Johan Santana. It's on MLB.tv. Friday night baseball...

Who's Watching The Nationals?

MAKE SURE YOU READ THIS...

Doghouse, our in-house statistician just published the most recent edition of the Federal Baseball.com community W.A.R. Effort...and your participation is mandatory, by which I of course mean, welcomed and appreciated.

"IN AD 2009 W.A.R was beginning."

Who's Watching The Nationals?

In AD 2009 W.A.R was beginning.

Doghouse — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 03:49:07 -0000

What happen?

With the start of the season nearly upon us, it's time to revisit our Wins Above Replacement projection (click the 'WAS' tab on the bottom), in which we try to project how well the Nats will do in the 2009 season. Let's see what's changed since our last update last month. Revised lineups, rotation, and bullpen after the jump, as well as yet another plea for the wisdom of the crowd (that's you guys) to make the projection better.

Someone set us up the bomb.

Big changes in the last 30 days, as if getting Adam Dunn weren't enough! Shawn Hill released, Joe Beimel signed, Julian Taverez compares us to a 600-pound J.Lo... Plus, even more back-up catchers, and the continuing unresolved glut of outfielders. Time to take another look at the lineup. WE GET SIGNAL. WHAT !

Main screen turn on !

Let's start with the lineup. Recall that our W.A.R. calculation divvies up 695 plate appearances (PA) for each IF/OF spot, plus 340 for pinch hitters (PH). We give the starters most of the PA at each position (if we can figure out who they'll be...), and then assign the rest to one or more backup players. If we figure someone might get hurt, or it's not clear who will start, then we split up the PA based on what we figure the odds are. I use the CHONE projections for expected batting and fielding performance, and my own half-baked fudge factor to represent baserunning (basically, Milledge, Dukes, and Harris all add 0.1 win per 695 PA from speed, so it's almost not worth including... still, I did the math, so I'm adding it in!). I've got an excerpt from the W.A.R. spreadsheet for each position, below. After the each player's name, it's the number of PA, projected OBP and SLG, baserunning adjustment, and fielding adjustment (ignore the stuff in the grey columns--those are part of the W.A.R. calculation).

It's you !!

In spite of his injury and Manny's desire to have someone to "push" him, I don't think anyone doubts Jesus Flores will get the majority of the time behind the dish. Call it 500 PA for Home Run Jesus--but who gets the other 195? Wil Nieves and Flores both bat righty, and we all know Manny loves him some platoon advantage. Javier Valentin and Josh Bard are both switch hitters. CHONE projects 2009 batting lines of 251/297/350 for Nieves, 254/338/369 for Bard, and 251/320/382 for Valentin. Defensively, Nieves projects to be worth -4 runs, Bard -9 runs, and Valentin -4 runs. In spite of how pretty Mrs. Doghouse thinks Wil is (although she disapproves of his current goatee), he may be reinforcing an impressive Syracuse squad this year. Valentin and Bard are actually equivalent, W.A.R.-wise, once you plug them in for the back up 195 PA, so I put in Bard's numbers as representative of either.

At first base, I don't think we see any changes. I'm choosing to believe Nick Johnson doesn't get traded, and that he has a 50% chance of losing half the season--400 PA for NJ at 1B, with 100 for Josh Willingham (filling in if NJ gets hurt) and 95 PA for Ronnie Belliard (giving NJ days off). Right now, I don't think Dmitri Young plays much, despite Bowden's promises.

At second, I think Anderson Hernandez still has the inside track, especially after seeing some of the nice Dee last night, am I right? Of course, we don't know how serious the Hammy strain will end up being, but I already hedged by only giving him 400 PA, with the rest split up among Alberto Gonalez, Belliard, and Willie Harris. I don't see a change here. There may not be room for "Teh General" on the 25-man, but we can consider his PA to be a hedge against injuries (as below in other IF spots, too).

At short, I think we can safely pencil in Cristian GUUUUUZZZMMaaaaannnnn! for most of the playing time, with Gonzalez picking up the rest, assuming he spends some time up in the big club. Anyone think I should maybe put in Harris or someone else there as backup, instead? Speak up in the comments!

Lessee, who do we put at third? I let TAWH and Teh General split Zimmy's days off.

How are you gentlemen !!

It's still pretty muddled in the outfield. We'll give Dunn the start in LF, Milledge in CF, Dukes in RF. Kearns, Willingham, and TAWH fill in the rest (recall Hammer has some time at 1B in this projection). Kearns and/or Willingham look like trade-bait right now, so I only have each of them in for 200ish PA. No, I don't see Wily Mo or Corey Patterson in the lineup.

All your base are belong to us

The W.A.R. spreadsheet leaves us with 340 miscellaneous PA for PH. In past versions of the calculations, I've filled those in mostly with Belliard, Willingham, and TAWH--good (or at least not crappy) hitters. I'm going to give in to my inner Dave from NNN, however, and fill in this area with the Inevitable Scrubs who will show up because of injuries, visa trouble, misguided auditions, or who knows what. To represent Scrub Nation, I'm putting up Kory Casto (in spite of the likelihood he won't pass waivers when we try to send him to Syracuse) and Ryan Langerhans. I'm also putting in a few PA for DaMeathook--I can't be all doom and gloom, and we can't have seem the last of him.

You are on the way to destruction.

This brings us to the rotation. For the W.A.R. estimate, we assign 940 innings pitched (IP) to starters, and 505 IP to relievers. For relievers, we also assign a "leverage" number to represent them pitching in tight spots--closers have a leverage higher than 1, mop-up guys have a leverage lower than 1 (starters have a leverage of 1). The total average leverage for the bullpen has to be 1 (the junk-time appearances balance out the save oppurtunities). I'm using CHONE again for the projected ERAs.

What you say !!

Okay, so what's our rotation? The first three spots have been ordained as John Lannan, Scott Olsen, and Orlando Cabrera. Shawn Hill is no longer a contender, so that leaves Collin Balester, Jordan Zimmermann, and Shairon Martis competing for the last two spots. I think they all have a chance to appear in the bigs at some point, so I'm just going to split up the IP evenly among them (okay, I gave a few extra to Double-N and Shairon "I need a nickname" Martis because they've been hot in Spring). I figure Jason Bergmann is pretty much set to be the long man in the bullpen, but we'll pencil him in for a spot start or three. Figure it shakes out like this:

You have no chance to survive make your time.

Let's move on to the bullpen. You think the OF is muddled? If you recall the last worksheet, I basically threw everyone into the bullpen. I'm going to take another stab at it, but this is where I can really use some advice! Got an idea of how the 'pen will shake out? Leave a comment!

Ha ha ha ha....

Okay, we have "Wild" Joel Hanrahan as our closer, so he gets the highest-leverage spot (1.8). Saul "Sa-oool the old reliable" Rivera is now our bridge guy (1.0 leverage), because Joe "Watch this space" Beimel has been declared our new 8th inning guy (1.3 leverage--CHONE projects a 4.03 ERA for him). Figure we can pencil each of them in for about 70 IP. That leaves 295 IP for the other 5 spots, scattered among various Rule-Fivers, prospects, retreads (Kip Wells' CHONE ERA is 5.05), and Julian "Any Port in a Storm" Taverez (CHONE ERA 4.42). Bergmann in long relief ought to be good for 40 IP, and who doubts that Jesus "no, the other Jesus" Colome will be there with the mop for 45 IP (leverage 0.5)? And the rest... geez, we'll just throw it out to the peanut gallery:

Captain !!

Seriously, help me out with this, people. What do we do with this bullpen?! Who do you think is in, who do you think is out? Leave a comment and I'll do at least one more revision before Opening Day.

Take off every 'ZIG' !! You know what you doing.

So, where does this get us? Let's turn the crank and see how many wins pop.

76.9

We're still getting 75 wins or better on average--assigning the scrubs to PH loses us a bit of win, as does giving Willingham more PA in LF over TAWH (compared to the last version). Here's how the probabilities work out for wins this season:

Move 'ZIG'. For great justice.

Even with the 'coming to earth' of the offense from the infusion of scrubs into the lineup and the grab-bag extravaganza in the bullpen, we're looking at an 80% chance of 71 wins or better. And we still get to 75 wins more than half of the time. Little chance of playoffs in 2009, but a big improvement over last season and a decent shot at the best season since the magic of 2005. BELIEVE!

Washington Nationals: Off-Day Musings...WBC Game Thread - USA vs Puerto Rico.

Ed Chigliak — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 21:30:08 -0000

Hill Passes Test...

Monday: Nationals 3 Marlins 1

For a moment there yesterday afternoon I was worried, Dave from the Nats News Network (NNN) sent a text that read, "Zimmermann (Jordan) is already warming up, (Shawn) Hill might not even pitch," and it took me long enough to remember that I'd read about Hill only pitching one inning, that I'd already sent it out on The Federalbaseball.com TWITTERFEED before I put together that Zimmermann would have to be warming up before the first to come on in the second, and the NNN came to the same conclusion, writing back quickly, "Apparently Hill is limited to 25 pitches today," just as I was able to check and see that Shawn Hill had managed to throw a scoreless, hitless frame with 2 K's, and after Hill it was Zimmermann, who wants a starting spot in the '09 Nationals' rotation, making his argument with 4.0 more scoreless innings over which he allowed just two hits, with no walks and 6 K's...

Jordan Zimmermann's Argument...

Spring #'s - (1-0), 0.00 ERA, 4 G, 2 GS, 12.1 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 16 K's.

The DC Lineup...

Lastings Milledge was 3 for 4 with a double in the leadoff spot Monday. Kory "Limbo" Casto was 1 for 5, with a run scored and an RBI, making Manny Acta's decision even harder, since, as MLB.com's Bill Ladson reported last week in an article entitled, "Nats have decision to make on Casto", the 27-year-old IF/OF, "...is out of minor league options", meaning he either stays on the roster or the Nationals risk someone claiming him on waivers before he can be sent down to one of Washington's affiliates...(ed. note - "Keep making them think about it Casto!!") Emilio Bonifacio was 0 for 4 with a run scored against the team that traded him to Marlins...

Peter Gammons' Note...GAME THREAD...

ESPN.com's Peter Gammons, in a recent post (For Insiders Only) entitled, "AL East becoming a pitching division", mentions that the Washington Nationals are trying to shop, "Austin Kearns and his $9M dollar contract"...(ed. note - "$8M in '09 + Assumed $1M buyout?") ...If the Nationals are trying to find someone desperate enough for an outfielder to take Austin Kearns off their hands...does that mean Elijah Dukes gets the starting job in right? Trading Kearns, however, doesn't clear up the Nationals' 1st base/left field situation at all...Don't tell me Washington is going to trade Austin Kearns and Nick Johnson...Kearns and Josh Willingham? What will "Acting" GM Mike Rizzo do? Since last season ended, Austing Kearns, Nick Johnson, Lastings Milledge and Josh Willingham have all been mentioned as "the player who'll get traded" to make room in the overcrowded outfield...it's now, March 16th...the first game of the season is on April 6th...No rush or anything...

Adam Dunn in the WBC...

5 games into the 2009 World Baseball Classic, DC outfielder Adam Dunn has hit in 7 of 13 at bats for a .538 AVG with 3 HR's and 4 RBI's. Dunn's tied for the WBC HR lead with Cuba's Frederich Cepeda and Mexico's Karim Garcia. Dunn's also tied for second in walks with 6. Team USA turns to Chicago Cubs' starter Ted Lilly for tonight's start, but a lineup that was injury-riddled already, lost both relief pitcher Matt Lindstrom and possibly IF/OF Ryan Braun yesterday...

(ed. note - "Speaking of Mr. Lindstrom, Anyone who watched the US/Netherlands game will get a kick out of this...I was listening to XM's MLB coverage, and Team USA Coach Billy Ripken kept a straight face (or voice, it was radio?) when he said he spoke to Matt Lindstrom, who assured his coach he had no intention of throwing behind a Netherlands batter in the AB after a Dutch teammate spent a little too much time watching a home run...I for one believe Matt Lindstrom.")

Puerto Rico starts the San Francisco Giants' 26-year-old left-hander Jonathan Sanchez. Still-unsigned-Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez has led the PR offensively, with 2 HR's and 6 RBI's in 5 games over which he's hit in 10 of 19 AB's for a .526 AVG before play begins tonight. DC fans will also recognize our old friend "FLop" Felipe Lopez playing second for Puerto Rico, and our own Saul "Sa-ool" Rivera*, who hasn't allowed a run in 4 appearancs and 2.2 IP...

Either Adam Dunn and "Wild" Joel Hanrahan, or Saul Rivera will be back playing for the Nationals after tonight's game...Hanrahan you ask? Hanny's WBC stats: 3 G, 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K...Hanny'd better get back before Garrett Mock starts to look like a closer...

(ed. note - " * = Further Reading: Kristen Hudak of We've Got Heart and MASN, had a great article about Saul Rivera's participation in the WBC entitled, "Saul Rivera Still Perfect For Puerto Rico.")

7:00 pm EST start, USA vs Puerto Rico...Loser Leaves Town.

The Biggest Question Of The Spring For The Washington Nationals Is...?

Ed Chigliak — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 06:36:44 -0000

Who Are The Washington Nationals Going To Trade?

When I asked you, the Federal Baseball.com readers, who was in your '09 outfield, you voted Josh Willingham out in favor of the then-newly-signed Adam Dunn in left, Lastings Milledge in center and Elijah Dukes in right, by a wide margin, with 57 of 142 votes cast, (Willingham in left with Milledge and Dukes was the only other OF alignment with any significant support), and it seems the Nationals are now thinking along the same lines, with MLB.com's Bill Ladson mentioning Willingham as a potential trade candidate, though in the same article entitled, "Willingham may be odd man out", "Acting" GM Mike Rizzo is quoted as saying that he sees the 30-year-old Willingham, "as an everyday outfielder", and Mr. Ladson writes that Mr. Rizzo, "...did not mention Willingham as trade bait."

But, Stan Kasten said he was taking calls about trades within days of the Former Nationals' GM resigning, and Mike Rizzo reportedly picked up where Mr. Kasten left off, saying several times in print that he'd had daily discussions about potential trades, but unless it's Nick Johnson, or some of the second tier of Major-League-ready, but maybe-not-here players like Kory Casto, or Roger Bernadina, who could it be?...The expensive Austin Kearns? Elijah Dukes? Or maybe Ronnie Belliard, who signed with DC before the '07 season because he found no market for his services even after he'd played 14 games in the playoffs with the World Series-winning Cardinals back in 2006?

Washington Post writer Tracee Hamilton, in a "Morning Reading" post at the Nationals Journal pointed to a Florida Today article entitled, "Outfielders work to catch on" by Mark Decotis which quotes DC Manager Manny Acta, who thinks he can work all of the outfielders in, saying, "'We can rotate them and get enough at bats for all of them once we get that number down to whoever's going to come with us to D.C.'" Does anyone expect Wily Mo Pena to make this team? Willie Harris isn't hitting yet, but he's going to be filling in everywhere coming off the bench, and Austin Kearns is well-liked and finally healthy, not to mention nearly untradeable at $8M plus another year at $10M or a $1M dollar buyout, and he's coming of an injury-filled season in which he hit just .217 in 86 games...which isn't too appealing...

Asked by MLB.com's Bill Ladson, in an interview entitled, "Q&A with Mike Rizzo", if the Nationals were thinking about trading from their abundance of outfielders Mr. Rizzo responded that the Nationals, "'...are not going to give away an outfielder'", but will instead, "'...do our due dligence and get a player who is going to impact us this year and throughout the next few years.'"

Nick Johnson's healthy...Austin Kearns had a blister, but he's back and he's already been spectacular defensively, while Elijah Dukes hit a home run the other day that might still be rising...Adam Dunn will return to the Nationals after the WBC, and that's when I'd really expect something to happen, since Dunn is going to have to get time in in left field or at first, time to get used to playing with the rest of the Nationals, so it would seem that at that point, something would have to give...or someone would have to go?

STRASBURG FILES...

Washington's "Acting" GM Mike Rizzo, according to Washington Times' writer Ben Goessling in an article entitled, "Rizzo steps up to the plate", is "plenty familiar" with San Diego State University's starter Stephen Strasburg, whose next scheduled start is Friday against UNLV at home in Tony Gwynn Stadium. Strasburg is (3-0) after 3 starts with a 1.77 ERA, and 45 K's in 20.1 IP so far this season, so he's obviously being watched by the GM of the team with the #1 pick, but Mr. Rizzo's assessment puts Strasburg, "...in a special category of amateur pitchers", and he thinks Washington is, "fortunate to have a guy that sticks out as a first round pick. He's a unique talent."

Game Thread - Washington Nationals at Atlanta Braves - 1:05 pm EST.

DC's Own DC Daniel Cabrera's going to get the start tomorrow afternoon against Atlanta after having allowed 8 hits, 3 runs, (2 earned) and 2 walks in 2 starts and his first 4.0 innings pitched with the Nationals. The Braves announced, in an article by MLB.com writer Todd Zolecki entitled, "Sammons' two homers spark Braves", that Jair Jurrjens will get the start against the Nationals, with, "...closer Mike Gonzalez and highly regarded prospect Kris Medlen" expected to pitch. Medlen, a 10th Round pick in 2006, was ranked 9th in the Braves' system in Baseball America's Bill Balew's list of the, "Top 10 Prospects: Atlanta Braves", which was published in December of '08.

Nationals vs Jair Jurrjens...and Spring Training #'s...

Roger Bernadina vs Jurrjens - 1 for 2, 1 3B, 1 RBI. Spring '09 - 4 for 19, .211 AVG, 3 2B, 1 RBI.

Cristian Guzman vs Jurrjens - 2 for 11, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 RBI. Spring '09 - 8 for 24, .333 AVG, 2 2B, 1 3B, 1 RBI.

Willie Harris vs Jurrjens - 4 for 9, 1 3B, 2 RBI's. Spring '09 - 1 for 14, .071 AVG.

Ryan Langerhans vs Jurrjens - 2 for 8, 2 2B. Spring '09 - 1 for 10, .100 AVG.

Ryan Zimmerman vs Jurrjens - 3 for 9. Spring '09 - 7 for 20, 1 2B, 3 RBI's.

Nationals vs Braves - 1:05 pm EST...Who's Following The Nationals?