SBNation.com User Blog: Cooperstown Needs Bert

Ex-Nats Roundup: Episode IV (The Unaffiliated Minor Leagues)

Cooperstown Needs Bert — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 01:44:11 -0000

Unaffiliated minor leagues: the final frontier in our survey of ex-Nats active in 2012. These are the voyages--for some of these players, “voyages” is not an overstatement--that take us to Japan, Mexico, Texas, and New Jersey, among other exotic destinations.

I admit that this is something of an organizational hodgepodge. Although the Mexican League teams are unaffiliated, it’s regarded as AAA-level, and therefore probably more comparable to the PCL and IL, discussed last time. We probably could also have a spirited debate about how the Japanese leagues compare to the affiliated minors, but we probably can agree that the overall quality of play is a cut above the Atlantic League and the Canadian-American Association. Regardless, this is what we’re left with after our previous ex-Nats reports.

So, we’ll begin by considering former Nats who played in Mexico, followed by those who played in Japan. We shall conclude with those who played in the independent minors, namely the aforementioned Atlantic League and the Canadian-American Association. As far as I’ve been able to tell, there were no ex-Nats in any of the other independent leagues this year (with one exception, but he also played in Mexico).

The usual caveats apply. The idea for the round-up comes from Twinkie Town. The stats are from Baseball-reference.com. I haven’t covered ex-Expos, nor have I covered players who were in the Nats system but never played as a major league Nat. Additionally, players still in the Nats system are not included. Two additional notes, as well. First, some of these players may well be on the move for next season, but I haven’t included such information. Second, there are players who do not appear on this list but did play in these leagues; you can find those players in my previous installment, as they also spent time in the affiliated minors during the 2012 season.

And now, to the remaining ex-Nats!

The Mexican Leaguers

Henry Mateo, Olmecas de Tabasco (2005-2006):

66 G, 306 PA, .317/.396/.413

Interestingly, Mateo has batted over .300 in each season since 2008.

Hector Carrasco, Petroleros de Minatitla/Pericos de Puebla (2005):

38 G, 40.2 IP, 5.09 ERA

Carrasco probably had his best single season with the Nats back in ’05 (64 G, 88.1 IP, 2.04 ERA). At 42, he’s still plugging along.

D’Angelo Jimenez, Pericos de Puebla (2007) (after Newark Bears (Canadian-American Association) and Lincoln Saltdogs (American Association)):

20 G, 81 PA, .328/.444./358

Jimenez caught on with the Pericos after starting the year with the Newark Bears in the Can-Am League and playing five games with the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association (my favorite independent league, incidentally). Long gone are the days when he was one of the Yankees’ top prospects.

Luis Matos, Leones de Yucatan/Piratas de Campeche (2006):

46 G, 188 PA, 4 HR, .269/.362/.388

Matos had a couple serviceable seasons with Baltimore back in the early 2000s; he’s been playing in Mexico since 2008.

Winston Abreu, Diablos Rojos del Mexico (2007):

45 G, 44.2 IP, 3.83 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 15 SV

The Orioles gave Abreu a look back in spring training, but he was released on April 18 and headed to Mexico.

Jesus Colome, Sultanes de Monterrey (2007-2009):

19 G, 17.2 IP, 2.04 ERA, 1.02 WHIP 12 SV

Not a bad 2012 for Colome--but a pretty small sample size.

Jorge Padilla, Broncos de Reynosa, then Tucson Padres (Padres) PCL (2009):

29 G, 123 PA., .290/.369/.355, then 17 G, 47 PA, .220/.319/.220

Padilla should actually have been included in the last episode. As you can see, he was competent for the Broncos--competent enough that the Padres signed him. He spent 17 games with the Tuscon Padres of the PCL, posting a .220/.319/.220 in 47 plate appearances. The Padres released him on July 3. (Note: I’m assuming he started with Reynosa because it’s listed first on Baseball-reference. I have no idea if that is a safe assumption.)

Joe Bisenius, Saraperos de Saltillo/Rieleros de Aguascalientes (2010):

22 G, 9-10, 4.92 ERA, 128 IP

He’s never come close to pitching 128 innings before.

Alex Cintron, Sugar Land Skeeters (Atlantic League) and Diabos Rojos del Mexico (2009):

.200/.274/.236, 14 G 62 PA

Once upon a time, he was considered one of Arizona’s top prospects. You may better remember him as a middle infielder who batted .077 in his one season with the Nats.

The Japanese Leaguers

Tony Blanco, Chunichi Dragons (2005):

96 G, 359 PA, .248/.340/.511, 24 HR

The Red Sox once traded him for Todd Walker (who, according to B-Ref, is the lowest-ranked player on the Hall of Fame ballot this year). 2012 was his fourth season with Chunichi; in those four seasons, he’s hit 111 home runs.

Jorge Sosa, Chunichi Dragons (2009):

53 G, 63.1 IP, 5-1, 1.85 ERA

Did you know Sosa had the best win-loss percentage in the National League in 2005? He was dreadful the next year and the Braves traded him for a guy named Rich Scalamadre. Looks like Japan agrees with Sosa.

Terrmel Sledge, Nippon Ham Fighters (2005):

47 G, 152 PA, .232/.303/.406

This is great. I think that “Terrmel Sledge” may be my favorite baseball player name of the last ten years, and “Nippon Ham Fighters” is probably my favorite baseball team name. This was the fifth year in Japan for the man who placed fifth in the 2004 NL Rookie of the Year vote and was part of the trade that brought Soriano to DC for that one glorious year.

Darrell Rasner, Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles (2005):

46 G, 42.0 IP, 2.79 ERA

Four years into his Japanese career, Rasner has settled in as a pretty effective reliever.

Wily Mo Pena, Fukuoka Softbank Hawks (2007-2008):

130 G, 507 PA, .280/.339/.490, 21 HR

Well, he apparently still has some power (a quality he showed little sign of possessing during his time with the Nats).

Lastings Milledge, Yakult Swallows (2008-2009):

125 G, 546 PA, 21 HR, .300/.379/.485

Ha! Even with these numbers, do you miss this guy?

The Independent Leaguers

Charlie Manning, Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (Atlantic League) (2008):

56 G, 65.0 IP, 2.49 ERA

Arguably best know for being involved in a trade for Aaron Boone, Manning spent his second season with the Blue Crabs.

Jesse English, Bridgeport Bluefish (Atlantic League) (2010):

42 G, 54.1 IP, 3.48 ERA, 57 K

Like a number of ex-Nats, English’s only major league appearances came with the Nats, and he’s been bouncing around the minors ever since.

Gary Majewski, Sugar Land Skeeters (Atlantic League) (2005-2006):

56 G, 66.2 IP, 3.38 ERA

After his season in Sugar Land, Majewski can now say he was on the same pitching staff as Roger Clemens (and Tim Redding).

Saul Rivera, Sugar Land Skeeters (Atlantic League) (2006-2009):

18 G, 2-0, 28.2 IP, 2.20 ERA

See entry for Gary Majewski.

John Halama, Lancaster Barnstormers (Atlantic League) (2005):

28 G, 188.2 IP, 13-9, 3.15 ERA

See Gary Majewski and Saul Rivera. Did you know that Halama was involved in the trade that sent Randy Johnson to Houston? True story.

Matt Chico, York Revolution (Atlantic League) and New Jersey Jackals (Canadian-American Association) (2007-2010):

11 G, 47.0 IP, 8.62 ERA

Probably not the year Mr. Chico was looking for, performance-wise.

Daryle Ward, Newark Bears (Canadian-American Association) (2006):

59 G, 244 PA, 10 HR, .290/.357/.475

Since 2009, Bears fans have been secure in the knowledge that, at some point, Daryle Ward will play for their team, in between stints with affiliated minor league teams.

And there you have it: we’ve trudged through all of the active ex-Nats I was able to find. On a closing note, I think we can agree that looking back over these fellows is an excellent reminder of where the Nats have been before giving us a great 2012. I mean, would you really swap anybody on the Nats for anybody who used to be a Nat? I think not. The most successful ex-Nats in 2012 were probably Willingham, Soriano, Dunn, and Hanrahan. Of these, I think only Hanrahan would even arguably have improved the team. So, yeah. We’ve got something special going on here, particularly compared to what we used to have.

Well, that’s that. Thanks for reading! With any luck, I’ll do something like this again next year, when we’ll be able to add Edwin Jackson, among others, to the list.

And now, to the remaining ex-Nats!

The Mexican Leaguers

Henry Mateo, Olmecas de Tabasco (2005-2006):

66 G, 306 PA, .317/.396/.413

Interestingly, Mateo has batted over .300 in each season since 2008.

Hector Carrasco, Petroleros de Minatitla/Pericos de Puebla (2005):

38 G, 40.2 IP, 5.09 ERA

Carrasco probably had his best single season with the Nats back in ’05 (64 G, 88.1 IP, 2.04 ERA). At 42, he’s still plugging along.

D’Angelo Jimenez, Pericos de Puebla (2007) (after Newark Bears (Canadian-American Association) and Lincoln Saltdogs (American Association)):

20 G, 81 PA, .328/.444./358

Luis Matos, Leones de Yucatan/Piratas de Campeche (2006):

46 G, 188 PA, 4 HR, .269/.362/.388

Matos had a couple serviceable seasons with Baltimore back in the early 2000s; he’s been playing in Mexico since 2008.

Winston Abreu, Diablos Rojos del Mexico (2007):

45 G, 44.2 IP, 3.83 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 15 SV

The Orioles gave Abreu a look back in spring training, but he was released on April 18 and headed to Mexico.

Jesus Colome, Sultanes de Monterrey (2007-2009):

19 G, 17.2 IP, 2.04 ERA, 1.02 WHIP 12 SV

Not a bad 2012 for Colome--but a pretty small sample size.

Jorge Padilla, Broncos de Reynosa, then Tucson Padres (Padres) PCL (2009):

29 G, 123 PA., .290/.369/.355, then 17 G, 47 PA, .220/.319/.220

Joe Bisenius, Saraperos de Saltillo/Rieleros de Aguascalientes (2010):

22 G, 9-10, 4.92 ERA, 128 IP

He’s never come close to pitching 128 innings before.

Alex Cintron, Sugar Land Skeeters (Atlantic League) and Diabos Rojos del Mexico (2009):

.200/.274/.236, 14 G 62 PA

Once upon a time, he was considered one of Arizona’s top prospects. You may better remember him as a middle infielder who batted .077 in his one season with the Nats.

The Japanese Leaguers

Tony Blanco, Chunichi Dragons (2005):

96 G, 359 PA, .248/.340/.511, 24 HR

Jorge Sosa, Chunichi Dragons (2009):

53 G, 63.1 IP, 5-1, 1.85 ERA

Terrmel Sledge, Nippon Ham Fighters (2005):

47 G, 152 PA, .232/.303/.406

Darrell Rasner, Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles (2005):

46 G, 42.0 IP, 2.79 ERA

Four years into his Japanese career, Rasner has settled in as a pretty effective reliever.

Wily Mo Pena, Fukuoka Softbank Hawks (2007-2008):

130 G, 507 PA, .280/.339/.490, 21 HR

Well, he apparently still has some power (a quality he showed little sign of possessing during his time with the Nats).

Lastings Milledge, Yakult Swallows (2008-2009):

125 G, 546 PA, 21 HR, .300/.379/.485

Ha! Even with these numbers, do you miss this guy?

The Independent Leaguers

Charlie Manning, Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (Atlantic League) (2008):

56 G, 65.0 IP, 2.49 ERA

Arguably best know for being involved in a trade for Aaron Boone, Manning spent his second season with the Blue Crabs.

Jesse English, Bridgeport Bluefish (Atlantic League) (2010):

42 G, 54.1 IP, 3.48 ERA, 57 K

Like a number of ex-Nats, English’s only major league appearances came with the Nats, and he’s been bouncing around the minors ever since.

Gary Majewski, Sugar Land Skeeters (Atlantic League) (2005-2006):

56 G, 66.2 IP, 3.38 ERA

After his season in Sugar Land, Majewski can now say he was on the same pitching staff as Roger Clemens (and Tim Redding).

Saul Rivera, Sugar Land Skeeters (Atlantic League) (2006-2009):

18 G, 2-0, 28.2 IP, 2.20 ERA

See entry for Gary Majewski.

John Halama, Lancaster Barnstormers (Atlantic League) (2005):

28 G, 188.2 IP, 13-9, 3.15 ERA

See Gary Majewski and Saul Rivera. Did you know that Halama was involved in the trade that sent Randy Johnson to Houston? True story.

Matt Chico, York Revolution (Atlantic League) and New Jersey Jackals (Canadian-American Association) (2007-2010):

11 G, 47.0 IP, 8.62 ERA

Probably not the year Mr. Chico was looking for, performance-wise.

Daryle Ward, Newark Bears (Canadian-American Association) (2006):

59 G, 244 PA, 10 HR, .290/.357/.475

Since 2009, Bears fans have been secure in the knowledge that, at some point, Daryle Ward will play for their team, in between stints with affiliated minor league teams.

Well, that’s that. Thanks for reading! With any luck, I’ll do something like this again next year, when we’ll be able to add Edwin Jackson, among others, to the list.

2012 Ex-Nats Roundup: Episode III (The Affiliated Minors)

Cooperstown Needs Bert — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 18:33:11 -0000

People of Federal Baseball! After some delay, the time is upon us for another stroll down memory lane with some of your favorite (or, depending on the specific case, less-than-favorite) ex-Nats! Previously, we have had occasion to consider those ex-Nats who saw time in the National League and the American League this past year. We now move on to the minor leagues. Due to the volume of ex-Nats rambling around the minors, I’m breaking this into two posts. Today, we’ll cover players who appeared in the affiliated minors; next time, we’ll consider the unaffiliated minors. I know this division is a bit arbitrary, because it splits up AAA-level players (i.e., we’ll look at the Pacific Coast League and International League today, but won’t examine the Mexican League until next time), but doing things this way will result in two better-balanced posts. Should I do something like this again next season (we’ll assume that (1) the Mayans didn’t really predict the end of the world, and (2) even if they did, they’re going to be wrong), a different breakdown may well be warranted.

Anyway, this time we’ll survey ex-Nats whose highest level of 2012 play was in the PCL, IL, and Eastern League. Some of these guys were pretty well-traveled this year, so where relevant I’ve noted if they played in other leagues, too. As a side note, it doesn’t look like there were any ex-Nats who topped out in any other affiliated minor leagues (but as you’ll see, several of them did spend time in the low minors).

As before, several caveats: (a) I’ve borrowed the idea for this survey from Twinkie Town; (b) the stats are from Baseball-reference.com; (c) ex-Expos are not included; (d) players who spent time in the Nats system but never appeared in the majors are not included; and (e) players who are still in the Nats system are not included. Additionally, I should note that a lot of these guys are already on the move this offseason; I haven’t included these subsequent developments.

Okay, let’s get down to business. First, guys who topped out at the PCL; then, the IL; and finally, the lone fellow who spent the year in the Eastern League. I suspect the odds are good that I’ve missed someone here--if you have more information, drop a comment! (But remember--we’ll be checking out the Mexican League, Japan, and unaffiliated minors like the Can-Am and Atlantic League next time.)

The Pacific Coast and International Leaguers

Brendan Harris, Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies) (2005-2006):

106 G, 424 PA, .317/.407/.507

Aside from a pretty good 2007 season with the Rays, Harris is most notable for (1) not being the answer to the Minnesota Twins’ middle infield woes, and (2) being a minor piece in several noteworthy trades (look it up--usually the Twins end up on the losing end).

Jason Bergmann, Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies) (2005-2010):

28 G, 40.0 IP, 6.98 ERA, 1.85 WHIP

Bergmann started the year with Camden Riversharks in the Atlantic League and posted a 0.81 ERA in 22 games. He responded to the Rockies’ interest by pitching much like he did for the Nats.

Claudio Vargas, Nashville Sounds (Brewers) (2005):

20 G, 109.2 IP, 7-1, 3.69 ERA

As you can see, Vargas had a decent stint with the Sounds, but it didn’t stick--he ended his 2012 campaign with Vaqueros Laguna in the Mexican League.

Corey Patterson, Nashville Sounds (Brewers) (2009):

117 G, 390 PA, 10 HR, .251/.285/.410

Remember when this guy was one of the top prospects in all of baseball?

Victor Garate, Nashville Sounds (Brewers) (2009):

29 G, 39.1 IP, 7.78 ERA, 40 K

After one game with the York Revolution in the Atlantic League, Garate went to the Sounds and did what he usually does: struck guys out and gave up a bunch of runs.

Tim Redding, Las Vegas 51s (Blue Jays) (2007-2008):

23 G, 62.1 IP, 8.66 ERA

Redding, too, began 2012 in the Atlantic League (with the Sugar Land Skeeters); Redding, too, gave up a lot of runs upon making the jump to the PCL.

Jonathan Albaladejo, Reno Aces (Diamondbacks) (2007):

49 G, 56.2 IP, 3.65 ERA, 25 SV

Okay, Albaladejo actually made it up to the majors this year, but I managed to omit him from the NL rundown. He spent most of the season in Reno, where he did enough to merit the September call-up.

Luke Montz, New Orleans Zephyrs (Marlins) (2008):

123 G, 420 PA, .222/.310/.495

Meh.

J.D. Martin, New Orleans Zephyrs (Marlins) (2009-2010):

29 G, 130.0 IP, 5.95 ERA

Meh.

Garrett Mock, Pawtucket Red Sox (Red Sox)/Oklahoma City RedHawks (Astros) (2008-2010):

47 G, 61.2 IP, 3.79 ERA

After six years in the Nats system, Mock lasted 35 games with Pawtucket (of the International League) and 12 with OKC.

Josh Bard, Albuquerque Isotopes (Dodgers) (2009):

45 G, 155 PA, .331/.355/.514

Until this year, Bard had seen major league action every season since 2002. Still, there’s always work for a back-up catcher.

Wil Ledezma, Albuquerque Isotopes (Dodgers) (2009):

38 G, 37.1 IP, 6.99 ERA, 48 K

Another ex-Nat who strikes guys out in between surrendering runs, Ledezma’s year didn’t end with the Isotopes--he tossed exactly one inning for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan. He may be Curacaoan, but he’s no Roger Bernadina.

Brad Peacock, Sacramento River Cats (Athletics) (2011):

28 G, 134.2 IP, 12-9, 6.01 ERA, 139 K

Peacock obviously has a few things to work on before he’s going to see significant time in the bigs, but the K/9 rate is impressive.

C.J. Nitkowski, Buffalo Bisons (Mets) (2005):

15 G, 14.1 IP, 7.53 ERA

After five years in Japan and sitting out 2011, Nitkowski was back in 2012. He breezed through 6 games with the Binghamtom Mets in the Eastern League, but enjoyed less success with Buffalo.

Ramon Ortiz, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Yankees) (2006):

27 G, 13-6, 169.1 IP, 3.45 ERA

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2006 National League leader in losses!

Mike O’Connor, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Yankees) (2006-2008):

31 G, 3-6, 108.2 IP, 3.73 ERA

He seems to have turned into one of those well-traveled AAA-level pitchers.

Josh Wilson, Gwinnett Braves (Braves) (2007):

122 G, 452 PA, .241/.306/.356

I’ve commented there’s always work for back-up catchers; the same is arguably true of utility infielders.

Anderson Hernandez, Indianapolis Indians (Pirates) (2008-2009):

105 G, 399 PA, .268/.301/.328

The Mets traded him to the Nats for Luis Ayala in 2008. Ayala appears to have found his groove the last two seasons; Hernandez not so much.

Logan Kensing, Indianapolis Indians (Pirates) (2009):

11 G, 11.0 IP, 4.09 ERA

Kensing had an eventful year in the Pirates system: after four good games with Bradenton Marauders (Florida Leauge), he moved up to the Altoona Curve of the Eastern League before ending the year in Indianapolis. He doesn’t appear to be in any danger of moving higher than that in the near future.

Daniel Cabrera, Indianapolis Indians (Pirates)/Reno Aces (Diamondbacks) (2009):

23 G, 126.0 IP, 4.50 ERA

Also an active year for Cabrera: after a game in Bradenton, the Pirates brought him up to Indianapolis, before sending him to Reno.

Shairon Martis, Indianapolis Indians (Pirates)/Rochester Red Wings (Twins) (2008-2009):

14 G, 67 IP, 5.78 ERA

And a busy year for Martis: after 11 games with Altoona, the Pirates promoted him to Indianapolis for 4 games, at which point he went to the Twins system, appearing in 4 games for the New Britain Rock Cats (Eastern League) and starting 10 games for the Rochester Red Wings (IL).

Scott Olsen, Charlotte Knights (White Sox) (2009-2010):

2 G, 4.0 IP, 2.25 ERA

After all of one inning with the Bristol White Sox of the Appalachian League, the White Sox moved him all the way up to Charlotte, where he threw two more games.

Luis Atilano, Louisville Bats (Reds) (2010):

1 G, 2.1 IP, 15.43 ERA

Apart from shot the Nats gave him in 2010, Atilano has been in the minors since 2003. This year, he pitched one game with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos of the Southern League before throwing another with the Bats.

The Eastern Leaguer

Zack Segovia, Erie Seawolves (Tigers) (2009):

12 G, 64.2 IP, 5.98 ERA

Once again, meh.

And there you have it! What a barrage of memories this has been. It’s good to know that these guys are working, at least, but it’s also nice to know that they are not employed by the Nats. Stay tuned for the ex-Nats in the unaffiliated minors!

The Pacific Coast and International Leaguers

Brendan Harris, Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies) (2005-2006):

106 G, 424 PA, .317/.407/.507

Jason Bergmann, Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies) (2005-2010):

28 G, 40.0 IP, 6.98 ERA, 1.85 WHIP

Bergmann started the year with Camden Riversharks in the Atlantic League and posted a 0.81 ERA in 22 games. He responded to the Rockies’ interest by pitching much like he did for the Nats.

Claudio Vargas, Nashville Sounds (Brewers) (2005):

20 G, 109.2 IP, 7-1, 3.69 ERA

As you can see, Vargas had a decent stint with the Sounds, but it didn’t stick--he ended his 2012 campaign with Vaqueros Laguna in the Mexican League.

Corey Patterson, Nashville Sounds (Brewers) (2009):

117 G, 390 PA, 10 HR, .251/.285/.410

Remember when this guy was one of the top prospects in all of baseball?

Victor Garate, Nashville Sounds (Brewers) (2009):

29 G, 39.1 IP, 7.78 ERA, 40 K

After one game with the York Revolution in the Atlantic League, Garate went to the Sounds and did what he usually does: struck guys out and gave up a bunch of runs.

Tim Redding, Las Vegas 51s (Blue Jays) (2007-2008):

23 G, 62.1 IP, 8.66 ERA

Redding, too, began 2012 in the Atlantic League (with the Sugar Land Skeeters); Redding, too, gave up a lot of runs upon making the jump to the PCL.

Jonathan Albaladejo, Reno Aces (Diamondbacks) (2007):

49 G, 56.2 IP, 3.65 ERA, 25 SV

Okay, Albaladejo actually made it up to the majors this year, but I managed to omit him from the NL rundown. He spent most of the season in Reno, where he did enough to merit the September call-up.

Luke Montz, New Orleans Zephyrs (Marlins) (2008):

123 G, 420 PA, .222/.310/.495

Meh.

J.D. Martin, New Orleans Zephyrs (Marlins) (2009-2010):

29 G, 130.0 IP, 5.95 ERA

Meh.

Garrett Mock, Pawtucket Red Sox (Red Sox)/Oklahoma City RedHawks (Astros) (2008-2010):

47 G, 61.2 IP, 3.79 ERA

After six years in the Nats system, Mock lasted 35 games with Pawtucket (of the International League) and 12 with OKC.

Josh Bard, Albuquerque Isotopes (Dodgers) (2009):

45 G, 155 PA, .331/.355/.514

Until this year, Bard had seen major league action every season since 2002. Still, there’s always work for a back-up catcher.

Wil Ledezma, Albuquerque Isotopes (Dodgers) (2009):

38 G, 37.1 IP, 6.99 ERA, 48 K

Brad Peacock, Sacramento River Cats (Athletics) (2011):

28 G, 134.2 IP, 12-9, 6.01 ERA, 139 K

Peacock obviously has a few things to work on before he’s going to see significant time in the bigs, but the K/9 rate is impressive.

C.J. Nitkowski, Buffalo Bisons (Mets) (2005):

15 G, 14.1 IP, 7.53 ERA

After five years in Japan and sitting out 2011, Nitkowski was back in 2012. He breezed through 6 games with the Binghamtom Mets in the Eastern League, but enjoyed less success with Buffalo.

Ramon Ortiz, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Yankees) (2006):

27 G, 13-6, 169.1 IP, 3.45 ERA

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2006 National League leader in losses!

Mike O’Connor, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Yankees) (2006-2008):

31 G, 3-6, 108.2 IP, 3.73 ERA

He seems to have turned into one of those well-traveled AAA-level pitchers.

Josh Wilson, Gwinnett Braves (Braves) (2007):

122 G, 452 PA, .241/.306/.356

I’ve commented there’s always work for back-up catchers; the same is arguably true of utility infielders.

Anderson Hernandez, Indianapolis Indians (Pirates) (2008-2009):

105 G, 399 PA, .268/.301/.328

The Mets traded him to the Nats for Luis Ayala in 2008. Ayala appears to have found his groove the last two seasons; Hernandez not so much.

Logan Kensing, Indianapolis Indians (Pirates) (2009):

11 G, 11.0 IP, 4.09 ERA

Daniel Cabrera, Indianapolis Indians (Pirates)/Reno Aces (Diamondbacks) (2009):

23 G, 126.0 IP, 4.50 ERA

Also an active year for Cabrera: after a game in Bradenton, the Pirates brought him up to Indianapolis, before sending him to Reno.

Shairon Martis, Indianapolis Indians (Pirates)/Rochester Red Wings (Twins) (2008-2009):

14 G, 67 IP, 5.78 ERA

Scott Olsen, Charlotte Knights (White Sox) (2009-2010):

2 G, 4.0 IP, 2.25 ERA

After all of one inning with the Bristol White Sox of the Appalachian League, the White Sox moved him all the way up to Charlotte, where he threw two more games.

Luis Atilano, Louisville Bats (Reds) (2010):

1 G, 2.1 IP, 15.43 ERA

The Eastern Leaguer

Zack Segovia, Erie Seawolves (Tigers) (2009):

12 G, 64.2 IP, 5.98 ERA

Once again, meh.

2012 Ex-Nats Roundup (Episode II: The American League)

Cooperstown Needs Bert — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:39:29 -0000

A pleasant evening to you, Federal Baseball readers!

A few days ago, I provided a look at what ex-Nats players did in the National League in 2012. Today, I continue the ex-Nats roundup by taking a look at the American League. Per last time, a few preliminary caveats:

(a) The idea for this is courtesy of Twinkie Town.

(b) The stats are pulled straight off of Baseball-reference.com.

(c) I’ve only concerned myself with ex-Nats (no ex-Expos) who appeared in a major league game for the Nats at some point (no minor leaguers who have made the majors after leaving the Nats system).

(d) The parenthetical dates after each name are the seasons spent as a major league National.

Additionally, for this group of ex-Nats, I have also consulted roster moves from the 2012 season in order to see if injuries played a role in a given player’s season. For several, the answer is yes. And, as a final reminder, this list doesn’t include ex-Nats who are in AL farm systems--I’ll be returning with a post or two about minor league ex-Nats in a few days.

And now, the moment you have perhaps been waiting for: ex-Nats who played in the AL this past season!

Nick Johnson, Orioles (2005-2009):

39 G, 102 PA, .207/.324/.391

The first of a trio of ex-Nats who played up the interstate this season, Johnson was not a major factor in the O’s unexpected success, as he played poorly early in the season and was on the DL from late June onward. So far, it’s safe to say that he had his best years in a Nationals uniform.

Endy Chavez, Orioles (2005):

64 G, 169 PA, .203/.236/.278

Chavez’s year illustrates the Orioles’ 2012 roster-move madness: he was injured for a good part of May, was back on the DL by mid-June, was activated in mid-July, was designated for assignment in August, was called back up in September, and even got an at bat in the ALDS (he struck out).

Luis Ayala, Orioles (2005-2008):

66 G, 75 IP, 2.64 ERA

After bouncing around in the minors in 2010, Ayala really seems to have found himself--he was excellent for the Yankees last year and this season he was a key arm in the wicked Baltimore bullpen (believe it or not, his ERA was actually the highest of Orioles relievers with more than 50 appearances).

Marlon Byrd, Cubs/Red Sox (2005-2006):

47 G, 153 PA, .210/.243/.245

Byrd’s best seasons were yet to come when he was a Nat, and they are probably well behind him now; after acquiring him from the Cubs, the Red Sox dumped him in June. Kinda hard to believe he’s only two seasons removed from making the All-Star team.

Shawn Hill, Blue Jays (2006-2008):

1 G, 3.0 IP, 0.00 ERA

Shawn Hill pitched this year. In a game. Which is one more major league game than Shawn Hill pitched in last year.

Joel Peralta, Rays (2010):

76 G, 67.0 IP, 3.63 ERA

After two seasons with a sub-3.00 ERA, Peralta was not as sharp this year, although his numbers are still better than any he posted pre-2010. His K/9 rate (11.3) was also as high as it’s ever been. In case you’ve forgotten, he was suspended in June after pitching against the Nats with a glove full of pine tar. Mmm, pine tar!

Jason Marquis, Twins/Padres (2010-2011):

Twins: 7 G, 34.0 IP, 8.47 ERA

Padres: 15 G, 93.2 IP, 4.04 ERA

I’ve separated his Twins and Padres numbers because it was obviously a tale of two seasons for Marquis. In both cases, though, it was a tough year for him. His debut with the Twins was delayed when his daughter was seriously injured in a bike accident, and he was dreadful in seven appearances. After his release, he went to San Diego and pitched pretty well, but his campaign ended in late August when a line drive broke his wrist. Actually, it didn’t quite end: he threw three innings with said broken wrist. Marquis is nothing if not extremely tough.

Josh Willingham, Twins (2009-2010):

145 G, 615 PA, .260/.366/.524, 35 HR, 110 RBI

Last time, I speculated that Joel Hanrahan was probably the most successful ex-Nat in 2012. If so, Willingham is likely second on the list, and he definitely wins the trophy for best ex-Nat in terms of batting. He had career highs in home runs and RBI and, unlike Soriano (whose offensive stats are admittedly comparable), he has a very team-friendly contract and has become a huge fan favorite down Minnesota way.

Matt Capps, Twins (2010):

30 G, 29.1 IP, 3.68 ERA, 14 SV

(the author, as a Twins fan, mutters something under his breath about the Ramos trade)

(the author, as a Nats fan, snickers about the Ramos trade)

Whichever side you take, Capps hasn’t panned out as a closer for the Twins. One can say this for Capps's 2012: he wasn't hideous when he wasn't on the DL (which he was on for much of the season).

Jamey Carroll, Twins (2005):

139 G, 537 PA, .268/.343/.317

Once upon a time, the Nats sold him to the Rockies for $300,000, and he promptly turned into a defensive genius. Today, he’s old, but he’ll be back next year because (a) this was the first year of a two-year contract; (b) he was serviceable in the field and at the plate; and (c) the Twins don't have many (or really any) other middle infield options.

Collin Balester, Tigers (2008-2011):

11 G, 18.0 IP, 6.50 ERA

After 22 starts in 2008-2009, the Nats gave up on Balester as a starting pitcher. Since then, he’s seen limited action out of the bullpen each season. No exception this year; the Tigers had seen enough of him by May, when he was sent down to the minors.

Adam Dunn, White Sox (2009-2010):

151 G, 649 PA, .204/.333/.468, 41 HR, 96 RBI, 105 BB, 222 K

After an historically putrid 2011, Dunn has returned to his natural habitat, i.e., hitting somewhere around 40 home runs and topping the leader board in strikeouts and walks (now a DH, he no longer competes for most errors by a first baseman). His batting average improved markedly over 2011, which underscores just how dreadful he was last year. Still, the guy has power and because of that, he was one of two ex-Nat All Stars this year (Hanrahan being the other).

Brian Bruney, White Sox (2010):

1 G, 1 IP, 0.00 ERA

Bruney has had an uneven career, ranging from excellent (2006 and 2008 with the Yankees) to inexcusable (2005 with the D-Backs and 2010 with the Nats). This year, he pitched exactly one inning, striking out two and walking two; he was also hampered by injuries from June on.

Ryan Langerhans, Angels (2007-2008):

2 G, 2 PA, .000/.000/.000

As a Nat, Langerhans’s biggest accomplishment was being traded for Michael Morse. One assumes Langerhans is likely to begin 2013 in the minors, which is where he’s spent the bulk of the last two seasons.

Jerome Williams, Angels (2007):

32 G, 137.2 IP, 4.58 ERA

Williams had some injury issues in April and a respiratory problem that landed him on the DL in June, but when healthy, he split time between starting and relieving. His role next year will probably depend on what pitching moves the Halos make during the offseason.

Alberto Gonzalez, Rangers (2008-2010):

24 G, 55 PA, .241/.241/.315

In 17 games in 2008, Gonzalez batted .347 for the Nats. That was not a portent of things to come.

Jonny Gomes, Athletics (2011):

99 G, 333 PA, .262/.377/.491, 18 HR

The Gomes who showed up in Oakland this year is probably closer to the Gomes the Nats hoped they were getting from the Reds last year.

Tommy Milone, Athletics (2011):

31 G, 190 IP, 3.74 ERA, 13-10

Milone emerged as a top-of-the-rotation starter for the Athletics. At least for this year, it looks like everybody won in the Gio trade, and that seems like an excellent note to end on.

That does it for the ex-Nats who played in the AL this year. I’ll provide a rundown of ex-Nats in the minors (and abroad!) in time, but before closing out the major league portion of the program, I'd be nothing short of an abject failure if I didn't bring up this guy:

Manny Acta, Indians (2007-2009):

65-91

In his third year managing the Indians, Acta skippered a club that was unexpectedly competitive through mid-July: after a victory on July 13, they were 45-41 and only three games back. The Tribe proceeded to thoroughly implode, managing a 20-50 record and falling into last place before Acta was shown the door with six games remaining in the season. After Acta’s departure, the team went 3-3 and managed to finish two games ahead of the (sigh) Twins.

All right, that’s that--tune in next time for ex-Nats in the minors! There will be many, many blasts from the past!

A pleasant evening to you, Federal Baseball readers!

(a) The idea for this is courtesy of Twinkie Town.

(b) The stats are pulled straight off of Baseball-reference.com.

(c) I’ve only concerned myself with ex-Nats (no ex-Expos) who appeared in a major league game for the Nats at some point (no minor leaguers who have made the majors after leaving the Nats system).

(d) The parenthetical dates after each name are the seasons spent as a major league National.

And now, the moment you have perhaps been waiting for: ex-Nats who played in the AL this past season!

Nick Johnson, Orioles (2005-2009):

39 G, 102 PA, .207/.324/.391

Endy Chavez, Orioles (2005):

64 G, 169 PA, .203/.236/.278

Luis Ayala, Orioles (2005-2008):

66 G, 75 IP, 2.64 ERA

Marlon Byrd, Cubs/Red Sox (2005-2006):

47 G, 153 PA, .210/.243/.245

Shawn Hill, Blue Jays (2006-2008):

1 G, 3.0 IP, 0.00 ERA

Shawn Hill pitched this year. In a game. Which is one more major league game than Shawn Hill pitched in last year.

Joel Peralta, Rays (2010):

76 G, 67.0 IP, 3.63 ERA

Jason Marquis, Twins/Padres (2010-2011):

Twins: 7 G, 34.0 IP, 8.47 ERA

Padres: 15 G, 93.2 IP, 4.04 ERA

Josh Willingham, Twins (2009-2010):

145 G, 615 PA, .260/.366/.524, 35 HR, 110 RBI

Matt Capps, Twins (2010):

30 G, 29.1 IP, 3.68 ERA, 14 SV

(the author, as a Twins fan, mutters something under his breath about the Ramos trade)

(the author, as a Nats fan, snickers about the Ramos trade)

Whichever side you take, Capps hasn’t panned out as a closer for the Twins. One can say this for Capps's 2012: he wasn't hideous when he wasn't on the DL (which he was on for much of the season).

Jamey Carroll, Twins (2005):

139 G, 537 PA, .268/.343/.317

Collin Balester, Tigers (2008-2011):

11 G, 18.0 IP, 6.50 ERA

Adam Dunn, White Sox (2009-2010):

151 G, 649 PA, .204/.333/.468, 41 HR, 96 RBI, 105 BB, 222 K

Brian Bruney, White Sox (2010):

1 G, 1 IP, 0.00 ERA

Ryan Langerhans, Angels (2007-2008):

2 G, 2 PA, .000/.000/.000

Jerome Williams, Angels (2007):

32 G, 137.2 IP, 4.58 ERA

Alberto Gonzalez, Rangers (2008-2010):

24 G, 55 PA, .241/.241/.315

In 17 games in 2008, Gonzalez batted .347 for the Nats. That was not a portent of things to come.

Jonny Gomes, Athletics (2011):

99 G, 333 PA, .262/.377/.491, 18 HR

The Gomes who showed up in Oakland this year is probably closer to the Gomes the Nats hoped they were getting from the Reds last year.

Tommy Milone, Athletics (2011):

31 G, 190 IP, 3.74 ERA, 13-10

Milone emerged as a top-of-the-rotation starter for the Athletics. At least for this year, it looks like everybody won in the Gio trade, and that seems like an excellent note to end on.

Manny Acta, Indians (2007-2009):

65-91

All right, that’s that--tune in next time for ex-Nats in the minors! There will be many, many blasts from the past!

2012 Ex-Nats Roundup (Episode I: The National League)

Cooperstown Needs Bert — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:51:53 -0000

Good evening, fellow Federal Baseball citizens!

Allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m a long-time reader, first time poster. As you can maybe tell from my screen handle, I’m also a Twins fan; please don’t hold it against me (although I’ll understand if you do; you’ll be in good company, along with my barber and my special lady). If it makes a difference, I’ve more or less fully converted to a Nats fan since moving to the District back in 2007 (and, from a distance, I rooted for the 2005 team).

My love for the Twins is the starting point for this post, insofar as I am an avid reader of Twinkie Town here on the Nation. The guys over there have, from time to time, provided a rundown of what ex-Twins players are up to. In the wake of the soul-crushing disappointment that was Game 5 this year, I tried to console myself by seeing what ex-Nats players are up to, and that gave me the idea of trying my hand at a pale imitation of what I’ve seen over at Twinkie Town. So, credit where credit is due: this is not my own idea, but a shameless ripoff.

It turns out that there are a lot of ex-Nats who are active as players at some level of organized baseball. This should be no surprise in the era of free agency, but there is a particularly large cast of ex-Nats running around out there, perhaps because some of those early Nats teams were assembled almost entirely from spare parts. Accordingly, I’m going to divide this survey of ex-Nats into at least three (and probably four) posts. This post will cover ex-Nats who played in the NL this year. The second post will cover ex-Nats who played in the AL this year. One ex-Nat--Jason Marquis--managed to play in both leagues this year; I’ve put him in with the AL players because there are fewer ex-Nats in the AL. After that, I’ll do at least one post covering ex-Nats active in the minors (including, so far as is possible, Japan, Mexico, and the independent leagues). Due to the volume of ex-Nat minor leaguers, I will probably need two posts to cover that territory.

All of the following stats are taken from Baseball-Reference.com. Note that I have not included ex-Nats who were released by the team this year but not picked up by any other team (i.e., Rick Ankiel, Cesar Izturis, and Brad Lidge). This list only deals with ex-Nats who made at least one pitching or plate appearance in the bigs in a Nats uniform--ex-Expos are not included, and I have made no effort to include players who were in the Nats system but never appeared in a Nats game. For each player, I’ve included the years they played for the Nats in parentheses, with some choice stats. Feel free to correct me if you notice mistakes. I hope you find this therapeutic--I certainly did, because I was reminded of just how far the 2012 Nats have come from some of those early incarnations. Which isn't to say I don't have a fondness for many of these guys--but let's face it, we didn't have many good players until recently.

And now, without further ado, here are your ex-Nats who played in the NL this season!

Livan Hernandez, Braves/Brewers (2005-2006, 2009-2011):

44 G, 67.1 IP, 6.42 ERA

Could there be a more appropriate place to begin? Everyone’s favorite soft-tossing inaugural opening day starter is still hawking his wares. For the first time in his career, however, he was used exclusively in the bullpen for both Atlanta and Milwaukee. Judging by his numbers, he’s not a particularly effective reliever. I can’t help but wonder if we’re near the end of the line for Livo--but then again, there are no shortage of teams who need pitching. Somebody will probably give him a look come the spring.

John Rauch, Mets (2005-2008):

73 G, 57.2 IP, 3.59 ERA

The first of two ex-Nats hurling for the Metropolitans, Rauch had a fine year, if not a particularly noteworthy one. He’s still one of the tallest guys in the league, and probably only Josh Hamilton can compete with him in terms of body art.

Miguel Batista, Mets/Braves (2010):

35 G, 52.2 IP, 4.61 ERA

Batista split time between the Mets and the Braves, but didn’t see a lot of action for either squad. A fairly meh season.

Austin Kearns, Marlins (2006-2009):

87 G, 175 PA, 4 HR, .245/.366/.367

A key part of the, er, blockbuster 2006 trade between the Nats and Reds involving seven players, Kearns is still hanging around. Fun fact: according to baseball-reference.com, he is most similar in batting to Vince DiMaggio.

Emilio Bonifacio, Marlins (2008):

64 G, 274 PA, .258/.330/.316

Despite playing in 23 fewer games than Kearns, Bonifacio had 99 more plate appearances.

Chad Gaudin, Marlins (2011):

46 G, 69.1 IP, 4.54 ERA

He had a much better year with the Fish than he did last year with the Nats (8.1 IP, 6.48 ERA).

Brian Schneider, Phillies (2005-2007):

34 G, 98 PA, .225/.289/.348

Proving there’s always work for a backup catcher, Schneider improved on his .176 batting average from last year.

Pete Orr, Phillies (2008-2009):

35 G, 57 PA, .315/.327/.444

His batting average was almost 100 points higher than last year. He also walked once while striking out 18 times.

Brian Sanches, Phillies (2008):

6 G, 6.1 IP, 9.95 ERA

Sanches was excellent for the Marlins in 2009 and 2010; his numbers waned in 2011 and, obviously, plummeted this year.

Laynce Nix, Phillies (2011):

70 G, 127 PA, .246/.315/.412, 42 K

A pretty Nix-ian year, on the whole.

Marco Estrada, Brewers (2008-2009):

29 G, 5-7, 138.1 IP, 3.64 ERA, 143 K

Estrada spent most of last year in the bullpen; this year, the Brewers mostly used him as a starter, and he responded with a pretty good season.

Nyjer Moran, Brewers (2009-2010):

122 G, 322 PA, .239/.302/.308 12 SB

Easily Tony Plush’s worst season to date, but I don’t think he got any fines or yelled any obscenities on TV this year.

Alfonso Soriano, Cubs (2006):

151 G, 615 PA, 32 HR, .262/.322/.499

Were it not for the immovable contract, the Cubs would probably be pleased with Soriano’s numbers, his best since 2008.

Bill Bray, Reds (2006):

14 G, 8.2 IP, 5.19 ERA

Bray was an effective reliever last year, but he spent as much time in the minors as he did in the majors this year.

Willie Harris, Reds (2008-2010):

25 G, 48 PA, .114/.170/.205

Harris is not the reason the Reds won the NL Central this year.

Justin Maxwell, Astros (2007-2010):

124 G, 352 PA, 18 HR, .229/.304/.460

He probably would not have had the opportunity to hit 18 dingers had he played for any other team, but he showed he’s got some pop.

Brian Bixler, Astros (2011):

36 G, 96 PA, .193/.253/.330, 36 K

He clearly would not have had the opportunity to make 96 plate appearances had he played for any other team.

Joel Hanrahan, Pirates (2007-2009):

63 G, 59.2 IP, 5-2, 2.72 ERA, 36 SV

Hanrahan pretty clearly wins the award for most successful ex-Nat in the NL (in a sneak peek for the AL edition, he prettly clearly wins the award for most successful ex-Nat overall).

Doug Slaten, Pirates (2010-2011):

10 G, 13 IP, 2.77 ERA

Slaten is not the reason the Pirates collapsed after July.

Wil Nieves, Rockies/Diamondbacks (2008-2010):

32 G, 89 PA, .301/.330/.410

Who? Wil Nieves!

Kip Wells, Padres (2009):

7 G, 37.1 IP, 4.58 ERA

After a two-year hiatus, the two-time NL losses leader has resurfaced, albeit briefly--he’s already been granted free agency.

Mike MacDougal, Dodgers (2009):

7 G, 5.2 IP, 7.94 ERA

Some drunk ex-frat guy right next to me kept yelling “MacDooooogal! You can DO it!” over and over and over during a game I was at back in ’09. That wasn’t MacDougal’s fault, but the 7.94 ERA this year probably was.

Adam Kennedy, Dodgers (2010):

86 G, 201 PA, .262/.345/.357

The downward arc of Kennedy’s career trajectory arguably began with the Nats, and it has continued with the Mariners last year and the Dodgers this year.

Jerry Hairston, Dodgers (2011):

78 G, 267 PA, .273/.342/.387

Hairston’s numbers are eerily similar to what he posted last year, but with about 100 fewer plate appearances.

Todd Coffey, Dodgers (2011):

23 G, 19.1 IP, 4.66 ERA

The Nats got a decent year out of Coffey last year after he had a pretty bad 2010 with the Brewers. The Dodgers got something more closely resembling the 2010 Coffey.

Xavier Nady, SFG (2012):

19 G, 57 PA, .240/.333/.400

‘Twas a good year for teams with Nady on them, but not necessarily a good year for Nady on those teams. The Nats had their reasons for parting ways with him mid-season (a .157 batting average no doubt among them); he was a bit better for the Giants, and he’s on the postseason roster, although he hasn’t played since the NLDS.

That wraps things up for ex-Nats in the NL; stay tuned for ex-Nats in the AL, followed by ex-Nats in the minors!

Good evening, fellow Federal Baseball citizens!

And now, without further ado, here are your ex-Nats who played in the NL this season!

Livan Hernandez, Braves/Brewers (2005-2006, 2009-2011):

44 G, 67.1 IP, 6.42 ERA

John Rauch, Mets (2005-2008):

73 G, 57.2 IP, 3.59 ERA

Miguel Batista, Mets/Braves (2010):

35 G, 52.2 IP, 4.61 ERA

Batista split time between the Mets and the Braves, but didn’t see a lot of action for either squad. A fairly meh season.

Austin Kearns, Marlins (2006-2009):

87 G, 175 PA, 4 HR, .245/.366/.367

Emilio Bonifacio, Marlins (2008):

64 G, 274 PA, .258/.330/.316

Despite playing in 23 fewer games than Kearns, Bonifacio had 99 more plate appearances.

Chad Gaudin, Marlins (2011):

46 G, 69.1 IP, 4.54 ERA

He had a much better year with the Fish than he did last year with the Nats (8.1 IP, 6.48 ERA).

Brian Schneider, Phillies (2005-2007):

34 G, 98 PA, .225/.289/.348

Proving there’s always work for a backup catcher, Schneider improved on his .176 batting average from last year.

Pete Orr, Phillies (2008-2009):

35 G, 57 PA, .315/.327/.444

His batting average was almost 100 points higher than last year. He also walked once while striking out 18 times.

Brian Sanches, Phillies (2008):

6 G, 6.1 IP, 9.95 ERA

Sanches was excellent for the Marlins in 2009 and 2010; his numbers waned in 2011 and, obviously, plummeted this year.

Laynce Nix, Phillies (2011):

70 G, 127 PA, .246/.315/.412, 42 K

A pretty Nix-ian year, on the whole.

Marco Estrada, Brewers (2008-2009):

29 G, 5-7, 138.1 IP, 3.64 ERA, 143 K

Estrada spent most of last year in the bullpen; this year, the Brewers mostly used him as a starter, and he responded with a pretty good season.

Nyjer Moran, Brewers (2009-2010):

122 G, 322 PA, .239/.302/.308 12 SB

Easily Tony Plush’s worst season to date, but I don’t think he got any fines or yelled any obscenities on TV this year.

Alfonso Soriano, Cubs (2006):

151 G, 615 PA, 32 HR, .262/.322/.499

Were it not for the immovable contract, the Cubs would probably be pleased with Soriano’s numbers, his best since 2008.

Bill Bray, Reds (2006):

14 G, 8.2 IP, 5.19 ERA

Bray was an effective reliever last year, but he spent as much time in the minors as he did in the majors this year.

Willie Harris, Reds (2008-2010):

25 G, 48 PA, .114/.170/.205

Harris is not the reason the Reds won the NL Central this year.

Justin Maxwell, Astros (2007-2010):

124 G, 352 PA, 18 HR, .229/.304/.460

He probably would not have had the opportunity to hit 18 dingers had he played for any other team, but he showed he’s got some pop.

Brian Bixler, Astros (2011):

36 G, 96 PA, .193/.253/.330, 36 K

He clearly would not have had the opportunity to make 96 plate appearances had he played for any other team.

Joel Hanrahan, Pirates (2007-2009):

63 G, 59.2 IP, 5-2, 2.72 ERA, 36 SV

Hanrahan pretty clearly wins the award for most successful ex-Nat in the NL (in a sneak peek for the AL edition, he prettly clearly wins the award for most successful ex-Nat overall).

Doug Slaten, Pirates (2010-2011):

10 G, 13 IP, 2.77 ERA

Slaten is not the reason the Pirates collapsed after July.

Wil Nieves, Rockies/Diamondbacks (2008-2010):

32 G, 89 PA, .301/.330/.410

Who? Wil Nieves!

Kip Wells, Padres (2009):

7 G, 37.1 IP, 4.58 ERA

After a two-year hiatus, the two-time NL losses leader has resurfaced, albeit briefly--he’s already been granted free agency.

Mike MacDougal, Dodgers (2009):

7 G, 5.2 IP, 7.94 ERA

Adam Kennedy, Dodgers (2010):

86 G, 201 PA, .262/.345/.357

The downward arc of Kennedy’s career trajectory arguably began with the Nats, and it has continued with the Mariners last year and the Dodgers this year.

Jerry Hairston, Dodgers (2011):

78 G, 267 PA, .273/.342/.387

Hairston’s numbers are eerily similar to what he posted last year, but with about 100 fewer plate appearances.

Todd Coffey, Dodgers (2011):

23 G, 19.1 IP, 4.66 ERA

The Nats got a decent year out of Coffey last year after he had a pretty bad 2010 with the Brewers. The Dodgers got something more closely resembling the 2010 Coffey.

Xavier Nady, SFG (2012):

19 G, 57 PA, .240/.333/.400

That wraps things up for ex-Nats in the NL; stay tuned for ex-Nats in the AL, followed by ex-Nats in the minors!