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Dave at Nats News Network

Dec 29, 2008 Dec 17, 2009 57 988

In addition to his duties for Federal Baseball, Dave Nichols is the proprietor of Capitals News Network and Nationals News Network. He covers the Washington Nationals and Washington Capitals for DCSportsBox.com and is a contributing columnist to Bleacher Report.

Early in his career he spent four years in radio, working for the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Redskins and University of Maryland radio networks.

website: Nationals News Network

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Washington Nationals' Catcher Jesus Flores "Shut Down" Until February?

Daveslogo5_tiny by Dave at Nats News Network on Comment 15 comments

Washington Nationals catcher Jesus Flores catches a pop-up by Arizona Diamondbacks' Mark Reynolds for an out during the seventh inning of an MLB baseball game Friday, May 8, 2009 in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

More photos » by Matt York - AP

7 months ago: Washington Nationals catcher Jesus Flores catches a pop-up by Arizona Diamondbacks' Mark Reynolds for an out during the seventh inning of an MLB baseball game Friday, May 8, 2009 in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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According to MLB.com's Bill Ladson, Washington Nationals catcher Jesus Flores has been "shut down" from baseball related drills until February, presumably when pitchers and catchers report for spring training.

Flores is recovering from labrum and elbow surgeries following a 2009 season that saw him get just 106 plate appearances before being shut down with what was originally diagnosed as a fracture in his shoulder, then a torn labrum after he attempted a painful comeback in Triple-A.

Whether or not Flores has already been performing baseball related activities (i.e.,hitting and throwing) is undetermined in the article, but Flores' quotes in the piece seem to indicate that he is building up strength but the team is being cautious in his return.

"I'm doing great," Flores said. "After surgery, I'm feeling much better. My strength is coming along. I'm moving my arm lot better. I'm going to be ready for the season. I'm completely shutdown [for Winter Ball]. I guess I will start to throw a baseball in February."

This news seems to be at least incongruous to the report we got from GM Mike Rizzo last week at the Ivan Rodriguez press conference that Flores should be ready for spring training. 

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Dave to Appear on "Nats Weekly" on Prime Sports Network

If you're interested, this afternoon at 6:00 pm I (Dave at Nats News Network) will co-host a special Winter Meetings edition of "Nats Weekly" with Greg DePalma. We'll discuss what's already gone down, what the Nats might still be looking to do, and look forward to the rest of the off-season and spring training.

We'll also have special guest Steven Beil from the FJB Blog for his special kind of analysis.

Click on the link above to tune in between twitter updates, should be a lot of fun. Or a train wreck. One or the other.

13 days ago Daveslogo5_tiny Dave at Nats News Network 1 comment 0 recs

Should the Washington Nationals Spend $20 Million This Winter Just Because They Have It?

Daveslogo5_tiny by Dave at Nats News Network on Comment 67 comments

FILE - In this July 13, 2009 file photo, Washington Nationals vice president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo, left, and president Stan Kasten, speak during a news conference discussing the team's managerial situation in Washington. After 5 1/2 months of doing the work of the Washington Nationals' general manager, Mike Rizzo is getting the title, too, sources in Major League Baseball familiar with the Nationals' plans said Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

More photos » by Manuel Balce Ceneta - AP

4 months ago: FILE - In this July 13, 2009 file photo, Washington Nationals vice president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo, left, and president Stan Kasten, speak during a news conference discussing the team's managerial situation in Washington. After 5 1/2 months of doing the work of the Washington Nationals' general manager, Mike Rizzo is getting the title, too, sources in Major League Baseball familiar with the Nationals' plans said Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

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There are plenty in the Natosphere that want Mike Rizzo and the Washington Nationals to make a big splash and sign a bunch of free agents this winter to improve the product on the field.

After two-straight 100-loss seasons, I'm sure Rizzo is tempted to make a run at Matt Holliday, John Lackey, etc. But prudence, rather than exuberance, should rule the day.

If you take a good look at the Nats 2010 lineup, the hitters are credible enough to imitate a wild card caliber team.
But should the brass spend $20 million this winter just because they have it?


The answer, after the jump...

Poll
Should the Nats spend a lot of money this off-season on players that won't be around when their core of young players are in their prime?
Yes, we still have to watch (and pay for) these games!
69 votes
No, I'm willing to stay the course until the young talent is ready.
62 votes

131 votes | Poll has closed

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Washington Nationals Prospects Danny Espinosa, Derek Norris Named to Topps' Class A All-Star Team

Daveslogo5_tiny by Dave at Nats News Network on Comment 3 comments

Team USA shortstop Danny Espinosa, top, leaps into the air to catch a high throw and avoid World Team's Tyson Gillies who was safe at second for a stolen base during the third inning of the All-Star Futures baseball game at Busch Stadium on Sunday, July 12, 2009, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

5 months ago: Team USA shortstop Danny Espinosa, top, leaps into the air to catch a high throw and avoid World Team's Tyson Gillies who was safe at second for a stolen base during the third inning of the All-Star Futures baseball game at Busch Stadium on Sunday, July 12, 2009, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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The Topps Company, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball, named their 2009 Class A All-Stars today, and two Washignton Nationals prospects were on the team.

Danny Espinosa, for Potomac of the Carolina League, was named at shortstop for the team.  From the press release: 
Danny Espinosa (22), of Santa Ana, Calif., scored 90 runs for the Potomac Nationals, tops in the Carolina League. He also led league third baseman with a .965 fielding percentage. Espinosa ranked in the top five in the circuit in homers (18), walks (74), on-base percentage (.375) and extra base hits (53). The Washington Nationals tabbed him in the third round in 2008 out of Long Beach State (CA) University.
Derek Norris, catcher for Hagerstown of the South Atlantic League, was named at designated hitter.  HIs press bio: 
Derek Norris (20), of Goddard, Kansas, finished among the top five in the South Atlantic League in homers (23), extra-base hits (53), RBI (84), runs (78) and slugging percentage (.513). The Hagerstown Suns catcher led the league with a .413 on-base percentage and 90 walks in being named the SAL’s Most Outstanding Major League Prospect. The Washington Nationals tabbed Norris out of high school in the fourth round in 2007.
Espinosa is fresh off his experience in the Arizona Fall League, where he acquitted himself quite well.  Norris was supposed to play in Arizona as well, but broke his hamate bone and had surgery to remove the bone. He was thus forced to miss the top off-season prospect league.  He is expected to be ready for spring training.
Koby Clemens was named at catcher on the squad.  Son of Roger Clemens, the 22 year old catcher was not protected by the Houston Astros and as such, is available in the upcoming Rule 5 Draft.  I'm just sayin'.  Can't have too many good-hitting catchers.
The full press release with the rest of the team, and their statistics, after the jump...

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Washington Nationals Complete Field Staff with the Hiring of MacLaren, Lett, Radison

Daveslogo5_tiny by Dave at Nats News Network on Comment 8 comments

Washington Nationals manager Jim Riggleman, with third base coach Pat Listach in the background, before the Nationals' game against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, July 16, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

More photos » by Pablo Martinez Monsivais - AP

Washington Nationals manager Jim Riggleman, with third base coach Pat Listach in the background, before the Nationals' game against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, July 16, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

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The Washington Nationals announced today the hiring of Jim Riggleman's 2010 field staff.  Some of the names we knew.  Others?  Not so much.  But the new names certainly aren't new to the skipper, each having extensive experience working alongside Riggleman at various points in their careers.

Returning are Rick Eckstein (hitting coach), Steve McCatty (pitching coach) and Pat Listach (infield/third base coach).

The new hires are John McLaren (bench coach), Dan Radison (first base coach) and Jim Lett (bullpen coach).

What's apparent (and important) is that the organization allowed Riggleman the opportunity to bring in folks he was familiar and comfortable with.  Radison worked with Riggleman in Chicago and San Diego, and Eckstein in St. Louis, while Lett was with the Dodgers when Riggleman was Jim Tracy's bench coach there.

And of course, Riggleman was MacLaren's bench coach in Seattle, and took over for him when he was dismissed in mid-season of 2008.

 

Press Release after the jump.

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Washington Nationals Hire Two More For Front Office

Daveslogo5_tiny by Dave at Nats News Network on Comment 12 comments


From the team's press release:

The Washington Nationals today named Bryan Minniti Assistant General Manager and Jay Sartori Director of Baseball Operations. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Minniti joins the Nationals after spending the previous nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the last two as their Director of Baseball Operations. With the Pirates, Minniti’s focuses included rules compliance, transactions, budgeting and contract negotiations. Minniti graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a double major in Mathematics and Statistics.

Sartori worked for the Commissioner’s Office as Salary and Contract Administration Manager in Major League Baseball’s Labor Relations Department before accepting his position with the Nationals. His expertise included knowledge and interpretation of the Basic Agreement, contract language, salary arbitration and Rule 4 Draft bonus recommendations and analysis. Sartori graduated with a Finance and MIS degree from Boston College and is currently working on an MBA from the same institution.

 Two smart guys, huh?  Bringing on a couple of young numbers guys with good pedigrees in the department will allow Mike Rizzo to concentrate on what he knows best:  finding good baseball players.

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Washington Nationals (finally) Announce Additions to Front Office Staff

Daveslogo5_tiny by Dave at Nats News Network on Comment 8 comments

Mike Rizzo, who has been Washington Nationals acting general manager, talks during a news conference after being named general manager and senior vice president of baseball operations, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)

More photos » by Luis Alvarez - AP

4 months ago: Mike Rizzo, who has been Washington Nationals acting general manager, talks during a news conference after being named general manager and senior vice president of baseball operations, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)

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The Washington Nationals issued a press release today making official all the recent news reports of front office hirings.  One has to believe now that this wave of personnel have filled out their W-2s, general manager Mike Rizzo can turn full attention to interviewing candidates for field manager.


The Washington Nationals today named Roy Clark Vice President of Player Personnel, Johnny DiPuglia Director of Latin American Operations and Doug Harris Director of Player Development. The Nationals also promoted Kris Kline to Director of Scouting. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

The full text of the press release is available after the jump, with bios of each new hire.

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Webb Not Interested in Pay Cut

Here's another link for y'all.

Sounds like Brandon Webb, potential free agent, isn't interested in a reduced salary from his current employers, the Arizona Diamondbacks. The D-backs have a team option for Webb at $8.5 million with a $2 million buy-out.

Sounds like Webb might just hit the open market, but if he's that adament about not taking a pay cut, what chance to the Nats have of signing him at $8.5+ million?

My guess: Little to none. Should be an interesting off-season for GM Mike Rizzo in finding a veteran free agent starter to head up his "kiddie corps".

2 months ago Daveslogo5_tiny Dave at Nats News Network 10 comments 0 recs

What is an "Ace" and Where Does the Washington Nationals' John Lannan Fit In?

Daveslogo5_tiny by Dave at Nats News Network on Comment 38 comments

Washington Nationals' John Lannan pitches against Atlanta Braves' Chipper Jones during the first inning of a baseball game on Saturday, April 11, 2009, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)

More photos » by John Amis - AP

8 months ago: Washington Nationals' John Lannan pitches against Atlanta Braves' Chipper Jones during the first inning of a baseball game on Saturday, April 11, 2009, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)

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An recent anonymous comment to another blog went something like this:  "The Nats need to go out and find a #1 and #2 type starter so John Lannan can be a No. 3 and win 15 games next year."

That got me to thinking about several things.

1)  If the typical fan of the Washington Nationals thinks a #3 starter should win 15 games a year, no wonder only 15,000 show up to see the Nats play even the good teams.

2)  Why does that same fan automatically use wins to measure...eh, forget it.  One battle at a time.

2)  Just how many 15 game winners are there in the major leagues?

3)  Where does John Lannan fit into that equation?

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FB Editorial: Washington Nationals "Interim" Manager Jim Riggleman Just Doesn't Get It

Daveslogo5_tiny by Dave at Nats News Network on Comment 25 comments

Washington Nationals manager Jim Riggleman walks in the dugout in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, July 19, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

More photos » by Evan Vucci - AP

5 months ago: Washington Nationals manager Jim Riggleman walks in the dugout in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, July 19, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

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The Washington Nationals were pushed around by the neighborhood bully again last night, as the Philadelphia Phillies hit two solo home runs off Tyler "Peaches" Clippard in the eighth inning to take a 6-5 decision before 16,818 mostly Philly fans at Nationals Park.

The Nationals are 2-12 against Philly this season, and are 47-92 overall. They have lost 13 of their last 16 games.

Rather than discuss yet another mind-numbing loss, in the last two days the interim manager has done -- and said -- some interesting and disturbing things that would lead anyone capable of critical thought to believe that Riggleman just doesn't get it.

Last night the temporary skipper eshewed hotter-hitting minor league call-ups for pinch-hitting opportunities that went to veteran players that have "contributed" all season to 92 losses and counting.  His proclivity for running his team into outs on the basepaths is well-documented at this point.  And after the anomolous eight-game win streak Aug. 2 - 9, the Nationals are limping toward the finish line, winners of just seven of their last 27 games.

He has insisted on inserting Alberto Gonalez, he of the .259/.293/.360 slash line, at second base regularly, and batted either Willie Harris (.229/.359/.395) or Justin Maxwell (.195/.298/.244) in the leadoff spot exclusively since the injury to centerfielder Nyjer Morgan.  Not coincidentally, the Nats are now 1-10 since Morgan went on the D.L. with a broken hand.

Poll
Do you think Riggleman is doing the right thing, not playing minor league call-ups (specifically Desmond) over the players that have contributed to 92 losses and counting.
Yes. Every win is sacred and competitive balance is important; Riggleman shouldn't "insult" the rest of the competition of the NL East
12 votes
No. Riggleman's only obligation (for the near future, anyway) is to the betterment of the Nationals, which means finding out if Desmond is a major leaguer
97 votes

109 votes | Poll has closed

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