SB Nation User Blog: Dave at Nats News Network

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

Dave at Nats News Network — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:59:14 -0000

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.

"I can only go by what the medical people tell me," Rizzo said. "They say he should be 100 percent and ready to participate in spring training. Now, we take them at their word, but we all know that specifically shoulders are very difficult to predict."

News from the player himself that "I guess I will start to throw...in February," is somewhat disconcerting. I'm not a doctor, but I know a little about rehabbing a throwing shoulder, and it certainly seems that if he's not even going to start throwing until February, that will not leave him, according to Rizzo on Friday, "100 percent" ready to participate in spring training."

It could take him months to get into throwing shape if he doesn't start until February. It's not like he's a pitcher, with all the stress of throwing off a mound, but he had labrum and elbow surgery since we last saw him.

When questioned about the major league depth at catcher at the Rodriguez press conference, Rizzo responded, "We have three capable catchers on the major league level. We have (Jaime) Burke on the Triple-A level and we have (Derek) Norris—who is an up-and-coming and potential significant contributor for us in the future."

Perhaps the part of that quote that got glossed over at that point was "three capable catchers ." We can only assume now that Rizzo meant Rodriguez, Flores, and Nieves, with Burke re-signed for Triple-A Syracuse.

So maybe we shouldn't have been surprised that Nieves was offered arbitration after all. Rizzo apparently told us as much on Friday. I'm sure this revelation in Ladson's story will get some glossing over, organizationally speaking, in the next day or so. "Shutting down" until February will turn into "part of the doctor's plans all along" and that they expect Flores to be ready, etc.

But expecting in the media and planning for the worst-case scenario are often two different things. And right now, it looks like the Nats are stocking up at catcher.

Hopefully it's just out of an abundance of caution, but it seems, from today's news, that the caution is at least warranted.

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

Dave at Nats News Network — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:55:44 -0000

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.

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

Dave at Nats News Network — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:45:09 -0000

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...

If Nyjer Morgan can replicate his season from last year (minus the season-ending injury) and Cristian Guzman has one .300-hitting season left in him, those are decent enough table setters in front of All-Star 3B Ryan Zimmerman and sluggers Adam Dunn and Josh Willingham.

The six-seven-eight hitters are going to be a combination of Elijah Dukes in right field, Jesus Flores (once healthy) at catcher, and Ian Desmond at shortstop.

Solid at the plate, and somewhat better in the field with Desmond replacing Guzman at short, and the Guz sliding over to second base.

And as long as "Running" Jim Riggleman doesn't call for a suicide squeeze every other game they should score enough runs to field a fairly competitive offense, just like last season.

Combine that with the prospect of having a couple of really decent trade chips at this year's deadline (Dunn, Willingham), and some of the minor league talent starting to show (Espinosa, Norris), the Nats have a reason to feel somewhat optimistic about the future of the lineup.

The problem is pitching, both starting and relieving.

Rizzo went on record last summer stating a preference for finding two starters to take some of the pressure of youngsters John Lannan, Ross Detwiler, Garrett Mock, Collin Balester, J.D. Martin, Craig Stammen at the major league level, while not rushing the more highly regarded prospects still in the minors, such as Stephen Strasburg, Aaron Thompson, Brad Meyers, et al.

And there's even more talent in the lower minors, with '09 draftees Trevor Holder and A.J. Morris just coming into their first full season as professionals.

Should the Nats spend $20 million this off-season, just because they have it?

Already one of the lower payrolls in the big leagues, the Nats see at least that much coming off the books this season, as the contracts of Dmitri Young, Ronnie Belliard, Nick Johnson, and Austin Kearns all either expired, were traded, or bought out.

They could even afford to offer Scott Olsen arbitration, get stuck with a 25-year old lefty recovering from shoulder surgery, and still have monopoly money to throw around.

But again, should they?

There are two "Type A" free agent starters available this season, John Lackey and Randy Wolf. Signing either would require the Nats to surrender their second round draft pick in the 2010 draft.

For a club whose best players are still several years from their prime, this doesn't seem to be prudent to me.

There are a bunch of "Type B" starters available that might be interesting, costing the Nats a little less, a second round pick. But most of these players are either injury cases (Erik Bedard, Justin Duchscherer, Rich Harden, Carl Pavano), old (Randy Johnson, Andy Pettitte), of questionable pedigree (Doug Davis, Braden Looper, Jason Marquis, Joel Piniero), or just bat-guano crazy (Vicente Padilla).

Do the Nats give up a chunk of the future to acquire any of these gentlemen? There's not a name in there that doesn't scare me to one degree or another.

And if the Type B's frighten, you can imagine what the rest of the list looks like. Reclamation projects, one-hit wonders, and former Nats (Odalis Perez or Daniel Cabrera, anyone?).

My advice to Rizzo? If you want to take a chance rolling the dice on Doug Davis, Joel Piniero or Jarrod Washburn, and can do it reasonably, via con dios.

Otherwise, let the stable of young guys that you have fight it out again this season, bolster your bullpen with the rest, wait for Jordan Zimmermann to recover from Tommy John surgery and Stephen Strasburg and Drew Storen to arrive next season, THEN supplement with a veteran starter.

Just because you have $20 million to spend, doesn't mean you should.

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

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

Dave at Nats News Network — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:08:27 -0000

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...

Lancaster Sluggers Clemens, Gaston
Among Topps Class A All-Stars

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--Lancaster JetHawks Koby Clemens and Jonathan Gaston, who combined to lead, or tie for the lead, in seven classification offensive categories, are among the players named to the Topps Class A All-Star Team. The best performances in all Minor League Baseball classifications are again being honored by the Topps Company of New York, N.Y., in conjunction with Minor League Baseball.

Joe Dunigan (23), of Chicago, hit .294 with 30 homers and 104 RBI for the High Desert Mavericks. The first baseman finished among the top five in the California League in home runs, RBI and slugging percentage (.570). The Seattle Mariners drafted Dunigan in the fifth round in 2007 out of the University of Oklahoma.

Alexi Amarista (20), of Barcelona, Venezuela, led the Midwest League with a .319 batting average with the Cedar Rapids Kernels. He also finished second in the league with 39 doubles and 10 triples. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed the second baseman as a free agent in January 2007.

Josh Vitters (20), of Anaheim, Calif., hit .316 in 70 games for the Peoria Chiefs. He was then promoted to the Daytona Cubs, appearing in 50 games for the Florida State League club. The third baseman’s combined Class A numbers were a .284 batting average with 18 homers, 19 doubles and 68 RBI. The Chicago Cubs selected him with the third overall pick in the 2007 draft out of high school.

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.

Jonathan Gaston (23), of Boise, Idaho, led Class A with 35 homers, 81 extra-base hits and 119 runs. The Lancaster JetHawks outfielder finished second in the classification with a .598 slugging percentage. The Houston Astros took Gaston in the second round in 2008 out of the University of Arizona.

Thomas Neal (22), of San Diego, Calif., paced the California League with a .431 on-base percentage and finished third in the loop with 102 runs. The San Jose Giants outfielder hit .337, fifth best in Class A. The San Francisco Giants selected Neal in the 37^th round in 2005 out of Riverside (CA) Junior College.

Kyle Russell (23), of Magnolia, Texas, hit 26 roundtrippers and drove in 102 runs, both best in the Midwest League. The Great Lakes Loons outfielder also led the league with a .545 slugging percentage in winning the circuit’s MVP honor. The Los Angeles Dodgers picked Russell in the third round in 2008 out of the University of Texas.

Koby Clemens (22), of Houston, Texas, hit a Class A best .345 and also paced the classification with 121 RBI and a .636 slugging percentage. The Lancaster JetHawks catcher’s 45 doubles tied for best in Class A. The Houston Astros took Clemens in the eighth round in 2005 out of high school.

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.

Rudy Owens (22), of Mesa, Ariz., went 10-1 with a 1.70 ERA for the West Virginia Power in being chosen as the South Atlantic League’s Most Outstanding Pitcher. The left-hander then went 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA for the Lynchburg Hillcats. Overall, Owens was 11-2 with a 2.10 ERA in 124.0 innings. He fanned 113, while walking only 17. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Owens in the 28^th round in 2006 out of Chandler Gilbert (AZ) Community College.

2009 TOPPS/MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL CLASS-A ALL-STAR TEAM

POSITION	PLAYER	CLUB(s)/LEAGUE(s)	AFFILIATE	AVG.	HR	RBI
First Base	Joe Dunigan	High Desert/California	Seattle	.294	30	104
Second Base	Alexi Amarista	Cedar Rapids/MWL	LA-AL	.319	4	49
Third Base	Josh Vitters	Peoria, Daytona/MWL/FSL	Chicago-NL	.284	18	68
Shortstop	Danny Espinosa	Potomac/Carolina	Washington	.264	18	72
Catcher	Koby Clemens	Lancaster/California	Houston	.345	22	90
Outfield	Jonathan Gaston	Lancaster/California	Houston	.278	35	100
Outfield	Thomas Neal	San Jose/California	San Francisco	.337	22	90
Outfield	Kyle Russell	Great Lakes/Midwest	LA-NL	.272	26	102
Des. Hitter	Derek Norris	Hagerstown/S. Atlantic	Washington	.286	23	84
				W	L	ERA
Pitcher	Rudy Owens	W.Va., Lynchburg/SAL/CAR	Pittsburgh	11	2	2.10

(Statistics do not reflect players’ performances in other leagues)

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

Dave at Nats News Network — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:09:38 -0000

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.

Eckstein returns for a second season in Washington, as his offense showed significant gains in 2009 in runs per game (+0.40 per game), home runs (+39), batting average (+.007), on-base percentage (+.014), slugging percentage (+.033) and OPS (+.047) compared to the previous season.

McCatty was named Nationals pitching coach on June 2. The Nationals’ Triple-A pitching coach for four seasons before being summoned to Washington, McCatty employed numerous pre-existing relationships with Nationals pitchers to help his staff post an ERA exactly one run better than that recorded in the season’s first two months (5.69 ERA from Opening Day-May 31, 4.69 ERA from June 2 through season’s end).

Listach will return for a second season as Nationals third base coach. Last season, Listach’s judgment saw only 11 Nationals thrown out at home plate on non force-outs, a figure bettered by only the Cardinals (eight) in MLB. With added responsibilities as the Nationals infield instructor, Listach had a hand in Ryan Zimmerman earning his first career Rawlings Gold Glove.

McLaren, 58, will draw on 22 seasons of big league coaching experience, including a stint as Mariners manager for portions of the 2007 and 2008 seasons. He replaced Mike Hargrove as Seattle’s manager on July 2, 2007. While skippering the Mariners, McLaren hired Riggleman as his bench coach in 2008.

McLaren has worked on Lou Piniella’s staff for 15 seasons, and also enjoyed stewardships under Mike Hargrove, Cito Gaston, Jimy Williams and Joe Morgan. He has experienced five post-seasons, including four division titles (Toronto in 1989, Seattle ‘95, ‘97, 2001). McLaren spent the 2009 campaign as a Rays special assignment scout. He also served as Team USA bench coach during the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006.

Selected by Houston in the 1970 Draft, McLaren caught for seven professional seasons before beginning his coaching career in Toronto’s system in 1977. After serving the Blue Jays for nine seasons as a minor-league coach, manager and scout, McLaren joined Toronto’s big league staff as third base coach in 1986.

Lett, 58, will draw on 15 seasons of Major League coaching experience, 11 spent as a bench coach with the Reds, Blue Jays, Dodgers and Pirates. He served as Dodgers bullpen coach from 2001-04, where he worked alongside Riggleman, who was Jim Tracy’s bench coach at the time.

Lett joins the Nationals after spending the previous two years coaching in Milwaukee’s minor-league system. Lett has worked in professional baseball for each of the last 35 seasons as a player, coach, manager or front-office executive. Lett is also a highly respected catching instructor.

The 59 year-old Radison begins his third tour with Riggleman, as the two worked together during Riggleman’s managerial stays in San Diego and Chicago (NL). Outside of his stints with the Cubs and Padres, Radison has managed, coached or scouted for the Yankees, Cardinals and Mets organizations from 1984-2006.

He spent the previous three seasons as the Cardinals Minor League Hitting Instructor. While there, Radison worked closely with Eckstein, and helped Rick Ankiel (as a hitter), Skip Schumaker and Colby Rasmus graduate to St. Louis.

Radison was drafted by the Cardinals in 1972 and played professionally for three seasons. He commenced his career in coaching at the college level, serving as an associate or assistant coach at Broward (FL) Community College, the University of Georgia and Old Dominion (VA) University.

Washington Nationals Hire Two More For Front Office

Dave at Nats News Network — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:36:47 -0000

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.

Washington Nationals (finally) Announce Additions to Front Office Staff

Dave at Nats News Network — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:50:33 -0000

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.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS ADD ROY CLARK, JOHNNY DiPUGLIA AND DOUG HARRIS TO FRONT OFFICE

KRIS KLINE NAMED DIRECTOR OF SCOUTING

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.

Clark joins the Nationals after an impressive 11-year run as Director of Scouting with the Atlanta Braves. Clark joined the Braves as an area scout in 1989, and he later enjoyed successive stints as Atlanta’s southeast supervisor (1995) and national supervisor (1996-99). His efforts helped the Braves earn Baseball America’s prestigious Organization of the Year award three times (1991, 1996, 2005) and USA Today’s Organization of the Year citation in 1996. Clark sports a World Series ring from the Braves’ 1995 World Championship campaign.

Clark is best known for having procured talents such as catcher Brian McCann, right-handed pitcher Tommy Hanson, right-handed pitcher Adam Wainwright, shortstop Yunel Escobar, right-handed pitcher Joey Devine, right-handed pitcher Kevin Millwood, catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and outfielder Jeff Francoeur for the Braves. Meanwhile, Braves minor-league outfielder Jason Heyward was recently cited as Baseball America’s 2009 Minor League Player of the Year and is regarded by many as baseball’s top prospect among position players.

DiPuglia joins his fourth big league organization with his Nationals appointment. DiPuglia spent the previous 10 seasons working in the Red Sox scouting department, the last four as Boston’s Latin American Scouting Coordinator. While in that position, he was responsible for coverage in the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Panama, Mexico, Curacao, Nicaragua, Aruba, Columbia, as well as all of Central and South America. He earned World Series rings while with the Red Sox in 2004 and 2007.

DiPuglia, who also enjoyed stints with the Giants and Cardinals organizations, signed or had a hand in the signings of shortstop Hanley Ramirez, second baseman Placido Polanco, outfielder Rick Ankiel, right-handed pitcher Anibal Sanchez and right-handed pitcher Rene Arocha.

Harris carries 20 seasons of baseball experience as a player, amateur scout and professional scout into his new role with the Nationals. He spent last season as a Major League Scout/Advance Scout with Cleveland after a 12-year tenure with Texas in various scouting capacities. Harris played seven professional seasons in three organizations.

Kline earned the Director of Scouting promotion after spending his initial three seasons in Washington as Assistant Scouting Director/National Crosschecker (2009) and Western Crosschecker (2007-08). A scout for 20 seasons, Kline joined the Nationals in the fall of 2006 after spending the previous seven seasons with Arizona, the last three of which were spent as the Diamondbacks’ Western Supervisor. Kline earned a World Series ring in 2001 as the Diamondbacks topped the Yankees in seven games. Before joining the Diamondbacks, Kline worked 10 seasons scouting for the Angels after completing his four-year professional playing career.

Webb Not Interested in Pay Cut

Dave at Nats News Network — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:23:21 -0000

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".

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

Dave at Nats News Network — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:58:57 -0000

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?

So I spent a little time on a baseball statistic website that will remain nameless. Currently, in the N.L. there are exactly five pitchers with 15 or more wins: Adam Wainwright, STL (18-8), Chris Carpenter, STL (16-4), Jason Marquis, COL (15-11), Josh Johnson, FLA (15-4), Jorge de la Rosa, COL (15-9). There are six at 14 and six at 13. With two starts for most pitchers remaining, you have to figure no more than half of those with 13 or more will hit 15.

So we're looking at 11 pitchers -- tops -- to win 15 or more games this season in the National League. This is consistent with wins totals the last several seasons.

What does this mean? Well, to start with, the anonymous commenter was a dope.

A 15-game winner IS a #1 starter in the N.L.. If there is less than one 15-game winner per team in the league, then that's our "magic number" to look for when describing a #1 starter. The days of pitchers winning 20 games is, for the most part, a thing of the past. It happens on occasion (like seeing Haley's comet), but it's not what pitchers should be judged against.

As stated before, I'm not going to get all wonky on the numbers and provide evidence that wins are a lousy way to measure a pitcher's effectiveness. Lots of others have done it more eloquently that I would. Go google it -- when you finish reading Federal Baseball, anyway -- if you're still interested and don't want to take my word for it.

The really interesting thing I discovered though, while looking these numbers up, is that of the 17 pitchers with 13 or more wins this season in the N.L., 12 of them come from just five teams: STL (3), COL (3), ATL (2), SF (2), MIL (2).

So in our equation, we've determined that 15 games won in a season makes you and "Ace", only about half the teams in the league have one (or more).

It's no shock, of course, to find St. Louis and Colorado in the list of teams with big winners. They are, after all, two of the four N.L. playoff teams. And Atlanta and San Fran both have winning records, due largely to the success of their starting pitching. Again, chicken-and-egg stuff.

So let's bring this back to Lannan. I'm prefacing all of the rest of this commentary based on the fact that I love John Lannan as a pitcher. He has a great idea of what he wants to do, stays within himself, and gives everything he's got every time he's on the mound. At 24, he pitches like he's 34. In a good way.

The guy is 9-12 in 192.1 IP in 31 starts with a 4.07 ERA. HIs K rate (3.7 per nine) is the lowest of 82 pitchers in the major leagues with nine or more wins. It's actually down from last season's 5.8, which is bad but tolerable.

Lannan's BABIP this season is at .280, which is a little low compared to league average (.299 this season), but right at what he's established as his norm (.277, .272, .280 in his three seasons). This shows us a pitcher that teams have a tough time "squaring up" on, for the most part.

So the anonymous poster that thinks Lannan is a 15-win pitcher is probably dreaming. But Lannan's career 108 ERA+ shows he should be a .500 pitcher, capable of sitting at the back of a staff, eat innings, win 10-12 games a year and give your team a chance to win when he's on the mound. Essentially, he has learned to be Jamie Moyer, 10 years before Moyer himself figured it out in his career.

And it the Nats come through on promises of shoring up their middle infield defense and a full season of Nyjer Morgan patrolling center field? Maybe, just maybe, Lannan can dream of a winning records, with a couple of breakthrough years like Moyer enjoyed. But Lannan's got to get his K-rate back up in the 5.5 range like in 2008.

Cause as soft as Moyer was, even he struck out five and a half per nine.

But let's not make Lannan into something he's not, simply because he's the best that the Nats have right now. Let's just let him be who he is and enjoy watching a guy pitch -- as opposed to throw -- every time he takes the hill.

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

Dave at Nats News Network — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:32:04 -0000

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.

However, the most easily scrutinized strategic backfire from last night's game came right there in the bottom of the ninth. With the Nats down by one, Justin Maxwell led off with a single. The only time bunting a runner over makes sense is when you're the home team, down by one run, in the bottom of the ninth with no outs.

To this point, Riggleman has shown he's not afraid to start his runners, largely to the detriment of his team. He's already attempted four suicide squeezes. Anyway, convention calls for the next batter, Cristian Guzman, to sacrifice himself to move Maxwell up 90 feet.

With Adam Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman, the team's two most prolific RBI-man following, there would be no more perfect time to sacrifice, though Riggleman does it all the time regardless. He'd already commanded Guzman to sacrifice earlier in the game...IN THE THIRD INNING!

Yup, you know what happens. Guz swings away on the first pitch. Then takes a ball. No bunt order given.

Maxwell then steals second base! I'm going to overlook the fact that attempting a steal with a rookie player in the bottom of the ninth is a horrible decision in-and-of itself.

So, with no outs, man on second and a 1-1 count, surely Riggleman would put the sac play on to get Maxwell to third with less than two outs, right?

Um, wrong.

Guzman looks at strike two, fouls one off, then struck out...LOOKING!

Everyone knows what happened next, as Ryan Madson coaxed a line drive from Adam Dunn to second base, where the the aforementioned rookie was then caught off base for the game-ending double play.

Simply horrible baseball.

To compound his actions on the field, the interim manager has also decided that shortstop Ian Desmond will rot on the big league bench for his September call-up.

My Internet writing brethren have already chimed in on the subject, some a bit more eloquently than others. Here are Riggleman's words, though:

"I'll get him some games, but as long as Guzman is healthy he'll be playing. If his foot flares up on him that will be an opportunity to get Desmond in there, but we also have Gonzalez and Orr who will be playing up the middle. I love to see young players play, but I don't ever want to take away the opportunity from the veterans who have been here all year... and disregard their efforts all year by planting them on the bench. Like I said, the at bats might be inconsistent."

-snip-

"If I send a message to the ballclub that we're gonna put our Class AAA call-ups out there on a daily basis to see what they can do, first of all, as I said, it's not a good time to evaluate talent. Who do you do it against? Do you do it against the Phillies? I think we would be insulting the Marlins and the Braves, who are chasing the Phillies. Do you do it just against the Braves but not against the Phillies?"

-snip-

"The competition throughout the league indicates that, for the fairness of who is the best team in the division, you've got to put your best people out there to play against those guys. You know, if you get a couple games where you're playing a non-contender you might experiment a little bit more and get some guys some games. But I think that until the division is won and the wild card is won, we have an obligation to contenders to put our best players out there."

I'm going to be as sensitive as possible with my next comment.

WHO GIVES A DAMN about insulting the Phillies, Marlins and Braves??? The major league manager has two jobs: Winning; and making HIS TEAM BETTER. What he cares about the opposition is immaterial. The only obligation he has is to HIS organization.

Continuing to play Alberto Gonzalez, Pete Orr, and yes, Cristian Guzman, at the expense of looking at Ian Desmond in the big leagues for three weeks is absolutely irresponsible. The ONLY reason for Desmond to be here in September is to find out if he'll be able to play in the majors in the spring.

Since Aug. 12, Guzman is hitting .191/.226/.281. What further contribution should the team need to ask of him? If his bunions hurt that bad, let him get whatever corrective proceedure he needs on them now.

All Desmond does sitting on the bench is eat a month of major league salary and per diem. Why on earth would you call up Desmond, or Detwiler, Estrada, Kensing or Segovia (NONE of whom have made it into a game this week) if you aren't going to play them? They are only wasting Ted Lerner's precious money, probably enough to pay for another major league scout's entire yearly salary.

From Riggleman's comments and actions, the only time we'll see any of them is in a blowout.

It's pretty transparent that Riggleman is managing for HIS future. At 1-10 his last 11 games, he may want to re-think his strategy.

Ian Desmond should be inserted at shortstop and leadoff hitter TODAY. Not doing so is wasting an opportunity to improve the team for the future, both near and long-term.

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