Hey guys.  I'm trying to find out a little more info on the Nats' starting catcher other than just his stats.  Anyone have a scouting report on this guy?  I know he was a Rule V pickup from the Mets who made the team and actually held his own last year.  He seemed to be a decent, but obviously not top tier, prospect when he was claimed from NY.  But this year, albeit in only 100+ ABs, he seems to have really taken a big step in adjusting to MLB pitching (to the tune of a .900+ OPS)....enough so that the Nats have named him the starting C even though newly acquired Paul LoDuca has returned from injury. 

Anyway, I'd like to know, from anyone who has watched him extensively this year, if they think his performance for real - if they think it's sustainable.  Is there anyone that he compares favorably to?  Also, what about his defense?  Is it as advanced as his bat seems to be?

Any info would be appreciated!  Thanks. 

Anyone have any info on McDonald this spring?  He hasn't pitched in any games (other than an intrasquad, I think).  I find it odd that a pitcher like him who is relatively close to the show hasn't gotten any game action in yet.  What gives?  Is he hurt?

Any info would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

In light of the recent Adam Jones to Boston rumors (in the Manny Ramirez trade), I was reminded that Boston seems to already have their CF of the future in the person of Jacob Ellsbury.  

So what do you think Boston is going to do with Jones when/if they acquire him?  Jones was a SS prospect up until late 2004 and Boston is looking for a SS, so moving him there could be a possibilty.  Or perhaps either Jones or Ellsbury would move off CF and move to one of the corner OF spots.  Another option is to keep them both in CF and whoever performs best will be their CF of the future.

What would you do if you were running the Sox (assuming you got Jones) and why?  

Hi there, everyone.  Long time reader of this site (and John's work in general) here.  This is my first diary, so please try not to kill me all at once ;-)

My question is about Ryan Harvey.  Why is it that after his 4th season of pro ball, the Cubs have yet to send him to play Fall/Winter Ball?  If there's anyone in their system that could use the extra ABs and refinement at the plate, it's Harvey.  

I could understand the Cubs not wanting to expose him to those advanced Winter leagues in Central/South America less than a full year after H.S. in 2004, although it's not unprecendented (see Zach Greinke), but I looked for him after the 2005 season in Arizona or even in Australia, but he wasn't on anyone's roster.  And now, after a full season in Hi-A ball in 2006, I'm very surprised to find that he STILL isn't playing any Fall/Winter Ball....not even in the Hawaiian Baseball League.  Call me ignorant, but I am dumbfounded by this.  

I don't think anyone could dispute Harvey's tools as he has been compared to Dale Murphy physically.  He has immense talent, as evidenced by a 4 HR game earlier this year and a torrid 2nd half to get his numbers in the FSL to a respectable level.  It's just his approach at the plate that has always been in question.  He just isn't very selective when he's up there, swinging at anything and everything.  Now if I were running the Cubs, I would make it a point to try and emphasize plate discipline and MAKE HIM more selective up there.  And the only way to do that is to get him more ABs.  I just think the Cubs owe it to themselves and their fans to get the most out of a player with that much natural abilty.    

Now I realize, that sometimes, a player just doesn't get it and will never get it.  In those cases, no matter what you do, it really doesn't help because the player just doesn't have the aptitude to learn.  But it seems to me that Cubs haven't reached that point with Harvey yet.  And by not giving Harvey the opportunity to get those extra ABs in the Winter/Fall, they're really not exhausting all options with him.  Unless there's some kind of undisclosed injury, I think it's inexcusable.

What do you guys think?  Is there a reason he's not playing this Winter?  Anyone with an opinion or info on this is welcomed to reply.  Thanks!