I'll have a burrito with that fastball

The Farm Authority keeps us informed about the deal the NATS just signed with the Tabasco Olmecas Baseball Club of the Mexican Summer. This deal along with the NATS Dominican presence continues the international expansion of the scouting department. As the Farm says if they can continue this in Aus / Jap it will really help their brand internationally. I would really like to see them take a bit of a bold move and set something up in China perhaps a training center similar to what Rijo has. Either way this is great for the development of the farm system and bodes well for the future.

Guzman, Leadership and Youn

So the NATS have a “healthy” Guzman but he admits that his shoulder is still a little shaky hence the reason they are holding him back a little this week. According to the NATS medical staff its not uncommon for players recovering from shoulder surgery to be held back a little. Like I mentioned before this I believe is the reason they signed Belliard and does not bode well for Guzman contributing this year. With the cool spring weather they essentially will have to manage him like a pitcher. Guzman was not a power to begin with so he will be even more of a slap hitter but one with little force so he’s not going to much of a contributor. Not to state the obvious but this looks like a bust, I know but at least there was a glimmer that he could become a productive member of the line-up. There is a story on the NATS site about the captains for this year and a couple of notables among are Kearns and Zimmerman. I find Kearns an interesting considering last year was really his first full year. I think this is a move by Acta to help Kearns focus and realize that he is to be a leader and perhaps the benefits will be an improvement on last years results,

Zimmerman is an interesting case because he asked for the leadership role and stated that he thinks last years clubhouse was too scared to say anything to anyone because of the potential repercussions. I sincerely hope this is a good move for Zimmerman. As a 2^nd year player there is going to be a lot of tape on him and an emphasis on not letting him beat you. Hopefully the increased responsibility and work he will need to do to stay ahead of the pitchers will not stretch him too thin. There is always a sophomore slump so lets hope that Zimmerman is every bit the special player he seems to be.

There’s a story on Dmitri Young on CBS Sportsline that sheds a little more light on Young’s experiences last year but federal baseball writes a great article about Young and his opportunity with the NATS .

Comrade Dmitri

Well it didn’t take Dmitri Young long to create some controversy. A story on ESPN talks to Leyland, and gets his reactions to Dmitri's re:the Tigers organization. Leyland goes on to say that Dmitri should not be blaming the Tigers for anything and that if he is looking for someone to blame then blame him, not Dombrowski or anybody else in the organization because it was purely a baseball decision.

I kind of like Leyland’s response, he can be a crusty old fart but he is a company man and if you read the story I think he likes Young he just didn’t like what he said. Unfortunately players and employees in general (in the real world) feel like they are owed more then just their paycheque. Quite frankly in our free market economy an employee needs to realize that the employer is buying your loyalty and that you have just as much opportunity to leave as they do to let you go.

Actually as an employee in the real world we are more of a free agent then any athlete, and if we put in the amount of time that an athlete puts into getting to the top, we/you would be earning very good money. So anybody who thinks that Dmitri was unfairly treated should have there head checked, the current environment was negotiated (bullied) by the players and it is almost overwhelmingly in their favour. If an organization plays within the rules then there is really nothing that a player should be complaining about. It would be like saying why doesn't XXX player take a discount to stay with our organization, we trained him, spent years waiting for him to make it to the bigs and he thanks us by taking the biggest deal. Yeah we don't hear that very often do we.

Belly up to the plate

The NATS signed Belliard to a minor league deal worth $750K today. This is great news to hear and should provide some insurance / motivation should Guzman revert to his previous performance. Belliard could also provide a little help at 1^st base because this back-up thing that continues to pushed by Ladson

Is Hogwash.

The NATS site also profiles Chico and the extra work that Schroder is doing and did during the off-season with Rijo. I do think there is a chance we will see Chico during the year. A left-handed strikeout pitcher is too hard to pass-up.

Injury report

Three players who could have a big impact on the NATS fortunes this year are in camp. Ayala, Escobar and Bowie.

With Escobar it is the same as Johnson was a couple of years ago, if this guy stays healthy he has lots of potential. Escobar produced when he was on the field last season and what a bonus if he were to come out and be a productive outfielder.

Ayala was throwing his fastball and the NATS are taking it slow with him. Ayala is an important ingredient because he will be the one who gets Cordero the ball without him having to pitch more than an inning if Ayala is healthy look for Cordero's numbers to go back up again.

As far as Bowie goes if he can come close to what he did last year then he will be an important element for the late season trades. Which will continue to be important in the organizations efforts to re-stock the farm.

So with some gamblers luck we could hope for Ayala and Escobar to come through which would have a significant impact on the whole team and organization.

Junebug Johnson

Johnson was in camp yesterday and all indications point to a June return. I know he broke his leg in a collision but this guy really as a target on his back for injuries. The talent is clearly there, when you look at last years numbers but he just can't stay on the field.

Guzman in a slump

Well no not really the season hasn't started yet but this is all in relation to the NATS supposed interest in Ronnie Belliard. I think this which is being couched in a (bench role/backup for Zimmerman / Guzman / Lopez) is a big cross your fingers by the organization and the admission that they need a plan should Guzman revert to his 2005 numbers. For reference Belliard's stats for the last three years avg out to .280 14 HR 72 rbi and about a .325 OBA all of which are better then Guzman's. So if there is actually any interest please go ahead and sign him. Belliard is a little older, 3 years, but his production has been on the rise and he has playoff experience. We'll know fairly early next week (assuming Belliard doesn't sign somewhere else) as to the health and skills of Guzman because if he is not good then Bowden will make a push for Belliard.
Here's hoping.

Shave and haircut two bits

Well the JimBo was busy yesterday signing two veterans Dmitri Young and Tony Batista .

I was going to write something about this, like how I watched Tony in his first go round with the organization and remembering …that’s the third SO for Batista tonight….and now the score is 7-2 on Batista’s 8^th inning homerun… Well you get the point. As far as Dmitri goes, I’d rather have his brother but he is interesting. Although as Capitol Punishment points out he is on a 4 year decline. But to say he is the poor man's Daryl Ward..yikes... thats poor.

Anyway I’ll let some of the other folks talk about this because I think its hilariously to read a headline like this “Tony-freakin-batista” (from the Banks of the Anacostia) and I have found a home of like minded people. Both articles also point to a Twins blogger Aaron Gleeman who rips into Batista, funny stuff. Enjoy!

Excuse me sir, your Visa has been declined

One of my favourite stories of spring training and something that I eagerly look forward too is……. Visa problems.

I have always found this to be incredibly funny. These players are trying to make it the big leagues they know this will involve going to the States they know that they will have to get a Visa and they have all winter to get things order. And yet here we are and here is the list of Nationals pitchers who have not reported because of Visa problems:

• Juan Brito
• Jesus Colome
• Anastacio Martinez
• Luis Martinez
• Arnie Munoz
• Felix Diaz
• Edward Valdez

Now I guess for some of these guys it may be their first time in the States (however most of these names sound familiar to me) so there is that. There may be also issues of education but wow this is not new and yet every year there is a long of players with Visa problems. I think it’s funnier when it is a veteran player because you know they are most likely just dogging it because they don’t want to the first few days of spring training. If I was a prospect I would definitely make sure that everything is in order, it just shows the club you are responsible and can handle yourself. But I’m not a prospect ….siggggghhhhh

Odds and Ends

With pitchers reporting tomorrow the real fun begins. Here are a few links to offer some perspective:

NATS 320 gives his comical commentary on the number of pitchers that will be in camp

NY Times has an interesting story about the off-season which includes some quotes from Clint Everts (remember him)

The Nationals Farm Authority continues profiling potential draft picks (I love this site and thanks for the info)

For those of you thinking about catching some spring games here is the schedule (note: does not include the numerous SS games Kasten was talking about)

Nationals 2007 Spring Training Schedule

DAY	DATE	OPPONENT	SITE	TIME
Fri	March 2	Los Angeles Dodgers	Vero Beach	1:05
Sat	March 3	BALTIMORE ORIOLES	VIERA	1:05
Sun	March 4	LOS ANGELES DODGERS (ss)	VIERA	1:05
Sun	March 4	Houston Astros (ss)	Kissimmee	1:05
Mon	March 5	Atlanta Braves	DWWS	1:05
Tues	March 6	ATLANTA BRAVES	VIERA	1:05
Wed	March 7	Houston Astros	Kissimmee	1:05
Thur	March 8	HOUSTON ASTROS	VIERA	1:05
Fri	March 9	Baltimore Orioles	Fort Lauderdale	1:05
Sat	March 10	NEW YORK METS	VIERA	1:05
Sun	March 11	Los Angeles Dodgers	Vero Beach	1:05
Mon	March 12	NEW YORK METS	VIERA	1:05
Tues	March 13	Off Day
Wed	March 14	St. Louis Cardinals	Jupiter	1:05
Thur	March 15	DETROIT TIGERS (ss)	VIERA	7:05
Thur	March 15	Los Angeles Dodgers (ss)	Vero Beach	7:05
Fri	March 16	Cleveland Indians	Winter Haven	12:30
Sat	March 17	New York Mets	Port St. Lucie	1:05
Sun	March 18	FLORIDA MARLINS	VIERA	1:05
Mon	March 19	LOS ANGELES DODGERS	VIERA	1:05
Tues	March 20	Florida Marlins	Jupiter	1:05
Wed	March 21	ATLANTA BRAVES	VIERA	7:05
Thur	March 22	Houston Astros	Kissimmee	7:05
Fri	March 23	DETROIT TIGERS	VIERA	1:05
Sat	March 24	ST LOUIS CARDINALS	VIERA	1:05
Sun	March 25	Atlanta Braves	DWWS	1:05
Mon	March 26	Detroit Tigers	Lakeland	1:05
Tues	March 27	NEW YORK METS	VIERA	7:05
Wed	March 28	Florida Marlins	Jupiter	1:05
Thur	March 29	BALTIMORE ORIOLES (ss)	VIERA	1:05
Thur	March 29	Baltimore Orioles (ss)	Columbus, OH	4:05
Fri	March 30	Baltimore Orioles	Norfolk, VA	2:05
Sat	March 31	Baltimore Orioles	Washington, DC	1:05

Home games are in CAPS. Game times are PM and local.
(ss) = Split squad. Schedules are subject to changes.

Some ticket info:

Box Office Info: (321) 633-HITS or (321) 633-4487

Batters Box	$ 22.00
Box Seats	$ 18.00
Reserved Seats	$ 15.00
Reserved Bleacher	$ 10.00
Lawn/Berm	$ 8.00

Ticket office at Space Coast Stadium is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday and 10 a.m. thru 2 p.m. Saturday. To order by phone, call TicketMaster: (407) 839-3900.

How to get there:

Space Coast Stadium
5800 Stadium Parkway
Melbourne, FL 32940

• Located just West of I-95 Exit #73 (Rt 509); or Exit #74 (Rt 519) Stadium Parkway.
• Parking at the ballpark.
• Ballpark opened in 1994.
• Dimensions: 340' down the foul lines and 400' to center.
• Seating Capacity: 8,100.

Weather for this week is looking ok with avg temps around 65°F / 18 °C . Here is a link to view the weather details

Lerner's looking @ the farm

With Kasten / Lerners aboard the team finally has a direction, the farm is going to be a priority which in a nutshell means see ya' Jimbo. Bowden is a trader not a builder, however the team may actually be able to put this to its benefit this year as there will more than likely be a purge in August. Look for Soriano, Guillen, Hernandez and possibly Vidro to be gone. The only ones who are relatively safe are Zimmerman, Johnson, Schneider, Majewski and Cordero. Everyone else is available. This process will hopefully start quickly and we should look for some results in 2-3 years as the draft and trades re-populate the system.

In Cincy tonight Armas pitched strongly only giving up one and getting plenty of support (Nats hit 5 home runs). Armas has now won his last three road starts. Hernandez is up tomorrow and it'll be interesting to see if he can put together a strong start and keep this little win streak alive. It's interesting to note that Byrd is leading-off again, according to a story on the Nats site Church said that Robinson told him that Byrd would get the majority of the at bats, because he is hitting. Let me put this in way that you will understand Ryan, mmmmmmm.... the next time you have a cold take a cold medicine (legal one off course), the next time your shoulder feels sore take a few advil, the next time you get hit put some ice on it and run to first base. In a word the next time you get on the field make them drag you off because you are developing a bad reputation as a soft player, something that management and teammates do not like.

Patience is a virtue

NATS:

Stan Kasten spoke with MLB today and among the usual stuff and there was even talk about the all-star game in DC soon (see the Nats320 story ). The item I wanted to point out, relates to my story the other day, and it has to do with the patience the organization is going to have in developing talent. This quote is in respect to finding some starting rotation pitchers but it also applies throughout the organization and its development of players:

Kasten: We are going to give guys opportunities they didn't have before. So, yes, we will have some guys who will emerge. All these guys are pitchers that have a certain amount of talent. You know you are going to have surprises emerge. That's why we have scheduled not just our regular complement of Spring Training games, but also a host of split-squad games. That's why we have our accelerated program -- have extra pitchers and catchers around in camp just for more competition. There are no short cuts. We'll look for guys wherever we can find them and give them an opportunity to pitch. That's what this spring is dedicated to.

I am really happy to hear this as it continues their philosophy of developing talent. The paragraph above makes me think of Tim Redding a guy who has pitched decent in the majors (10-14 with a 3.68 ERA in ’03) but for some reason has not been able to duplicate that. So perhaps with a little patience and playing in a big park he can put together a similar year, which the NATS would gladly take considering the state of the rotation now.

For your viewing pleasure

NATS:

Chris Needham over at Capitol Punishment writes a scathing (funny) article about the cable coverage for the Nats this year. I only have one option for NATS games and that’s online. I have been doing so for the past 6 years (yes that includes the Expos) so I can’t really complain because I have lived “out of market” the whole time.

However the Angelos factor is something that I can’t believe has not been settled yet. To have the two teams share primetime (MASN 1& 2) in the market by switching between two channels is just stupid. The thing is Angelos is desperately trying to hold onto the DC market. His team is a shambles and I think he sees the experience that Kasten et al bring and is worried that he will soon become 2^nd fiddle in a market he used to own. So what’s the best course of action? Screw over the Nats ever chance he gets, limit the amount of times they are broadcasted or make it as difficult as possible for the fan to find where it is broadcasted. Eventually the fans will get made at the NATS as well, although I think most fans know that Angelos is at the root of the problems. He is a small man who is used to having his way and does not know how to compete (his teams have proven that) in an open market.

I have always felt that owners/companies who have a captive market (a la pre-NATS) and don’t make it their market in every sense of the word are the ones who complain the most when competition comes in, because they have treated their customers so badly for so long that they don’t know what else to do. They see the competition coming in and cry foul because they are getting attention.

I am sure this issue is not over and it will come up over the course of the season.

Saved by the pen!

NATS:

Article on the NATS site yesterday talks about the bullpen and how it is the strength of the team. I don’t think anyone would argue with that statement but here are few points.

I remember hearing, and for the life of me I can’t remember who said this, from a manager that he would prefer to have a good pen when developing young pitchers because there is nothing worse for a young player’s confidence then to see a great game lost by the pen. Conversely there is nothing like the feeling of seeing your pen save the day and have your team rally, both situations are great team and confidence builders. But I want to see how a couple of things shake out with this pen as I see this as a part of the team that could help re-build the franchise. Let me explain.

Everyone knows that Cordero has been on the block the whole off-season as management thinks it is easier to develop a closer then a starter. Something I totally agree with especially with the presence of Wagner and Ayala (assuming he is healthy), both have fulfilled the closer role in the past. Unless somebody steps forward and offers above market value for Cordero I don’t think the Nats should make the trade at this time. So let’s play out this scenario (best case of course).

Ideally Cordero is pitching the same way he did in the second half of last year (there was bound to be a bump in his development) Wagner and Rauch continue their progression and become productive members (Wagner as a set-up man and Rauch and long and short reliever). Ayala comes back and pitches the way he is capable of, King pitches the way he has for years and they somehow squeeze some productivity out of Bowie.

Now let’s forward to the trade deadline. As is the case every year the contenders will be looking for pitching, more starters then relievers but still, Cordero is doing good or even better the way he pitched two years ago there will be takers and this trade deadline I don’t think Bowden allow this trade to stay on the table, a la Soriano. Now if King is pitching the way he can he will garner something and then also look for one of Ayala, Rauch or Bowie (if he is doing good) to be shipped. This will bring in at least three players for the system to develop. I know, I know but we just gave up three players, well the point is that we will more likely get a potential top three starter, always difficult to find, as well as some prospects. If the franchise is really spending all their money in the minors, which they are, then these prospects should have access to intensive training and opportunities that other franchises would not necessarily give because they do not need (or want) to be as patient as the Nats. So by the middle of the year Zinicola should be up with the organization as well another pitcher or two, perhaps Schroder. So that’s why I am looking forward to seeing this bullpen perform.

Projected lineup if everyone is healthy

NATS:

Just finished reading the commentary by Nats320
with regards to the projected starting lineup that was published by Bill Ladson on the official site. I gotta say I like the Nats320 batting order and I have to agree that if (wow that word is powerful, just like potential) the lineup performs to capabilities it could be an interesting offensive team.

There are a couple of points that I would like to make (although Nats320 has covered most of them very well). The only way I see Guzman working out at the #2 spot is if he hits like Jay Bell in 90/91. During those two years Bell had 39 and 30 sacrifice hits, many of them bunts to move the runner over for the 3/4/5 hitters. So if Guzman hits about .260 with a .330 OBP, 50 rbis and about 20-23 SB then he could actually work. The issue is the OBP and SB. He can hit .260 (theoretically as he has accomplished the feat four times) but he has a career OBP of .298. The year he hit .302 his OBP was only .337. It boggles my mind when players have such a low OBP, it is a glaring weakness and I don't understand how players don't work this day and night. It can extend a game and a career. In terms of the SB, he has not run much lately so who knows if he has the heart. My thought behind the SB is that he will need this to make up for the lack of punch when compare to Bell, who avg 11.5 HR and 60 rbi.

So lets assume that Guzman does not achieve this then I would agree with Nats320 and would insert Escobar / Johnson in this spot, with one twist. I think Escobar should be there for the start of the season (assuming he is healthy and Johnson is healthy, which he isn't). If and when Johnson does not make the opening day lineup then put Escobar down and Guzman in the #2. My reasoning behind Escobar being in the #2 earlier is to get him more at bats when rosters are still shaking out and pitchers are behind the hitters. I think this guy could have a big year but he has not been able to stay healthy and I think the added at bats could help build his confidence early in the season. After a 100 + then he could switch with Johnson, allowing Johnson to be on base for Zimmerman and Kearns, thereby taking advantage of that great OBP.

I can see where Ladson / Acta would want to put this order in, it takes advantage of the speed and base running ability of Guzman and allows Johnson/Escobar to stay lower in the order as run producers. The other side is that we don't end up having two automatic outs in the #8 & 9 slots. But if Guzman does not recover dramatically he'll become a rally killer, not something you want anytime! Especially this year as the offense is going to have to carry this team while our pitching develops.

Thomas Boswell article on the Nats

NATS:

I am going to write this entry in response to an article written by Thomas Boswell of the Washington Post entitled An Embarrassment Of Pitches. Boswell talks about the Nats off-season approach to building their rotation (which by the way will not be pretty this year) and how it has been less then stellar. He starts off talking about the inflation blip that the market went through this year and how the Nats are sticking to their plan whenever free agency is brought up. But then he goes on to absolutely paste them, and I quote:


Now, unless some purse strings get loosened in a hurry, the Nationals may be just one injury to their "ace" away from embarrassing not just themselves, but their sport.

Wow thats rather harsh! Actually it's an abuse of journalism. Boswell writes an article it seems about once a week, and they are not usually ground breaking stuff (from the ones I have read for the last 16 months) and to blindside the ownership like this is a slap in the face. What other ownership would go on record as saying they will not take "a dime out of the team for at least 10 years." Not Loria, how about Murdoch (oh he's gone), Steinbrenner (not bloody likely), Angelos? Please... this group is the best thing that could happen to the team, other cities would be ecstatic to have this group.

Boswell goes on to talk about the decline in attendance in the Nats second season (a natural tendency for a new franchise) and that the re-building has the potential to endanger the enthusiasm of the Washington fan base. If this really has the potential to be an issue, already, then MLB made a mistake by going back to DC. Building the franchise from the ground up ie: scouting and minor leagues is the only way that this franchise will become stable and if an informed reporter can't see that this is the only way, then the DC area is not worthy of the team.

Suggesting that ignoring Ortiz and Armas was not a smart move is ludicrous. Ortiz was 11-16 with a 5 + ERA in a huge stadium (3 out of the last four years his ERA has been over 5), how does that make sense? especially if he is to be a top three pitcher. He is now in Minnesota and if he is anything more then a 5th starter then wow that ERA could be huge. As far as Armas goes, how many opportunities do you give the guy? I am a carry-over Expos fan and I for one see this as an opportunity for the franchise to dump some luggage. Armas was 9-12 with a 5+ ERA, their are a lot of pitchers who could match those numbers and many of them are in the minors.

Now the fact that these guys could go out and pitch like veterans and potentially give you 200 innings is something to think about. But not at this stage in the franchise. It is a huge move in the right direction to try and find and develop their internal players rather then spending money and more importantly time with players who's future is dwindling. Yes Tim Redding is the same kind of player but he is not costing that much and he could be a find. I mean if he wins 7-9 games (assuming he makes the roster) then the franchise is still ahead because the money saved can go to signing draft picks etc.

All in all I think this is a stir the pot article from a journalist who doesn't want to work to hard but wants some attention. The pitching staff has the potential to be bad but the purge is necessary and some prospects will definitely take their lumps.

Let's look back at the Braves. Glavine was 2-4 (50 ip) with an ERA of 5.54 his first year and 7-17 with and ERA of 4.56 his 2nd. I'm not saying we have a Glavine in the organization, what I'm saying is our young guys need to pitch. Another example is Smoltz who was 2-7 (64 ip) with an ERA of 5.40, again not saying we have a star in the system like Smoltz but maybe O'connor and Chico can get the valuable innings and experience needed to make them MLB starters.

I for one always look forward to spring training to see who will develop and this year is no different even if the rotation does look like a minor-league one.

Nats sign a dozen

Posting on the Nat site says they have signed 12 players mostly to minor league or 1year contracts. The most notable are Jon Rauch, Ryan Wagner and Ryan Church. There are a few still unsigned and they just happen to be the cornerstones of the youth movement:

Ryan Zimmerman
Nick Johnson
Chad Cordero
John Patterson

Let's hope they are working on long term deals.

My 2 cents

An article picked up by Techmeme and written by Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post talks about the blogger following that the Nats have. The story entitled If They Don't Post It's a Shame talks about bloggers that are following the Nats out there. I guess there are about 15 hard cores. He then relates it to how the Nats, particularly Stan Kasten follows them as they (bloggers) are becoming a part of the public interaction and a form of media for the team.

Well it seems I have to beef up my content and start linking to these guys and get to know them. Should be a fun exercise. I think I'll chronicle a bit of my findings / experiences for the masses (who will be coming soon, right?).

Maybe as the article states, Stan Kasten will start reading my entries and hmmm I don't know that would be cool.