tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32540208701790588162024-03-08T08:55:59.844-05:00For Love of the Nationals A Washington Nationals BlogDavid Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-6940784879081339512013-01-22T15:07:00.001-05:002013-01-22T15:07:40.573-05:00Moving, for the love of the NatsI love where I live.<br /><br />I love living downtown and watching the city of Lynchburg grow by the day. I love that I live in a brand new loft for a very affordable rate. I really love that I am only minutes away from my job.<br /><br />I am moving out of my apartment the second my lease is up.<br /><br />As of today (January 22, 2013) we stand 20 days till Pitchers and Catchers report for Spring Training. For baseball enthusiasts such as myself, this is one of the very best times of the year. The crack of the bat and the pop of the mitt is something I look forward to like most children look forward to Christmas morning. So, it is with that passion in mind, that I have decided I must leave my beautiful apartment and seek residence at a location that allows me to have DIRECTV, currently the only way a Lynchburg resident can watch the Washington Nationals play nightly.<br /><br />Comcast, currently the only cable provider allowed in my loft, does not carry MASN or MLB Network, two channels that a fan of the Nationals/Orioles and baseball fans alike, need to get their nightly fix. <br /><br />Thankfully MLB provides two services to overcome carrier scheduling issues with their excellent MLB Extra Innings Package and their web version MLB.tv. Both show all the games around the league every night, most in HD quality. Problem solved, right? <br /><br />Not quite.<br /><br />Due to blackout rules that few know of, and even fewer understand, living in the Nationals/Orioles "footprint" restricts viewers such as myself from being able to watch our favorite team on television because our local provider is already licensed to carry the channel. Well that's a problem, isn't? If Comcast won't carry the channel and MLB blacks out all the games of the "home" team, how is a fan supposed to watch their local team play? Simple answer, as I've found from Comcast and MLB representatives, is, "Sorry, but you're out of luck."<br /><br />In dealing with Comcast, they've assured me that due to Lynchburg being such a small area, they only have a limited number of channels available to the consumer, and some would question why niche channels such as MASN are needed for the general public. Understood, but I believe that is what the Sports Tier package was made for, is it not? <br /><br />If you have a channel that has the exclusive rights to carry the Nationals/Orioles available to you, don't you think that more than a few fans would pay extra to be able to watch their team play every night? I know I would, and I am sure I would not be the only one. As I stated previously, this local blackout wouldn't be a problem if MLB did not have such restrictive blackout rules. <br /><br />So, let me get this straight MLB; you know there is a city consisting of 76,504 residents (2011 census), that has no possible way to access the content that you have mapped specifically for them with your predetermined "footprints", yet knowing that, you also choose to black out those fans from following their favorite team? Is this how you choose to grow your wonderful game? It's amazing more damage hasn't been done to your product with this type of thinking.<br /><br />All of this sounds like sour grapes, and it very well may be. I knew going in that I would be forced into an apartment outfitted only with Comcast, but what I did not anticipate was just how hard I would take the loss of watching the Nationals play every night, and losing out on following the game I love.<br /><br />Having exhausted all resources in attempting to make inroads to rectify this situation, I have come to the conclusion that the only way to get my fix of the Nationals and MLB Network is to move to an apartment that allows DIRECTV. DIRECTV, as one might reasonably assume, does in fact currently has MASN and MLB Network on its programming package. <br /><br />Many friends have told me I am overreacting to not having a way to watch baseball, some have even called me childish for my willingness to uproot my life in pursuit of two television channels. Others may say I'm showing a bit of "Natitude", a slogan created by the Washington Nationals to announce pride in being a fan of the organization. Whatever the case something has to change.<br />
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In this instance, I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of my personal comfort to be able to cheer my team on from the comfort of home, wherever that ends up being.<br /><br /><br /><br />David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-79073419350472212422012-05-14T09:12:00.001-04:002012-05-14T09:12:13.935-04:00This is your brain on Henry Rodriguez<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLZ7HgmZpDM/T7EETQCT7bI/AAAAAAAAAhs/zGCmtaodG-s/s1600/HRod+fail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLZ7HgmZpDM/T7EETQCT7bI/AAAAAAAAAhs/zGCmtaodG-s/s400/HRod+fail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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No comment necessary.David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-7575031485941423072011-06-16T13:47:00.006-04:002011-06-16T14:04:40.375-04:00ESPN: Nats don't count as part of the DC sports sceneThe Washington Nationals are not part of the DC sports scene according to a report from <span style="font-style: italic;">ESPN The Magazine</span>.<br /><br />Recently, the magazine released its <a href="http://flotn.blogspot.com/2011/06/espn-nats-dont-count-as-part-of-dc.html">Ultimate Team Rankings</a>, ranking all professional sport franchises in America from 1-122 in a variety of categories. Overall, the Nationals ranked 78th, but where does that rank among the franchises in the DC/Baltimore area?<br /><br />Well, according to this chart, they don't.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l6K6QEKk9EQ/TfpDIxDS1GI/AAAAAAAAAbI/Hr-8pmm9sZo/s1600/Nats_Missing.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 165px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l6K6QEKk9EQ/TfpDIxDS1GI/AAAAAAAAAbI/Hr-8pmm9sZo/s400/Nats_Missing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618877302983283810" border="0" /></a><br />One day, it's likely Nationals fans will be able to look back at this slight, and all the other embarrassments the Nats have suffered over the years (self inflicted and otherwise) and laugh at how trivial these mistakes appear to be.<br /><br />Today, is not that day, though.David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-27728268727049460132011-06-08T18:11:00.012-04:002011-06-08T19:02:47.550-04:00Nats draft a bigot?<div style="text-align: left;">The 2011 first year player draft has just concluded, and it appears as if the Washington Nationals may have drafted a bigot with their 15th round pick.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Zachary Houchins, an infielder from Louisburg College in North Carolina has a problem. He just can't seem to avoid expressing his thoughts on Twitter.</div><div><br /></div><div>For most people that's not really a problem, but for Houchins who goes by <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/zachhouchins">@zachhouchins</a>, saying what's on his mind is a big problem.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What exactly is young Mr. Houchins saying that is so damning? Well, don't take my word for it... read Zach's tweets and judge for yourself.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Here's just a sampling of Houchins tweets...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 125px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8APnonkR2VA/Te_-VSA3XdI/AAAAAAAAAbA/FLOfpzVZqL8/s400/Picture%2B7.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615986901920472530" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Endearing, isn't he?</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 69px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-242J8uqMckM/Te_1tsYmihI/AAAAAAAAAaY/GrYzjvFEfYg/s400/Picture%2B2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615977425711565330" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How quaint, bigotry and cheating in the same tweet!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 61px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XOsmYyiNPQc/Te_2WGlCuDI/AAAAAAAAAag/wN08FTO9fC8/s400/Picture%2B3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615978119937833010" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ok, then.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 75px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hb13TU1JJA/Te_3gFLrQ1I/AAAAAAAAAao/DnJ2TT9_hWE/s400/Picture%2B4.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615979390873322322" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I don't know Zach, I just don't know.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 61px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1UbgPuJPhQ/Te_4VeP5RcI/AAAAAAAAAaw/Q83OKtmcelM/s400/Picture%2B5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615980308134970818" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">That sounds really unsanitary.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 55px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rjZFCPMWQBc/Te_4pzeH2TI/AAAAAAAAAa4/LL-f1xCzOfI/s400/Picture%2B6.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615980657429174578" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Too late.</span></div>David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-28034817234229783102011-05-18T13:16:00.003-04:002011-05-18T13:49:40.588-04:00Nationals finally see a member of the 2006 draft class make MLB debut<div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.lehighvalleylive.com/sports_impact/photo/cole-kimball-374785a1d94f9c76.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 254px;" src="http://media.lehighvalleylive.com/sports_impact/photo/cole-kimball-374785a1d94f9c76.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Photo courtesy of the Washington Nationals</span></span></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It finally happened.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">With a 92 MPH fastball over the heart of the plate, </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/post/cole-kimball-makes-debut-in-major-leagues/2011/05/14/AFTEik3G_blog.html">Cole Kimball</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> emphatically announced that the Washington Nationals will not go down as the only team to never produce a major leaguer from the 2006 draft class.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">While higher picks like </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=marrer002chr">Chris Marrero</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> and </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=king--003ste">Stephen King</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> continue to flounder in the minors, Kimball, a 12th round pick out of Centenary College made his debut this past Saturday, May 14 in a 1-0 loss against the Florida Marlins, pitching a scoreless ninth inning.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Blessed with a mid 90's fastball and what broadcaster Ray Knight describes as "the best splitter since Bruce Sutter", Kimball made a quick rise through the Nationals farm system after a move to the bullpen.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Much had been made of the Nationals inability to produce a major leaguer from their '06 class; including on </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://flotn.blogspot.com/2010/10/heres-to-you-class-of-2006.html">this very site</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">. Of the Nationals draft picks in the first 10 rounds, which included two compensation picks (12 picks overall), only eight signed. Of those eight, only three remain within the Nationals system. Even more bizarre, two have retired, including 1st round compensation pick </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=willem001col">Colton Willems</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, who decided to give up baseball at the tender age of 21.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">With Kimball now a part of the major league roster, one has to wonder who may be the next player from the 2006 class to make the jump to Washington. If this blogger had to take a guess, look for 1B Chris Marrero to make him MLB debut sometime later this season, perhaps in September when the rosters expand to 40 players. Outside of Marrero, and 41st rounder SP </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=peacoc001bra">Brad Peacock</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, though, the future looks dim for the '06 class.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />You can't hit a home run with all your draft picks; for Jim Bowden and the Washington Nationals, it appears as if the 2006 draft will go down as nothing more than a class with warning track power.</span> </span>David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-87073002003359380442011-04-08T12:08:00.002-04:002011-04-08T12:53:37.572-04:00Meyers shines in season opener<div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thunderbaseball.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/meyers.jpg?w=299&h=450"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 450px;" src="http://thunderbaseball.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/meyers.jpg?w=299&h=450" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://thunderbaseball.wordpress.com/2009/07/">Photo courtesy of Mike Ashmore's Thunder Thoughts</a></span><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><br />Lost among the headlines last night of the Washington Nationals <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/apr/8/laroche-homer-helps-nationals-top-marlins-11/">11 inning victory</a>, and the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/bryce_harper_goes_2_for_4_in_minor_league_debut_in_nationals_system/2011/04/07/AFG4TcyC_story.html?wprss=rss_homepage">professional debut</a> of phenom <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryce_Harper">Bryce Harper</a>, 2009 Nationals Minor League Pitcher of the Year Brad Meyers made his <a href="http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2011/04/commentary_brad_meyers_shrugs.html#cmpid=v2modk_be_smoref_twitt">return</a> from a debilitating foot injury.<br /><br /><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=455122">Meyers</a>, the 6'6" righty who was off to a fast start in 2010 when he was forced to shut it down after six starts, threw five scoreless innings while striking out an impressive nine hitters and walking none in an easy <a href="http://www.fox43.com/news/wpmt-senators-win-home-opener,0,4426813.story">Opening Day victory</a> over the <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t418">Bowie Baysox</a>, the Baltimore Orioles AA affiliate.<br /><br />One has to wonder how long it will be until Meyers joins 2010 Nationals Minor League Pitcher of the Year <a href="http://flotn.blogspot.com/2010/08/tom-milone-needs-to-be-on-your-radar.html">Tom Milone</a> in AAA. As long as health is not an issue, you can bet Meyers will force the Nationals hand sooner rather than later.</span>David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-77521570163175428762011-03-28T20:32:00.005-04:002011-03-28T21:21:06.187-04:00Predicting the 2011 MLB Season<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnHczNAdMNs/TZEz8f83iYI/AAAAAAAAAaE/fZqfrlnihcE/s1600/Quentin222.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnHczNAdMNs/TZEz8f83iYI/AAAAAAAAAaE/fZqfrlnihcE/s400/Quentin222.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589305727005460866" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><i><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-sports-in-haiku/white-sox/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Photo courtesy of Chicago Now</span></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Carlos Quentin will overcome injuries in 2011 to win his first AL MVP</i></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">While this blog will always be Washington Nationals centric, that does not mean that we cannot take the time to discuss the upcoming 2011 MLB season. Without going into great detail, here is what </span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">For Love of the Nationals</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> sees happening in 2011.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span style=" line-height: 1.3em; font-size:12pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">2011 MLB Predictions</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">AL East</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br />1. Red Sox<br />2. Yankees<br />3. Rays<br />4. Jays<br />5. Orioles</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - The Red Sox, with their acquisitions of Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford will prove too strong for the rest of their AL East foes. While the Yankees will be good enough to snag a Wild Card spot, the Red Sox will win the division going away.</i><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">AL Central</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br />1. White Sox<br />2. Tigers<br />3. Twins<br />4. Royals<br />5. Indians<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - </i></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">For Love of the Nationals</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i> absolutely loves the 2011 White Sox. 1B/DH Paul Konerko finally has protection in the lineup in the form of former Nationals 1B Adam Dunn. Coupled with a young, but tested rotation as well as what this blog believes will be a massive season out of oft-injured Carlos Quentin, and the White Sox are a sleeping giant that is about to be awakened. </i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">AL West</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br />1. A's<br />2. Rangers<br />3. Angels<br />4. Mariners<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - The A's? Yes, the A's! With a lights out rotation that should only be better in 2011 with a healthy Brett Anderson, the A's finally have the bats to compete in a very winnable AL West. Texas will struggle with pitching and injuries while the rest of the division will have problems even playing .500 ball.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">NL East</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br />1. Braves<br />2. Phillies<br />3. Marlins<br />4. Mets<br />5. Nationals</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - We don't trust the Phillies, that is, until playoff times come. As for the regular season, the Braves should only be better than last year with an upgraded offense to compliment their solid pitching staff. Philly will make the playoffs, but they'll have to scrap and claw for the Wild Card spot.</i><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">NL Central</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br />1. Brewers<br />2. Reds<br />3. Cardinals<br />4. Cubs<br />5. Pirates<br />6. Astros</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - While Zack Greinke was the big addition to the Brewers this offseason, SP Shawn Marcum, acquired from the Blue Jays in the offseason will be the real key to the Brew Crew's success in 2011. Also, don't be surprised if a focused Nyjer Morgan surfaces in Milwaukee and stabilizes their uncertain plans in CF. </i><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">NL West</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br />1. Giants<br />2. Rockies<br />3. Dodgers<br />4. Diamondbacks<br />5. Padres</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - The San Francisco Giants will win their second consecutive NL West Title with more outstanding pitching as well as an MVP season out of Catcher Buster Posey as well as the debut of monster rookie 1B/OF Brandon Belt.</i><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">AL Playoffs</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">White Sox over Yankees<br />Red Sox over Oakland</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - The White Sox will be too much for the Yankees who just don't have the horses in the rotation to compete in October. The Red Sox make quick work out of the upstart A's as their pitching staff proves not yet ready for prime time.</i><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">AL Championship</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">White Sox over Red Sox</span></b><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - In an upset, the White Sox take down the heavily favored Red Sox. Ozzie Guillen tweets that he's the best manager in the history of baseball.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">NL Playoffs</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>Phillies over Brewers<br />Braves over Giants</b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - The Phillies, proving pitching is king, wake up just in time for the post season and sweep the Brewers behind Halladay, Lee and Hamels. The Braves offense is the key in this series. There will be no repeat of Brooks Conrad kicking the ball around the infield in 2011, Braves in five.</i><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">NL Championship</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Braves over Phillies</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - Pitching rules, but if your team has no offense, how are you going to win games? The Phillies are left asking that question as the young Braves take down their division rivals.<br /></i><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">World Series</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">White Sox over Braves</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - Ozzie Guillen is proved correct as the White Sox slug their way to a World Series Championship. Gordon Beckham and Alexi Ramirez prove to be a solid duo at SS and 2B, and the Sox bats are just too strong for the Braves to keep up.</i><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">AL MVP</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> - Carlos Quentin - OF - White Sox</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - One of these years Quentin has to stay healthy. Playing in a lineup filled with mashers, 2011 is finally the year Quentin avoids the DL... and proves to be the key cog in the White Sox title run.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">NL MVP</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> - Buster Posey - C - Giants</span></b><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - Posey proved to be an offensive threat in his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2010; in 2011, Posey breaks out into a bona fide Superstar.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">AL Cy Young</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> - Gio Gonzalez - A's</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - Gio Gonzalez is a stud. In 2011, you'll finally know it. Armed with can't hit stuff, Gonzalez will cut back on his walks to bring the AL West their second consecutive AL Cy Young.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">NL Cy Young</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> - Tim Lincecum - Giants</span></b><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - The Freak will be just that in 2011. After a 'down' year in 2010, Lincecum will return with a vengeance and a dedication to training that will prove to be the key to Lincecum's third Cy Young award.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">AL ROY</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> - SP Michael Pineda - Mariners</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - Meet King Felix's new best friend. Pineda, who has torn up every minor league stop he's been at, just recently was named the Mariners fifth starter. Pineda will not disappoint while pitching in the spacious confines of Safeco Field.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">NL ROY</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> - SP Brandon Beachy - Braves</span></b><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - Beachy, who beat out fellow prospect Mike Minor for the fifth spot in the Braves rotation will be a key ingredient in the Braves NL East Division winning run.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Comeback Player of the Year</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> - SP Jeff Francis - Royals</span></b><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - Francis, the former Rockies ace, makes his return after missing quite a bit of time with shoulder troubles. Though it is only Spring Training, Francis has flashed the skill that made him such a big part of the Rockies run to the World Series in 2007.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Breakout Player of the Year</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> - OF Andrew McCutchen - Pirates</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>Analysis - Want to know who is the next big star the Pirates will trade away? Meet Andrew McCutchen. The Center Fielder, blessed with five tool skill, McCutchen is an absolute star in the making. Surround him with talent, watch McCutchen become one of the biggest stars in all of the game.</i></span></span></div></div>David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-26895121533774999352011-03-24T13:52:00.012-04:002011-03-24T14:15:28.811-04:00Nationals petition MLB to remove OBP as an official statistic<div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cvb5Ibgsfig/TYuHDwBvD2I/AAAAAAAAAZs/xpUwQ0ePMPA/s1600/5165907520_be9f6f9819.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587708261184769890" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; cursor: pointer; height: 266px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cvb5Ibgsfig/TYuHDwBvD2I/AAAAAAAAAZs/xpUwQ0ePMPA/s400/5165907520_be9f6f9819.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/misschatter/5165907520/">Photo courtesy of MissChatter</a></span><br /></span></div><br /><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >In a stunning move, the Washington Nationals have petitioned the offices of the MLB for the immediate removal of On Base Percentage (OBP) as an official stat kept by Major League Baseball.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >“The more we thought about it, the less sense On Base Percentage made to our organization” said an unnamed source within the Nationals front office. “We feel that batting average and playing the game the right way is a much better way of evaluating talent.”</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >Many in the baseball industry believe the petition stems from the Nationals choice to play former pitcher Rick Ankiel in Center Field. Ankiel, the owner of a lifetime .312 OBP would only be the latest hitter in a lineup filled with batters that have lower than league average OBP’s.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >“With the likes of Dessi, Espinosa, Pudge and now Rick in the lineup, we don’t want the fans focusing on OBP; we want our fans to focus on what’s really important, looking good in our brand new Curly W uniforms” said the source. “You can find them in our team shop; they’re on the shelf right behind the Philadelphia Phillies jerseys.”</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >As of press time, it is not yet known where Ankiel will hit in the batting order, but at least one rumor has the Nationals considering a deadly 1-2 punch of Ian Desmond and Rick Ankiel. Desmond, who posted the seventh lowest OBP (.308) in the National League in 2010, has said that one of his main influences as a hitter is former Nationals great Cristian Guzman. In what can only be described as a fitting tribute, Desmond has adopted Guzman’s approach at the plate and rejects the notion that OBP is what matters at the top of the lineup.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >While it remains unclear if Major League Baseball will seriously pursue the Nationals petition to remove OBP, the club has found one big backer for their proposal, Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker. Baker, a longtime believer in not “clogging the bases” is reported to be the first and only person to have signed the Nationals petition that was circulated around the leagues front offices Wednesday.</span>David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-89790430098102864372011-03-23T14:18:00.009-04:002011-03-23T14:58:05.952-04:00Nationals rank Second in operating income<div align="right"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPJ2NwP-YF4/TYpBrfjdVII/AAAAAAAAAZk/mSR7xQ2rSq4/s1600/3803122794_373d66bc24.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587350503166923906" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 266px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPJ2NwP-YF4/TYpBrfjdVII/AAAAAAAAAZk/mSR7xQ2rSq4/s400/3803122794_373d66bc24.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Photo courtesy of </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/arnaudt/3803122794/"><span style="font-size:85%;">arnaudt<br /></span></a></div><div align="left"><br /><a href="http://www.forbes.com/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Forbes</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> has released their yearly MLB valuations, </span><a href="http://www.forbes.com/lists/2011/33/baseball-valuations-11_Washington-Nationals_337401.html"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">placing the Washington Nationals</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> 16 out of 30 in terms of franchise value.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The Nationals, valued at $417 million dollars, posted revenues of $194 million dollars as well as an operating income of $36.6 million dollars, second to only the </span><a href="http://www.forbes.com/lists/2011/33/baseball-valuations-11_San-Diego-Padres_336838.html"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">San Diego Padres</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> at $37.2 million.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">While it is not known as to what part of the income is then reinvested into payroll, scouting and other baseball ventures, Forbes lists the Nationals payroll at $85 million dollars, one million more than the $84 million dollar mark for the 2010 club.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Though it appeared the Nationals were big spenders this past offseason with their mega signing of </span><a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2010/12/nationals_sign_jayson_werth.html"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Jayson Werth</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, most of the money they were spending came from the shedding of three of the team's biggest contracts in </span><a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2010/12/white-sox-sign-adam-dunn-to-4-year-deal/1"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Adam Dunn</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, </span><a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/12/as-to-acquire-josh-willingham.html"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Josh Willingham</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> and </span><a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2010/07/nationals_trade_cristian_guzma.html"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Cristian Guzman</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">All told, the Nationals saw an 8% increase in total team value from 2010 ($387) to 2011 ($417).</span> </div>David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-49716828441426911072011-03-17T19:29:00.005-04:002011-03-17T20:04:32.658-04:00Maya: Where's the heat?<div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gaQlu7aFxUI/TYKg7keYGeI/AAAAAAAAAZU/OPRk7ro8pZY/s1600/5521097321_96ef85e39e_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gaQlu7aFxUI/TYKg7keYGeI/AAAAAAAAAZU/OPRk7ro8pZY/s400/5521097321_96ef85e39e_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585203433156647394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ableman/5521097321/">Photo courtesy of Scott Ableman</a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It appears the Washington Nationals may have been duped on their Cuban import.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yunesky_Maya">Yunesky Maya</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, the Cuban defector who the Nats signed last year to a 4 year, 8 million dollar deal, was reported to feature a fastball that ran from 90-93 MPH along with an assortment of breaking pitches that had helped Maya dazzle Cuban hitters to the tune of a career record of 48-29 and an ERA of 2.51.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" >In 2010, Maya made five brief starts with the Nats, featuring a fastball that averaged out at </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=11420&position=P#pitchtype">88.7</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> MPH; far below the 90-93 that was expected out of the 29 year old. To put his "fastball" into context, if Maya had managed to pitch the amount of innings needed to qualify for rate statistics, his fastball would have been the 16th slowest in all of baseball among Starting Pitchers.*</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">That is why, with great concern, that Maya's start against the Braves tonight needs to be looked at in greater detail. During the fifth inning of his outing, Maya topped out on his fastball at 85 MPH, most of his pitches sitting in the 81-83 MPH range. Quite simply, a right handed pitcher cannot survive with a fastball that slow, regardless if </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liv%C3%A1n_Hern%C3%A1ndez">Livan Hernandez</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> did it last year. Livo has an excellent two-seam fastball and a slow breaking curve that kept hitters on their toes enough to keep them from teeing off on Livan's pedestrian fastball.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">So that brings us back to Maya. Where has his fastball gone? How can someone lose 3-5 MPH off their fastball and only be 30 years old? Is Maya hiding an injury (not likely), or, is it a case of the Nationals seeing a scouting report and choosing to believe it as gospel?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">That's not to say that Maya has not held his own this Spring Training. In fact, quite the opposite. Yunesky has posted a 3.28 ERA while striking out 10 K in just 13.2 IP. While the Spring Training success is something Maya should be happy with, it remains to be seen if the lack of heat on his fastball will end up hurting him in the long run.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Yunesky Maya, a pitcher on the cusp of breaking out, or a case of false advertising? Only time will tell.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">* - A total of 91 Starting Pitchers qualified for rate statistics in 2010</span></span>David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-77437660725952565602011-03-16T21:25:00.006-04:002011-03-16T22:08:32.308-04:00Morgan takes lead in CF competition<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-glsDQ-q71RY/TYFqogQuETI/AAAAAAAAAZM/gZ-pl6x6Zoc/s1600/5528331098_74d0361f78_z.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-glsDQ-q71RY/TYFqogQuETI/AAAAAAAAAZM/gZ-pl6x6Zoc/s400/5528331098_74d0361f78_z.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584862257003499826" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rmtip21/5528331098/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Photo courtesy of RMTip21</span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For the first time in what seems like ages, </span></span><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/morgany01.shtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Nyjer Morgan</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> hit a home run today.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">With the three run circuit clout, Morgan has muscled his way back atop the CF depth chart in the eyes of this blog.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It isn't just one home run that has set Morgan apart from his counterparts and temporary rivals, </span></span><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bernaro01.shtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roger Bernadina</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and </span></span><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/ankieri01.shtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rick Ankiel</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, it is a combination of things that has given him the slight edge in the three way horse race.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1. Morgan has shown the ability to get on base at a higher clip than Bernadina or Ankiel </span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Career OBP - Morgan .344 / Bernadina .306 / Ankiel .312 (.316 as pure hitter)</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /><br />2. Last year, Morgan saw a drop in BABIP that severely deviated from the norm (.304 in 2010, .357 from 2007-2009). With the expected uptick in BABIP in 2011, Morgan should see a substantial increase in OBP.<br /><br />3. Morgan avoids strikeouts at a much higher rate than Bernadina and Ankiel.<br /></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Career K rate - Morgan 17.1% / Bernadina 23.3% / Ankiel 27.1%</span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">While there is still nearly two weeks left of games for Morgan, Bernadina and Ankiel to battle it out; as long as Morgan does not suffer another slump like he endured at the beginning of Spring Training, Center Field is his to lose.</span></span></div></div>David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-47371991640486305642011-03-15T20:21:00.015-04:002011-03-29T08:41:53.171-04:00Opposing runners picking on Jesús Flores?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xLJe9OicBQ0/TYAI1banE0I/AAAAAAAAAZE/sa65-U5T2zc/s1600/2817729210_62be3be315.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xLJe9OicBQ0/TYAI1banE0I/AAAAAAAAAZE/sa65-U5T2zc/s400/2817729210_62be3be315.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584473251924874050" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xLJe9OicBQ0/TYAI1banE0I/AAAAAAAAAZE/sa65-U5T2zc/s1600/2817729210_62be3be315.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xLJe9OicBQ0/TYAI1banE0I/AAAAAAAAAZE/sa65-U5T2zc/s1600/2817729210_62be3be315.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><div style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ableman/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Photo courtesy of Scott Ablema</span></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ableman/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">n</span></span></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It seems that the return of </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jes%C3%BAs_Flores"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jes</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jes%C3%BAs_Flores"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ú</span></span></a></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jes%C3%BAs_Flores"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">s Flores</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> from a major shoulder injury has not gone unnoticed by the opponents of the Nationals.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In what amounts to four games and some change of action behind the plate (42 innings), clubs have successful stolen five bases in five attempts against the recovering backstop.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">To put that number into into context, the Nationals have used five catchers other than Flores in camp; </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Rodriguez"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Iv</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Rodriguez"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">á</span></span></a></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Rodriguez"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">n Rodr</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 30px; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Rodriguez"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">í</span></span></a></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Rodriguez"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">guez</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilson_Ramos"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wilson Ramos</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Norris#Derek_Norris"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Derek Norris</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Maldonado_(catcher)"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Carlos Maldonado</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and </span></span><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=solano001jho"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jhonatan Solano</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. The fearsome fivesome have combined for a total of 107.1 innings behind the plate. In those 107 innings, opponents have only attempted five stolen bases, successfully stealing three times.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In his three year career, prior to the debilitating shoulder injury that caused him to miss most of the 2009 and all of the 2010 season, Flores had thrown out 31% of all would-be base stealers. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It remains to be seen if Flores can return to his former status as a threat to gun down any and all that test him on the basepaths.</span></span></div>David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-73344190075343815512011-03-14T15:16:00.007-04:002011-03-14T15:24:39.444-04:00Nationals second to last in Spring Fielding Percentage<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The mantra from GM Mike Rizzo for the 2010-2011 offseason was clear; improve the defense.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Through 15 Spring Training games, the Nationals seem anything but improved, posting the second lowest fielding percentage in the majors at .963.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">While many of the errors can be attributed to players that have no shot at making the Opening Day roster, one cannot help but worry that the offseason was spent talking, rather than doing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The main culprit of the 2010 Washington Nationals defensive woes was rookie SS </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/desmoia01.shtml">Ian Desmond</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">, who led all of MLB with 34 errors. Despite assurances from the front office that Desmond was a leader and would continue to improve; his defense, if possible, has actually regressed so far. In just 10 games, Desmond has already posted four errors, twice as much as any other player on the roster.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">One thing is clear, if the Nationals plan to improve in 2011, fielding the baseball has to be a big part of it. As of now, the Nationals are winning despite their fielding troubles. If they are to carry that over to the regular season, the results will not be so kind.</span></span>David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-32869653988339066872011-03-11T14:21:00.004-05:002011-03-11T14:40:04.324-05:00DC-IBWA releases pre-season predictions<div><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The DC-Internet Baseball Writers Association (DC-IBWA) made up of independent journalist and bloggers dedicated to covering the Washington Nationals, recently released their pre-season predictions for the 2011 season. The panel of 19 was asked 12 baseball themed questions about the 2011 season and whom they expected to lead the Nationals in categories such as Home Runs, RBI, Wins and Saves.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">To see the full results, feel free to click on the link below.</span></div><div><br /><a href="http://dc-ibwaa.blogspot.com/2011/03/dc-ibwa-announces-2011-pre-season.html"><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;">DC-IBWA Results</span></strong></a></div></div>David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-20797771155117136402010-12-14T21:11:00.006-05:002010-12-14T23:07:36.240-05:00Projected stats for the 2011 Washington Nationals<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Bill James has put out his 2011 projections on Fangraphs, and the Nats are generally smiled upon favorably.<br /><br />Below is the Nationals lineup if the season started today. Of course, with nearly three months left till Spring Training, a lot can happen.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;">2011 projected lineup </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">CF - </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=4885&position=OF">Nyjer Morgan</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - .285/.347/.352 (389 AB, 1 HR, 24 RBI, 55 R)</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">(.253/.319/.314 - 2010)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Outlook - Morgan sees a big bounce back from James in 2011, mainly due to a correction in BABIP. In 2010, he hit a career low .304 BABIP. In 2011, James has Morgan bouncing back to a solid .334. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">SS - </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=6885&position=SS">Ian Desmond</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - .280/.328/.421 (561 AB, 13 HR, 66 RBI, 69 R)</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">(.269/.308/.392)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Outlook - Desmond projects to see quite the increase in walk rate, from 4.9 to 6.3%. While walking more, Desmond is also projected to cut his strikeouts to under 20% (19.3).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">3B - </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=4220&position=3B">Ryan Zimmerman</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - .291/.368/.507 (580 AB, 27 HR, 95 RBI, 94 R)</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">(.307/.388/.510)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Outlook - Zimmerman is the first National to see a decrease in his projections. Losing Dunn will hurt, as well as coming off a career year. As is, his 'decrease' is minimal and still puts him in the elite category of 3B.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">RF - </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=1327&position=OF">Jayson Werth</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - .275/.375/.493 (560 AB, 28 HR, 91 RBI, 98 R)</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">(.296/.388/.532)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Outlook - Quite the drop for the newest Nat. Not totally unexpected though as Citizen Bank Park is quite the hitters paradise, while Nationals Park is a slight pitching park. On the positive side, James has Werth improving his BB% and decreasing his K%</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">LF - </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=2103&position=OF">Josh Willingham</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - .259/.369/.465 (475 AB, 22 HR, 72 RBI, 71 R)</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">(.268/.389/.459)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Outlook - Hammer sees a drop in all major categories outside of an uptick in power. Heading into free agency at the end of 2011, Josh will be looking to maximize his value for his one shot at a big contract.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">1B - </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=3035&position=SS/OF">Michael Morse</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - .278/.337/.461 (284 AB, 11 HR, 44 RBI, 36 R)</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">(.289/.352/.519)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Outlook - James clearly does not believe that Morse's 2010 season was anything other than a fluke. "Werth Jr." will either need a Willingham trade, or the Nationals not being able to sign a 1B to see significant time in 2011.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">2B - </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=9219&position=2B">Danny Espinosa</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - .255/.312/.460 (424 AB, 21 HR, 60 RBI, 69 R)</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">(.214/.277/.447)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Outlook - Short sample sizes do not make for accurate projections, but Espinosa's line in 2011 looks obtainable if he can up his contact rate slightly. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">C - </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=1275&position=C">Pudge Rodriguez</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - .266/.301/.373 (399 AB, 7 HR, 45 RBI, 43 R)</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">(.266/.294/.347)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Outlook - Surprisingly, Pudge sees an uptick in his stats from last year. Outside of the first 13 at-bats of the year for Pudge, it speaks to just how awful the backstop played in 2010.<br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;">Other notables</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">1B - </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=319&position=OF">Adam Dunn</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - .247/.373/.511 (567 AB, 39 HR, 102 RBI, 90 R)</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">(.260/.356/.536)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Outlook - Oddly enough, Dunn is projected to see a drop in slugging with the move to the AL and a cozy new ballpark. Nothing would make this blog happier than to see Dunn obliterate every HR record next year for the White Sox, the big guy deserves it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">OF - </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=6421&position=OF">Roger Bernadina</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - .273/.341/.418 (194 AB, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 27 R)</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">(.246/.307/.384)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Outlook - Bernadina looks poised for a breakout year in 2011. Will the at-bats come? Only time will tell.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">So that's it; what do you guys think? Will the Nats reach Bill's projections? Exceed them? Drop a line in the comment box and let everyone know.</span><br /><br /><br /></span>David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-19807682609971496992010-12-02T16:14:00.007-05:002010-12-02T16:38:30.353-05:00Bargain bin shopping for the 2011 Nationals<div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qbdhzzqYagk/TPgRy4bL2mI/AAAAAAAAAYs/UiQrRq4QIgw/s1600/490.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qbdhzzqYagk/TPgRy4bL2mI/AAAAAAAAAYs/UiQrRq4QIgw/s400/490.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546202506944305762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://flushingbaseballdaily.com/95/cardinals-reds-baseball">Flushing Baseball Reports</a></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Another year, another offseason of <a href="http://natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2010/12/history-lesson-quick-study-in-futility.html">broken promises</a>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Life can be rough as a Nationals fan; the product is often bad, and hopes of an emergence into the national consciousness seems distant and unattainable.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Fear not loyal reader, for we here at FLOTN have scoured the 2010-2011 free agent market and have come up with a pitcher that will not only block the <a href="http://natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2010/12/history-lesson-quick-study-in-futility.html">Luis Atilano’s</a> and <a href="http://natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2010/12/history-lesson-quick-study-in-futility.html">Garrett Mock’s</a> of the world from ever pitching again as a National, but also drag the Nationals precious steps closer to the ever important appearance of respectability. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Much like a yard sale, free agency is filled with great bargains and lots and lots of junk. Like a skilled shopper, it is the job of the GM (Mike Rizzo) to sift through the clothes racks and record piles (FA list) and figure out what is worth spending money on (Starting Pitching projects), and what is shiny, but ultimately useless (<a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/penaca01.shtml">Carlos Pena</a>).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">To make matters easier on Mike Rizzo, FLOTN has picked out the one diamond in the rough that could provide an enormous amount of return on the Nationals small investment. Like an old painting that just needs a new frame, this pitcher just need a little TLC, and he’ll be good as new.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">For Love of the Nationals presents to you, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/haranaa01.shtml">Aaron Harang</a>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Harang, the 32 year old former ace of the Cincinnati Reds, had a terrible year in 2010. Harang saw a sharp rise in ERA, WHIP and BB’s and a decline in K’s. Basically, he looked nothing like the pitcher the Reds has seen for years and years. Having said that, Harang is exactly the type of pitcher the Nationals desperately need; a former ace with a chip on his shoulder who is in-line for a serious regression to the statistical norm.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">In 2010, Harang saw a huge drop in two categories, Zone % (number of pitches, regardless of it being a strike or ball that were inside the strike zone) and LOB% (number of runners that were left on base, either by his own doing, or with help from the bullpen).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Pitchers lose command of the strike zone all the time, it happens, but in most cases it is correctable. That is what the Nats have to bank on if they take a chance with Harang. In 2010, Harang only managed to find the strike zone a miniscule 43.6% of the time, this, coming off a 2009 season where he found the strike zone 52.1% of the time. Compare the 43.6% with his career rate of 53.8% (including 2010) and you realize that 2010 is more of an aberration that anything. If the Nationals believe that <a href="http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/pics/steve_mccatty_autograph.jpg">Steve McCatty</a> is worth his salt as a pitching coach, they should have no problem signing Harang on an incentive laden deal. Surely McCatty and Rizzo can see that Harang is throwing as hard as ever (90.5 in 2010 – 90.2 career) and still getting solid swinging strike rates (8.1% in 2010), and realize that the only thing that needs fixing is his once pinpoint control. While control was one problem Harang had in 2010, bad luck with runners on base was another.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Harang’s LOB% of 69.4% was the lowest of his career since 2003. In fact, since 2003, Harang never had a season where he didn’t strand at least 73% of the runners he allowed on base. To give some perspective, the average MLB strand rate in 2010 was 72.2%. Some of the runners scoring can be blamed on Harang, but just as much blame goes to the relievers brought in to put out any problems Harang started. In 2010, the Reds were ineffective, coming to the Nats; Harang would be dealing with a stout bullpen full of pitchers experienced in dealing with tight situations on a daily basis.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Now that his flaws are out in the open, let’s take a look at what makes Harang attractive, and clearly the best bargain of 2011.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">To put it in simple terms, Harang misses bats; Nationals starting pitching does not. Since 2009, the Nationals have finished dead last in the NL in swinging strike percentage among starting pitchers. Finishing at <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/teams.aspx?pos=all&stats=sta&lg=nl&type=5&season=2009&month=0">6.5%</a> in 2009 and <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/teams.aspx?pos=all&lg=nl&stats=sta&type=5&season=2010&month=0">6.7%</a> in 2010 (Strasburg effect), Harang’s career mark of 9.7% (never lower than 8.1%) is a massive upgrade over the ‘pitch to contact’ pitchers that the Nationals employ 1-5 in their rotation. If the Nationals could snag a pitcher that actually helps the team on his own, and doesn’t rely on his fielders to do all the work, imagine the success he could have. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Aaron Harang, and to a lesser extent, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zimmejo02.shtml">Jordan Zimmermann</a>, could be those guys.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">So, there it is; sign Aaron Harang, call up Steve McCatty and get working on finding the strike zone. You get Harang’s accuracy in check; you get a bona fide ace. Simple as that. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">If only finding bargains at yard sales were so easy. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-58840738262524908012010-11-24T12:54:00.003-05:002010-12-16T23:39:36.084-05:00Giving thanks to the 2010 Washington Nationals<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CCON_RS%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: times new roman;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: times new roman;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">2010 was not a good year for the Washington Nationals. Then again, neither was 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 or 2009. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">When things could go wrong, they did go wrong. Strasburg debuted, and then blew out his elbow. The Nats played .500 ball for the first couple months and then looked as if they forgot how to play the game the rest of the year. Progress was slow, and often times unrecognizable to the average fan. With the bad times, though, one learns how to savior the good times. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">While 2010 had few moments to reflect on positively, there were some, and in the spirit of Thanksgiving lets take a look back and give thanks to those that gave us a reason to cheer in 2010.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zimmery01.shtml">Ryan Zimmerman</a> – So this is what the career of a Hall of Famer looks like. Blessed with amazing talent and an innate ability to produce in the clutch, Zimmerman gives Nationals fans plenty to be thankful for. Whether it is his breathtaking defense or his clutch walk off hits, Zimmerman makes fans proud of the downtrodden franchise.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hernali01.shtml">Livan Hernandez</a> – What really can be said about Livo? Working with a fastball that would have most pitchers collecting unemployment, Hernandez survives on guile, location and a curveball so slow, that major league hitters are reduced to temper tantrums as they continually swing and miss.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dunnad01.shtml">Adam Dunn</a> – The ever smiling left handed slugger has been the cog in the Nationals order the past two seasons. Posting 76 HR and 208 RBI in two years, Dunn always gave fans in the bleachers hope that they might walk away with a souvenir.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/morsemi01.shtml">Michael Morse</a> – Show of hands, how many saw Morse having the year he had in 2010? Bursting onto the scene, first as a pinch hitter and then as an everyday Right Fielder, Morse flashed power and a high average. While Morse does not have a set position going into 2011, Nats fans will hope they’ll be giving thanks for another remarkable season from the former SS.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">
<br /></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/clippty01.shtml"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tyler</st1:place></st1:city> Clippard</a> – The goggled one took a big leap forward in 2010. Thanks to a quirky delivery, devastating changeup and a magically ‘rising’ fastball, Clippard put up an outstanding 11.08 K/9 rate all the while lowering his walk rate.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-49413689016963081242010-11-20T22:13:00.006-05:002010-11-20T23:57:46.417-05:00Wil Nieves already hurting the 2011 Washington Nationals<div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3669924694_2795bec676.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3669924694_2795bec676.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/keithallison/3669924694/"><span style="font-size:78%;">Keith Allison/All rights reserved<br /></span></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01pt5DWgNweOw/610x.jpg"><br /></a><br />We're a good 100+ days away from the start of the 2011 season, and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nievewi01.shtml">Wil Nieves</a> has already hurt the Washington Nationals.<br /><br />Currently, the Nationals 40 man roster is full. Since the roster space is finite, including Nieves as one of the 40 is a mistake the Nationals have already come to regret.<br /><br />Yesterday, all 30 MLB teams had to add eligible minor league players to their 40 man roster or risk them being exposed to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_5_draft">Rule V draft</a>. The Nationals chose to add 1B <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=marrer002chr">Chris Marrero</a>, RHP <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=carr--001ada">Adam Carr</a> and RHP <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=kimbal001col">Cole Kimball</a>. Missing from that list, is 2009 Washington Nationals <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090908&content_id=6856368&vkey=pr_was&fext=.jsp&c_id=was">Minor League Pitcher of the Year</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=meyers001bra">Brad Meyers</a>.<br /><br />Meyers, who was held to six starts in 2010 due to a foot injury and subsequent allergic reaction to the screws inserted into the foot. What Meyers accomplished in 2010 should not be overlooked. In those six starts in AA, Meyers posted a 1.47 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP, and 35 K's in just 30.2 IP.<br /><br />Now, on December 5, Meyers will be exposed to 29 other teams in the draft; all the while, Nieves a player who has accrued a -0.8 WAR over his career will comfortably keep a roster space he simply does not deserve.<br /><br />Quite honestly, there's just not much to like about Nieves. He's at best an average defensive catcher, and to be frank, Nieves cannot hit. As his -0.8 WAR points out, even a replacement player is more deserving of a roster spot than Nieves.<br /><br />In short, Nieves is a fungible asset. His potential has been reached, and, at best, he grades out as one of the worst players in the major leagues; at worst, he is the worst player in the majors.<br /><br />When it comes to roster flexibility, Nieves should be the player that gets removed first. Instead, the Nationals decided to remove 23 year old RHP <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=jaime-003jua">Juan Jaime</a> and put him on waivers.<br /><br />Immediately, Jaime was <a href="http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/2010/11/19/20101119diamondbacks-claim-washington-nationals-rhp-juan-jaime-off-waivers.html">claimed</a> by the <a href="http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=ari">Arizona Diamondbacks</a>.<br /><br />Jaime, who missed all of 2010 after undergoing Tommy John Surgery is exactly the type of player you stash at the bottom of the 40 man roster. Averaging over 9 K/9 in his career, Jaime is a power arm that the Nationals lack among their pitching prospects.<br /><br />The Arizona Diamondbacks realize that potential is more important than protecting a player that over his career, is worse than a replacement player. By not protecting Brad Meyers or Juan Jaime, the Nationals have shown they do not.David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-78384489481566617122010-11-19T12:46:00.003-05:002010-11-19T12:53:25.578-05:00FLOTN has made the small time!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/spam-thumb.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 346px;" src="http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/spam-thumb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Logged in this morning to find that a spam bot left comments on a couple of post.<br /><br />Is it safe to say that FLOTN has finally reached the small time? Is receiving Spam the first sign that a website is finally getting noticed? Should getting spam comments get me this excited?<br /><br />Either way, the comments have been removed and everything is back to normal.<br /><br />Have a great Friday everyone!David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-51043921633391353742010-11-16T13:49:00.009-05:002010-12-16T23:40:23.143-05:00Time for the Nationals to move Willingham<div style="text-align: right; font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qbdhzzqYagk/TOLTyvDf2QI/AAAAAAAAAYM/FChUruStwtQ/s1600/josh-willingham-washington-nationals-1207jpg-f3458df3173cda60_large.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 382px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qbdhzzqYagk/TOLTyvDf2QI/AAAAAAAAAYM/FChUruStwtQ/s400/josh-willingham-washington-nationals-1207jpg-f3458df3173cda60_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540223360197187842" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"> <a href="http://media.nj.com/mets_main/photo/josh-willingham-washington-nationals-1207jpg-f3458df3173cda60_large.jpg">Associated Press</a>
<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link style="font-family: times new roman;" rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CCON_RS%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: times new roman;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: times new roman;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: times new roman;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:autohyphenation/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} /* Page Definitions */ @page {mso-footnote-numbering-restart:each-section;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Today, <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-dodgers-desperate-need-for-a-left-fielder/">Fangraphs</a> ran an article talking about the desperate need of the Los Angeles Dodgers to secure an LF’er for 2010 and beyond. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/willijo03.shtml">Josh Willingham</a> needs to be that man.</span></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">“Hammer” as he’s known around <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Nats</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Town</st1:placetype></st1:place>, is a really good guy. He’s also a really good hitter, when healthy. The problem with Josh, though, is his inability to stay healthy for long periods of time.
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<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Willingham has made it known that he would prefer a long term deal with the Nationals; unfortunately, long term deals for guys heading into the wrong side of 30 and who are also injury prone are few and far between. Instead of waiting till the deadline to move Willingham, the Nationals should explore all avenues currently available to them. Of course, I'm not suggesting you trade Hammer for a bucket of baseballs, but, if the right deal comes along, why wait till the July trade deadline to get it done?
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<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">When the market is providing inefficiencies, you exploit it. Had the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore_Orioles">Baltimore Orioles</a> traded <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wiggity01.shtml">Ty Wigginton</a> when he was in the midst of a career year in May, and when the trade market was the shallowest, the Orioles could have made a killing. Instead, they overplayed their hand with Wigginton and ended up having to hold on to the 33 year old journey man when the market for below average hitters dried up.</span></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Josh Willingham is a better player than Ty Wigginton, make no mistake about it, but the Nationals need to use Wigginton as an example of what can go wrong if you wait too long to trade away a moveable asset.
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<br /></span><span style=";font-size:85%;" > </span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Dodgers, for their part, are known for trading away great young talent for mediocre returns. Imagine what they might pay the Nationals for Willingham. If <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/blakeca01.shtml">Casey Blake</a> brings the Indians catching sensation <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/santaca01.shtml">Carlos Santana</a>, what could Hammer bring back to the Nats?
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<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">With the Dodgers owners currently fighting it out in divorce court, one thing the team cannot afford to do is take on a lot of salary; one way of avoiding salary for big name players is by paying in prospects.
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<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">History of overpaying for MLB talent + the need to avoid adding large amounts of money to the payroll = a potentially huge haul for Willingham, an OF’er that is currently only under contract for one more year and more than likely will have hit his decline by the time the Nationals are ready to compete for a pennant.
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<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">If Mike Rizzo is serious about building an organization that can sustain success for many years, and not just fielding a somewhat competitive MLB club to appease the masses in 2011, Josh Willingham has to be a name that he brings up to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Dodgers">Los Angeles Dodgers</a>.</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-25260872902053963442010-11-11T00:28:00.004-05:002010-11-11T00:42:19.240-05:00An open letter to Dave Sheinin<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Dear Mr. Sheinin,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Today I was reading <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2010/11/_by_having_earned_two.html">Nationals Journal</a> in hopes of seeing news that Ryan Zimmerman had been awarded his second straight Gold Glove. To my surprise, it was announced that Scott Rolen won his eighth Gold Glove instead. In your breakdown of Rolen being awarded the Gold Glove, you said that Adam Dunn was partially to blame for Zimmerman not repeating; </span><br /><br /></span><blockquote style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">"Although Zimmerman's fielding percentage was down 12 points this year (from .963 to .951), that drop is at least partly explained by the presence this season of Adan Dunn, a below-average defender, as the everyday first baseman -- which, presumably, meant fewer of Zimmerman's errant throws were saved."</span></blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I question if you took the time to actually look into whether Dunn was 'partially' to blame for Zimmerman's error woes, or, if you saw an easy target such as Adam Dunn and decided it would fit into your article better?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Since I did not want to be accused of not doing my homework, I decided to go back through the game logs of the 2010 season and check out just how many errors by Zimmerman that Adam Dunn was 'partially' responsible for. To aid in my research, I loaded up MLB.tv and re-watched every play that Zimmerman was credited with an error.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Here are my findings...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">In 2010, Zimmerman committed 17 errors (six fielding, 11 throwing), of those 11, two were balls thrown away at 2B, immediately removing Dunn from the equation. Of the nine remaining errors, it is by my count that Dunn was 'partially' responsible for three of Zimmerman's throwing errors. So, in total, Adam Dunn was 'partially' responsible for 17.7% of Ryan Zimmerman's error total in 2010.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Below is a list of all 11 of Ryan Zimmerman's throwing errors. If you would like to re-check my work, I have listed the date, inning and batter of each error with a brief description to make your research project easier. The plays I believe Dunn is partially/fully responsible for Zimmerman's error are listed in bold.</span><br /><br /><br /></span><blockquote style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 - May 6 (8th inning - Melky Cabrera batting - Sharp ground ball to third, Zimmerman spins and throws into outfield on force attempt at 2B)<br /><br />2 - May 6 (9th inning - Troy Glaus batting - Hard ground ball, jump throw to 2B that Alberto Gonzales can't handle.<br /><br />3 - May 19 (1st inning - Jason Bay batting - Tough hop, solid throw that pulled Dunn off the base even though he was in full stretch)<br /><br />4 - June 5 (1st inning - Orlando Cabrera batting - Easy chopper. Throw near RF that pulls Dunn well off bag. Nats PBP man Bob Carpenter remarks "Zimmerman's throw is 10 feet off-line"<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >5 - June 18 (11th inning - Alexi Rios batting - Hard ground ball down line. Throw high... hits Dunn well over his head. Bad throw, and one that shorter 1B can't even reach... but Dunn could have caught it. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />6 - July 18 (8th inning - Dan Uggla batting - Thrown far off course near nats bullpen in RF.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >7 - July 20 (5th inning - Corky Miller batting - Diving stop by Zimmerman. Skips throw to 1st. Dunn should have caught.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >8 - August 11 (3rd inning - Gaby Sanchez batting - Rainbow throw... off top of Dunn's glove. Mostly catchable. Dunn's fault.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />9 - August 25 (1st inning - Marlon Byrd batting - Rainbow throw. Dunn has to jump to catch, saves ball from going into stands. "Zimmerman launches a throw" according to Bob Carpenter.<br /><br />10 - September 17 (4th inning - Roy Oswalt batting - Thrown well off the line into right field.<br /><br />11 - September 19 (1st inning - Chase Utley batting - Weak grounder. throw hits Utley in the back going down the 1st base line.</span></blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">As you can see, I put a decent amount of time and effort into my research. I believe that Washington Nationals fans deserve as much. I also believe that professional writers such as yourself and William 'Bill' Ladson should put forth as much effort when writing your articles.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Why you chose Adam Dunn as your target for Ryan Zimmerman's gold glove loss, I cannot say. Maybe it is because you, Ladson, and countless others that write about baseball for a living see Adam Dunn for what you want him to be. Bumbling, slow and incompetent. Maybe it had nothing to do with Dunn's reputation; maybe you needed a convenient fall guy for Zimmerman's drop in fielding percentage. Whatever the case, Dunn as the fall man for Zimmerman's award snub was unwarranted and a below the belt parting shot.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It has been my experience as a fan, and as a follower of many great sports journalist of the past, that what is written in newspapers or in online editorials is often taken as gospel by the masses; with that in mind, I simply ask that the next time you look to lay blame on a player for someone elses struggles, you do the proper amount of research ahead of time.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Ryan Zimmerman unfairly lost to Scott Rolen for the 2010 NL Gold Glove at Third Base. I think we can all agree to that. What I cannot agree with, nor will I ever agree with is the bastardization of facts and statistics to fit ones agenda. I'd hate to see Nationals Journal fall into that trap.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">By the way, in 2009, Ryan Zimmerman had 13 throwing errors with Dunn playing less than half a year at First Base. As you no doubt have already noticed, that is two more throwing errors than he had in 2010.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Errors didn't keep Zimmerman from winning the 2010 Gold Glove, the reputation of Scott Rolen did. I think it's high time for you, Ladson, and other writers to re-examine the reputation of Adam Dunn as a terrible defender. Reputations are often deserved, but, in the cases of Rolen and Dunn, there's more than meets the eye.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Sincerely,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">David Lint</span><br /></span>David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-57138594983381016432010-11-04T13:00:00.015-04:002010-11-04T13:36:53.473-04:00The Brothers Eckstein to be reunited in DC?<div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qbdhzzqYagk/TNLsb8hMWjI/AAAAAAAAAX4/bb2_t2pRq0A/s1600/david+eckstein1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qbdhzzqYagk/TNLsb8hMWjI/AAAAAAAAAX4/bb2_t2pRq0A/s400/david+eckstein1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535746856837732914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">(Stephen Dunn/Getty Images North America)</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2010/11/nationals_decline_option_on_ad.html">Yesterday</a>, the Nationals declined the 2011 mutual option on 2B <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kennead01.shtml">Adam Kennedy</a>.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >Kennedy, who was signed to a two year deal before the 2010 season had a rocky relationship with the Nats from the start. Thanks to the emergence of SS <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/desmoia01.shtml">Ian Desmond</a>, Kennedy was forced into a platoon role with Desmond and fellow middle infielder <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/guzmacr01.shtml">Cristian Guzman</a>.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >When you have three players for two spots, in the end, someone is going to be on the outside looking in, and for the Nats, that person was Adam Kennedy. Coming off a 2009 where Kennedy saw a career revival, the Nats brought him in to strengthen what was a position of need for the past few seasons. Due to a lack of playing time, Kennedy was never able to get on track in 2010 and had a down year at the plate hitting .249 with only a .327 OBP. By the time Guzman was traded in August, it was too late for Kennedy, as the Nats quickly brought up infield prospect <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/espinda01.shtml">Danny Espinosa</a>.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >Now that we know Kennedy will no longer be apart of the roster in 2011, the question now turns to who will take his spot? While there are a couple of options out there that make sense, don’t be surprised if the Nationals target free agent <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Eckstein">David Eckstein</a>, Nationals hitting coach <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Eckstein">Rick Eckstein's</a> younger brother.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >Eckstein, noted for his scrappy play and work ethic is just the type of player Mike Rizzo covets. His lack of production on the field be damned, his intangibles are the type that old school baseball men like Rizzo go gaga over.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >Is Eckstein the best course of action for a Nationals squad that by all accounts won’t compete in 2011? Probably not. Will he provide Debbi Taylor and the Nats press corps plenty of puff piece brother stories? Absolutely.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >Intangibles + middling name value + “Winner” tag = Pay check from the 2011 Washington Nationals.</span><br /></span>David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-27619692404827201752010-11-03T11:22:00.007-04:002010-11-03T11:35:14.596-04:00No Coco for the Nats in 2011<div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/562733/gyi0061510739.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 300px;" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/562733/gyi0061510739.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</span>
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<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CCON_RS%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=1572&position=OF">Coco Crisp</a> will not be a part of the Washington Nationals 2011 OF.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p>
<br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Today, Crisp announced via his Twitter account that the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Oakland</st1:place></st1:city> A’s had picked up his option for the 2011 season.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><a class="tweet-url screen-name" href="http://twitter.com/Coco_Crisp"></a></strong></p><blockquote><strong><a class="tweet-url screen-name" href="http://twitter.com/Coco_Crisp">Coco_Crisp</a></strong> <span class="actions"> <div><a class="fav-action non-fav" id="status_star_29556046353" title="favorite this tweet"> </a> </div></span><span class="entry-content">I'm happy, I just found out today that the A's are picking up my option for 2011.</span></blockquote><span class="entry-content"></span> <p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Crisp, a switching hitting CF’er would have been very tempting for the Nationals; he gets on-base at a decent clip (.344 in 2008, .342 in 2010), plays stellar defense (73.7 UZR – Career) and uses his speed (32 SB’s in 2010) appropriately (3 CS in 2010).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Besides losing out on a great nickname, the Nats will also miss out on what would have been one of the top OF’ers available in the 2010-2011 FA class.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Now that the talent pool has been thinned a bit, it will be interesting to see where Mike Rizzo turns for that extra OF bat. Do the Nats pony up the money it will take to sign a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayson_Werth">Jayson Werth</a> or a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Crawford">Carl Crawford</a>, or will they go dumpster diving and hope they can fix the approach of someone like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Ankiel">Rick Ankiel</a>?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Only time will tell. So pull a chair up to the stove and get comfy, things are about to get hot, and in a hurry.</span></p> David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-6068435797105675742010-11-02T20:18:00.003-04:002010-11-02T21:17:43.298-04:00Jon Garland - The man the Nationals must avoid<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sdnn.com/files/2010/03/jon-garland-opening-day-starter1-400x298.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://www.sdnn.com/files/2010/03/jon-garland-opening-day-starter1-400x298.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/11/garland-declines-option-hits-free-agency.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">Earlier today</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">, Jon Garland declined his mutual option with the San Diego Padres thus making him one of the top free agents in the 2011 class. Coming off a career year, the 30 year old is looking to cash in on one more long term contract; the Washington Nationals cannot be the team to give it to him.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">In 2010, Garland was an impressive 14-12 with a 3.57 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 136 strike outs in 200 IP.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Dig a bit deeper though, and you will see that Garland is not all that he is cracked up to be.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">When you think of Jon Garland, try to think of him as two different pitchers; Garland Home that starts his home games at Petco Park, and Garland Away, that starts everywhere else.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Garland Home - 7-5, 3.00 ERA, 0.75 HR/9, 6.25 K/9</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Garland Away - 7-7, 4.01 ERA, 1.08 HR/9, 5.97 K/9 </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">As with any hurler that pitches the majority of his games in Petco, Garland benefits from pitching in the ultimate pitching paradise. Thanks to its spacious dimensions Petco turns bad pitchers into average ones, average ones into good ones and good ones into great ones.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">This is not to say that Jon Garland is a bad pitcher; he isn't. In-fact, Garland would be an upgrade over nearly all of the current rotation hopefuls the Nationals will bring to Vierra. The concern with Garland is the fact that his flashy numbers may earn him a long term contract at a dollar amount he does not deserve nor will he ever be able to meet in on-field performance. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Mike Rizzo made a mistake in bringing in Jason Marquis in the 2009-2010 offseason. Rizzo, incorrectly, paid Marquis as if he believed he was a top of the rotation starter. He was not, and the Nats paid dearly for that mistake.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Flash forward to the 2010-2011 offseason and Rizzo is back at the drawing board looking for a way to help bolster the rotation. Rizzo has mentioned numerous times that he wants to land a top of the rotation arm, and that he's willing to pay handsomely or trade away prospects to make that happen. To the untrained eye, Jon Garland seems to fit that description. Unless the Nationals also buy Petco Park and ship it to DC, it would be to the Nationals detriment to follow through on granting Garland that last big contract.</span></div>David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254020870179058816.post-11949947348946032092010-11-02T13:33:00.013-04:002010-11-03T00:22:57.809-04:00Adam LaRoche - Washington Nationals 1B in 2011?<div align="right"><u><span style="color:#0000ff;"></span></u><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qbdhzzqYagk/TNBN9e1tULI/AAAAAAAAAXY/fT8jACycQe4/s1600/alg_adam_laroche_v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535009660684030130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qbdhzzqYagk/TNBN9e1tULI/AAAAAAAAAXY/fT8jACycQe4/s400/alg_adam_laroche_v2.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Antonelli/New York Daily News</span></div><div align="right"></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><p align="left"><br /><a href="http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/NickPiecoro/105620"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rumors</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> out of Arizona are swirling that the Diamondbacks are planning to decline </span></span><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/larocad01.shtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Adam LaRoche’s</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> mutual option for 2011. LaRoche, a 1B, is likely to be one of the options Mike Rizzo and the brain trust look at to replace </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Dunn"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Adam Dunn</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> next year. While many question Rizzo on letting Dunn walk, this article is written with the premise that Dunn will leave in 2011 and that the Nationals will need a new 1B. While I do not support Rizzo’s decision, life moves on, and so do the options that may 1B, next year.<br /><br /></span></span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bio:<br /></span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Adam LaRoche is a 30 year old left handed First Basemen who spent six full years and parts of one more in the majors putting up remarkably consistent numbers. A career .271/.339/.488 hitter, LaRoche is neither a massive power hitter nor a skilled craftsman of strike zone judgment. What LaRoche is, though, is a hitter that will hold his own in the 4-5 spot and provide some defensive stability at a position, as misguided as it may be, that Mike Rizzo seems to think needs upgrading.<br /><br /></span></span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pros:<br /></span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />- LaRoche is what he is, he’s going to hit around .270, pop about 25 HR’s and give you close to 100 RBI’s.</span></span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- LaRoche stays healthy. In the last five years, LaRoche has played 145 games or more four times.</span></span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- LaRoche is adequate on the defensive side of things. While his career UZR is -15.9, his UZR/150 (measuring average defensive output over 150 games) is only -2.6. Not great, but passable. </span></span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- LaRoche is going to come cheap. By cheap, I mean less than $10 million a year. If there is anything Mike Rizzo values over defense, it’s saving money.<br /><br /></span></span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cons:<br /></span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />- LaRoche is not an ideal replacement for Dunn. If you add another bat to go with LaRoche, you may come out ahead, but a LaRoche for Dunn swap is a net loss for the Nationals.</span></span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- LaRoche does NOT hit in the first half of the year. He’s so bad; he might as well take the first half off. For his career LaRoche is a .252 hitter the first half of the year and a .295 hitter the second half.</span></span></p><div align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- LaRoche is not a massive upgrade with the glove over Dunn. While Dunn carries a reputation as a bad fielder, the numbers do not support this (-3.3 UZR/150 in 2010). LaRoche is mediocre in the field, just like most 1B.<br /><br /></span></span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Summary:<br /></span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Adam LaRoche is a fine baseball player. He goes about his business without stirring the pot and gives an honest effort every game. He’s not going to be a superstar and most likely he’s not going to fall apart. As the only replacement for Adam Dunn, he does not offer the Nationals value; add in a bat or an extra arm thanks to his lower contract and the Nationals may end up a better team in 2011 by letting Dunn walk. One has to wonder though if General Manager Mike Rizzo is looking to make multiple moves this offseason, or if he’s content to stay the course and let what’s left of the young talent develop at the major league level.<br /><br />Adam LaRoche is no Adam Dunn. My preference will always be to re-sign Dunn, but, if Rizzo is dead set against making that happen, LaRoche gets my endorsement as the best option available to fill Dunn’s considerable absence.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></span>David Linthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799942856048821079noreply@blogger.com0