tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47459155790930426182024-03-13T00:42:58.333-04:00DC Sports PlusA blog about DC Sports, plus whatever other random things cross my mind.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.comBlogger387125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-28641797040328812322012-11-22T11:07:00.001-05:002012-11-22T11:07:31.541-05:00Hate week viewing listHate week started on Sunday for me when the Redskins whooped on the Eagles. Today the Skins face the Cowboys and on Saturday, the Hokies face the Hoos. I've collected a few videos that I've been watching endlessly on YouTube. Enjoy!<div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-11516733743971886032011-05-22T23:24:00.001-04:002011-05-22T23:24:08.300-04:00Back to blogging, but not hereThanks to anyone still reading! It was hard keeping up with the Nats at college for the past 4 years, as I did not get MASN at school. Now that I've graduated, I am pleased to say that my unannounced hiatus is over and that I will be blogging again. My blog was originally branded as a DC-area blog, but as I find myself almost always writing about the Nats, I have decided for a new beginning that is completely Nats-centric. There will rarely be new posts here at DC Sports Plus, but if I post, it will have to do with something else than the Nats.<br />
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</div><div>I am pleased to announce the beginning of <b><a href="http://dcisforbaseball.blogspot.com/">DC is for Baseball</a></b>! Please update your RSS feeds, bookmarks, etc. I can't wait to see everyone over there! The first post is finished and scheduled to go up around 6:30 tomorrow morning.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-56480435442185571412011-04-16T18:14:00.001-04:002011-04-16T18:16:01.783-04:00Four Years LaterThis is a repost from <a href="http://dcsportsplus.blogspot.com/2009/04/remembering-leslie.html">two years ago</a>. We love you and miss you, Leslie.<br />
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Many of you may know that today is the second anniversary of the shootings at Virginia Tech that took place on April 16, 2007, but I doubt many of you really know how extraordinary the 32 students and faculty members who died that day really are-so extraordinary that "were" is simply not appropriate.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I can't believe it's been two years. That night, I remember my parents getting a call from my older sister. All she could say was "Leslie's gone." Leslie Sherman was one of her best friends in high school. They ran on the cross country and track teams together, hung out, went on trips and all that jazz. Leslie wasn't exactly a third sister to me-I never really knew her that well-but it really hit close to home. It's hitting closer to home now, because everything is beginning to align. She was a History major. So am I. She worked at a dining hall. So do I. It's just these two little coincidences, going along with the anniversary that really bring it all up. </div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I didn't know what to do that day. Fairfax County let us out of school early due to "high wind" (although now we know what the probable reason really was). I went to a friend's house, sat on the couch and saw everything. And then I changed the channel. It was too much for me to think about-I had a binding agreement to go to Virginia Tech, a school as rooted in my family as can be. I never doubted my decision, even afterwards, but obviously it was just too much for an 18-year-old to deal with.</div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
There's not too much else to the story. There were the cameras at West Springfield when we had our "Senior Night" for track. Naturally, I decked out in Tech stuff and ended up on the news. There was the funeral, where I wore a VT tie. I didn't know how to deal with the situation except to be proud of who I was: a Hokie, and where I was going to spend the next 4 years of my life: Virginia Tech.</div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I've run out of words, so I'll let VT professor Nikki Giovanni finish this post:</div><blockquote style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 1em;">We are Virginia Tech.<br />
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We are sad today, and we will be sad for quite a while. We are not moving on, we are embracing our mourning.<br />
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We are Virginia Tech.<br />
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We are strong enough to stand tall tearlessly, we are brave enough to bend to cry, and we are sad enough to know that we must laugh again.<br />
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We are Virginia Tech.<br />
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We do not understand this tragedy. We know we did nothing to deserve it, but neither does a child in Africa dying of AIDS, neither do the invisible children walking the night away to avoid being captured by the rogue army, neither does the baby elephant watching his community being devastated for ivory, neither does the Mexican child looking for fresh water, neither does the Appalachian infant killed in the middle of the night in his crib in the home his father built with his own hands being run over by a boulder because the land was destabilized. No one deserves a tragedy.<br />
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We are Virginia Tech.<br />
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The Hokie Nation embraces our own and reaches out with open heart and hands to those who offer their hearts and minds. We are strong, and brave, and innocent, and unafraid. We are better than we think and not quite what we want to be. We are alive to the imaginations and the possibilities. We will continue to invent the future through our blood and tears and through all our sadness.<br />
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We are the Hokies.<br />
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We will prevail.<br />
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We will prevail.<br />
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We will prevail.<br />
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We are Virginia Tech.</blockquote><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>--Nikki Giovanni, <a href="http://www.vt.edu/remember/archive/giovanni_transcript.html" style="color: #336699;">April 17, 2007</a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you would like to read more about the legacy Leslie left:</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here's the <a href="http://www.vt.edu/remember/biographies/leslie_geraldine_sherman.html" style="color: #336699;">link</a> to her official VT rememberance biography.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here's the <a href="http://scholastic-scribe.blogspot.com/2008/04/take-sad-song-and-make-it-better.html" style="color: #336699;">link</a> to the tribute my high school journalism teacher wrote. Here's <a href="http://scholastic-scribe.blogspot.com/2011/04/shall-we-dance.html">another post</a> that she wrote today.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here's the <a href="http://news.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/04/17/leslie-sherman/" style="color: #336699;">comment board </a>set up by the New York Times to let people give their best memories of Leslie.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here's <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/vatechshootings/victims/leslie_sherman.html" style="color: #336699;">Leslie's biography</a> from the Washington Post.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here's a <a href="http://www.roanoke.com/vtvictims/wb/113681" style="color: #336699;">feature on Leslie</a> from the Roanoke Times.</div><div><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-27160714165574601642011-04-05T03:00:00.000-04:002011-04-05T03:00:37.203-04:00Nationals "Optimal" LineupsBased on MARCEL projections (no access to PECOTA, had to choose between that, ZiPS and Bill James).<div>Done through Baseball Musings' <a href="http://www.baseballmusings.com/cgi-bin/LineupAnalysis.py">Lineup Analysis</a>.</div><div>Special thanks to <a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/2011/3/30/2080602/2011-royals-lineups-fun-with-baseball-musings-lineup-analysis">Royals Review</a> for the idea.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Here are the baseline numbers I put in:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRvDLsre8qYdu8LJtcvryluFXYqzaeZeAACigjOCaSQhB-PpkwlaRgOvo0bEeu0C-9kkRClWXlkY8qfPHBPBiGNtIC4ZZ-eSgwPapce64fOaaNttWz4D_UB61LUrPRh3daeG6FZN2zuNa/s1600/lineup+template.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRvDLsre8qYdu8LJtcvryluFXYqzaeZeAACigjOCaSQhB-PpkwlaRgOvo0bEeu0C-9kkRClWXlkY8qfPHBPBiGNtIC4ZZ-eSgwPapce64fOaaNttWz4D_UB61LUrPRh3daeG6FZN2zuNa/s640/lineup+template.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>The "optimal" lineup is always:</div><div>1) Werth</div><div>2) Zimmerman</div><div>3) Desmond</div><div>4) Laroche</div><div>5) Morse</div><div>6) Ankiel</div><div>7) Espinosa</div><div>8) Pitcher</div><div>9) Rodriguez</div><div><br />
</div><div>When Livan Hernandez starts: 4.317 runs/game</div><div>When John Lannan starts: 4.238 runs/game</div><div>When Jordan Zimmermann starts: 4.292 runs/game</div><div>When Jason Marquis starts: 4.410 runs/game</div><div>When Tom Gorzellany starts: 4.132 runs/game</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Thoughts:</div><div>The Nats have fairly good hitting pitchers in Hernandez, Zimmermann and Marquis.</div><div>The Nats have fairly terrible hitting hitters, as <a href="http://firejimbowden.blogspot.com/2011/04/worst-nationals-team-ever.html">FJB</a> pointed out on Friday.</div><div>I came up with 693 as the Nats' run projection. They scored 655 last year. On paper this is good, but it fails to take into account injuries, failure to progress, on/off seasons, pinch hitters, DH games, etc. I'm not optimistic that the 2011 Nats will outscore last year's version.</div><div>Replacing Pudge with Ramos would improve the Nats by .161 runs/game.</div><div>Morse's projection looks awfully optimistic, but Werth's and Zimmerman's look at least a little pessimistic.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Feel free to run your own projections on the site linked at the top and talk about them in the comments section. If you want some things to read about the pros/cons of hitting the pitcher 8th, <a href="http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/is-larussa-right-to-bat-his-pitcher-in-the-eight-slot/">here</a> <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2008-04-16-safety-in-numbers_N.htm">are</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/blog/archives/655">some</a> <a href="http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:Po4Oa1K_1EgJ:www.retrosheet.org/Research/PankinM/Pankin-sabr37.pdf+batting+the+pitcher+8th&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESh5cIHD6NqFEbE-_wh0-HhWCqje98JVnoJhOq1Op7yUJBESMwa7D1uTfyDgGlqDcVjpZTSUPkhoc3R51Aho2moCr8ourYHeiO57KVz3icv3Vre0j1DKJcamzHhByTIpnNkBkG4a&sig=AHIEtbSgxKsm7C0PJawj_Z8_qu7AqrRRtA&pli=1">articles</a>.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-33806713200693187382010-11-25T20:36:00.002-05:002010-11-26T00:05:00.877-05:00Sifting through the long list of minor league free agents: NL East Edition (Part 2)Here is part 2 of my minor league free agent post (part 1 <a href="http://dcsportsplus.blogspot.com/2010/11/sifting-through-long-list-of-minor.html">here</a>). The basics: Baseball America has published their annual list of <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=10522">minor league free agents</a>. Looking through all of these guys is obviously a long process, so I will post these guys in chunks by their 2010 teams. Once I get through everyone, I will reorganize them by position in one big post. This is going to take a long time to complete. My goal is to have things done so by the time New Year's rolls around and players latch onto new teams in full force, fans will be able to come here for a one-stop shop on their new spring training invites and minor leaguers.<br /><br />Note: Ages as of Opening Day 2011.<br /><b>Florida Marlins (31)</b><div>SS <b>Emilio Ontiveros</b> (26 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Ontiveros hit .193/.271/.233 in 80 games in high A ball this year as a 25 year old. With little speed, no power and average fielding at best, he'll be lucky to find a spot next year. His only saving grace could be his ability to play both middle infield positions, but that's about it.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa381344&position=SS">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ontive001emihttp://">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>SS <b>Tim Torres</b> (27 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>I'm a little more intrigued in Torres than I probably should be. He's a switch-hitting infielder with a little bit of pop and speed and can take a walk. Either he's a late bloomer or he was just a 26 year old beating up on AA competition this year, but I wouldn't count out Torres' chances at showing up on a ML roster at some point in his future (although it would still probably be a few years away).</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa381344&position=SS">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=torres001tim">B-R</a></div><div><br />OF <b>Chris Aguila</b> (32 years old, 149 games of ML experience)</div><div>Aguila bounced around in 2010, ending up with the organization that drafted him in the 3rd round in 1997 and allowed him 141 games in the majors at 0.6 wins below replacement (-0.6 WAR). His power, speed, BB and K rates were all pretty poor in 2010, and at 32 in February, his ML future is in doubt unless his minor league numbers improve. That being said, he'd still be a decent guy to have around in AAA as a 4th outfielder.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=2143&position=OF">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/aguilch01.shtml">B-R</a> (Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=aguila001chr">B-R</a> (minors)</div><div><br /></div><div>OF <b>Brett Carroll</b> (28 years old, 173 games of ML experience)</div><div>Carroll isn't much with the bat (.255/.323/.463 in his minor league career and .205/.284/.325 in the Majors). He's got enough power and speed to homer twice in batting practice and steal on Matt LeCroy, but not much beyond that. His defense, on the other hand, is what keeps him around. In his short ML career, Carroll is 15.4 runs below replacement with his bat, but 17.1 runs above replacement with his glove. I'd like to see more CF experience, but whatever he's got is fine with Dayton Moore; Carroll has already signed with Kansas City, so cross him off your lists.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=8066&position=OF">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/carrobr01.shtml">B-R</a> (Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=carrol001bre">B-R</a> (minors)</div><div><br /></div><div>OF <b>Jason Delaney</b> (28 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>It's hard out there for corner outfielders/1B types that show little power in the minors. Delaney can get on base (.369 career minor league OBP), but has sub-.400 SLG's over his career at the AA and AAA levels. He probably has one more year to try and prove himself; otherwise, he'll probably end up in an independent league or abroad.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa291783&position=1B/OF">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=delane001jas">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>OF <b>Jose Duarte</b> (26 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>With 31 minor league free agents, the Marlins were bound to have a few interesting players. Duarte falls under the same category as Torres did; both have showed nice power and speed in the minors at levels they were old for. Duarte is a centerfielder, so he'll continue to get chances. If he can keep his BB rates in the 8-9 range, he should be able to keep moving up, but his time is running out.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa294238&position=OF">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=duarte001jos">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>OF <b>Vinny Rottino</b> (30 years old, 18 games of ML experience)</div><div>Listing Rottino as an outfielder is a bit misleading; he has extensive minor league experience at catcher, 1B and 3B in addition to working in the outfield. He amazingly put up his highest SB total of his career in 2010, stealing 23 bases in 25 tries. Rottino has decent all-around talent, with nice speed and doubles power, good on-base skills and the ability to play multiple positions, but he doesn't do anything all that well and has put up these numbers as a 30 year old in AAA. I'd sure rather have him than Wil Nieves, though.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=5202&position=3B/OF">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rottivi01.shtml">B-R</a> (Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=rottin001vin">B-R</a> (minors)</div><div><br /></div><div>OF <b>Lorenzo Scott</b> (29 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Scott is a decent base-stealer with a nice walk rate, but he has a career K% right around 30%. If speed is your game, I'd say it's pretty important to have the ability to put the ball in play more than 70% of the time. You can do a lot worse with a roster spot for your AA or AAA team, though, so Scott shouldn't have a huge problem finding a team.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa225832&position=OF">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=scott-001lor">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>OF <b>Brandon Tripp</b> (25 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>I am very interested in Brandon Tripp. He's one of the younger guys we've seen on the list so far that still has a chance to be a ML contributor in my opinion. He's got average or better tools across the board but struggles with strikeouts. His K% has dropped from the 30-33% range down to the 25-28% range since he switched from the Orioles organization to the Marlins, but I'd like to see it drop further than that still.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa327660&position=OF">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=scott-001lor">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>OF <b>Greg Burns</b> (24 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Young and toolsy outfielders leaving the Marlins organization seems to be a trend this offseason, and Burns is no exception. He's got speed and can field fairly well, but the dude just can't hit well enough to keep moving up. At a young 24, Burns has room for improvement, but he has a ton to improve on. I'm not going to hold my breath for this one.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa254336&position=OF">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=burns-001gre">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>OF <b>Jeff Corsaletti</b> (28 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Need a decent 4th outfielder? Look no further. Corsaletti walks about as much as he strikes out, puts the ball in play and has a little speed and gap power. He can play all 3 OF positions, although his experience in CF and RF are a little limited compared to what you'd like to see. I would be very happy to see the Nats shoot Mr. Corsaletti an offer with a Spring Training invite and some playing time in September. He's not ever going to be a full-time starter, but Matt Murton-types have value, too*.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa294438&position=OF">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=corsal001jef">B-R</a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*but apparently not according to ML GM's</span><br /><br /><b>New York Mets (24)</b><br />RHP <b>Yhency Brazoban</b> (30 years old, 115 innings of ML experience)</div><div>Remember when Yhency Brazoban used to be good? Yeah, he was never really that good. In his "good" seasons, he was lucky with a very low BABIP and HR/FB rate as well as a very high LOB rate. He always had too many walks and not enough strikeouts to make up for them. He threw fairly well in AAA for the Mets and in Mexico in 2010, but his walk rate still lies pretty close to 4, even against inferior competitions. He'll keep getting ST invites based on name value and his number of strikeouts, but I doubt we'll be seeing much more of Yhency Brazoban in the Majors in the near or far future.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=2150&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brazoyh01.shtml">B-R </a>(Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=brazob001yhe">B-R</a> (minors)</div><div><br /></div><div>RHP <b>Brian Bruney</b> (29 years old, 239 innings of ML experience)</div><div>I can't think of many players I enjoyed watching less than Bruney. He pitches slowly (<a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/pitchfx.aspx?playerid=1929&position=P">24.3 seconds/pitch</a> this year, close to the 5 slowest with the league average around <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/pitcher-pace-time-between-pitches/">21.5 seconds/pitch</a>). He walks a lot of batters, often in situations where you don't want to walk a lot of batters. His 2010 season was brutal, but he'll continue to get shots at the Majors, or at least ST invites. During this Thanksgiving, I am thankful that Bruney won't be a National in 2011.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=1929&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brunebr01.shtml">B-R</a> (Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=bruney001bri">B-R</a> (minors)</div><div><br /></div><div>RHP <b>Chad Cordero</b> (29 years old, 330 and 1/3 innings of ML experience)</div><div>I'm torn about Cordero's 2010 season. His ML numbers weren't great (although it was a very small sample size). His minor league numbers, on the other hand, were pretty good (3.03 ERA, 2.3 BB/9, 9.1 K/9). I'm not sure if it's the fact that Cordero was my favorite National, but I think he might be mostly recovered from his shoulder issues. I'd love for the Nats to bring him back with a ST invite since Bowden is gone, but I would understand if he wants to move along due to his harsh exit.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=1816&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cordech01.shtml">B-R</a> (Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=corder001cha">B-R</a> (minors)</div><div><br /></div><div>RHP <b>Jack Egbert</b> (27 years old, 2 and 2/3 innings of ML experience)</div><div>From what I've read (nothing official), Egbert had Tommy John surgery in April, which explains why he did not pitch in 2010. He tore through the lower levels of the White Sox organization, never posting an ERA higher than 3.38 in AA and below. His 2008 rate stats in AAA were decent, but they dropped off a lot in 2009. I'm wondering if it had to do with an arm injury, but that's something we'll see when he returns at whatever capacity in 2011-12.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=7487&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/egberja01.shtml">B-R </a>(Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=egbert001joh">B-R </a>(minors)</div><div><br /></div><div>RHP <b>Johan Figuereo</b> (25 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>I'm not sure why the Nats dropped Figuereo after his 2009 season (2.92 ERA, 3.3 BB/9, 8.4 K/9). I'm not sure why the Mets dropped him after his 2010 season (2.84 ERA, 4.5 BB/9, 10.2 K/9). Sure, his walk rates suck, but he's only been a pitcher since 2008. If I were either team, I would have kept him around for at least another year just to see if he would progress any more. His chance at bottoming out are much, much higher than his chances of getting somewhere, but when you have a guy with a live arm and not a whole lot of pitching experience, you never really know what you're gonna get.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa295172&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=figuer001joh">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>RHP <b>Carlos Muniz</b> (30 years old, 25 and 2/3 innings of ML experience)</div><div>Muniz has really fallen apart the last 2 years in the minors. With rising BB rates and falling K rates, Muniz probably has one more year in AAA to make a statement if he wants a return trip to the Majors.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=5878&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/munizca01.shtml">B-R</a> (Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=muniz-001car">B-R</a> (minors)<br /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-15775509150976912282010-11-10T23:10:00.012-05:002010-11-17T00:34:23.097-05:00Sifting through the long list of minor league free agents: NL East Edition (Part 1)It is Christmas morning/week/month here in Blacksburg: Baseball America has published their annual <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=10522">list of minor league free agents</a>! There are 533 players listed this year and I can promise you that I will look at each and every one of their <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/">Fangraphs</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/">Baseball-Reference</a> pages. Looking through all of these guys is obviously a long process, so I will post these guys in chunks by their 2010 teams. Once I get through everyone, I will reorganize them by position in one big post.<div><br /></div><div>Notes: Ages as of Opening Day 2011.</div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. This is going to take a long time to complete. My goal is to have things done so by the time New Year's rolls around and players latch onto new teams in full force, fans will be able to come here for a one-stop shop on their new spring training invites and minor leaguers.<br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Atlanta Braves (10)</b></div><div>RHP <b>James Parr</b> (25 years old, 36 and 1/3 IP of ML experience)</div><div>Parr, a Braves 4th rounder back in 2004, has had two cup-of-coffee ML stints in 2008 and '09. He threw 6 shutout innings against the Nationals in his ML debut, but had little success after that, with a 5.20 ERA and 4.71 FIP in his short career. He's a decent strikeout guy (7.0 K/9 in his minor league career and 6.4 in the majors) but he needs to keep his walk totals down if he wants to get back to the majors. He's still young enough to get back to the majors, but 2011 will be a bounceback year, as he only had 9 starts in AAA due to injury.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=7734&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/parrja01.shtml">Baseball-Reference</a> (Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=parr--001jam">Baseball-Reference</a> (minors)</div><div><br /></div><div>LHP <b>Mariano Gomez</b> (28 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>While Gomez has put up pretty good conventional numbers over the last 3 years in AAA with ERA's of 2.76, 1.99 and 2.89, respectively, his peripherals likely are the reason he has not reached the bigs. His FIP's have ranged from 3.43 to 4.11 to 3.78 over the last 3 years, and his career K:BB ratio is 1.95 (and 1.58 in 3 seasons of AAA). Gomez is a big guy at 6'6", 240 lbs, but his hope of being the second Honduran to pitch in the major leagues continues to fade.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa199551&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gomez-003mar">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>C <b>Orlando Mercado</b> (26 years old, no ML experience)</div><div><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mercaor01.shtml">Orlando Mercado</a> had an illustrious career as a backup catcher from 1982-1990, hitting .199/.259/.281 over about 600 at-bats. His son Orlando, a 2003 6th round pick, has not made it to the majors yet. He still looks to be better than pops, though, with solid defense and on-base skills. The younger Merdado could be a useful piece with the ability to fill in at the ML level, but he needs to prove he can handle AAA first.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa244288&position=C">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mercad002orl">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>C <b>Clint Sammons </b>(27 years old, 31 games of ML experience)</div><div>Sammons hasn't done much in the minors (.243/.314/.347) or the majors (.176/.243/.235) and isn't getting any younger. He'll sign with a team to be their AAA backup or platoon guy, but barring a major improvement this year, his 3 ML stints are all he's going to get.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=8243&position=C">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sammocl01.shtml">B-R</a> (Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=sammon001cli">B-R </a>(minors)</div><div><br /></div><div>2B <b>Joe Thurston</b> (31 years old, 183 games of ML experience)</div><div>Joe Thurston is not a good Major League player. He's got speed, but doesn't steal bases well. He can play a lot of positions at or below average. For a lefthanded batter, he hits righthanded pitchers very poorly. He draws a fair number of walks, but strikes out way too much. That being said, Joe Thurston is a good minor league player. With a .293/.355/.420 career minor league triple slash and the ability to play pretty much anywhere on the field, he is the perfect utility guy to have on your AAA team. He won't embarrass you if you call him up to your ML squad, but he won't exactly help you win games, either.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=673&position=2B/3B">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/thursjo01.shtml">B-R</a> (Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=thurst001jos">B-R</a> (minors)</div><div><br /></div><div>3B <b>Christian Colonel</b> (29 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>At different points of his career, Colonel has put up numbers that suggest he has a broad range of skills; he stole 35 bases in 2004, put up 64 extra base hits in 2007 and has hit over .300 three different times in his career. Colonel's problem is that his speed and power have diminished greatly over the years without any other tools getting much better. His ability to play the infield and outfield corners can be useful for a AA or AAA squad, but Colonel's chances of playing Major League Baseball are looking slim at this point.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa225671&position=3B">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=colone001chr">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>3B <b>Eric Duncan</b> (26 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>The 2003 first round pick hasn't figured out AAA yet. He's still young enough to keep getting chances thanks to his 1st round pick tag, but corner infielders who can't hit AAA pitching (and can barely hit AA pitching) aren't too valuable.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa243993&position=1B">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=duncan001eri">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>3B <b>Wes Timmons</b> (31 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Poor Wes Timmons. With decent speed and great on-base skills, you think the guy would have gotten a shot by now. His problem to this point is that he has very little power and was previously limited to 1B/3B action. He plays a little bit of 2B; playing it well could be his ticket to a successful career in Japan. He's not quite a <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=short-001ric">Rick Short</a>-type of player, but he has a few valuable skills that could help an AAA team or an ML one in a call-up stint.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa201757&position=3B">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=timmon001wes">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>SS <b>Luis Bolivar </b>(30 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Bolivar is your prototypical AAAA shortstop. He's quick, can play multiple positions and can't hit worth a dime. He'll sign to someone's AAA team and serve as a utility guy, but I doubt we'll be seeing him in the Majors unless he makes some big strides this year. He threw a scoreless inning with a strikeout in 2009, so maybe he should try pitching. It's never too late to do that, right Matt Bush?</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa202382&position=2B/3B/SS">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=boliva001lui">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>OF <b>Mike Daniel</b> (26 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Daniel showed a little bit of speed and power in 2007 with a fancy-looking .294/.362/.458 triple slash in A and high A ball. I was instantly a fan and though he would make a nice 4th outfielder for the Nats. Unfortunately, his career never progressed much past 2007 and he's stuck between being a good AA player and a mediocre AAA player. Daniel is still young and toolsy enough to keep getting calls, but he needs to improve his hitting if he wants to reach the majors as a 4th/5th OF, pinch-runner type.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa291515&position=OF">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=daniel003mic">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><b>Florida Marlins (31)</b><br />RHP <b>Natividad Dilone</b> (28 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Natividad has a cool name and a 3.80 career ERA, but that's about it. He's a 28 year old who has never graduated high A ball. He can strike guys out, but only when he can figure out where the ball is going (and with a career BB/9 just under 5, we can tell that it doesn't happen too much). Keep moving, folks.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa328803&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=dilone001nat">B-R</a></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>RHP<b> Jon Fulton</b> (27 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Fulton was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2003 draft out of high school as an infielder. He couldn't hack it as a hitter and switched to pitching in 2008. His first two seasons as a pitcher went well, posting ERA's of 3.04 and 2.42 and FIP's of 2.65 and 2.71 with tons of strikeouts and tons of walks. His third year, 2010, did not go so well, with a declining K rate and poor overall numbers. 2011 is a very important year if Fulton wants to make it; while he has the ability to get guys out, he needs to transform it into a habit of getting guys out, as he can only be a "project" player for so long.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa244057&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=fulton001jon">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>RHP <b>Brian Lawrence </b>(34 years old, 963 IP of ML experience)</div><div>I got really excited when the Nats traded Vinny Castilla for Lawrence after the 2005 season. Finally, a starter who can eat innings without getting bombed! Turns out he had a torn labrum and rotator cuff, so his stint in DC effectively never happened. Lawrence is finally looking like the pitcher he was before his injury; his innings total is building back up, his walks are staying down and his strikeouts are starting to rise back into the 6-7 range rather than the 4-5 range. Lawrence could be a real steal out of these minor league free agents; I wouldn't be surprised to see him make a team out of Spring Training.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=1045&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=lawren001bri">B-R</a> (Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lawrebr02.shtml">B-R</a> (minors)</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>RHP <b>Tom Mastny</b> (30 years old, 94 IP of ML experience)</div><div>If Mastny never pitches another inning in the Majors, he'll still be in the record books; Mastny is the first Indonesian-born player in ML history. I'm sure he'd much rather be in the record books for being an awesome pitcher, but I guess you take what you can get. Mastny's career ML ERA is 6.13, and although his FIP at 4.91 suggests he was unlucky, he still wasn't that good. He pitched decently in AAA this year and will surely keep getting AAA opportunities, but his chances of being a significant ML contributor are pretty low at this point.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=5768&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mastnto01.shtml">B-R</a> (Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mastny001tho">B-R</a> (minors)</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>RHP <b>Matt Peterson </b>(29 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>As another former high draft pick (2nd round-2000 by NYM), Matt Peterson saw his numbers plummet from pretty good with the Mets to awful with the Pirates after his mid-season 2004 trade. He proceeded to move to the bullpen, where he consistently put up decent (albeit generally overachieving) numbers. Peterson has never been much of a strikeout pitcher and his walk totals are pretty lackluster. Generally, I see guys get converted to relief work, put up nice ERA's in AAA and see bright futures for them. Peterson still has a chance to break out at an ML level, but I don't expect it to happen based on his peripherals.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa200095&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=peters002mat">B-R</a></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>RHP <b>Nic Ungs</b> (31 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Question: If a guy who is great in AAA but can't quite hack the Majors is called an "AAAA" player, what do you call a guy who is great in AA but can't quite hack AAA? Answer: Nic Ungs. Ungs has pretty good career numbers as a whole, generally keeping his BB/9 close to 2 and his K/9 over 6...that is, until he pitches in AAA, where they are closer to 3 and 5, respectively. His chances at ML success are slim unless the Marlins, who he has spent all but one year of career with, decide to throw him a bone with a September call-up. Ungs, if nothing else, has a pretty cool name.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa200955&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ungs--001nic">B-R</a></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>RHP <b>Tim Wood</b> (28 years old, 50 IP of ML experience)</div><div>Wood was decent in 2009, posting a 2.95 FIP in AAA and 4.31 in the majors. He regressed in 2010, though, to a 6.06 FIP in AAA and 4.92 in the bigs. He doesn't strike out nearly enough guys (7.4 K/9 in his minors career, 4.7 in ML) to justify his high walk rates (3.8 BB/9 in his minors career, 4.5 in ML). He might get some more ML opportunities, but I wouldn't go expecting another 2.82 ERA like he had in 22 and 1/3 innings in 2009.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=3775&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/woodti01.shtml">B-R</a> (Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=wood--001tim">B-R</a> (minors)</div><div><br /></div><div>LHP <b>Jeff Gogal</b> (28 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Gogal might have turned a corner in 2010. He finally kept his walks low (2.4 BB/9) and strikeouts high (8.3 K/9). Whether or not he keeps it up in 2011 is a different story, but he still needs to show he can handle AAA before he sniffs the Majors.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa254433&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gogal-001jef">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>LHP <b>James Houser</b> (26 years old, 1.1 innings of ML experience)</div><div>I really hope Houser gets another shot at the majors; a 20.25 career ERA is just sad. The former 2nd round pick (TB, 2003) has put up decent numbers in AA and below but lackluster ones in AAA. He's still young enough (and a lefty), so he'll get plenty of opportunities, but he still is a while away from being a ML contributor.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=6113&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houseja01.shtml">B-R</a> (Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=houser001jam">B-R</a> (minors)</div><div><br />LHP <b>Wes Whisler</b> (27 years old, 1.1 innings of ML experience)</div><div>Whisler did a little bit better in his 1.1 ML innings, with a 13.50 ERA. Okay, not really. The White Sox' 2004 second round pick has never been a control guy or a strikeout guy, and I don't expect him to be an ML contributor unless he becomes one or the other.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=8023&position=P">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/whislwe01.shtml">B-R</a> (Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=whisle001wes">B-R</a> (minors)</div><div><br /></div><div>C <b>John Otness</b> (29 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Otness has decent on-base numbers in his minor league career, but has only played 8 games in AAA. Looks like an organizational depth guy at this point, but with 1B/3B/OF experience, he could be a nice AA/AAA piece for a team looking for a vet.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa254640&position=C">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=otness001joh">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>C <b>Neil Wilson</b> (27 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Poor defensive catcher with poor on-base skills and a little pop. Wilson will likely serve as a backup catcher for somebody's AAA squad.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa202391&position=C">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=wilson002nei">B-R</a></div><div><br />1B <b>Mark Saccomanno</b> (30 years old, 10 games of ML experience)</div><div>Saccomanno is an AAAA slugger who can routinely put up 20 homers with a below average eye and a bunch of K's. He had a down year in 2010 but will likely be back to portraying the AAA version of Adam Dunn next year.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=5938&position=1B">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/saccoma01.shtml">B-R</a> (Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=saccom001mar">B-R</a> (minors)</div><div><br />2B <b>Wes Long</b> (28 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Long spent three years in the A's organization, never progressing above A ball. After three more years in independent leagues, he resurfaced in 2010 only to fail to progress above A ball again (at the age of 28, no less). He's got speed and the ability to play a handful of positions to his credit, but not a whole lot else.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa253630&position=OF">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=long--001wes">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>2B <b>Danny Richar</b> (27 years old, 79 games of ML experience)</div><div>It's refreshing to see a familiar face on the list every once in a while. Richar was involved in the Ken Griffey Jr. to the White Sox trade back in 2008 and hasn't done a whole lot since. Lefthanded-hitting middle infielders with a little power are definitely not in great abundance, making it impressive that Richar has kept himself out of the Majors like he has. His minor league numbers point to averageness, but he hasn't translated them to any ML mediocrity. Because of his handedness and tools, he'll keep getting calls, but he needs to make a move this year if he wants to even be a Miguel Cairo-type.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=3767&position=2B">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/richada02.shtml">B-R</a> (Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=richar001dan">B-R</a> (minors)</div><div><br /></div><div>2B <b>Rigoberto Silverio </b>(24 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Silverio has yet to progress past A ball and his numbers don't suggest he has any special tools. Keep moving, nothing to see here.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa295114&position=2B">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=silver001righttp://">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>3B <b>Lee Mitchell</b> (28 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Mitchell has gotten a shot at AAA three years in a row and has failed to do anything with it. His average power and on-base abilities fail to make up for his massive strikeout totals. Mitchell is another one of those guys who can play well in AA but can't hack AAA.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa225991&position=3B">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mitche001lee">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>SS <b>Gookie Dawkins</b> (31 years old, 55 games of ML experience)</div><div>Reds. Dodgers. Royals. Cubs. Tigers. Pirates. Mariners. Phillies. Royals (again). White Sox. Marlins. Dawkins has played for 1/3 of the organizations in the league and will likely continue to fight until he can make it back to the bigs, where he last played in 2003. The one-top prospect's 2010 numbers in AAA weren't bad at all (.268/.332/.479), but his chances of making it back to the Majors in any significant role are pretty slim.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=316&position=SShttp://">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dawkitr01.shtml">B-R</a> (Majors), <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=dawkin001tra">B-R</a> (minors)</div><div><br /></div><div>SS <b>Javier Guzman</b> (28 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Guzman is lucky that we've already discussed Wes Long on this list; otherwise, his failure to figure out AA at the age of 28 would be even more embarrassing. Guzman can't hit for power, field, or get on base, and his speed and contact has faded since his first few years in the minors. The end of the road could be near for Javier.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa202137&position=SShttp://">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=guzman002jav">B-R</a></div><div><br /></div><div>SS <b>Ryan Klosterman</b> (28 years old, no ML experience)</div><div>Klosterman is yet another name on this list that has little success above AA. He used to have decent power and speed, but it looks like those tools have faded. His ability to play 2B, 3B and SS combined with a decent batters eye will keep getting him opportunities, but even utility guys that can get on base have an expiration date.</div><div><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa254350&position=SS">FanGraphs</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=kloste001rya">B-R</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-47776217454389349152010-11-08T20:21:00.002-05:002010-11-08T20:44:22.445-05:00We all need to step it upOur offseason grade so far is F; we have lost two huge pieces to retirement. As you might remember, Brian from NFA <a href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/09/01/its-time/">retired from blogging</a> back in September and yesterday Steven from FJB hung up his keys, <a href="http://firejimbowden.blogspot.com/2010/11/see-ya-later.html">retiring from the blogging world</a>. I am as guilty (actually, <i>more</i> guilty) as anyone in a lack of posting, with only 43 posts this year and none since August. What I will pledge to do, though, is step up my game in the future.<div><br /></div><div>I'm never going to be an every-day blogger. I don't really have the desire to do so. There are rah-rah blogs for every team out there, and the Nats don't need another (although they do need something to cheer for!). What we need to do is strive, across the board, for more in-depth posting. Some of you are already doing your part, and I'm not saying regular posters are slacking off, but rather that we need to pick up the slack from NFA and FJB. The Natmosphere has light years ahead of the Nats in performance, and we need to keep our standards high as the team improves.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm excited to write my first substantial post this week as soon as the minor league free agent list is published (Matt Eddy from Baseball America said it would be posted as soon as MLB provides it to them). My challenge to the rest of the Natmosphere, even if you have been inactive like me, is to come up with a strong and informative post by the end of the month. </div><div><br /></div><div>We've heard the same thing a million time from all perspectives concerning Adam Dunn's pending free agency. Let Dunn walk-ers, explore scenarios where the Nats offense could improve even with losing Adam Dunn. Keep Dunn at all cost-ers, try to find comparisons to Dunn that have aged well or prove to us that there is no other option on the market anywhere near his value. People bored with the Dunn story, try to play matchmaker with guys rumored to be on the trading block or write a heartfelt letter begging Cliff Lee (or whoever you want the Nats to sign) to come to Washington. Just write something original. We've lost two awesome bloggers in just over 2 months, Nats bloggers. We need to step things up.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-79296205286906825162010-08-17T02:14:00.000-04:002010-08-17T03:38:52.569-04:00Harper signs, plus draft pick updates<div style="text-align: center; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center; "><div mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center; "><img src="http://www.bloguinnetwork.com/fightforolddc/images/stories/nationals/rizzopie.jpg" mce_src="images/stories/nationals/rizzopie.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="rizzopie" /></div><div mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center; ">Stan Kasten pie-ing Mike Rizzo in the face to celebrate the Harper signing. <a href="http://twitpic.com/photos/natsdailynews" mce_href="http://twitpic.com/photos/natsdailynews">Tweeted</a> by <a href="http://www.nationalsdailynews.com/home/" mce_href="http://www.nationalsdailynews.com/home/">Nats Daily News</a>.</div><div mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">The wait is over; Bryce Harper is officially a Washington National. It is no surprise that he waited until the last second to finalize his <a href="http://natsinsider.blogspot.com/2010/08/harper-signs-before-deadline.html" mce_href="http://natsinsider.blogspot.com/2010/08/harper-signs-before-deadline.html">$9.9 million contract</a> (total, not all signing bonus). Everyone knew Harper was going to sign, so we'll move right along to some information people might want access to: the professional performances of 2010 Nats draft picks. <a href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/32-signed-1-more-to-go.html" mce_href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/32-signed-1-more-to-go.html">Part 1</a> happened last night, so we'll just pick up where we left off!</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">OF <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=rowe--001con" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=rowe--001con">Connor Rowe</a></span> - 21st round (Texas)</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Hitting .234/.280/.416 in 24 games in Vermont. 18 hits in 77 at-bats with 3 doubles, 1 triple, 3 homers, 11 runs, 11 RBI, 4 walks and 27 strikeouts. Rowe has been thrown out in 2 of his 3 stolen base attempts. He has 2 assists from center field but 3 errors in only 44 total chances in the outfield.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Hitting isn't Rowe's best tool, but a 4:27 BB:K ratio just doesn't cut it for a non-pitcher, especially one hitting .234. I have no issue attributing Rowe's errors to a small sample size. He'll be a good defensive CF, it's just his bat we need to worry about.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">RHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=selik-001cam" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=selik-001cam">Cameron Selik</a></span> - 22nd round (Kansas)</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">1-0, 3.04 ERA in 13 games in Vermont (23 and 2/3 innings). 21 hits, 10 runs (8 earned), 23 strikeouts, 13 walks, 1 homer allowed, .228 BA against. </div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Selik is doing what he needs to do right now, but he needs to walk less batters while maintaining his strikeout rate if he wants to climb levels. A nice start, though!</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">RHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=bates-001col" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=bates-001col">Colin Bates</a></span> - 23rd round (North Carolina)</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">3-3, 5.26 ERA in 11 games in Vermont (37 and 2/3 innings). 44 hits, 24 runs (22 earned), 35 strikeouts, 6 walks, 3 homers allowed, .291 BA against.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Bates has the BB and K rates we're looking for, but has been a little too hittable so far. For a guy whose best tool as described by <a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/17/1521409/draft-review-washington-nationals" mce_href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/17/1521409/draft-review-washington-nationals">Andy Seiler</a>, "is a rubber arm that can be used on a regular basis out of the bullpen," I'll take the 1.4 BB/9 rate and run with it.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">DH <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=molden001rus" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=molden001rus">Russell Moldenhauer</a></span> - 24th round (Texas)</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Hitting .234/.366/.506 in 23 games in Vermont. 18 hits in 77 at-bats with 3 doubles, 6 homers, 17 runs, 19 RBI, 16 walks and 16 strikeouts. Moldenhauer is 1/1 in his stolen base attempts. He hasn't played the field at all.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">The plate discipline and power are nice, don't get me wrong, but we have to find this guy a position to play (even if it's inside linebacker for the Redskins). The fact that he's DHing in A ball does not speak volumes about his future in a National League organization.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">LHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=meza--001chr" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=meza--001chr">Christian Meza</a></span> - 25th round (Santa Ana College)</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">1-2, 1.83 ERA in 8 games in the GCL (19 and 2/3 innings). 12 hits, 7 runs (4 earned), 20 strikeouts, 8 walks, 1 homer allowed, .174 BA against.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Meza has pitched extremely well. His 5.5 H/9 rate is completely unsustainable, but his 9.2 K/9 looks nice. Hopefully he can keep it that way while lowering his BB rate from 3.7 to 3 or lower.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">LHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=manno-001chr" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=manno-001chr">Chris Manno</a></span> - 26th round (Duke)</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">0-0, 1.46 ERA in 8 games in the GCL (12 and 1/3 innings). 6 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), 20 strikeouts, 6 walks, .143 BA against.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Like I said about 11th rounder Neil Holland yesterday, Manno's deceptive delivery means he needs to be getting hitters out at all levels, especially low ones. He's killing the GCL right now, which is a good sign. Manno is one to watch-I wouldn't be surprised if he shot up through the organization this year and next.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">OF <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hughes004ric" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hughes004ric">Rick Hughes</a> </span>- 29th round (Marin CC)</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Hitting .266/.365/.406 in 19 games split between Vermont and the GCL (16 of 19 in the GCL). 17 hits in 64 at-bats with 4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 homer, 13 runs, 9 RBI, 9 walks and 21 strikeouts. Hughes is 2/3 in his stolen base attempts. He has 1 OF assist and no errors in the field yet.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Hughes hasn't really shown us anything yet. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but his stat line is very average, especially for a 20 year old playing mostly in the GCL.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">C <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mayo--001jer" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mayo--001jer">Jeremy Mayo</a></span> - 31st round (Texas Tech)</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Hitting .267/.382/.477 in 28 games in the GCL. 23 hits in 86 at-bats with 7 doubles, 1 triple, 3 homers, 18 runs, 13 RBI, 15 walks and 26 strikeouts. Mayo was caught in his only stolen base attempt.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">While Mayo's offensive numbers look nice, his defensive numbers are disappointing, with 3 errors, 8 passed balls and only 5 basestealers thrown out in 25 attempts. He'll need to improve them if he wants to keep moving up in the system.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">OF <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=oduber001ran" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=oduber001ran">Randolph Oduber</a></span> - 32nd round (Western Oklahoma State JC)</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Hitting .375/.445/.616 in 29 games in the GCL. 42 hits in 112 at-bats with 9 doubles, 3 triples, 4 homers, 26 runs, 29 RBI, 11 walks and 27 strikeouts. Oduber is 15/16 in his stolen base attempts. He has 2 outfield assists and has made no errors this year.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">If an MVP of Nats draft picks had to be picked right now, Oduber would be the winner, no doubt. His stat lines look like those of the 2006 version of Alfonso Soriano when compared to the rest of his teammates. Lots of power, lots of speed...he's an exciting prospect to watch.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">LHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=sherri001rya" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=sherri001rya">Ryan Sherriff</a> </span>- 33rd round (West Los Angeles JC)</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Still hasn't pitched this year. Not sure what the deal is. Brian from NFA <a href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/06/25/nationals-release-announces-four-more-signings" mce_href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/06/25/nationals-release-announces-four-more-signings">posted back in June</a> that Sherriff was the one discrepancy in a re-released list of picks to sign, so maybe he didn't sign after all.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">1B <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=oliver003rob" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=oliver003rob">Tyler Oliver</a></span> - 35th round (Wabash Valley JC)</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Hitting .219/.318/.288 in 25 games in the GCL. 16 hits in 73 at-bats with 2 doubles, 1 homer, 8 runs, 11 RBI, 11 walks and 19 strikeouts. Oliver stole a base on his only chance. He has made only 1 error in 125 chances at 1B so far.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Oliver must have used up all of his homers this spring when he hit 30. 73 at-bats is way too small of a sample size to declare his power gone, but it would be nice to see some improvement before the season ends.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">OF <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=nunez-001wan" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=nunez-001wan">Wander Nunez</a></span> - 36th round (Western Oklahoma State JC)</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Hitting .234/.318/.330 in 30 games in the GCL. 22 hits in 94 at-bats with 1 double, 4 triples, 11 runs, 10 RBI, 7 walks and 19 strikeouts. Wander has no homers and is 4/5 in his SB attempts. He has 2 OF assists and has made no errors in 41 total chances.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Nunez is a toolsy type, so it's no surprise he has a bunch of triples, steals and nice fielding numbers. He needs to start hitting to move up, though.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">LHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=serino001nic" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=serino001nic">Nick Serino</a></span><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=serino001nic" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=serino001nic"> </a>- 37th round (University of Massachusetts)</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">2-2, 2.70 ERA in 11 games in the GCL (16 and 2/3 innings). 13 hits, 6 runs (5 earned), 18 strikeouts, 2 walks, .206 BA against.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">2 walks in 16 and 2/3 innings? Sweeeeeeeeeet. Serino can keep moving up pretty quickly with control like this.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">RHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=cahill001kev" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=cahill001kev">Kevin Cahill</a></span> - 41st round (Purdue)</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">0-1, 4.15 ERA in 10 games in Vermont (17 and 1/3 innings). 17 hits, 8 runs (8 earned), 24 strikeouts, 9 walks, .254 BA against.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Cahill is pitching well in Vermont. His walk numbers are a little high, but his strikeout numbers are very impressive.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">OF <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hatche001dim" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hatche001dim">Rashad Hatcher</a></span> - 49th round (Patrick Henry CC)</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Hitting .138/.194/.138 in 22 games in the GCL. 4 hits in 29 at-bats with 3 runs, 3 RBI, 2 walks and 11 strikeouts. Yet to get an extra base hit or steal a base, although he was caught once. Hatcher has successfully played all 15 chances in the field he's gotten.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Hatcher has been pretty bad, but it's still only 29 at-bats. Not sure why he's gotten so little playing time, but he could fall off the radar soon if he doesn't start hitting.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Now onto some undrafted free agents:<br />RHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gallo-001mik" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gallo-001mik">Mike Gallo</a></span> (Milligan College)</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">0-2 with a 10.80 ERA in 10 games (15 innings) in the GCL. 22 hits, 23 runs (18 earned), 5 homers allowed, 11 strikeouts, 8 walks, .314 BA against.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Mike is a <a href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/meeting-mike-gallo.html" mce_href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/meeting-mike-gallo.html">friend of the program</a>, so he gets to go first. His first stint in the GCL has been pretty discouraging, but his BB and K rate stats aren't awful. If Mike starts to keep the ball in the yard like he did in college, he'll be back on the right track.</div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><p id="">IF <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=rogers001mil" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=rogers001mil">Mills Rogers</a></span> (Carson-Newman College)<br />Hitting .254/.370/.331 in 37 games in the GCL. 33 hits in 130 at-bats with 20 doubles, 1 triple, 22 runs, 22 RBI, 23 walks and 25 strikeouts. Rogers has stolen 3 out of the 4 bases he's tried at. He has 4 errors in the field between 46 total chances at SS and 3B, but has been errorless in 216 total chances at 1B. </p><p id=""><br /></p><p>RHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=dupuis001tim" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=dupuis001tim">Tim Dupuis</a></span> (Assumption College)</p><p>1-1 with a 4.60 ERA in 12 games (15 and 2/3 innings) in the GCL. 18 hits, 8 runs (8 earned), 12 strikeouts, 2 walks, .295 BA against.</p><p>Me likey the no-walkie.</p><p><br /></p><p id="">RHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gerler001zac" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gerler001zac">Zach Gerler</a></span> (Austin Peay University)</p><p>0-1 with a 6.00 ERA in 9 games (12 innings) in the GCL. 11 hits, 10 runs (8 earned), 8 strikeouts, 5 walks, .250 BA against. <span class="Apple-style-span" mce_style="font-size: small; " mce_fixed="1" style="font-size: small; ">Gerler has also hit 5 batters.</span></p><p>Not a bad start for Gerler, but not a great one either. I may sound like a broken record, but he needs to strike out more and walk less. Easier said than done, though.</p><p><br /></p><p id="">RHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=graham001ben" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=graham001ben">Ben Graham</a></span> (Emporia State)</p><p>3-2 with a 2.63 ERA in 14 games (27 and 1/3 innings) in Vermont and Hagerstown. 22 hits, 9 runs (8 earned), 24 strikeouts, 5 walks, 3 homers allowed, .210 BA against.</p><p>Graham is off to an impressive start, moving all the way up to Hagerstown already (where he has pitched 21 of his 27 and 1/3 total innings). Batters are having a tough time with him, but they hit the ball hard when they get a hold of his pitches. Nice work by Graham to start yis pro career, though!</p><p><br /></p><p>RHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=zeller001sha" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=zeller001sha">Shane Zellers</a></span> (Undrafted FA-Alvernia University)</p><p>1-0 with a 5.19 ERA in 14 games (17 and 1/3 innings) in Vermont. 20 hits, 10 runs (10 earned), 13 strikeouts, 8 walks, 3 homers allowed, .282 BA against.</p><p>Zellers is doing about what you would expect from an undrafted free agent. Not bad, but certainly room for improvement. Zellers has thrown 7 straight shutout innings, though, so that's a good sign.</p><p><br /></p><p>RHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=meiste001bra" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=meiste001bra">Brandon Meister</a></span> (Miami (OH))</p><p>0-0 with a 2.70 ERA in 7 games (6 and 2/3 innings) in the GCL. 5 hits, 2 runs (2 earned), 8 strikeouts, 0 walks, .208 BA against.</p><p>Meister doesn't have a whole lot of appearances, but I'm digging the 8 K and 0 BB thing. Let's keep that going, Mister Meister.</p><p><br /></p><p id=""></p><p id="">RHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ott---001bil" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ott---001bil">Billy Ott</a></span> (Cal State Northridge)</p><p>2-1 with a 2.61 ERA in 9 games (31 innings) in the GCL and Hagerstown. 24 hits, 10 runs (9 earned), 24 strikeouts, 5 walks, .218 BA against.</p><p>Ott has also made it up to Hagerstown, where he has struggled a bit. He dominated the GCL, though, with a 1.17 ERA and a 19:3 K:BB ratio.</p><p><br /></p><p id="">LHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=demmin001rya" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=demmin001rya">Ryan Demmin</a></span> (Minnesota State/Wisconsin-Oshkosh)</p><p></p><p>1-1 with a 1.47 ERA in 10 games (18 and 1/3 innings) with Vermont. 16 hits, 3 runs (3 earned), 20 strikeouts, 6 walks, .239 BA against.</p><p>Demmin is off to a great start in Vermont. He has especially done well against lefties, holding them to a .207 batting average.</p></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-44184676973278865602010-08-16T02:35:00.002-04:002010-08-16T03:12:01.116-04:0032 signed, 1 to go<p style="text-align: center; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "></p><p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://www.bloguinnetwork.com/fightforolddc/images/stories/nationals/ollie.png" mce_src="images/stories/nationals/ollie.png" width="763" height="1148" alt="ollie" /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The Nats have signed 32 of their 2010 draft picks, including 24 of their top 26. That number will reach 25 when Bryce Harper signs, as forecast expert Ollie Williams predicts. The Nats went over slot over the weekend to sign 2nd, 4th and 12th round pitchers Sammy Solis, A.J. Cole and Robbie Ray. All other Nats picks who have signed have played in the minors except 33rd round LHP Ryan Sherriff. Here is a recap on how the other draft picks have fared in their professional baseball debuts (recaps for rounds 21 on as well as undrafted FA signings will be posted tomorrow).</p><p style="text-align: left;">SS <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hague-001ric" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hague-001ric">Rick Hague</a></b> - 3rd round (Rice)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hitting .289/.362/.388 in 30 games between the GCL and Hagerstown. 35 hits in 121 at-bats with 6 doubles, 3 triples, 22 runs, 16 RBI, 15 walks and 24 strikeouts. Hague is 3/4 on stolen base opportunities and still has not hit a home run. He has 13 errors on 92 total chances at SS.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hague's calling card is the ability to do everything pretty well, but nothing great. I'd like to see a little more power, but he has plenty of time to develop that. His fielding stats are scary-bad right now, but I'm not worried yet. He is looking decent so far.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">SS <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=martin005jas" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=martin005jas">Jason Martinson</a></b> - 5th round (Texas State)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hitting .241/.344/.321 in 51 games in Vermont. 45 hits in 187 at-bats with 5 doubles, 5 triples, 28 runs, 20 RBI, 28 walks and 52 strikeouts. Martinson is 3/5 on stolen base opportunities and still has not hit a home run. He has 13 errors on 208 total chances at SS.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Martinson's bat was considered his weakest piece, so it's a little disappointing to see his poor contact rates and lack of power at this point (although his power was never supposed to be that great). His season is far from a train-wreck, with an OBP over .100 above his batting average, but Martinson has a ways to grow in the minors. His .938 fielding percentage isn't anything to be afraid of yet, but he does need to cut down on the errors.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">C <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=leonid001col" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=leonid001col">Cole Leonida</a></b> - 6th round (Georgia Tech)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hitting .138/.225/.175 in 23 games in Vermont. 11 hits in 80 at-bats with 3 doubles, 11 runs, 3 RBI, 8 walks and 25 strikeouts. Leonida has no triples, home runs or stolen base attempts. He has 2 errors in 172 total chances behind the plate with 3 passed balls. He has only stopped 6 out of 25 base stealers.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It looks like Leonida missed the first 10 days of August due to injury (and was in a 2/23 slump going in), and I think it's fair to assume at least part of his poor performance is a reason. His defense is supposed to be more advanced than his bat, so we'll have to keep an eye on his stolen base and passed ball numbers after the season.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">OF <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=keyes-001kev" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=keyes-001kev">Kevin Keyes</a></b> - 7th round (University of Texas)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hitting .203/.347/.284 in 24 games in Vermont. 15 hits in 74 at-bats with 3 doubles, 1 homer, 7 runs, 13 RBI, 15 walks and 22 strikeouts. Keyes has been thrown out in 2 of his 3 stolen base attempts. He has made 1 error in 32 total chances in the outfield (mostly LF) with 2 assists.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Where's the power? 24 games is a small sample size to judge, but 4 extra base hits is disappointing for a guy whose power was his only above average tool.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">LHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=grace-001mat" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=grace-001mat">Matthew Grace</a></b> - 8th round (UCLA)</p><p style="text-align: left;">0-1, 7.90 ERA in 7 GCL games (13 and 2/3 innings). 20 hits, 16 runs (12 earned), 7 strikeouts, 2 walks, .345 BA against. Grace had one terrible game where he allowed 8 runs without recording an out. In all of his other games, he has allowed 13 hits and 8 runs (4 earned), good for a 2.63 ERA. He's not walking anyone, but his strikeout numbers aren't that impressive, either.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Grace is tagged as only a future LOOGY by both John Sickels and Andy Seiler, so it's important to look at his vs L numbers as well: 2 and 2/3 IP, 3 hits, 5 runs (3 earned), 0 walks, 1 strikeout with a .273 BA against. Not super encouraging, but not a total disaster. Remember, it's only 13 and 2/3 innings pitched.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=barret001aar" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=barret001aar">Aaron Barrett</a></b> - 9th round (Ole Miss)</p><p style="text-align: left;">0-2, 9.26 ERA in 7 games in Vermont (11 and 2/3 innings). 13 hits, 14 runs (12 earned), 16 strikeouts, 12 walks, 2 homers allowed, .271 BA against.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Barrett's consistency was often questioned by draft experts, and I can see why. He can show up in any game with his A stuff or his D stuff...looks like he's been showing a lot more of the latter this year. He was a senior, so I had hoped he would have been more advanced, but again it's too early to call his poor performance much more than disappointing.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">IF <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=kelso-001bla" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=kelso-001bla">Blake Kelso</a></b> - 10th round (Houston)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hitting .316/.362/.380 in 42 games in Vermont. 50 hits in 158 at-bats with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 18 runs, 18 RBI, 12 walks and 13 strikeouts. Kelso has stolen 5 out of the 6 bases he's attempted this year. He has made 7 errors in 149 total chances across the infield, with 2B being his best position (.971 fielding percentage).</p><p style="text-align: left;">Finally, someone I can be really optimistic about! Kelso has Jamey Carroll written all over him, and has really impressed me so far. His ability to hit at higher levels is still a question mark, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hollan001nei" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hollan001nei">Neil Holland</a></b> - 11th round (Louisville)</p><p style="text-align: left;">2-0, 1.85 ERA in 14 games in Vermont (24 and 1/3 innings). 21 hits, 7 runs (5 earned), 30 strikeouts, 6 walks, 1 homer allowed, .233 BA against.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The sidewinding righty is doing exactly what he needs to be doing right now. His deceptive delivery needs to fool A-ball hitters if he wants it to fool ML batters, so he's starting on the right track. And for the record, I'm a big fan of the 5:1 K:BB ratio.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mckenz001chr" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mckenz001chr">Chris McKenzie</a></b> - 13th round (San Jacinto College North)</p><p style="text-align: left;">1-2, 8.54 ERA in 8 games in Vermont (26 and 1/3 innings). 40 hits, 29 runs (25 earned), 22 strikeouts, 12 walks, 2 homers allowed, .357 BA against.</p><p style="text-align: left;">McKenzie supposedly has good stuff, but it's been far too hittable in Vermont so far. Lowering the BB rate and raising the K rate could help him out to start, but when you're allowing 13.7 H/9, you need more than just that.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">C <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=freita001dav" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=freita001dav">David Freitas</a></b> - 15th round (Hawaii)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hitting .327/.408/.497 in 46 games in Vermont. 54 hits in 165 at-bats with 16 doubles, 4 homers, 28 runs, 34 RBI, 20 walks and 32 strikeouts. He's even 2/2 in stolen bases! Freitas has thrown out 12 of the 32 runners who have tried stealing on him this year (38%) and has 1 error and 1 passed ball.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Freitas is apparently taking advantage of Leonida's struggles, with an impressive combination of contact, power and discipline. He was seen by many as an overdraft, so it's nice to see him prove the doubters wrong...to start, at least.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=herrer002mar" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=herrer002mar">Mark Herrera </a></b>- 16th round (San Jacinto College North)</p><p style="text-align: left;">2-1, 3.04 ERA in 12 games in Vermont (23 and 2/3 innings). 19 hits, 10 runs (8 earned), 30 strikeouts, 8 walks, .221 BA against.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Herrera has fared a lot better in his pro debut than his JuCo teammate McKenzie despite not having the raw talent. How is he getting people out? Don't know, don't care, as long as he keeps doing it.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hanks-001tyl" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hanks-001tyl">Tyler Hanks</a></b> - 17th round (College of Southern Nevada)</p><p style="text-align: left;">4-0, 2.54 ERA in 8 games in the GCL (28 and 1/3 innings). 28 hits, 10 runs (8 earned), 21 strikeouts, 5 walks, 2 homers allowed, .264 BA against.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hanks was a nice pick in the 17th round and looks to be doing pretty well against rookie ball opponents. I'd like to see him challenged a little bit, since he is one of the more talented pitchers taken by the Nats in this draft.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">2B <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=miller007jus" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=miller007jus">Justin Miller</a></b> - 18th round (Middle Tennessee St.)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hitting .261/.354/.423 in 37 games in Vermont. 29 hits in 111 at-bats with 8 doubles, 2 triples, 2 homers, 24 runs, 18 RBI, 8 walks and 26 strikeouts. Miller is 2/3 in his stolen base attempts. He has committed 6 errors in only 42 chances; his infield work needs practice while his time in left field has been flawless.</p><p></p><p id="" style="text-align: left;">He's doing well so far considering he projects to be a organizational or utility type of player. If he wants to separate himself, he needs to work to make one of his tools above-average, whether it be contact, speed, discipline or fielding.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">OF <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=moore-002wad" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=moore-002wad">Wade Moore</a></b> - 19th round (Catawba College)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hitting .278/.380/.391 in 51 games in Vermont. 47 hits in 169 at-bats with 6 doubles, 2 triples, 3 homers, 29 runs, 24 RBI, 27 walks and 38 strikeouts. Moore is 13/14 in his stolen base attempts and has only committed 3 errors in 104 total chances this season.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Moore is a guy on my list to watch. He has been hitting lefthanded pitchers for a higher average and OBP than righties despite being a lefty himself. It will be interesting to see whether or not that stays. I like a lefty bat who can get on base and steal second. Maybe Nyjer should take base-stealing tips from Moore.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">OF <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mozing001cha" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mozing001cha">Chad Mozingo</a></b> - 20th round (Rice)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hitting .238/.351/.306 in 41 games in Vermont. 38 hits in 160 at-bats with 5 doubles, 3 triples, 27 runs, 12 RBI, 29 walks and 30 strikeouts. Mozingo is 6/9 in his stolen base attempts and has been almost flawless in CF and LF, with 1 error (and 3 assists) in 82 total chances.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Mozingo can take a walk, play the field and could grow into being a decent base-stealer. But until he can learn to put the ball in play, his ML future is limited.</p><p></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-22558368216411158922010-08-15T02:32:00.002-04:002010-08-15T02:37:47.630-04:00Nats to sign Solis and ColeAccording to <a href="http://bit.ly/96TXqM">Baseball America</a>'s Jim Callis, the Nats have agreed to terms with 2nd round pick Sammy Solis ($1 mil) and 4th round pick A.J. Cole ($2 mil). I am ecstatic.<div><br /></div><div>-Before today, I had zero confidence the Nats would get something done with Cole, simply because I had heard nothing at all on his negotiations. </div><div><br /></div><div>-12th round pick Robbie Ray visited Nats Park over the weekend...will meeting Strasburg and getting his own personalized Nats jersey be enough to get him to sign? If so, the Nats will end up signing 25 of their top 26 picks (because there is no way Bryce Harper goes back to school). The only one missing would be 14th rounder Tim Smalling, who is returning to Virginia Tech due to an injured shoulder, which brought down the Nats' contract offer. Well done, Rizzo and crew.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-60765566182121223522010-07-29T22:54:00.000-04:002010-07-29T22:55:11.657-04:00Who is Wilson Ramos?<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">The newest member of the Washington Nationals, that's who! The Nats made their first splash on the trade market Thursday night, moving All-Star closer Matt Capps to the Minnesota Twins for minor league catcher Wilson Ramos and lefthanded pitcher Joe Testa. The 22 year old Venezuelan catcher hit .296/.321/.407 in 7 games for the Twins this year, but struggled in 71 games in AA, to the tune of .241/.280/.345. The 24 year old New Jerseyan reliever burned through low levels of the minors after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2008, but has been hit hard in his first stay in AA this year, allowing 22 earned runs in 25 innings.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><img src="http://www.bloguinnetwork.com/fightforolddc/plugins/editors/jce/tiny_mce/plugins/readmore/img/trans.gif" mce_src="plugins/editors/jce/tiny_mce/plugins/readmore/img/trans.gif" class="mceReadMore mceItemNoResize" style="display: block; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; width: 825px; height: 12px; border-top-style: dotted; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); margin-top: 15px; background-image: url(http://www.bloguinnetwork.com/fightforolddc/plugins/editors/jce/tiny_mce/plugins/readmore/img/marker.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; " /></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Ramos' rankings amongst all prospects:</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">#42: Keith Law of ESPN (<a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/columns/story?columnist=law_keith&id=4856310&action=upsell&appRedirect=http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/columns/story%3fcolumnist%3dlaw_keith%26id%3d4856310" mce_href="http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/columns/story?columnist=law_keith&id=4856310&action=upsell&appRedirect=http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/columns/story%3fcolumnist%3dlaw_keith%26id%3d4856310">1/28/2010</a>)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">#58: Baseball America (<a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=7539" mce_href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=7539">2/23/2010</a>)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">#65: Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus (<a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=10142" mce_href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=10142">3/3/2010</a>)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Ramos' rankings amongst Twins prospects</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">#2 overall prospect, best power hitter, best defensive catcher: Baseball America (<a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2010/269381.html" mce_href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2010/269381.html">1/12/2010</a>)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">#2 overall prospect, Marc Hulet, Fangraphs (<a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/minnesota-twins-top-10-prospects/" mce_href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/minnesota-twins-top-10-prospects/">12/14/2009</a>)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">#2 overall prospect, Josh Johnson, Josh's Thoughts (<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-2-wilson.html" mce_href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-2-wilson.html">4/16/2010</a>)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">#4 overall prospect: John Sickels, MinorLeagueBall.com (<a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2009/10/19/1091423/top-20-minnesota-twins-prospects" mce_href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2009/10/19/1091423/top-20-minnesota-twins-prospects">10/19/2009</a>)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Winter League Player of the Year: Baseball America (<a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/winter-baseball/winter-wonders/2010/269583.html" mce_href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/winter-baseball/winter-wonders/2010/269583.html">3/5/2010</a>)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Notes on Ramos:</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">"Grade B-. Power and defense are positives, main question is weak walk rate." John Sickels, MinorLeagueBall.com (<a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2009/10/19/1091423/top-20-minnesota-twins-prospects" mce_href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2009/10/19/1091423/top-20-minnesota-twins-prospects">10/19/2009</a>)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">"The Venezuela native isn’t far from being MLB-ready after hitting .317/.341/.454 in ’09 at double-A. Ramos has always hit for a solid average, but he’s also consistently produced healthy BABIPs, although many catchers suffer from chronically-low numbers in that area (due to a lack of foot speed). A catcher with raw power, he has nonetheless failed to post an ISO above .149 in his four-year career. Ramos also posted a walk rate of just 2.8% in ’09, so that obviously has to improve and he typically walks about 7.0%. His strikeout rate plummeted from 22.8% in ’08 to 11.2% in ’09, but injuries took a chunk out of his season and he had just 214 plate appearances. We’ll have to wait for 2010 to see if that was a true adjustment, or a small-sample-size blip. Behind the dish, Ramos has thrown out +40% in each of the past three seasons." Marc Hulet, Fangraphs (<a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/minnesota-twins-top-10-prospects/" mce_href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/minnesota-twins-top-10-prospects/">12/14/2009</a>)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">"While Ramos seems capable of becoming a quality starting catcher in the majors one day, he has struggled to stay healthy: he broke the tip of his left middle finger and injured his hamstring last year, missing nearly three months total. Also, Ramos doesn’t have much experience in the upper levels of the minors. He took 214 trips to the plate at Double-A last year and was off to a slow start at Triple-A this season (.179/.214/.328 in 70 PA, with three walks and 15 punch outs). CHONE projected a .263/.303/.394 line prior to 2010, and ZiPS had a .256/.297/.369 forecast. Four-for-five start aside, Ramos might not hit the ground running." David Golbiewski, Fangraphs (<a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/index.php/mauer-sidelined-ramos-recalled/" mce_href="http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/index.php/mauer-sidelined-ramos-recalled/">5/3/2010</a>)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">"A key factor for Ramos going forward will be learning when to use his aggressiveness, strength and bat speed, and when to lay off pitches. His plate discipline showed signs of improvement in winter ball. Overall, after drawing just six walks in 224 at-bats during the minor league regular season, Ramos drew 29 in 273 at-bats in Venezuela." John Manuel, Baseball America (<a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/winter-baseball/winter-wonders/2010/269583.html" mce_href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/winter-baseball/winter-wonders/2010/269583.html">3/5/2010</a>)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">"Ramos' offensive prowess is mostly what he is known for, but Ramos is also a stout defender behind the plate. Pitchers like the way he calls the game and his strong arm makes it hard for base runners to steal on him." Josh Johnson, Josh's Thoughts (<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-2-wilson.html" mce_href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-2-wilson.html">4/16/2010</a>)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">"Even if this year's struggles can be chalked up to some bad luck, however, Ramos is far from a sure thing as a prospect. His walk rates, while along his career norm, are still very low. For his professional career, Ramos has walked just 82 times in 5 seasons, spanning over 1400 plate appearances and coinciding with 242 strikeouts. Without the power to compensate such free-swinging tendencies, Ramos will have to hit for a high average in the majors in order to avoid being an out-making machine. Whether or not he is able to adjust to major league pitching and curtail his tendency to hack away at the plate will ultimately determine his career path as a major leaguer, but his Mendoza Line-straddling batting average this year in Triple-A is no more a prediction than was his red-hot major league debut." MLB Prospect Watch (<a href="http://www.mlbprospectwatch.com/mlb_prospect_watch/2010/07/twins-hicks-ramos-to-seattle-for-lee.html" mce_href="http://www.mlbprospectwatch.com/mlb_prospect_watch/2010/07/twins-hicks-ramos-to-seattle-for-lee.html">7/6/2010</a>)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">"On the other hand, <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Wilson Ramos</span> has been totally overmatched by Triple-A pitching, posting a hideous 41-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio while hitting just .208/.244/.319 in 52 games. Ramos showed reasonable enough plate discipline in the low minors, but since advancing to Double-A last year he has 14 walks and 64 strikeouts in 106 games. He's making contact at a palatable rate, but the total lack of patience is disturbing along with a .427 career slugging percentage.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Ramos remains a very solid prospect largely due to projecting as a good defensive catcher, but it was <a href="http://aarongleeman.com/2010/05/13/twins-send-wilson-ramos-back-to-triple-a/" mce_href="http://aarongleeman.com/2010/05/13/twins-send-wilson-ramos-back-to-triple-a/">always wishful thinking</a> to assume he was even close to an MLB-ready impact bat and that notion now looks silly. With that said, he's still just 22 years old and has fewer than 450 plate appearances above Single-A, so there's no need to sour on Ramos too much." Aaron Gleeman (<a href="http://aarongleeman.com/2010/07/07/checking-in-on-the-twins-top-prospects-and-a-possible-cliff-lee-deal/" mce_href="http://aarongleeman.com/2010/07/07/checking-in-on-the-twins-top-prospects-and-a-possible-cliff-lee-deal/">7/7/2010</a>)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Here are Wilson Ramos' <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=paI05521&position=C/DH" mce_href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=paI05521&position=C/DH">Fangraphs</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ramos-001wil" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ramos-001wil">Baseball-Reference</a> links.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Not a whole lot on Testa.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">He had a Q and A with <a href="http://talkintwinsbb.wordpress.com/2009/01/29/qa-with-joe-testa-twins-pitching-prospect/" mce_href="http://talkintwinsbb.wordpress.com/2009/01/29/qa-with-joe-testa-twins-pitching-prospect/">SethSpeaks.net</a> in 2009: "I throw a fastball, curve, slider, change up and a cutter. I’d say my out pitch would be my fastball and cutter. I’ve been working a lot more on my off speed pitches and my pick off move."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Bleacher Report (via <a href="http://www.baseballnewsshare.com/102726-top-50-twins-prospects-2010-no-49-joe-testa/" mce_href="http://www.baseballnewsshare.com/102726-top-50-twins-prospects-2010-no-49-joe-testa/">Baseball News Share</a>, as the original article has been taken down) had him as the 49th Twins prospect in 2010. Top insight: "He doesn’t have great velocity on any of his pitches, in fact he tops out around 90 mph, but he does fool hitters with outstanding movement."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Here are Joe Testa's <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=paI08505&position=P" mce_href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=paI08505&position=P">Fangraphs</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=testa-001joe" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=testa-001joe">Baseball-Reference</a> links.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Getting a top 50-75 prospect in return for a non-elite closer is a great deal in my opinion. Getting an interesting lefty as well is icing on the cake. Well done, Mike Rizzo. Best of luck in Minnesota, Matt Capps.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-13339359208928732802010-07-27T21:24:00.000-04:002010-07-27T21:25:16.781-04:003 reasons why the Nationals should avoid Edwin Jackson like the plague<p style="text-align: left;font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">MLB Trade Rumors first reported <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/06/nationals-exploring-a-trade-for-edwin-jackson.html" mce_href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/06/nationals-exploring-a-trade-for-edwin-jackson.html">a month ago yesterday</a> that the Nats were interested in Edwin Jackson. I thought the interest was just going to blow over, as teams have "interest" in dozens of players at any given time. But <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/07/nats-interested-in-edwin-jackson.html" mce_href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/07/nats-interested-in-edwin-jackson.html">on Saturday</a>, Jackson's name was tied to the Nats again. And <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/07/edwin-jacksonadam-dunn-threeteam-rumor.html" mce_href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/07/edwin-jacksonadam-dunn-threeteam-rumor.html">yesterday</a>, Tim Dierkes reported on two different rumors, one where the Nats would get Jackson in a 3-way deal that would send Adam Dunn to the White Sox and another where the Nats would simply acquire Jackson for prospects. There are more than just 3 reasons I think making a move for Edwin Jackson would be a bad idea, but these are 3 reasons I think are specific to the Nats.</p><p style="text-align: left;font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><b>1. In a deal for Dunn, Jackson is worth less to the Nats than an elite prospect would be.</b></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Daniel Hudson alone is worth more than Edwin Jackson to me. If the Nats can snag him alone for Dunn, they've made out okay at least. If, as rumored, they can come up with another nice prospect like Danks/Flowers/Morel, or even a guy a tier below that, they've blown a Jackson-for-Dunn deal out of the water. The prospects they can get back for Dunn can come close to Jackson's performance right off the bat, but will also be controllable (and cheaper) for many more seasons. This leads into my next point.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "></p><p id="" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><b>2. Jackson is expensive and only controllable through 2011.</b></p><div id="" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Jackson signed a 2 year, $13.35 million extension with the Diamondbacks in February, with $8.35 of the payment planned for the 2011 season. He stood at 4 years and 70 days of ML service time going into the 2010 season and is more or less a lock to hit the 6 years of service time needed to reach unrestricted free agency at some point next year (thanks to <a href="http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/arizona-diamondbacks_10.html" mce_href="http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/arizona-diamondbacks_10.html">Cot's</a> for the info).</div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">While Jackson is on the borderline between Type A and Type B status in Eddie Bajek's latest <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/07/elias-rankings-update-2.html" mce_href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/07/elias-rankings-update-2.html">Elias Rankings Update</a> on MLB Trade Rumors, his value there is trending downwards. It stands at 70.663 now while it stood at 73.050 on July 14 and 74.41 on May 23 (a score of 71.5 is currently the cut-off in the NL between types A and B). Jackson will need to repeat (or better) his 2009 performance in 2011 to be a type A, as the rankings only take into account the last 2 seasons. The Elias Rankings involve some combination of games, innings pitched, wins, ERA and K's, and Jackson's win total and ERA this year have seriously underwhelmed. He'll have to work himself back towards the 13-9 record and 3.62 ERA he put up last year to make it back.</div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">While there is always a chance the Nats retain him into his free agent years, he's not worth as much to the team them. You trade for young pitchers in part to try and get as many years out of them as you can at less than market value. Once pitchers hit free agency, you start paying true value or more for them.</div><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><b>3. Jackson is potentially overworked.</b></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">This is my biggest beef with Jackson. Not every pitcher is made equal, and I certainly am not an expert on pitching, but if I had a penny for every red flag there is concerning Jackson's workload, I would be a rich man.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Jackson's 149 pitch no-hitter leads the league in pitches thrown by 17. He's atop the charts by an obscene amount in total <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=148" mce_href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=148">Pitcher Abuse Points</a> (151623 to second place Roy Halladay's 84331). You can check out this <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/statistics/sortable/index.php?cid=147176" mce_href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/statistics/sortable/index.php?cid=147176">Baseball Prospectus sortable stats page</a> if you want to sort through these things yourselves. </p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Some pitchers, Livan Hernandez for example, can handle a lot of Pitcher Abuse Points. But the Nats are paying Livan $900k. If I'm paying a guy $8 million+, I want to know for sure that he isn't damaged goods.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">(Some links on Jackson's workload: 6/2009 (<a href="http://www.baseballdailydigest.com/2009/06/23/pitch-count-warrior-edwin-jackson/" mce_href="http://www.baseballdailydigest.com/2009/06/23/pitch-count-warrior-edwin-jackson/">Baseball Daily Digest</a>), 6/2010 (<a href="http://firejimbowden.blogspot.com/2010/06/edwin-jackson-and-pitch-counts.html" mce_href="http://firejimbowden.blogspot.com/2010/06/edwin-jackson-and-pitch-counts.html">FJB</a>), 6/2010 (<a href="http://www.sabernomics.com/sabernomics/index.php/2010/06/what-edwin-jacksons-pitch-count-hath-wrought/" mce_href="http://www.sabernomics.com/sabernomics/index.php/2010/06/what-edwin-jacksons-pitch-count-hath-wrought/">Sabernomics</a>), 7/2010 (<a href="http://www.azcentral.com/sports/articles/2010/07/17/20100717arizona-diamondbacks-edwin-jackson-pitch-count.html" mce_href="http://www.azcentral.com/sports/articles/2010/07/17/20100717arizona-diamondbacks-edwin-jackson-pitch-count.html">AZ Central</a>) </p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">If the Nats could acquire him for a combination of fading prospects like Shairon Martis and middle relievers like Sean Burnett and Joel Peralta, sure. Jackson can an effective middle-of-the-rotation starter But if the Nats have to give up Adam Dunn or anyone that sniffs their top 15 prospects for him, I'll pass.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-83301666631326497122010-07-06T22:24:00.003-04:002010-07-06T23:28:16.789-04:002 more draft pick signings to look at<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNC5b7_zL2iGpg14FmRmfdkD0pYiDwX0J-cJNDRn82DG-rVoCQaRasdI2y7yAsmaomGO1caVP-gtCFZzTgAUmj4DsLtYMvpxBKdmTs9hEZdnYG1o8fwu63I_W3KD9JElIR_pWk1JmmsFsl/s1600/keyes_medium.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNC5b7_zL2iGpg14FmRmfdkD0pYiDwX0J-cJNDRn82DG-rVoCQaRasdI2y7yAsmaomGO1caVP-gtCFZzTgAUmj4DsLtYMvpxBKdmTs9hEZdnYG1o8fwu63I_W3KD9JElIR_pWk1JmmsFsl/s400/keyes_medium.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491000842142869874" /></a><p style="text-align: center; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">(Kevin Keyes via John Sickels' <a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/3/17/1378389/iowa-vs-texas-scouting-report" mce_href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/3/17/1378389/iowa-vs-texas-scouting-report">Minor League Ball</a>)</p><p style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;">Since my last update, the Nats have signed 2 outfielders: 7th rounder Kevin Keyes and 32nd rounder Randolph Oduber. Keyes has been verified by the Nats official site. Oduber, on the other hand, has been reported on by <a href="http://www.gastongazette.com/sports/gastonia-48621-grizzlies-key.html" mce_href="http://www.gastongazette.com/sports/gastonia-48621-grizzlies-key.html">Gastonia Gazette</a> but not by the Nats yet. Once again, if you missed the earlier editions, here are parts <a href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/taking-a-look-at-some-of-the-nats-signed-draft-picks.html" mce_href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/taking-a-look-at-some-of-the-nats-signed-draft-picks.html" id="">one</a>, <a href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/taking-a-look-at-the-rest-of-the-nats-22-signed-draft-picks.html" mce_href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/taking-a-look-at-the-rest-of-the-nats-22-signed-draft-picks.html" id="">two</a>, <a href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/nats-sign-4-more-picks.html" mce_href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/nats-sign-4-more-picks.html" id="">three</a> and <a href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/nats-sign-some-more-undrafted-free-agents.html" mce_href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/nats-sign-some-more-undrafted-free-agents.html">four</a> plus an extended look at undrafted FA signing <a href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/meeting-mike-gallo.html" mce_href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/meeting-mike-gallo.html" id="">Mike Gallo</a>).</p><p face="'Times New Roman'" size="medium" style=" ">OF <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; ">Kevin Keyes</span> (7th round-University of Texas)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Keyes was widely seen as a top 100 player looking toward the 2010 draft, but weight and position issues tanked his value all the way to the 7th round. Keyes hit .311/.384/.550 with 15 homers in 63 games this year, with 27 BB and 46 K, even stealing 14 bases in 17 attempts. Thanks to NFA commenter <a href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/07/06/all-questions-answered/#comment-401113" mce_href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/07/06/all-questions-answered/#comment-401113" id="">David in Midlothian</a> for pointing out his signing!</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/6/13/1516348/washington-nationals-draft-review" mce_href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/6/13/1516348/washington-nationals-draft-review">Sickels</a> (6/13/10): "He has very strong power potential and a good throwing arm, but got fat last summer, lost athleticism and speed, and didn't get all of it back this spring, killing his defensive value and reputation with scouts."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/3/17/1378389/iowa-vs-texas-scouting-report" mce_href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/3/17/1378389/iowa-vs-texas-scouting-report">Sickels</a> (3/17/10): "Keyes doesn't run as well as he did when I saw him last year and he needs to be careful: if he picks up much more weight, he won't run well enough to play the outfield. That said, he did get a good jump and showed some legs with a successful steal attempt, so I don't think his speed is a lost cause as long as he keeps his conditioning up. I never did get a good read on his throwing arm and he wasn't significantly challenged on any of the defensive plays. His bat, however, looks special. He had the best power of anyone on the field, and he has a good hit tool too, showing he can pull the ball for power but also take the pitcher to the opposite field when necessary. He jumps on hittable fastballs, but will lay off curveballs and sliders he can't handle. Main weakness was against changeups: he will chase them, and toning that down will be necessary in pro ball. He makes an effort to work the count. I like him and see him as a possible supplemental round hitter."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/3/14/1372340/in-austin" mce_href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/3/14/1372340/in-austin">Sickels</a> (3/14/10): "He can pull the ball for power, or take it to the opposite field. He makes a good effort to control the strike zone and has plenty of bat speed. He's thickened up a bit and doesn't run quite as well as he did when I saw him last spring, but if he can avoid further weight gain I think he can remain in the outfield. I didn't get a read on his arm but will concentrate on that this afternoon."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/17/1521409/draft-review-washington-nationals" mce_href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/17/1521409/draft-review-washington-nationals">Seiler</a> (6/17/10): "Keyes was looking like a potential top fifty pick in this class a little over a year ago, but he became out of shape in the summer playing on the Cape last summer, and he never really recovered. As you can tell by his frame, he's a big, powerful guy whose only above-average tool is his plus power, but he does everything else well enough to possibly be a starting right fielder. He's going to have to stay on top of his conditioning, but I like this pick for value here. His season just ended over the weekend, so I expect him to sign fairly soon, as he'd be hard-pressed to improve upon this slot next year."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/4/29/1450107/casing-the-states-texas-part-three" mce_href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/4/29/1450107/casing-the-states-texas-part-three">Seiler</a> (4/29/10): "Keyes has been fairly well-known on the prospect scene for awhile, and he was a 26th round draft pick of the Rangers coming out of Connally High School in 2007. He didn't play much of a role during his freshman year, but he really turned some heads with an impressive sophomore year with the Longhorns. However, he imploded on the Cape, looking tired after a long season that included a trip to the College World Series. He ended up gaining weight, leading to a temporary assignment to first base in the fall. However, he's back in right field now, and he seems to have gained back some of the athleticism he lost over the last year-plus. He features above-average raw power and a fringe-average hit tool, and when he's at his best and in shape, he's an average runner. However, he's going to be a corner outfielder at any level, but he has a big enough arm to handle right field, while having average range. He's not having the best season, but he's still an attractive prospect, especially in a thin college class"</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">I asked Andy in his 6/19/10 <a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/19/1525738/all-questions-answered#40113345" mce_href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/19/1525738/all-questions-answered#40113345">All Questions Answered thread</a>, "Do you think Kevin Keyes will ultimately be an ML starter, or do you think his lack of secondary tools will keep him from getting there?" to which he answered, "I don’t think he makes it, but he has the tools. His power is a true plus, but with his frame, it’s going to be hard to keep him in right field unless he stays on top of his conditioning. There are still questions about whether he can hit with wood, too."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/06/10/draft-day-recap/" mce_href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/06/10/draft-day-recap/">Brian Oliver</a> (6/10/10): "Guy looks like a linebacker. Big swinger = big homers and big strikeouts. Nats listed him as a RF but he has also played 1B. He should be fun to watch in a HR derby kind of way. Middle of the order guy for Vermont."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">OF <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; ">Randolph Oduber</span> (32nd round-Western Oklahoma State)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">The Groovin' Aruban hit .472/.526/.995 with 32 HR, 98 RBI and 49 total extra base hits in 218 at bats. His 25/27 SB success rate is encouraging as well. He struck out 46 times with just 21 walks, so there is still plenty of room for improvement.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/17/1521409/draft-review-washington-nationals" mce_href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/17/1521409/draft-review-washington-nationals">Seiler</a> (6/17/10): "Oduber was a late-round pick by the Giants a year ago, and I thought he'd be drafted in the teens this year. However, after a late commitment to Oklahoma State, who raided the junior college level this year, dropped his stock. He has above-average raw power and can run, so he could go much higher next year if he figures it out. I don't think he'll sign."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2009/07/18/draft-review-san-francisco-giants/" mce_href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2009/07/18/draft-review-san-francisco-giants/">Seiler</a> (7/18/<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; ">09</span>): "I liked Oduber more than his teammate Cotton who was picked twenty rounds higher by the Giants. Oduber’s got solid pro tools, and I thought the only thing that held him back from being picked in the top 15 rounds was the fact that he was a JUCO freshman. He is 20 already, but he won’t sign since he went so far down."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">I'd like to see some international free agents sign with the Nats, but getting some guys like Hanks, Oduber and Nunez that we might not have expected to sign is nice, too.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-35595718820075190292010-06-24T21:35:00.002-04:002010-06-25T17:50:52.664-04:00Nats sign 4 more picks<p face="'Times New Roman'" size="medium" style=" ">Three Nats draft picks have signed on the dotted line in the last few days: Connor Rowe, Rick Hughes and Russell Moldenhauer. I figure three is enough for another draft pick update; if you missed the first batch, here are parts <a href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/taking-a-look-at-some-of-the-nats-signed-draft-picks.html" mce_href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/taking-a-look-at-some-of-the-nats-signed-draft-picks.html">one</a> and <a href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/taking-a-look-at-the-rest-of-the-nats-22-signed-draft-picks.html" mce_href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/taking-a-look-at-the-rest-of-the-nats-22-signed-draft-picks.html">two</a>, plus an extended look at undrafted FA signing <a href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/meeting-mike-gallo.html" mce_href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/meeting-mike-gallo.html">Mike Gallo</a>.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">OF <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; ">Connor Rowe</span> (21st round-University of Texas)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/17/1521409/draft-review-washington-nationals" mce_href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/17/1521409/draft-review-washington-nationals">Andy Seiler</a> (6/17/10): "Even though his ceiling is as a fifth outfielder, his range in center field is good, and I like his chances of reaching the Majors with good makeup and a great work ethic"</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/4/30/1451211/casing-the-states-texas-part-four" mce_href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/4/30/1451211/casing-the-states-texas-part-four">Seiler</a> (4/30/10): "Rowe does have some pro tools that he must leverage to have a good pro career as a fifth outfielder. At the plate, Rowe doesn't really profile to be a starter at the next level, as he fails to work the count and strikes out too much, and he doesn't have any power projection to speak of. However, he's a plus runner, and that's the style of hitting he takes on, slapping the ball gap to gap. Where Rowe shines is on defense. A true center fielder, he has plus range and an average arm, and he profiles to be able to play anywhere in the outfield with ease. Scouts know what Rowe's strengths and weaknesses are, and while they aren't high on his offensive ability, they see good value in his defensive assets, and he should be a fairly early pick because of it."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/3/17/1378389/iowa-vs-texas-scouting-report" mce_href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/3/17/1378389/iowa-vs-texas-scouting-report">John Sickels</a> (3/17/10): "He caught my eye with a good measure of speed and athleticism. Needs to improve his strike zone judgment, but he has some pop in his bat. It will be interesting to see if he can boost his hitting numbers which are unimpressive right now. 10<sup id="">th</sup> round target at this point but perhaps the hitting will improve."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.burntorangenation.com/2010/6/20/1526909/connor-rowe-signs-with-the" mce_href="http://www.burntorangenation.com/2010/6/20/1526909/connor-rowe-signs-with-the">Burnt Orange Nation</a> FanShot written by 40AS (6/20/10): "The Nats have scored 1 run in 20 innings this weekend against the White Sox, so Rowe will fit right in."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Rowe is an interesting pick. Like Seiler and Sickels point out, his 2010 stats indicate that he's not much of a hitter (.237/.274/.361) (although his 2009 stats could argue otherwise, at .277/.330/.456). Guys like Rowe remind us that baseball is not just about hitting and pitching. Rowe's fielding ability and speed can get him to the big leagues, even if his bat does not improve much. Even if his ceiling is just as a 5th outfielder, the likelihood of reaching that ceiling is not bad. One other note-Seiler did not expect him to sign, so this is a win for Rizzo and the boys.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">DH (?) <b>Russell Moldenhauer</b> (24th round-University of Texas)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/17/1521409/draft-review-washington-nationals" mce_href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/17/1521409/draft-review-washington-nationals">Seiler</a> (6/17/10): "Moldenhauer was a third round pick back in 2006 to the Angels, and he didn't sign. That was clearly a horrible decision in hindsight, as he's now finished his senior year without much success, and he doesn't have any tools that say he can be even a bench bat in the Majors. He'll be signing shortly, as Texas' season just ended over the weekend"</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.burntorangenation.com/2010/6/15/1519877/some-final-2010-texas-baseball#39841700" mce_href="http://www.burntorangenation.com/2010/6/15/1519877/some-final-2010-texas-baseball#39841700">Burnt Orange Nation</a> comment written by 40AS (6/15/10): "Moldy gave up 4th round money as a senior in high school to come to Texas. He destroyed his knee his sophomore year and it took a full year to work back up to full strength. He tied the NCAA record for homers in a CWS. He came back and (along with Tant) was one of two hitters to be feared consistently all season. I’m glad the Nationals took him too (24th round), and I can’t think of many more players I’ll be rooting harder for to succeed at the next level."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">First of all, I'm already a huge fan of "Moldy" just for his nickname. As 40AS pointed out, his knee surgery slowed him down, which could be one of the reasons he's a fungi without a position. I generally trust Seiler's judgment, but I'm a bit curious as to why he thinks Moldy isn't even a future ML bench bat. He's got great plate discipline (85 BB and 93 K in his college career) and decent power (9 HR in 2010). He was a 3rd rounder in '06, so obviously he had tools that scouts liked then, and it appears his bat didn't disappear. Maybe it's just the fact that he's a DH without a high batting ceiling, but a few years of health and Moldy could work himself back into a fielding role.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">OF <b>Rick Hughes</b> (29th round-College of Marin)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/17/1521409/draft-review-washington-nationals" mce_href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/17/1521409/draft-review-washington-nationals">Seiler</a> (6/17/10): "Hughes is another big-bodied player, but he has enough athleticism to stick in a corner outfield spot. I had him as a possible late-round pick, so this isn't a bad pick, and he's currently considering committing to a four year school, which should happen fairly soon. "</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">There's not a whole lot I could find about Hughes, including from his own college's web site. Even when I found stuff on him from high school, it was about <a href="http://www.marinij.com/sports/ci_8745299" mce_href="http://www.marinij.com/sports/ci_8745299">pitching a no-hitter</a> rather than anything hitting or fielding-related, which he's being drafted for. All I can find on him from Marin is that he hit .355/.452/.540 with 3 HR in 34 games, with 25 BB and 23 K.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">It appears that Hughes played in the same area as other Nats signed draft pick Christian Meza, so one San Francisco Bay-area scout seems to have the ear of Mike Rizzo.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "></p><p>OF <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; ">Wander Nunez</span> (36th round-Western Oklahoma State)</p><p><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/17/1521409/draft-review-washington-nationals" mce_href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/17/1521409/draft-review-washington-nationals">Seiler</a> (6/17/10): "Nunez was teammates with (Nats' 32nd round pick Randolph) Oduber, and he was also a late-round pick a year ago. He can run and throw, and he's Dominican by heritage, but with a year of eligibility left at Western Oklahoma, I expect him to return to school, where he could blossom into a top fifteen rounds pick next year."</p><p id=""><a href="http://www.philly.com/dailynews/sports/20100610_Locals_Kish_and_Nunez_selected_on_final_day_of_MLB_draft.html" mce_href="http://www.philly.com/dailynews/sports/20100610_Locals_Kish_and_Nunez_selected_on_final_day_of_MLB_draft.html">Philly.com</a> (6/10/10): "Frankford coach Juan Namnun said for his 5-11, 174-pound protege, it simply was a matter of time. 'He was a gifted a player as you'd ever see,' Namnun said. 'He's always had a major league arm and a major league bat.'"</p><p>Nunez was drafted in the 49th round last year out of Frankford HS in Philadelphia). Sounds like we got a nice surprise with Nunez signing. He's a raw talent, but he could be a steal out of the 36th round.</p><p>The Philadelphia Inquirer ran a story about him on the front page last August, but has hidden it behind the paid archive wall (lame!). Fortunately for me, I waded my way through a few databases that VT subscribes to and found the full-text version (which I have made available for you <a href="http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddx285nx_8hpjc9qhr" mce_href="http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddx285nx_8hpjc9qhr">here</a>).</p><p>Some excerpts: "Nuñez, who turned 19 on June 27 (2009, so now he's actually 20), immigrated to the United States when he was 12, settling with his father, Cristino, in Orlando, Fla. Less than a year later, Wander (pronounced JUAN-day) Nuñez moved to Philadelphia to live with his half-brother, Nelson Cagral, who had bought space for his Almonte Mini Market in Feltonville, a neighborhood that is home to many Latinos. The two-story building has the small convenience store - packed with American and Latino goods along narrow aisles - on the first floor and their two-bedroom apartment on the second."</p><p id="">"For more than four years, his life consisted of working behind the counter and stocking shelves at the corner store and training at a dusty baseball field in Hunting Park. Going to school - which he admitted didn't come easy - wasn't in the picture. And those around him allowed him to stay out of the classroom."</p><p>"By all accounts, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound outfielder is an impressive hitter, using a wooden bat - not the batter-friendly aluminum ones used by just about everyone else at the amateur level."</p><p><span id="">"Eric Valent, the (Phillies') Northeast scout and a former big-league outfielder, said Nuñez has the 'tools. He's got power and has been using a wooden bat, which is always good. And he's got good speed.' On days when he doesn't have a game, Nuñez said, he plays baseball from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., then heads to the gym until 5 p.m. 'This is a full-time job, like any other one,' he said. 'And to achieve what you want, you need to put the time in.'"</span></p><p>The one red flag from last year's article is that Nunez would have signed with the Phillies for peanuts, but they didn't even offer him that. Maybe he's improved a bunch over the last year, but for the Phillies to draft him and not even want to throw a contract his way scares me off a little bit. But from all accounts I've read, Nunez has a lot of potential but will have to work pretty hard to reach his ceiling.</p><p></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">RHP <b>Shane Zellers</b> (Undrafted FA-Alvernia University)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Not a whole lot on Zellers, but he went 8-2 with a 2.23 ERA this year for Alvernia University. In 72 and 2/3 innings, he allowed only 11 extra base hits (2 of them HR) with the following rate stats: 6.8 H/9, 3.09 BB/9, 11.27 K/9. Dominating in the Eastern College Athletic Conference and dominating in the Major Leagues are two different things, but you can never have enough pitchers, no matter where you find them.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-65165393557128961992010-06-17T20:12:00.001-04:002010-06-17T20:18:44.406-04:00Meeting Mike GalloI figured running through the Nats signed draft picks would be pretty fun because I like wading through information and compiling lists. What I did not know was that one of the undrafted free agents, likely overlooked by many reading the Nats' press release, would end up happily answering a bunch of my questions for the blog. Mike Gallo pitched for the last two seasons at Milligan College, a very small Christian school in Johnson City, Tennessee. One of my older sisters went to Milligan, so I took a big interest in Mike's story. Here's what he had to say!<br /><br /><b>1) What pitches do you throw? (feel free to include speeds, describe the movement, etc.)</b><br /><br />I throw a 2-seam fastball, cut fastball, 4-seam fastball, curveball, and change up. My fastball is consistently in the low 90's and runs up to 94 mph.<br /><br /><b>2) What baseball achievement or accolade are you most proud of at this point in your career?</b><br /><br />The biggest achievement of my career has been signing with the Washington Nationals.<br /><br /><b>3) What are your favorite professional sports teams or athletes?</b><br /><br />My favorite sports teams are The Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, and Boston Celtics. When the Nationals play the Red Sox I will pull for the Nationals now!<br /><br /><b>4) Do you have any routines before starts (such as eating the same food before every game or painting your nails like Dmitri Young)?</b><br /><br />Before games I like to listen to the song "Fire it Up" by Thousand Foot Crutch.<br /><br /><b>5) If you could face any one batter in their prime (past or present), who would it be?</b><br /><br />I have always admired Ted Williams. I would have loved to face him.<br /><br /><b>6) Fill in the blank: Without _______, I would not be a baseball player.</b><br /><br />My family, my former coaches and my work ethic.<br /><br /><b>7) If you weren’t a professional athlete, what would you likely be doing right now?</b><br /><br />If I was not a professional athlete, I would be detailing boats and starting my own business in the boating industry.<br /><br /><b>8) What was the first thing you did after you signed with the Nats?</b><br /><br />After signing with the Nats I called my family immediately to share the news.<br /><br /><b>9) I know you haven’t spent too much time in the Nats system yet, but have you made any good buddies yet?</b><br /><br />My friend Nick Serino was drafted by the Nats this year and we will be starting our pro careers together. I have played with and against Nick my whole life. (My note-Nick, a LHP, was drafted in the 37th round out of UMass this year and signed along with the 21 other draftees and 4 other undrafted free agents announced yesterday).<br /><br /><b>10) Which Nationals coaches (at any level) have you talked to so far?<br /></b><br />All of the coaches at the rookie ball level.<br /><br /><b>11) The Nats are obviously following the 1990s Braves methodology by building their system up through pitching. Do you think this is a good thing for you (because of increased organizational attention) or a bad thing (more competition)?<br /></b><br />I always enjoy competition. I pride myself on my work ethic and I think it's a good thing that we have so many pitchers.<br /><br /><b>12) There is another Mike Gallo that bounced around the Majors for a few years with the Astros. Any relation?</b><br /><br />No relation to the other Mike Gallo.<br /><br /><b>13) Milligan is not a powerhouse for developing pro athletes. Did you expect when you came in that you would progress to the point where you'd sign with a Major League organization?</b><br /><br />Being at Milligan made me work even harder to become a professional, but I am happy to be representing them as my alma mater.<br /><br /><br />One last note: I'm sure that if anyone has questions for Mike, he would be more than happy to answer them. Just leave them in the comments and I'll pass them along to him!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-2679726949242260622010-06-16T23:28:00.002-04:002010-06-16T23:33:18.817-04:00Taking a look at the rest of the Nats' 22 signed draft picks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVJ0l20ZbVjwHqWO3mB9_mS-_GAm-YKyw9jFdQeAe9jGJK3AOLA3_XvGtMRCXjKe-HUuk7_jjg7ivq8bxqocd7O-1uFWJoRNn90jIaLIwBAEcSc38etj3QdtzY8ArGQU4sraAYs87QpbX/s1600/serino.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVJ0l20ZbVjwHqWO3mB9_mS-_GAm-YKyw9jFdQeAe9jGJK3AOLA3_XvGtMRCXjKe-HUuk7_jjg7ivq8bxqocd7O-1uFWJoRNn90jIaLIwBAEcSc38etj3QdtzY8ArGQU4sraAYs87QpbX/s400/serino.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483580432732884402" /></a><p style="text-align: center; ">37th round pick Nick Serino via <a href="http://blog.masslive.com/dailycollegiansports/2008/04/and_it_could_have_been_worse.html" mce_href="http://blog.masslive.com/dailycollegiansports/2008/04/and_it_could_have_been_worse.html">MassLive</a></p><p></p><p face="'Times New Roman'" size="medium" style=" ">On Monday, I looked at the <a href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/taking-a-look-at-some-of-the-nats-signed-draft-picks.html" mce_href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/taking-a-look-at-some-of-the-nats-signed-draft-picks.html">first half</a> of the 2010 draftees the Nats have signed so far. Today it's time for the second half. Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot of info on most of these guys, especially in the form of scouting reports. But I'll do my best to dig up any info I can!</p><p face="'Times New Roman'" size="medium" style=" ">Also, I have completed an interview with Mike Gallo, a RHP who just signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Nats. I'm going over final touches with him, so it should be up soon.</p><p id="" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;">RF <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; ">Chad Mozingo</span> (20th round-Rice University)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Nothing from Seiler, Sickels or Oliver.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.riceowls.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/mozingo_chad00.html" mce_href="http://www.riceowls.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/mozingo_chad00.html">Rice Official Site</a>: "Combines bat speed with speed on the bases. Equally capable of hitting in the top or middle of the lineup. (Coach) Wayne Graham said 'Chad's potential is almost unlimited. He plays great defense and he can hit. We are hoping for a banner year, an all-star type year for him.'"</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">From the looks of it, Mozingo does things pretty well across the board but without an extraordinary tool. He makes decent contact, walks an average amount, doesn't strike out way too much, has some power and some speed. Besides his coach's opinion, I've seen nothing about his defense, so I guess we'll assume for now that it's good. He's <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-9179-Rice-Owls-Examiner~y2009m6d19-Add-Rice-Owl-Chad-Mozingo-to-the-list-of-Walking-Wounded" mce_href="http://www.examiner.com/x-9179-Rice-Owls-Examiner~y2009m6d19-Add-Rice-Owl-Chad-Mozingo-to-the-list-of-Walking-Wounded">not afraid to play hurt</a>, but at the same time appears to be semi-injury prone (broken wrist, damaged ligaments in ankle, <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-9179-Rice-Owls-Examiner~y2009m6d29-Surgery-delayed-for-Rices-Mozingo-due-toANT-BITE" mce_href="http://www.examiner.com/x-9179-Rice-Owls-Examiner~y2009m6d29-Surgery-delayed-for-Rices-Mozingo-due-toANT-BITE">ant bite</a>, etc.).</p><p id="" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;">RHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; ">Cameron Selik</span> (22nd round-University of Kansas)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">A little more on Selik than most of these other guys.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/5/25/1487100/afternoon-notes-may-25-2010" mce_href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/5/25/1487100/afternoon-notes-may-25-2010">Sickels</a> (5/25/2010): "He's a big guy at 6-3, 240 pounds, a "strong legs" type. His numbers are so-so this year, 4.66 ERA with a 68/30 K/BB in 85 innings, 86 hits. But he has a decent fastball at 88-92 MPH, and got some nasty break on his slider at times, in addition to mixing in a few changeups. He would profile as a bullpen back-ender at the higher levels, but someone in the later rounds could pick him up. Guys with worse arms have been successful pitchers.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://m.kansan.com/news/2010/apr/21/tumbleweed-turned-ace/" mce_href="http://m.kansan.com/news/2010/apr/21/tumbleweed-turned-ace/">The Kansan</a> noted that Selik hit 95 mph in a start against Baylor in March. It looks like he's finally starting to come around from his Tommy John surgery in 2007 (a good article from KU's official site about his recovery can be found <a href="http://www.kuathletics.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/031810aaa.html" mce_href="http://www.kuathletics.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/031810aaa.html">here</a>. Another by the Kansan can be found <a href="http://m.kansan.com/news/2010/apr/21/tumbleweed-turned-ace/" mce_href="http://m.kansan.com/news/2010/apr/21/tumbleweed-turned-ace/">here</a>). Another interesting note about his selection: Selik was Stephen Strasburg's catcher growing up.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">It appears that Selik has two internet-savvy cousins who <a href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/06/08/22nd-round/" mce_href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/06/08/22nd-round/">found NFA</a> on draft-day, so maybe they'll find this post and tell us a little more about him!</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">RHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; ">Colin Bates</span> (23rd round-Unviersity of North Carolina)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Instantly my new favorite Nats prospect because of this gem from his <a href="http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/bates_colin00.html" mce_href="http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/bates_colin00.html">UNC bio</a>: "Pitches with a piece of his removed rib in his back pocket." Nice.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/06/08/23rd-round-pick/#comment-400121" mce_href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/06/08/23rd-round-pick/#comment-400121">NFA commenter Cdoug</a> passed along this scouting report on 6/8/2010: "Bates’ fastball touches 93 and his slider has decent tilt and bite. At 6-1, he is probably limited to being a reliever. Oddly, he carries in his pocket a piece of one of his ribs. After his freshman year, Bates developed a clot on his lung caused by the rib jabbing into it when he threw. He had the rib removed and has since kept it in his pocket as a reminder of how fast things can be taken away."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">UNC's official site had a nice <a href="http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/030608aaa.html" mce_href="http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/030608aaa.html">Q&A session</a> with Bates during his redshirt freshman season in 2008. I like to see <a href="http://northcarolina.scout.com/2/976063.html" mce_href="http://northcarolina.scout.com/2/976063.html">this</a>, too: "An outstanding student, Colin is a three-time member of the ACC Academic Honor Roll and two-time member of the All-ACC Academic Baseball Team. The Naperville, Ill., native graduated May 9, 2010 with a bachelor's degree from the Kenan-Flager Business School."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.5tooltalk.com/collegenotes4-12-09.html" mce_href="http://www.5tooltalk.com/collegenotes4-12-09.html">5 Tool Talk</a> had this to say about Bates in April of 2009: "Colin Bates is a very interesting draft-eligible sophomore. He has a slighter build, but has a high waist, long legs and a strong lower half overall. His fastball can get straight, but he commands it well, and it works even better for him when he’s getting his curve/slurve over for strikes."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Baseball America said <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/draftdb/2009state.php?st=N.C." mce_href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/draftdb/2009state.php?st=N.C.">last year</a>, "A redshirt sophomore who had a rib removed during thoracic outlet surgery in November 2006, Bates has low-90s velocity and bulldog tenacity out of the bullpen but doesn't hold his velocity on back-to-back days."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Bates was taken in the 37th round by Oakland last year but didn't sign. He's an intriguing pickup to me.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">LHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; ">Christian Meza</span> (25th round-Santa Ana College)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">I wasn't able to dig anything up about Meza's stuff, but it looks like he was headed to Cal State Fullerton to pitch next year after spending two years at Santa Ana College (a junior college). He went 10-1 with a 3.30 ERA this year, allowing 90 hits and 40 walks in 92 and 2/3 innings while striking out 96. He won the Orange Empire Conference pitcher of the year award in both 2009 and 10 and was named the<a href="http://ext.sac.edu/academic_progs/exercise_science/baseball/2010%20Articles/26_All-State.htm" mce_href="http://ext.sac.edu/academic_progs/exercise_science/baseball/2010%20Articles/26_All-State.htm">Southern California co-pitcher of the year</a> this year as well.</p><p id="" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;">LHP <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; ">Chris Manno</span> (26th round-Duke University)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">There is a lot more on Manno out there than most of these other guys because he's a Nats redraft (taken in the 38th round last year) with pretty good college numbers.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Here's what <a href="http://natsfarm.com/2009/06/11/draft-day-3/" mce_href="http://natsfarm.com/2009/06/11/draft-day-3/">NFA</a> re-posted from <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/draftdb/2009state.php?st=N.C." mce_href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/draftdb/2009state.php?st=N.C.">Baseball America</a> last year: "Junior lefthander Christopher Manno is the Blue Devils’ best prospect and could go anywhere from the fifth to 10th round. Like Wolcott, he works primarily off his fastball. He’s long and lean with deception and some projection left in his body. Manno at times sits at 83-87 mph, though he often throws harder and was 89-91 mph at times in the Cape last summer, when he went 3-0, 1.93 with 45 strikeouts in 42 innings. His changeup can be plus at times, while his slider is below-average. Manno is young for his draft class and doesn’t turn 21 until November."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2009/07/07/draft-review-washington-nationals/" mce_href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2009/07/07/draft-review-washington-nationals/">Seiler</a> (7/7/2009): Manno should have gone much earlier, and he was in consideration for the top ten rounds quite easily as a lefty with good size and great deception. His fastball is below-average, but he couples it with a contrasting changeup that gets a lot of funny swings.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Seiler answered a question on Manno in an "<a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/11/1513449/all-questions-answered#39671048" mce_href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/11/1513449/all-questions-answered#39671048">All Questions Answered</a>" thread on 6/11/2010: Q: Thoughts on Duke’s LHP Chris Manno (26th, DC) – did he stuff back up a bit this year? A: Stuff was still down. Below-average velocity and stuff in general.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">A nice interview with Manno from before the 2010 season can be found <a href="http://www.pingbaseball.com/archive/2010_chris_manno.php" mce_href="http://www.pingbaseball.com/archive/2010_chris_manno.php">here</a>. Some excerpts:</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">"It's hard not to root for Duke's senior lefty Chris Manno. He's humble, gives credit to coaches and teammates before himself and plays the game smart. He's both the kind of guy you want on the mound in a crucial game as well as someone you'd trust to date your sister."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">"<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; ">Q</span>: The terms “funky” and “herky jerky” have been used to describe your pitching form. Yet, it's hard to say anything disparaging with the results. Has anyone attempted to tinker with your delivery or endorsed a change in your approach? <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; ">A</span>: Being herky jerky isn't necessarily a bad thing. You can watch a bunch of major league pitchers who are jerky jerky and funky, but their mechanics are actually good. My mechanics have developed throughout years and they're very sound if you watch them on tape. The way I deliver the ball and the way it comes out are just different. I do everything my coaches tell me to do and they've really, really helped me over the years. I just throw a little different – which is kind of good from what I heard. </p><p align="justify" id="" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;"><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; ">Q</span>: You were a late round draft choice of the Washington Nationals in the amateur drafts last spring. Was there much consideration in turning down the Nat's offers to go pro? You could been paid to play and continued your education later. <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; ">A</span>: Absolutely. That was definitely a consideration. I was honored to be drafted by them. You have to understand that I still have a lot of space for improving at the school I'm at right now. I haven't outgrown my coaches and I still have a lot to learn from them...In regards to me possibly signing it was absolutely an option, it's always been my dream to sign, but it just wasn't the right time. To be very honest I made it quite clear to scouts that it was going to take a significant commitment for me to leave an institution like Duke."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">I really like Manno, especially as a 26th rounder. With a quirky delivery, he has a chance of being an effective ML pitcher. In the 26th round, there isn't any risk if he doesn't become one. He's portrayed as a high character guy. And the Nats obviously like him a lot, since they took him two years in a row. An all-around great pick to me.</p><p id="" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;">C <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" mce_fixed="1" style="font-weight: bold; ">Jeremy Mayo</span> (31st round-Texas Tech University)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Nothing from the big boys on Mayo. Hit .299/.395/.508, which is decent but not all that special. For someone that was voted by the baseball coaches of the Big 12 as the <a href="http://www.collegebaseballinsider.com/10Preseason/10Big12Preview.html" mce_href="http://www.collegebaseballinsider.com/10Preseason/10Big12Preview.html">co-best defensive catcher</a>, he made a ridiculous number of errors this year (12).</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">His coach, Dan Spencer, had some <a href="http://www.redraiders.com/2009/04/09/mayo-providing-boost-with-bat-mitt/" mce_href="http://www.redraiders.com/2009/04/09/mayo-providing-boost-with-bat-mitt/">nice things to say about him</a>: "He’s a kid that takes good care of his body and is proud of his work in the weight room,” Spencer said. “But he is also blessed with that good arm and has really polished his catching skills. He does drills at full tilt, asks questions about baseball as far as helping him prepare and wants to know things like a coach would, which is the next step in becoming a great catcher."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Mayo has the potential to be a solid backstop, but has to cut down on errors and work on his hitting to keep moving.</p><p id="" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">LHP <b>Ryan Sherriff</b> (33rd round-West Los Angeles College)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Almost nothing on this guy. The only thing I dug up were his 2010 stats (and even they were almost impossible to find): 7 starts, 4.58 ERA, 42 hits allowed, 35 K and 8 BB in 35 and 1/3 IP. Not too inspiring, but there is probably more to this guy that I simply can't find...Googling Ryan Sherriff West Los Angeles College will just lead you to the Los Angeles Sheriff's office page.</p><p id="" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">1B <b>Tyler Oliver</b> (35th round-Wabash Valley College)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Oliver hit .456 with 30 homers and 103 RBI this year. He comes with unusual circumstances; Oliver had so many problems with his right arm that he <a href="http://www.training-conditioning.com/2007/03/08/tyler_oliver_lexington_ky_christian_academy/index.php" mce_href="http://www.training-conditioning.com/2007/03/08/tyler_oliver_lexington_ky_christian_academy/index.php">taught himself how to throw lefthanded</a> and stuck with it. He has bounced around from commitment to commitment, likely due to his injury history. He was committed to the University of Kentucky for next year, but signed with the Nats instead. He's a beast with the bat and that's all that matters to me. His commitment to his baseball career despite some injuries that would have ended many other players' careers impresses me.</p><p id="" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">LHP <b>Nick Serino</b> (37th round-University of Massachusetts)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Serino is a childhood friend of Mike Gallo, the Nats undrafted free agent who I interviewed as well as a college teammate of Mitchell Clegg, a 2009 Nats draft pick who has been tearing the minors apart. </p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Serino had a rough season, going 2-6 with a 6.72 ERA, but struck out almost 11 batters per inning. UMass coach, Mike Stone, <a href="http://www.gazettenet.com/2010/06/10/nationals-draft-minuteman-lefty-serino" mce_href="http://www.gazettenet.com/2010/06/10/nationals-draft-minuteman-lefty-serino">said this</a>about Serino: "He's got a good arm. It's just a matter of throwing more strikes and economizing his pitches," Stone said. "He was awful close to having a better record than he did."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Despite Serino's poor overall numbers from 2010, his ability to strike batters out is valuable, especially when we're talking 37th round lefthanders. He'll be one to keep an eye on for the rest of the year.</p><p id="" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">RHP <b>Kevin Cahill</b> (41st round-Purdue University)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Cahill's numbers were pretty ugly in his first three seasons at Purdue, but improved greatly in his senior year. He struck out 8.9 batters per 9 innings while walking 6.0-not great by any standards, but better than before. Cahill looks like an organizational arm, but like Serino, the improving K rate is intriguing.</p><p id="" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">OF <b>Rashad (Dimetrius) Hatcher </b>(49th round-Patrick Henry Community College)<br /></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">The Nats' one local signee came out of Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville, VA. Hatcher hit .386/.459/.579 in 2010 with 14 steals in 17 attempts. His 18:30 BB:K ratio is decent and his <a href="http://www.vancnews.com/articles/2010/06/16/south_hill/sports/sports41.txt" mce_href="http://www.vancnews.com/articles/2010/06/16/south_hill/sports/sports41.txt">6.5 second</a> 60 yard dash time is impressive; Hatcher could turn out to be a nice prospect.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">PHCC Coach Chris Parker <a href="http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/article.cfm?ID=24009" mce_href="http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/article.cfm?ID=24009">said this</a> about Hatcher: "It’s great for Rashad. That was the best-case scenario for him. He will sign, and hopefully he’ll make a run for it. He’s got a lot of tools and raw ability. He’s a great kid that hopefully will have a chance to do great things with the game of baseball."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><a href="http://www.perfectgame.org/Players/Playerprofile.aspx?ID=113924" mce_href="http://www.perfectgame.org/Players/Playerprofile.aspx?ID=113924">Perfect Game USA</a> posted this scouting report on Hatcher in 2007: "Lean athletic body, good solid swing, finishes well, some power, drives ball to gaps, good arm speed, has carry on throws, strong arm, 85 from OF."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Here's what I've found on the undrafted free agents:</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">SS <b>Mills Rogers</b> (Carson-Newman College)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Rogers hit .378/.448/.637 with 30 extra base hits, an 18:33 BB:K ratio and an 8/11 SB success rate. His 23 errors and .915 fielding percentage are discouraging, but you take whatever you can get out of an undrafted free agent infielder who can hit.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">RHP <b>Tim Dupuis</b> (Assumption College)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">The <a href="http://www.assumptiongreyhounds.com/news/2009-10/BB-dupuisSIGNS" mce_href="http://www.assumptiongreyhounds.com/news/2009-10/BB-dupuisSIGNS">Assumption College release</a> is all I can really find on him: "He finished this past season 3-2 with an individual team-record 11 saves and a 3.77 earned run average and is the career closer for the Greyhounds with 28 saves (21 in the last two seasons). He posted an 11-7 overall record with a 2.50 earned run average with 106 strikeouts in 122.1 innings in his team-record 94 appearances. He allowed no home runs in his closer role for Coach George Reidy." The only other thing I can really point out is his BB:K ratio in 2010: 8:31 in 28 and 2/3 innings. I'm cool with that.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">RHP <b>Mike Gallo</b> (Milligan College)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">I won't go too far into depth with Mike because I'll be posting an interview with him soon. He went 2-1 with Milligan in 2010 with a 2.70 ERA in 40 innings, striking out 33 while walking 18. Gallo's best trait is his ability to limit the opposition to singles, with 0 homers allowed and only 6 extra base hits allowed at all this year.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">RHP <b>Zach Gerler</b> (Austin Peay University)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Gerler was drafted in the 31st round in 2006 by the Orioles. He played two years of community college ball in the infield as well as his junior year at Austin Peay. He switched to pitching for his senior year and had semi-disappointing results, putting up an 8.41 ERA and 10 saves in 35 and 1/3 innings where he allowed 33 hits, 23 walks and hit 14 batters while striking out 35. The fact that Gerler had the stuff to be a closer in what looks like his first time pitching in 4 years makes me think he is miles away from his 2010 stat line, but he'll have to put in a lot of work with the pitching coaches to move up in the system. Here's an <a href="http://blog.imgacademies.com/2009/08/19/mental-work-preps-college-senior-for-upcoming-season/" mce_href="http://blog.imgacademies.com/2009/08/19/mental-work-preps-college-senior-for-upcoming-season/">interesting article</a> on Gerler and the mental side of college baseball.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">RHP <b>Ben Graham</b> (Emporia State)</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">Graham <a href="http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/2010/apr/26/perfect-combination/" mce_href="http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/2010/apr/26/perfect-combination/">recently said</a> exactly what I like to hear out of young pitchers: "I’m finding out what kind of pitcher I am, kind of my identity. Just learning that that I don’t have stuff to blow by people, but if I get ahead in the count, then I have the ability to get a lot of ground balls."</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">He went 8-3 with a 2.45 ERA in 84 and 1/3 innings this year, throwing 5 complete games and 2 shutouts. 13 walks in 84 and 1/3 innings is pretty sweet. 20 extra base hits? Not so much. Graham seems to understand what he needs to do to keep moving through the system, and I certainly hope he continues to do so!</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><br /></p><p id="" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; ">One last note-I love to interview prospects, draft picks and their coaches. If you're a family member or friend of one of these guys, feel free to pass the link along and have them contact me!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-45524364917495687802010-06-14T17:44:00.004-04:002010-06-14T21:30:24.725-04:00Taking a look at some of the Nats' 22 signed draft picksBrian Oliver from Nats Farm Authority posted up the <a href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/06/14/nationals-agree-to-terms-with-22-from-draft/">list of 22 players</a> from the 2010 draft that have been signed by the Nats. Here's what I've dug up on the guys the Nats have signed from the top 19 rounds. I will continue to dig up as much info as possible on the rest of the guys the Nats signed throughout the week.<div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">SS </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Jason Martinson</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> (5th round-Texas State University)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/4/29/1450107/casing-the-states-texas-part-three">Seiler</a> (4/29/2010): "He's a fringe-average hitter with fringe-average power, and while that's fine for a college shortstop, he lacks the range to stay there as a pro, meaning he'll have to handle third base. He has an average arm, and he's an average runner, so he could be a nice third baseman if he calms his hands down a bit. The consensus now seems to be that Martinson might make for a solid four corners utility player in the pros, and that has some value. He's going to strike out, but he works the count rather well, and he should make for a solid bench presence with good makeup."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/8/1507437/fifth-round-live-blogging#39303839">Seiler</a> (6/8/2010): "Nationals get Jason Martinson. Interesting, but not a huge fan. BA higher on him than me."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/6/13/1516348/washington-nationals-draft-review">Sickels</a> (6/13/2010): "Has athleticism, good arm strength and some speed, but there are doubts about his hitting ability against good pitching."</div><div><br /><a href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/06/10/draft-day-recap/">Oliver</a> (6/10/2010): "Another college SS who’s days are numbered. All scouting reports see him moving to 3B where he should be fine defensively. The bat is more gap power than HR-power. A start in Vermont may move him off of SS for Hague."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/sports/x1358977301/College-Baseball-Martinson-drafted-by-Washington">San Marcos Record</a> (6/9/2010): "Martinson put himself into position to be the 22nd Texas State player drafted in the last 10 years with a tremendous junior season at the plate. He batted .321 with 55 RBIs and set a school record with a 23-game hitting streak. In the field, Martinson showed great range yet left a lot to be desired. He committed 21 errors, including five in a 6-2 loss against Nicholls State. 'He could be a nice (player) if he calms his hands down a bit,” Mack Ade, a New York Mets draft insider, said.'"</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.newstreamz.com/2010/06/10/martinson-goes-to-nationals-in-fifth-round/">San Marcos Local News</a> (6/10/2010): Only the 3rd Texas State player to ever be taken in the first 5 rounds of the MLB draft. The other two were <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/linebsc01.shtml">Scott Linebrink</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=willia001bla">Blake Williams</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">C </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Cole Leonida</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> (6th round-Georgia Tech)</span></div><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/02/19/game-report-georgia-tech-v-missouri-state-2-19-10/">Seiler</a> (2/19/2010): "I had a good chance to see Cole Leonida’s run tool on a ground ball that he tried to leg out, and I can firmly say that it’s well below-average, but it shouldn’t be an issue with Leonida’s positioning as a catcher."<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/02/20/game-report-georgia-tech-v-missouri-state-2-20-10/">Seiler</a> (2/20/2010): "The secondary thing I noticed in the third was Cole Leonida’s slowness at getting down blocking balls in the dirt. He basically only put his glove between his legs one time, only dropping his knees to the ground after the ball had hit the mitt. That would be unacceptable at the next level, and combined with his occasional dropping of his arm angle on throws, he hasn’t shown me enough to be an adequate Major League starting catcher defensively."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/03/05/game-report-georgia-tech-v-rutgers-3510/">Seiler</a> (3/5/2010): "It’s becoming more apparent that Leonida’s slow bat speed and approach will limit him to being an organizational catcher at best."</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/6/13/1516348/washington-nationals-draft-review">Sickels</a> (6/13/2010): "Good defensive catcher, but bat is questionable. Projects as backup receiver."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/06/10/draft-day-recap/">Oliver</a> (6/10/2010): "A catcher known more for his glove/pitch calling. The bat will be the question."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://baseballdraftreport.com/2010/05/14/2010-mlb-draft-top-30-college-catching-prospects/">Baseball Draft Report</a> (5/14/2010, via <a href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/06/08/playing-catch-up-3/#comment-399882">NFA commenter PDowdy83</a>): "Leonida does a lot of little things very well. His defense around the plate is a strength, and his power potential is second only to Tyler Bullock’s here on the latter half of the top thirty. Leonida’s impressive throwing arm, while at least big league average in strength and above-average in accuracy, could really stand to benefit from some mechanical adjustments to help with his release point. With good coaching that big league average arm could easily become consistently above-average. As a hitter he’ll probably never hit at or near .300 professionally, but his raw power could translate into double digit homeruns if given enough playing time."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://ramblinwreck.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/leonida_cole00.html">Georgia Tech Official Site</a>: "(Leonida's) Uncle Chuck Kniffin played in the Phillies Organization and has served as the pitching coach for both the Colorado Springs Sky Sox and the Arizona Diamondbacks."</div><div><br /></div><div>Interview with the <a href="http://blogs.denverpost.com/preps/2010/06/09/cole-leonida-leaning-toward-signing-with-nats-and-other-thoughts/">Denver Post</a> (6/9/2010): "I’m really excited about it, because they’re a team that’s definitely going in the right direction. They’ve had, obviously, a good draft the last two years and they’ve got a lot of young talent. It’s also an organization where I could possibly move quickly because they don’t have a franchise catcher like (Jason) Varitek sitting in Boston for all those years. They’re still kind of on the up-and-up. It’s just a real good situation all the way around, and I’ve heard it’s a real good organization, so I can’t complain. I’m ecstatic."<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>RHP <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Aaron Barrett</b></span> (9th round-Ole Miss)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/4/24/1440993/all-questions-answered#35863735">Seiler</a> (4/24/2010): "Aaron Barrett of Ole Miss is a big-armed pitcher that could be a 4th-6th round guy, if not a little higher."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/5/12/1469330/mlb-draft-notebook-excerpt-aaron">Seiler</a> (5/12/2010): "Barrett features a fastball that’s usually anywhere from 90-93, and his slider is a solid-average to above-average complement to it. He’s also mixed in a changeup that has flashed above-average, but he needs to really work on commanding all his pitches. He’s worked in a curve before, but it’s more of a show-me pitch, and it’s not Major League quality. He has improved in almost every facet of his game this year, and it looks like he’ll be one of the first senior arms off the board in the third to sixth round range." (My note-READ HIS ENTIRE POST!)</div><div><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/8/1507618/eighth-tenth-round-open-thread#39311034"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span>Seiler</a> (6/8/2010): "Nationals get Aaron Barrett. What a steal."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/11/1513449/all-questions-answered#39745650">Seiler</a> (6/14/2010): "I really like the pick of Aaron Barrett in the 9th round. Could be a rotation arm for them."</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/6/13/1516348/washington-nationals-draft-review">Sickels</a> (6/13/2010): "88-90 MPH fastball, good slider, erratic track record but has had bouts of impressive success."<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.5tooltalk.com/collegenotes5-20-09.html">5 Tool Talk</a> (5/20/2009): "Barrett is a tall, big-bodied right-handed pitcher with an exaggerated, max-effort delivery. After compiling the Northwoods League top prospect list last summer, Barrett was the one player that led to a few people to email me and ask why I had left him off my list. He didn’t receive much support from league managers, at least outside of his own, but he also pitched out of the bullpen and wasn’t the easiest player to see perform...With his delivery I see his future in the bullpen, where his fastball-slider combination could allow him to close down the road."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://nems360.com/view/full_story/6774090/article-COLLEGE-BASEBALL--Barrett-ready-to-make-statement?instance=special_coverage_bullets_right_column">NEMS360</a>: "With low-90s velocity, Barrett has success with his fastball and change-up, but the slider is what he calls his out pitch. 'I can throw it any time for a strike, and if I throw it down and away I can strike the guy out.'"</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.insidethegrove.com/barrett-attacks-hogs/">Inside The Groove</a> (5/8/2010): "A couple of Aaron Barrett’s favorite words are 'compete' and 'battle.' The Ole Miss starter had to do both on Saturday evening in route to a 3-2 Ole Miss victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks. However, Barrett didn’t use either word to describe the win that evened the series – and the SEC West lead. 'Attack,' Barrett said of his mindset before the game. 'I got away from that my last couple of starts. Instead of nitpicking, I just let them hit it and attack the zone.'"</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>SS <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Blake Kelso</span></b> (10th round-Houston)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/8/1507618/eighth-tenth-round-open-thread#39311975">Seiler</a> (6/8/2010): "Nationals get Blake Kelso. Slick-fielding shortstop."<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/6/13/1516348/washington-nationals-draft-review">Sickels</a> (6/13/2010): "Scrappy infielder with athleticism and speed, but undersized body may make offense problematic at higher levels. Projects as utility type."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/06/10/draft-day-recap/">Oliver</a> (6/10/2010): "For some reason, he reminds me of Steve Lombardozzi. No one blow-you-away tool but does all of the little things. I love these types of guys."</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>RHP <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Neil Holland</span></b> (11th round-Louisville)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/8/1507691/eleventh-thirtieth-rounds-live-blog#39313549">Seiler</a> (6/8/2010): "Neil Holland is a sidearming right-handed relief pitcher from the University of Louisville. His fastball is currently a fringe-average offering that sits 86-88, and since he dropped his arm angle and is a rather diminutive pitcher, there isn’t any projection for more. However, he does a good job of spotting it, and that’s how he’ll have to pitch to succeed as a pro. His slider is now of the sidearming Frisbee variety, getting above-average grades and some funny swings from a few inexperienced college bats. He also throws an average changeup, and that’s the only thing that keeps him from being extremely hittable against left-handed hitters. He’s a potential eighth to fifteenth round pick with relatively modest upside."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/college/?p=2846">Aaron Fitt</a> (2/27/2010): "Holland, a junior who struggled with a higher arm slot for the first year and a half of his college career, was dropped down to the lower slot by Williams midway through last season. He took to it immediately, and Friday he ate up Michigan's hitters with a lively 87 mph fastball, a 73 mph Frisbee slider and a quality 73 mph changeup."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.uoflsports.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/holland_neil00.html">Louisville Official Site</a>: "His hobbies include paintball, racquetball, ping pong, playing cards and hanging out with friends. Ocean's 11 and 13 along with Saving Silverman are his favorite movies. Likes to watch That 70's Show on TV. His favorite athletes are David Eckstein and Jerry Rice. Lists bread and butter as his favorite foods. Also likes to eat at Texas Roadhouse. Cheers on the Colts and the Angels. Listens to all kinds of music. His dream golf foursome would be Barry Bonds, Bill Gates and the Incredible Hulk."</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>RHP <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chris McKenzie</span></b> (13th round-San Jacinto College North)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2009/07/13/draft-review-pittsburgh-pirates/">Seiler</a> (7/13/2009): "Another JUCO freshman, McKenzie will also probably pass over the Pirates’ offer in favor of another year at the JUCO powerhouse San Jacinto. I expected him to go late like this, as he’s got talent, but needs work and isn’t worthy of a large investment quite yet. He could emerge higher next year, as he probably will not sign." Note that this was from last year's draft when he was taken in the 35th round by Pittsburgh.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/06/10/draft-day-recap/">Oliver</a> (6/10/2010): "Both guys (McKenzie and teammate/Nats 16th rounder Mark Herrera) could be starters, but are more likely relievers."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100609&content_id=10986194&vkey=news_was&fext=.jsp&c_id=was&partnerId=rss_was">Nationals.com</a> (6/9/2010): "McKenzie went 7-1 last season with a 2.27 ERA. He also struck out 68 batters in 67 1/3 innings. He utilized a fastball that consistently was between 91-94 mph. McKenzie also has good control of his slider." </div><div><br /></div><div>"San Jacinto College North manager Tom Arrington said both McKenzie and Herrera have been clocked at 97 mph this season. 'I think they are both projected to have even more growth in them,' Arrington said. 'They have very fresh arms and I like their stuff. I expect them to do very well on the next level.'"</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>C <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">David Freitas</span></b> (15th round-Hawaii)</div><div><br />Nothing from Seiler, Sickels or Oliver.</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.hawaiiathletics.com/news/2010/6/8/BB_0608105104.aspx">Hawaii Official Site</a>: "The Sacramento, Calif., native finished the 2010 season with a .292 batting average, tying for the team-lead with 49 RBI. He also had 10 home runs, nine doubles and 43 runs scored. Freitas was named to both the all-WAC Tournament team and the all-NCAA Tempe Regional team."</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/20100318_Bows_boast_new_look_at_catcher.html">Honolulu Star-Bulletin</a> (3/18/2010): "Freitas has moved his way into the clean-up spot in the order and was one of the few UH hitters not to struggle against USC over the weekend. He had four hits in the series and is one of four different Rainbows with multiple home runs this season. 'No matter who you are, it takes a while to adjust to Division I pitching,' (Hawaii coach Mike) Trapasso said. 'With the pitchers we've seen, he hasn't put up the numbers he'd like to, but he's doing fine. Offensively he's going to be a guy that can produce runs for us.' </div><div><br /></div><div>The work Freitas puts in goes far beyond the batting cages. He's had to learn the tendencies and strengths of 13 different pitchers as well as show the ability to keep runners from stealing bases at will. 'The defense work has been the toughest,' Freitas said. 'Trying to block the plate and other things that I've never done is different. Throwing, I've always been throwing, so that's OK.'<br /><br />Freitas said he started playing catcher as a senior in high school. He spent the majority of his high school career as a pitcher and at first base. '(Junior college) is where I really became a catcher only,' Freitas said. 'That's where I really started playing (the position).'<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>RHP <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mark Herrera</span></b> (16th round-San Jacinto College North)</div><div>Nothing really from Seiler, Sickels or Oliver. Sickels did name Herrera as one of his "<a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/6/13/1516348/washington-nationals-draft-review">four others of note</a>" but did not add anything to it.</div><div><br /><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100609&content_id=10986194&vkey=news_was&fext=.jsp&c_id=was&partnerId=rss_was">Nationals.com</a> (6/9/2010): "Herrera, used primarily in a setup role for the Gators, was 2-2 with a 1.03 ERA and 37 strikeouts in only 26 1/3 innings. His top two pitches are also a low-mid 90s fastball and mid-80s slider.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2010/jun/08/mf_herrera_060910_99318/">Victoria Advocate</a> (6/8/2010): "The Nationals liked what Herrera did during his sophomore season at San Jacinto and made the Cuero graduate the first pick in the 16th round and the 476th pick overall. 'They liked how durable I was,' Herrera said. 'In the regional tournament, I pitched three games back-to back-to back. They said I was really consistent and they liked what they saw.' Herrera transferred to San Jacinto from St. Mary's. He was used exclusively in relief and had a 2-2 record with two saves and a 1.03 ERA, while striking out 37 in 26.1 innings. Herrera threw consistently in the low- to mid-90s and reached 97 on the radar gun at the Junior College World Series."</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br />RHP <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tyler Hanks</span></b> (17th round-College of Southern Nevada)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/5/3/1456540/seiler-ratings-nevada">Seiler</a> (5/3/2010): "Tyler Hanks, RHP, CC of Southern Nevada, Grade 1B1. In general, better players have a lower first number, a higher alphabetical second part (A is best), and a higher third number. For example, Bryce Harper gets a rating of 1A2. He will be drafted in the first three rounds, has a ceiling of a superstar, and has a 20 percent chance of reaching that ceiling (this includes chance of injury, etc.)." So basically Hanks should have been taken in the top few rounds, has a ceiling as an above-average pitcher and has about a 10% chance of reaching that ceiling.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/4/20/1431880/casing-the-states-nevada">Seiler</a> (4/20/2010): "He's started three games, but most scouts agree that his long-term role will be in the bullpen, where he absolutely shines. That's due to an elite fastball that gets plus grades, sitting 92-95 while touching 97-98 regularly. He's really started to command that pitch this year, and that's why he's really jumped up boards. His secondary pitch is a solid-average slider that has been as high as 87 mph, but it gets better break in the 84-85 range. He doesn't use it as much as he'll have to in the pros, as he's been able to blow his fastball by hitters with ease this spring. That, and the fact that he's changeup-free, means that Hanks will almost certainly be a relief prospect in the pros, though a very good one."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/4/22/1437729/25-additional-pitchers-for-the">Sickels</a> (4/22/2010): "Scouts coming to see Bryce Harper play have gotten a look at reliever Tyler Hanks, owner of a 93-97 MPH fastball and an effective slider. Like many junior college pitchers he is still rather raw, but a team looking for a young arm with upside will possibly take a shot as early as the third round." Another "four others of note" pick by Sickels.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://natsfarm.com/2010/06/10/draft-day-recap/">Oliver</a> (6/10/2010): "Teammate of Harper who gained some traction given the circus surrounding the Nats 1st rounder. Nats will probably try him as a starter, but could develop into a hard-throwing option out of the bullpen"</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>2B <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Justin Miller</span></b> (18th round-Middle Tennessee State University)</div><div>Not much out there. Hit .316/.361/.639 with 17 2B, 20 HR, 74 RBI and 54 R in 244 AB, which impresses me. 13:45 BB:K ratio doesn't impress me. 13 errors and a .953 fielding percentage don't look too bad.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>CF <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wade Moore</span></b> (19th round-Catawba College)</div><div>Not a whole lot on Moore. Hopefully I'll be able to dig up more soon.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.salisburypost.com/Sports/060910-draft">Salisbury Post</a> (6/9/2010): "Moore, reached by phone on Tuesday night, said, 'Obviously, I'm ecstatic.' Moore was the 2006 Rowan County Athlete of the Year and turned down football scholarships to sign with N.C. State in baseball. He decided to transfer home for his senior season just to get on the field. He said he knew he could play at the major-league level, but added, 'Obviously, I couldn't leave it in the hands of N.C. State.' Moore has been working out for several clubs. He said the most interest came from the Nationals, Cubs, Giants and Braves. He worked out for six teams, showing them throws from the outfield and running the 60-meter dash. 'But I really felt, with the relationships I had with the area scouts, it didn't surprise me (being drafted by the Nationals).' </div><div><br /></div><div>Moore led Catawba in most offensive categories. He finished his senior year with a .410 average to go with 16 home runs, 59 runs batted in and 20 doubles. He scored 77 runs. 'He came back a better player,' Gantt said. 'He gave us everything we expected. He helped us get to the regionals and that was the best thing. He helped the team.' Moore's run total was the fourth best total in a season at Catawba. His .790 slugging percentage has him ranked seventh in school history. Moore had 52 walks and a .542 on-base percentage, both of which are second all-time for a season."<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'd also like to point out that two of the names I trust the most in MLB Draft coverage, John Sickels from <a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/6/13/1516348/washington-nationals-draft-review">MinorLeagueBall.com</a> and Andy Seiler from <a href="http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/14/1517338/team-draft-grades#storyjump">MLBBonusBaby.com</a>, have said great things about this draft today. Sickels summed up his Nationals Draft Review today with the simple statement "Overall, I love this draft" while Seiler gave the Nats an A- grade and the #2 overall slot (behind the Red Sox). </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-40660362616643922802010-05-26T21:57:00.002-04:002010-05-26T22:03:20.763-04:00Check out the latest Nats Ten Game Sets at FFODC<a href="http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/nats-ten-game-sets-part-4.html">Here's the link</a>. This edition includes graphs, so go look at how pretty they are!<div><br /></div><div>And by the way, I'm looking for some free tickets to the Nats game on June 4. Think any are available?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-2795291073964965342010-05-26T20:33:00.003-04:002010-05-26T21:11:49.112-04:00May 26 InboxHere's tonight's fresh inbox for you.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; "><b>Pretty soon, the Nationals' injured pitchers are going to return to the mound, with left-hander Ross Detwiler most likely being the first one to come back. Having shown some potential last year, will the Nationals make an effort to bring him back once his rehab assignment is finished?<br />-- Evan S., Chevy Chase, Md.</b></p><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; ">Detwiler, along with guys like Stammen and Atilano, should not be assumed members of the starting rotation at any given point in time. What have any of them proved in their short stints in the majors? All three could (and should) get some more seasoning in AAA once Strasburg is up for good and the rest of the rotation gets healthy.</p><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; "><b>It seems like the Nats' offense has been lackluster lately. Are the Nats looking to upgrade anywhere offensively?<br />-- Matt W., Bowie, Md.</b></p><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; ">I certainly hope so. Bernadina, as good as his last week or so has been, is not a starting right fielder on a contender. He needs to start taking walks and cutting down on strikeouts if he wants to stay in the starting lineup. The Nats should go for a RF upgrade, but beyond that, I can't think of a realistic upgrade for their lineup. Pudge, Dunn, Kennedy/Guz/Desmond, Zim, Willingham, Morgan and an upgraded RF is the best case scenario (out of realistic scenarios, at least) for this year.</p><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; "><b>Do you think the Nats will take a chance on outfielder Pat Burrell so they could get more power in right field? It also gives him a chance to go back to the National League East. </b></p><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; "><b>-- Ben P., Alton, IL</b></p><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; "><b></b></p><b><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; font-weight: normal; "><b></b></p><b><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; font-weight: normal; display: inline !important; ">I certainly hope not. Burrell is Adam Dunn without the bat. He didn't hit last year, didn't hit this year and couldn't field, throw or run when he could hit back in the day. Unless he's willing to sign a minor league deal, I can't say "no" enough.</p></b><p></p><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; font-weight: normal; "><b></b></p><b><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; font-weight: normal; display: inline !important; "><b>I know Willie Harris has been a great role player for the Nationals these past few years but he is just not performing this year. His average is not good. I know it is early, but how many chances are we going to give this guy? I would rather see Kevin Mench or someone like that up here who will at least provide us with a great option off the bench. Thanks </b></p></b><p></p><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; font-weight: normal; "><b>-- Mike N., Buffalo, N.Y.</b></p><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; font-weight: normal; ">His average has never been good, even when he's been a productive bench player. And what do you mean by "how many chances are we going to give this guy?" Harris is nowhere near roster bubble material right now. Guys like Bernadina and Maxwell would probably get sent down before Harris because they still have options and guys like Gonzalez and Morse might get sent down before Harris as well even though they are out of options. But right now, the Nats really don't have any batters to call up and there is nobody really out there to sign, so why even have this discussion?</p><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; font-weight: normal; "><b>When Stephen Strasburg arrives in the Majors, who is most likely to lose his spot in the starting rotation?<br />-- Ryan K., Carlisle, Pa.</b></p><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; font-weight: normal; ">Ladson has it right: whoever has the best 2 or 3 starts before Strasmas out of Stammen and Atilano will get to stay up. Stammen seems to step it up every time his roster spot is threatened, so I'll put my money on him for now. It won't matter too much, though, because some combination of Wang, Detwiler and Marquis will probably displace both by the all-star break.</p><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; font-weight: normal; "><b>Do you think Cristian Guzman could be a full-time right fielder? We could use his bat full time in the lineup.<br />-- Michael W., Silver Spring, Md.</b></p><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; font-weight: normal; ">Right now, we can use Guzman's bat in the lineup. But once he returns to being .290/.320/.400 hitting Cristian Guzman, being a utility player is just fine. I think that he should play a little more right field in the time being, but the Nats need to find a true RF solution, and soon.</p><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; font-weight: normal; "><b>If the Nats stay competitive for the next two months, do you think management will be active before the July 31 trade deadline? If so, what does management feel the biggest need is, and who might they possibly go after?<br />-- Dean O., Winnipeg, Canada</b></p><p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; font-weight: normal; ">I have a good feeling that the Nats will be buyers rather than sellers at the deadline as long as they're around .500. I don't think they're gonna sell off the whole team and I don't think they'll stand pat. I could see them looking at guys like Corey Hart, Jody Gerut, Conor Jackson, Ty Wigginton, Jim Edmonds, Andruw Jones, Carlos Quentin, Mark Teahen and David DeJesus. I'm a big fan of DeJesus. If they chase after some pitchers, your names could be Roy Oswalt, Kevin Millwood, Javier Vazquez, Jake Westbrook or Wandy Rodriguez. This is pretty much just baseless speculation, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Nats run after some of those guys. Not advocating all of those names, of course...just throwing them out.</p></b><p></p></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-42636027752069677912010-05-16T00:30:00.002-04:002010-05-16T01:14:30.071-04:00The Nats through 10 games: Part 3 (Pitchers)As I said in part 3 (Hitters), the Nats went 6-4 in their 3rd stretch of 10 games after going 5-5 in each of their first 2 stretches. In this 10 game span, they scored 39 runs and gave up 40, continuing a trend of outperforming their pythagorean record.<div><br /></div><div>THE GOOD</div><div>SP Livan Hernandez-Yet again, Livan outperformed his peripherals, going 2-0 with 3 runs allowed (2 earned) in 12 and 1/3 innings while walking 6 and striking out 2. Moral of the story: don't doubt the Livan. LAST WEEK: Good.</div><div><br /></div><div>SP Craig Stammen-I considered moving Stammen into the "Meh" section, but his bad game wasn't really THAT bad (4 innings, 7 hits, 4 runs allowed, 2 K : 2 BB) and his good game was really good (6 and 2/3 innings, 4 hits, 2 runs allowed, 8 K : 0 BB). LAST WEEK: Good.</div><div><br /></div><div>SP Scott Olsen-Scotty had an awesome stretch, allowing only 7 hits and 2 runs (1 earned) in 13 and 1/3 innings. Over this stretch, he had 12 K's to 4 BB's, which I'll take any day. LAST WEEK: Meh.</div><div><br /></div><div>SP Matt Chico-5 innings, 6 hits, 2 runs, 0 walks and 3 strikeouts in his first ML game since 2008. Works for me. LAST WEEK: Did not appear.</div><div><br /></div><div>CP Matt Capps-4/4 on saves but took a loss on the night of Atilano's flaming bag of poop in his second inning. 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K is cool with me, though. LAST WEEK: Good.</div><div><br /></div><div>SP Jason Marquis-The fact that he didn't pitch was good. Hopefully his surgery will be a success.</div><div><br /></div><div>THE MEH</div><div><br /></div><div>RP Tyler Clippard-8 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 9 K doesn't look too bad. 2 blown saves (even though both ended up in wins) and 6 walks do look bad. Tyler falls into the "meh" category for the first time this season. LAST WEEK: Good.</div><div><br /></div><div>RP Miguel Batista-Nothing quite bad enough for me to throw him under the bus into "bad" territory, but if I see Miguel Batista on the mound we better be up by at least 5 or down by at least 5 (or if we don't have any relievers available besides Bruney). LAST WEEK: Meh.</div><div><br /></div><div>RP Sean Burnett-Only gave up 1 of his own runs in 3 and 1/3 innings but also allowed 2 inherited runners to score. LAST WEEK: Good.</div><div><br /></div><div>RP Tyler Walker-Tanked in a game that the Nats were only down by 2 in but recovered with 2 1-inning shutout performances after that. LAST WEEK: Meh.</div><div><br /></div><div>THE BAD</div><div>SP Luis Atilano-Good enough to win in his first game of this stretch vs. the Cubs, but awful in game 2 vs. the Braves. Yucky line for the week seals him into "bad" territory: 11 and 1/3 innings, 13 hits, 8 runs, 8 walks, 5 strikeouts. LAST WEEK: Good.</div><div><br /></div><div>SP John Lannan-I'm starting to get worried. After 3 straight respectable starts (averaging 6 and 1/3 innings pitched and 3 runs allowed per game), Lannan imploded again on May 2. He's still walking too many opponents and not striking anyone out. Have opponents finally solved John Lannan? Here's to hoping they haven't. LAST WEEK: Bad.</div><div><br /></div><div>RP Brian Bruney-somehow amassed a 3.00 WHIP over his 5 appearances. Somehow the Nats won 2 of them. In completely unrelated news, I hear Willy Taveras <a href="http://natsinsider.blogspot.com/2010/05/taveras-dfad-morse-activated.html">might need a roommate in Syracuse</a>. LAST WEEK: Meh.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-27479252336128520472010-05-09T17:06:00.005-04:002010-05-09T20:43:19.369-04:00The Nats through 10 games: Part 3 (Hitters)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; ">The Nats finished their third set of 10 games yesterday, going 6-4 after going 5-5 in each of their first 2 stretches. In this 10 game span, they scored 39 runs and gave up 40, continuing a trend of outperforming their pythagorean record.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; "><strong>THE GOOD</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; ">C Pudge Rodriguez-declining a little bit (because you can't hit .400 forever), but I'll still take a .320/.357/.480 line out of an aging catcher any time. Last week: GOOD.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; ">1B Adam Dunn-The Donkey hit 3 HR this week and the Nats won all 3 games, 2 by only 1 run. His batting average over the 10 game span scares me, but .212/.366/.576 is quite alright for now. Last week: GOOD.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; ">SS Ian Desmond-His homers in back-to-back games against the Braves were nice. I'm impressed with his 6 runs and 6 RBI in these 10 games as well as his .276/.323/.552 triple slash. Last week: MEH.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; ">3B Ryan Zimmerman-Zim has looked great since returning from injury, hitting .367/.412/.800 in the last 10 games. I think he's trying to show us that he's fine...and I believe him. Last week: GOOD.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; ">OF Willie Harris-.250/.294/.500 over a week is decent, but he didn't earn "good" status this week with his bat. Just check out <a href="http://nationals.mlb.com/search/media.jsp?player_id=407483">his highlight page</a> and be thankful one of our athletic outfielders is playing well.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; ">IF Adam Kennedy-Kennedy had been a disappointment over his first 20 games, but a .296/.345/.444 triple slash with 6 runs and 2 extra base hits makes him look a lot better right now. Hopefully he'll keep it up (or at least in some semblance).</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; "><strong>THE 'MEH'</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; ">SS Cristian Guzman-a .308/.333/.423 week ain't bad, but it's not really going to help him get more playing time. Also, he still only has 2 unintentional walks on the year. Yikes. Last week: MEH.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; ">OF Josh Willingham-his 2 HR in wins saved him from "the bad," but he's going to have to improve on his .156/.206/.406 line and 2:10 BB:K ratio over the last 10 days. </p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; ">IF Alberto Gonzalez-1/3 in his only start this week, 0-2 with a sacrifice off the bench. Closer to bad than good, but firmly a "meh" for me.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; "><strong>THE BAD</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; ">OF Nyjer Morgan-.237/.256/.368 is no line for a leadoff man, and 1/3 SB on the weak is unacceptable. If Tony Plush wants to be the Silver Fox anytime soon, he needs to step it up.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; ">C Wil Nieves-2 for 11 with no walks or extra base hits isn't a good week for anyone, including Wil Nieves. To his credit, he did get an RBI in the 3-2 win over the Cubs on 4/28.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; ">OF Justin Maxwell-0 for 6 with 4 walks. I have trouble blaming Max here, though; the Nats didn't give him a start after April 27 and still kept him up for another week. Even with all of his ups and downs, he's still our best long-term RF option at the moment. Play him somewhere.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; ">OF Willy Taveras-0 for 3 with 1 run and 1 CS. Why is he still here?</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; ">OF Roger Bernadina-Isn't getting on base nearly enough to justify giving him 26 plate appearances over the last 10 days when guys like Maxwell can only come up with 10. .208/.269/.250 isn't good enough, Roger.</p></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-86764503778580434822010-05-04T13:36:00.003-04:002010-05-04T17:35:03.193-04:00Catching up on Inboxes<span style="font-weight: bold;">Does this edition of the Nationals look like Expos teams we saw emerge from 1990-94? I grew up watching the Expos and followed them after they relocated to Washington. So I would like to know if the joy I received in '94 will appear again soon with the Nationals?</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Jean D., Montreal</span><br /><br />Unfortunately, no. The '94 Expos had an awesome pitching staff, with 4 of their 5 starters possessing ERA's under 3.42 (2 of whom had ERA's under 2.99). The bullpen was similarly great, anchored by John Wetteland and Mel Rojas. The current Nats could end up with comparable bats, but there is no way their rotation and bullpen could touch the '94 Expos 3.56 team ERA, 2.5 BB/9 rate or 7.0 K/9 rate. I'd be surprised if the Nats came within a run on the ERA, a walk on the BB/9 or a K on the K/9.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">First baseman Adam Dunn wants to stay in Washington and is beloved by the fans. How far along are the contract talks between him and the Nationals? When can we expect to see him signed to an extension?</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Kevin H., Upper Marlboro, Md.</span><br />FJB had an <a href="http://firejimbowden.blogspot.com/2010/04/adam-dunn-and-old-player-skills.html">excellent post</a> on this situation last week, essentially warning the Nats that he could be on the track to aging very quickly. I like Adam Dunn a lot, but the Nats need to avoid signing older players or players with diminishing skill sets to long-term deals, both now and in the future.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">With Luis Atilano pitching so well, what will happen to the rotation when Jason Marquis returns from his elbow injury?</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">-- William B., Silver Spring, Md.</span><br /><br />Atilano will go back to AAA then. He's been good through 2 games, but we're still talking about a 12 IP sample size. He's only struck out 2 batters while walking 5 in this timeframe; something tells me his current success is unsustainable unless he improves that ratio.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When will we see Jesus Flores behind the plate?</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Marcio D., Washington </span><br /><br />Ladson says "Hopefully after the All-Star break." I'm certainly hoping for that.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Matt Capps is off to a great start. However, Storen is the closer of the future. Will the Nats look to trade Capps while his value is high?</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Rich R., Slingerlands, N.Y.</span><br /><br />I hope the Nats sell high on him if they find themselves out of contention early next year, but he's under control for another year, so I'll say no for now.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">It seems the Nats are currently enjoying an abundance of starting pitching. Is it time to trade for a big bat in right field?</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">-- Brian G., Richmond, Va.</span><br /><br />They absolutely need to do something about their right field situation. I like having Maxwell's bat against lefties in a platoon, but I'm afraid that he won't get enough reps in that kind of situation (and if he does, the Nats could suffer). I don't think Roger Bernadina, Willie Harris or Willy Taveras are legitimate options for RF if the Nats consider themselves a team that wants to hang around .500 and think they need to make a minor-to-medium trade (perhaps for a guy like Corey Hart?) to fix things.<br /><br /><b>What do you think the Nationals should do with their 2010 first-round Draft pick? Should they get Bryce Harper or is there anyone else that you think would benefit the Nationals?<br />-- Robert B., Eastchester, N.Y.</b><br /><br />Unless something drastic happens with Bryce Harper (mainly an injury), he's the only option for the Nats IMO.<br /><div><br /><b>Livan Hernandez is pitching great. Why did the Nationals trade him to the D-backs in 2006? They could have had an ace on the staff.<br />-- Michael W., Silver Spring, Md.</b><br /><br />It was obviously a tanking technique used by the Nats to ensure they lost as many games as possible to be able to draft Strasburg and Harper. Livan Hernandez is unquestionably one of the premier aces in the majors, and has been since 1997.<br /><br /><b>The setup man/closer combo of Tyler Clippard and Matt Capps seems to be the most efficient since Luis Ayala and Chad Cordero. What do you think?<br />-- Alex C., Montreal<br /></b><br />It's been great so far, and the Nats certainly haven't had this kind of late-game stability since the Chief and Ayala (and Majewski for that matter) in 2005. But let's not count our chickens before they hatch. Plus, getting to the 8th and 9th might be an adventure this summer.</div><div><br /><b>How does the 2010 Nationals team compare to '05 off the field, not the stuff that we can see from watching the game?<br />-- William Y., Washington<br /></b><br />I'm certainly not qualified to answer this question because I can only watch the games...but losing Jose Guillen can't be a bad thing for off-the-field matters.</div><div><br /><b>With Justin Maxwell and Roger Bernadina platooning in right field, what does that mean for Willy Taveras?<br />-- Eric, Washington<br /></b><br />Hopefully it means he'll be spending his summer in Syracuse.</div><div><br /><b>Right now, right-hander Brian Bruney is the exact opposite of what the Nats expected of him. How much more patience do you think the organization will have with him before taking some kind of action?<br />-- Richard H., Toronto<br /></b><br />I think the Nats will give Bruney a shot until Storen gets his call to the bigs (late May/early June). They didn't really give anything up for him, so I can see them having a semi-short leash with him.<br /><br /><b>With Derek Norris waiting in the wings, I don't believe the Nats should draft Bryce Harper. I think signability could become a factor with Scott Boras advising him. What do you think about Harper and the possibility of Washinton taking him?<br />-- Nic P. , Philadelphia<br /></b><br />Glad you're not the GM. Catchers of the future don't always stick behind the plate, you know. And a lot of them flame out, too. Having multiple ones would not be a bad thing.</div><div><br /><b>At what point can we expect to see Chien Ming-Wang in the rotation, and what are your expectations of his potential impact?<br />-- Michael L., Williamsburg, Va.</b><br /><br />Ladson says he'll be back by June. I'm not expecting him to be good in his initial return but I think he'll start to regain some semblance of his old form toward the end of the year once he can gain a rhythm.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-79897488583506541562010-05-02T18:30:00.006-04:002010-05-02T20:39:40.864-04:00The Nats through 10 games: Part 2 (Pitchers)<b><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Note-this is a few days late. This 10 game stretch runs from April 17 to April 26, where the Nats went 5-5. <a href="http://dcsportsplus.blogspot.com/2010/04/nats-through-10-games.html">Part 1 is here</a> in its entirety and <a href="http://dcsportsplus.blogspot.com/2010/04/nats-through-10-games-part-2-hitters.html">Part 2 (Hitters)</a> is here.</span></div><div><b><br /></b></div>THE GOOD</b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">SP Livan Hernandez-Livo went 2-1 with a 1.13 ERA and a .169/.216/.265 triple slash against him in this 10 game stretch. His only loss was in a game where he pitched 8 innings of 2 run ball and the Nats lost 2-0. LAST WEEK: Good.</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">SP Craig Stammen-It would have been hard for Stammen to get any worse than his first 2 starts (15.63 ERA), but Stammen was great in his second 2 starts, going 1-0 with 5 runs allowed in 15 innings (a 3.00 ERA). A<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">lthough 8 K in 15 IP isn't impressive by itself, I<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> was very impressed with his 8:1 K:BB ratio.<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> LAST WEEK: Bad.</span></b></span></b></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">SP Luis Atilano-Had an awesome ML debut on April 23, giving up 1 run in 6 innings against the Dodgers. He needs to start striking guys out to continue his early success, but you have to give him props for a good start. LAST WEEK: Did not appear.</span></b></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">CP Matt Capps-Can't argue with 0 runs allowed in 5 innings and a 7:1 K:BB ratio.<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> LAST WEEK: Good.</span></b></span></b></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">RP Tyler Clippard-Or 0 runs allowed in 6 innings and a 10:1 K:BB ratio (plus only 1 hit allowed in that stretch!!).<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> LAST WEEK: Good.</span></b></span></b></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">RP Sean Burnett-Only pitched 1 and 2/3 innings in 2 games, allowing 1 hit and 1 walk but no runs. The IP total is interesting to me; does Riggleman not trust Burnett?<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> LAST WEEK: Bad.</span></b></span></b></span></b></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></span></b></span></b></div><div><div><b>THE MEH</b></div><div>SP Scott Olsen-One awful start (2 innings, 6 runs) and one awesome start (7 innings, 0 runs). I don't want to jump out and say Olsen is back due to his two straight good starts (the latter will be discussed in Part 3, as it occurred after this span of 10 games), but his K and BB rates are looking nice and his average fastball velocity has improved to 89 MPH, his best since averaging 90.1 MPH in 2007. It's only 4 starts, so take this info with a grain of salt, but he has improved.<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> LAST WEEK: Meh.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>RP Miguel Batista-4 runs over 9 innings isn't bad, but it's not good either. A 5:5 K:BB ratio is not terribly impressive, either. Watching Batista pitch right now is kinda like being in purgatory but knowing you're going to end up in hell.<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> LAST WEEK: Bad.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>RP Brian Bruney-Only gave up 1 run in 5 and 1/3 innings, but it was a bases-loaded walk. Speaking of free passes, Bruney handed out 5 in this span while striking out 6. Bruney pitched in all 5 losses over this 10 game span.<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> LAST WEEK: Bad.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>RP Tyler Walker-4 runs allowed in 6 and 1/3 innings is bad. A 9:1 K:BB ratio is encouraging, though.<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> LAST WEEK: Bad.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>RP Jesse English-Got sent down after throwing 2 innings where he allowed 1 run. The Nats are 0-7 in games that English pitched in, allowing 7 or more in each game, with April 12's 7-4 loss to Philly being the closest game. Looks like Riggleman never really had faith in him.<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> LAST WEEK: Good.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>THE BAD</b></div><div>SP John Lannan-I thought about putting Lannan in the "MEH" column, but 12 innings and 7 runs allowed is simply bad. In his 2 starts in games 11-20, Lannan walked 6 and only struck out 3. I'm starting to get a little worried about John.<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> LAST WEEK: Meh.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>SP Jason Marquis-Well, he doesn't have an ERA over this stretch because you can't divide by 0 innings pitched. But 7 earned runs without getting an out puts him in his own category of bad.<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> LAST WEEK: Bad.</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-41595776957599050152010-04-27T00:45:00.003-04:002010-05-02T20:38:33.555-04:00The Nats through 10 games: Part 2 (Hitters)<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "></p><p></p><p>In the last 10 games, the Nats went 5-5, actually outscoring their opponents 42-38. The Nats have now won or split every series on the year minus those against the Phillies. And now that the Phils have signed Ryan Howard to an <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/what-are-the-phillies-thinking/" mce_href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/what-are-the-phillies-thinking/">albatross of a contract</a>...well, that's a different story for a different day (and a different blog). Without further ado, here are your Nats' batters in their last 10 games!</p><p><b>THE GOOD</b></p><p>C Pudge Rodriguez-Not too often when in a 10 game span a guy can hit .414/.400/.517 and see his overall numbers go down. Hopefully his back will remain intact and he'll continue to his over .400 for the whole season! LAST WEEK: Good</p><p>1B Adam Dunn-He's still a little bit streaky (2+ hits in 4 games this week and 0 hits in 4 games), but his contact improved a lot this week in general. 6 XBH in the last 10 games is also a nice sign that he's warming up. LAST WEEK: Meh</p><p>3B Ryan Zimmerman-He was 9 for 22 in the games he played this week with 5 XBH and 6 RBI, but he only started in 5 of the 10 games. If the Nats want to sustain their current .500 mark, they need their franchise player to stay healthy and in the lineup. LAST WEEK: Meh</p><p><br /></p><p><b>THE MEH</b></p><p>UTIL Cristian Guzman-Hit .300 over the last 10 games, good for a .310 OBP when you factor in his one walk. That's our Guzzie. LAST WEEK: Meh</p><p>SS Ian Desmond-Hit .276 this week with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts in 32 plate appearances. If Desmond wants to be productive, he needs to raise his batting average and/or draw more walks to raise his OBP (which was only .313 over this span of 10 games). LAST WEEK: Meh</p><p>LF Josh Willingham-The Hammer gave his bat the week off, walking 9 times in 9 starts. When he did swing, however, he was a little disappointing; .258 isn't a terrible batting average for a week, but only 1 double and 2 RBI is less than desired from a guy who we needed to step out with Zimmerman not playing much. So Josh: the walks and stolen bases (2 on the week) are cool, but your job is to bring other runners in. LAST WEEK: Good</p><p>CF Nyjer Morgan-Nyjer did a good job getting on base during this stretch, hitting .368 with a .415 OBP, but it only translated into 4 runs (partially due to being caught stealing in 3 of his 4 attempts). Keep up the good work getting on base, Nyjer, but be smarter while you're there! LAST WEEK: Good</p><p>IF Adam Kennedy-a .208 batting average over the week is disappointing, but he did draw 4 walks against 2 strikeouts and stole 2 bases. Not a total catastrophe, but not a great week. LAST WEEK: Meh</p><p>IF Alberto Gonzalez-.286/.333/.333 ain't so bad for a guy who mostly pinch hits. Ain't so great, but ain't so bad. Gonzalez is the reason we have the "meh" category. Perhaps we should rename it the Alberto Gonzalez category? LAST WEEK: Good</p><p>OF Justin Maxwell-.222/.375/.444 is a pretty decent line. 5 walks in 24 plate appearances is pretty encouraging for Max. 6 strikeouts, however, is not. LAST WEEK: Meh</p><p><b>THE BAD</b></p><p>UTIL Willie Harris-Willie only had 3 hits in 16 chances this week. While all 3 were for extra bases, the Nats need better than a .188 batting average and .250 OBP on the week from Wee Willie if he wants to keep contributing. Props to him for basically winning <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/WAS/WAS201004190.shtml" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/WAS/WAS201004190.shtml">this game</a> singlehandedly, though! LAST WEEK: Meh</p><p>C Wil Nieves-.188/.188/.250 is a pretty rough week. Luckily for Wil, 2 of his 3 hits were pretty clutch, giving the Nats the lead for good in <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/WAS/WAS201004210.shtml" mce_href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/WAS/WAS201004210.shtml">this game against Colorado</a> and tying it late in <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2010_04_26_wasmlb_chnmlb_1" mce_href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2010_04_26_wasmlb_chnmlb_1">tonight's game against the Cubs</a>. LAST WEEK: Meh</p><p>OF Willy Taveras-.182/.182/.182 in 11 plate appearances. 1 run and 0/1 SB. Even though tonight's OF assist was nice, Taveras does not belong on a ML roster. LAST WEEK: Bad</p><p></p><p></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4745915579093042618.post-69999515543548248772010-04-17T17:12:00.002-04:002010-04-17T17:28:58.017-04:00Livan La Vida Loca<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.cdn.turner.com/sivault/si_online/covers/images/1997/1112_mid.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 313px;" src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/sivault/si_online/covers/images/1997/1112_mid.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div>At his current pace, Livan will go 32-0 with 256 innings of shutout ball. He'll allow 148.5 hits (the .5 will be a hit by David Eckstein), hand out 80 free passes and mercifully end 64 batters' trips to the plate before they can even try hitting a ball past future Gold Glove first baseman Adam Dunn. Pair him up with Stephen Strasburg, who will pitch 4 out of every 5 games when called up in June, and the Nationals are well on their way to their first World Series victory.</div><div><br /></div><div>LIVAN FOR CY YOUNG!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00096823960889095209noreply@blogger.com0