Nats notes

As expected, Kory Casto and Mike O'Connor were waived. Both cleared and will end up in Syracuse. Good for them, I'm sure both will see time in DC this summer. Also, Rule 5 pick Terrell Young will start the year on the 15-day DL with right shoulder inflammation. Young needs to spend 90 days on the active roster (the DL doesn't count) to stick with the Nats. I'd put it about 50-50 when injuries start to set in halfway through the year.

Now, all we're waiting on is word on who the 4 remaining relievers will be. Still have my money on Bergmann, Mock, Shell and Hinckley (although I think Hinckley should be replaced with Colome).

Now, here are a few links to share:

The Hardball Times takes a look at Shairon Martis (along with The Angels Angels' prospect Nick Adenhart). Definitely worth a look, some pretty charts and graphs and stuff there. The author, Harry Pavlidis, describes Martis' changeup as "top notch" and notes that "his slider may actually be three different pitches."

Marc Hulet of Fangraphs takes a look at some Nats prospects. Nothing earth-shattering, just some more "Zimmermann is awesome," "Detwiler regressed," and "the Nats' farm system sucks."

New additions to Nats Park: the statues of Hondo, Gibson and the Big Train are finished, 7-feet tall Racing President Bobbleheads, recycling bins, better signs, etc.

That's all I've got for now...still have another 1,000 or so words to write on Jane Cazneau. If you're interested in a mini-history lession, click here!

Sunday Inbox

Ladson's at it again! Inbox time!

I've been a fan of Hill's since he made his debut with the Expos in 2004. I don't understand why the Nationals released a man with his great work ethic. The team has had patience with first baseman Nick Johnson. I think you will agree Hill had tremendous upside.
-- Ben F., Suffolk, Va.

To be honest, Hill's time was up with up. He might be a great pitcher somewhere else, but we just couldn't count on him anymore. The team was better off moving on, in my opinion.

How is Johnson looking this spring?
-- Lou L., Sacramento, Calif.

Numbers are decieving (and pretty much pointless in Spring Training), but from what I've heard so far, Nick the Stick is looking decent. Here's to hoping he can play 130 games this year.

Do you think that the Nationals are going to miss Perez? Last year, he ate up a lot of innings and had a decent ERA. I never understood why the Nats didn't reward him with a Major League contract.
-- Phil I., Rockville, Md.

No. He was league average, yes, but they have a lot more pitchers this year capable of doing so. And I don't think it's good to have 3 LHP in the rotation, either. Olsen is his replacement, and at least Olsen has upside.

You said recently to not get ahead of ourselves when talking about right-hander Steven Strasburg -- but how can we not? He is the greatest prospect to come along since right-hander Mark Prior, and we have the No. 1 pick. Are you saying the Nats aren't going to pick him?
-- Michael S. Richmond, Va.

Look at what you just said..."the greatest prospect to come along since right-hander Mark Prior." Remember what happened to Mark Prior? Don't get ahead of yourself, there is no such thing as a known quantity in college baseball (or really in any kind of baseball).

Right-hander Jason Bergmann has yet to give up an earned run. I think he is really making a case to make the team and showing how much he wants to stay in the Majors. What are his chances?
-- Alex C., Montreal

He'll make the team as a middle reliever...a 75% chance.

Is Jesus Colome still alive in the competition to make the bullpen? You don't have his name listed on the depth chart.
-- Joseph M., Westwood, NJ

Also a 75% chance. For both of them, we'll see them anyways so it's not a huge deal if they don't make the initial Opening Day roster.

I would like to see the Nationals hire Frank Howard as a hitting coach. Is this possible?
-- Alan N., Washington D.C.

As a hitting coach, no. He should be hired somewhere in the system, but  not as the hitting coach. Think "special instructor" type roles. Team Ambassador? Something like that?

Friday night randoms

More random links for you:

Here's the find of the evening-a Paulie Lo Duca card plaque I found at Dick's Sporting Goods. Yikes!

Biggest news of the night: prospect Jack McGeary is gonna play full time this year, according to NFA. Yay!

From Nats Journal:

-Elijah Dukes paid his ~$40k in overdue child support 3 minutes before the deadline (yes, 4:57 pm for a 5 pm deadline, folks). 

-It looks like Jordan Zimmermann is a favorite to earn a spot in the rotation during Spring Training. And Ross Detwiler perhaps by the end of the year? I'll believe it when I see it.

-And straight out of Chico's mouth/pen: "Bowden admitted that the Nationals would absolutely need to overpay for potential free agents." Not surprising.

Hondo could be returning. A nice Q&A session with Hondo here as well. Do it, Kasten.

The Nats have no interest in Fogg, but still have interest in Orlando Hudson and Adam Dunn. I wholeheartedly support going after either.

The Mets signed Rob MackowiaKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. Great move on Omar Minaya's part...NOT!

Roundup of sorts

Some various things...

According to MLBTR, Jim Bowden apparently explored the idea of trading for Royals starter Zack Greinke. Tim Dierkes of MLBTR did speculate the following, however: "Of course, that could've just been a phone call inquiry from Jim Bowden to Dayton Moore that went nowhere." I doubt we have the right pieces to sniff a Greinke deal, but it's nice to see a name pop up that would be a good idea for the club, even if it won't happen. Also, the original article (from ESPN.com) notes some other names Bowden has asked about, most notably (or most conceivably) Joey Votto. The Reds took 1B Yonder Alonso seventh overall this year. Alonso is apparently very close to major league-ready (especially having signed a Major League contract, thus putting him on the 40 man roster), which could make Votto expendable. But the question remiains-will the Reds answer JimBow's calls?

Frank Howard is a free agent. I agree wholeheartedly with Dave Shenin of the Post...the Nats would be idiots to pass up this PR opportunity. It's falling right into their laps...so let's see how the (mis)management can screw it up.

The Nats named a new strength and conditioning coach as well as a new physical therapist today. John Philbin, the new S&C coach, spent 1992-2000 in the same capacity with the Redskins. Does anyone remember whether or not the Skins looked "fit" in that timeframe?