Taking a closer look at Nyjer Morgan
Monday: Power Rankings, more on Martis | Tuesday: Milledge, Hanrahan traded to Pittsburgh | Wednesday: Dukes demoted to Triple-A Syracuse | Thursday: Comparing Adam Dunn and Nyjer Morgan
Friday, July 3:
Debbi Taylor writes on the Nats' addition of Nyjer Morgan: "Morgan will likely leadoff and start in centerfield on Friday against the Braves. He told me he thinks the Nats have a lot of talent and he's looking forward to playing for them. He described himself as someone who has a lot of energy and works hard." [masnsports.com]
Mark Zuckerman says Mike Rizzo's plan is to have players with good character: "On Tuesday, the Nationals traded Class AAA Syracuse outfielder Lastings Milledge and reliever Joel Hanrahan to the Pittsburgh Pirates for outfielder Nyjer Morgan and left-hander Sean Burnett. The deal made sense because Washington needed a good defensive center fielder and a reliable reliever, but both Acta and acting general manager Mike Rizzo went out of their way to laud Morgan and Burnett as "good character" guys who would have a positive influence in the clubhouse." [Washington Times]
Dave Sheinin reports Scott Boras may explore Japan for Stephen Strasburg: "Even before talks began with the Washington Nationals, who made Strasburg the first overall pick June 9, Boras was dropping hints privately that he is preparing to explore a new frontier in his ongoing draft-busting crusade: Japan." [Washington Post]
Jayson Stark spoke with a scout about Nyjer Morgan: ""I'll be honest. I'd rather have Nyjer Morgan than Lastings Milledge, despite the difference in tools. Morgan is an athletic player with much better makeup and more energy. And I'd bet he'll be a better player in the long run because of that."" [ESPN.com]
Jon Heyman takes a closer look at the Nationals-Pirates trade: "Before the Pirates and Nationals agreed upon a four-player trade that swapped outfielders Nyjer Morgan and Lasting Milledge, Pittsburgh asked Washington to include promising young pitcher Craig Stammen with Milledge. When the Nats said no, Pittsburgh requested another good pitching prospect, Garrett Mock. The Nats held firm, eventually getting Pittsburgh to agree to the deal once they agreed to swap Joel Hanrahan (a talented but struggling hurler) for Sean Burnett.
So interim GM Mike Rizzo probably impressed his bosses with his dealing here. He held out for the right deal." [SI.com]
Tim Brown ranks the Nats No. 30 in his power rankings: "Nats fans not sure who gets advantage in trade with Pirates, assume, however, winner to be team that sends away Hanrahan." [Yahoo! Sports]
 |
Categories (click for archive)Saying Nationals |
Leave a comment