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You are 100% right Mr. Dibble

Thanks, and I really enjoy listening to you and Bob.

David

The last two sentences say it all. Great points Mr. Dibble....
I really don't think the "Strasburg Issue" is going to make or break the Nat's one way or another. The money on the table can be well used in several other ways,if Boras directs his puppet to hold out.

Now pitching for the "Grand Prairie AirHogs....
(Mr. Kasten- We're behind you 100%).

Go Nat's!!! RR-Winchester, VA

Right on Rob!

Blah blah blah

Any more cliches you'd care you spew?

I agree with every word, but I have to say that you were much more eloquent about this subject on the air last night. Your thoughts and words were extremely compelling during the broadcast - certainly the tech director thought so, since they didn't go to a commercial during that pitching change - but here they seem a little jumbled and incomplete. This is not intended as an insult... as a writer, I envy your ability to speak your mind clearly. Strasburg would be well served with a copy of that part of the broadcast.

Rob - Sorry you never had the opportunity he does right now. Seriously, I am. But come on, it's not his fault he's in the position to make that much money.

And stop acting like Tommy Hanson signed for $325,000 out of virtue. He took what he was in line to get, just like Strasburg should. He doesn't have a character flaw because he was the top prospect in the draft. Just an idiotic and bitter stance all around.

Rob,
I agreee 100%. In fact I might pull the offer if he hasnt signed it my mid night sunday and hold the money for the free agent pitching that will be available at the end of the season. I am sure the proven major leagers will gladly spend 10+ million of the Lerners money.

Also you know S Boras wants to change the way MLB drafts and slots thier picks. I would not roll over one bit if I were the owners. There is a system in place and the last time I checked the pay is pretty good. I as an owner would do everything possible to stay away from Boras.

I am a college coach and lately a few of my kids have landed in the draft and moved ahead to professional baseball. I tell them they dont need a high price agent to make logical and rational decision for you. Be a man and stand up for yourself and decide is about the $$ or baseball, or perhaps with some logic its about both and maybe doing the right thing......Thanks

Spot on Mr. Dibble. This whole thing is not about the Lerners, StanK, or Rizzo its all about SS and his agent. The reason to sign or not to sign is on them. After the 17th let SS and Borass be the ones on the hot-seat. I tend to give credit to those who actually made it to "The Show" rather then those who only wished they could.

For all the local sports talking media heads out there who have chosen to ignore the Nationals for the past 5 years please continue to do so, most Nats fans are not interested in anything you have to say. Got that WTEM and WJFK stick to what you claim to know, your opinions in regards to this team and baseball in general are not welcomed!

Rob I am so with you on this. One of the things I really like about the Nationals is the great attitude of the players. The Nationals players are really good people. From what I've read about Strasburg so far I don't think he fits into that category - or he is getting some really bad advice from the people close to him. Hopefully if he does sign he brings more to the team than his bad attitude.

YEAH DIBBS!!!!!

U got tore up last night by the blogsters but I agree with everything you say... If that kid walks away from 15 mil I say good luck in the independant league.... and I'm the one who flew to Milwaukee to hold up a sign strasburg poster.

I agree with the other Carol. I'm not sure where I heard it, but a comment was made that if we don't sign Strasburg; announce what he was offered and let Boras and Strasburg answer the deluge of questions. AMEN to That!

WOW.....

I have absolutely zero idea how a former MLB pitcher can call a guy that went 18-3 with a 2.90 ERA last season a BUST ??????

How can you feed this crap to Nats fans? Don't they have it bad enough already? I mean nobody even has a clue what is going on with this deal. For all we know - he could have been offered 11 mill or 50 mill. Nobody knows, not you, not me, nobody.

The kid was the #1 overall pick in the draft. He wasn't going to sign the first deal offered to him overnight and now you're bashing him because he hasn't signed by the DEADLINE yet? Can we say........Hater in the house!

I wonder if M's writers are bashing Ackley right now. What about Tate? Wheeler? Maztek? Crow? Alex White? Where are all of those guys at?

I'm sure if/when he signs you'll be praising what a great kid he is. Just like you guys said how Nieves is one of the best catchers in baseball at throwing runners out when statistically he is actually among the bottom three.

If I was Strasburg and I read this blog and what other possible future teammates have already said about me, I'd drive the price up even more.

Thank God for Andy MacPhail and the team I grew up watching. I couldn't stand to listen to this crap if the O's weren't around.

This is a no brainer if you are Strasberg. Sign and let's get your career started. All this posturing is part of the negotiating game. If he signs before the dealine, it looks like Boro's isn't doing his job in getting the most for his client. A deadline deal gives the perception that he held the cards and finally the Nats hit his number.

How can Boros look this kid in the face and recommend he turn down $15 - $16 Million? Guranteed!!

On Tuesday morning, he will be a Nat!!

Hey- "O's Fan from VA"... Did you happen to check out the standing before you splattered you guts on this blog. 48 wins doesn't really hold much water. Maybe you and Dempsey could better serve your time with your own problems.

Go Nats!!! RR-Winchester, VA

He'll sign. And then beat the Orioles many times. Btw Va is Natstown. So move to Md and root wear your orange

I guess the guy is a bust if you had to pay 50 million to talk to him plus his salary. The blO's suck and there fans are even worst. I guess you are the reason 980 keeps playing blO's games??? Oh yeah, where is this 18 - 3 pitcher now????

Dibble is right. Don't cave in to this kid and his crazy agent!!!

Dibs you're the best. I miss you and Kev being on The Show together.... What ended that?

Man, I wish Fire Joe Morgan was still operating so that they could dissect this article.

I hope Neyer tears it apart on his blog.

Well, I am NOT a NATS fan, but do like watching your games. The B/C team of ROB & BOB are 1st rate, refreshing, and unbiased. Regarding the STEVEN STRASSBURG topic, I'm wondering why it hasn't been mentioned that perhaps he just DOES NOT want to play for a team like the NATS, due to their consistence of inability to win, and I mean that respectfully. I have zero respect for SCOTT BORAS, as he is greedy and depicts everything that is wrong with the salaries of pro athletes. The bottom line is that S.S. should sign, if only for 2 seasons to complete his obligation to the draft process and to gain experience. If that doesn't occur, why couldn't the NATS trade his negotiating rights to another team who he might be interested in playing for, so as to benefit in some capacity as opposed to losing the selection at the midnite hour ???

Nice article, Rob. He still won't sign. :(

It's a real pleasure listening to you on the Nats games. You come across as a bit unpolished, but completely honest, often insightful, and always entertaining. Keep up the great work.

I agree with you Rob. Aside from that, what did you really think of Alberto Gnonzalez and his suicide squeeze?

I completely agree with you about Strasburg. I also agree with Michael J. Hayde that you've been expressing yourself very well on-air about this (by the way, I love your work with Bob and never miss a game if I can help it), so I was very disappointed that you couldn't make it onto Mike Wise's radio show last week. Please call in this week if you can and talk sense to the people!

Rob, right on, Dude! Strasburg may or may not be 'all that', but do you know what? In my opinion, I hope the door doesn't hit him in the rear on his way out. We don't need prima donnas- I like the cohesion I see from the 'Nats these days. I agree, he has his future to worry about, but he is being offered something unprecedented and it's really a slap in the face to the 'Nats. Do we even really want him? P.S. Boras can take a long walk off a short pier as far as I'm concerned. MLB would be better off without land $hark$ like him.

The NatiNals (I believe that's what their jersey read) have been the worst team in baseball for how many years now? What's the farm system looking like these days? It sure isn't (or wasn't) full of guys like Markakis, Reimold, Jones, Tillman, Matusz, Arrieta, Hernandez, Erbe, Bergeson, Wieters, etc, etc......

Nats fans can only PRAY they had the talent the O's have. The future is bright in Charm City....While in D.C. - All the lights are turned down low.

Are you still paying for Soriano? I can't remember. You know - the guy who refused to take LF for you?

48 wins means absolutely nothing to me right now. We're rebuilding and we have a very promising future with all the talent Andy MacPhail has brought in.

What can you say about the talent (or lack there of) that the Nats "think" they have?

Your acting GM doesn't care whether or not SS signs because he's out the door in October anyway.

That organization is nothing short of complete failure. To even THINK to try and compare the directions the O's and Nats are going is unbelievably idiotic. Opposite ways. You know it. Everyone in baseball knows it.

Not to mention, you're struggling in the NL East while we have a promising future in the toughest division in baseball. HUGE DIFFERENCE.

GOOD LUCK. Maybe next year you can get Bryce "Hunter" too. I think that's what a couple of Nats fans called him by. Can't even get a name right. Pathetic.

- O's fan from VA

Rob:

I think I have read or heard someone say that if Strasburg signs, he could join the Nationals' rotation in September -- next month? Is it possible that anyone can go from college ball to the big leagues in a month?

Move along, nothing to see here. This blog entry is nothing more than a regurgitation of beliefs that have been elucidated elsewhere and are a no-brainer. Mr. Dibble, who is your ghostwriter? I love the Nationals (when I watch them via their opponent's television feed!)!

RR, I would put my house up that the Nats wouldn't win 35 games in the AL east.

You play the Phillies, Dodgers, Cards and Cubs....Everyone else in that LEAGUE is cake.

Thanks and you can throw in the towel now before I make it worse.

Thanks Dibbs. Good post, and have really enjoyed listening to this year.

Re: O's fan - nice game today and loved the "let's go Angels" chants - bitter much?

The sporting goods stores in No Va have dumped all their Orioles gear, they're about as popular here as the Tri-City Valley Cats.

12 straight losing years and counting...

Mr Dibble

Problem is when kids engaged Boras as their advisor, chances are they are all about greed.

They know they have insurance money if they get hurt pitching in independent ball.

Rob Dibble Rocks! I thoroughly enjoy you and Bob on MASN. For most of the season, you two were the only reason I was tuning in.

Wow I couldn't let this one go. Ok O's fan in VA, are you kidding? before you open your mouth, you need to get your facts straight. Worst team how many years? 1, 2008. 2005-10th, 2006-6th, 2007-8th. And 2008 would be the only year the Blo's had a better record then Washington. Yes, the AL east is a very good division. How does it feel to get passed by Tampa Bay? Oh, and the last time I checked, a team from the NL east won the world series. How can anyone root for the Orioles after the way Angelos destroyed them. Yes, 12 years and counting...

I love your banter with Carpenter. I was born and raised in DC and a fan since Griffith Stadium. To those who are always so critical of our team and you guys -- go back to NY or Philly where they enjoy booing everyone. As for Strassburg, I won't cry if he doesn't sign with the Nats. As you say Rob, this is the big league and he hasn't pitched here. Also, his kind is the reason the price of tickets are so high.

Damn straight... if a record setting contract isn't good enough... F him.

"12 straight losing years and counting..."

3 teams and counting... maybe the third time will be the charm, huh? Your new stadium is proof that "if you build it they will come" is only true in the movies.

Mr Dibble you are way off base on this one.You work for the Lerners so keep your opinions to yourself and stop acting like a Lerner puppet.I think he should hold out for 50 million.

Dibs, I've always been a fan of yours but your conflict here is glaring. You're an employee of the Nationals, it's completely predictable that you would side with management. Back when you were a player and player rep my guess is that your take would be different.

I'm not a Boras guy, but players hire him for a reason--he takes care of his clients. His job is not to take care of the Nationals or any other ballclub, it's to represent his client. The Nats have smart people representing them. If Strasburg has leverage in the negotiation then he can demand a huge bonus, and if the Nats think his demands are too greedy they can walk away and take another pick next year. Both sides have a lot at risk here.

The reason Boras is still in business is that he's good at his job. Almost all of his draft picks sign, and for a lot more than they'd get if they hired other agents. Almost all of his free egents get bigger contracts. If I were a player with Strasburg's talent there's no doubt I'd hire Boras.

Nats4ever said:
Thanks Dibbs. Good post, and have really enjoyed listening to this year.

Re: O's fan - nice game today and loved the "let's go Angels" chants - bitter much?

The sporting goods stores in No Va have dumped all their Orioles gear, they're about as popular here as the Tri-City Valley Cats.

12 straight losing years and counting...

And why exactly were you watching the O's game when your beloved NatiNals were on at the same time?

Big "fan" you are......it's okay, you can tell the few fans of the Nats world how much you really love Baltimore's finest. There's only a few fans so not that many people will be upset with you.

This is great.....

Organizational rankings in all of baseball.

Orioles #10

NatiNals #29

Worst team in baseball and no farm to show for it. Play in the NL's 2nd weakest division while the O's play in the toughest division in all of baseball and STILL have a better record AND a promising future.

L.....M......A......O

I'm done.

Amen Rob - now for that time machine so we can get the nasty boys back in action.

Give me a break. Strasburg is worth every penny. He'd sign for 5x what he'll end up signing for if he was a free agent. I'd be doing exactly the same thing if I were him. Sound like jealousy Dibble.

You guy's that disagree with Dibb's on this one don't know much about the baseball draft do you? Hold out for 50 mill...lol...just like Crow last year who went back in the draft and was picked by KC and still has not signed. Not only is he getting missing yrs of millions he's getting older pitching in a indy league....Boy thats going to pay dividends for him...he's getting a record contract thats sitting on the table for him to sign. That ins policy thay Bore Azz got him isn't worth the contract beleive me. An the Nat's will get the 2nd pick in the draft next year if he does not sign. They are doing all they can it's time Bore Azz quit lying to his client and got him signed....An fyi all this coming from a Braves Fan :)

Re: Kyle, didn't hear Dibbs complain when the Nats gave Ryan Zimmerman $45 mil, doubt he's jealous, but that like most good fans thinks players should prove themselves at the pro level

Rob, Your comments were to the point and valid. I really enjoy your Nats telecasts. As a O's fan all my life, you have pretty much been converting me to the Nats!
Keep up the good work.

Linda

Rob:

You and Bob make the game for me. My wife is always asking, "what's so funny?"

How come some catchers, who see thousands of pitches, can't seem to hit one?

Nicknames: Dibble = Suede (smooth but strong)
Dun = Smasher (no dibbles er dribbles off his bat)

Love the Alabama Hammer

Morgan = Whoosh (as in where did he go?)

See ya Tuesday PM.

The Barlmar Merlan dirty birds who poop on this blog seems to forget were there team sits.

Hey "O's Fan From VA."- Again you're spend your vaiuable time and words on a National's Blog...If you're such a fan of the Birds, wouldn't your spoken words be better used on the other side of the MASNSPORTS web site.
Please continue to check out our side of the news. I will be happy to update you weekly on how you and the Orange rank with the Nationals. Take care my New-Found-Friend. I will drop you a line this weekend to see how we compare. I will add the standing to Mr. Dibbles weekly blog. Watch for it...

Go Nat's!!! RR-Winchester, VA.

Monday 8/17/09
Orioles 48-69
Nationals 43-75

Rob,

I agree with you on the most important point, that it is silly to over-spend on young pitchers, given their poor track record. In fact, far from being mad if the Nats don't sign him, I'll be mad if the Nats pay much more than $10 million, because that means that much less money to spend on proven pitching talent - something the Nats need far more than an unproven rookie.

And yes, I'll be mad at Strassburg and say good riddance if he doesn't take however many millions he's being offered to play this game. Lots of people are hurting right now.

I do part company with you, Rob, where others above have as well. Lay off the self-righteous, moralistic talk. The time for that is if he does NOT sign. No one can blame him for holding out for the best deal, and waiting until the final hour. Come on, Rob, didn't you ever have to negotiate a contract before? And baseball is a business, a rather nasty business, filled with greedy owners, as well as players.

I like your play by play commentary. You seem very honest, and aren't afraid to be critical OF PLAYERS, when it's needed. And you are smart, funny, and I learn from you. But answer me this. If you are too critical of the Lerners, can't they fire you? Like Angelos did to Jon Miller? When I hear you answer this, or I hear you criticize them, then I'll listen to you go after Strassburg for holding out for the best deal.

Will you criticize the Lerners if they over pay for Strassburg? Consistency would seem to require it. But that might anger them and the fans you depend on. Let's see if you have the ethics you demand of this kid.

Mr. Dibble,

This article is absurd! The Nats and Strasburg AGREED to terms of 15 million. If the Nats didn't feel he was worth that, they should have offered him less. To suggest that Steven, his agent or anyone of us would take less money then they could have got because he wants to 'prove' he is worth it is laughable.

You should be writing an article on how MLB and the Players Association need to address the issue of paying lots of money for unproven players. How teams that need the best available player pass over them because their small market doesn't allow them to spend big bucks to sign them.

1. Article is absurd-get as much as you can the american way. Viva la free maket
2. The MLBPA & Owners should create a slotting system so that players with talent do not drop in the draft from teams that cant pay like the Pirates etc. and go to the haves.
3. Slotting $ does not exist because of players greed despite what it would do for the good of the game and competitive balance
4. As long as teams like the Marlins are allowed to pocket revenue sharing I would not give an inch as a player for the good of the game.

Im with O's fan in VA...you guys do know that you were once the friggin' expos..right?...

I dont thing i need to say much more..B-more has something to look forward to..NatiNals...not so much..

Good luck LOOOOOOSERS!!!!!!

Rob:

How many base runners have the Nats stranded on third with one out? It's driving me crazy. Where did all the "timely" hits go? Yikes!!! When will Gonzo and Christian stop looking at the out field fence? Inquiring minds want to know.

you are boring me