Handicapping 2010
Just thinking out loud here, but it looks to me like there are only about a dozen players on the current roster who can count on being introduced on Opening Day 2010.
Pitchers John Lannan, Garrett Mock, Sean Burnett, Tyler Clippard and Mike MacDougal, catcher Jesus Flores, and position players Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Dunn, Nyjer Morgan, Josh Willingham, Cristian Guzman, and Willie Harris.
Neither Stephen Strasburg or Jordan Zimmermann are on my list; Strasburg, since he's yet to throw a pitch in competition, and JZ, who's going to be rehabbing all year.
Craig Stammen and J.D. Martin figure to get long looks in Viera; they've both shown flashes of competence, but neither projects as more than middle-to-back end of the rotation. Jason Bergmann has a great arm and terrific stuff, but everyone still believes he's not pitching up to his talent. Still, it's his first year as a reliever.
It wouldn't surprise me to see the club non-tender a couple of guys, perhaps even Elijah Dukes, and I suspect they'll come up with something at the Rule 5 draft in Indianapolis in December as well.
If you ask me again tomorrow I may give a somewhat different answer. It's one of my favorite things about baseball: even when there's no games being played, there's plenty to talk about.
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Categories (click for archive)Phil Wood |
A little surprised you would put Elijah Dukes in the non tender category. I don't think it would be because of a lack of skills, but perhaps a lack of mental aptitude to adjust and accept things as they happen on and off the field. Maybe he is a clubhouse cancer?
I hope Nyjer is the real deal and not just another Watson, Logan etc. I'm still not sold. It is a shame that Bernadina got hurt when he did because we could have seen if he could hit MLB pitching. Now we may never know. I hope they give Maxwell most of the starts in CF to see if he can hit MLB pitching. I still believe we need to trade Willingham. He has done a good job, but I think his stock is high and we need to sell. I'm just worried about his back. Elijah is a puzzle. He has so much talent, but is very streaky. It could be because he is so young. Still need a 2B and/or SS depending on what they do with Guzman.
That's a pretty good list. Right now I don't think you dump Elijah Dukes unless you have something better to replace him with. Given his natural talent, he could still benefit from coaching in Florida.
I agree with the list except Harris he has hit in the .220's most of the year. He really won't help us win.The guys already called up have not been given a chance. Morse was tearing the cover off the ball at AAA and he has had about 10 at bats, same for Padilla. Let them play and see if they can help next year. I would keep Nieves over Bard unless they find another backup who is significantly better.
I walked throuh the line up with my non-professional eyes and only saw one handicapped spot. The National have not found an answer for the second base position. This would be my one opening that might require a free agent signing.
Go Nats !!! RR-Winchester, VA
RR:
You only saw one handicapped spot????? Do you realize you're talking about a line up who produced the worst record in baseball??
Nats needs in 2010 (in no particular order):
1B
2B
SS
C
Entire bullpen
#1 starter
#2 starter
Ouch Wham!!!! As I printed in by e-mail, my handcapping was from non-professional eyes. (LOL)
P.S. I'm currently taking a company seminar on "Crucial Conversations- Tools For Talking When Stakes Are High." How am I doing??? Otherwise I would have been more than happy to express my feeling on your reply. On a financial basis, where would you direct Stan to fund your major overhaul? Do we need to change the team name and colors also.
From all of the bad that you see in NatsTown, the guys have had every reson to roll over and play dead, but I sure don't see them backing off. Hope you enjoy (or in your mind, suffer) through the remainder of the season.
Go Nats!!! RR-Winchester, VA.