ESPN Mag profiles Ryan Zimmerman

posted by WFY @ 10:00 AM | |

Nats: Baseball Prospectus Q&A with Jim Riggleman

Prospectus Q&A Jim Riggleman - The Post
Riggleman answers about 20 questions from David Laurila. All of the answers are a paragraph long and fairly thoughtful. He calls strikeouts "unproductive outs" and talks about how even with restrictive pitch counts, young hurlers sometimes get hurt, among other things. Not mentioned -- him being from suburban Montgomery County.

Hat tip to The Nats Blog.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Jim Riggleman,

posted by WFY @ 8:43 PM | |

Thomas Boswell chat 12.24.2009

Ask Boswell: Redskins, MLB, Nats, Caps and More - The Post
"Washington Post sports columnist Thomas Boswell will be online Thursday, Dec. 17, at 11:00 a.m. ET to talk about the new Redskins front office and take your other questions about the Nats, Tiger Woods, the NFL and the Caps. "

I didn't expect to see a Bos chat today. Perhaps he will talk more about the Nats and their recent acquisitions (including reliever Matt Capps apparently) than the dysfunctional Redskins. I really don't think there is anything else to add on that front.

posted by WFY @ 8:30 AM | |

New Nats pitcher Jason Marquis introduced; Eddie Guardado next?

Marquis deal is another positive sign for Nats - The Post
New National Marquis grabs mentor role - The Wash. Times
The Nationals newest starting pitcher and projected #1 starter, Jason Marquis, was introduced to Washington yesterday. Marquis speaks highly of the moves that the Nats have been making in the offseason and by signing Stephen Strasburg. He also got to know John Lannan a little last year in Colorado during the Nats-Rockies series. Marqis wants to be a mentor on the staff. Given that we are not even to the New Year, I'll take him at his word.

Nats nearing deal with veteran reliever Guardado - Nationals Journal, The Post
Oh how times have changed -- back in 2008 when he was pitching for the Texas Rangers, Eddie Guardado was told he was traded to D.C. at the deadline -- he was furious. In reality, he was pranked by his manager. Now, he is apparently ready to sign with the team. At 39 years old and a career almost exclusively in the American League, I'm skeptical about this signing and I can't help but think of Julian Tavarez. I hope my gut is wrong on this one.

Okay, Pirates fan(s), Matt Capps has the Nats as one of the two teams he will sign with soon, how should I feel about him in a curly W cap?

Strasburg lands endorsement deal with Topps - National Journal, The Post
Strasburg signed a deal with the only baseball card manufacturer left -- Topps. No word yet one whether it means he'll be restricted in his autographs like Ryan Zimmerman.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Jason Marquis,

posted by WFY @ 5:46 AM | |

I'm fascinated by this sentence in the Post story: "After one game, Marquis went out to socialize with a group that included Lannan, among others."

That happens?! Players on opposing players go out together after games?!! Did we know this?

# posted by dl004d : Wednesday, December 23, 2009 1:16:00 PM

I think baseball players probably hang out with opposing players more than most sports. In fact, I think the same is true of basketball players, not sure about hockey, likely little to none in the NFL during the season.

# posted by WFY : Wednesday, December 23, 2009 3:30:00 PM

Nats sign Jason Marquis to boost rotation

Nationals sign veteran Marquis - The Wash. Times
Nationals sign Marquis to two-year deal - The Post
The Washington Nationals brought in veteran pitcher to Jason Marquis to be a workhorse in the rotation. Pending passing a physical, Marquis will be introduced this afternoon at 2 p.m. The deal is reportedly for 2 years, $15 million, less than I would have expected given the Nats record.

Marquis is a 10 year veteran who has pitched for playoff teams every year in the majors. That streak is in serious jeopardy in Washington though. In 2009, he pitched 216 innings for the Colorado Rockies, but was left off the playoff roster. Marquis doesn't strike out many batters, so he fits in with the "pitch to contact" philosophy that pitching coach Steve McCatty preaches. He shutout the Nats on July 6 in Denver, besting Craig Stammen in a 1-0 duel.

Marquis will probably be at the top of the rotation, followed by John Lannan. Who will follow remains to be seen with Craig Stammen, Shairon Martis, Scott Olsen, Collin Balester, Garrett Mock, Ross Detwiler, J.D. Martin all vying for spots in the rotation. Last year's #1 pick Stephen Strasburg will hopefully be in the mix next year too. I would be surprised if another free agent pitcher is signed, though if Livan Hernandez wants to come back and probably can if he signs an incentive-laden deal.

Marquis is a solid pick up by GM Mike Rizzo. Moving to #2 in the rotation should help Lannan pick up some more wins too, since he won't be pitching against the opposition's #1 every time out.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Jason Marguis

posted by WFY @ 5:30 AM | |

Nats: What happened while I was not blogging

Let's see, what have I missed over the last few days about our Washington Nationals?

2010 tickets information released. No price increases, a few decreases. Here is how The Wash. Times reported it.

There will be no more free parking and shuttle service to Nationals Park from RFK Stadium.

GM Mike Rizzo watched Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman pitch.

Rizzo chatted on nationals.com
Same broadcasting team on MASN next year (nationals.com); Bob Carpenter and Debbi Taylor get new contracts. Another example of bad faith to Nats fans from MASN.

Thomas Boswell was going to chat about the Nats for The Post, but Vinny Cerrato's resignation and Bruce Allen's hiring by the Redskins dominated the chat. I'm not mad, the Cerrato coup is a huge deal and way overdue. Welcome new Redskins overlord!

posted by WFY @ 5:59 AM | |

Nats: Olsen brought back, Pudge wants to play a lot

Olsen signs one-year contract with Nats - The Post
Nationals bring back Olsen with one-year deal - The Wash. Times
When P Scott Olsen was non-tendered, denying him arbitration, I though the Washington Nationals were being cheap. It turns out they were being smart -- they signed Olsen to a $1 million, plus incentives contract yesterday. He is coming off labrum surgery and only 11 starts last year. He can make up to 4 million if he reaches 33 starts.

Rodríguez: 'I'm ready to play' - The Post
Rodriguez expects a full plate of work - The Wash. Times
C Ivan Rodriguez was introduced on Friday and talked about being an everyday player. That is not what the Nats had in mind, but um, I guess him wanting to play everyday is a healthy attitude.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Scott Olsen, Ivan Rodriguez

posted by WFY @ 5:52 AM | |

Nats: Winter meetings over; Pudge introduction today

Nats' acquisitions: 'good starting point' - The Post
Nats' buzz at meetings is change of strategy - The Wash. Times
The Washington Nationals acquired free agent Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, traded their #1 rule 5 draft pick to the New York Yankees for Brian Bruney.

The spin on the meetings was that the Nats were busy and checked off a number of thngs on their list. There are some suggestions that the Nats achieved some more respectability, but in the end I think baseball people thinking "why did they pay $6 million over two years for Pudge?" more than anything.

Rule 5 Selections - Nationals Farm Authority
Here are the Nats Rule 5 picks, all from the AAA portion of the draft.

RHP Arismendy Mota - Chicago White Sox
LHP Michael Wlodarczyk - Tampa Bay Rays
CF Nicholas Moresi - Houston Astros

Here are there loses:

RHP Zech Zinicola - Toronto Blue Jays

AAA portion
RHP Ruben De La Rosa - Toronto Blue Jays
RHP Terrence Engles - Seattle Mariners

AA portion
RHP Johan Figureo - New York Mets

They also released Zack Segovia to make roster room.

THOMAS BOSWELL - Nats act like they belong - The Post
Guess which D.C. columnist is oversold on the Nats winter meetings effort? Tom Boswell! He's oversold on Pudge and well, mostly everything the Nats have done this offseason. Is it better? Yes, but the damage done by Jim Bowden won't go away in just one offseason.

Pudge expected to be introduced by Nats - nationals.com
Press conference for the Rodriguez signing at 1 p.m. from Nationals Park. I wonder if Comcast SportsNet will carry it.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Rule 5 Draft, winter meetings

posted by WFY @ 5:40 AM | |

Thomas Boswell chat 12.10.2009

Ask Boswell: Redskins, Nats, baseball hot stove, Caps and more - The Post
"Washington Post sports columnist Thomas Boswell will be online Thursday, Dec. 10, at 11:00 a.m. ET to take your questions about the Redskins, the Nats, the NFL, the Caps and the latest sports news and his recent columns."

I expect Bos to be wild and crazy about the winter meetings with long answers and even longer delays between questions.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Thomas Boswell, chats

posted by WFY @ 9:00 AM | |

Are the Nats waiting for the market to come to them?

Nats seek starting pitching - The Post
Rizzo: Market won't deter Nats - The Wash. Times
The Nationals have admitted that they need pitching and are looking for a solid "innings-eater." The market for that type of pitcher seems to be about $10 million a year and the question is will GM Mike Rizzo go out and sign one of them soon or wait a while and hope "the market comes to them." That strategy worked last year with slugger Adam Dunn. Historically, the Nats have shown willingness to overpay for position players, but not yet with pitchers, their biggest need.

Other notes:

Pending the results of his physical, C Ivan Rodriguez will be introduced at 1 p.m. on Friday.

When asked about the Rule 5 draft, Rizzo said "we'll be there" which apparently means they will draft Yankees reliever Zach Kroenke and make him the player to be named later in the Brian Bruney trade. Huh? That just comes off as unseemly -- for both teams and I'm a fan of both of them. I don't want the Nats to become a modern Kansas City A's and act as the Yankees MLB farm team.

Washington Nationals, Nats, winter meetings, Mike Rizzo

posted by WFY @ 5:40 AM | |

Unfollow @JimBowdenIV - My last post (I hope) on Jim Bowden

Jim Bowden may have been deposed as Washington Nationals general manager last spring, but he continues to be thorn in the side (DC Sports Bog) of Nats fans. At the very least, he has a bizarre personality -- I think he has absolutely no self-awareness. Bowden was a terrible GM and may be a worse person. With that in mind, I propose a radical idea -- ignore him. Personally, I don't plan on posting anything else about him unless there is something meaningful, like a conviction for his "Smiley" related activities in the Dominican Republic. I haven't followed him on Twitter and I hope if you are that you stop. Maybe he'll just go away.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Jim Bowden, unfollow

posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM | |

Winter meetintgs day 2: Nats try to justify Pudge signing, find a starter

Catching some by surprise - The Post
Signing future Hall of Fame catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez for two years continues to be a head-scratcher for many following the Washington Nationals. The team is trying to explain the decision to give him a contract that doubles his salary from the previous year, despite being on the downside of his career and having questionable mentoring abilities. Rodriguez is also a Scott Boras client by the way. He needs to pass a physical too.

Day 2 drawing to a close - The Wash. Times
More analysis but also a pretty strong point -- the Nats have not really developed any position players yet. Ouch.

Nationals looking to land a starter - The Wash. Times
The Nats need more pitching and second tier starters like Jon Garland, Joel Pineiro and Vicente Padilla. Stan Kasten seems to like them because they won't cost $10 million a season.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Ivan Rodriguez, Pudge

posted by WFY @ 5:58 AM | |

Nats trade for Brian Bruney, sign Ivan Rodriguez

Nationals get Bruney from Yankees to beef up bullpen - The Post
Nationals acquire Bruney to bolster bullpen - The Wash. Times
The Washington Nationals traded a player to be named later to the New York Yankees for reliever Brian Bruney. The righty wants to close, but walks too many batters. Does this mean Mike McDougal, incumbent closer is done with Washington? We shall see if he's non-tendered.

Nats sign free agent Ivan Rodriguez - The Post
Nationals sign Pudge to two-year deal - The Wash. Times
Old man Ivan Rodriguez has been signed to a two-year, $6 million deal to be D.C.'s insurance policy behind the plate. That is akin to getting an '88 Tauras with 180,000 miles on it as a backup car, isn't it? At that level of compensation, I expect he'll be getting a lot more of Jesus Flores (when not injured) playing time than he probably should.

This is almost certainly the end of Wil Nieves Nats career? Who?

Washington Nationals, Nats, Brian Bruney, Ivan Rodriguez

posted by WFY @ 6:10 AM | |

Nats: Baseball's winter meetings start today

Nationals plan to stay patient this offseason - The Wash. Times
The Nationals' shopping list - The Wash. Times
Expect a fairly quiet offseason from the Washington Nationals. They want a couple of starting pitchers, some bullpen help, a middle infielder and a reliable second catcher. They don't want to spend too much or part with prospects. So, we'll have to see what happens, starting today at the winter meetings in Indianapolis.

Washington Nationals, Nats, winter meetings

posted by WFY @ 11:28 AM | |

MASN to show all Nats games in HD

MASN (Malevolent Angelos Sports Network) is putting all of the Washington Nationals 2010 games in HD. This is a rare sign of competence from the inept, anti-Nats/DC network owned and operated by Peter Angelos. Gutless MLB Commissioner Bud Selig agreed to a corrupt bargain with Angelos just before the 2005 season to avoid a lawsuit. Angelos of course voted against baseball's return to D.C. because he is a coward who mistakenly believes Washington and Baltimore are the same market. Angelos then kept the Nats off of most area cable systems until September 2006, costing the Nats two years of exposure to the greater D.C. area. It stifled the fanbase and hurt the District of Columbia's investment in Nationals Park. Once the Nats were available, Angelos continued his bad faith by making network Baltimore-centric and treating the Nats as the secondary team. The network is prone to technical incompetence. Keep all of this in mind if you are tempted to buy tickets to Angelos' Orioles -- you don't want to reward bad behavior do you?

The news was apparently supposed to be embargoed until today, but Rob Dibble showed his is as good as keeping secrets as he is broadcasting by tweeting about it it on Friday afternoon. I wish I had gotten to post this sooner, I dont' want any of you thinking I'm respecting a MASN embargo.

Washington Nationals, Nats, MASN, Rob Dibble

Labels: Media, Nats/MLB 2009, Television, Washington Nationals

posted by WFY @ 8:11 AM | |

Nats and John Smoltz interested in each other

Source: 'Mutual interest' for Smoltz, Nats - FOX Sports
John Smoltz and Stan Kasten got way back when both were with the Atlanta Braves, blah blah blah. Sure, there is interest, but if Smoltz signs with the Washington Nationals it will be because no contenders showed interest or they drove a dump truck full of money up to his house. I'd say the former is more likely than the latter.

I wouldn't mind having Smoltz around though.

Washington Nationals, Nats, John Smotlz

posted by WFY @ 12:44 PM | |

Nats: Winter meetings start Monday

Nats aren't expecting hot stove fireworks - The Post
The Washington Nationals wish list (I don't think we can call it a grocery list based on past performance) this offseason are a starting pitcher, a veteran reliever, a catcher and perhaps a middle infielder. Good luck with that, the market is not exactly flooded with these things and the first one is going to cost more money than the Lerners would like to spend. Tough, I say! Spend your profits and overpay to get a guy who can win 12-15 games. Give me a reason to go to the ballpark other than half-smokes.

In addition to the usual suspects at the meetings like GM Mike Rizzo, president Stan Kasten (presumably), manager Jim Riggleman is going for the first time in ten years. I guess that means something.

Two things of note about this article:

Why are the winter meetings in Indianapolis? That city does not have a MLB team and hopefully never will; they already have one two many pro teams and I am not talking about the Pacers. Was Peoria booked?
The Post has a winter meetings preview story and The Wash. Times does not. Doesn't that fly in the face of all the Post has inferior baseball coverage meme going around? I don't know what to believe anymore. Get your act together Moonies!

Nats hire Rizzo's father as advisor - nationals.com
Yay nepotism! Phil Rizzo, father of the general manager and a lifelong scout, has been hired as a senior adviser. I'm okay with it though, because Phil was able to tell Mike that he wasn't good enough to be a major leaguer.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Mike Rizzo, Phil Rizzo

posted by WFY @ 5:34 AM | |

Washington Nationals release 2010 spring training schedule

PRESS RELEASE - Nationals Announce 2010 Spring Training Schedule - nationals.com
Apparently finishing last means releasing your spring training schedule last. The Nats finally released their spring training, held in Viera, Fla. (even better) schedule. Some important dates to remember:

January 23 - spring training tickets go on sale*
February 19 - pitchers and catchers report
February 24 - position players report
February 26 - full squad workout
March 4 - first games (split-squad at Astros, Marlins)
March 6 - first home game
April 3 - final spring training game, vs. Boston Red Sox at Nationals Park

* except for March 12 tickets vs. New York Yankees which means they are probably trying to come up with a different ticket price for it.

Washington Nationals, Nats, spring training

posted by WFY @ 12:18 PM | |

Thomas Boswell chat 12.03.2009

Ask Boswell: Redskins, Nats, baseball hot stove, Caps and more - The Post
"Washington Post sports columnist Thomas Boswell will be online Thursday, Dec. 3, at 11:00 a.m. ET to take your questions about the Redskins, the Nats, the NFL, the Caps and the latest sports news and his recent columns."

I wonder how many questions Bos is going to take about the demise of The Wash. Times...

posted by WFY @ 9:00 AM | |

Nats chat at 2 on washingtontimes.com

Nats live chat on Wednesday - The Wash. Times
Ben Goessling, Nationals beat writer for The Wash. Times is chatting.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Ben Goessling

posted by WFY @ 12:42 PM | |

Nats' Stephen Strasburg won't need knee surgery

Strasburg won't need surgery - The Post
Phew! Washington Nationals pitching phenom, Stephen Strasburg will not need surgery on his dislocated left kneecap. Physical therapy has been prescribed to get his ligaments stronger and ready for spring training.

Nats fan can exhale -- for now.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Stephen Strasburg

posted by WFY @ 5:35 AM | |

Nats' Stephen Strasburg feels a pop in his knee

Sharp mind is Strasburg's secret weapon - The Wash. Times
Yesterday, Mark Zuckerman wrote an article about how Washington Nationals pitching prospect Stephen Strasburg was more than a 100 MPH throwing pitcher -- he was a thinking man on the mound too. It was the kind of story that raises the hopes of an entire fanbase, city, region, nation,
world. I was going to blog about this morning since I did not have time yesterday. Then Google Reader delivering heart-wrenching headlines like these:

Strasburg scratched from championship start - The Wash. Times
Strasburg hurts knee, out of Saturday's AFL title game [UPDATED] - The Post
Strasburg was channeling his inner Mark Lerner and shagging flies in the outfield when his left knee collapsed with an audible pop. The team is saying they "don't believe its serious" which is almost as bad as saying its "day-to-day." Given the track record of evaluating injuries we must fear the worst -- they won't be able to save the leg. And when he comes back to pitch with an artificial leg it won't even be unique -- D.C. has already had a one-legged pitcher, Bert Shepherd.

That's not the point though. The point is that by praising a pitching prospect of the Washington Nationals, Zuckerman damned Strasburg like John Patterson and Shawn Hill. Have you no deceny Zuckerman?

Washington Nationals, Nats, Stephen Strasburg, panic

posted by WFY @ 6:15 AM | |

Chico Harlan off the Nats beat

WaPo Seeks New Nats Writer - Fishbowl DC
Noted sports-hater Chico Harlan is leaving the Washington Nationals beat for other opportunities at The Post. Back when that infamous Washingtonian profile came out, I wrote this:

My take -- whatever, though it explains the initial level of coverage he provided when he took over the beat last season. It struck me as being written by someone who was cocky and probably too into himself. However, Harlan has improved and if he is doing it despite not liking his job, well that speaks well to his professionalism.

My beef, if you can call it that, with Harlan was sometimes he tried to hard to be snarky; his writing came off as HEY LOOK AT ME, I AM WRITING SOMETHING VERY, VERY SNARKY. When avoided that, he was a competent beat writer. That being said, I hope the new beat writer is more like original Nats beat writer Barry Svrluga than Harlan.

I wonder if any Nats bloggers will actually apply for the job.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Chico Harlan, Washington Post

posted by WFY @ 12:00 PM | |

Thomas Boswell chat 11.19.2009

Ask Boswell: Redskins, Nats, baseball hot stove, Caps and more - The Post
"Washington Post sports columnist Thomas Boswell will be online Thursday, Nov. 19, at 11:00 a.m. ET to take your questions about the Redskins, the Nats, the NFL, the Caps and the latest sports news and his recent columns."

Since Bos has an actual Nats column today, there may be a lot of baseball talk.

Washington Nationals, Nats, chat, Thomas Boswell

posted by WFY @ 8:00 AM | |

Nats GM Mike Rizzo has made 17 front office hires since August

Rizzo, Nationals hire Johnson - The Post
Johnson joins Nationals front office - The Wash. Times
Nats hire two for front-office positions - nationals.com
Davey Johnson is the latest in a string of hires Mike Rizzo has made for the Washington Nationals front office since becoming permanent general manager. Johnson, who has been out of MLB for most of the decade, has managed the US Olympic baseball team though. Stephen Strasburg was a member of that team in 2008. He will be a special advisor to Rizzo.

Bryan Minniti and Jay Sartori are the new assistant general manager and director of baseball operations respectively. They had both interviewed for the assistant GM job, but Rizzo liked them both so he made sure both got jobs. Minniti comes from the Pirates, Sartori from the commissioners' office.

Also, Jim Bowden's college roommate is no longer in the front office. Yay!

THOMAS BOSWELL - This National intelligence estimate is decidedly favorable - The Post
Boswell is pretty excited that the Nats finally have a real front office. He also notes that scouting will be the final say in player decisions most of the time. How quaint.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Davey Johnson, Mike Rizzo

posted by WFY @ 5:57 AM | |

Marquis Grissom won't be on Nats' 2010 coaching staff

Grissom will not return as Nats coach - nationals.com
2009 Washington Nationals Outfield and first base coach Marquis Grissom will not be a part of Jim Riggleman's coaching staff next season. Details are unknown and Grissom was apparently offered a job in the organization. Outside of Nyjer Morgan's outfield play, the defense back there was pretty awful, though that isn't on Grissom. Maybe they didn't like the cadence of his clapping as first base coach. Everybody knows its (*clap, clap* go Ryan, *clap, clap, clap*).

Washington Nationals, Nats, Marquis Grissom

posted by WFY @ 12:41 PM | |

Nats Zimmerman wins Silver Slugger

Nationals' Zimmerman receives Silver Slugger - The Wash. Times
I feel bad that I did not blog about Ryan Zimmerman winning yet another award -- the NL Silver Slugger award for third baseman. This comes after his Gold Glove announced a day earlier. His thunder got stolen by the announcement and coverage of Jim Riggleman's contract extension.

I don't think this news ever made The Post's print edition.

Washington Nationals, Nats, RyanZimmerman, Silver Slugger

posted by WFY @ 11:45 AM | |

Jim Riggleman introduced as Nats manager

Riggleman officially takes Nationals' reins - The Post
Riggleman keeps 'dream' job with Nationals - The Wash. Times
Riggleman hired as Nationals manager - nationals.com
Valentine moving on after Nats' decision - nationals.com
The Washington Nationals held a press conference yesterday to announce that Jim Riggleman had his interim tag removed from his title. It is believed he signed a 2-year deal with an option for a third. No details about the coaching staff were provided during the presser.

Riggleman, a Rockville, Md. native, considers the Nats and D.C.'s team during his childhood, the Washington Senators to be the same. He says this a dream come true. Let's hope the Nats are not as bad as the Senators for much longer.

Bobby Valentine, the former New York Mets and Texas Rangers manager, was also interviewed at length by GM Mike Rizzo. Valentine and Rizzo both spoke highly of each other, but former never got a call from the latter (bad move Rizzo) to announce that Riggleman got the job. Valentine believes Riggleman was the choice all along and rationalized that the rebuilding would be tough.

THOMAS BOSWELL - The right man for the plan - The Post
Bos, ever the fanboy is happy with Riggleman getting the job. He frames the hiring as part of The Plan and makes numerous references to the Capitals rebuilding -- Principal Nats owner Mark Lerner is a minority owner in the Caps. What Bos doesn't say is "Riggleman might be the next Glen Hanlon," the caretaker who coaches the team for a while and then gets replaced when the team is ready to make its move.

Loverro: Rizzo's choice feels right now - but later? - The Wash. Times
On the other hand, Loverro is critical of the hiring and thinks the team is saying "We're hiring a baseball lifer with a losing record because we really aren't going anywhere the next couple of years. So why spend the money to hire a manager with a better record?" Hard to argue with that statement, though Loverro does call Riggleman "a decent man who won't embarrass the organization, a baseball man who can be trusted not to mess up the development of young players."

Loverro also points out that Rizzo has Riggleman's back, unlike the previous general manager Jim Bowden and Manny Acta.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Jim Riggleman

posted by WFY @ 5:28 AM | |

Nats: Riggleman press conference on Comcast Sports Net at 2:30

Good news Washingtonians, you can watch the the Jim Riggleman press conference at 2:30 p.m. today on Comcast Sports Net Washington. Why support the Baltimore-based, Peter Angelos-owned, anti-Washington/Nats MASN when you don't have to?

Washington Nationals, Nats, Comcast Sports Net, Jim Riggleman

Labels: Nats/MLB 2009, Peter Angelos is a coward, Television, Washington Nationals

posted by WFY @ 12:02 PM | |

DC Sports Bog: #26 is cursed in Washington sports

For D.C. sports, 26 = sign of the devil - The Post
I did not get to this yesterday -- 26 is the number of the damned in Washington pro sports according to Dan Steinberg's frightening numerology. The Nationals, Capitals, Redskins, Wizards and DC United have all fallen victim to this dark number, though the spell seems to be indirect on the Caps.

By the way, the Caps now have 26 standings points - best in the Eastern Conference.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Washington Redskins, 26

Labels: DC United/MLS, Nats/MLB 2009, Redskins/NFL, Washington Capitals, Washington Nationals, Wizards/NBA

posted by WFY @ 11:00 AM | |

Cheryl Nichols (of Nationals News Network) mentioned this on Facebook:

#11 was a magic number in DC on Wednesday. The Caps won their 11th game of season in an 11 round shootout. Ryan Zimmerman (#11) won the NL 3B Gold Glove. Both of these took place on the 11th day of the 11th month. Wild.

To which I added:

11 is also retired by Capitals (Mike Gartner), the Wizards/Bullets (Elvin Hayes), was worn by the last Redskins QB to win a Super Bowl (Mark Rypien). My favorite number too.

# posted by WFY : Thursday, November 12, 2009 12:36:00 PM

Thomas Boswell chat 11.12.2009

Ask Boswell: Redskins, Nats, Caps and more - The Post
"Washington Post sports columnist Thomas Boswell will be online Thursday, Nov. 12, at 11:00 a.m. ET to take your questions about the Redskins, the Nats, the NFL, the Caps and the latest sports news and his recent columns."

Since the Nationals named Jim Riggleman was named manager and Ryan Zimmerman won a Gold Glove, Bos might actually talk about the Nationals today.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Thomas Boswell

posted by WFY @ 9:00 AM | |

Nats: Jim Riggleman named manager, Ryan Zimmerman wins gold glove

After search, Riggleman is the Nats' man - The Post
Nationals' Zimmerman earns first Gold Glove - The Wash. Times
Nationals keeping Riggleman as manager - The Wash. Times
In seemingly another PR blunder, the Washington Nationals stepped on the news of Ryan Zimmerman's first gold glove win by announcing that Jim Riggleman would be retained as manager after serving in the role of the interim manager since the All-Star break last year. More on that later with some cocktail party suppositions.

Riggleman was solid if unspectacular as manager last year. The knock on him was the Nats ran too much on the basepaths with him in charge. There is also concern that he will abuse young arms too much as some believe he did in Chicago with Kerry Wood. If he can avoid that, he should be a solid caretaker manager. He's also a Montgomery County, Md. native though that is not going to bring much buzz. They ought to try playing that up a little in the run up to the season.

Riggleman's apparent competitor for the job was Bobby Valentine, recently managing in Japan and previously with the Mets and Rangers. He would have been the flashier and more expensive pick. His Japan ties could have been useful too, but as far as day-to-day, I don't see that much advantage having Valentine right now since the team is a few years away at best.

The other news yesterday was Ryan Zimmerman being awarded the NL Gold Glove for third base. Zimmerman beat out San Diego Padres 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff, who set a record for fielding percentage and had PR campaign created by his team on his behalf. Zimmerman had nearly 150 more chances than Kouzmanoff and according the Ultimate Zone Rating statistic, Zimmerman saved 18.1 runs over the course of the season to Kouzmanoff's 7.5.

Zimmerman is only the second D.C. player to win a gold glove. In 1960, Earl Battey won the AL Gold Glove for catcher on the original Washington Senators. He won the next two with that franchise after it moved to Minnesota and became the Twins. He died in 2003. Let's see if any of the papers put out an article on Battey.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Jim Riggleman, Ryan Zimmerman, gold glove

posted by WFY @ 6:05 AM | |

Capitals and Wizards have below average ticket prices

Report: Wizards, Caps among sports' best bargains - The Wash. Times
D.C.'s two major indoor teams, the Capitals and Wizards, sell their tickets at less than their league averages. The Nationals have the 7th highest prices in MLB, but cut back tickets an average of 7% for 2010. The Nats also have $5 seats.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards

Labels: Capitals/NHL, Nats/MLB 2009, Washington Capitals, Washington Nationals, Wizards/NBA

posted by WFY @ 6:25 AM | |

Riggleman looks to be the choice as Nats manager

Nats' search for manager could lead to Riggleman - The Post
Riggleman: Nats to decide soon - nationals.com
Interim manager Jim Riggleman likes his chances to be hired full time as Washington Nationals manager. The only other interviews the Nats have conducted have been with Bobby Valentine and Bob Melvin. Valentine would cost a lot of money, but potentially would have insight into Japanese players since he spent so much time managing over their. Melvin managed the Diamondbacks to the playoffs a while back. Stan Kasten said he is using this period to get insights and opinions on the team. I can't fault that strategy, especially since they were not supposed to make any announcement during the World Series. However, the Series has been over for half a week, why keep us hanging? Oh, so you can scold people at the press conference for creating an artificial timeline, that's why Stan.

Riggleman expects an announcement after the general manager meetings. I don't have a problem with Riggleman staying around, provided he learned what not to do with young arms; keep the pitch counts low Jim! We don't want Stephen Strasburg to be another Kerry Wood.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Jim Riggleman

posted by WFY @ 5:48 AM | |

Nats don't pick up Austin Kearns option

Nats pass on Kearns' option - nationals.com
RF Austin Kearns' Washington career appears to be over. THe Nationals declined to pick up the 2010 option on his contract, buying him out for $1 million instead of paying him to play for $10 million. It is obviously the right decisions because Kearns can no longer hit.

Kearns arrived with Felipe Lopez in a 2006 trade with the Cincinnati Reds for relievers Gary Majewski, Bill Bray and Daryl Thompson, infielder Brendan Harris and shortstop Royce Clayton. At the time, it seemed like a great trade for the Nats, but in the end, it wound up being "meh." Lopez was a malcontent who got cut in 2008. Kearns signed a big contract but never lived up to the expectations that Jim Bowden set for him which seemed unrealistic at the time. Kearns really did not live up to any expectations the last two years, but it was not for a lack of professionalism -- he just couldn't hit anymore.

Kearns was drafted by the Reds, run by Bowden at the time, in the first round, in the second round of the same year they picked Adam Dunn. They are good friends.

Also, Dmitri Young is a free agent too. Just a few words for da Meathook -- fat dianetic and lazy is no way to go through life. His 2-year, $10 milion contract is typical Bowden -- help your friends, not your team. Neither will be missed.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Austin Kearns

Labels: Nats/MLB 2009

posted by WFY @ 9:45 AM | |

Baseball bigamy: Cheering for the Yankees & Nats means cheering for the best and worst

Let's see my American League team, the New York Yankees, the one that I have deep family ties to, is the best in baseball after winning the World Series again. Meanwhile, the hometown team, that I waited a generation for, the Washington Nationals, is the absolute worst. On the one hand, one team is the most hated (but maybe most loved too) and the other is the most maligned. Head to head, the Nats beat the Yankees 2 out of 3 times in the Bronx, including a shutout. Of course, I was neutral as a Swiss.

Such is life as a baseball bigamist.

Washington Nationals, Nats, New York Yankees, World Series

Labels: Nats/MLB 2009, Yankees

posted by WFY @ 12:30 PM | |

Thomas Boswell chat 11.05.2009

Ask Boswell: World Series, Redskins, Nats, Caps and More - The Post
"Washington Post sports columnist Thomas Boswell will be online Thursday, Nov. 5, at 11:00 a.m. ET to take your questions about the World Series, the Redskins, the Nats, the NFL, the Caps and the latest sports news and his recent columns."

I'm sure there will be lots of Nats talk today.

posted by WFY @ 9:30 AM | |

Mattingly won't interview; Riggleman likely 2010 Nats manager

Riggleman could stay with Nationals - The Wash. Times
Don Mattingly, bench coach of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has removed himself from consideration as next Washington Nationals manager. Given that the Nats have recently supplied Riggleman with "new electronic equipment" it seems they have the intention of keeping him around. The knock on the Nats is they don't want to spend a lot of money on a manager, eliminating Bobby Valentine and Buck Showalter as possibilities. Former Arizona manager Bob Melvin was thought to be in the mix, but it might be as a bench coach.

Nationals hire special adviser to GM - Nationals Journal, The Post
A couple of front office moves - former White Sox GM Ron Schueler has been named special adviser to GM Mike Rizzo and Bill Singer was promoted to director of professional scouting. Singer had previously been a Special Assignment Scout and Coordinator/Pacific Rim Operations. Who knew the Nats were scouting the Pacific Rim?

Washington Nationals, Nats, Jim Riggleman

posted by WFY @ 9:45 AM | |

Thomas Boswell chat 10.29.2009

Ask Boswell: Redskins, MLB, Nats, Caps and More - The Post
"Washington Post sports columnist Thomas Boswell will be online Thursday, October 29, at 11:00 a.m. ET to take your questions about the MLB playoffs, the Redskins, the Nats, the NFL, the Caps and the latest sports news and his recent columns."

What is the over-under on Nats questions this week? I'm going with 3. Capitals/Wizards, maybe 2. Nah, just 1.

posted by WFY @ 9:00 AM | |

Oh great, a casting call for a Nats fan reality show

Like most Nats bloggers, I got emailed about a Nationals fan reality show:

IMG Studios, a respected, established production company in Washington DC, is casting for a TV series about die-hard Nationals fans who have such an intense devotion to the lovable Nats that they have had trouble balancing their “real life” responsibilities with their devotion for their team. The person or group of friends must find it hard to balance an active social life, romantic relationship, work or family with the "other person" (Nationals) in their life. They must be willing to participate in a reality series that follows them for a specific period of time, and cannot be camera shy. If you are interested in being a part of this reality series for television, please send IMG a biographical paragraph and photo to muvena@interfacemedia.com. We will follow up if there is interest.

Thank you.

What could possibly go ~~right~~ wrong?

Sure, this is already "old" news in the Natmosphere, having broken about 27half; hours ago, but I figured I'd put in my two cents anyway. There is one person among us that would fulfill those requirements pretty well. However, I caution that person from doing it because reality shows aren't exactly edifying, though if Distinguished Senators, Ball-Wonk or Nationals Pastime want to jump in -- godspeed.

Is it just me or do the Nats seem to attract a decent amount of attention (like that Owen Wilson movie) despite their few years in the league and last place in the standings? I don't think the Kansas City Royals or Pittsburgh Pirates get this kind of attention.

P.S. If anybody does go on that show, please use it as a bully pulpit against MASN and Peter Angelos.

Washington Nationals, Nats, reality show, bad idea jeans

Labels: Nats/MLB 2009

posted by WFY @ 12:19 PM | |

Washington = America's Team!

# posted by Dave Nichols : Wednesday, October 28, 2009 5:37:00 PM

Didn't ESPN say that on July 4, 2005? Kind of been downhill since...

# posted by WFY : Wednesday, October 28, 2009 9:43:00 PM

Former Dominican instructor wins $75 K verdict from Nats

Baez to receive close to $75K - ESPN
Jose Baez, who was the Washington Nationals top instructor in the Dominican Republic prior to the Smiley Gonzales scandal won a wrongful termination suit against the team. He'll get close to $75,000 in lost pay an severance. No comment from the Nats.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Dominican Republic, Jose Baez

posted by WFY @ 6:18 AM | |

World Series: Can my Yankees do to the Phillies what my Nats couldn't?

After Six Years, Center Stage Again - The Times
The New York Yankees winning their 40th American League pennant is cause for celebration in and of itself. The 2009 World Series has more going for it than that, though. For the third time, the Yankees have won the pennant when they open/re-open a stadium -- 1923 Yankee Stadium's first year, 1976 renovated Yankee Stadium, and 2009 new Yankee Stadium. The Northeast Corridor chauvinist in me is happy that the Series features two teams from it as the Philadelphia Phillies won the National League pennant setting up a rematch of the 1950 World Series, which was won by the Yankees. For Mets fans, this is probably a nightmare series, but who cares about Mets fans? It is kind of a battle for the state of New Jersey too -- though I doubt the Phillies have many Jersey partisans above 40° N. This years series is all of these things, plus one more. For me it is a chance for baseball redemption, perhaps even revenge.

Long-time readers know that my friend Cliff (aka The Ombudsman) and I have an annual wager on the outcome of the Washington Nationals/Phillies season series -- the Cheesesteak/Half-Smoke Challenge. After I won the inaugural challenge in 2006, Cliff has taken it three years running. This year, he ran away with it, winning the season series 15-3. No, I'm not going to reopen the Challenge, nor would I suggest that his half-smoke be taken away from him in the event of a Yankees victory, but some revenge courtesy of the Yankees, would be a nice condiment on that half-smoke, no? We'll see if being a baseball bigamist pays off.

Yankees in 7.

New York Yankees, Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Northeast Corridor, Washington Nationals, Nats, World Series, baseball

Labels: Nats/MLB 2009, New York, Northeast Corridor, Yankees

posted by WFY @ 5:39 AM | |

I was rooting for the Angels, that's too bad they lost. Go Phillies!!

# posted by Amy : Monday, October 26, 2009 4:11:00 PM

Mark Lerner does Q&A for nationals.com

Q&A with principal owner Lerner - nationals.com
Washington Nationals Principal owner Mark Lerner is interviewed by beat writer Bill Ladson about the state of the franchise. Lerner certainly has his talking points down, he is well prepared. He is more sold on the answers to points 3 and 4 than I am though. Lerner also spends about six paragraphs attacking the media which is at least 5 paragraphs too many. Hey Mark, you earned a fair share of it and local media did not need to make stuff up. The "mature fan" comment is unnecessary as well and I could argue that a mature fan is going to wait for more results before invested time and money.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Mark Lerner

posted by WFY @ 6:25 AM | |

Nats manager search: Don Mattingly sought for interview

Nats ask for chance to talk to Mattingly - The Wash. Times
The Nationals have asked if they can talk to Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Don Mattingly about their vacant manager position. Mattingly appears interested and spoke highly of the Nats pitching prospects, especially Jordan Zimmermann, currently recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Bob Melvin, who has ties to Washington GM Mike Rizzo from when they were in Arizona, is also thought to be a candidate. Another former Diamondbacks skipper, Buck Showalter, is interested but has not been contacted. One report yesterday (Sports Illustrated) suggested that Riggleman must be the guy because the Nats search has been very quiet. The same report said Mattingly was in line to succeed Joe Torre in L.A. Mattingly, a Yankees great, was also thought to be in line to succeed Torre in the Bronx, but that job went to Joe Girardi. Meanwhile, former Nats manager Manny Acta is interviewing in Cleveland for the Indians job, along with Mattingly.

I am not sure that another rookie manager is the way for the Nats to go, but I can't deny the Yankees fan in me isn't intrigued by this development. I have a feeling Donnie Baseball is not really interested though.

Speaking of the Yankees, they are up 3-1 on the Angles. w00t!

Washington Nationals, Nats, Don Mattingly, Jim Riggleman

Labels: Nats/MLB 2009

posted by WFY @ 8:30 AM | |

Nats front office changes

Nats Make Additions to Front Office; Managerial Decision Is on Hold - The Post
Nationals continue to rework front office - The Wash. Times
I've been busy at work and not feeling too well, so I've fallen behind on my blogging.

GM Mike Rizzo's Nationals front office now looks like this:

Roy Clark, vice president of player personnel, formerly of the Atlanta Braves
Johnny DiPuglia, director of Latin American operations, formerly of the Boston Red Sox
Doug Harris, director of player development, formerly of the Cleveland Indians
Kris Kline, scouting director, promoted by the Washington Nationals

Also, Bobby Henley has been named the Minor League field coordinator (nationals.com)

There is still no word on who the next manager will be, though speculation points to Don Mattingly as a candidate and he's still busy in the playoffs with the Los Angeles Dodgers, though perhaps not for much longer. Interim manager Jim Riggleman is still a candidate.

Strasburg Hits 99 MPH in Fall League Debut - The Post
I am not going to be following the Arizona Fall League closely, Nationals Journal has been, but I figured I'd mention that #1 pick Stephen Strasburg has started well.

Labels: Nats/MLB 2009

posted by WFY @ 5:46 AM | |

Hee haw! Roy Clark joins Nats

Braves lose scouting director to Nationals - AJC
The Nationals filled a front office vacancy with Roy Clark, former Atlanta Braves scouting director and star of Hee Haw! Hopefully, he will bring his banjo and the Hee Haw honeys.

Roy Clark - Funny video clips are a click away

I'm now told that this is a different Roy Clark.

Oh man. That takes the bloom off of this rose. He better be the best assistant general manager and vice president of player personnel that Washington has ever had.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Roy Clark, Atlanta Braves

Labels: Nats/MLB 2009, Video, Washington Nationals

posted by WFY @ 5:49 AM | |

Nats TV ratings skyrocket, but still low

Nats TV Audience is MLB's Biggest Gainer - DC Sports Bog, The Post
Despite the presence of Bob Carpenter and Rob Dibble and Peter Angelos keeping them off the air for their first two seasons, Washington Nationals television ratings improved this past season. They are still last though. As we saw with the Capitals, good teams get good ratings.

Washington Nationals, Nats, tv ratings

Labels: Nats/MLB 2009, Television, Washington Nationals

posted by WFY @ 6:10 AM | |

Dana Brown leaves Nats for Blue Jays

Brown Discusses Departure From Nats - National Journal, The Post
It took several days, but there is finally some meaningful local coverage on the departure Washington Nationals scouting director Dana Brown. He believes that taking a job as special assistant to Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos. It should be noted that Anthopoulos was an intern in Montreal that Brown gave a full time position. There is a lesson there I suppose.

The Blue Jays requested permission to speak with Brown about the job. It sounds like Brown left on good terms. He had been with the franchise since 2002. Possible successors include crosschecker Kris Kline. There are a lot of holes in the front office right now.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Dana Brown

posted by WFY @ 5:41 AM | |

Jose Cardinel latest Jim Bowden advisor to leave Nats

Nationals cut ties with Cardenal - nationals.com
Speical advisor to the general manager, Jose Cardenal has been released by the Nationals. He was hired by Jim Bowden which is why he has been let go. He has no hard feelings and neither do I, the organization just needs to remove as many remnants of the Bowden era as they can.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Jose Cardenal

posted by WFY @ 6:53 AM | |

Stan Kasten confuses me

Kasten to Fans: Don't Worry About the Big Picture - The Post
Washington Nationals president Stan Kastens was on Versus's $ports Take the other night and had this to say:

We know that the record on the field is deplorable. And every night that you lose, no matter how many years I've been doing this, I still can't sleep after a loss. So that's hard. But it's easier for me in some respects because I don't have to focus just on the standings or just on the score, like fans do. That's all that we need to ask them to do. They don't have to pay attention to the other things. It's not, you know, their job.

Maybe I'm weird, but when the team loses over 100 games two years in a row, taking a look at the big picture is about the only possible source of hope and a lot more palatable than the win-loss record.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Stan Kasten

posted by WFY @ 6:12 AM | |

Nats: Surgery for Guzman, Norris

Surgery for Guzman, Norris - Chatter, The Wash. Times
Guzman to undergo shoulder surgery - nationals.com
SS Cristian Guzman is scheduled for arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder today. He missed the 2006 season with a torn labrum in the shoulder.

Say hello to second base in 2010 Guzman.

Down on the farm, so to speak, catching prospect Derek Norris broke the hamate bone in his left hand. Norris was going to be Stephen Strasburg's personal catcher in the Arizona Fall League.

Ian Desmond had a broken hamate earlier this season and I think Ryan Zimmerman did in the 2007-2008 offseason.

I don't think this news got much if any real estate in today's D.C. print editions.

Also, I'm pleased the Yankees beat the Minnesota Twins on two fronts; I have Yankees DNA and the Twins abanndoned Washington nearly fifty years ago.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Ian Desmond, Derek Norris

posted by WFY @ 6:08 AM | |

Nats grades, DC-IBWA Post-Season Player Awards

Nationals Grades - The Wash. Times
Every significant player on the Nationals roster and the front office gets graded.

DC-Internet Baseball Writers Association Names 2009 Player Achievement Awards -

INTERNET BASEBALL WRITERS ASSOCIATION: Washington, D.C. ChapterThe Washington, DC chapter of the Internet Baseball Writers Association is an organization comprised of internet writers, on-line media outlets, and bloggers.

In accordance with its stated goal of promoting the members of the association and increasing awareness and respect as active members of the media that cover the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball club, the DC-IBWA is pleased to announce its member-voted winners of Post-Season Player Achievement Awards.

Each individual award is named after a member of the district’s storied baseball heritage, to promote awareness of the significance of the history of Washington, DC baseball. Biographies of the honored historical players can be found attached to this press release.

THE AWARDS

Goose Goslin Most Valuable Player
Player most valuable to the success of the Washington Nationals:

1st: Ryan Zimmerman (92 points, 16 first place votes)

2nd: Adam Dunn (41 points, one first place vote)

3rd: Nyjer Morgan (25 points, three first place votes)

Others: John Lannan (19), Josh Willingham (3)

Walter Johnson Starting Pitcher of the Year
Excellent performance as a starting pitcher

1st: John Lannan (96 points, 18 first place votes)

2nd: Jordan Zimmermann (42 points, two first place votes)

3rd: Craig Stammen (22 points)

Others: J.D. Martin (6), Garrett Mock (4), Livan Hernandez (3), Ross Detwiler (2)

Frederick "Firpo" Marberry Relief Pitcher of the Year
Excellent performance as a relief pitcher

1st: Tyler Clippard (80 points, 13 first place votes)

2nd: Mike MacDougal (55 points, six first place votes)

3rd: Sean Burnett (29 points, one first place vote)

Others: Jason Bergmann (6), Joe Beimel (5), Ron Villone (3),Saul Rivera (1)

Sam Rice Hitter of the Year
Excellence in all-around hitting, situational hitting and baserunning

1st: Ryan Zimmerman (81 points, 14 first place votes)

2nd: Adam Dunn (39 points, two first place votes)

3rd: Nyjer Morgan (26 points, three first place votes)

Others: Josh Willingham (14), Nick Johnson (9, one first place vote), Cristian Guzman (6)

Frank Howard Slugger of the Year
Excellence in power hitting

1st: Adam Dunn (100 points, 20 first place votes)

2nd: Ryan Zimmerman (46 points)

3rd: Josh Willingham (27 points)

Joe Judge Defensive Player of the Year
Excellence in fielding

1st: Ryan Zimmerman (88 points, 14 first place votes)

2nd: Nyjer Morgan (69 points, six first place votes)

3rd: Willie Harris (12 points)

Others: Alberto Gonzalez, Elijah Dukes, Nick Johnson (3), Wil Nieves (1)

Mickey Vernon Comeback Player of the Year
Player who overcame biggest obstacle in the preceding season to contribute on the field

1st: Nick Johnson (50 points, 10 first place votes)

2nd: Mike MacDougal (20 points, one first place vote)

3rd: Ryan Zimmerman (18 points, three first place votes)

Others: Jason Bergmann (16), Josh Bard (9), Ron Villone (8), Josh Willingham (7), Mike Morse (7), Justin Maxwell (5), J.D. Martin (4), Nyjer Morgan, Livan Hernandez, Ross Detwiler, Elijah Dukes (3),
Adam Dunn, Ian Desmond, Jorge Padilla, Sean Burnett, Garrett Mock (1)

Josh Gibson Humanitarian Player of the Year
Player who meritoriously gave of himself to the community

1st: John Lannan (72 points, 12 first place votes)

2nd: Ryan Zimmerman (44 points, four first place votes)

3rd: Wil Nieves (21 points, three first place votes)

Others: Josh Willingham (9), Nyjer Morgan, Willie Harris, Elijah Dukes (3), Tyler Clippard (1)

Minor League Player of the Year
Minor league player most destined for big league success

1st: Derek Norris (54 points, nine first place votes)

2nd: Ian Desmond (53 points, nine first place votes)

3rd: Drew Storen (41 points, two first place votes)

Others: Bradley Meyers (16), Chris Marrero (7), Mike Morse (4), Daniel Espinosa (2), Ross Detwiler, Jorge Padilla (1).

posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM | |

Why Washingtonians should not cheer for the Twins

Last night the Minnesota Twins beat the Tigers in 12 innings to claim the AL Central crown and a playoff series with the New York Yankees. I noticed a few Nats fans on Twitter pulling for the Twins to win last night. The Twins had been the original Washington Senators. Do you know why thy moved to Minnesota? They moved because owner Calvin Griffith was a racist. He was a liar too.

I'm rooting for the Yankees in that series of course and I hope they can bring an end to indoor baseball in Minnesota in short order.

Minnesota Twins, Cavlin Griffith, Washington Senators

Labels: History, Nats/MLB 2009, Washington Nationals, Yankees

posted by WFY @ 10:00 AM | |

Agreed, but the Yankees (and the AL in general) are historically racist too.

Screw 'em. I'll be rooting for the NL all the way.

# posted by Hendo : Wednesday, October 07, 2009 1:31:00 PM

I couldnt stop laughing when the Twins player was celebrating and poured champagne on the interviewers head...lol...good times..

# posted by constant gina : Wednesday, October 07, 2009 6:29:00 PM

Nats have a lot to do this offseason

Nationals Prepare for Offseason Makeover - The Post
Nationals offseason primer - The Wash. Times
The Nationals need to find an assistant GM, farm director and more scouts. They also need to decide who their manager is going to be for 2010. Other decisions -- whether to offer Scott Olsen, who was not very good before having arm surgery, arbitration. I see go for it on that front. As for retaining Jim Riggelman, I'm not sure. My main concern is the management of young pitchers and seeing what happened to Kerry Wood under Riggelman's watch does not inspire confidence. They need to bring in at least one veteran pitcher, probably two, as well.

posted by WFY @ 6:25 AM | |

Nats win seventh straight to end 2009 season

Unusual Season Plays Out Until the Very End - The Post
Nats end on high note - The Wash. Times
How long was yesterday's Nationals vs. Braves season finale in Atlanta? Well, I watched the first ten innings (while occasionally surfing over to the Redskins game -- I saw Jason Campbell's beautiful TD to Santana Moss) and then had to run errands with my 16 month old. Every time we went somewhere, I said to him, "I guess we'll know how the Nats did when we get back." Every time, we can back to hear the game was still on. After three errands (including trips to Babies R Us and Harris Teeter) I couldn't believe the game was still on. The last time, we got in the car and hear the last out of the 2009 season, a strikeout with two Braves runners on. Final score 2-1, Washington over Atlanta.
Starting pitcher J.D. Martin went six innings, giving up only Nate McClouth's homer to right. He was replaced by PH Adam Dunn, who knocked in the first Nationals run. That was the final scoring until the 15th inning when Alberto Gonzales knocked in Elijah Dukes for the winnig run. Logan Kensig, the fifth Washington reliever of the day, pitched the final two innings to earn his first win of the season. He had been DFA'd twice. It was that kind of game and year.

That was the longest Washington Nationals game ever.

The Nats are the first team to open a season with seven straight losses and then win seven straight times to end the season. Stan Kasten joked that the Nats were a 7 1/2 game winning streak.

James Williams dismissed by Nationals - All Nats All the Time, nationals.com
The man responsible for keeping Dukes responsible has been told his services are no longer needed. James Williams, a mentor (*cough* babysitter) ti Dukes has been employed by the team for the past two seasons. The team felt that Dukes had grown enough since his demotion to Syracuse and subsequent call-up. Williams was gracious with his remarks:

"Elijah has a great future and I know he now understands the importance of diplomacy. It is the best method of resolving issues. I truly love him and his family as if they were own. He will make it. Many people are praying for him.

Let's hope he is right, Dukes has a lot at stake.

Nats' Dunn misses out on history - The Wash. Times
Dunn's streak of seasons with exactly 40 home runs ended at four. His power cooled in September -- he did not hit a homer since his 38th on September 23. It was the first time since 2003 that he did not cross the 40 homer threshold. He also had 46 in 2004. His average though was 30 points higher than last year and his OBP was .397.

There is a lot that will happen over the next few days, including the big question of whether Jim Riggleman will be retained.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Atlanta Braves

Labels: Nats/MLB 2009

posted by WFY @ 5:39 AM | |

Nats make it four in a row, beat Braves 2-1

Zimmerman, Nats Win a Tight One in Atlanta - The Post
Zimmerman, pitching yield another win - The Wash. Times
The Nationals started their final series of the season with a strong outing from Garrett Mock who went six innings and allowed the only Atlanta run of the game. 3B Ryan Zimmerman had two extra base hits that accounted for a RBI and the winning run. The Braves had been eliminated from the playoffs earlier in the day with the Rockies win clinching a return to the playoffs for Colorado.

Maxwell Prospers With New Stance - The Post
Justin Maxwell, who is 2 for 2 with 2 HR and 8 RBI when the bases are loaded, is using a new stance which is really his old stance. Maxwell changed the stance he used in college because he was not getting enough power. Hitting coach Rick Eckstein told Maxwell to learn to hit first and the power will come. Following that advice, Maxwell shortened his swing and the results, particularly since September 15 have been quite good.

I think the audio of the Charlies Slowes call of Maxwell's walkoff grand slam has been isolated, but my speakers don't work so I will have to investigate it at lunch. I listened to most of the ninth inning via Gameday Audio and it was riveting. I'll post about later.

Ross Detwiler, thought to be shut down for the season, will pitch again tomorrow. He has had a good September and GM Mike Rizzo is satisfied that his innings total is still reasonable.

MASN's technical problem - Chatter, The Wash. Times
MASN once again proved to be incompetent and unworthy of having the Nationals TV rights. Their truck died in Atlanta last night. Just another failure from the Baltimore-based, Peter Angelos owned network. MASN is...bad faith -- they cannot even live up to their corrupt bargain.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Atlanta Braves, Ryan Zimmerman

posted by WFY @ 6:10 AM | |

Thomas Boswell chat 10.01.2009

Ask Boswell: Redskins, Nats, Orioles and More - The Post
"Washington Post sports columnist Thomas Boswell will be online Thursday, October 1, at 11 a.m. ET to take your questions about the Redskins, the first week of the NFL, the Nats, Orioles and the latest sports news and his recent columns."

Bos wrote a good column today, let's see if it carries over to the chat.

EARLIER TODAY: Justin Maxwell, Nats sweep Mets with walkoff grand slam

Washington Nationals, Nats, Thomas Boswell

posted by WFY @ 9:15 AM | |

Justin Maxwell, Nats sweep Mets with walkoff grand slam

Nats Deliver a Grand Home Finale - The Post
Maxwell's slam good to the last drop - The Wash. Times
Earlier in the month I lamented that the Nats would not be able to take five of six and ruin the Mets playoff chances. New York's second team (maybe even third given all of the nostalgia for the Brooklyn Dodgers) was awful this season and not in contention but the Nationals did not seem to mind as they completed a sweep in stunning fashion -- a Justin Maxwell walk off grand slam (VIDEO -- warning: Bob Carpenter and Rob Dibble nearly ruin it). It the proved to be two more runs than needed, but that is just fine. Maxwell, a Olney, Md. native and University of Maryland player said it was "It's like everything I've ever dreamed of in the big leagues."

Maxwell's heroics came after Ryan Zimmerman struck out and Adam Dunn walked, sending a runner home on the already full bases. Yes, Zimmerman missed a walkoff opportunity of his own, but no matter, it is good to see someone else do it.

Starter John Lannan again got a no decision despite pitching well and will not get his 10th win unless he is called in for some relief duty, a highly unlikely occurrence. He finishes with 9 wins (again) and a 3.88 ERA.

I really wish I had been at that game.

Manager decision expected quickly - The Wash. Times
I read this as the new manager is not going to Jim Riggleman.

THOMAS BOSWELL - A D.C. Game of Moneyball - The Post
A good column this week on the Nats finances under the Lerner/Kasten ownership.

If the Nats keep operating as they have, they'll be seen as the only top-10 market with the gall to act like a bottom-five town.

That pretty much sums it up. This is a huge offseason for the Nats. They really need to show some good faith and make the Nats better next year.

THOM LOVERRO - Attendance is sure not to appreciate - The Wash. Times
Loverro gets some decent quotes from Stan Kasten about attendance.

Listen, I can't pretend we didn't have two 100-loss seasons. I get it; we have to produce a compelling product. We are going to. We just haven't done it yet.

There is nothing like starting sentence with "Listen" is there?

Loverro also notes that he did not see the Nats on any of 15 televisions in a Bethesda bar recently. Do you think that would be happening had the Nats been broadcast in 2005? This is due in large part to Peter Angelos, something everybody needs to remember.

Dick Heller continues to be unlinkable.

From 1971:

SHIRLEY POVICH - The Senators' Final Game - The Post
Yesterday was the 38th anniversary of the Washington Senators final game.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Justin Maxwell, New York Mets

posted by WFY @ 6:10 AM | |

Nats win 2009 penultimate home game

Nats Grab a Win to Savor - The Post
Nats hit the five-year mark with victory - The Wash. Times
Going up 4-3 in the eighth on form National Anderson Hernandez's throwing error, the Washington escaped with the win when Elijah Dukes robbed David Wright of an extra base hit to end the game. Dukes caught the ball on the run just before crashing into the right field scoreboard (video). Had Dukes come up short, the Mets may have tied it since they had a runner on first.

Both articles mention that yesterday was the fifth anniversary of the Expos relocation announcement, something I covered yesterday.

Only one more home game left, today at 4:35 p.m. I wish I could go to it, I enjoy the final home game of the year. Tim Redding is on the hill for the Mets, John Lannan is going for the Nats.

Washington Nationals, Nats, New York Mets

posted by WFY @ 6:35 AM | |

5 years ago today, MLB announced the Expos were moving to D.C.

Five years ago today, I rushed out of my office office in Tysons Corner, parked at my apartment building in Pentagon City and Metro'ed to Mt. Vernon Square, Senators pennant in hand for the announcement I had been waiting pretty much my whole life for -- baseball was coming back to D.C.

That was a great day wasn't it? Now, five years and a few games short of five full seasons, we have the team and a two-year old ballpark. That Nationals Park got built is still one of the most shocking things I have experienced as a Washingtonian. I did not think the city burecracy or MLB arrogance and fear of Peter Angelos would ever be overcome. Somehow, despite themselves, the ballpark got built and opened on-time.

Frankly, I expected a lot more wins since that day and if not playoffs, at least some .500 seasons. MLB's delay in selling the team seemed calculated to kill any positive buzz off of the surprising 2005 season and their hiring as Jim Bowden as general manager was downright irresponsible. That the Lerner/Kasten ownership group retained Bowden after they finally got to take over the team in July 2006 is a strike against them. The franchise was clearly held back by their obliviousness. I am patient though, probably to a fault. I still say, a bad team is better than no team, but for how much longer? Let's not find out. They better be respectable by the time my son is old enough to care.

The Nats arrival the second best news of the week, as I got engaged two days later.

posted by WFY @ 12:07 PM | |

Nats beat Mets, Detwiler gets first win

Finally, Detwiler Picks Up the 'W' - The Post
Detwiler delivers in his final start - The Wash. Times
It took 13 starts, but Ross Detwiler finally earned his first curly W of his career. The lefty rookie was finally rewarded for a decent September after trouble in his early season call-up. He gave up only one run to the Mets.

3B Ryan Zimmerman knocked in the first run of the game with a 1st inning sacrifice. Mike Morse homered for the third game in a row. Final score WASHINGTON 2 New York 1.

For MacDougal, Solid Outing Follows Chat - The Post
Closer Mike MacDougal rebounded from a 3-run blown save on Sunday with a perfect inning last night. Manager Jim Riggleman had chatted with him earlier in the day.

Guzman not sure he will play second base - All Nats All The Time, nationals.com
Cristian Guzman tells Bill Ladson he isn't sure he wants to play second base next year. Awww, poor Guzzie. Perhaps you can get over it sleeping on your mattress made of money that only Jim Bowden was stupid enough to pay you.

Tragic Number Update: Its over, we’re guaranteed #1 pick in 2010 - Nationals Farm Authority
The Nats have clinched the worst record in baseball with almost a week left to play. Will they draft and sign Bryce Harper, the Nevada teenage phenomenon?

Washington Nationals, Nats, New York Mets, Ross Detwiler

posted by WFY @ 5:43 AM | |

Nats notes for 09.28.2009

A few things I wanted to post as we head into the final week of the season:

Where to play Mike Morse? - The Post

CF Nyjer Morgan is the Nats MVP, even though he only played 51 games? - The Wash. Times

SS Cristian Guzman and reliever Sean Burnett might not play again in 2009.

In 2010, 3,300 seats will cost season ticketholders less money. There will be fewer premium seats as well. The Post & The Wash. Times, respectively.

Finally, Thomas Boswell still has a man-crush on 1B Adam Dunn and 3B Ryan Zimmerman - The Post

Labels: Nats/MLB 2009

posted by WFY @ 12:51 PM | |

Nats swept by Atlanta

SUNDAY: Atlanta 6 WASHINGTON 3 (10)

Despite Doing Plenty Right, It Still Goes Wrong for Nats - The Post
Self-defeating mistakes continue to mount - The Wash. Times

SATURDAY, Atlanta 11 WASHINGTON 5

Hanson Helps Braves Beat Nationals - The Post
Another loss adds to Dunn's frustration - The Wash. Times

FRIDAY, Atlanta 4 WASHINGTON 1

Losing 101: Little Offense, Poor Defense Cost Nats - The Post
Another tough-luck outcome for Lannan - The Wash. Times

Washington Nationals, Nats, Atlanta Braves

posted by WFY @ 5:32 AM | |

Nats fall to Dodgers hit 100 loses

Nationals Lose for 100th Time - The Post
Nats are at a loss for the 100th time - The Wash. Times
100 losses -- again. Not much more to say about that number. They fell behind 4-0 in the first and came back to tie it at 6 late, but lost 7-6 to the Dodgers.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Los Angeles Dodgers

posted by WFY @ 6:25 AM | |

Thomas Boswell chat 09.24.2009

Ask Boswell: Redskins, Nats, Orioles and More - The Post
"Washington Post sports columnist Thomas Boswell will be online Thursday, September 24, at 11 a.m. ET to take your questions about the Redskins, the first week of the NFL, the Nats, Orioles and the latest sports news and his recent columns."

I wonder if we'll get many Nationals questions this week or if will just be all Redskins like last week.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Thomas Boswell

posted by WFY @ 9:30 AM | |

Nats comeback, beat Dodgers in the 9th avoid 100th loss

Nats Rally, Dodge Their 100th Loss, For Now - The Post
Nats dodge century mark by rallying to win - The Wash. Times
Dodgers pitcher Chad Billingsley kept the Nationals hitless through 5 2/3 innings. He walked two in the sixth before serving up his first hit of the game -- a three run homer by Ryan Zimmerman (31 HR 100 RBI). That tied the game at 3. In the eighth, Elijah Dukes hit into a fielder's choice that scored Cristian Guzman. Manager Jim Riggleman sent closer Mike McDougal out in the bottom of the inning with the lead. He faltered in the ninth and the Dodgers tied it back up. In the bottom of the ninth, Justin Maxwell singled, took second on a sacrifice bunt and then stole third. Pete Orr knocked him in on a ball that Andre Either dropped. Game over, Washington beats Los Angeles 5-4.

THOMAS BOSWELL - Will the Skipper Be Back At the Helm? - The Post
Is Riggleman good enough to be the caretaker manager that runs the team until they are ready for contention and an elite manager? After putting Ian Desmond in right the other day, I'm going to say no.

Oh, by the wya Dick Heller, your whiny column is not link worthy.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Los Angeles Dodgers

posted by WFY @ 5:40 AM | |

Nats, Livan Hernandez crushed by Dodgers; what to do with Ian Desmond?

Hernandez, Nats Crushed By Dodgers - The Post
Disaster from the start - The Wash. Times
Ugh, the Nationals lost 14-2 loss to the Dodgers. Livan Hernandez or perhaps his evil twin, ¿Navil? gave up eight runs, including seven in the fourth. He wasn't the only culprit in the blowout as the bullpen was also bad and ultimately, the Nats struggled in all aspects of the game.

That was Washington's 99th loss this year.

Bright Future Awaits Desmond Somewhere - The Post
Desmond's ultimate position still up in the air - The Wash. Times
The Nats don't know what to do with Ian Desmond. In nine major league games Desmond has played second base five times. He had been a shortstop during his time in the minors, but is getting a look elsewhere. Jim Riggleman thinks he might be best in centerfield. Desmond can make great plays in the infield, but has a pretty high rate of errors too.

Washington Nationals, Nats, Los Angeles Dodgers, Ian Desmond