Spring training starts today.......

[vasprtsfn]

Just wanted to say HAPPY SPRING TRAINING OPENING DAY!!!!!!!
-------------------------------------------------------------
edit: Hi everyone. This will the official Spring Training thread since we already have a start on it. Its been made a sticky thread so it'll be at the top of the forum through ST. Post your ST stuff here.

Thanks for letting me butt in here.

Bob

[Ryan25Zimmerman]

:clapping

I still can't wait to see what happens with Soriano, who becomes our starting CF, and what the overall mood of the team is. LETS GO NATS!

[KingJ]

That offseason went by quickly.

If we are going to win some games, it is definitely going to be on the shoulder of the guys that arrived first at Spring Training: Ryan Church, Ryan Zimmerman, Ramon Ortiz, Felix Rodriguez, Gary Majewski, Luis Ayala, and Chad Cordero.

Church is getting overwhelming support for the CF job by plenty of Nats fans on blogs, forums, and on the Nationals.com online poll who don't believe in the Watson hype and Byrd's aging abilities

Zimmerman already is a proven defensive 3B, but needs to prove his bat. The Dutch hit .397 in September, but Guzman also hit around there in September, too, which leaves his projections anywhere between the next Michael Young and the next Pokey Reese.

Ortiz's stats show him to be an unreliable, high ERA pitcher, but I see him as the next Esteban Loaiza in waiting. Guy is a workhorse able to start 34 games, pitch 200 innings, and have a 3.50 ERA. He just hasn't been able to accomplish it pitching most of his career in the American League with the Angels and in Cincy which is known for its hitter friendly park.

If Ortiz is going to be this year's Loaiza, Rodriguez will likely be this year's Carrasco. Rodriguez is in the same boat as was Carrasco last year: high ERAs, low IP, but good K-BB ratio that good spark into something great. St. Claire lighted a fire last year with Hector and with Wetteland as his trusty sidekick, Felix could become another 90-inning 1.50 ERA forest fire behind our rotation.

Majewski and Ayala combined 159 IP last year (+/- 79 IP each) to become best setup duo in the majors with 86 of those innings coming from Majewski. I think we need to see the same 160 IP from the two, but with the majority going to Ayala instead who I see as the more all around better pitcher.

Cordero needs to get more help from the offense and rest of pen if he wants to thrive. He pitched in 74 games last year which is too much to ask for from a guy who was tailored since high school to only be a closer. From here on out: make sure Cordero only gets as 40 save ops next year (offense) and only has to pitch in save ops (rest of pen).

Also, I pray that Bill Bray and Jay Bergmann can continue their stamina development in the minors. Majewski could bring in a good-sized/big name player from a reliever needy team (Arizona, Boston, TB, Texas, Cincy) in July which leaves Rodriguez/Stanton as the short term duo replacements and Bray/Bergmann the long term.

[KingJ]

Patterson has a new look at camp and I like it. I think the facial hair will make him look more dangerous on the mound:

http://mlb.mlb.com/images/2006/02/19/b74tzHVo.jpg

[Bob Hannah]

Patterson is supposed to have worked on the change up Randy St. Clair taught to Carrasco last year. If he gets that pitch down pat he'll be dangerous this season.

[KingJ]

Patterson is supposed to have worked on the change up Randy St. Clair taught to Carrasco last year. If he gets that pitch down pat he'll be dangerous this season.

St. Claire needs to teach that change up to every pitcher we ever invite to spring training. Nothing like having 30 super pitchers available as trade bait each season. :D

[KingJ]

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20060220/capt.flhg11202202041.nationals_spring_training_bas eball_flhg112.jpg

Chad Bowden, 12, the son of Washington Nationals general manager Jim Bowden, catches a ball during practice at the team's Major League Baseball spring training facility, Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, in Viera, Fla.

Bowden even gave his own kid a spring training invite. :ughh

[Ryan25Zimmerman]

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20060220/capt.flhg11202202041.nationals_spring_training_bas eball_flhg112.jpg

Chad Bowden, 12, the son of Washington Nationals general manager Jim Bowden, catches a ball during practice at the team's Major League Baseball spring training facility, Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, in Viera, Fla.

Bowden even gave his own kid a spring training invite. :ughh

Looks like his kid has a better glove hand then Guzman

[KingJ]

In a completely unexpected move, catcher Erick San Pedro replaced the departed Jamey Carroll on the 40 man. Pedro was the 2nd round pick of the Expos in 2004 and has a career .151 minor league BA with A Savannah and A Potomac. :confused:

However, BaseballAmerica.com does call San Pedro the Nats best defensive catcher.

[eddiejc1]

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20060220/capt.flhg11202202041.nationals_spring_training_bas eball_flhg112.jpg

Bowden even gave his own kid a spring training invite. :ughhLooks like his kid has a better glove hand then Guzman

He could have a better bat, too! :crazy

Eddie Cunningham

[Ryan25Zimmerman]

In a completely unexpected move, catcher Erick San Pedro replaced the departed Jamey Carroll on the 40 man. Pedro was the 2nd round pick of the Expos in 2004 and has a career .151 minor league BA with A Savannah and A Potomac. :confused:

However, BaseballAmerica.com does call San Pedro the Nats best defensive catcher.

WHAT!!! I've always been told that Schneider is probably the best defensive catcher in the NL if not the entire MLB. But even if Pedro was the best defensive catcher in the world, nothing makes up for that BA.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

Schneider is good, but I still think Matheny is somewhat (0.1%) better than Schneider. Schnieder rules when he catches would-be basestealers.;)

[KingJ]

WHAT!!! I've always been told that Schneider is probably the best defensive catcher in the NL if not the entire MLB. But even if Pedro was the best defensive catcher in the world, nothing makes up for that BA.

Sorry. I meant to say San Pedro was the best defensive catcher in the Nats minor league system.

[Ryan25Zimmerman]

Sorry. I meant to say San Pedro was the best defensive catcher in the Nats minor league system.
Oh ok, now it makes sense. :D

[Bob Hannah]

Some links to keep you updated on ST at Viera. Post your own. Try not to repeat. Enjoy.

Livan's Knee: Crazy (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/20/AR2006022001520.html), from the Washington Post.

Reliever, Catchers, Basestealing and Injuries (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/21/AR2006022101522.html) from the Washington Post.

Nats Up Sosa Ante:eek: (Sammy Says "No" :clapping ) (http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060221&content_id=1318198&vkey=news_was&fext=.jsp&c_id=was)from nationals.com

Jimbo's Own Pen (http://www.dcexaminer.com/articles/2006/02/21/sports/d_c_sports/001_col_bowden.txt) from The Examiner

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

His right knee was so messed up last season, Livan Hernandez said Monday, it had to be drained of fluid every three starts. He would pitch for the Washington Nationals one night, no doubt going seven or eight innings and resisting any attempt to pry the ball out of his hand, then wake up the next morning barely able to walk

Whoa!! Lets hope nothing serious happens:eek:

[KingJ]

Behold, the first sightings of our new bullpen coach and former closer, John Wetteland chatting with Gary Majewski:

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20060222/capt.flhg10902221909.nationals_spring_baseball_flh g109.jpg

[KingJ]

And a picture of our team's most valuable Guzman:

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20060222/capt.flhg10202221852.nationals_spring_training_bas eball_flhg102.jpg

[Ryan25Zimmerman]

And a picture of our team's most valuable Guzman:

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20060222/capt.flhg10202221852.nationals_spring_training_bas eball_flhg102.jpg

Well, I just read an article and it made this point. The team was 70-63 with guzman in the lineup :eek:

[KingJ]

My thoughts about Guzman this season can be expressed pretty well in this blog: http://nats3play.blogspot.com/2006/02/guzmania.html

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

Behold, the first sightings of our new bullpen coach and former closer, John Wetteland chatting with Gary Majewski:

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20060222/capt.flhg10902221909.nationals_spring_baseball_flh g109.jpg
John Wetteland...a personal favorite...good luck!

[KingJ]

Good news: After doing some extra work, Jose Guillen was 100% at batting practice today according to Ladson. He also said he will now be ready to play as soon as the Mets v. Nats exhibition game on March 15. THANK GOD Sosa rejected us so we only have one right fielder now.

Then again, this could also turn out like Vidro's claims of years past that he was 100%. I guess that is why we have Michael Tucker... I think...

[KingJ]

Reading the blogs today, I have some unconfirmed bad news: Lawrence's shoulder has apparently gotten worse and he will have to have surgery that will put him out until August.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

Alfonso Soriano will not play in the first two ST Nationals games because he is going to participate in the WBC.

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060227&content_id=1326591&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=was

Nats notes:
VIERA, Fla. -- Second baseman Alfonso Soriano has been working hard with the Nationals and getting ready for the World Baseball Classic, but according to a baseball source, he will not start Washington's first two games of the exhibition season before going to Kissimmee, Fla., to work out with the Dominican Republic team.
The Nationals play their first two games against the Kia Tigers and the Pittsburgh Pirates, respectively, and that means that Marlon Byrd, Ryan Church and Brandon Watson most likely will get the starting nods in the outfield, while Jose Vidro will play second base.

During Monday's workout, Soriano was playing center field and didn't have any problems with his glove and range.

"He looked good in [center field] during today," said one person who saw him play.

The Nationals want Soriano to play every day in the outfield, but he has repeatedly said that he wants to play second base. In fact, Soriano is playing in the World Baseball Classic as a second baseman.

Once Soriano comes back, Washington will then determine its next course of action.

[B]The rotation: John Patterson is scheduled to pitch in the first game against Kia at Space Coast Stadium on Wednesday, while Ramon Ortiz and Tony Armas Jr. will throw against the Pirates on Thursday and Friday, respectively. John Rauch and Billy Traber will throw in the split-squad games on Saturday.

The Nationals want Armas to pitch in a Spring Training game before he represents Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.

Ace Livan Hernandez, who is coming off knee surgery, is expected to pitch against the Marlins on March 9.

Going away: After having a successful bullpen session on Monday afternoon, reliever Luis Ayala said that he is going to play for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. There were some doubts that Ayala would play in the tournament because of a sore right elbow he suffered last week.

"This is my country," Ayala said. "I played for Mexico in different tournaments. I even went to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in 1986. I feel great. I want to play for my team in any situation."

A new man: General manager Jim Bowden said that left-hander Michael Hinckley looks to be a better pitcher than what he saw last Spring Training.

"He looks good, totally different guy -- different mechanics, different arm action. I didn't recognize him," Bowden said.

Around the horn: Bowden said that trade rumors involving Nick Johnson, Church and Soriano are not true. A published report had Bowden talking to the Red Sox about right-hander Bronson Arroyo for those players. ... The Nationals decided not to go after Red Sox left-hander David Wells, believing that he isn't healthy enough. ... Outfielder Christian Guerrero, the cousin of Vladimir Guerrero, had to leave the Nationals because of a family tragedy. Three members of his family were killed in a car crash. ... Catcher Wiki Gonzalez is not in camp because his wife is having a baby. ... Hernandez had his dog, "Blue," in the clubhouse. The dog is a malamute. It was the second animal spotted in the Nationals clubhouse this spring. During the first day of camp, Robert Fick had his kitten, Paul Wall, roaming around in the clubhouse.

[Ryan25Zimmerman]

WE WIN WE WIN!!!

NATIONALS 13, Kia Tigers 8
at Viera, Fla.
Wednesday, March 1

Nationals at the plate: Matt LeCroy drove in three runs with a bases-clearing single, while Cristian Guzman went 2-for-2 with an RBI. Brandon Watson, in the running for the center-field job, went hitless in four at-bats. Ryan Church went 2-for-3 with an RBI. The Nationals scored at least one run in each of the first five innings. Alex Escobar hit the only home run of the game, a solo shot in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Tigers at the plate: Outfielder Jae-Loo Lee drove in two runs against John Patterson, while third baseman Michael Cervenak, the only American on the team, drove in two runs as well.

Nationals on the mound: Patterson gave up two runs in one inning. He was supposed to pitch two innings, but he already passed his 35-pitch limit. Closer Chad Cordero, coming into the game in the fifth inning, gave up four runs, three earned, in one-third of an inning.

Tigers on the mound: Starter Sang Hwa Lee pitched two innings and surrendered five runs, two earned, on four hits. He threw 40 pitches, 28 of them for strikes. Reliever Jeong-Cheol Gwak pitched one inning and gave up three runs.

Grapefruit League records: Tigers 1-1; Nationals 1-0.

Up next: The Nationals return to Space Coast Stadium to play the Pirates on Friday. Right-hander Ramon Ortiz, making his Nationals debut, will start the game, while Kyle Denney, Steve Watkins, Kevin Gryboski and Valerio De Los Santos will pitch in relief.

[KingJ]

All the hype about Brandon Watson as our leadoff man of the future got off to a rocky start against the worst team in the Grapefruit league where he went 0 for 4 I see...Ryan Church, the guy who should really win the CF job, did very well playing corners. Go Church!

I see Escobar hit a HR. He will probably never play another game (injury!!!)

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

WE WIN WE WIN!!!
Big deal, it's not as if we're facing the Cardinals here.:crazy

[KingJ]

Good news: http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060301&content_id=1329684&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=was&partnered=rss_was

Guillen took 30 swings in batting practice and hit a few HRs. He says his shoulder is at 75% and will not rush to return to spring training games (doesn't want a season-ending relapse).

[Ryan25Zimmerman]

Big deal, it's not as if we're facing the Cardinals here.:crazy

Yeah I know. I'm just excited that we didn't lose to that team, the fact that baseball is back, and we scored 13 runs! :clapping

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

Yeah I know. I'm just excited that we didn't lose to that team, the fact that baseball is back, and we scored 13 runs! :clapping
And had 8 runs against...memories. *sigh*

"...And the Washington Nationals have been eliminated from playoff contention 1 month and a half after leading the NL EAST with a loss tonight versus..."

Anyone remember that?

[Ryan25Zimmerman]

we lost :hp

Not so sure who did what yet, but we lost 9-1 to the Pirates today

:ughh

[KingJ]

Ramon Ortiz gave up 1 run in 3 innings (end of his scheduled pitch count) and then our crappy scrub bullpen (De Los Santos, Hughes, etc.) gave up the other 8 runs. Backup catcher longshot Mike DeFelice hit in our only run.

CF competition after 2 games:
Church 6 ABs .500 avg/.500 obp, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1/1 SB, 0 E
Watson 6 ABs .333 avg/.429 obp, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1/1 SB, 0 E
Byrd 3 ABs 1.000 avg/1.000 obp, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0/0 SB, 0 E
Kelly 4 ABs .750 avg/.750 obp, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0/0, 0/1 SB, 0 E
Godwin 2 ABs .000 avg/.000 obp, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0/0 SB, 0 E

Total Tossup (although still too early). I doubt Watson is still the favorite though. Kenny Kelly might shock us all and beat out Watson for the bench spot being vacated by Blanco if he keeps it up.

SS competition after 2 games:
Guzman 4 ABs .750 avg/.750 obp, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0/0 SB, 0 E
Clayton 2 ABs .000 avg/.000 obp, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0/0 SB, 0 E
Desmond 2 ABs .000 avg/.000 obp, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0/0 SB, 1 E

Guzman is bringing on the heat early and is still the favorite. Ian Desmond isn't ready yet (predictable after that minor league campaign).

Also, please check out the trade proposal I wrote over Soriano: http://federalbaseball.com/story/2006/3/1/232029/0718

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

we lost :hp

Not so sure who did what yet, but we lost 9-1 to the Pirates today

:ughh
Big deal, you guys don't understand that, it's ST, where everyone gets into shape.

Anyhow, still a good game (besides they lost 9-1!!

[KingJ]

Spring Training Games Day 3
CF Competition: Church is starting to play RF and might be out of the CF competition and into starting RF with Guillen out. He hit a 2-run homer today and is still looking great. Byrd hit a double playing LF. Watson didn't play at all.

SS Competition: Clayton started again today and went 0 for 3 (0 for 5 with 3 Ks, 0 BBs overall) and almost had a fielding error if it weren't for a good play save by Bernie Castro at 2B. Guzman didn't play today and is still 3 for 4 with an RBI.

[Ryan25Zimmerman]

Zimmerman hit a solo shot today :clapping but we lost our split squad game to the Mets, and won our game against Panama.

[KingJ]

Spring Training Games Day 4
CF Competition: Back in CF competition with Guillen back at RF, Church is still on fire going 2 for 3 today v. the Mets (8 for 12 with 1 HR, 4 RBI and 1 SB overall). Byrd went 1 for 5 (5 for 11 with 1 RBI overall). Watson didn't play again today (2 for 6 with 1 SB overall).

SS Competition: Guzman started again today going a respectable 1 for 3 with an RBI (4 for 7 overall with 2 RBI). Clayton didn't play today (0 for 5 overall)

[TheKingofKings]

Nationals fall 5-4 to the Mets :ughh :ughh :ughh
but fortunately Zim Homered and Today we learned that Guillen wouldn't need surgery :)

[KingJ]

Good Tidbit from Rotoworld on Church:

OF Ryan Church continued his hot start with two more hits yesterday and is now batting .444 this spring.

"You have to continue to like what Ryan Church is doing with the bat right now," Frank Robinson said. "If he continues to swing the bat the way he's doing, that's good." Church has a great opportunity for regular playing time in the Nationals' outfield

[Ryan25Zimmerman]

Zimmerman hit another HR today as the nats beat the O's 10-6 :clapping :clapping

The power is starting to show. Maybe he'll hit a solid 20 HRs 80 RBIs this year:D

[KingJ]

Zimmerman hit another HR today as the nats beat the O's 10-6 :clapping :clapping

The power is starting to show. Maybe he'll hit a solid 20 HRs 80 RBIs this year:D

If he can do that or at least hit a lot of doubles with good OBP, he'd probably fit well in the #2 slot.

[Ryan25Zimmerman]

Lost 22-12 today to the Marlins. Cepcicky hit a Grand Salami off Ortiz.

On a good note....(I'm still in High School) I GET TO TAKE OFF OPENING DAY!!!!! And watch the Nationals tear the Mets a new one:clapping :clapping :clapping :clapping :clapping :clapping I'm too excited for this already:crazy

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

Double whammy:
Loss to Marlins 5-4
Loss to Cleveland- 10-5 :grouchy

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/5687/kawjqbd78jv.jpg

nationals.com says Patterson is still dominating. He looks so much more "tough" than last season.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

Lost 22-12 today to the Marlins. Cepcicky hit a Grand Salami off Ortiz.

On a good note....(I'm still in High School) I GET TO TAKE OFF OPENING DAY!!!!! And watch the Nationals tear the Mets a new one:clapping :clapping :clapping :clapping :clapping :clapping I'm too excited for this already:crazy
You lucky duck.;)

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060312&content_id=1346756&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=was
NATS NOTES:
JUPITER, Fla. -- Ramon Ortiz pitched in his third game of the spring on Sunday, giving up three runs in three innings against the Marlins. He has now allowed a team-high 11 runs in eight innings.
Ortiz was often behind in the count and walked three batters in the process. The Marlins took advantage of Ortiz's ineffectiveness by scoring a run in the first inning and two more in the third.

The right-hander didn't seem too worried about his outing because he is trying to perfect his backdoor slider and changeup, new pitches added to his repertoire. The slider was taught to him by Jose Rijo, the special assistant to the general manager, while pitching coach Randy St. Claire is helping Ortiz with the changeup.

"I'm working on [those two pitches] right now. But I have to keep it going and throw them in different situations," Ortiz said. "I know I didn't throw very well in the last two games. I'm not worried about walks, hits or runs. I'm worried about my pitches -- my changeup and slider."

St. Claire didn't seem overly concerned either, but he said Ortiz needs to be more aggressive in the strike zone. The pitching coach will not worry about results until later in the spring.

"His stuff is good. He is doing a lot of work. We changed some stuff with his delivery, where I sped him up a little bit," St. Claire said.

Injury report: Outfielder Jose Guillen took 30 swings off a tee on Sunday and didn't feel any pain in his left wrist. It's the first time the right-handed hitter has participated in baseball activities since being diagnosed with fluid and inflammation in the wrist.

"This is just the first step. I'm really happy," Guillen said.

Guillen hopes to take more swings off the tee later in the week and then take light batting practice with his teammates by early next week.

Joey Eischen threw batting practice without any problems on Sunday and is expected to pitch in a game this week. The left-hander hasn't played in a Spring Training game because of shoulder tendinitis. ...

Ryan Drese is working slowly to get back on the mound, and St. Claire hopes that the right-hander can pitch in a game toward the end of Spring Training.

Drese missed most of September because of a slap tear in the shoulder.

Behind the plate: Manager Frank Robinson said on Sunday that he looks at Robert Fick and Matt LeCroy as the emergency catchers and Mike DiFelice, Wiki Gonzalez and Alberto Castillo competing to be Brian Schneider's backup catcher.

Fick and LeCroy are considered below-average behind the plate. Fick hasn't played a Grapefruit League game because of an elbow operation and LeCroy has had serious problems throwing runners out and catching routine popups. Both players can play other positions. They will spell Nick Johnson at first base, while Fick can play the corner outfield spots.


DiFelice and Gonzalez had a chance to compete in the World Baseball Classic for Italy and Venezuela, respectively, but they decided to stay with the Nationals throughout the spring. Castillo, on the other hand, is playing for the Dominican Republic.

DiFelice and Gonzalez are having a good springs with the bat. DiFelice is hitting .421 (8-for-19), while Gonzalez is 4-for-12 (.333).

"I'm having good at-bats at the plate. I'm trying to get my timing down and go up there have a pretty good idea of what I want to do at the plate," DiFelice said. "It's no secret that we are out here to compete, so we are trying to get that energy level up."

The first game: Robinson and St. Claire have talked about the possibility of John Patterson pitching on Opening Day against the Mets at Shea Stadium.

The game plan is in place in case Livan Hernandez doesn't make his first two starts of the spring. Hernandez, who is recovering from right knee surgery, already made his Spring Training debut on March 9 and is planning to pitch again on March 14 against the Marlins.

Error of their ways: The Nationals have made 16 errors in their last seven games, and it concerns Robinson that his players can't make routine plays.

On Sunday, the Nationals made three errors against the Marlins. One of those miscues was made by LeCroy at first base. He let a ball go through his legs late in the game.

"It becomes like anything else -- it becomes habit forming. You just don't want to see sloppy play. We are not playing good sharp baseball in every aspect of the game," Robinson said.

Around the horn: Kenny Kelly is 6-for-18 (.333) with two RBIs. ... Pitchers Saul Ramirez and Steve Watkins are the only Nationals with victories this spring. ... Travis Hughes has given up 10 runs in 3 2/3 innings. ... Second baseman Jose Vidro went 1-for-3 with an RBI on Sunday. ... The Nationals are 1-10-1 this spring.

Coming up: The Nationals travel to Port St. Lucie, Fla., at 7:10 p.m. ET to face the Mets for the second time this season. The last time they met was on March 4, with New York defeating Washington, 6-4.

Right-hander Pedro Astacio will get the start against Mets, while Kyle Denny and Bill Bray will pitch in relief.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060313&content_id=1348595&vkey=spt2006gamer&fext=.jsp&c_id=was

[KingJ]

LHP Billy Traber and OF George Lombard both had another solid outing in a 10-3 win v. FLA. I wonder if their chances of making the team are any good. Surely they are better than Tucker and F-Rod right now.

[KingJ]

Alfonso Soriano has been benched by the Dominican Republic team at the World Baseball Classic, and Placido Polanco is expected to start at second base for the Dominicans for the second straight night on Tuesday.

Soriano's own country doesn't consider him a 2B!

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

"Injury report: Infielder Marlon Anderson is expected to miss at least two games after cutting his left index finger trying to cut a grapefruit for breakfast on Saturday morning. He received a couple of stitches and bandages.

[The finger] has to heal before I put it in a glove. Other than that, I'll be fine," said Anderson, who is hitting .262 with two home runs and three RBIs this spring."

:D Cutting a grapefruit!

[KingJ]

This is the Grapefruit league...

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060322&content_id=1358953&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=was

I know I already posted it, but I think it also belongs here.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

nationals.com


JUPITER, Fla. -- Alfonso Soriano led off the Nationals' Spring Training game Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium and flied out to deep center field.
Then, before the bottom of the first inning, he trotted out to left field -- the position he refused to play on Monday.

The controversy surrounding Soriano's refusal to accede to the Nationals' request that he change positions from second base to the outfield was thus abated.

"It's a relief for everybody, it really is," Washington manager Frank Robinson said before the game. "We get the distractions away from here and we can focus on baseball now and getting this ballclub tuned up and ready to go for Opening Day."

The Nationals had threatened to request that Soriano, a second baseman during his five full Major League seasons, be placed on the disqualified list should he again refuse to take the field for a game, which he did Monday when the Nationals played the Los Angeles Dodgers in Viera, Fla.

Being placed on the disqualified list would have meant that Soriano would not have earned his $10 million salary and lost service time. Soriano is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2006 season, but general manager Jim Bowden said Soriano would lose his eligibility to look for employment elsewhere after the season if he lost service time.

Since being acquired in a December trade with Texas, Soriano had repeatedly said he wants to remain a second baseman and not be shifted to the outfield.

Robinson has said the plan is not for Soriano to be the Nationals' regular leadoff hitter. He said he'd put Soriano in the No. 1 spot to get him more at-bats before the regular season begins.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

It's all thanks to Alberto Castillo...

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060322&content_id=1359715&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=was

[vasprtsfn]

It's all thanks to Alberto Castillo...

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060322&content_id=1359715&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=was

That might get him a roster spot.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

We won today 1-0

Good going Ramon.

[Bob Hannah]

It's all thanks to Alberto Castillo...

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060322&content_id=1359715&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=was
Soriano also credited his wife and his agent as they encouraged him to play this year.

As one writer put, Soriano had a lot of reasons to take the left field position...about 10 million of them.

[ed hardiman]

Soriano also credited his wife and his agent as they encouraged him to play this year.
As one writer put, Soriano had a lot of reasons to take the left field position...about 10 million of them.
Where did gratitude & love for the game fall on his list?

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

http://wilkernator.blogspot.com/2006/03/alfonso-soriano-makes-his-decision.html

Alfonso Soriano makes his decision

Alfonso Soriano to take the field...in Left Field!

A logical decision

The soap opera season comes to an end, Alfonso Soriano will take left-field for the Nationals as they face-off against the Saint-Louis Cardinals.
Now that's the Soriano I know, cooperates with teammates and for once does not think about himself or his 10 million dollar salary.

Image if he had not opted to play LF, he would have probably forced Jim Bowden to either deal Jose Vidro or place Soriano on the disqualified list which means he would not receive pay until he decided to play LF.

So now that this dispute is settled, here's what the Nationals field should look like:

C Brian Schneider
1B Nick Johnson
2B Jose Vidro
SS Cristian Guzman/Royce Clayton
3B Ryan Zimmerman
CF TBD
RF Jose Guillen
LF Alfonso Soriano

*TBD signifies that there is no current Center-fielder assigned.
It'll be either Ryan Church, Marlon Byrd or youngster Brandon Watson.


Opening Day Starter?
The Nationals have yet to name an opening day starter.
Logically, Frank Robinson would go with ace Livan Hernandez, but knee problems may limit Hernadez's starts this season. The team may choose to go with unsung hero, John Patterson

Signed: The Wilkernator.

[KingJ]

From the Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/24/AR2006032401947.html):

Guzman Will Start Year on DL
Washington Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden said that although the shoulder of shortstop Cristian Guzman is improving -- and, in fact, might not need surgery -- Guzman will definitely begin the season on the disabled list, making Royce Clayton the starter as he enters his 16th major league season.

Bowden Isn't Worried (About Fielding Errors)
Don't count Bowden among those who are concerned by the Nationals' shoddy defense at spring training even though they entered Friday's game with 39 errors, most in the majors. Manager Frank Robinson said Thursday that he was frustrated by what he considers "sloppy play," but even after starting infielders Nick Johnson, Jose Vidro and Ryan Zimmerman committed errors on Wednesday, Bowden said most of the miscues have been by non-starters.

Looking to Add (Fast Outfielders Who Can't Hit)
Though the Nationals are rumored to be looking at Detroit's Nook Logan as a potential center fielder -- and the Tigers have scouted the Nationals this week -- Bowden said his first preference for an addition to the team in the final week of spring training is pitching. Still, the Nationals would consider Logan or Florida's Eric Reed as a way to add more speed to the lineup...

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

From the Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/24/AR2006032401947.html):

Looking to Add (Fast Outfielders Who Can't Hit)
Though the Nationals are rumored to be looking at Detroit's Nook Logan as a potential center fielder -- and the Tigers have scouted the Nationals this week -- Bowden said his first preference for an addition to the team in the final week of spring training is pitching. Still, the Nationals would consider Logan or Florida's Eric Reed as a way to add more speed to the lineup...

Who says Nook Logan can't hit?
How about we get Carlos Pena and convert him to either a SS or OF. :D

Eric Reed intrigues me though.

[KingJ]

Who says Nook Logan can't hit?

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/L/nook-logan.shtml

Has a career .260 avg with .310 on-base percentage with only about two HR a season.

He's fast, but if we want speed, I'd prefer we get Joey Gathright from the Devil Rays because of the defense he provides.

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/G/joey-gathright.shtml

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060326&content_id=1363185&vkey=spt2006gamer&fext=.jsp&c_id=was#boxscore

Nats won today 16-3

[KingJ]

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060327&content_id=1364670&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=was&partnered=rss_was

"Ryan Church acknowledged that he was tired two days ago, so Robinson gave his young outfielder a day off against the Astros on Sunday and didn't start him against St Louis. However, Church replaced Brandon Watson later in the game. Church said did not ask for the time off."

Church is definitely feeling threatened by Watson and Byrd.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

Anyone know that Fick had elbow surgery this month?
What a surprise.
I guess the Inside Pitch Roster Projection was right about the DL.