Farm Authority Report - 12/26 to 12/28

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez 1B/3B - 1/3 [12/26]
• Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez 1B/3B - 0/2 1K [12/27]
• Leones de Caracas: Tony Armas SP - 4IP 5H 0R 0BB 3K [12/26]
• Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar RF - 1/3 1R 2K [12/27]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/4 1R 1K [12/27]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 2/5 1RBI 3K double [12/26]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 1/5 [12/27]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 1/3 1RBI 1K [12/26]
• Tigres de Aragua: Ramon Castro 3B - 1/4 1RBI 1K [12/27]
• 12/28 pending

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• no Nationals played

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/4 1BB 1K [12/27]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/4 [12/28]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Alberto Castillo CA - 0/4 1RBI 1K [12/27]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Alberto Castillo CA - 0/2 [12/28]

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• Website inaccesible

Farm Authority Report - The Holiday Edition

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez 3B - 1/3 1K [12/12]
• Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez 3B - 0/2 1K [12/19]
• Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez PH/1B - 0/1 1BB [12/23]
• Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar PH/DH - 0/0 1BB [12/18]
• Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar RF - 2/3 2R 3RBI 1BB 1HR [12/19]
• Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar RF - 1/3 1R 1K [12/20]
• Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar LF - 1/3 [12/23]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 2/5 1R 2RBI 1BB 1K 1HR [12/12]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 2/5 1R 1K double [12/14]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/3 1R 1RBI 2BB double [12/15]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 1K [12/17]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 1R 2RBI 1HR 2K [12/18]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 1K [12/19]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 3/5 2R 5RBI 2doubles 1HR [12/22]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Jason Stevenson SP - 5.2IP 2H 0R 3BB 3K; Win [12/12]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Mayque Quintero SP - 3IP 3H 1R(1ER) 1BB 3K [12/12]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Jacobo Sequea RP - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1K [12/14]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Jacobo Sequea RP - 0.1IP 1H 0R 0BB 0K [12/15]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 0/4 1K [12/12]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 2/5 1R 2RBI 1K double 1E [12/13]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 1/2 1R 1RBI 2BB 1K double [12/15]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway DH - 0/3 1BB 2K [12/16]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway DH - 1/3 2K [12/18]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 3/4 2RBI [12/20]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 1/2 2BB 1K [12/22]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 2/5 1K [12/23]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 2/3 1BB [12/12]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 1/4 1R [12/13]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 2/3 2RBI [12/15]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 0/4 1K 1PB [12/16]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 1/3 1K 1E [12/18]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 0/3 1BB 1PB [12/19]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 0/3 1BB [12/20]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 0/2 1RBI [12/22]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 0/3 1BB 1K [12/23]
• Tigres de Aragua: Ramon Castro PH/3B - 0/3 3K [12/12]
• Tigres de Aragua: Ramon Castro 3B - 0/1 1R 3BB [12/15]
• Tigres de Aragua: Ramon Castro 3B - 0/4 1R 1K [12/17]
• Tigres de Aragua: Ramon Castro 3B - 0/1 [12/18]
• No games on 12/24 and 12/25
• Boxscores from 12/26 pending

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• no Nationals played

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 2/4 1RBI [12/12]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/4 2R 1BB 1K [12/13]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 2/5 2RBI [12/15]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B/LF - 1/5 1R 1E [12/16]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/5 1R triple [12/17]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 2/4 1BB [12/18]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 2/5 2R double [12/20]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 0/2 2BB 1K [12/21]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 2/4 1R 1RBI 1BB triple [12/26]

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• Website inaccesible

Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Happy Kwanzaa. Thank you for reading and enjoy the holidays.

A Christmas Carroll

Everyone's favorite utility infielder, Jamey Carroll, was tendered a contract by the Nationals late last night. The first word is that it is for $600k - a nice little raise for a guy who played hard and did whatever he was asked all of last year. It is a near certainty that both Carroll and Brendan Harris will not fit into the opening day roster. As it pertains to last night's deadline to tender contracts, Junior Spivey was not extended a contract offer and TJ Tucker (still recovering from Tommy John surgery) and Alex Escobar (still recovering from a foot injury) both agreed to minor league deals. These moves take all three players off of the 40-man roster. Tony Armas, Jr. has yet to come to terms with the Nationals and has until January 8th to do so. He is reportedly also in negotiations with the Rockies. If the Nationals are unable to sign any other free agent pitchers, it is most likely that Armas and Ryan Drese would compete with Jon Rauch, Darrell Rasner, and maybe even Josh Karp for the final two spots in the starting rotation.

Non-Tender Fallout

As expected, the Nationals non-tendered 2B Junior Spivey and IF Rick Short last night along with RP T.J. Tucker and OF Alex Escobar. Today, the Nationals re-signed Tucker and Escobar to minor league deals. In signing the minor league deals, the Nationals freed up two spots on their 40-man roster (the Nationals are presently at 36/40). Tucker's re-signing is a good gamble. He is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery completed in late June 2005. Prior to his injury, Tucker was a serviceable RH RP out of the bullpen. In his five years with the Nationals/Expos, he threw 228.67 IP with a 4.57ERA, 1.47WHIP, 5.5K/9IP, 2.9BB/9ip, and 1.1HR/9IP. Given a typical recovery period, Tucker should be expected back on the mound in mid to late July. Escobar's re-signing feels more like a move to validate his acquisition. Escobar was acquired from the Chicago White Sox by Jim Bowden in February of 2005 in exchange for minor league OF Jerry Owens. Escobar was once a highly touted prospect who has never lived up to the hype. Bowden coveted Escobar when he was GM in Cincinnati, nearly acquiring him in a deal with Mets involving Barry Larkin. Bowden finally got his wish acquiring him early in the spring for an underperforming minor league OF. At the time, Owens was a 23-year old who played the entire season with low-A Savannah (292/365/349). Once the trade was completed, everything went sour for Escobar who injured his foot and missed the 2005 season while Owens had a breakout season with AA Birmingham, batting 331/393/406, earning him a spot on the White Sox 40-man roster. The Nationals can only hope that 27-year old Escobar captures a fraction of his hype and becomes a #4/5 OF in the majors. But odds are he's settled into the role of yet another organizational player, something of which the Nationals are flush.

Good Bye, and Good Luck

The Nationals lost three players from their organization this weekend: Marlins signed outfielder Matt Cepicky to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. Cepicky was getting old and would have at best been a 5th outfielder. He may actually make the Marlins' cut with all the minor leaguers they'll be running out there next year. Rockies acquired outfielder Doc Brooks from the Nationals as the player to be named in the July 13 trade for Preston Wilson. He's getting ready to turn 26 and was still playing in A ball. No loss. And last, but certainly not least: Rick Short intends to play for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Japan next season. I think we may all be Golden Eagle fans next year because our own Crash Davis story was loved by almost all Nationals fans. He'd make a great RH PH off the bench and can fill in serviceably at most IF positions. Oh well, it's too late now.

Washington Nationals Organizational Big Board

As regular readers of this site will know, the Washington Nationals farm system is one of the five worst in major league baseball. Nevertheless, they're still our guys and we here at Nationals Farm Authority try to keep you updated on anyone who might even be close to up-and-coming. To assist in getting the big picture, I've created an organizational big board that you'll be able to get to at any time from the link on the right. It's a bit messy for now as we transition to the next season. We have a lot of relievers who are really only low-A quality pitchers at this time and thus there are too many players at the lower levels. As more moves are made (e.g. losing any 6-year minor league free agents) and as soon as rosters begin getting finalized in the spring, the big board will get clearer. Edit: Here's the Big Board

Tools of Ignorance

The Nationals re-signed LH RP Joey Eischen and signed CI/OF Robert Fick (who can also serve as an emergency catcher) to one-year deals. Additionally, it appears the Nationals may have solved the problem of who is going to serve as a backup catcher to Brian Schneider by signing a slew of catchers to minor league contracts with invitations to Spring Training. Joining the Nats in Viera will be Wiki Gonzalez, Mike DiFelice, Alberto Castillo and Brandon Harper. I assume the hope is to find one guy (preferably a RH hitter) to serve as the back up out of a cast of six [in my order of most to least likely]:

1. Wiki Gonzalez (baseball-reference/thebaseballcube): The 31-year old has spent six season in the majors, most of which was with SD (he spent 2005 in SEA). He probably has the best bat of the bunch (240/312/362) 17HR in 801 career AB. And his glove is solid enough for a guy who will likely play 30-40 games in 2006 (990 FldPct; 24E in 242 career games; 22PB). He prides himself on calling good games and handling a pitching staff. He's a favorite for the backup spot in 2006.
2. Alberto Castillo (baseball-reference/thebaseballcube): The 35-year old has spent parts of 11 seasons in the majors for seven different teams (NYM, TOR, STL, NYY, SF, KC, and OAK). Another servicable backup catcher, (222/295/296) and 990 career fielding percentage (23E in 398 career games) and 20 career PB. He, along with Gonzalez, are the favorites to backup Schneider. The odd man out may end up as the starter at New Orleans.
3. Mike DiFelice (baseball-reference/thebaseballcube): The 36-year old spent parts of 10 seasons with seven different teams (STL, TB, AZ, KC, DET, CHC, and NYM). He's the dictionary definition of a backup catcher, little stick (career 238/288/359) with 28HR in 1,473AB and an adequate glove, 989 Fld Pct (36E in 495 career games). A few too many PB (50 in his career) which may conjure up images of Gary Bennett. My guess is he doesn't stick with the Nationals.
4. Brandon Harper (thebaseballcube): The 29-year old has played the last two seasons at AAA with the Detroit Tigers. In 102 games, he batted (roughly) 235/325/350 with 9HR 41 RBI and 46/34 K/BB ratio. He's probably destined for New Orleans if he sticks with the Nationals. As the youngest of the bunch, his age is an asset.
5. Hector Ortiz (baseball-reference/thebaseballcube): The 32-year old has limited major league experience (KC and TEX), 91G 5E 990FldPct. He has a bit more of a bat than Castillo, 288/339/358. He spent the 2005 with New Orleans (248/286/283) in 74 games. If he was going to be the choice, I'm guessing he would have got a call in September over Keith Osik. He's probably one of the odd men out of the Nats plans.
6. Craig Kuzmic (thebaseballcube): The 28-year old split his first year with Washington between Harrisburg (236/366/439) and New Orleans (262/355/434). He had a combined 89/51 K/BB ratio between the two levels. Unless he demonstrates something in the spring, he may be released rather than return to New Orleans for a second year.

Welcome Aboard

Frequent poster over at Yuda's Gameday, Scott, will be joining me here at the Nationals Farm Authority. Scott's initial responsibility will be to put together a Big Board for the Nats (hat tip to USS Mariner for the idea/formatting). Welcome, Scott.

Farm Authority Report - Playing Catch Up

Not only have I been otherwise occupied, but the various league websites are not as prompt with their daily updates. Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez PH/2B - 1/2 [12/8]
• Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez 3B - 1/4 2RBI [12/9]
• Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez PH/2B - 0/1 1BB [12/11]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 2/5 1R 2RBI 1BB 1K 1HR [12/8]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/4 1K [12/9]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/2 Sacrifice [12/10 Game 1]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 1R 2RBI double [12/10 Game 2]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/4 1K [12/11]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Jason Stevenson SP - 5.2IP 2H 0R 3BB 3K; Win [12/9]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Mayque Quintero SP - 3IP 3H 1R(1ER) 1BB 3K [12/10]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 0/4 1K [12/8]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway DH - 2/5 2R 1RBI double [12/9]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 1/3 1R 1BB 1K [12/10]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 1/4 2K [12/11]
• Tigres de Aragua: Ramon Castro PH/3B - 0/3 3K [12/8]
• Tigres de Aragua: Ramon Castro 3B /2B- 2/4 2R 1K [12/9]
• 12/12 box scores pending

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• no Nationals played

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 2/4 1RBI [12/8]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/4 2R 1RBI 1SF [12/9]
• Dominican Republic vs Puerto Rico All-Star Game over the weekend

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• Dominican Republic vs Puerto Rico All-Star Game over the weekend

Rule 5 Draft Review

The Alfonso Soriano trade did not become official prior to the Rule 5 Draft yesterday, so the Nationals had a full 40-man roster. Therefore, they did not select anyone in the major league portion of the Rule 5 Draft. However, they did lose one person, RH RP Chris Booker, to the Philadelphia Phillies (through the Detroit Tigers). Booker did not play in the Nationals farm system in 2005, he was signed as a minor league free agent from the Reds at the end of the 2005 season. In 65IP in Triple-A, he had a 2.49 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 12.6 K/9IP, 3.9 BB/9IP, and 0.3 HR/9IP. He's another of the many faceless RH RP and the $50,000 payment from Philadelphia is probably better. In the Triple-A portion of the draft selected mostly organizational-type players. The rules for the Triple/Double-A portions of the draft are different. The players have no requirement to remain at any level so expect the following three guys to be shuttled back forth when necessary in 2006:

• Kansas Royals minor league 2B, Brandon Powell - The 25-year old LH 2B hit 287/339/511 with a 97/28 K/BB ratio and 18 HR in High A. 25-years old for High-A speaks volume for his expectations. He's likely to be utility type player with Harrisburg.
• San Francisco Giants minor league RHP, Jose Sanchez - In 133IP in Low-A (on loan to the Mets), the 24-year old had a 4.20ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 5.9 K/9IP, 2.5 BB/9IP, and 1.2 HR/9IP. He was too old for Low-A. He's likely to start in Potomac, perhaps in Harrisburg if he's transferred to the bullpen.
• Arizona Diamondbacks minor league RHP, Josh Perrault - In 78.1IP in High A, the 23-year old had a 2.09 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 7.2 K/9IP, 2.2 BB/9IP, and 0.5 HR/9IP. He also was really old for the level so those numbers needed to be taken with a grain of salt. I'd guess he'll start the season at Harrisburg.

The Nationals did not participate in the Double-A portion of the draft.

Farm Authority Report 12/6 to 12/8

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• 12/8 boxscores pending
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/3 1R 1BB 1K [12/7]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 1/3 [12/7]

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• no Nationals played

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• 12/7 and 12/8 box scores pending
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 3/5 3R [12/6]

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• Edgardo Baez 167/231/417 2HR 4RBI

Rule 5 Draft Preview

Today is the MLB Rule 5 draft. Here is a quick explanation of the Rule 5 Draft:

A player not on a team's Major League 40-man roster is eligible for the Rule 5 draft if: the player was 18 or younger when he first signed a pro contract and this is the fourth Rule 5 draft since he signed, OR if he was 19 or older when he first signed a pro contract and this is the third Rule 5 draft since he signed. A player drafted onto a Major League roster in the Rule 5 draft must remain in the majors (on the 25-man active roster or the DL) for all of the subsequent season, or the drafting club must attempt to return him to his original club. However, since a returned Rule 5 player must first be placed on outright waivers, a third club could claim the player off waivers. But of course, that club would then also have to keep him in the majors all season, or offer him back to his original club. Occasionally, the drafting club will work out a trade with the player's original team, allowing the drafting club to retain the player but send him to the minors.

I'm not going to be able to improve on the reviews you will find at Baseball Analysts or Baseball America or Rotoworld. But I wanted to throw out a few names that may be of interest to the Nationals:

• Steve Andrade - 28-year old RH RP from the Blue Jays who had a 71/16 K/BB ratio in 50.2IP in Double-A. He may be superfluous with Bergman and Majewski, but he's a quality RHP.
• Jarred Ball - 22-year old CF from the D-Backs. 253/377/363 with 39SB in Double-A. With the trade of Brad Wilkerson and the apparent lack of faith in Ryan Church, he is worth consideration.
• Gregor Blanco - 22-year old CF from the Braves. 252/367/386 with 28SB in Double-A. Same reason as above.
• Fabio Castro - 21-year old LH RP from the White Sox who had a 75/37 K/BB ratio in 79IP in High-A. Rumor has it that the Royals will grab him at #1 and trade him to Philadelphia.
• Matt Chico - 22-year old LH SP from the D-Backs. Had a down 2005 but still put up 137/54 K/BB in 162IP split between Double-A and High-A. He could be an intriguing option as a candidate for the #5 spot in the rotation.
• Chris Cooper - 27-year old LH RP from the Indians. 75/21 K/BB in 72IP between Double-A and Triple-A. An interesting LH option out of the pen.
• Ben Francisco - 24-year old CF from the Indians. 307/357/474 in Double-A. Another Wlikerson replacement option.
• Kevin Howard - 25-year old 2B/3B from the Reds. 296/346/428 in Double-A; also led Arizona Fall League in hitting. The only Bowden guy from Cincy I'd think about though the last thing the Nats need is yet another 2B.
• JD Martin - 23-year old RH SP from the Indians. 63/8 K/BB ratio in 56.2IP in Double-A before undergoing Tommy John surgery. He may be worth grabbing and storing on the 60-day DL.
• Mike Megrew - 22-year old LH SP from the Dodgers. Underwent Tommy John surgery in 2004. If he's recovered he's worth consideration potentially as a LH specialist out of the pen in 2006 with designs to return to starting later.
• Rafael Rodriguez - 21-year old RH SP from the Angels. 118/60 K/BB in 146.1IP in Low/High-A ball. It might be rushing him to the majors but he could be a RH specialist in 2006 with designs to return to starting later.
• Davis Romero - 23-year old LH SP from the Blue Jays. 136/34 K/BB in 124.2IP in High-A. A definite gamble but worth the look.
• Vince Sinisi - 24-year old corner OF from the Rangers. Rehabbing from 2004 broken arm by hitting 363/438/600 in High-A and 258/300/343 in Double-A in 2005. A toolsy OF in the positive sense.

And here are some other guys from Jim Bowden's tenure in Cincinnati, which means they are also candidates (a la Tony Blanco from 2004):

• Chris Dickerson - 23-year old toolsy OF. Pass.
• Carlos Guevara - 24-year old RH RP. Pass.
• Thomas Pauly - 24-year old RH SP. Recovering from torn labrum. Pass.
• David Shafer - 23-year old RH RP. No improvement on Bergmann. Pass.

Josh Whitesell, a LH 1B with a proclivity for strikeouts, and Rogearvin Bernadina, a speedy OF who just completed his third straight season in Savannah, are the only potential losses, but I doubt either will be going anywhere.

I'll have my recap if the Nationals add or lose anyone.

The Shallow End of the Pool

I know I'm late to the party. The usual suspects have the breakdown of the deal sending Brad Wilkerson, Terrmel Sledge, and Armando Galarraga to the Rangers for Alfonso Soriano. My take? I don't like it, but I don't hate it as much as many do. I agree with Chris that Brad Wilkerson was done in DC. For whatever reason, he had lost the faith of the man making the decisions (Bowden). Sledge is coming off of a severe hamstring injury so his inclusion is not the end of the world. If the deal were Wilkerson, Sledge, and organizational pitcher, someone like Jason Stevenson or Chris Schroder, I would have been marginally in favor of the deal. Soriano, even at the near $10M he may command in arbitration is not the end of the world, provided that either (a) he doesn't mind shifting to the OF (preferably LF); or (b) there is a deal in the works where either Soriano or Jose Vidro is moved for pitching. The problem I have with it is the inclusion of Armando Galarraga. I highlighted Galarraga's recovery from Tommy John surgery back in July. The Nationals ran into a huge problem late last year when they ran out of starting pitchers at the major league level. As of today, the Nationals starting rotation is:

1. Livan Hernandez
2. John Patterson
3. Brian Lawrence
4. Ryan Drese (assuming he's recovered from surgery)
5. ???

I thought that Galarraga would have had a really solid opportunity to give Darrell Rasner and whatever reclamation project Bowden went after in a battle for the #5 spot in the rotation. One of the few things I got from my reading of Scout's Honor that I could not agree with more ... a team needs to have replacement value players available to them in the minor leagues for both themselves and trades. Well, the Nats didn't (and still don't have either). Trading a prospect ranked #5 by Baseball America (#4 in my opinion) from a farm system as troubled as the Nationals is not the wisest move for the long term health of the organization. Listen, I'm a fan but I realize that the Nationals are not going to compete for a World Series any time soon. And trading away what limited depth exists in the minor leagues does nothing for the Nationals' rebuilding process in their player development system.

Let's hope there is another mover (or two) in the pipeline turning the Nationals' overabundance of middle infielders (specifically 2B) into pieces needed to re-establish a viable farm system.

Farm Authority Report 12/5/05

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• no games
• All-Star game scheduled for Tuesday

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• no Nationals played

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• no games

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• I will provide weekly updates to players on Fridays

MiLB - Nationals Organizational Report

MiLB.com finally gets around to the Nationals organizational report. Long story short. There is some talent there and with an owner in place, the Nationals should be able to hang onto them long term. My perspective, there is a long road to restoring the luster to a farm system that was at one time an endless stream of impressive players.

Farm Authority Report 12/2 - 12/4/05

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/3 1K [12/2]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/4 1K [12/3]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/3 2K [12/4]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Jacobo Sequea RP - 2.1IP 3H 2R(2ER) 2BB 0K [12/2]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Jason Stevenson SP - 5IP 6H 3R(3ER) 4BB 6K [12/4]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 2/4 2RBI double [12/2]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 2/4 1E [12/3]
• Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 0/3 1K [12/4]
• Tigres de Aragua: Ramon Castro 3B - 1/2 2R 3BB [12/3]

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• no Nationals played

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/5 1K 1E [12/2]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 0/4 [12/3]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/4 [12/4]

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• I will provide weekly updates to players on Fridays

Book Review - Scout's Honor

I just finished reading Bill Shanks' book, Scout's Honor: The Bravest Way to Build a Winning Team. Touted as a as the defense of traditional scouting, a counterpoint to Michael Lewis' book Moneyball, Shanks' book was poorly crafted and disappointing. Instead of providing the reader with insight into the methodology behind the incredible success of the Atlanta Braves and their remarkable player development, Shanks spends 346 pages providing anecdotes about players in the Braves system (players/management/scouts) repeatedly using the word "makeup" without explaining it. There was only a few nuggets of value I found in the book. First, in trades, the Braves are inclined to ask for the inclusion of some sort of minor league pitcher (regardless of value). The thought is to focus on quality from quantity. Second, how Braves Executive VP and GM John Schuerholz was influenced by his first bosses, Harry Dalton and Lou Gorman. Gorman explains that the two aspects of scouting a player, things you can/cannot see with the eye. More specifically:

Things you can see with your eyes

• Pitchers: arm strength, fastball, curve ball, slidder, other pitch, and control
• Infielders/Outfielders: arm strength, use of arm, speed, quickness, agility, hands, fielding, range, hitting and power
• Catchers: arm strength, use of arm, receiving, hands, hitting, power, and speed

Things you cannot see with your eyes (roughly, Shanks' definition of makeup)

• Attitude, desire, drive, willingness, hunger, ambition, aggressiveness, mental intelligence, baseball sense, teachability, coachability, knowledge of the game, personality, improvement, consistency, maturity, adjustment, stability, temperment, disposition, background, family, habits, "is he a winner?", "does he have stomach?", "does he have heart?", "does he have pride?", "does he have confidence?", and "is he a competitor?"

Unfortunately for Shanks, he doesn't provide this until more than halfway through the book. This reduces much of the value in the previous anecdotes and their ability to demonstrate the Braves' philosophy.

When he finally gets around to the nuts and bolts of the Braves' philosophy (on page 347), a grand total of 13 pages are offered as explanation. The quick summary:

1. MAKEUP: Passion, integrity, and intelligence are all necessary to ensure the greatest chance of success. It cannot be quantified, only perceived.
2. DON'T DISCOUNT STATS, BUT...: Stats are a tool to be used as part of the whole picture (stats + tools + body + makeup).
3. TRUST YOUR SCOUTS: Delegate responsibility down and trust your scout's judgement.
4. COLLEGE VERSUS HIGH SCHOOL: There is no concrete evidence that college players drafted are more successful in the majors than high school drafted. The Braves prefer high school players before they develop bad habits.
5. SYNERGY BETWEEN SCOUTING AND PLAYER DEVELOPMENT: The scouts and player development staff need to be on the same page.
6. PATIENCE: Allow the player to fully develop, his play on the field will tell you when he's ready.
7. THE STRENGTH OF THE DRAFT DICTATES PICKS: Nothing is more dangerous than going against the strength of the draft.
8. PROTECTING PICKS: Don't waste a draft spot on a player focused on dollars or without the desire to play, signability is a key. Talk to the players before the draft to see if they want to be a Brave. Additionally, be honest and upfront with what a player can be paid, if the player scoffs, move on.
9. PITCHING, PITCHING, PITCHING: Treat pitchers like thoroughbred racehorses; wins are not important in the minors; do not overuse pitchers in the minors.
10. DEVELOP TALENT FOR TRADES: The ability to produce talent to trade is equally as important as developing talent for your own use. Build depth so trades don't weaken you at any position.
11. REPLACEMENT VALUE: The system must develop players that can be promoted in the case of injury/need. It's important to reinvigorate your team with youth and enthusiasm.
12. SCOUTING YOUR OWN PLAYERS: One of the most overlooked necessities of a strong farm system. Spend time analyzing the existing talent in your own farm system in order to determine who are: (1) legitimate prospects; (2) fringe prospects; and (3) roster filler. Know who to keep/who can be sacrificed in deals, if necessary. Ensure the proper evaluation of players.
13. FOLLOW THE PLAN: Consistency is important between people and philosophy.
14. MAKING IMPACT ON THE PLAYERS: Scouts, mangers, coaches, and executives are in charge, but you must create a sense of family working towards a common goal.
15. THE PHILOSOPHY IS THE PEOPLE

The final chapter is spent deriding Michael Lewis and Moneyball as a fad along the lines of "the Atkins Diet." Shanks refutes the Moneyball philosophy, completely missing the forest for the trees. In my opinion, Moneyball is about taking advantage of maket inefficiencies, not focusing on college players an on-base percentage. I will grant Shanks his point on Lewis' negative portrayal of "traditional scouts." But Shanks falls into a similar trap that most traditionalists do, he allows Lewis' story to overshadow the theory. What Billy Beane did so well was identify a skill set that was affordable and offered him the greatest opportunity to succeed. Shanks is too concerned with discrediting Lewis, Beane, OBP, and the drafting college players over high schoolers.

All in all, Shanks' book is not worth the investment of $22.95 (thankfully, I found it in the library). He missed a tremendous opportunity to give the average baseball fan a peek into the world of scouting and player development. Instead, he spent over 300 pages offering little more than back of the baseball card player information and whining about his misconception of Moneyball.

I'd pass.

Farm Authority Report 11/25/05 through 12/1/05

I'm back Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/3 1RBI 1BB [11/25]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 [11/26]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/4 1K [11/27]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/3 1R 2RBI 1BB [11/29]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/3 2K [11/30 G1]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/3 1R [11/30 G2]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 [12/1]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Jason Stevenson SP - 5.2IP 4H 2R(2ER) 5BB 3K; ND [11/29]
• Pastora de los Llanos: Mayque Quintero SP - 4IP 5H 2R(2ER) 4BB 0K; L [11/30]
• Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez LF - 0/5 3K [11/25]
• Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez PH/3B - 0/1 1R [11/26]
• Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez LF - 1/4 1K [11/30]
• Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez LF - 0/2 [12/1]
• Leones de Caracas: Armando Galarraga SP - 6.2IP 8H 2R(1ER) 0BB 2K; W [11/25]
• Leones de Caracas: Armando Galarraga SP - 6IP 4H 2R(1ER) 3BB 3K; ND [12/1]
• Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar PH/DH - 0/1 1BB [11/25]
• Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar PH/RF - 0/1 [11/27]
• Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar RF - 2/4 [11/28]
• Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar PH/RF - 0/1 [11/29]
• Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar RF - 1/4 1R 1RBI 1HR [12/1]

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• no Nationals played between 11/25 and 12/1

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/6 1R 2K [11/25]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/5 [11/26]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/5 1RBI [11/27]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 3/5 2R [11/29]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/5 1R [11/30]
• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 2/5 2R 1RBI [12/1]

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• still no box scores but team standings are posted, of note ...
• Terrmel Sledge - 222/263/333; 5G 4/18 2R 4RBI 1BB 4K; 2 doubles
• Edgardo Baez - 063/118/250; 9G 1/16 1R 2RBI 1BB 4K; 1HR

Sorry Folks ...

the park's closed. The Moose out front should have told you. I'm going on vacation. NFA will not be updated again until December 2.

Farm Authority Report 11/22/05

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 1R

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• no Nationals played

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 0/4

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• Box scores for Puerto Rican winter leagues yet to be posted (season began on 11/11)

Farm Authority Report 11/21/05

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional/Liga Mexicana del Pacifico/Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• no games

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• Box scores for Puerto Rican winter leagues yet to be posted (season began on 11/11)

Farm Authority Report 11/20/05

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• 11/19 Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez LF - 0/1 1R 1BB 1K
• 11/19 Leones de Caracas: Armondo Galarraga SP - 6IP 6H 1R(1ER) 2BB 1K
• 11/19 Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/3 1R 1RBI 2BB 1K double
• 11/20 Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 1K

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• no Nationals played

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/4 1R

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• Box scores for Puerto Rican winter leagues yet to be posted (season began on 11/11)

Farm Authority Report 11/18 - 11/19/05

Regional Olympic Qualifying Tournament

11/18

• USA (4-0) 9 defeated Panama (1-3) 3
• Mexico (2-2) 7 defeated Canada (3-1) 2
• Nicaragua (2-2) 6 defeated Guatemala (0-4) 1
• USA: Brendan Harris SS - 0/1
• Nicaragua: Ofilio Castro SS - 0/0

11/19

• USA (5-0) defeated Canada (3-2) 2
• Panama (2-3) 12 defeated Guatemala (0-5) 1
• Nicaragua (3-2) 4 defeated Mexico (2-3) 2
• USA: Brendan Harris 3B - 1/2 1R 1RBI double
• Nicaragua: Ofilio Castro SS - 1/4

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• 11/17 no Nationals played
• 11/18 Leones del Caracas: Marcos Yepez PH - 0/0 1BB
• 11/18 Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 2/5 1R 2RBI 1HR
• 11/18 Pastora de los Llanos: Jason Stevenson SP - 5.1IP 4H 1R(1ER) 1BB 1K; Win
• 11/19 boxscores pending

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• 11/18 no Nationals played
• 11/19 no Nationals played

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• 11/18 Tigres del Licey Tony Blanco LF - 1/1 2RBI
• 11/18 Aguilas Cibaenas Bernie Castro 2B - 1/4 1R 1RBI 1SF 1SB
• 11/19 Tigres del Licey Tony Blanco 1B - 1/3 1R 1BB
• 11/19 Aguilas Cibaenas Bernie Castro 2B - 4/5 1R 1RBI

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• Box scores for Puerto Rican winter leagues yet to be posted (season began on 11/11)

Breaking News - Marlon Anderson Signed

H/T to Chris over at Capitol Punishment. Word has leaked (WTEM report) that the Nationals have signed utility man Marlon Anderson to a 2-year deal. Anderson is, at best, Carlos Baerga with a little bit more mobility ... and the ability to play in the OF. What does that mean to the current Nationals? Thanks to Jamey Carroll for everything he's done but there is a 0% chance he's coming back. Rick Short. We hardly knew ye. Good luck with the recovery from the shoulder surgery. Brendan Harris has more than likely played his last game with the Washington Nationals. Harris could reasonably play 2B and 3B for the Nats in 2006. He's now more than likely to be shopped in the off-season. Ideally, it will be in a move for someone like Juan Pierre from Florida. Bernie Castro should start apartment shopping in New Orleans. Unless he can clearly beat out Damian Jackson, he's a victim of a numbers game. Rotoworld sums the signing up perfectly.

A two-year deal? We're sure it's not for a lot of money, but that's still too much of a commitment. The Nationals are signing Anderson because he hit .321 in 56 at-bats as a pinch-hitter last season. He's an upgrade over Carlos Baerga, but he's not someone who should get more than one start per week

---------- UPDATE: Contract terms are 2 years $1.85M. Ugh. This is not an efficient use of limited resources for a role player. I refer you to Ryan for his swearalicious thoughts. The Nationals press release has two quotes I want to focus on:

"It makes it tougher to find a spot and see where I fit on this team," [Jamey] Carroll said. "We signed a couple of infielders. For the team, it strengthens the club. Anderson is a good role player. He has done a great job wherever he has been."

I will echo something Yuda said over at Gameday, "Pure class, Jamey Carroll." And,

"They let it be known that they had interest in me. Things with New York didn't pan out the way I thought," [Marlon] Anderson said. "The Nationals gave me an offer. With the things that I do [off the bench], I thought it was a fair deal. It was more than anybody else was offering."

More than anybody else was offering? No kidding.

Elias Free Agent Rankings

FYI. The Elias rankings of the free agents has been released. The Elias Sports Bureau compiles rankings of all major leaguers by position, based on their performance over the previous two seasons. If teams offer arbitration to a free agent and lose him to another club, they'll receive compensation if he's classified as a Type A (top 30% at his position), Type B (31-50%) or Type C (51-60%) player. Type A player compensation = signing team's 1st-round pick plus a supplemental 1st-rounder Type B player compensation = signing team's 1st-round choice Type C player compensation = supplemental 2nd-rounder. However, if the signing team picks in the upper half of the 1st round, that choice is protected and it loses its 2nd-round selection instead. If a club signs multiple free agents within the same category, its earlier pick goes to the team which lost the higher-rated player. Nationals free agents are in bold and blue. Players with rumors connecting them to the Nationals are in bold and green. Type A: Wilson Alvarez (LAD), Brad Ausmus (Hou), A.J. Burnett (Fla), Jeromy Burnitz (ChC), Royce Clayton (Ari), Roger Clemens (Hou), Jeff Conine (Fla), Johnny Damon (Bos), Octavio Dotel (Oak), Erubiel Durazo (Oak), Scott Eyre (SF), Kyle Farnsworth (Atl), Rafael Furcal (Atl), Brian Giles (SD), Tom Gordon (NYY), Mark Grudzielanek (StL), Ramon Hernandez (SD), Trevor Hoffman (SD), Bob Howry (Cle), Todd Jones (Fla), Paul Konerko (CWS), Matt Lawton (NYY), Braden Looper (NYM), Kevin Millar (Bos), Bengie Molina (LAA), Matt Morris (StL), Bill Mueller (Bos), Mike Piazza (NYM), Joe Randa (SD), Al Reyes (StL), Kenny Rogers (Tex), B.J. Ryan (Bal), Rudy Seanez (SD), Julian Tavarez (StL), Ugueth Urbina (Phi), Billy Wagner (Phi), Larry Walker (StL), Jeff Weaver (LAD), Rondell White (Det), Bob Wickman (Cle), Tim Worrell (Ari). Type B: Antonio Alfonseca (Fla), Rich Aurilia (Cin), Paul Byrd (LAA), Hector Carrasco (Was), Elmer Dessens (LAD), Cal Eldred (StL), Juan Encarnacion (Fla), Shawn Estes (Ari), Carl Everett (CWS), Julio Franco (Atl), Nomar Garciaparra (ChC), Alex Gonzalez (Fla), Todd Greene (Col), Chris Hammond (SD), Scott Hatteberg (Oak), Rick Helling (Mil), Roberto Hernandez (NYM), Jason Johnson (Det), Jacque Jones (Min), Al Leiter (NYY), Esteban Loaiza (Was), Kenny Lofton (Phi), Brian Meadows (Pit), Jim Mecir (Fla), Jose Mesa (Pit), Dan Miceli (Col), Kevin Millwood (Cle), Jamie Moyer (Sea), Mike Myers (Bos), Rafael Palmeiro (Bal), Todd Pratt (Phi), Felix Rodriguez (NYY), Reggie Sanders (StL), J.T. Snow (SF), Sammy Sosa (Bal), Russ Springer (Hou), Frank Thomas (CWS), Brett Tomko (SF), Michael Tucker (Phi), Daryle Ward (Pit), Jarrod Washburn (LAA), Bernie Williams (NYY), Preston Wilson (Was), Eric Young (SD). Type C (first-time free agents only): Joey Eischen (Was), Scott Elarton (Cle), Abraham Nunez (StL).

Farm Authority Report 11/17/05

Regional Olympic Qualifying Tournament

• USA (3-0) defeated Nicaragua (1-2) 7-4
• Mexico (1-2) defeated Guatemala (0-3) 5-2
• Canada (3-0) defeated Panama (1-2) 15-5
• USA: Brendan Harris 3B - 1/3 1R 2RBI 1HR [GW HR in 6th inning]
• Nicaragua: Ofilio Castro SS - 2/4 1RBI 1E

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• box scores of 11/17 pending

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• 11/16 no Nationals played
• 11/17 no Nationals played

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• 11/16 no Nationals played
• 11/17 Aguilas Cibaenas Bernie Castro 2B - 0/4
• 11/17 Tigres del Licey Tony Blanco PH - 0/1

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• Box scores for Puerto Rican winter leagues yet to be posted (season began on 11/11)

Jose Guillen News

Courtesy Tigres del Licey website. For those who don't speak Spanish, here is the rough translation:

OF Jose Guillen changed his plans. Instead of resting this winter, he plans to play for Licey in late December and hopes to be part of the Dominican team in the World Baseball Classic in March.

He plans to undergo shoulder surgery prior to playing for Licey/Dominican Republic. Guillen will be evaluated Friday by doctor John Uribe in Miami, fly to Washington to participate in a Nationals activity (alternate uniform debut), and return to Miami. Surgery on Monday is probable.

"It is a small operation to clean the shoulder", said Guillen. He hurt the shoulder sliding last June. "The doctors have informed me this type of operation takes two weeks to heal. Halfway through December I will have the clearance to play", said Guillen.

He tried to avoid the operation with a rigorous program of rehabilitation, but the Nationals wanted to avoid the risk that the injury returned during spring training.

After playing with the Licey in the winter, Guillen will make himself available for the World Baseball Classic. "It will be a great honor to play for my native Dominican Republic", said Guillen.

Guillen is in the last year of his contract with the Nationals. "I want to continue to play in Washington, but if I do not sign an extension during spring training, then I will play the season become free agent. I will not negotiate after the season starts", said Guillen.

Farm Authority Report 11/16/05

Regional Olympic Qualifying Tournament

• USA (2-0) defeated Mexico (0-2) 5-4
• Nicaragua (1-1) defeated Panama (1-1) 6-1
• Canada (2-0) defeated Guatemala (0-2) 12-0 [7-inning no-hitter; mercy rule]
• Brendan Harris 3B - 3/4

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• Navegantes de Magallanes Ender Chavez RF - 0/1

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• 11/15 - no Nationals played
• box scores of 11/16 pending

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• box scores of 11/16 pending

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• Box scores for Puerto Rican winter leagues yet to be posted (season began on 11/11)

Sickels Top 20 Prospect Retrospective

John Sickels reinforces what we already know, the Nats system has nowhere to go but up.

Baseball America - Nationals Top 10 Prospects

Baseball America has ranked the Nats top 10 prospects. Scouting reports are subscriber only.

1. Ryan Zimmerman, 3b
2. Collin Balester, rhp
3. Clint Everts, rhp
4. Ian Desmond, ss
5. Armando Galarraga, rhp
6. Kory Casto, 3b
7. Mike Hinckley, lhp
8. Bill Bray, lhp
9. Larry Broadway, 1b
10. Daryl Thompson, rhp

Zimmerman was an obvious choice as #1. After that, I don't necessarily quibble with who are #2-10. The order is open to debate.

Bray has the greatest chance of an immediate impact. Assuming that LH RP Joey Eischen is not re-signed, Bray would have to be the clubhouse leader in the competition for LH out of the bullpen. He quickly climbed the organizational ladder from Potomac to New Orleans in 2005. His struggles in Triple-A (1.50WHIP and 1.3HR/9IP) are balanced by a solid 3.8BB/9IP and a very good 10.6K/9IP.

With regards to the SPs, I would rate Galarraga the highest for near term impact. He posted a 3.80ERA, 1.23WHIP, 7.9K/9IP, 2.5BB/9IP, and 1.0HR/9IP in 156.33IP split between Potomac and Harrisburg. He has an opportunity to make an appearance in Washington some time in 2006. He projects as a #4 SP. Everts, continuing his recovery from Tommy John, pitched sparingly in 2005 (35IP split between GCL Nats and Vermont) with 3.60ERA, 1.69WHIP, 9.3K/9IP, 5.1BB/9IP, and 0 HR allowed. As I stated in my review of the Vermont prospects, I'd like to see him challenged with a placement at Harrisburg or New Orleans, but he could easily begin the season in Potomac in an effort to build up arm strength. Balester built upon his strong debut with an equally strong performance in Savannah. In 125IP, he compiled a 3.67ERA, 1.18WHIP, 6.8K/9IP, 3BB/9IP, and 0.8HR/9IP. He probably has the highest upside of any pitcher on the list above. The 19-year old is, at best, 3 years away from the majors. Potomac is his most likely destination in 2006 with a quick promotion to Harrisburg if he continues to pitch well. Thompson will likely join Balester in Potomac after a brief but strong second season in Savannah. In 53.2IP, 3.35ERA, 1.30WHIP, 8.1K/9IP, 4.0BB/9IP, and 0.5HR/9IP. He had shoulder surgery and a full season with the P-Nats is in the offing. Last season's #1 prospect, Hinckley had a disappointing 2005 which rightfully led to his slide down the list. After a solid finish to the 2004 season in Double-A Harrisburg, his performance at Potomac (127.2IP with 4.93ERA, 1.58WHIP, 5.6K/9IP, 3.6BB/9IP, and 0.7HR/9IP) cannot be entirely written off to injury. He has alot to prove in 2006. I would have ranked the pitchers: Bray-Galarraga-Balester-Everts-Thompson-Hinckley.

Desmond at #4 is a function of how weak the upper levels are. His numbers split between Savannah and Potomac show promise but his K/BB (113/34) is definitely a concern. Many Nationals fans have adopted Desmond as a future star of the franchise. I don't see that. He has the potential to be a very solid utility IF but I don't see his bat as strong enough to carry him to a starting SS job. Casto had a break out season with P-Nats in 2005. He switched from OF to 3B in hopes of accelerating his climb to the majors, and that he did. Unfortunately for him, the Nats drafted Zimmerman putting an end to his chances of making the majors as a 3B. The Nats are now determining if he can make the switch to 2B in hopes of replacing Vidro in a couple of years. I still see his best chances as a corner IF. Broadway had a disappointing 2005 battling injury and inconsistency. He has something the Nats need ... LH power. With Nick Johnson's inability to stay healthy, Broadway still has a chance to make noise at 1B. I would have ranked the positional players.: Zimmerman-Broadway-Casto-Desmond.

Overall, my ordering of Baseball America's top 10:

1. Zimmerman
2. Bray
3. Galarraga
4. Balester
5. Everts
6. Broadway
7. Casto
8. Thompson
9. Hinckley
10. Desmond

Nationals Roster Moves

The St Louis Cardinals signed LHP Rich Rundles as a 6-year minor league free agent. Rundles was acquired in 2001 from the Red Sox (along with Tomo Ohka) in exchange for Uggie Urbina. The 24-year old Rundles spent his second straight season in Double-A Harrisburg compiling a 9-19 record over the last two years with a 3.88ERA, 1.40WHIP, 5.4K/9IP, 2.9BB/9IP, and 0.7HR/9IP in 46GS. It appears that St Louis will convert him to a RP. It's a disappointment to see Rundles leave, but hopefully Bowden/Boone have some plans on bringing in some 6-year minor league free agent LHPs. The Nationals released OF Kenny Kelly yesterday. The 26-year old Kelly was claimed off of waivers from the Cincinnati Reds on July 27. He was another one of Bowden's toolsy OFs (see Escobar, Alex). In 24G, he only had 13AB with 4H. With the presence of Brandon Watson and Ty Godwin, Kelly was superfluous. His release opens another spot on the 40-man roster. With Beltran, Tucker, Drese, Escobar, and Sledge all on the 60-day DL, the Nationals are presently at 34/40.

Farm Authority Report 11/15/05

Regional Olympic Qualifying Tournament

• USA defeated Guatemala 23-0 in 7 innings (mercy rule)
• Panama defeated Mexico 17-4 in 8 innings (mercy rule)
• Canada defeated Nicaragua 3-0
• Brendan Harris 2B - 1/2 1R 1RBI

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• no Nationals played

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• box scores of 11/15 pending

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• Bernie Castro 2B - 1/5 1R 1BB

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• Box scores for Puerto Rican winter leagues yet to be posted (season began on 11/11)

Farm Authority Report 11/14/05

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• no games on 11/14

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• no Nationals played on 11/12
• no Nationals played on 11/13
• no games on 11/14

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• 11/12 Tigres del Licey Tony Blanco - 0/1 1K
• 11/12 Aguilas Cibaenas Bernie Castro - 1/4 1R 1RBI 1K
• 11/13 Aguilas Cibaenas Bernie Castro - 3/5 1R 1K
• no games on 11/14

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• Box scores for Puerto Rican winter leagues yet to be posted (season began on 11/11)

Farm Authority Report 11/12 - 11/13/05

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• 11/12: Pastora de los Llanos Frank Diaz CF - 2/3 1R 2BB 1K
• 11/12: Pastora de los Llanos Mayque Quintero SP - 3IP 6H 5R(5ER) 1BB 2K
• 11/12: Leones del Caracas Armando Galarraga SP - 2.2IP 4H 4R(4ER) 3BB 3K
• 11/12: Leones del Caracas Ed Yarnall RP - 0.2IP 0H 0R 0BB 0K; Win
• 11/13: Pastora de los Llanos Frank Diaz CF - 0/0 4BB

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• 11/12 and 11/13 boxscores pending

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• 11/12 and 11/13 boxscores pending

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• 11/11 through 11/13 boxscores pending

USA Olympic Team Schedule

Brendan Harris is playing for 2005 Olympic Qualifying team. Below is their schedule.

• 11/15/05 vs Guatemala
• 11/16/05 vs Mexico
• 11/17/05 vs Nicaragua
• 11/18/05 vs Panama
• 11/19/05 vs Canada

Farm Authority Report 11/11/05

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• Pastora de los Llanos Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 2K
• Pastora de los Lanos Jason Stevenson SP - 5IP 7H 2R(1ER) 0BB 3K
• Navegantes de Magallanes Ender Chavez CF - 3/5

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• 11/9 through 11/11 no Nationals played

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• Tigres del Licey Tony Blanco - 0/1
• Aguilas Cibaenas Bernie Castro - 3/5 1R 4RBI double triple HR

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• 11/11 season opening box scores pending

Farm Authority Report 11/10/05

Peoria (AFL)

• Josh Whitesell DH - 1/3 double
• David Maust SP - 2IP 2H 3R(3ER) 2BB 0K 1HR
• Chris Schroder RP - 1H 0R 0BB 1K
• AFL regular season ended - Peoria Saguaros season over

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• no Nationals played

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• 11/9 & 11/10 boxscores pending

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• no Nationals played

Vermont Expos Will Unveil New Name on 11/15

According to the Burlington Free Press, the new name, logo, jerseys and some merchandise will be unveiled at a Tuesday 11/15 news conference beginning at 5 p.m. at University Mall in South Burlington, VT. UPDATE: Discussions over at Chris Creamer's Sports Logo Community uncovered this information:

The domain names www.vermontlakemonsters.com and www.vtlakemonsters.com were both registered by the owner of a firm called e-fish solutions. Said firm provides services for clients including website planning, design and production... website hosting... website maintenance... e-commerce and online shopping support... domain name registration and administration, etc. Interestingly enough, among e-fish solutions' clients is - you guessed it - the Vermont Expos

A nice bit of detective work

Farm Authority Report 11/9/05

Peoria (AFL)

• Brendan Harris SS - 1/4 1K
• Josh Whitesell 1B - 0/4 1K
• Roy Corcoran RP - 1IP 2H 2R(2ER) 2BB 1K 1HR

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• Navegantes de Magallanes: Ender Chavez CF - 0/4 1BB 2K

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• 11/8 Algodoneros de Guasave: Kenny Kelly PR - 0/0
• 11/9 boxscores pending

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 3/3 1R 1BB

Bowden and the Farm

Jim Bowden will be interviewing for the Red Sox GM role this week. I'll leave to the others to defend/discount the overall value of Bowden. I'll focus on what he did/didn't do to the farm system.

October/November 2004

• Signed 3B Rick Short and RHP Dan Smith: Short was a nice story in 2005. He has the potential of being the 25th man (Carlos Baerga's spot) in 2006 if he recovers from shoulder surgery. Smith spent the entire season in New Orleans with terrible numbers in before he had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in July, ending his season. [NFA: Nice find on Short.]
• Signed SS Ramon Castro and OF Cristian Guerrero: Castro started out promising but was hit with an unprecedented 105 game suspension in July. Guerrero put up solid numbers in Harrisburg. [NFA: Two nice finds for Bowden. Both are probably no more than organizational players at this point. Though, Castro bears watching]
• Purchased the contracts of INF Alejandro Machado, LHP Michael Hinckley, 1B Larry Broadway and RHP Darrell Rasner from Harrisburg; Purchased the contracts of RHP Josh Karp and RHP Danny Rueckel from Edmonton: This added one only one guy to the 40-man roster who even appeared once for the Nationals in 2005 (Rasner). Rasner's best shot is as a #5 SP in 2006. Hinckley, Broadway, and Karp all battled injury/inconsistency in 2005. Machado was subsequently traded to the Red Sox in April 2005 for IF Carlos Torres. Torres put up terrible numbers in Vermont while Machado made a brief appearance for the Red Sox late in the season. Rueckel was removed from the 40-man in August to make room for Deivi Cruz. [NFA: The loss of Machado is not terrible but in hindsight, he would have been a nice piece during the Vidro injury/Guzman struggles. Rueckel will be exposed to the Rule 5 Draft in December. No problems with the other moves]
• Outrighted RHP Shawn Hill and INF Josh Labandeira to Edmonton: Hill was recovering from Tommy John surgery while Labandeira battled inconsistency, injury, and a suspension for violation of the substance abuse program. [NFA: Ideally, Hill will compete for a spot in the bullpen in 2006 with the possibility of spot starts (think Sunny Kim 's role in 2005). ]

December 2004

• Signed RHP Rabell Rivera: Rivera did not play in 2005.
• Traded OF Antonio Sucre to Pirates for OF J.J. Davis: Davis was subsequently paired with Zach Day in a trade for Preston Wilson. Sucre spent the season in the South Atlantic League with marginal results. [NFA: Solid, not spectacular, move that led to a contributor at the major league level]
• Sold the contract of OF Val Pascucci to the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Japanese Pacific League: Pascucci had limited playing time in Japan in 2005. Though 8 of his 29 hits were HR. [NFA: Not a terrible move. He wasn't going to make the major league roster and the additional dollars (however small) were probably welcome given the budget constraints.]
• Released LHP Chad Bentz: The lefthanded Bentz caught on with the Marlins and pitched horribly in 4 appearances with Florida. [NFA: Aside from the fact he was a LH RP, his loss was not terrible. He is no better than Joe Horgan, who was quickly cast aside.]
• Selected OF Ty Godwin from the Blue Jays and IF Tony Blanco from the Reds in the Rule 5 Draft: Godwin's rights, and the ability to send him to the minors, were acquired in exchange for 20-year old LH SP Aaron Wideman. Godwin had a solid year in New Orleans (caveat ... he's 26), while Wideman pitched solidly in the Midwest League. Blanco spent the entire season sitting on the bench in Washington with limited playing time. [NFA: The jury is still out on Wideman, but it will be interesting to see what he becomes. Godwin appears to be a AAAA player. Blanco's impact is much more a negative. Not only did he lose a year of development, but he also hamstrung the Nationals with regards to player personnel decisions during the season. This was apparently due to strained relations between Bowden and his former employer, the Reds who refused to discuss any trade options.]
• Selected RHP Victor Prieto from the Marlins, IF Edgar Gonzalez from the Rangers, and OF Doc Brooks from the Diamondbacks in the Triple-A portion of the Rule 5 Draft: Prieto was immediately traded to the Red Sox for cash considerations. He pitched only 0.1IP for the GCL Red Sox. Gonzalez played well in a season split between Harrisburg and New Orleans while Brooks apparently regressed in his third straight season in High A. [NFA: Gonzalez and Brooks are organizational players. They provided depth to a farm system that was hungry for serviceable players.]
• Selected OF Jim Kavourias from the Marlins, RHP Dan Kolb from the Brewers, 2B Dan Dement from the Devil Rays, and OF Marcus Nettles OF from the Padres in the Double-A portion of the Rule 5 Draft: Kavourias (April) and Nettles (May) were subsequently released. Kolb struggled in his third straight year in High A. Dement split the season between Harrisburg and New Orleans, batting over 300 in both stops. [NFA: Kolb and Dement are also organizational players with little chance of making the majors.]
• Signed the following players to minor league contracts with invitations to Spring Training (OF Jeffrey Hammonds, 3B Phil Hiatt, IF Jared Sandberg, CA Keith Osik, RHP Hector Carrasco, RHP Chad Durbin, RHP Seth Greisinger, RHP Luis Pineda, LHP Micah Bowie, and OF Michael Coleman): Hiatt and Pineda did not make the team nor play for anyone else in 2005. Sandberg was released and caught on with the Red Sox farm team. Greisinger spent most of the season in Triple-A and pitched briefly for the Braves. Bowie battled injuries in the Nats farm system. Hammonds and Osik played briefly for the Nats in 2005. Carrasco was an invaluable member of the 2005 Nats bullpen and excelled as a SP late in the season. [NFA: The players who were lost as well as Bowie, Hammonds, and Osik were organizational players. Carrasco was a find for Bowden, a diamond in the rough]

January/February 2005

• Released 2B Rafael Batista: Did not play in 2005. [NFA: No impact]
• Signed IF George Arias to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training: Arias was subsequently released. [NFA: No impact]
• Signed RHPs Kip Bouknight, Mark DiFelice, David Gil and Brian Powell; SS Jason Bowers; LHPs Alex Lontayo, Matt White and Ed Yarnall; 1B Aaron McNeal; and, OF Melvin Nieves: Lontayo and McNeal were both released in April. McNeal caught on with Colorado but played poorly. DiFelice and Nieves played in Nats farm system until their July releases. Powell, Yarnall, Gil, Bowers, White, and Bouknight all spent the entire season in the upper levels of the Nats farm system. White made a spot start for the Nats in August. [NFA: Is there an echo in here? Organizational players. I bet we'll see more of the same type of guys signed in February 2006]
• Invited SS Ian Desmond to Spring Training: Desmond impressed the fans with his defense in Spring Training. He split the season between Savannah and Potomac. [NFA: Desmond's performance turned the spotlight on the Nats farm system in the spring. What it showed was less than encouraging. Desmond is still a ways away from making the majors]

March/April/May 2005

• Released OF Dominick Ambrosini and RHP Matthew Skrmetta: Neither played in 2005
• Traded OF Jerry Owens to White Sox for OF Alex Escobar: Escobar missed the season with a strained right quadriceps. Owens, on the other hand, had a breakout season in Double-A. [NFA: The acquisition of Escobar is open to much debate among Bowden supporters/detractors. Owens is probably going to be no better than a #4/5 OF in the majors, but the fact that he excelled while Escobar spent the season on the DL magnifies the disparity in the return on the deal. Escobar fit the bill with regards to Bowden's fascination with toolsy OFs. He has not lived up to the promise that made him a key piece of the Roberto Alomar trade. It's not the worst deal but it's definitely not one that Bowden would want on his resume]
• Signed CA Craig Kuzmic: Spent the season in New Orleans. [NFA: Random catcher for depth]
• Released RHPs Edward Diaz, David Haverstick, Ricky Jenkins, and Brandon Roznovsky; LHPs Keith Ferguson, Tony Ferrari, and Josh Girdley; OFs Maurice Cobb, Ramon Diaz, and Danny Rombley; and, IFs Luis Cordova, Francis Desena, Brian Ellerson, Luis Rojas, Jason Conslik, and Jose Ovalles: Only Ferrari played in 2005, actually returning to the Nationals mid-season. [NFA: no impact]
• Signed RHP Travis Hughes: Pitched well in relief for New Orleans with a couple of appearances for the Nats. [NFA: A solid waiver claim for Bowden. Hughes offered depth for both this past season as well as in 2006]
• Released IF Clark Parker: Played briefly in Harrisburg prior to his release. [NFA: no impact.]
• Acquired CF Marlon Byrd from Phillies in exchange for CF Endy Chavez: Byrd played well in platoon time for the Nationals while Chavez was relegated to PR/late inning defensive replacement. [NFA: Another solid move for Bowden. Byrd can serve as a #4 OF for the Nats in 2006.]

June/July 2005

• Drafted and signed the following players from the 2005 First Year Player's Draft: Ryan Zimmerman 3B (1st); Justin Maxwell OF (4th) [signed in October]; Ryan DeLaughter OF (5th); Marco Estrada RHP (6th); Mike Daniel OF (7th); Jack Spradlin LHP (8th); John Michael Howell OF (9th); Dee Brown OF (10th); John Lannan LHP (11th); Craig Stammen RHP (12th); Andre Enriquez RHP (13th); Deryck Johnson OF (14th); Michael Watkins RHP (15th); Josh Palm RHP (16th); Eduardo Pichardo RHP (17th); Tim Pahuta 1B (18th); Bradley Clark RHP (19th) [signed in October]; Ricky Shefka RHP (20th); Coby Mavroulis RHP (21st); Antonio Evangelista RHP (22nd); Jeffrey Taylor RHP (24th); Andrew Lane 2B (27th) - Zimmerman had the crash courtse through the minors to the majors in a few months. Maxwell, if he can stay healthy could prove to be a value pick in the 4th round. Delaughter is playing the OF but is also highly thought of as a RHP. Estrada, Spradlin, Lannan, and Stammen all bare watching as SP prospects. Daniel, Howell, and Brown are all interesting OF prospects to watch for their power (Brown) and hitting (Howell and Daniel). From the picks in the 13th round and later, it's honestly a crapshoot though Bradley Clark has the most upside if he can overcome his reputation. [NFA: Zimmerman has proven a really good pick. The fact that he signed 22 out of his first 25 picks is nice, though it's uncertain how many of the picks were based upon signability.]
• Signed OF Dee Brown; RHPs Ryan France, Edulin Abreu, and John Ogiltree; SSs Scott Hodges and Juan Melo; and, LHP Stephen Randolph : All but Abreu and Randolph filled the roles of organizational players. Abreu did not play. Randolph was traded to the Giants for future considerations. [NFA: No prospects worth watching]
• Acquired RHPs Ancil Baldwin and Mike Kobow from Tigers for future considerations: Kobow played in Potomac. [NFA: no impact]
• Released SS Juan Lorenzo; RHP Samuel Martinez; OF Duron Legrande: None were picked up by anyone else. [NFA: no impact]
• Claimed OF Kenny Kelly off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds: Played briefly in the majors. [NFA: His signing did mean Wil Cordero was removed from the roster, so there is some positive there. Kelly is another AAAA OF that infatuates Bowden]

August/September 2005

• Announced RHP Sun-Woo Kim was claimed off waivers by the Colorado Rockies: Pitched better in Colorado than he did in Washington. [NFA: Trying to sneak Kim through waivers a second time cost Bowden an arm that could have helped in September]
• Signed SS Frank Cruz of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: No stats available as he is too young to play in the US. [NFA: Signings out of the Dominican Republic and other Latin American countries are not necessarily up-to-date. Latin America is an area that Bowden and his team (Jose Rijo specifically) need to resuscitate. Hopefully we will begin to see more names popping up in the future.]
• Acquired SS/2B Deivi Cruz from the San Francisco Giants for RHP Ben Cox: Cruz was roster filler at MI for September. Cox spent his Nationals time in the South Atlantic League. [NFA: Cox is just another RH RP in the minors. He could turn into a solid contributor, or he could flame out. The trade gave the Nats another MI body for the last month of the season.]
• Signed RHPs Amado de los Santos, Bryan Lambert, Billy Sylvester; CAs Brian Peacock and Emilio Soto; IF Jonathan Martinez; and, LHP John Halama: de los Santos, Lambert, Soto, and Martinez were signed as undrafted free agents. Sylvester is another organizational type. Peacock was signed as a draft and follow after being drafted in the 39th round of the 2004 draft, he was rumored to be picked in the first 15 rounds if he returned to the draft. Halama was brought in when the Nationals faced a SP shortage. [NFA: Peacock, de los Santos, Lambert, Soto, and Martinez bear watching to see if Bowden found any diamonds in the rough]
• Released RHP Aaron Coonrod, CA Lyndsey Simmons, 3B David Travis, and SS Gabriel Suarez: Simmons and Travis were 2004 draft picks who did not pan out. Coonrod and Suarez were minor league free agents who the Nats determined were not necessary. [NFA: no impact]
• Acquired RHP Rhys Taylor and RHP Yader Peralta from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for LHP Mike Stanton: Two GCL arms for a guy the Red Sox wanted for one weekend. [NFA: Whatever Taylor and Peralta end up doing is icing on the cake. Getting anybody for a weekend rental is a solid move]

Overall, Bowden's impact on the farm system has not been detrimental. The players he lost through ill-advise trades (Owens) and bad gambles (Kim) do not damage a long neglected farm system that much. His obsession with toolsy OFs (Escobar and Kelly) have not cost the Nats anything of value in either the near or long term. He has brought in a large haul from the 2005 draft class and only time will tell how many of the picks end up in the majors. He's not the best GM in the majors, but most of the moves he's made with regards to the minor leagues appear to be OK given the state of the farm system when he arrived.