Sunday, July 31, 2005

Farm Authority Report 7/31/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Defeated Tucson 7-6]
  • Brandon Watson RF - 2/4 2R 1BB
  • Ty Godwin LF - 1/5 1R 2E
  • Rehab Assignment: Tony Blanco 3B - 2/5 1R 2RBI double
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 1/3 1BB 1K
  • Jason Bergmann RP - 2IP 1H 1R(1ER) 2BB 4K 1HR 1WP; BS & Win

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost to Bowie 10-7]

  • Rehab Assignment: Henry Mateo 2B - 2/4 2RBI 1BB 1K
  • Edgar Gonzalez DH - 05/ 1K
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 1/4 1R double
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 0/4 2K
  • Josh Labandeira SS - 1/3 2R 1HBP double
  • Armando Galarraga SP - 5.2IP 12H 8R(8ER) 2BB 5K 1HR 1BK; Loss

Potomac (High A) [Lost to Winston-Salem 9-4]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 0/3 2R 2BB
  • Frank Diaz CF - 2/5 2K
  • Kory Casto 3B - 3/5 1R 1RBI 1K; 2 doubles

Savannah (Low A) [Lost to Rome 7-2]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 0/2 1E
  • Devin Ivany CA - 0/4 1R 1GIDP 1E
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 1/4 1R 2RBI 1K 1HR
  • Collin Balester SP - 5IP 7H 5R(4ER) 2BB 4K 1HR 1WP 1HBP; Loss

Vermont (SS) [Defeated Lowell 6-5]

  • Mike Daniel RF - 2/4 2R 1BB 1K 2SB
  • Dee Brown LF - 0/3 1RBI 1BB 1SF
  • Andrew Lane 2B - 1/4 2RBI 1K double

GCL Nationals (R) [Lost to GCL Marlins 7-6 in 11 innings]

  • Brian Peacock DH 0/5 1K 2GIDP

Saturday, July 30, 2005

Farm Authority Report 7/30/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Defeated Las Vegas 9-3]
  • Brandon Watson CF - 1/5 1R 1E
  • Ty Godwin LF - 2/4 3R 1BB double 1SB
  • Rick Short 2B - 1/1 (left the game due to an injured foot/ankle)
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 1/3 3R 1RBI 1BB
  • Rehab Assignment: Tony Blanco 3B - 2/4 1R 3RBI 1K double

Harrisburg (AA) [Defeated Bowie 7-3]

  • Rehab Assignment: Henry Mateo 2B - 1/5 1RBI 2K double; picked off 2B
  • Edgar Gonzalez DH - 1/5 1RBI 1K
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 2/4 2R; double
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 2/4 2R; double
  • Josh Labandeira SS - 2/4 1R 1RBI
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 2.1IP 1H 0R 0BB 4K; Save

Potomac (High A) [Lost to Winston-Salem 5-2]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 1/4 1K
  • Frank Diaz CF - 0/4 2K 1CS
  • Kory Casto 3B - 2/4 1K double
  • Salomona Manriquez CA - 0/4 1K 1PB
  • Josh Whitesell 1B - 0/3 1R 1BB 1K

Savannah (Low A) [Lost to Charleston 12-8]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 1/3 2R 2RBI 2BB 1K 1HR
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 1/5 1R 1RBI 3K

Vermont (SS) [Lost to Lowell 7-3]

  • Mike Daniel RF - 1/5 1R 2K triple
  • John Howell DH - 2/5 1K
  • Dee Brown LF - 1/4 1R 2RBI 1K 1HR
  • Jeff Taylor RP - 1IP 0H 0R 1BB 3K

GCL Nationals (R) [Defeated GCL Marlins 4-1]

  • Brian Peacock CA - 1/2 1RBI 2BB
  • Mike Watkins RP - 2IP 3H 1R(1ER) 1BB 2K

Friday, July 29, 2005

Farm Authority Report 7/29/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Lost to Las Vegas 11-8]
  • Brandon Watson CF - 2/4 3R 2BB double
  • Ty Godwin LF - 2/4 1R
  • Rick Short 1B - 1/3 1RBI 1BB 1SF 1HBP
  • Rehab Assignment: Tony Blanco 3B - 0/4 1BB 1K 2GIDP 2E
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 4/4 1R
  • Bill Bray RP - 1IP 1H 3R(0ER) 1BB(1IBB) 1K 1HBP

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost to Akron 4-3]

  • Rehab Assignment: Henry Mateo 2B - 0/4 1K 1E
  • Edgar Gonzalez DH - 0/5 2K
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 1/4 1R double
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 1/4 1RBI 2K
  • Josh Labandeira SS - 1/4 1RBI double
  • Darrell Rasner SP - 6.2IP 6H 2R(1ER) 3BB 3K
  • Saul Rivera RP - 1.1IP 2H 2R(2ER) 0BB 0K 1HR; Loss

Potomac (High A) [Defeated Winston-Salem 8-6]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 0/4 1RBI 2K 1SF
  • Frank Diaz CF - 2/5 1R double
  • Kory Casto 3B - 0/3 1R 2BB 2K
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 0/3 1BB 2K
  • Mike Hinckley SP - 7IP 9H 6R(6ER) 2BB 2K 2WP 1BK 1E

Savannah (Low A) [Defeated Charleston 4-3]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 0/4 1R 1BB 1K 3SB
  • Devin Ivany CA - 0/3 2K
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 0/3 1RBI 1BB

Vermont (SS) [Defeated Lowell 5-3]

  • Mike Daniel RF - 3/4 1R double
  • Dee Brown LF - 1/4 1R 1RBI 1K
  • Craig Stammen SP - 6IP 3H 2R(1ER) 0BB 3K 1HR; Win
  • Rehab Assignment: Clint Everts RP - 2.2IP 4H 1R(1ER) 2BB 5K 1WP 1HBP

GCL Nationals (R)

  • Game scheduled with GCL Mets. No box score.

Thursday, July 28, 2005

Minor League Roster Moves

RHP Kip Bouknight has been promoted to New Orleans. As of this time, there has been no move made to replace Bouknight on the Senators roster so the active roster stands at 21 players with Henry Mateo still with the team on rehab from the Washington Nationals. Bouknight was 4-4 with a 4.01ERA in 20 appearances including 13 starts this year with the Senators. He was signed by the Nationals this past off-season after having split time last season between the Colorado Rockies and Toronto Blue Jays organization. Bouknight has previously pitched in AAA with Colorado Springs and Syracuse last season. As you can tell by his stops in with two other teams, the 26-year old Bouknight is not a premium prospect and projects as a long relief/spot starter if he were to make the major leagues.

Bowden's Examiner Article 7/28/05

I just wanted to highlight one paragraph from today's Jim Bowden article in the Washington Examiner:
Our plan is not to trade all of our top prospects in the minors. The plan is to build the franchise to win year after year. The only way we'll trade a top prospect is if we get a No. 1 or No. 2 pitcher who would make a major difference in our chances of winning the World Series
A fact I hope is true but given the speaker, I don't necessarily believe it.

Farm Authority Report 7/28/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Lost to Las Vegas 6-4]
  • Brandon Watson CF - 2/4 2R double
  • Rick Short LF/1B - 2/4 1RBI 2K 1CS
  • Rehab Assignment: Tony Blanco 3B - 0/4 1K 1GIDP
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 1/3 1R 1BB 2E
  • Ty Godwin LF - 0/1 1K

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost DH to Akron 11-4 & 7-3]

  • G1: Rehab Assignment: Henry Mateo 2B - 3/4 2R 1SB 2 doubles
  • G1: Edgar Gonzalez DH - 0/2 1RBI
  • G1: Larry Broadway 1B - 0/3
  • G1: Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 2/3 1R 2 doubles
  • G1: Josh Labandeira SS - 0/3
  • G1: Josh Karp SP - 4IP 7H 5R(4ER) 3BB 4K; Lost
  • G2: Rehab Assignment: Henry Mateo 2B - 1/4 1RBI 1K
  • G2: Edgar Gonzalez DH - 1/4 1R 1K double
  • G2: Larry Broadway 1B - 0/3 2K
  • G2: Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 0/3 1K 1E
  • G2: Rich Rundles SP - 6IP 8H 7R(2ER) 1BB 3K

Potomac (High A) [Defeated Myrtle Beach 2-0]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 0/3 1BB 1GIDP
  • Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 1K
  • Kory Casto 3B - 0/2 1R 2BB 1SB
  • Josh Whitesell 1B - 3/4 1R 1RBI 1SB double

Savannah (Low A) [Defeated Charleston 6-3]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 1/4 2K
  • Devin Ivany DH - 1/3 1R double 1HBP
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 0/3 1R 1BB 1K

Vermont (SS) [Defeated Staten Island 7-2]

  • John Howell DH - 1/3 1R 1BB
  • Dee Brown LF - 2/4 1R 1BB double
  • Andrew Lane 2B - 2/5 1RBI 1K 1E
  • Marco Estrada RP - 4IP 1H 0R 0BB 3K; Save

GCL Nationals (R) [Lost to GCL Mets 5-4 in 10 innings]

  • Brian Peacock CA - 2/5 1R 1RBI 1BB 1K
  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 1/3 1RBI 1BB 1K double

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Revisiting Sickels' Nationals Top 20 Prospects

John Sickels, a highly respected authority on MiLB, has revisted his Preseason Nationals Top 20 Prospects. He echoes much of what is readily apparent about the Nats farm system, lots of injuries and much work to do to repair what MLB destroyed. A few of his positives are: #2 Bill Bray, LHP 27 innings of work at 3 levels, 3-1 with 6 saves, 33/9 K/BB ratio, 3.04 ERA. Sample is small but his numbers are pretty strong. #5 Ryan Church, OF Hitting .313/.370/.523 in 69 games for the Nationals. Doing just fine. #11 Kory Casto, 3B Solid year, hitting .303/.393/.555 with 20 homers, 52 walks at Class A Potomac. That's damn good, actually, "solid" is an understatement. Moving up the list. #13 Rogearvin Bernadina, OF Hitting .250/.370/.393 with 24 steals, 56 walks at Savannah. Good speed, high walk rate, nice OBP. Power still developing. An interesting guy but should not be rushed. That's it, according to Sickels. I'd add Armando Galarraga to the list of prospects, a definite top 10 caliber guy.

Farm Authority Report 7/27/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Defeated Las Vegas 7-3]
  • Brandon Watson CF - 2/5 1R
  • Rehab Assignment: Tony Blanco LF - 2/4 1R 1RBI double
  • Rick Short 1B - 2/4 2RBI 1K
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 0/4
  • Bill Bray RP - 1IP 2H 1R(1ER) 0BB 1K

Harrisburg (AA)

  • Postponed by rain

Potomac (High A) [Lost 11-2 to Myrtle Beach]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 2/3 1R 2BB; 25th SB; 25th E
  • Frank Diaz CF - 1/5 2RBI double; OF assist (runner @ HP)
  • Kory Casto 3B - 1/4 double 1HBP
  • Salomon Manriquez CA -/3 1K; 1PB
  • Greg Bunn SP - 1.2IP 7H 9R(9ER) 4BB 2K 1HR 1WP

Savannah (Low A) [Defeated Charleston 1-0]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 3/4 Solo-HR 1BB 1K
  • Devin Ivany CA - 2/4 1K
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 0/2 2BB 1K 1GIDP

Vermont (SS) [Lost 6-2 to Staten Island]

  • John Howell DH - 1/3 Solo-HR 1BB 1K
  • Dee Brown LF - 1/4 1K
  • Mike Daniel RF - 1/3
  • Ricky Shefka SP - 3.1IP 8H 5R(4ER) 0BB 2K
  • John Lannan RP - 3IP 1H 0R 0BB 1K; picked off runner

GCL Nationals (R) [Lost 9-3 to GCL Dodgers]

  • Ryan Delaughter RF - 0/4 2K
  • Brian Peacock DH - 0/4 1K
  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 1/4 1R 1K
  • Eduardo Pichardo RP - 0.2IP 3H 6R(6ER) 3BB 0K 1WP 1HBP
  • Mike Watkins RP - 1.1IP 3H 0R 1BB 4K

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Player/Pitcher of the Week

Carolina League - Kory Casto, Potomac 7 G, 27 AB, 9 R, 12 H, 0 2B, 0 3B, 6 HR, 11 RBI, .444 AVG, .531 OBP, 1.111 SLG, 0 SB Now that Leo Daigle is gone, Kory Casto may very well be the best hitter in the Carolina League. The 23-year-old third baseman won the league's Offensive Player of the Week award for the second time in three weeks and the third time this season by cranking six home runs and driving in 11 runs for Potomac last week. Casto nearly single-handedly beat Salem on July 18, when he went 3-for-5 with a pair of homers, three runs scored and three RBIs in a 6-4 win. That outburst sparked quite a run for University of Portland product as he homered in each of his next three games and drove in 10 runs in a four-game span. Casto's home run streak ended July 22, but he was back at it in the Nationals' next game, going 2-for-4 with another homer -- his team-leading 19th of the season. On the season, he ranks second in the league in RBIs (70), hits (109), extra-base hits (48) and runs scored (64), third in homers (19) and fourth in slugging percentage (.550). Eastern League - Armando Galarraga, Harrisburg 1 G, 1 GS, 1 CG, 1 SHO, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 9.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO, 0 SV After being signed by the Expos at the age of 16 and spending his first five seasons at the Rookie level, Armando Galarraga is beginning to flourish. The 23-year-old Venezuelan tossed his first career complete-game shutout on July 19, taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning and limiting the Trenton Thunder to just three hits and a walk while striking out seven. He is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in four starts with Harrisburg since his promotion at the end of June and hasn't allowed an earned run in his last 16 innings. Galarraga was 3-4 with a 2.48 ERA in 14 starts at Class A Potomac, striking out 79 batters in 80 innings and holding opposing hitters to a .228 average.

Farm Authority Report 7/26/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Lost 5-2 to Albuquerque]
  • Brandon Watson CF - 0/5 1K 1E
  • Ty Godwin LF - 1/4 1R 1RBI 2K 1HR
  • Rehab Assignment: Nick Johnson 1B - 0/3
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 0/1
  • Rehab Assignment: Tony Blanco 3B - 3/4 1R 1RBI 1K 1HR
  • Rick Short 2B/1B - 1/4

Harrisburg (AA) [Defeated Akron 7-6]

  • Rehab Assignment: Henry Mateo 2B - 0/5 2K
  • Edgar Gonzalez DH - 3/5 1RBI double
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 1/4 1BB
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 3/5 2R 1RBI double
  • Josh Labandeira SS - 1/4 1RBI 1K double 1HBP
  • Armando Galarraga SP - 6.1IP 8H 4R(4ER) 2BB 1K 1HBP
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 1IP 3H 2R(2ER) 0BB 2K 1WP; Win
  • Saul Rivera RP - 1.2IP 1H 0R 0BB 1K

Potomac (High A) [Defeated Myrtle Beach 5-1]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 1/5 1R 1RBI double 1SB
  • Frank Diaz CF - 0/5 1K 1CS (picked off 2B)
  • Kory Casto 3B - 1/4 1R 1RBI 1BB 1HR
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 0/5 1K
  • Josh Whitesell 1B - 1/4 1R 1K

Savannah (Low A)

  • No game scheduled

Vermont (SS) [Defeated Staten Island 5-4]

  • John Howell DH - 2/4 2R 1RBI 1BB 1K 1HR
  • Dee Brown LF - 1/5 1R 2RBI 2K 1HR
  • Mike Daniel RF - 1/3 1R 1BB 1K 1SB 1E
  • Andrew Lane 2B - 0/4 1RBI 1K

GCL Nationals (R) [Defeated GCL Dodgers 17-0]

  • Brian Peacock CA - 1/3 1R 2RBI 1BB 1K
  • Ryan Delaughter RF - 1/6 3K
  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 1/5 2R 2RBI 1BB 1K 1GIDP

Monday, July 25, 2005

Farm Authority Report 7/25/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Lost 6-3 to Albuquerque]
  • Brandon Watson CF - 2/4
  • Ty Godwin LF - 0/2 1RBI 1BB 1SF
  • Rehab Assignment: Nick Johnson 1B - 0/2 1K
  • Rehab Assignment: Tony Blanco 3B - 0/4 1K
  • Rick Short RF - 2/4 2 doubles
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 0/4 1K
  • Jason Bergmann RP - 3IP 2H 1R(1ER) 1BB 1K 3HBP
  • Bill Bray RP - 1IP 1H 1R(1ER) 3BB 0K; Loss

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost 8-6 to Altoona]

  • Rehab Assignment: Henry Mateo 2B - 2/5 1R double 1SB 1GIDP
  • Edgar Gonzlaez LF - 0/5 1K
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 1/4 solo-HR 1K
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 1/4 1R 2RBI 2R-HR 2K
  • Josh Labandeira 2/3 1R 1BB

Potomac (High A) [Split DH with Kinston 3-4 & 9-0]

  • G1: Ian Desmond SS - 1/4 1K double
  • G1: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 Solo-HR 1K
  • G1: Kory Casto: 1/3 1BB 1K
  • G1: Josh Whitesell 1B - 0/2 2BB 1K
  • G1: Salomon Manriquez CA - 0/1
  • G2: Ian Desmond SS - 2/4 2R 2RBI Solo-HR 1K
  • G2: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 1RBI double
  • G2: Kory Casto 3B - 2/4 2R 1RBI Solo-HR
  • G2: Josh Whitesell 1B - 3/4

Savannah (Low A) [Lost 8-5 to Columbus]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 0/2 2BB 1K 1HBP
  • Devin Ivany DH - 1/4 2RBI double
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 0/2 1BB

Vermont (SS) [Lost 13-6 to New Jersey]

  • Andrew Lane 3B - 3/5 2R 1E
  • John Howell DH - 2/4 3RBI 1SF
  • Dee Brown LF - 2/5 1RBI double
  • Mike Daniel CF - 1/4 2K

GCL Nationals (R)

  • No game scheduled.

Sunday, July 24, 2005

Farm Authority Report 7/24/05

Games from July 23. New Orleans (AAA) [Defeated Albuquerque 8-4]
  • Brandon Watson CF - 3/5 1R 1K
  • Ty Godwin LF - 2/5 1R
  • Rehab Assignment: Nick Johnson 1B - 0/1 1BB 1K
  • Rick Short PR/1B/2B - 0/3 1R
  • Rehab Assignment: Tony Blanco 3B - 3/4 1R 2RBI 1HR
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 0/3

Harrisburg (AA) [Defeated Altoona 3-2]

  • Rehab Assignment: Henry Mateo 2B - 0/4 1BB 2SB
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 1/3 1BB 1K
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 1/4 1R 1K double
  • Darrell Rasner SP - 7IP 3H 2R(2ER) 2BB 5K; Win
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 0K
  • Saul Rivera RP - 1IP 1H 0R 0BB 2K; SV

Potomac (High A)

  • Game postponed by rain.

Savannah (Low A) [Lost 6-1 to Augusta]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 0/3 1R 1BB 1K
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 0/3 1BB 3K
  • Devin Ivany CA - 1/4 1K 1GIDP

Vermont (SS) [Lost 10-1 to New Jersey]

  • Dee Brown LF - 0/4 3K
  • Mike Daniel RF - 0/4
  • Andrew Lane 2B - 0/3 1BB
  • Craig Stammen SP - 4.2IP 11H 7R(3ER) 1BB 5K
  • Jeff Taylor RP - 2.1IP 2H 1R(0ER) 1BB 4K

GCL Nationals (R) [Lost 5-3 to GCL Marlins]

  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 0/4 2K
  • Rehab Assignment: Clint Everts SP - 3IP 4H 3R(1ER) 1BB 3K; Lost

Farm Authority Report 7/23/05

Games from July 22. New Orleans (AAA) [Lost 6-4 to Albuquerque]
  • Brandon Watson CF - 2/4 1RBI 1SB 2CS
  • Ty Godwin LF - 0/3 1BB 1K 1E
  • Rick Short 2B - 1/4
  • Rehab Assignment: Tony Blanco 3B - 0/4 2K 1GIDP
  • Bill Bray RP - 0.2IP 0H 0R 0BB 1K 1WP 1HBP

Harrisburg (AA) [Defeated Altoona 10-4]

  • Rehab Assignment: Henry Mateo 2B - 0/3 1R 2BB 1CS 1E
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 3/5 3R 1RBI 1K; 2 doubles 1HR
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 3/5 2R double
  • Josh Labandeira SS - 2/4 1RBI 1K
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 0.2IP 1H 0R 1BB 1K

Potomac Nationals (High A)

  • Game suspended by rain

Savannah (Low A) [Split DH with Columbus 0-4 & 5-3]

  • G1: Edgardo Baez RF - 0/3 1K
  • G1: Devin Ivany CA - 1/3 1K
  • G2: Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 1/5 1R 1K double
  • G2: Devin Ivany DH - 1/3 1R 1BB 1SB

Vermont (SS) [Lost 13-6 to New Jersey]

  • Andrew Lane 3B - 2/4 2R double 1E
  • John Howell DH - 2/3 3RBI 1SF
  • Dee Brown LF - 2/4 1RBI double
  • Mike Daniel CF - 1/3 1K

GCL Nationals (R) [Defeated GCL Marlins 3-1]

  • Ryan Delaughter RF - 1/4 1RBI 2K
  • Brian Peacock DH - 0/4 2K
  • Coby Mavroulis SP - 6IP 5H 1R(1ER) 2BB 5K

Farm Authority Report 7/22/05

Games from July 21. New Orleans (AAA) [Lost 6-4 to Oklahoma]
  • Brandon Watson CF - 3/5 3R 1K 2SB
  • Rick Short LF - 3/5 1RBI 1K
  • Rehab Assignment: Tony Blanco 3B - 1/5 1RBI 1K 1SB
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 1/3 1RBI
  • Jason Bergmann RP - 1.2IP 0H 0R 2BB
  • Bill Bray RP - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 0K

Harrisburg (AA)

  • No games scheduled.

Potomac (High A) [Defeated Salem 6-5 in 14 innings]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 1/6 2R 1BB 2K triple 1E
  • Frank Diaz CF - 4/7 1R 3K 2 doubles
  • Kory Casto 3B - 2/4 1R 2RBI 3BB 1HR
  • Salomon Manriquez DH - 2/6 1RBI 1BB 1K
  • Josh Whitesell 1B - 2/5 1RBI 2K 1HBP
  • Greg Bunn SP - 4IP 7H 4R(4ER) 1BB 2K 1HR allowed 1HBP

Savannah (Low A) [Lost 8-5 to Columbus]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 0/2 2BB 1K 1CS 1HBP
  • Devin Ivany DH - 1/4 2RBI triple
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 0/2 1BB

Vermont (SS) [Lost 7-4 to Aberdeen]

  • John Howell DH - 1/4 1K
  • Dee Brown LF - 1/4 1R
  • Mike Daniel RF - 1/2 1R 2BB 1K 1CS
  • Chris Lugo SP - 4IP 8H 4R(4ER) 1BB 4K
  • Jeff Taylor RP - 0.1IP 1H 1R(1ER) 0BB 0K; Loss

GCL Nationals (R) [Defeated GCL Mets 8-6]

  • Ryan Delaughter RF - 1/4 1R 2RBI 2K 1HR
  • Brian Peacock CA - 0/5 3K 1E
  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 2/4 1R 1RBI 1K double 1HR

Farm Authority Report 7/21/05

I'm back and playing catch-up. First off, games from July 20. New Orleans (AAA) [Lost 8-0 to Oklahoma]
  • Brandon Watson CF - 0/4; OF assist (runner @ 3B)
  • Ty Godwin LF - 0/3
  • Rick Short 1B - 0/3
  • Rehab Assignment: Tony Blanco 3B - 1/2 1BB 1K 1E
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 1/3

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost 3-1 to Trenton]

  • Rehab Assignment: Henry Mateo 2B - 0/3 1BB 2SB
  • Edgar Gonzalez DH - 0/4 2K
  • Larry Boradway 1B - 2/4 2K
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 2/4 1R double
  • Josh Karp SP - 7.1IP 2H 2R(2ER) 4BB 5K 1HR allowed
  • Saul Rivera RP - 1.2IP 4H 1R(1ER) 0BB 3K

Potomac (High A) [Defeated Salem 8-3]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 0/3 1R 1BB 1K 1SB
  • Frank Diaz CF - 3/4 3R double
  • Kory Casto 3B - 2/4 1R 3RBI 1HR 1K 1E
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 1/4 1R 1RBI
  • Josh Whitesell 1B - 1/3 1R 1K double 1E

Savannah (Low A) [Defeated Augusta 10-3]

  • Edgardo Baez RF - 0/4 1BB 2K
  • Collin Balester SP - 5IP 3H 1R(1ER) 3BB oK

Vermont (SS) [Defeated Aberdeen 14-10]

  • Mike Daniel RF - 1/6 1R 1K
  • Dee Brown LF - 1/3 1R 2RBI 1BB 1HR
  • Jason Lane 2B - 1/1 1R 2BB 1E
  • John Lannan SP - 3.2IP 9H 6R(2ER) 0BB 3K 1HR allowed
  • Ricky Shefka RP - 2.2IP 4H 2H(1ER) 2BB 3K; BS

GCL Nationals (R) [Lost 11-7 to GCL Mets in 11 innings]

  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 2/6 1R 3K
  • Ryan Delaughter RF - 2/5 1R 3RBI 1K 1HR
  • Brian Peacock DH - 2/5 1R 2K
  • Eduardo Pichardo RP - 1.1IP 3H 3R(3ER) 2BB 2K 2WP 1HBP
  • Mike Watkins RP - 3.2IP 5H 4R(1ER) 0BB 5K 1HR allowed 2WP

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Sorry Folks, Park's Closed

Moose out front should have told you. The Farm Authority will be on hiatus through Sunday July 24. Vacationing in Asheville. Postings will start again on Monday. Enjoy the Nats/Astros series.

Which Prospects Could Go?

John asked in my previous post who I thought could be going if a trade were to happen. I'm going to use Jim Bowden's weekly article from the June 30 Examiner as a jumping off point. On the 40-man (this doesn't necessarily exclude them but if they freed up two spots it makes these guys less likely):
  • LHP Michael Hinckley: He's the Nats #1 prospect coming into the season. He's struggled with injury and inconsistencty thus far in 2005. He's currently looking to get back on track in High A Potomac. On a personal level, I hope not because solid LH SP are hard to come by and he has the potential to be a successful #2/3 SP in the majors. But if you have the opportunity to acquire Jason Schmidt, you may have to make the sacrifice
  • RHP Danny Rueckel - I know Basil hopes not. He projects as a solid RH set-up guy and he is a solid contributor to the Senators this year out of the pen. I wouldn't be opposed to moving him as well in the right deal
  • RHP Josh Karp - He has all the talent in the world, but may lack the mental toughness to excel in the majors. He has been pitching better since showing up in Harrisburg from New Orleans, but it would not kill the system if he were to go
  • RHP Darrell Rasner - A 24 year old SP currently in Harrisburg. He projects as an end of the rotation SP. He could go

Prospects not on the 40-man

  • RHP Collin Balester - Balester has been pitching very well in Low-A Savannah. In 16G, he has ERA 3.29; WHIP 1.12; 2.9 BB/9; and, 6.4 K/9. He is another one with potential and he's only 19 years old. You have to give to get. He's a solid prospect in my eyes well worth haggling over but with the Nats in contention for the playoffs, he should be open to discussion.
  • RHP Clint Everts - Everts was the Expos #1 prospect in 2003 and 2004. He was expected to miss all of 2005 with Tommy John surgery but has begun the rehab trail with the GCL Nats pitching sparingly in 6 games so far. The return on this investment is considerably further down the road but he should be viewed as an asset to a rebuilding club like the Devil Rays (aren't they always rebuilding?)
  • SS Ian Desmond - Discussed ad nauseum after his performance in Spring Training. He has shown improved BA/OBP/SLG with his promotion to Potomac (295/311/477) in 11 games. He still hasn't shown the ability to consistently take a walk which leads to concerns he is creeping down the path to being the Endy Chavez of the infield. Additionally, his defense is most certainly a work in progress. He won't be going anywhere (be that good or bad).
  • RHP Armando Galarraga - Spotlighted this morning. Another gut feeling, but I hope Galarraga is staying put.
  • LHP Bill Bray - Last year's first round draft pick is currently closing part time in New Orleans after brief stopovers in Potomac and Harrisburg. He has a shot of being a closer someday and should be considered a valued chip in a potential deal, perhaps giving the Rays another option at closer if Baez were to be included in a deal. I would hope Bray only is moved in a big time deal as he offers the Nationals something they don't have right now, a formidable LH RP out of the pen as a complement to Chad Cordero
  • OF Rogearvin Bernadina - A toolsy OF in Savannah. He is a natural CF with blazing speed and developing power. The concerns leading up to this season was always his strike zone judgement, he's shown much greater discipline in 86 games with 52BB and 59K. No reason not to include him in a deal
  • 3B Kory Casto - 298/386/581 are his numbers in Potomac. His progress in the system as a 3B is definitely bleaker given the drafting of Dutch Zimmerman this year. He is showing improved power but doesn't necessarily project as an everyday 3B in the majors so this Carolina League All-Star could be on the move
  • RHP Shawn Hill - Tommy John surgery has sidelined him for all of 2005. A definite gamble isf someone takes him in a deal
  • RHP Jason Bergmann - RP recently promoted to New Orleans. He projects to be a set-up man similar to want Danny Rueckel offers. He could go
  • RHP Greg Bunn - As a SP in Potomac, he has performed OK, but not necessarily enough to warrant being considered a premier prospect, he could go as well

Not on Bowden's list

  • Larry Broadway 1B - Back in Harrisburg after a rehab assignment. With Nick Johnson's injury history, the Nationals would be hard-pressed to move him in any deal other than one for a premier SP
  • Brendan Harris 2B - Apparently not in the Nationals long-term plans, I expect him to go in any deal of note prior to July 31. He has solid hitting skills but is continually ignored by the Nats

Big League Roster Moves

During his chat today, Nats beat writer Barry Svrluga announced the Nationals had finally cut bait with the dead wood that was Wil Cordero. Cordero had done absolutely nothing since his return from the DL and veteran presence can only carry you so far. As this isn't prospect news, I'll move on to the parts that I find much more interesting from a minor league perspective. First, the Nationals claimed Kenny Kelly off of waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. Kelly is a former University of Miami QB which tells you everything you need to know about his baseball acumen. Actually, Kenny Kelly is probably can be best described as a RH Tyrell Godwin. He had been playing well in Triple-A Louisville (326/382/438 in 61G with 18SB/22 attempts) prior to his bench warming in Cinicinnati. It is no shock to me that Jim Bowden (a) claimed a toolsy OF and (b) that he be from Cincinnati. Additionally, the Nationals outrighted Joe Horgan to Triple-A New Orleans and Jacobo Sequea to Double-A Harrisburg. Both guys were already pitching in the minors, and neither Horgan nor Sequea are anything more than roster fodder so the Nationals aren't really losing much. More interesting is the fact that the outrighting removes them from the Nationals 40-man roster. At present the Nationals have 38 men on the 40-man roster. What I find interesting is that not only did the Nationals pick up another utility OF which on the surface does not make sense, but they also have two open 40-man roster spots. What this screams out to me is that the Nationals may be on the brink of announcing a deal to trade prospects (not on the 40-man roster) for major league ready talent. Specifically, one of the OF troika of Wilkerson-Church-Byrd. I severely doubt it's Wilkerson as he is filling in at 1B until Nick Johnson's return. Byrd is an average OF but would have to be packaged with alot to return anything of substance (remember he was traded straight up for Endy Chavez). This leads me to believe it may be Ryan Church who is on the move. Church is a solid contributor but remember he's old for a rookie (26) and in my opinion he's not a building block but more of a supplemental piece of the team. As much as I would hate to see Church leave DC, if he brings a middle infielder and bullpen help, I'm behind the trade. The most frequently discussed names are Julio Lugo and Danys Baez from Tampa. There have been additional rumblings about Jason Schmidt and Deivi Cruz (fat chance). It will certainly be interesting to see what develops over the next 11 days.

Nationals Prospect Highlight - Armando Galarraga

After his complete game 7-0 shutout last night, now is probably a better time than any to turn the spotlight on Washington Nationals Double-A prospect, Armando Galarraga. Galarraga was signed by the Montreal Expos as an amateur 17-year old free agent in 1998 out of Venezuela. He primarily pitched in relief in 1999-2000 to less than stellar results.
IPERAWHIPK/9BB/9
89.25.121.657.85.0
His arrival to the US and the GCL Expos in 2001 was moderately successful.
IPERAWHIPK/9BB/9
34.23.121.506.23.9
It was then he began to experience chronic injuries that resulted in two lost seasons capped off with Tommy John ligament replacement surgery in 2003. He began his comeback trail in 2004 with the Low-A Savannah Sand Gnats where he slid into the starting rotation without skipping a beat. In 23 games (19 starts):
IPERAWHIPK/9BB/9
110.34.651.227.72.5
He began 2005 with the High-A Potomac Nationals and quickly proved he was healthy and ready to pitch to the expectations of the now Washington Nationals. In only a half season with the P-Nats, he made the Carolina League All-Star team posting amazing numbers in 14 games (all starts).
IPERAWHIPK/9BB/9
802.481.158.92.6
His Carolina League All-Star appearance was followed by a promotion to Double-A Harrisburg where he kept the pace up. In only 4 starting appearances in Harrisburg, his numbers have not tailed off in the slightest.
IPERAWHIPK/9BB/9
281.290.718.71.9
Galarraga has a fluid delivery with a fastball in the 90s and a hard slider. Scouts believe if he develops an offspeed pitch, he can become a frontline starter. Otherwise, the belief is he can become a force out of the bullpen.

Farm Authority Report 7/20/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Lost 11-3 to Oklahoma]
  • Brandon Watson CF - 2/5 1R 1GIDP
  • Ty Godwin LF - 1/4 1R 1K
  • Rehab Assignment: Tony Blanco 3B - 0/4 1RBI 1K 1E
  • Rick Short DH - 2/4 1RBI
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 0/4 1K
  • Jason Bergmann RP - 1IP 0H 0R 1BB 2K

Harrisburg (AA) [Defeated Trenton 7-0]

  • Rehab Assignment: Henry Mateo 2B - 1/4 1R 1RBI 1SB 1E
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 0/3 1BB 2K
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 1/4 1RBI 1K double 1 GIDP
  • Josh Labandeira SS - 0/2 1BB 1K
  • Armando Galarraga SP - 9IP 3H 0R 1BB 7K; CG shutout W, no-hitter through 5IP

Potomac (High A) [Lost 10-4 to Salem]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 2/5 1R 2K double
  • Frank Diaz CF - 1/5 1RBI; OF assist
  • Kory Casto 3B - 1/3 1R 2RBI 1BB 1K
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 1/4 2K double
  • Josh Whitesell 1B - 0/4 1K

Savannah (Low A) [Beat Augusta 11-2]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 1/4 3RBI 1SF 1GIDP
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 2/5 2R 1RBI 2K double triple
  • Devin Ivany CA - 2/4 2R 2RBI 1BB double

Vermont (SS) [Lost 4-2 to Aberdeen]

  • John Howell DH - 2/4 1R 2K
  • Mike Daniel RF - 1/4 1RBI 3K

GCL Nats (R) [Lost 19-2 to GCL Dodgers]

  • Brian Peacock CA - 1/4 3K
  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 1/3 1RBI 1BB
  • Ryan Delaughter RF - 0/3 1R 1BB 3K; OF assist
  • Antonion Evangelista RP - 1.2IP 4H 3R(2ER) 2BB 3K 1HBP
  • Coby Mavroulis RP - 1IP 0H 0R 1BB 0K
  • Ouch of the night: Terrence Engles SP - 3.1IP 14H 11R(11ER) 1BB 2K 1HR allowed

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Farm Authority Report 7/19/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Defeated Oklahoma 7-5]
  • Brandon Watson CF - 4/4 4R 1BB double 1SB
  • Ty Godwin LF - 2/5 1R
  • Rick Short DH - 2/4 1R 2RBI 1BB 1CS
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 0/4 1K
  • Bill Bray RP - 1IP 1H 1BB 1K; SV

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost 6-2 to Trenton]

  • Josh Labandeira SS - 1/4 1R 1BB 1K 1SB
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 0/3 1BB 1GIDP
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 1/4 1R

Potomac (High A) [Defeated Salem 6-4 in 10]

  • Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 2R 1BB 1GIDP
  • Kory Casto 3B - 3/5 3R 2HR 3RBI 1E; walk-off 2-R HR
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 1/3 2RBI 1BB 1K double
  • Josh Whitesell 1B - 2/4 solo HR 1K
  • Mike Hinckley SP - 7IP 6H 2R(0ER) 3BB 3K 1E

Savannah (Low A) [Defeated Augusta 7-4]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 0/3 2R 2BB 1K 1SB
  • Devin Ivany DH - 0/4 1CS (picked off 1B)

Vermont (SS) [Lost 7-2 to Williamsport]

  • Mike Daniel RF - 0/3 1BB 1K
  • John Howell 1B - 2/4 1K
  • Dee Brown LF - 0/4 1K 2GIDP
  • Andrew Lane 2B - 0/3
  • Craig Stammen SP - 5.2IP 10H 7R(5ER) 0BB 1K; picked runner off 1B
  • Marco Estrada RP - 1IP 1H 0R 0BB 1K

GCL Nats (R) [Defeated GCL Dodgers 4-3]

  • Brian Peacock DH - 0/4 1RBI 3K
  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 0/3 2RBI 1K
  • Rehab Assignment: Clint Everts SP - 2IP 2H 2R(0ER) 1BB 0K

Monday, July 18, 2005

Struggles at Shortstop

In light of his continued struggles, the Nationals may consider putting Cristian Guzman on the bench. He has been by far the worst everyday player in MLB this season (192/229/278 [BA/OBP/SLG]). The Nationals only option currently on the 25-man roster is Jamey Carroll who is best served in his role of utility IF given his numbers are only marginally better than Guzman's (247/310/279). Is there any help in the minors? The short answer is no. Nothing of note. As discussed when Junior Spivey went down with a broken wrist, the MI options are limited at best. Below are the shortstops available in the farm system (I have focused solely on players who have actually games @ SS) : New Orleans (AAA)
  • Jason Bowers (27 years old) is a light hitting option (224/321/270). He doesn't strike out much (46 times in 78 games) but he has only walked 33 times in the same timeframe. Bowers is the classic AAAA player. He isn't appreciably better than Jamey Carroll.
  • Speaking of Jamey Carroll, his brother Wesley (26) currently serves the same role with the Zephyrs that Jamey does with the Nats, utility IF. He has played 6 games at SS out of his 50 appearances putting up the numbers you would expect from an utility IF (255/287/363). His strikezone judgement is not very good 5BB/20K. A definite pass.
  • Henry Mateo (28) was placed on the 60-day DL and is not a realistic near-term option.
  • Juan Melo (28) had a cup of coffee with the Giants in 2000 played a couple of years in AAA Fresno before playing last year in the Independent Northeast League. He has been putting up serviceable numbers (338/377/550) for the Zephyrs in 36 games (17 @ SS). His strikezone judgement isn't developed 9BB/21K. Of the options available in New Orleans, he may be the best, however not necessarily a solution the Nats problem at SS.

Harrisburg (AA)

  • Melvin Dorta (23) is only hitting 254/325/380 for the Senators. He has shown some speed which the Nationals do not currently have though his SB pct is only 67% (14/21).
  • Shawn Norris (24) has been also seeing time at SS in Harrisburg and much like Dorta, the numbers are not that impressive (229/296/319). He doesn't even bring the speed to the lineup that Dorta does (0/4 in SB attempts)
  • Josh Labandeira (26) spent September in Montreal with the Expos but was recently demoted from New Orleans to Harrisburg. He is facing a 15-game suspension for violation of the drug policy (amphetamines) and more than likely is not considered an option by the Nationals.

Potomac (High A)

  • Ian Desmond (19) was recently promoted from Low A Savannah. His numbers in Savannah were mediocre (247/291/334) 20/26 in SB attempts in 73 games. Since his 7/6 callup, in 9 games he is hitting 282/300/462 2/4 in SB attempts. The issue with Desmond is his defense which is still a work in progress. In the combined 82 games, he has made 23 errors. Not necessarily the type of numbers you look for in a middle infielder. Many in the organization consider him the SS of the future after his eye-opening performance in Spring Training. Let's not put the cart before the horse, Desmond has potential for the future, but he is nowhere near ready for the majors no matter what some may think.
  • Marcos Yepez (23) and Javier Rodriguez (26) are too old for the level at which they are playing and are not realistic options.

The truth is, the Nationals do not have a realistic option waiting in the wings to fill in for the struggling Guzman. The only course of action the Nationals have is to ride out the struggles of Guzman perhaps platooning him with Jamey Carroll. It's not what most want to hear but with an additional 3 years and $12M left on Guzman's contract, odds are, he isn't going away anytime soon.

Farm Authority Report 7/18/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Lost 7-1 to Memphis]
  • Brandon Watson CF - 0/4 1SB
  • Ty Godwin LF - 0/3 1BB 2K
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 0/4

Harrisburg (AA) [Defeated Altoona 4-3]

  • Larry Broadway PH/1B - 1/1 1RBI 1SF
  • Josh Labandeira SS - 1/4 1BB 1K
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 0/3 1R 1BB 2K
  • Darrell Rasner SP - 8IP 4H 3R(3ER) 0BB 4K 3HR allowed 1HBP
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 0K; Win; Scored winning run

Potomac (High A) [Defeated Lynchburg 7-4]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 1/4 1RBI 1BB 1SB
  • Frank Diaz CF - 1/5 double
  • Kory Casto 3B - 2/4 2R
  • Josh Whitesell 1B - 0/4 1K

Savannah (Low A) [Lost 5-2 to Augusta]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 2/4 1R 1SB
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 1/4 1K
  • Devin Ivany CA - 2/4; double & solo HR

Vermont (SS) [Lost 6-3 to Williamsport]

  • Mike Daniel RF - 1/4 1R 1K
  • John Howell 1B - 2/4
  • Dee Brown LF - 1/4 1RBI 2K 1CS

GCL Nats (R)

  • No game scheduled

Sunday, July 17, 2005

Roster Moves

The Harrisburg Senators announced today that infielder Josh Labandeira has been placed back on the Senators' active roster. Labandeira, an all-star with the Senators last season, joins the team for a second time this season. Labandeira started the 2005 season on the DL recovering from off-season shoulder surgery. He was assigned to Harrisburg on April 29th and appeared in 13 games for the Senators batting .217 with 3 doubles, 0 home runs and 1 RBI. Josh was then sent to triple-A New Orleans and played his first game with the Zephyrs on June 11th. Labandeira appeared in 11 games with New Orleans and hit .300 with 1 double and 3 RBI's. To make room on the Senators roster, the Washington Nationals moved Victor Mercedes to their single-A club in Potomac. While in Harrisburg, Mercedes played in 18 games with a .234 average, 0 home runs and 1 RBI.

Farm Authority Report 7/17/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Defeated Memphis 12-3]
  • Brandon Watson CF - 3/5 2R 1SB
  • Ty Godwin LF - 4/5 3R 1K 1SB
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 1/4 3RBI 1SF
  • Jason Bergmann RP - 3IP 2H 1BB 1K; W

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost 11-5 to Altoona]

  • Larry Broadway 1B - 0/5 1R 1K
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 1/2 1HR 1RBI 2BB
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 1IP 3H 2R(2ER) 1K

Potomac (High A) [Lost 8-3 to Altoona]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 1/5 1RBI 1K double
  • Frank Diaz CF - 0/4 1K
  • Kory Casto 3B - 0/3 1R 1BB 1K; picked off of 1B
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 2/3 1BB 1K double; 1PB
  • Greg Bunn SP - 5IP 6H 4R(4ER) 3BB 5K

Savannah (Low A) [Defeated Asheville 6-2]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 2/5 2R 1K 1SB
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 1/4 1RBI 1K
  • Devin Ivany DH - 0/3 1RBI 2K

Vermont (SS) [Lost 4-2 to Williamsport]

  • John Howell 1B - 2/3 1R 1BB 1GIDP
  • Dee Brown LF - 1/4 1RBI 1K triple 1GIDP
  • Mike Daniel RF - 2/1 1R 1BB 2SB 1CS

GCL Nats (R) [Defeated GCL Marlins 3-2]

  • Brian Peacock CA - 3/4 1R 1RBI double triple
  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 1/3 1RBI 1BB 1K

Saturday, July 16, 2005

Any Relief in the Minors?

The Washington Nationals are facing a serious concern with an aspect of their team credited as a key to their early success, the bullpen. Luis Ayala, Gary Majewski, and Hector Carrsco are tiring from their repeated appearance for the Nationals. The question is if there is any help on the farm. The short answer is yes, but the quality of what is available is not necessarily what a team in the playoff race would necessarily count on. I've limited my choices to players in AAA New Orleans and AA Harrisburg. It further culled down by focusing on arms that have been used in relief as it doesn't make sense to bring up a guy who is already piling up the IP as a starter to replace tired arms in Washington. Here's what is available: Travis Hughes - the 27 year old has already been with the Nationals making 4 appearances (4.1IP) allowing 2H, 0R, 0BB, and 3K. In 35G in New Orleans, he has 39IP allowing 28H (1HR) 43K and 16BB. His ERA is 2.54 and WHIP is 1.13. Danny Rueckel - a 25 year old in Harrisburg has served as both a setup man and a closer (5SV) for Harrisburg. In 33G, he has 50.2IP allowing 55H (4HR) 46K 14BB. His ERA is 4.26 and WHIP is 1.36 Saul Rivera - the 27 year old Eastern League All-Star has pitched in 29G with Harrisburg saving 5 games. In those 29G, he has 63.1IP allowing 50H (1HR) 56K 18BB. His ERA is 1.99 and WHIP is 1.07. As you can see, the options are limited. Odds are if any help is on its way to Washington's bullpen, it will be result of a Jim Bowden trade.

Farm Authority Report 7/16/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Split DH with Memphis 1-4 & 1-0]
  • G1: Brandon Watson CF - 0/4 1K
  • G1: Brendan Harris 2B - 2/4 double 1CS
  • G1: Ty Godwin LF - 0/4 3K
  • G1: Josh Labandeira SS - 1/4 2K
  • G2: Brandon Watson CF - 1/4 1SB
  • G2: Ty Godwin LF - 1/4 1R 1K 1SB
  • G2: Brendan Harris 2B - 1/2 1BB 1CS
  • G2: Josh Labandeira PH - 0/1 1K

Harrisburg (AA) [Defeated Altoona 3-2]

  • Larry Broadway 1B - 0/4
  • Ryan Zimmerman 3B - 1/4 1HR 1RBI 1K
  • Josh Karp SP - 6IP 3H 1R(1ER) 3BB 4K 1E

Potomac (High A) [Defeated Lynchburg 12-1]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 2/5 2R double 1K 1SB
  • Frank Diaz CF - 1/5 double 1RBI
  • Kory Casto 3B - 2/5 2 doubles 1R 1RBI
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 1/3 2R 1RBI 1BB
  • Josh Whitesell 1B - 3/4 2R 1RBI double

Savannah (Low A) [Lost to Asheville 7-5]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 1/5 1HR 1RBI 1K
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 2/5 1R double 2K
  • Devin Ivany CA - 2/4 1R 1RBI 2 doubles
  • Colin Balester SP - 5IP 7H 3R(3ER) 2BB 3K

Vermont (SS) [Lost to Auburn 3-2]

  • Dee Brown LF - 0/4 3K
  • John Howell 1B - 0/4
  • John Lannan SP - 5IP 5H 3R(3ER) 2BB 2K

GCL Nats (R) [Split DH with GCL Marlins 2-1 & 0-5]

  • G1: Brian Peacock CA - 1/5 1RBI 2K
  • G1: Tim Pahuta 1B - 1/2 2BB 1E
  • G1: Ryan Delaughter RF - 2/4 1R 1K
  • G2: Tim Pahuta 1B - 0/3 2K
  • G2: Ryan Delaughter RF - 0/2 2K

Friday, July 15, 2005

Let's Go Dutch

Jon Seigel catches up with Ryan 'Dutch' Zimmerman and highlights his struggles in Double-A Harrisburg.
"I try not to let it get to me at all," Zimmerman says. "I am still a 20-year-old. I am a young man still learning things. When you sit back and think about it, it is pretty crazy. I just think how lucky I am and look at it that way instead of all the expectations. Just come out and have fun and play ball like you have your whole life."
He is saying all the right things. The bar was set so high for him with the comparisons to Scott Rolen, Brooks Robinson, and Mike Schmidt coming out of the draft. His manager throws out the names Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Craig Biggio when he discussed the composure of Zimmerman. All of these comparisons lead to higher expectations and put more focus on his struggles. Zimmerman is not only adapting from college to the pros, he's doing it on the fly. He is facing guys not only older but more developed than he is. He is doing exactly what he needs to do. He is the future 3B for the Nationals, and though we may see him some time in 2006, his future as a starter may be no sooner than 2007.

Farm Authority Report 7/15/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Defeated Memphis 7-5]
  • Brandon Watson CF - 1/4 2R 1BB 1SB
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 2/4 1BB 1K; 1E
  • Tyrell Godwin LF - 3/5 1R 1RBI
  • Rick Short 1B -0/2 1R 1BB
  • Josh Labandeira PH/SS - 0/2 2K
  • Bill Bray RP - 1IP 1H 0R oBB0K; SV

Harrisburg (AA) [Defeated Altoona 4-3]

  • Larry Broadway 1B - 1/3 1BB 1K 1 double
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 2/3 2RBI 1BB; GW RBI on IF single
  • Armando Galarraga SP - 6IP 2H 0R 2BB 9K
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 0.1IP 0H 0BB 0K

Potomac (High A) [Lost 4-2 to Lynchburg]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 0/4 3K; 2E (throws)
  • Frank Diaz CF - 2/4 1HR 1RBI; 1E (throw)
  • Kory Casto 3B - 0/2 1R 2BB
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 1/4 1K
  • Josh Whitesell 1B - 1/3 1RBI 1BB 2K 1 double

Savannah (Low A) [Split DH with Asheville 10-2 & 1-6]

  • G1: Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 0/3 1RBI 1BB 1K
  • G1: Edgardo Baez RF - 1/3 2R 1BB 1K
  • G2: Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 1/3 1K 1CS (picked off)
  • G2: Edgardo Baez RF - 0/3
  • G2: Devin Ivany CA - 0/3 1K

Vermont (SS) [Lost 9-4 to Auburn]

  • Mike Daniel RF - 1/4 1BB 2K
  • Dee Brown LF - 3/4 1R 1K
  • John Howell DH - 1/4 1R 2K 1 double
  • Andrew Lane 2B - 1/3 1BB
  • Ricky Shefka RP - 1IP 0H 0R 1BB 1K

GCL Nats (R) [Defeated GCL Mets 5-4 in 15 innings]

  • Brian Peacock DH - 1/6 1BB 2K 1 double
  • Ryan Delaughter RF - 2/5 1R 1BB 2K 1SB 1HBP
  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 3/5 1R 2RBI 2BB 1 double 1 triple 1CS (picked off)
  • Coby Mavroulis RP - 4IP 3H 2R(2ER) 1BB 6K 1WP 1HBP; BS

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Minor League Moves

The Nationals made five moves within their minor league affiliates. Matt Cepicky was optioned to New Orleans to make room for Preston Wilson. Larry Broadway has been sent to Double-A Harrisburg from his rehab assignment with the GCL Nationals. Additionally, the Nationals sent Dee Brown (not the 2005 draft pick) from Harrisburg to Triple-A New Orleans, demoted Jason Norderum from Harrisburg to High-A Potomac and activated Jacobo Sequea from the inactive list (due to a death in the family) to the Harrisburg active roster. Of these moves, only Larry Broadway's activation is of note for prospects. Broadway, the #2 prospect in the Nationals system, played in 8 games with the GCL Nationals 429/543/714 with 4HR and 20RBI. Broadway has been recovering from a knee injury. The 27 year old Brown formerly of the Royals farm system is merely roster filler for the Zephyrs. In 43 games in Harrisburg his line was the less than stellar 194/276/347 with 5HR and 16RBI striking out 3 times to every 1 walk (33K/11BB). The 23 year old Norderum had been pitching out of the bullpen to non-descript results. In 25 games, he was 3-3 with 2 saves. His ERA was 4.60 over 47IP with 25BB and 33K. Sequea was claimed by the Nationals after the Orioles designated him for assignment on June 8. In 8 games with the Senators, he has pitched in relief logging 10IP with an uninispiring 5.40ERA allowing 14H (3 of them HR), walking 3 and striking out 7.

GM's Washington Examiner Article

Jim Bowden discusses the Nationals farms system in his weekly Examiner article. He correctly asserts the weakness that is the farm system and offers a four-step plan to improve it: Step 1 - The International Market
This phase of scouting and player development was almost non-existent the last several years. However, we have already addressed this by adding Jose Rijo to our staff. After we won the World Series with Cincinnati in 1990, he always gave back to his country and community in the Dominican Republic. When there was trouble in other Latin American countries, he was one of the first on the plane to help. So many people want to pay him back. The baseball contacts he has in Latin America rank among the game's best.
He's right about MLB unacceptable neglect of the farm system while this team was in limbo. He may be overhyping Jose Rijo's impact in the DR. Will it help? Absolutely, as illustrated by the All-Star Game (Tejada, Ortiz, Ramirez, Martinez, and Pujols are a few examples of players from the DR), the DR is a mandatory recruiting spot for a MLB team. However, I don't necessarily believe baseball contacts are going to ignore other team's inquiries to pay back Jose Rijo. The bottom line will be what it always is ... dollars. If the Nationals don't pony up the dollars, they won't be getting the cream of the crop.
We've already signed more international players this season than the Expos did in the last five years combined. How? With the free-agent signings of Vinny Castilla and Cristian Guzman, we forfeited our second- and third-round selections in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft. We took the cash set for those two draft picks and shifted it to international scouting.
It would be nice if he would actually mention a name or two. Not that I am an expert on Latin American players, but I do watch the results from the Nationals Dominican and Venezuelan Summer League teams (see links on the right side) and I'd be very interested in watching which guys Bowden believes are the premium prospects. Using the signings of Castilla and Guzman and the subsequent forfeiture of 2nd and 3rd round picks as an excuse for more money for international scouting is a bit disingenuous. Agreed, by not having to sign a 2nd and 3rd round pick, there is more money available for international scouting. But he overlooks the fact that he did not have to forefeit the picks in the first place. In my honest opinion, I do not believe the signings of Guzman and Castilla needed to be done prior to arbitration deadline. Both guys were not the cream of the free agent crop and would more than likely have been available in early December thereby saving the draft picks surrendered in their signings. Step 2 - The Instructional League
The Nationals/Expos have not fielded an instructional league club in four years. Every other team fields one. This will change with a new owner. It will improve the prospects we have and more importantly speed their ride to the big leagues. In several cases, players skipped a league after playing instructional ball.
Yet another reason the Nationals have a long way to go in re-establishing a viable Major League farm system. Dana Brown really deserves all the credit he has received in holding things together with the chewing gum and duct tape. He has done more than most would have expected given the circumstances. Step 3 - Video
Video. Believe it or not, in this advanced technological age, the Expos never had an advanced video system for players, coaches and instructors. They had a local college student, two VCRs and two televisions, one of which was black and white. Since the end of spring training, we hired a video coordinator from another organization and added a video scouting system. [It's in the Majors] We don't have these yet in the minors, but that will change.
Yet another black eye for MLB. It boggles the mind that MLB neglected this franchise in the manner it did. I'd be interested to know why video hasn't shown up in New Orleans and Harrisburg at the very least. Step 4 - Better Affiliates
In the future, as we become a winning and established franchise, we will add as many affiliates as possible within a four-hour radius of Washington. This allows our staff the best opportunity to evaluate our talent. It also allows our fans to follow our young players. It helps the rehab of players and it's less expensive to get instructors to see them -- or for the major league people to see them on a regular basis. You want the fans in Washington, Maryland and Virginia to watch the players from birth to the end.
This is where I am in complete agreement with Jim Bowden. Aside from the fact that I can roadtrip to see prospects in person, it makes it easier from an organizational perspective to have your development personnel within arm's reach. The teams that need to be relocated are New Orleans (AAA) and Savannah (Low A). Vermont (SS) cannot be immediately replaced because there are limited options short season wise with only the NY/Penn league and the Northwest League as options. The choice for a replacement for New Orleans can be best handled by (a) elevating Harrisburg to AAA and finding a replacement for the AA team or (b) signing an agreement with an existing International League team: the options there that make most sense are the Richmond Braves (Atlanta's AAA which I doubt they'll give up), the Norfolk Tides (Mets' AAA which I doubt they'll give up) or the one that I'd choose, the Charlotte Knights (White Sox AAA). Let Chicago take New Orleans and assume Charlotte as the AAA affiliate. It accomplishes two things. First, Charlotte is a heck of alot closer mileage wise (though not in the DC-MD-VA area Bowden spoke of). Second, and more important, it establishes the Nationals presence in North Carolina. The untapped market that the Nationals can capitalize on is Southern Virginia and North Carolina which is predominantly Braves-centric right now (Basil can correct me if I'm wrong). As for the replacement for Savannah, I'd aim for the West Virginia Power (Brewers) in the same South Atlantic League of which they are presently members for the same reason as selecting NC, establishing a presence in WV. It is nice to see that the Nationals are focusing more time, resources, and most important money to an area that has been neglected far too long.

Nationals Roster Moves

The Washington Nationals made several moves yesterday to improve their chances of remaining in the chase for a playoff spot. The Nationals placed both Junior Spivey (broken wrist) and Tony Blanco (vertigo) on the 15-day DL. They moved Henry Mateo from the 15-day to the 60-day DL (opening up a spot on the 40-man roster). They activated Ryan Church from the 15-day DL (shoulder/chest) who will in the near term return to his platoon with Marlon Byrd in LF (more on that later). The Nationals then signed veteran LH RP Mike Stanton to shore up a tired bullpen. But the biggest news of the night was the long-rumored deal for Preston Wilson was finally completed. Preston Wilson and cash have been sent by the Rockies to Washington in exchange for RH SP Zach Day, OF JJ Davis, and either a player to be named later (PTBNL) or cash, no roster move has been announced to accomodate Wilson. From a pure value standpoint, it is a solid deal for the Nationals, assuming the PTBNL isn't anyone of note from the Nationals farm. For analysis of what the deal does to the Nationals, check out Chris, he echoes how I feel about it. I'll watch to see who the PTBNL is.

Farm Authority Report 7/14/05

New Orleans (AAA)
  • Pacific Coast League (home of the Zephyrs) defeated International League 11-5 in Triple-A All-Star Game
  • Rick Short DH - 1/3 with 1 single, reached on error
  • Tyrell Godwin CF - 0/3 1GIDP

Harrisburg (AA)

  • North defeated the South (home of the Senators) 9-6 in Eastern League All-Star Game
  • Dee Haynes PH- 1/1 1 Double
  • Edgar Gonzalez 2B - 1/3 2R 1HR 1RBI 1BB 1K; 2E
  • Melvin Dorta SS - 1/4 1K 1SB
  • John Wilson PH/CA - 0/2
  • Saul Rivera RP - 1IP 1H 1K

Potomac (High A)

  • No games scheduled.

Savannah (Low A)

  • Game versus Asheville postponed by rain.

Vermont (SS) [Defeated Auburn 13-2]

  • Mike Daniel DH - 0/4 1R 1RBI 1BB
  • Dee Brown LF - 1/6 1R 3K
  • John Howell RF - 4/5 1R 4RBI 3 doubles
  • Andrew Lane 2B - 4/5 3R 2RBI 1 double
  • Craig Stammen SP - 7.1IP 7H 2R(2ER) 0BB 5K 1HBP; Win

GCL Nationals (R) [Lost to GCL Mets 8-4]

  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 1/4 1RBI 1K
  • Brian Peacock CA - 0/4
  • Ryan Delaughter RF - 2/3 2R 1 triple 1HBP
  • Antonio Evangelista RP - 2IP 1H 1BB 3K
  • Eduardo Pichardo RP - 1IP 2H 2R(2ER) 2BB 1HR allowed

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Farm Authority Report 7/13/05

New Orleans (AAA)
  • No games scheduled. AAA All-Star Game will be played tonight in Sacramento featuring Zephyrs OF Tyrell Godwin and DH Rick Short.

Harrisburg (AA)

Potomac (High A)

  • No games scheduled.

Savannah (Low A)

  • No games scheduled.

Vermont (SS)

  • No games scheduled.

GCL Nationals (R) [Defeated GCL Dodgers 6-1]

  • Rehab Assignment: Larry Broadway 1B - 1/3 1BB
  • Ryan Delaughter PH/RF - 1/2 1HR (1st professional HR) 2RBI
  • Tim Pahuta RF/LF - 2/4 1K
  • Rehab Assignment: Clint Everts SP - 3IP 3H 0R 1BB 5K

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Pitcher of the Week (July 4-10)

New York-Penn League: Wendell Yost, Vermont 1 G, 1 GS, 1 CG, 1 SHO, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 9.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 SO, 0 SV After posting a 2.63 ERA in eight games for Savannah in the South Atlantic League, Wendell Yost has dominated the New York-Penn League, going 3-0 with a 1.08 ERA in his first four starts for Vermont. After not allowing a run over 13 innings in his first two starts, the 6-foot-3 southpaw was finally touched for four runs -- three earned -- on four hits and three walks against Oneonta on July 5. But the Virginia native bounced back to post a seven-inning, complete-game three-hit shutout against Jamestown in the second game of a twinbill on July 10. Yost also walked two in the game but never allowed a runner to reach third base. NYP hitters have managed to hit just .170 against the Expos hurler. Please note that Vermont is a demotion from Savannah.

Player of the Week (July 4-10)

Potomac Nationals 3B, Kory Casto was named Carolina League Player of the Week for the period of July 4-10. Casto, a Carolina League All-Star, went 14/27 (519/581/1000) for the week, with 3HR, a triple, 2 doubles and 7 RBIs.

Farm Authority Report 7/12/05

New Orleans (AAA)
  • Series with Iowa cancelled by Hurricane Dennis

Harrisburg (AA) [Defeated Altoona 6-2]

  • Rehab Assignment: Ryan Church CF - 2/5 2R 1 double
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 0/3 1R 1BB 1E
  • Rehab Assignment: Zach Day SP - 5IP 6H 2R(2ER) 3K 11GO/1FO
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 1IP 1H 1K

Potomac (High A) [Lost 2-1 to Salem]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 0/4 1K 1GIDP
  • Kory Casto 3B - 0/2 1BB 1K
  • Salomon Manriquez DH - 1/3 1BB 1K
  • Josh Whitesell 1B - 0/3 1BB 1K

Savannah (Low A) [Defeated Greensboro 5-1]

  • Edgar Baez RF - 3/3 1R 1BB 1CS
  • Devin Ivany CA - 1/4 1R 1K

Vermont (SS) [Lost 8-2 to Jamestown]

  • John Howell 1B - 1/4 1K
  • Dee Brown DH - 1/4 1R 2K
  • Mike Daniel LF - 1/4 2K
  • Ricky Shefka RP - 1IP 1H 1K

GCL Nationals (R) [Defeated GCL Dodgers 6-1]

  • Brian Peacock CA - 1/5; picked off runner @ 1B
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 1/5 1RBI
  • Ryan Delaughter RF - 0/4 2K

Monday, July 11, 2005

AAA and AA All Stars

Both the Triple-A and Double-A All-Star games are scheduled for July 13 and there will be representation by Washington Nationals at both games. In Sacramento (Triple-A), OF Tyrell Godwin and DH Rick Short will appear for the Pacific Coast League. In Portland (Double-A), RHP Saul Rivera, CA John Wilson, IF Melvin Dorta, IF Edgar Gonzalez, and OF Dee Haynes. Godwin is the only player who would be considered a prospect (sorry Rick Short fans). Godwin is the classic speed guy who can't steal first base. If he could only figure out a way to consistently reach base, he might be a serviceable #4 OF. He's a singles hitter who needs to (1) learn how to work a walk (38BB in 79G/300+ AB) and (2) improve on his SB % (16SB vs 11 CS).

Player of the Week (June 27-July 3)

Frank Diaz from Potomac of the Carolina League (High A) was named Minor League player of the week. In 4 games: 8/18 with 4 runs, 3 doubles, 2HR, 6RBI, and 0SB; BA 0.444; SLG 0.944 Like everyone else in the Carolina League, Potomac center fielder Frank Diaz was often overshadowed by Winston-Salem's Leo Daigle, who won the league's Offensive Player of the Week honors in four of the first ten weeks and three straight times before his promotion to Charlotte. But since Daigle's departure, Diaz has begun to establish himself as the premier hitter in the Carolina League, winning the award for two consecutive weeks. The recent XM Satellite Radio All-Star Futures Game selection led Potomac to four straight wins last week, and five consecutive overall. The 21-year-old Venezuelan hit .444 with three doubles, two homers and six RBIs on the week. On the season, he leads the league in doubles (25) and is second in hits (97) and extra-base hits (39) behind only Daigle. Diaz also ranks second in triples (five) and eighth in average (.305).

Farm Authority Report 7/11/05

2005 Major League Baseball Futures Game (World Defeated USA 4-0)
  • Frank Diaz entered the game as a RF in the 5th and struck out in his two plate appearances. Les(s) Carpenter has a short item about Diaz in today's WaPo. It highlights Diaz' greatest area of growth, control of the strike zone.

New Orleans (AAA)

  • Series against Iowa cancelled due to Hurricane Dennis.

Harrisburg (AA) [defeated Altoona 7-3]

  • Rehab Assignment: Ryan Church CF - 1/5 2K
  • Dutch Zimmerman PH/3B - 1/2 1R 2RBI 1 double
  • Darrell Rasner SP - 6IP 5H 3R(3ER) 2BB 8K 1HR allowed 1HBP
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1K; win in relief

Potomac (High A) [lost 7-6 to Salem]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 4/5 2R 3RBI 2 doubles
  • Kory Casto 3B - 2/4 1R 1BB 1K
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 1/3 1RBI 1BB; 1PB
  • Josh Whitesell DH - 1/5 1RBI 2K 1 double
  • Greg Bunn SP - 4.1IP 7H 4R(4ER) 5BB 3K 1WP

Savannah (Low A) [defeated Greensboro 11-2]

  • Edgar Baez RF - 1/4 1R 1RBI 1BB 2K

Vermont (SS) [defeated Jamestown in DH 5-4 & 3-0]

  • G1: Mike Daniel RF - 0/4 1E
  • G1: Dee Brown LF - 0/5 1K
  • G1: John Howell DH - 1/5 2K
  • G1: Andrew Lane 2B - late inning defensive replacement
  • G1: John Lannan SP - 4.2IP 4H 2R(2ER) 2BB 5K 1WP 1BK 1HBP
  • G2: Dee Brown DH - 1/4 1RBI 1K
  • G2: John Howell LF - 1/4
  • G2: Mike Daniel RF - 2/3 1R

GCL Nationals (R)

  • Did not play on Sunday. Box score from Saturday still not available.

Sunday, July 10, 2005

A Call to New Orleans?

Nationals backup secondbaseman, Junior Spivey, broke his right arm in a freak batting tee accident and is out for 8-12 weeks (essentially the season). With Spivey's broken arm, Tony Blanco's vertigo, and Cristian Guzman's lingering hamstring problem, the Nationals have a practically non-existent bench (Gary Bennett, Wil Codero, and Marlon Byrd). If the Nationals are looking for middle infield help from their farm system, here is what they have to choose from:
  • Brendan Harris (24 years old) 2B/3B in AAA New Orleans: In his favor, he is already on the 40 man roster and doesn't require any moves other than putting Spivey on the DL. Harris was acquired from the Chicago Cubs in the Garciaparra/Cabrera/Mientkiewicz 4-team deal last July. He was seen as the 3B of the future, but that all changed with the signing of Vinny Castilla and more recently the drafting of Dutch Zimmerman in the first round of the 2005 draft. He has been playing 2B in New Orleans so he has the MI experience necessary to backup Jose Vidro. He is a line drive hitter with gap power. The problem with Harris is that it appears the Nationals don't see him as a contributor at the major league level as he was only given a cup of coffee when Vidro was initially injured. The Nationals subsequently acquired Spivey from the Brewers keeping Harris with the Zephyrs. He is probably the best option, but I am not holding my breath.
  • Henry Mateo (28) 2B/SS rehabbing in AAA New Orleans: Mateo is also on the 40-man roster. Additionally, Mateo was envisioned in the exact role that is vacant in Washington right now, back up middle infielder. Unfortunately, Mateo has been slow to recover from shoulder tendinitis. He is nothing more than the typical utility middle infielder, adequate glove and limited bat. Given Frank Robinson's preference for veteran players, Mateo may make an appearance (assuming his shoulder is healthy).
  • Jason Bowers (27), Wesley Carroll (26), and Juan Melo (28) in New Orleans: None of the three are on the Nationals 40-man roster. They really offer nothing of value to the Nationals and are merely roster filler at the AAA level.
  • Josh Labandeira SS at New Orleans: He's an option but given the fact he is facing a 15 game suspension for violating MLB's drug policy (amphetamines), I doubt he'll be the choice.
  • Edgar Gonzalez (27) has been playing 2B in AA Harrisburg. He's too old to playing in AA (as a prospect), so his numbers (287/377/457) need to be taken with a grain of salt.
  • Melvin Dorta (23) has been playing SS in Harrisburg. His numbers are no better than average (265/324/385) but he has shown some power (9 HR) and speed (14/21 in SB). He has shown some plate discipline 29BB/32K. He is not a long term solution.
  • Shawn Norris (24 yr old 2B) and Ramon Castro (25 yr old SS) in Harrisburg are not realistic options.

Given the limited selection, the best choice is to bring up Brendan Harris and allow him to back up both Jose Vidro and Vinny Castilla. Knowing the way the Nationals have maintained their roster this season, I think the more likely course of action is either Henry Mateo (if healthy) or Jim Bowden will do what he loves to do ... trade.

Farm Authority Report 7/10/05

Harrisburg (AAA)
  • Series with Iowa cancelled due to Hurricane Dennis

Harrisburg (AA) [3-0 loss to Altoona]

  • Rehab Assignment: Ryan Church CF - 1/4 1K
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 1GIDP 1CS

Potomac (High A) [3-1 loss to Salem]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 0/4 1E
  • Kory Casto 3B - 1/3 1BB Solo HR
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 0/4 3K
  • Josh Whitesell 1B - 0/1 2BB

Savannah (Low A) [3-0 win over Greensboro]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 1/4 1R 1SB
  • Edgar Baez RF - 1/4 1RBI 3K
  • Devin Ivany CA - 0/4
  • Collin Balester SP - 8IP 1H 0R 1BB 8K; W

Vermont (SS) [3-0 loss to Lowell]

  • Andrew Lane 2B - 0/3 2K
  • Dee Brown LF - 1/4
  • John Howell 1B - 1/4 1K

GCL Nats (R) [from 7/8/05, lost DH to GCL Marlins 3-1 & 6-3]

  • G1: Rehab Assignment - Larry Broadway 1B - 1/3 1HR 2RBI
  • G1: Ryan Delaughter RF - 0/3 2K
  • G2: Brian Peacock CA - 0/3 1R 1BB 1K; Picked runner off 1B
  • G2: Rehab Assignment - Larry Broadway DH - 3/3 1R 1 double 1BB
  • G2: Ryan Delaughter RF - 1/4 1RBI 1K
  • G2: Tim Pahuta 1B - 2/3 1R 2 doubles

Saturday, July 09, 2005

2005 MLB Futures Game

This Sunday at 4PM in Detroit as part of the 2005 All Star Game, some of the top minor leaguers from around the world will participate in the 2005 MLB Futures game. It will be prospects from the USA versus those from the rest of the World (Rosters). The Washington Nationals will feature one prospect, Frank Diaz, a 21 year old OF from Venezuela currently playing for the Potomac Nationals.

Nationals Talking Trade

Ken Rosenthal of The Sporting News reported yesterday that the Nationals were on the brink of acquiring Colorado Rockies OF Preston Wilson in exchange for RHP Zach Day and OF JJ Davis. Later in the afternoon, ESPN said the deal had fallen through due to money issues, the Nationals and Rockies could not agree on how much of Wilson's roughly $6M each team would pay. The Washington Post's Barry Svrluga reports the Nationals are only willing to pay $2.5M and are "working on creative ways to get Wilson, including a three-way deal that could involve Day going to the Chicago White Sox, who would in turn ship prospects and money to Colorado." From a pure value standpoint, there is not a whole lot to quibble about. JJ Davis is a AAAA OF (i.e. a #5 OF) and while sinkerballer Zach Day has potential, with the Nationals' acquisition of fellow sinkerballer Ryan Drese makes Day redundant. Not to mention Day's run-ins with manager Frank Robinson have landed Day on the persona non grata list (see Chavez, Endy and Ohka, Tomo). The issue with this deal is who is going to play in the Nationals OF if they were to acquire Wilson. I'm not going to rehash it, I'll direct you to Chris who really nails it on the head.

Farm Authority Report 7/9/05

New Orleans (AAA)

  • Weekend series against Iowa Cubs cancelled due to Hurricane Dennis

Harrisburg (AA) [1-0 loss to Altoona]

  • Rehab Assignment: Ryan Church CF - 1/4 with 2K
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 0/4
  • Josh Karp SP - 7IP 4H 1R(1ER) 1BB 5K 1HR allowed 1HBP; Loss

Potomac (High A) [Swept DH from Winston-Salem 6-3 & 5-2]

  • G1: Frank Diaz CF - 0/4 2K
  • G1: Josh Whitesell 1B - 1/4 1HR 1RBI
  • G1: Salomon Manriquez DH - 3/4 1HR 2RBI
  • G1: Kory Casto 3B - 1/3 1R 1BB 1K
  • G1: Mike Hinckley SP - 5IP 7H 3R(2ER) 0BB 2K 1HR allowed; ND
  • G2: Ian Desmond SS - 0/3 1K 1CS
  • G2: Frank Diaz CF - 1/3 1R 1K; OF assist (runner @ 3B)
  • G2: Kory Casto 3B - 1/3 1 double 1K
  • G2: Salomon Manriquez CA - 2/3 2 doubles 1R 1BB 1K
  • G2: Josh Whitesell 1B - 0/1 1R 1BB 1K 1HBP; picked off 1B

Savannah (Low A) [beat Greensboro 13-7]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 3/5 2R 2RBI 2 doubles; SB
  • Edgar Baez RF - 1/5 1HR 3RBI; OF Assist (runner @ 3B)
  • Devin Ivany DH - 2/4 2R 1RBI 1K 1 double

Vermont (SS) [beat Lowell Spinners 3-0]

  • Andrew Lane 2B - 0/3 2K
  • Dee Brown LF - 1/4 1 double
  • John Howell 1B - 1/4 1K

GCL Nationals (R) [DH scheduled against GCL Marlins]

  • No results as of 6:45AM Saturday

Friday, July 08, 2005

Where to Find Nats Prospects

I thought a primer on where to find Nationals prospects of note. Before I do that, I wanted to provide some background. Too often, someone looks at a player's number in a league and wonders why a guy with eye-popping numbers isn't deemed a "prospect" (Matt Cepicky and Dee Haynes being prime examples). As a rule of thumb, you can use this chart to determine the 'best' age for a player to be at each level: AAA: 22-23 years old AA: 21-22 years old High A: 20-21 years old Low A: 19-20 years old Short Season and Rookie Ball are often used for rehabilitation and initial introduction to recent draft picks. It's difficult to really pigeonhole an age for these levels, but suffice it to say if a player spends more than 1 season there, he isn't likely to be a prospect of note. Given those parameters, here is where you can find Nationals prospects and other players of note: New Orleans (AAA)
  • Bill Bray LHP (22)
  • Jason Bergmann RHP (23 years old)
  • Brandon Watson LH OF (23)
  • Larry Broadway LH 1B (24) [currently on the DL and rehabbing with the GCL Nationals]
  • Brendan Harris RH 2B (24)
  • Ty Godwin LH OF (25)
  • Josh Labandeira RH SS (26)
  • JJ Davis RH OF (26)
  • for sentimental reasons, Rick Short RH IF (32)

Harrisburg (AA)

  • Ryan 'Dutch' Zimmerman RH 3B (20)
  • Armando Galarraga RHP (23)
  • Darrell Rasner RHP (24)
  • Danny Rueckel RHP (25)
  • Josh Karp RHP (25)
  • Nationals regulars Nick Johnson and Ryan Church will be rehabbing with the Senators this weekend. Zach Day is also rehabbing from a broken wrist in Harrisburg

Potomac (High A)

  • Ian Desmond RH SS (19)
  • Clint Everts RHP (20) [currently rehabbing with the GCL Nats]
  • Erick San Pedro RH CA (21)
  • Frank Diaz RH OF (21)
  • Mike Hinckley LHP (22)
  • Greg Bunn RHP (22)
  • Salomon Manriquez RH CA (22)
  • Kory Casto LH 3B (23)
  • Josh Whitesell LH 1B (23)

Savannah (Low A)

  • Collin Balester RHP (19)
  • Daryl Thompson RHP (19)
  • Edgardo Baez RH OF (19)
  • Rogearvin Bernadina LH OF (21)
  • Devin Ivany RH CA (22)

Vermont (Short Season)

  • Jack Spradlin LHP (20)
  • John Lannan LHP (20)
  • Mike Daniel LH OF (20)
  • Ricky Shefka RHP (21)
  • Craig Stammen RHP (21)
  • Jeffrey Taylor RHP (21)
  • Josh Palm RHP (22)
  • Dee Brown RH OF (22)
  • Marco Estada RHP (22)
  • John Howell LH OF (22)
  • Andrew Lane RH 2B (23)

Gulf Coast League Nationals (Rookie)

  • Eduardo Pichardo RHP (17)
  • Michael Watkins RHP (17)
  • Deryck Johnson LH OF (18)
  • Ryan Delaughter RH OF (18)
  • Brian Peacock RH CA (20)
  • Andre Enriquez RHP (21)
  • Coby Mavroulis LHP (22)
  • As previously mentioned RHP Clint Everts and LH 1B Larry Broadway are rehabbing with the GCL Nats