Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Ladson on September Call-ups

Bill Ladson takes a look at who the Nats are likely to call up on September 1. He states the Nationals could call up as many as 10 players. The obvious and oft-discussed candidate, 3B Ryan Zimmerman is one. Ladson drops this bit of knowledge regarding Zimmerman:

"Zimmerman is likely to be the regular third baseman once he is promoted."
Let me be one of the first to say, God I hope this is true. If Bowden is bound and determined to bring up Zimmerman, he needs to play every single game. Regardless of how Frank feels about it. There is no reason to add him to the 40-man roster to sit on the bench.

Ladson also mentions outfielders Brandon Watson, Kenny Kelly and Tyrell Godwin and reliever Bill Bray. That makes five, who could be the other five guys?

  • [#6] Odds are Jason Bergmann will be back after more than likely being sent down today to open up a spot for Deivi Cruz
  • [#7] Ryan Church will return from the DL in about a week
  • [#8] A third catcher would be another likely choice (Keith Osik or Hector Ortiz are with New Orleans)
  • [#9 & 10] Matt White, Rick Short, and Brendan Harris would be the most likely candidates

The inclusion of Zimmerman, Kelly, and Bray (not to mention the near certainty the Nats add a 3rd catcher) raise an interesting question: Who is going off of the 40-man to make room for those four? Moving Jon Rauch, Ryan Drese, and Junior Spivey to the 60-day DL is a possibility. But that only accounts for three spots. There guys who could be outrighted a la Danny Rueckel: Josh Karp, Darrell Rasner, and Matt White or Rick Short, if not called up. The next few days will be interesting

Farm Authority Report 8/31/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Lost to Oklahoma 5-3]
  • Kenny Kelly CF - 1/4 1R 1BB 1K
  • Brandon Watson RF - 2/4 1K 1GIDP
  • Ty Godwin LF - 0/3 1R 1HBP; picked off 1B
  • Rick Short 2B - 1/1 1BB
  • Edgar Gonzalez 3B - 0/2 1GIDP
  • Bill Bray RP - 2IP 0H 0R 1BB 1K

Harrisburg (AA) [Defeated Reading 4-2]

  • Ryan Zimmerman 3B - 2/3 1BB
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 1/4 1R 1RBI 1HR
  • Josh Labandeira SS - 1/3 1R 1BB 1K
  • Darrell Rasner SP - 4IP 2H 0R 0BB 1K

Potomac (High A) [Lost to Myrtle Beach 6-1]

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

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

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

Vermont (SS) [Lost to Lowell 6-4]

  • Mike Daniel LF - 0/5 1K 1E
  • John Lannan SP - 4IP 7H 5R(2ER) 0BB 4K 1WP 1HBP; Loss
  • Clint Everts RP - 2IP 5H 1R(1ER) 0BB 2K

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Deivi Cruz Acquired by Nationals

As a follow-up to the outrighting of Danny Rueckel, the Nationals acquired 2B/3B/SS Deivi Cruz from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for 23 year old Savannah RH RP Ben Cox. Cruz will assume Rueckel's spot on the 40-man but a move will need to be made to add him to the 25-man active roster. Jason Bergmann or Marlon Byrd could be optioned back to New Orleans or Luis Ayala could be placed on the DL. As for Cruz as a player, nothing special. He'll join Guzman/Carroll as the shortstop/utility IF (with Carroll/Cruz occasionally filling in for Vidro). In comparison:
  • Guzman 114G - 196/238/276 - 20BB/62K
  • Carroll 90G - 246/331/271 - 28BB/48K
  • Cruz 81G - 268/301/397 - 10BB 31K
As you can see, it's certainly nothing to get excited about. Though it apparently puts the brakes on the Ryan Zimmerman experiment. He may not get called up at all though I expect Bowden to preen by adding him to the big league club. What did the Nationals give up? Once again, not a whole lot. Cox was selected by the Montreal Expos in the 19th round (564th overall) of the 2004 amateur entry draft. He spent last year with Vermont and this year in Savannah.
  • 2004: 22G of relief, 33.1IP 31H 18R(11ER) 1HR 20BB 37K 2.97ERA 2-0 with 3 saves
  • 2005: 42G of relief 63IP 55H 24R(21ER) 6HR 33BB 51K 3.00ERA 4-4 with 6 saves

Cox is not unlike any other RH RP in the minors, he could be good but more than likely will not be anything more than minor league roster filler. All in all, a deal barely worth noting.

Danny Rueckel Off the 40-Man

Nationals sent RHP Danny Rueckel outright to Double-A Harrisburg. In other words, Rueckel has been removed from the 40-man roster in preparation for roster expansion on September 1. I'm surprised no one took a chance on the 25-year old Rueckel. 9-5 3.89ERA 51G 6SV 74.0IP 81H 36R(32ER) 6HR 19BB 65K A moment of silence for Basil

EL Pitcher of the Week

Eastern League: David Maust, Harrisburg 2 G(2GS) 1 CG 1-0 1.20ERA 15IP, 12H, 3R(2ER) 1BB, 17K Back in Harrisburg for a third consecutive season, David Maust seems to have the Eastern League figured out lately. After going a combined 6-14 over his past two campaigns with the Senators, the 26-year-old southpaw turned in two more outstanding efforts last week, picking up a win to raise his record to 5-3, while allowing just two earned runs in 15 innings to lower his ERA to 2.13. On Monday, Maust set a career high with 10 strikeouts over six innings against Binghamton. Then, 11 days after tossing his first career nine-inning complete game, he threw another one, allowing just one unearned run on four hits while striking out seven in a 6-1 win over Erie. The West Virginia native is 3-1 with a 1.00 ERA in his last five starts, striking out 43 while walking just three.

Farm Authority Report 8/30/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Defeated Oklahoma 10-7]
  • Kenny Kelly CF - 2/6 2R 1RBI triple
  • Brandon Watson RF - 3/4 2RBI 1BB 1K triple 1CS
  • Ty Godwin LF - 2/4 1R 2RBI 2BB 1K double
  • Rick Short 2B - 1/5 1R 1RBI 1K 1GIDP
  • Brendan Harris 3B - 0/4 1RBI 1BB
  • Jon Rauch SP - 1.1IP 1H 1R(1ER) 0BB 2K 1HR
  • Josh Karp RP - 1.2IP 4H 4R(4ER) 3BB 1K 1HR 1WP 2HBP; Win
  • Travis Hughes RP - 1IP 1H 0R 1BB 1K

Harrisburg (AA)

  • No game scheduled

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

  • Ian Desmond SS - 2/5 1R 3K 1SB
  • Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 1R 1K
  • Kory Casto 3B - 1/2 1RBI 2BB 1K
  • Salomon Manriquez DH - 1/4 1K
  • Josh Whitesell 1B - 0/2 2BB 1K
  • Mike Hinckley SP - 6IP 7H 4R(4ER) 2BB 8K; Loss

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

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

Vermont (SS) [Lost to Oneonta 11-4]

  • Mike Daniel LF - 0/4 2K
  • Francisco Guzman CF - 0/1 1RBI
  • Andrew Lane 2B - 0/3 1BB 1K
  • Ricky Shefka SP - 2.2IP 10H 10R(10ER) 2BB 2K 1HR; Loss

Monday, August 29, 2005

Roster Expansion - Options?

September 1 is the date which major league teams can expand their rosters to 40 (anyone on their 40-man roster). As of today, the Nationals have a full 40-man roster (* = not on 25-man presently) PITCHERS (20) Tony Armas Luis Ayala Jason Bergmann Hector Carrasco Chad Cordero Ryan Drese * [15-day DL] Joey Eischen John Halama Livan Hernandez Mike Hinckley * [Potomac] Travis Hughes * [New Orleans] Josh Karp * [Harrisburg] Esteban Loaiza Gary Majewski John Patterson Darrell Rasner * [Harrisburg] Jon Rauch * [New Orleans] Danny Rueckel * [Harrisburg] Mike Stanton Matt White * [New Orleans] CATCHERS (2) Gary Bennett Brian Schneider INFIELDERS (10) Carlos Baerga Larry Broadway * [Harrisburg] Jamey Carroll Vinny Castilla Cristian Guzman Brendan Harris * [New Orleans] Nick Johnson Rick Short *[New Orleans] Junior Spivey * [15-day DL] Jose Vidro OUTFIELDERS (8) Tony Blanco Marlon Byrd Ryan Church * [15-day DL] Ty Godwin * [New Orleans] Jose Guillen Brandon Watson * [New Orleans] Brad Wilkerson Preston Wilson The candidates from the 40-man not already in Washingtom I expect to be called up are: Travis Hughes, Matt White, Brendan Harris, Rick Short, Ty Godwin, and Brandon Watson. That expands the roster to 32 (including the return of Ryan Church in a week or two). Additionally, the Nationals will likely want to recall a third catcher. Keith Osik and Hector Ortiz are in New Orleans, both are 35+ and are nothing more tha roster filler. That will require opening up a spot on the 40-man. This can be accomplished by moving Ryan Drese to the 60-day DL if surgery is decided necessary. Ryan Zimmerman will be called up as well (ideally after the Double-A season ends) requiring an additional roster move, most likely Junior Spivey to the 60-day DL. That brings the roster to 34 (14 pitchers [5 SPs and 9RPs], 3 catchers, 9 infielders [5 corner IFs and 4 middle IFs], and 8 outfielders). The only other guy I believe has a chance that would not facilitate another roster move is Danny Rueckel from Harrisburg. Jon Rauch and Josh Karp are rehabbing from injuries and should be allowed to finish out the season in the minors playing rather than in the majors not playing. Darrell Rasner and Larry Broadway could be called up but again, it makes more sense to allow them regular PT in Harrisburg. Though both could potentially be a mid-September call-ups.

Weekly Wrap-Up - August 29 Edition

New Orleans
  • Marlon Byrd (583/643/1083) - 7/12 3R 3RBI 2HR 2BB 0K
  • Ty Godwin (294/333/471) - 5/17 3R 1RBI 1HR 1BB 3K 1SB
  • Edgar Gonzalez (625/625/875) - 5/8 6R 2doubles 1K
  • Brendan Harris (222/300/389) - 4/18 2R 4RBI 1HR 2BB 4K 1SB
  • Kenny Kelly (182/250/227) - 4/22 2R 1RBI double 2BB 6K 1CS 1GIDP 1OF Assist
  • Rick Short (222/263/222) - 4/18 2R 1RBI 1BB 1K 1SB 1GIDP 2E
  • Brandon Watson (348/375/391) - 8/23 2R 3RBI double 1BB 3K 2SB 2GIDP
  • Jason Bergmann (3.00ERA/1.00WHIP) - 2G 3IP 2H 1R(1ER) 0BB 6K 1HR 1W
  • Bill Bray (3.00/1.00) - 3G 3IP 3H 2R(1ER) 0BB 3K 1HR 1L
  • Travis Hughes (9.00/1.50) - 1G 2IP 2H 2R(2ER) 1BB 2K 2HR 1L 1BS
  • Jon Rauch (0.00/2.99) - 1G 0.2IP 1H 0R 1BB 1K

Harrisburg

  • Larry Broadway (269/333/423) - 7/26 4R 2RBI double 1HR 3BB 8K 1SF
  • Josh Labandeira (190/393/190) - 4/21 3R 1RBI 7BB 2K 1SB 1CS
  • Ryan Zimmerman (462/533/654) - 12/26 7R 4RBI 2doubles 1HR 3BB 1K 1SB 2CS 1HBP 2E
  • Armando Galarraga (3.00/1.33) - 1G 6IP 6H 3R(2ER) 2BB 3K 1WP 1HBP 1W
  • Josh Karp (3.00/1.00) - 1G 6IP 3H 2R(2ER) 3BB 5K 1HR 1WP 2HBP 1W
  • David Maust (1.20/0.87) - 2G 15IP 12H 3R(2ER) 1BB 17K 1HBP 1W 1pickoff
  • Darrell Rasner (1.29/1.00) - 1G 7IP 7H 1R(1ER) 0BB 11K
  • Danny Rueckel (3.60/1.60) - 3G 5IP 5H 2R(2ER) 3BB4K 1HR 1WP 1BS

Potomac

  • Kory Casto (150/227/250) - 3/20 2R 1RBI 2doubles 2BB 8K 1GIDP 1E
  • Ian Desmond (100/182/150) - 2/20 2R 1RBI double 2BB 10K 1GIDP 2E
  • Frank Diaz (370/452/630) - 10/27 6R 6RBI 4doubles 1HR 3BB 1K 1SB 2CS 2E
  • Salomon Manriquez (167/200/250) - 4/24 1R 3RBI 2doubles 1BB7K
  • Josh Whitesell (692/778/1231) - 9/13 2R 7RBI 4doubles 1HR 5BB 2K
  • Greg Bunn (9.72/2.16) - 2G 8.2IP 9H 9R(9ER) 9BB 12K 2WP 1HBP 1L
  • Mike Hinckley (3.86/1.29) - 1G 7IP 8H 6R(3ER) 1BB 1K 1HR 1HBP 1L
  • Mike O'Connor (0.00/0.44) - 1G 9IP 2H 0R 2BB 9K 1HBP 1W
  • Jason Stevenson (7.20/1.80) - 1G 5IP 7H 5R(4ER) 2BB 4K 1HR 1L

Savannah

  • Edgardo Baez (071/133/214) - 1/14 3R 1RBI triple 1BB 2K 1SB
  • Rogearvin Bernadina (250/400/500) - 3/12 2R 3RBI 1HR 2BB 5K 1SB 1HBP
  • Devin Ivany (143/200/214) - 2/14 1RBI double 1BB 1K 2E; Picked off runner
  • Collin Balester (3.60/0.90) - 2G 10IP 8H 5R(4ER) 1BB 12K 1HR

Vermont

  • Mike Daniel (250/333/250) - 4/16 5R 1RBI 2BB 3K 1GIDP
  • Francisco Guzman (200/200/350) - 4/20 2R 2RBI 1HR 0BB 4K
  • Andrew Lane (000/000/000) - 0/9
  • Marco Estrada (0.00/1.00) - 1G 5IP 3H 1R(0ER) 2BB 6K
  • Clint Everts (0.00/0.33) - 1G 3IP 1H 0R 0BB 4K
  • Craig Stammen (0.00/0.50) - 1G 2IP 1H 0R 0BB 3K 1W
  • Jeff Taylor (80.60/8.96) - 1G 0.2IP 1H 6R(6ER) 5BB 1K

GCL Nationals

  • Ryan Delaughter (167/231/417) - 2/12 2R 1RBI 1HR 1BB 2K 1E
  • Tim Pahuta (125/222/125) - 1/8 1R 1RBI double 0BB 2K
  • Brian Peacock (429/500/571) - 3/7 1R 1RBI double 1BB 1K
  • Andre Enriquez (0.00/0.67) - 1G 3IP 0H 0R 2BB 3K
  • John Lannan (4.50/1.17) - 1G 6IP 4H 3R(3ER) 3BB 3K 2HR 1W
  • Eduardo Pichardo (9.00/6.00) - 1G 1IP 2H 1R(1ER) 4BB 1K

Farm Authority Report 8/29/05

New Orleans (AAA)
  • Game cancelled due to Hurricane Katrina

Harrisburg (AA) [Defeated Erie 5-1]

  • Ryan Zimmerman 3B - 2/4 1SB
  • Larry Broadway DH - 1/3 1RBI 1SF
  • Josh Labandeira SS - 0/3 1BB
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 1IP 1H 0R 0BB 1K

Potomac (High A) [Lost to Kinston 12-10]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 0/5 3K
  • Frank Diaz CF - 3/5 2R 1RBI double
  • Josh Whitesell 1B - 3/3 2R 5RBI 2BB double 1HR
  • Salomon Manriquez CA -1/5 1R 1K double
  • Greg Bunn SP - 3IP 7H 6R(6ER) 3BB 5K 1HBP

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

  • Devin Ivany CA - 1/4
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 0/3 1R 1BB 1K 1SB
  • Collin Balester SP - 5IP 3H 2R(2ER) 0BB 8K 1HR

Vermont (SS) [Lost to Oneonta 4-0]

  • Francisco Guzman RF - 1/4 1K
  • Andrew Lane 2B - 0/3

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Roster Moves

The Harrisburg Senators announced today that pitcher Josh Karp has been sent to the Nationals' triple-A team in New Orleans. Karp returns to New Orleans, where he started the season. With the Zephyrs, Karp worked out of the bullpen making 19 appearances. He built a 2-1 record and a 5.65 ERA while in triple-A earlier this year. Karp's first appearance with Harrisburg was on June 25th as a starter. Josh started 11 games with the Senators and was 2-5 with a 4.68 ERA. The Nationals did not announce a replacement for Karp on the Senators roster. Harrisburg currently has 23 active players, one below the maximum limit allowed by the Eastern League. ----------- Three Vermont Expos pitchers have left the team to return to finish college and have been replaced by three position players from the Gulf Coast League Nationals, who ended their season yesterday in Florida. Pitchers Marco Estrada, Jeff Taylor and Craig Stammen have all left Burlington to return home to school. Joing Vermont from the GCL are infielder Johan Figuereo, catcher Agustin German and outfielder Francisco Guzman. Figuereo hit .259 (45/174) wit 16 runs, nine doubles, two homers and 16 RBI in 47 games for the Nationals, while German batted .198 (21/106) with 13 runs, four doubles, one homer and nine RBI in 29 games. Guzman hit .344 (53/154) with 20 runs, six doubles, seven homers and 24 RBI in 40 games at Gulf Coast. He led the team in average, homers and RBI, while striking out just 20 times in 154 at bats.

Farm Authority Report 8/27/05 & 8/28/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Lost to Iowa 7-1; Remainder of home series (8/27-28) cancelled due to Hurricane Katrina]
  • 8/26: Brandon Watson RF - 0/4 1K
  • 8/26: Ty Godwin LF - 0/4
  • 8/26: Kenny Kelly CF - 1/4 1K
  • 8/26: Rick Short 3B - 1/3 1R 1E (batting 0.388)
  • 8/26: Brendan Harris 2B - 0/3 2K
  • 8/26: Edgar Gonzalez SS - 0/1
  • 8/26: Rehab Assignment: Jon Rauch SP - 0.2IP 1H 0R 1BB 1K

Harrisburg (AA) [Defeated Erie 7-4 & 6-1]

  • 8/26: Ryan Zimmerman 3B - 1/4 1R 1BB 1E (2nd in as many games back at 3B)
  • 8/26: Larry Broadway 1B - 2/5 2R 2RBI 1K 1HR
  • 8/26: Josh Labandeira SS - 2/4 1K 1SB
  • 8/26: Armando Galarraga SP - 6IP 6H 3R(2ER) 2BB 3K 1WP 1HBP; Win
  • 8/27: Ryan Zimmerman 3B - 3/4 1R 1RBI 2 Doubles
  • 8/27: Larry Broadway 1B - 1/4 2K
  • 8/27: Josh Labandeira SS - 1/2 2R 2BB
  • 8/27: David Maust SP - 9IP 4H 1R(0ER) 0BB 7K 1HBP; Win

Potomac (High A) [Lost to Kinston 7-1 on Friday & Defeated Kinston 4-0 on Saturday]

  • 8/26: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 double 1SB 1E
  • 8/26: Kory Casto 3B - 0/3 1BB 1K
  • 8/26: Salomon Manriquez CA - 0/3 1K
  • 8/26: Jason Stevenson SP - 5IP 7H 5R(4ER) 2BB 4K 1HR; Loss
  • 8/27: Ian Desmond SS - 0/4 3K
  • 8/27: Frank Diaz CF - 0/4 1R 1BB 1K
  • 8/27: Kory Casto 3B - 0/3 1R 1BB 2K
  • 8/27: Salomon Manriquez CA - 1/4
  • 8/27: Josh Whitesell 1B - 3/3 1RBI 1BB 2 doubles
  • 8/27: Mike O'Connor SP - 9IP 2H 0R 2BB 9K 1HBP; Win

Savannah (Low A) [Friday game postponed by rain; Split DH with Columbus 8-6 & 1-3]

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

Vermont (SS) [Lost to Oneonta 6-5 in 10 innings & 7-6]

  • 8/26: Mike Daniel LF - 0/3 1R 1BB 1GIDP
  • 8/26: Francisco Guzman RF - 1/4 1RBI 1K (promoted from GCL Nationals)
  • 8/27: Mike Daniel LF - 0/4 1R 2K

Friday, August 26, 2005

On the Road Again

I'll be on vacation through Sunday. Postings will resume then.

Farm Authority Report 8/26/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Split DH with Iowa 2-4 & 4-1]
  • G1: Brandon Watson RF - 1/3 double 1GIDP
  • G1: Ty Godwin LF - 0/3 2K
  • G1: Kenny Kelly CF - 0/2 1BB 1K 1CS
  • G1: Rick Short 1B - 0/3 1E (batting 0.389)
  • G1: Edgar Gonzalez 3B - 3/3 2R double
  • G1: Bill Bray RP - 1IP 1H 1R(1ER) 0BB 1K 1HR; Loss
  • G2: Brandon Watson LF - 1/3 1K
  • G2: Kenny Kelly RF - 1/3 1K 1GIDP
  • G2: Edgar Gonzalez 3B - 2/3 3R double
  • G2: Brendan Harris 2B - 1/2 1R 2RBI 1BB 1HR
  • G2: Ty Godwin PH - 0/1
  • G2: Jason Bergmann RP - 2IP 2H 1R(1ER) 0BB 3K 1HR; Win

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost to Binghamton 4-3 in 10 innings]

  • Josh Labandeira SS - 0/5 1K
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 1/3 1BB
  • Back at 3B ... Ryan Zimmerman 3B - 2/4 1E
  • Darrell Rasner SP - 7IP 7H 1R(1ER) 0BB 11K
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 2IP 4H 2R(2ER) 3BB 1K 1HR 1WP; Blown save
  • Chris Schroder RP - 0.2IP 1H 1R(1ER) 2BB 0K; Loss

Potomac (High A) [Lost to Salem 11-6]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 0/3 1R 2BB 2K
  • Frank Diaz CF - 2/5 2R 4RBI 1HR
  • Kory Casto 3B - 0/5 1RBI 1K 1E
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 1/3 1RBI 1BB 1K

Savannah (Low A)

  • Game suspended in 5th inning due to power outage with Columbus leading 5-0

Vermont (SS) [Lost to Lowell]

  • Mike Daniel LF - 2/4 1R 1BB
  • John Lannan SP - 6IP 4H 3R(3ER) 3BB 3K 2HR; Loss
  • Clint Everts RP - 3IP 1H 0R 0BB 4K

GCL Nationals (R) [GCL Mets]

  • Last game of the season
  • No box score provided

Arizona Fall League Rosters Released

The Arizona Fall League announced its partial rosters last night. Six Nationals prospects will be playing for the Peoria Saguaros who will be managed by Nats bench coach Eddie Rodriguez. Five of the six names of the Nats prospects have been announced and they are the same five mentioned by Jim Bowden yesterday (Broadway, Harris, Zimmerman, Karp, Schroder).

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Where Will You Be Wintering?

Jim Bowden discusses the status of the Nats farm system as well as the organization's plans for some of its top prospects in his weekly Examiner article.
We added two teams in the Dominican Republic and placed them at one of the best complexes in the Dominican. We were able to put half a team in Venezuela that we didn't have before. And we're able to do an accelerated program in spring training for the developmental program. And most recently we've instituted participation in the Instructional League for our top prospects that runs from October through December. We'll also be the first team to have that Instructional League team in the Dominican at our complex.
This is good news for the Nats. Unfortunately, it basically resets the farm system to what would be considered normal for a marginal to average major league franchise. I'm happy the foreign pipeline has been re-established but it will require an increased investment as well as time to begin paying dividends. Let's hope the new owners see the value in having a presence in not only the Caribbean and South America, but also branch out to include Central America, the Pacific Rim, and Europe. Additionally, Bowden discusses where some of the higher rated prospects are going to spend their fall/winter.
  • Arizona Fall League: Ryan Zimmerman (no position mentioned), Larry Broadway 1B, Brendan Harris (2B/3B), Chris Schroder and RHP Josh Karp with the 6th player to be determined. Schroder is the only one of the five guys mentioned that I have not been following. Thus far the 27-year old Schroder has spent time with the GCL Nationals (7/18 to 7/20), Potomac (7/20 to 8/1), Harrisburg (4/7 to 5/4 and 8/1 to present) and New Orleans (5/4 to 7/18). In 37G, entirely as a RP, he is 2-3 with 5 saves in 50.1IP with 42H 29R(24ER) 10HR 23BB 69K [4.29ERA 1.29WHIP 4.1BB/9 12.3K/9 1.8HR/9]. Not necessarily a long term prospect (case in point, Gary Majewski is 25 and is already in the majors).
  • The Instructional League:In the Dominican and include 40 of our top minor league prospects including 3B Kory Casto, SS Ian Desmond, CA Devin Ivany, RHP Collin Balester and RHP Clint Everts.
  • Winter Ball: Tony Blanco and Alex Escobar (no country mentioned). Brandon Watson and Tyrell Godwin in Mexico.
  • Names Not Mentioned: These guys were not mentioned by name but that does not necessarily mean they won't be playing in the winter: Mike Hinckley LHP, Bill Bray LHP, Daryl Thompson RHP (if healthy), Darrell Rasner RHP, Danny Rueckel RHP, Rogearvin Bernadina OF, Edgardo Baez O, Shawn Hill RHP (if healthy), Jason Bergmann RHP, Erick San Pedro CA (if healthy), Greg Bunn RHP, Shawn Norris IF, Josh Labandeira SS, Chris Lugo RHP, Brian Peacock CA, Armando Galarrraga RHP, and additionally the 2005 draft picks: Ryan DeLaughter, Marco Estrada, Mike Daniel, Jack Spradlin, John Howell (if healthy), Dee Brown (if healthy), John Lannan, Craig Stammen, Andre Enriquez, Deryck Johnson, Michael Watkins, Josh Palm, Eduardo Pichardo, Tim Pahuta, Ricky Shefka, Coby Mavroulis, Antonio Evangelista, Jeffrey Taylor, and Andrew Lane.

Farm Authority Report 8/25/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Lost to Iowa 5-0]
  • Kenny Kelly RF - 0/3 1BB
  • Brandon Watson LF - 2/4
  • Marlon Byrd CF - 1/4 (batting 0.400)
  • Rick Short 1B/3B - 0/4 1GIDP (batting 0.392)
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 0/4 1K 1E
  • Jason Bergmann RP - 1IP 1H 0R 0BB 3K
  • Bill Bray RP - 1IP 2H 1R(0ER) 0BB 2K

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

  • Josh Labandeira 3B - 0/3 2BB 2K 1CS
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 0/2 1R 2BB 2K
  • Ryan Zimmerman SS - 0/2 1R 2BB 1K 1CS; Three fielding attempts (6-3, 6-4, & 6-3)

Potomac (High A) [Lost to Salem 7-5]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 1/4 1R 1RBI 2K double 2E (#35 & 36)
  • Frank Diaz CF - 2/5 1R 1RBI double
  • Kory Casto 3B - 2/5 1R 2K 2 doubles 1GIDP
  • Salomon Manriquez DH - 1/5 2RBI 2K double
  • Josh Whitesell 1B - 2/4 1RBI 1BB double
  • Mike Hinckley SP - 7IP 8H 6R(3ER) 1BB 1K 1HR 1HBP 1E; Loss

Savannah (Low A)

  • No game scheduled

Vermont (SS) [Defeated Lowell 12-11 in 10 innings]

  • Andrew Lane 2B - 0/6
  • Mike Daniel LF - 2/5 2R 1RBI 1K
  • Marco Estrada SP - 5IP 3H 1R(0ER) 2BB 6K
  • Jeff Taylor RP - 0.2IP 1H 6R(6ER) 5BB 1K
  • Craig Stammen RP - 2IP 1H 0R 0BB 3K; Win

GCL Nationals (R) [Lost to GCL Mets 5-1]

  • Francisco Guzman CF - 0/4 1K
  • Ryan Delaughter RF - 0/4
  • Brian Peacock CA - 1/3 1R 1BB 1K

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Farm Authority Report 8/24/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Lost to Omaha 8-7]
  • Kenny Kelly CF - 1/5 2R 1RBI 3K double 1E; OF assist (runner at 3B)
  • Brandon Watson RF - 2/5 1R 2RBI 1K 2SB
  • Marlon Byrd DH - 2/3 1R 1RBI 2BB 1HR 1SB (batting 0.406)
  • Rick Short 1B - 2/4 1RBI 1BB 1SB (batting 0.397)
  • Ty Godwin LF - 2/4 1R 1BB 1SB
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 1/4 1R 1BB 1K
  • Travis Hughes RP - 0IP 2H 2R(2ER) 2HR; Blown save & loss [called up to Washington after game to replace Ryan Drese who was placed on the 15-day DL]

Harrisburg Senators (AA) [Defeated Binghamton 9-4]

  • Josh Labandeira 3B - 1/4 1R 1BB
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 1/4 1K
  • Ryan Zimmerman SS - 1/3 3R 2RBI 1HR 1HBP Unassisted putout at 2B Assist on 6-3
  • Josh Karp SP - 6IP 3H 2R(2ER) 3BB 5K 1HR 1WP 2HBP; Win

Potomac (High A) [Lost to Salem 8-2]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 1/4 1GIDP
  • Frank Diaz CF - 2/4 double; OF assist (runner at 2B)
  • Kory Casto 3B - 1/4 2K
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 0/4 2K
  • Josh Whitesell DH - 1/3 1BB 2K
  • Greg Bunn SP - 5.1IP 2H 3R(3ER) 6BB 7K 2WP; Loss

Savannah (Low A) [Lost to Rome 5-4]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina 2/4 1R 2RBI 1BB 1K 1HR 1SB
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 1/4 1R triple
  • Devin Ivany CA - 0/4; 1 pickoff (runner at 2B)

Vermont (SS)

  • All-Star Game: NL 5 AL 4
  • Jose Contreras SS - 0/1 1K
  • Leonard Davis 3B - 1/3 1R 1RBI
  • Gene Yost RP - 1IP 1H 0R 0BB 0K; Win

GCL Nationals (R) [Lost to GCL Dodgers 5-4]

  • Francisco Guzman CF - 1/4 1R
  • Ryan Delaughter RF - 1/4 1K 1E
  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 1/4 1R 1RBI

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

More Minor League Notes

As mentioned below, 2005 draft pick John Howell has been shut down for the season with shoulder pain. Additionally, 2005 draft pick Dee Brown is likely done for the season with a broken finger. Both players were selected for today's NY-Penn All-Star game but obviously will not play.

Lots of Good Minor League Information

The Washington Times has an article on Nats prospect Ian Desmond and other Nats prospects.
"He makes plays I've never seen before. He has a chance to be special defensively. There are things he needs to work on to be more consistent, but based on his age, there are other guys who are older and at higher levels who need to work on those same things. If he could do that, he'd be in the big leagues right now regardless of how he hits."
I had the opportunity to watch Desmond play a couple of games this weekend and they're right, Desmond has some amazing range and blazing speed. He gets to balls that you would not expect. I saw him track down a fly ball in mid-range LF along the foul line (the LF was playing in left center).
"We firmly believe the error totals are a result of him getting to more balls and making attempts on plays that other guys wouldn't have a chance on," Wogan said. "There are certain routine plays where he doesn't set his feet right or he doesn't position himself properly. Anything he does [wrong], he never makes the same mistake twice"
I agree wholeheartedly with this assessment. He has the ability defensively and just needs to relax at times and the errors should abate. The thing that will be Desmond's greatest challenge is his bat. There are similarities to the problems that "Inning" Endy Chavez faced. Desmond needs to improve his plate discipline and find ways to reach base given he is not, at present, a gap hitter. It will be interesting to see how he develops. ------------- Another note from the article: the identification of AZ Fall League participants from the Nationals.
Washington director of player development Adam Wogan said Zimmerman, Larry Broadway and likely Brendan Harris will be three of the six Nationals prospects to play in the Arizona Fall League. The league consists of six teams, and each organization sends six of its top prospects primarily from Class AA and Class AAA.
That's good news to see that Brendan Harris is still on the radar for the Nats. Some other candidates could be RHP Armando Galarraga, LHP Bill Bray, and perhaps RHP Collin Balester. --------------- As well as a Zimmerman update:
"The word is that he looks just as comfortable at short as he did at third," Wogan said. "We know his hands and his arm are very, very good from what we saw at third base. It's just a matter of how he reacts and how he turns the double play. So far, he's been solid."
--------------- Two Nats prospects shut down for the year:
A pair of Nationals prospects will not play again this season because of shoulder troubles. Pitcher Daryl Thompson had minor shoulder surgery, and Wogan said he expects Thompson to be ready next spring. Outfielder John Michael Howell -- the organization's ninth-round pick in this year's draft -- was off to a great start at short-season Class A Vermont (.363 in 113 at-bats) but complained of shoulder soreness and was shut down

Carolina League Player of the Week Part Deux

Jason Stevenson, Potomac 2 G, 2 GS, 1 CG, 1 SHO, 2-0, 2.08 ERA, 17.1 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 14 SO The suddenly hot Stevenson became just the fourth pitcher in the Minors to win his league's Pitcher of the Week honors in consecutive weeks. After struggling to a 2-12 record and a Minor League-worst 8.04 ERA through Aug. 4, the 6-foot-1 lefty has gone 3-0 the past two weeks, tossing a pair of complete games in that period. First, Stevenson celebrated his 24th birthday by tossing his first career shutout and the very next day, earned his first POW award. Then, last week, he nearly pitched two more shutouts, taking a two-hitter into the ninth inning against Frederick on Monday before running out of gas and allowing three runs in a 5-3 win. Against Kinston on Saturday, the Sacramento City College grad allowed just a two-out solo shot in the opening frame before settling in to toss 8 1/3 scoreless innings in a 7-1 Nationals victory. Stevenson has now improved to 4-3 with a 3.38 ERA in Potomac.

Farm Authority Report 8/23/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Defeated Omaha 9-2]
  • Kenny Kelly DH - 1/5 1K
  • Brandon Watson RF - 2/4 1R 1BB 1GIDP
  • Marlon Byrd CF - 4/5 2R 2RBI 1HR double 1SB
  • Rick Short 3B - 1/4 1R 1K
  • Edgar Gonzalez PR/3B - 0/1 1R 1K
  • Ty Godwin LF - 3/5 2R 1RBI 1K 1HR double
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 2/5 2RBI 1SB
  • Bill Bray RP - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 0K
  • Travis Hughes RP - 1IP 0H 0R 1BB 2K

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost to Binghamton 6-3 in 10 innings]

  • Josh Labandeira PH - 0/0 1RBI 1BB
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 1/5 1R 2K double
  • Ryan Zimmerman SS - 3/5 1R 1RBI 1CS Putout on CS (2-6) Putout on pickoff (1-3-6) Throwing error in 7th (4th E in 6G @ SS) Putout/assist on 4-6-3DP in 7th Putout on SAC bunt attempt (1-6) Assist on 6-3
  • David Maust SP - 6IP 8H 2R(2ER) 1BB 10K 1 pickoff
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 2IP 0H 0R 0BB 3K

Potomac (High A)

  • No game scheduled.

Savannah (Low A) [Lost to Rome 6-5]

  • Devin Ivany CA - 0/3 1BB 1K 2E
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 0/4 1R 1RBI 1K
  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 1/4 1RBI 2K
  • Collin Balester SP - 5IP 5H 3R(2ER) 1BB 4K

Vermont (SS)

  • All-Star break

GCL Nationals (R) [Lost to GCL Dodgers 6-4]

  • Francisco Guzman CF - 1/4 1R 1RBI 1K 1HR
  • Ryan Delaughter RF - 1/4 2R 1RBI 1BB 1K 1HR
  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 0/4 2K 1HBP
  • Brian Peacock CA - 2/4 1RBI double
  • Eduardo Pichardo RP - 1IP 2H 1R(1ER) 4BB 1K
  • Andre Enriquez RP - 3IP 0H 0R 2BB 3K

Monday, August 22, 2005

Weekly Wrap-Up -August 22 Edition

I'm changing it up from last week. Instead of the top players, here is a weekly recap of all of the players I track (along with a few other notables): New Orleans
  • Marlon Byrd CF(6) DH(1) - 259/355/481; 7/27 7R 2HR 3RBI 3BB 5K 1HBP 3GIDP 2SB; OF assist
  • Ty Godwin LF(5) DH(1) - 308/333/385; 8/26 3R 2RBI 1BB 4K 1CS 1GIDP 1E
  • Edgar Gonzalez 3B(3) - 500/500/750; 2/4 2R 1K
  • Brendan Harris 2B(6) 3B(1) - 250/308/417; 6/24 1R 1HR 7RBI 1BB 6K 1HBP
  • Kenny Kelly CF(1) RF(5) - 222/250/222; 6/27 3R 1RBI 1BB 5K 2SB 1CS; OF assist
  • Rick Short 1B(1) 3B(3) DH(1) - 350/381/800; 7/20 7R 2HR 2RBI 1BB 1GIDP
  • Brandon Watson LF(1) RF(1) DH(1) - 250/308/250; 3/12 1RBI 1BB 1K 1SB
  • Matt White SP - 2-0 12.2IP 10H 2R(2ER) 3BB 6K 0HR 1WP; 1.42ERA 1.03WHIP
  • Jason Bergmann RP - 0-1 5.2IP 2H 2R(2ER) 1BB 7K 1HR 1WP; 3.17ERA 0.53WHIP
  • Bill Bray RP - 1BS 1IP 3H 3R(3ER) 0BB 2K 1HR; 27.00ERA 3.00WHIP

Harrisburg

  • Larry Broadway 1B(5) DH(1) - 300/417/700; 6/20 3R 2HR 3RBI 3BB 2K 1HBP 1E
  • Josh Labandeira 3B(5) SS(1) - 200/333/200; 4/20 2R 1RBI 4BB 4K 1SB 1CS 1E
  • Henry Mateo 2B(4) DH(1) - 158/200/211; 3/19 2R 1BB 5K 1SB 1GIDP [Last week I'll track him]
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B(1) SS(5) - 286/348/429; 6/21 1R 1HR 1RBI 2BB 3K 1CS 1GIDP 3E(all at SS)
  • David Maust SP - 1-0 9IP 3H 0R 1BB 8K; 0.00ERA 0.44WHIP
  • Armando Galarraga SP - 0-1 3.1IP 10H 11R(11ER) 1BB 5K 1HBP; 29.73ERA 3.30WHIP
  • Josh Karp SP - 0-1 5.1IP 6H 7R(6ER) 3BB 3K 1HR 1WP 1BK 1HBP; 10.13ERA 1.69WHIP
  • Travis Hughes RP - 1SV 2IP 2H 2R(2ER) 3BB 4K; 9.00ERA 2.50WHIP
  • Saul Rivera RP - 1IP 3H 3R(2ER) 1BB; 18.00ERA 4.00WHIP
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 3IP 2H 0R 2K; 0.00ERA 0.67WHIP

Potomac

  • Kory Casto 3B(7) - 182/357/318; 4/22 3R 1HR 3RBI 6BB 5K 1SB
  • Ian Desmond SS(7) - 231/286/308; 6/26 5R 2BB 8K 2SB 1CS 6E
  • Frank Diaz CF(7) - 154/214/192; 4/26 3R 2RBI 2BB 3K 1SB 1GIDP
  • Salomon Manriquez CA(4) DH(2) - 304/333/652; 7/23 4R 2HR 4RBI 1BB 2K 2PB
  • Josh Whitesell 1B(1) DH(2) - 100/250/400; 1/10 1R 1HR 2RBI 2BB 7K
  • Jason Stevenson SP - 2-0 17.1IP 11H 4R(4ER) 0BB 14K; 2.08ERA 0.63WHIP
  • Mike Hinckley SP - 0-1 5.1IP 10H 7R(5ER) 2BB 3K 2HR 1WP 1HBP 2 pickoffs; 8.44ERA 2.25WHIP
  • Greg Bunn SP - 5.1IP 4H 2R(2ER) 2BB 9K 1HR 1WP 1HBP; 3.38ERA 1.13WHIP

Savannah

  • Edgardo Baez RF(4) - 438/471/500; 7/16 5R 1RBI 1BB 1K
  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF(4) - 273/500/636; 3/11 4R 1HR 4RBI 5BB 2K 1SB; OF assist
  • Devin Ivany CA(3) - 182/182/182; 2/11 1R 1RBI 1SB 1CS 2PB 1E
  • Collin Balester SP - 0-1 3.2IP 5H 8R(6ER) 3BB 6K 1BK 1HBP 1E; 14.71ERA 2.18WHIP

Vermont

  • Mike Daniel LF(6) RF(1) - 364/517/500; 8/22 6R 3RBI 6BB 6K 1HBP 2CS 1E; OF assist
  • Marco Estrada SP - 5IP 4H 1R(1ER) 2BB 6K 1HR; 1.80ERA 1.20WHIP
  • Clint Everts RP - 0-1 1BS 2IP 2R(0ER) 2BB 2K 1WP; 0.00ERA 1.50WHIP
  • John Lannan SP - 1-0 6.2IP 7H 5R(3ER) 4BB 1K 1HBP; 4.05ERA 1.65WHIP
  • Craig Stammen RP - 0-1 5IP 10H 8R(6ER) 4BB 3K 1HR 1WP; 10.80ERA 2.80WHIP

GCL Nationals

  • Ryan Delaughter RF(3) DH(2) - 222/263/444; 4/18 3R 1HR 4RBI 1BB 4K
  • Francisco Guzman CF(5) - 471/526/706; 8/17 1R 1HR 4RBI 2BB 2K
  • Andrew Lane 2B(2) - 125/222/125; 1/8 1R 1BB 1SB
  • Tim Pahuta 1B(3) DH(1) - 231/231/308; 3/13 1R 3K 1E
  • Brian Peacock CA(3) RF(1) - 267/313/333; 4/15 1R 2RBI 1BB 4K; OF assist
  • Andre Enriquez RP - 1SV 3.1IP 4H 1R(1ER) 0BB 4K; 2.70ERA 1.20WHIP

Farm Authority Report 8/22/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Lost to Omaha 1-0]
  • Kenny Kelly CF - 0/3 1BB 1K 1CS
  • Brandon Watson RF - 1/4 1K 1SB (#29)
  • Marlon Byrd DH - 0/4 1K
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 0/3 1K
  • Jason Bergmann RP - 1.1IP 1H 1R(1ER) 0BB 2K 1HR; Loss

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost to Akron 8-1]

  • Henry Mateo DH - 1/4 1K double 1GIDP
  • Josh Labandeira 3B - 0/3 1BB 1SB
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 0/2 1BB 1HBP 1E
  • Ryan Zimmerman SS - 0/3 1BB; 3 fielding attempts (6-3DP; 6-4FC; E6 [#3 at SS])

Potomac (High A) [Lost to Kinston 3-1]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 1/3 1BB 1K 1SB(#30)
  • Frank Diaz CF - 0/4
  • Kory Casto 3B - 0/3 1BB 1K
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 1/4 1GIDP
  • Josh Whitesell 1B - 0/3 1BB 3K

Savannah (Low A) [Defeated Rome 5-0]

  • Edgardo Baez RF - 1/4 1R 1RBI 1BB
  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 1/4 1R 1K double

Vermont (SS) [Lost to Oneonta 5-4]

  • Mike Daniel LF - 1/3 1BB 1K 1CS
  • Craig Stammen RP - 1IP 1R(1ER) 1BB 1K 1HR; Loss

GCL Nationals (R)

  • No game scheduled.

Sunday, August 21, 2005

Farm Authority Report 8/21/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Defeated Omaha 9-1]
  • Kenny Kelly RF - 1/5 1R 1K 1SB
  • Brandon Watson DH - 1/4 1RBI 1BB 1SB
  • Marlon Byrd CF - 2/4 2R 1RBI 1BB 1K 1HR; OF assist (runner at 1B)
  • Rick Short 3B - 0/4 1BB [batting 0.397]
  • Edgar Gonzalez PR/3B - 0/0 1R
  • Ty Godwin LF - 2/4 2R 1RBI 1BB 1K double
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 1/3 1RBI 1BB 1K
  • Matt White SP - 6.2IP 6H 0R 1BB 6K 1WP; Win

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost to Akron 15-8]

  • Henry Mateo 2B - 1/5 2R 1K 1SB
  • Josh Labandeira 3B - 1/3 1R 1RBI 1BB 1K 1HBP
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 3/5 2R 3RBI 1K 2HR
  • Ryan Zimmerman SS - 2/5 1R 1RBI 1K; 1 fielding attempt - 1E(throw #2 at SS)
  • OUCH ... Armando Galarraga SP - 3.1IP 10H 11R(11ER) 1BB 5K 3HR 1HBP; Loss

Potomac (High A) [Defeated Kinston 7-1]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 0/3 1R 1HBP 1E(#34)
  • Frank Diaz CF - 0/3 1R 1BB
  • Kory Casto 3B - 1/3 1R 2RBI 1BB 1HR
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 2/4 double
  • Josh Whitesell DH - 1/4 1R 1RBI 2K 1HR
  • Jason Stevenson SP - 9IP 5H 1R(1ER) 0BB 8K; Win

Savannah (Low A) [Defeated Rome 8-5]

  • Edgardo Baez RF - 1/4 1R 1K

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

  • Andrew Lane 2B - 0/4
  • Mike Daniel LF - 1/3 1R 1BB 2K
  • Gene Yost SP - 6IP 5H 4R(4ER) 2BB 6K 3HR; Loss

GCL Nationals (R) [Defeated GCL Marlins 1-0]

  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 1/3 1K double
  • Francisco Guzman CF - 1/3 1K; 1OF assist (runner at home)
  • Ryan Delaughter RF - 1/4 1R 1RBI 1HR

Saturday, August 20, 2005

Farm Authority Report 8/20/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Lost to Omaha 8-3]
  • Kenny Kelly RF - 1/4 1K
  • Brandon Watson LF - 1/4
  • Marlon Byrd 0/4 1K 1GIDP
  • Rick Short 3B - 2/3 2R 2RBI 2HR 1GIDP (Batting 0.402)
  • Ty Godwin DH - 0/3
  • Bill Bray RP - 0.1IP 0H 0R 0BB 0K

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost to Akron 2-1]

  • Josh Labandeira 3B - 2/4 1R 1BB
  • Ryan Zimmerman SS - 1/4 1K 1GIDP; 2 putouts (2 pop-ups [1 in foul territory]) and 2 assists (6-4 FC & 6-3)
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 1/4
  • Henry Mateo 2B - 0/2 1BB 1K
  • Darrell Rasner SP - 7IP 7H 2R(2ER) 1BB 4K 1HBP 1 pickoff; Loss
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 2K

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

  • Ian Desmond SS - 1/4 1R 1K triple 1E(#33)
  • Frank Diaz CF - 0/4
  • Kory Casto 3B - 1/4 1K
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 1/4 1R double
  • Josh Whitesell DH - 0/3

Savannah (Low A) [Lost to Charleston 8-6]

  • Devin Ivany CA - 1/5 1RBI 1K 1E 1PB(#12)
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 2/4
  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 0/3 2R 1BB 1K

Vermont (SS) [Defeated Oneonta 6-5]

  • Andrew Lane 2B - 1/4 1R 1BB
  • Mike Daniel LF - 1/4 1R 1BB 1K 1SB

GCL Nationals (R) [Defeated GCL Marlins 7-3]

  • Tim Pahuta PR/DH - 1/2 1R
  • Francisco Guzman CF - 2/3 1R 2RBI 1BB 1HR
  • Ryan Delaughter PH/RF - 1/3 1RBI 1K
  • Brian Peacock CA - 0/4 2K
  • Andre Enriquez RP - 0.1IP 0H 0R 0BB 0K; Save

Friday, August 19, 2005

Farm Authority Report 8/19/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Lost to Omaha 7-4]
  • Kenny Kelly RF - 1/5; OF assist (runner at 2B)
  • Ty Godwin LF - 0/5 1K
  • Marlon Byrd CF - 1R 1BB 2K 1SB
  • Rick Short 1B - 2/4 2R (batting 0.399)
  • Brendan Harris 3B - 1/4 2RBI 1K
  • Jason Bergmann RP - 2.1IP 0H 0R 1BB 2K
  • Travis Hughes RP - 1IP 0H 0R 2BB 3K

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost to Bowie 10-0]

  • Henry Mateo 2B - 1/4 1CS
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 0/4 1K
  • Ryan Zimmerman SS - 1/4 1E
  • Josh Labandeira 3B - 0/2 1BB 1K
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 2IP 2H 0R 0BB 0K
  • Saul Rivera RP - 1IP 3H 3R(2ER) 1BB 0K

Potomac (High A) [Lost to Frederick 9-2]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 1/4 1R
  • Frank Diaz CF - 0/4 1RBI
  • Kory Casto 3B - 1/3 1RBI
  • Salomon Manriquez DH - 0/3
  • Mike Hinckley SP - 5.1IP 10H 7R(5ER) 2BB 3K 2HR 1WP 1HBP 2 pickoffs; Loss

Savannah (Low A) [Swept DH to Charleston 4-0 & 12-2]

  • G1: Devin Ivany CA - 1/3 1R 1K 1SB 1CS 1HBP
  • G1: Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 1/2 1BB
  • G2: Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 1/2 1R 4RBI 3BB 1HR(grand slam) 1SB; OF assist (runner at home)
  • G2: Edgardo Baez RF - 3/4 3R double

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

  • Mike Daniel LF - 1/3 1R 1BB 1E; OF assist (runner at 2B)
  • Marco Estrada SP - 5IP 4H 1R(1ER) 2BB 6K 1HR
  • Clint Everts RP - 2IP 1H 2R(0ER) 2BB 2K 1WP; Blown save & Loss
  • Jeff Taylor RP - 1.2IP 3H 4R(0ER) 0BB 0K

GCL Nationals (R)

  • No box score for game versus GCL Mets

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Farm Authority Report 8/18/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Lost to Omaha 6-2]
  • Kenny Kelly RF - 1/5 1R 2K 1SB
  • Ty Godwin LF - 2/4 1RBI 1GIDP 1E
  • Marlon Byrd CF - 1/4 1GIDP
  • Rick Short DH - 1/4 1R double [now batting 0.398]
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 1/4 double

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost to Bowie 7-0]

  • Josh Labandeira 3B - 0/4 2K 1E
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 1/3 1BB double
  • Ryan Zimmerman SS - 0/3 1K
  • Josh Karp SP - 5.1IP 6H 7R(6ER) 3BB 3K 1HR 1WP 1HBP; Loss

Potomac (High A) [Lost to Frederick 5-4]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 1/5 2R 3K 1SB
  • Frank Diaz CF - 3/4 1R 1RBI 1BB double 1SB
  • Kory Casto 3B - 0/3 2BB 2K
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 1/4 1R 2RBI 1BB 1K 1HR
  • Greg Bunn SP - 5.1IP 4H 2R(2ER) 2BB 9K 1HR 1WP

Savannah (Low A)

  • Postponed by rain.

Vermont (SS) [Defeated Tri-City 8-5]

  • Mike Daniel LF - 0/3 1R 1BB 1HBP
  • Andrew Lane 2B - 1/2 2BB
  • John Lannan SP - 6.2IP 7H 5R(3ER) 4BB 1K 1HBP; Win

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

  • Francisco Guzman CF - 1/2 double
  • Ryan Delaughter DH - 1/4 1R 2K
  • Brian Peacock CA - 3/4 1R 2RBI double
  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 1/4 1E

Bowden Names Names

In the same Examiner article, Jim Bowden mentions the most likely candidates for September roster expansion (other than Ryan Zimmerman). The players we have to look forward to:
  • Keith Osik: Nothing more than a 3rd catcher. The 36 year old has just started playing with New Orleans with awful results, 6G 267/267/267
  • Rick Short: If Bowden needs a 3B in the near term, this should be option #1 though he's no more than an utility IF. The 32 year old journeyman is batting 400/474/588 with New Orleans
  • Marlon Byrd: Late inning defensive replacement OF and pinch runner. Since his demotion, the 27 year old OF has been hitting 440/509/660 with New Orleans
  • Bill Bray: Last year's 1st round draft pick out of William & Mary, the 22 year old LH RP has been primarily a set-up guy in New Orleans, Harrisburg, and Potomac. In 33IP, he has an ERA of 3.82 and a WHIP of 1.30 with 11.5K/9IP, 2.7BB/9IP, and 0.8HR/9IP
  • Matt White: 27 year old LH SP/RP (the Royals Matt White not the Devil Rays one) would be a long relief pitcher/spot starter. In 33G in New Orleans (14 starts) he has a 7-5 record in 113.1IP with an ERA of 3.41 and a WHIP of 1.30 with 7.2K/9IP, 3.3BB/9IP, and 0.5HR/9IP.
  • Travis Hughes: 27 year old RH RP picked up off of waivers from the Rangers has previously pitched with the Nats. In 47G in New Orleans, he has 55.2IP with an ERA of 2.75 and a WHIP of 1.10 with 10.5K/9IP, 3.1BB/9IP, and 0.2HR/9IP
  • Jason Bergmann: 23 year old RH RP was a 2002 11th round draft pick. He has split the season between Harrisburg and New Orleans. In 67.1IP, he has an ERA of 2.14 and a WHIP of 1.14 with 8.8K/9IP, 3.7BB/9IP, an 0.8HR/9IP.
  • CJ Nitkowski: Another RP who has already made appearances for the Nats. The 32 year old LH RP has pitched in 20G since his demotion to New Orleans. In 24.1IP, he has an ERA of 2.96, a WHIP of 1.32 with 7.0K/9IP, 1.5BB/9IP, and 0.7HR/9IP

Among the 'others' mentioned by Bowden are:

  • Tyrell Godwin - 26 year old LH OF was a Rule 5 guy who had a cup of coffee with the Nats. In 112G, he has had 438AB with 329/394/447 with 8HR 41RBI. He has decent speed 19/31 in SB attempts and has shown some patience with 45BB and 63K
  • Kenny Kelly - Another 26 year old OF, the RH was picked up on waivers from Cincinnati had the same Nats exposure as Godwin. In 12G in Harrisburg prior to his promotion to New Orleans, his numbers are less than appealing 213/288/447
  • Kevin Orie - 32 year old journeyman 3B has been hitting well in New Orleans since the Nats acquired him on June 23. His numbers 367/450/612 with 7HR 37RBI in 45G. He would be another option at 3B for 2005 in lieu of promoting Zimmerman
  • Juan Melo - is this getting redundant? he's a 28 year old journeyman SS who has hit 323/364/498 in 69G. Nothing special here but he has played SS in the major leagues (ever so briefly).
  • Brendan Harris - Saving the best for last, Jim? I don't know if it's telling that Harris is the last guy mentioned in the afterthought list. The 24 year old 2B/3B was acquired in last year's Orlando Cabrera trade and has only received the briefest of looks in 2005. In New Orleans, his numbers are 277/331/423 with 11HR and 69RBI in 110G. Even if he gets called up, he'll definitely spend more time hanging out with Tony Blanco than on the field.

Is Zimmerman a "Shortstop" from the Majors?

In today's Washington Examiner article, Bowden starts off with the following:
In what will appear as a desperate move, but really shouldn't be, I have ordered our Player Development Department to begin playing June's first-round pick Ryan Zimmerman at shortstop. Ryan will eventually be a Gold Glove third baseman in the big leagues. But it's important to our major league club that players like Zimmerman have the ability to play more than one position in case of injury or prolonged slumps with existing players. With Vinny Castilla's knee injuries and the horrific year Cristian Guzman is having, I may have no choice but to bring Ryan to the big leagues in his first professional season. He wouldn't come to Washington as the solution to get us to the playoffs. But instead he would provide insurance in case of injury with Castilla or if Guzman doesn't snap out of his year-long slump.
It appears Bodes is finally willing to publicly admit his mistake in the Guzman signing (though not directly). It's a move that on one level makes sense, the Nationals are in the running for the playoffs and if sitting Guzman or Castilla is what is necessary to get there, as a GM with no certainty in the future, he has to try anything/everything to try and keep his job. But clearly, there are longer term ramifications of the move that Bodes addresses:
There are several reasons a GM does not want to make such a promotion, including but not limited to service time, future option restrictions, earlier eligibility to arbitration and free agency and stifling a player's development when they aren't quite ready.
GMs are paid to make the tough personnel decisions. Their responsibility is to not only the short term health but the long term gameplan of the team. Bowden is taking a calculated risk here ... a dangerous calculated risk. He is moving who everyone in the Nationals organization (himself included) labelled as a future Gold Glove 3B to shortstop for a quick fix. Can he play there? Does he feel comfortable there? The answer to those questions initially appear to be, yes. In a February 23 Daily Progress article:
For Zimmerman, shortstop is home. He played there throughout his high school career at Kellam in Virginia Beach. But after playing 118 straight games at third base, the presesason All-American made the move without a hitch. He made the move look easy. He turned a double play. He made five tough ground balls look easy. "I thought he looked very, very good," Virginia coach Brian O’Connor said. "I think Ryan Zimmerman can be a shortstop in professional baseball. He is so athletic and so versatile. "We could put the kid anywhere on the field and he would do a fantastic job."
While this is a small sample size, Zimmerman can play shortstop. But it's this next line that is the most telling:
"He's a very talented shortstop, but we have to do day-in and day-out what we think is best for our ballclub."
What is best for this ballclub? I don't believe Zimmerman to majors this year is what is best for this ballclub, regardless of whether he plays 3B or SS. He is ready defensively at 3B. I'm not so sure if two weeks at SS in Harrisburg is going to give him enough time to get comfortable on a day-to-day basis in the majors. And if he's not comfortable in the field, that can impact a player at the plate. And this is a place where I honestly believe he is not ready even at 3B. In 49 games in Harrisburg, Zimmerman has 10 walks in 181AB. He needs to work on his plate discipline because the one thing I know is that the pitchers he'll be facing in September are far superior to anyone he's faced in Double-A. I really hope that common sense wins out here and Ryan Zimmerman is afforded the greatest chance at success which is predicated on him staying in the minors playing every day and not playing one or twice a week while sitting on the bench in the majors. A new owner with designs on a new GM is the best hope we have as Nationals fans for long term success.

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

The Devil We Don't Know

As part of the signings of Vinny Castilla and Cristian Guzman, the Washington Nationals surrendered their 2005 second and third round draft picks to the Colorado Rockies and Minnesota Twins. I thought it would be interesting to see what was selected with those picks (yes, I know the players selected would not necessarily be the ones selected by the Nats). With the second round pick, the Rockies selected 21 year old RH OF Daniel Carte. Carte is currently playing in Short Season Tri-City (NY-Penn League). Since June 21, his numbers: 230/292/379 in 45G (161AB) 4HR 16RBI 11BB 50K With the third round pick, the Twins selected 22 year old LHP Brian Duensing. In Rookie League Elizabethton, Duensing is 3-2 in 9G (6 starts) with 2.83ERA. In 35IP, he has surrendered 36H (4HR) with 11BB and 36K. I'll provide a weekly update on the Devil We Don't Know.

NY-Penn League All-Stars Named

The first New York-Penn League All-Star Game on Aug. 23 in Brooklyn, N.Y. The Vermont Expos have 5 representatives: SS Jose Contreras, 2005 10th round pick OF Dee Brown, 9th round pick OF John Howell, 3B Leonard Davis and LHP Wendell 'Gene' Yost. Quick review of each representative
  • Contreras - the 20 year old Venezuelan is in his 3rd year in the Nats organization after being signed as a free agent in 2001. He spent 2004 splitting time between Brevard County (Low A prior to Savannah and Vermont) with less than noteworthy results. This season with Vermont, a little bit better (262/377/297) with 11/16 in SB attempts and 32BB/39K in 46 games.
  • Davis - the 21 year old was an 8th round pick (234th overall) in the 2004 draft. He struggled last year with the GCL Nationals (182/295/301). Thus far in 2005, he has been producing better 287/347/471 with 6HR and 21 RBI in 47G. He needs to improve on his plate patience (11BB/45K).
  • Yost - the 24 year old was a 20th round draft pick (594th overall) in the 2004 draft. He is old for the NY-Penn League. His numbers in 2004 were OK while splitting his time between Brevard County and the GCL pitching mostly in relief (11G/4GS) 3.79ERA and 1.12WHIP in 35.2IP with 23K and 5BB. In 2005, his numbers are pretty good. In 10G (all starts) he has a 2.90ERA and 1.20ERA. His command is an area of concern with 34K and 24BB in 59IP.
  • Brown - In a little under 2 months at Vermont, the 22 year old RH OF has shown some promise (283/342/484) with 8HR and 32RBI. Much like most minor leaguers, his plate discipline is an area he needs to work on (56K and 12BB in 184AB [47G]).
  • Howell - Brown's University of Central Florida teammate, a 22 year old LH OF, has put up some pretty good numbers in 113AB [29G] (363/403/487) with 3HR 17RBI. Howell has shown a little bit of plate discipline (9BB/20K).

Farm Authority Report 8/17/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Lost to Omaha 8-6]
  • Kenny Kelly RF - 2/5 1R 1RBI [promoted from Harrisburg yesterday]
  • Ty Godwin LF - 3/5 1R 1K double
  • Marlon Byrd CF - 1/4 2R 1RBI 1BB 1SB 1GIDP
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 1/4 2RBI 2K
  • Edgar Gonzalez 3B - 2/4 1R 1K double
  • Bill Bray RP - 1IP 3H 3R(3ER) 0BB 2K 1HR; Blown Save & Loss
  • Note: Matt Cepicky injured a knee Sunday in the second game of a doubleheader for the Zephyrs and will miss the remainder of the season.

Harrisburg (AA) [Defeated Bowie 1-0]

  • Henry Mateo 2B - 0/4 2K
  • Josh Labandeira SS - 1/4 1CS
  • Larry Broadway DH - 1/2 1BB double
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 2/2 1BB 1CS
  • David Maust SP - 9IP 3H 0R 1BB 8K; Win [26 year old LHP]

Potomac (High A) [Lost to Frederick 5-1]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 1/3 1BB 1K 1CS 3E (#30-32)
  • Kory Casto 3B - 0/2 2BB 1SB

Savannah (Low A) [Lost to Charleston 12-1]

  • Devin Ivany CA - 0/3 1PB
  • Collin Balester SP - 3.2IP 5H 8R(6ER) 3BB 6K 1BK 1HBP 1E;Loss

Vermont (SS) [Lost to Tri-City 12-8]

  • Mike Daniel RF - 2/3 1R 3RBI 1BB 1K double 1CS
  • Craig Stammen SP - 4IP 9H 7R(5ER) 3BB 2K 1WP; Picked off runner

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

  • Ryan Delaughter DH - 0/3 1BB 1K
  • Francisco Guzman CF - 2/4 1RBI 1K
  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 0/4 2K
  • Brian Peacock RF - 0/4 1K; OF assist (runner at 2B)
  • Andre Enriquez RP - 3IP 4H 1R(1ER) 0BB 4K 1WP 1HBP

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Miscellaneous Stuff

  • The Washington Times highlights Nationals prospect and La Plata High School grad, Daryl Thompson.
  • The Berkshire Eagle highlights AAA SP Matt White, who is pitching well for New Orleans, and 2005 draft pick Tim Pahuta, who is struggling with the GCL Nationals.
  • The Zephyrs website discusses Rick Short's chase for 400.

Carolina League Player of the Week

Jason Stevenson, Potomac 1 G, 1 GS, 1 CG, 1 SHO, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 9.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO Stevenson found the silver lining in an otherwise very dark cloud that has been hovering over his 2005 season, when he tossed his first career shutout Tuesday -- the day after his 24th birthday -- against Frederick. The 6-foot-1 left-hander was a combined 2-12 with a Minor League-worst 8.04 ERA prior to his gem. Stevenson allowed just five singles and a walk, while establishing a career high in strikeouts with seven. Only one Keys base runner reached third base, and Stevenson was never in any real trouble. The 2000 12th-round pick of Montreal was 8-10 with a 4.06 ERA for Double-A Harrisburg last year and climbed as high as Triple-A Edmonton. But in 13 games with the Senators this year, he was just 1-9 with a ghastly 10.57 ERA before being relegated to Potomac. He's now 2-3 with a 3.83 ERA with the Nationals.

Farm Authority Report 8/16/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Defeated Albuquerque 6-5]
  • Ty Godwin LF - 1/5 1K 1CS
  • Marlon Byrd CF - 2/4 2R 1RBI 1HR 1HBP
  • Rick Short 3B - 2/5 2R (still batting 0.400)
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 2/3 1R 2RBI 1K 1HR 1HBP
  • Matt White SP - 6IP 4H 2R(2ER) 2BB 0K; Win
  • Jason Bergmann RP - 2IP 1H 1R(1ER) 0BB 3K
  • Travis Hughes RP - 1IP 2H 2R(2ER) 1BB 1K; Save

Harrisburg (AA)

  • No game scheduled.

Potomac (High A) [Defeated Frederick 5-3]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 1/4 2K 1E(#29)
  • Frank Diaz CF - 0/3 1R 1K 1GIDP 1HBP
  • Kory Casto 3B - 1/4 2R 1K
  • Salomon Manriquez DH -2/4 2R 2RBI 1K 1HR
  • Jason Stevenson SP - 8.1IP 6H 3R(3ER) 0BB 6K 2HR; Win

Savannah (Low A)

  • Game postponed by rain.

Vermont (SS) [Lost to Tri-City 5-1]

  • Andrew Lane 2B - 0/4
  • Mike Daniel LF - 2/3 1R 1K triple

GCL Nationals (R) [Lost to GCL Dodgers 8-6]

  • Francisco Guzman CF - 2/5 1RBI 1K [21 year old OF]
  • Ryan Delaughter RF - 1/4 1R 2RBI double
  • Brian Peacock CA - 1/3 1BB 1K

Monday, August 15, 2005

Weekly Wrap-Up - August 15 Edition

I am trying something new out this week. I will look back over the last 7 days to see which Nationals' prospects I am tracking have performed the best. First, the bats. The candidates (in reverse order):
  • 7th: Josh Labandeira (296/321/407) - In 7G at SS in Harrisburg, Labandeira had 8H (3 doubles), 3R, 2RBI, 1BB, and 5K. He committed 1E in the field.
  • 6th: Ian Desmond (318/423/455) - In 6G at SS at Potomac, Desmond had 7H (1 double and 1 triple), 3R, 1RBI, 4BB, 4K, and 2SB. Unfortunately, he made 3E in the field.
  • 5th: Kory Casto (350/480/400) - In 6G at 3B at Potomac, Casto had 7H (1double), 4R, 2RBI, 5BB, 2K, and 1GIDP.
  • 4th: Dee Brown (364/440/500) - In 6G (5 in LF; 1 at DH) with Vermont, Brown had 8H (1HR), 7R, 4RBI, 3BB, 7K, and 1CS.
  • 3rd: Marlon Byrd (500/548/607) - In 7G in CF with New Orleans, Byrd had 14H (3 doubles), 6R, 3RBI, 3BB, 1K, 1CS, and 3GIDP.
  • 2nd: Dutch Zimmerman (355/355/645) - In 8G at 3B with Harrisburg, Zimmerman had 11H (3 doubles & 2HR), 6R, 5RBI, 0BB, 2K, and 1CS.
  • Winner: Rick Short (615/677/808) - In 7G (2 @1B, 1 @2B, & 4 @ 3B), Short had 16H (2 doubles & 1HR), 5R, 10RBI, 5BB, and 1K. He made 3E in the field, all at 3B.

And from the pitching side, there were only 4 candidates:

  • 4th: Danny Rueckel - In 3G in relief for Harrisburg, Rueckel had 2IP with 4H 0R 1BB 0K with 1 win.
  • 3rd: Bill Bray - In 2G in relief for New Orleans, Bray had 2IP with 1H 0R 0BB 4K.
  • 2nd: Mike Hinckley - In one start for Potomac, Hinckley threw 7IP with 5H 3R(2ER) 4BB 5K 1HR 1WP 1HBP 1E with 1 win.
  • Winner: Matthew Perks - The 2004 19 year old 18th round draft pick threw a shutout for the GCL Nationals in his one start. He had 8IP with 2H 2BB 6K.

Farm Authority Report 8/15/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Split DH with Albuquerque 5-1 & 1-6]
  • G1: Ty Godwin LF - 2/3 2R 1BB
  • G1: Marlon Byrd CF - 2/4 2RBI 1CS
  • G1: Rick Short 3B - 1/1 2R 3BB 1E
  • G1: Matt Cepicky RF - 0/1 1BB 1GIDP
  • G1: Brendan Harris 2B - 0/2 1BB 1K 1GIDP
  • G1: Edgar Gonzalez PH - 0/1
  • G2: Ty Godwin LF - 1/3
  • G2: Edgar Gonzalez 3B - 0/3 1K
  • G2: Marlon Byrd CF - 0/3 2GIDP
  • G2: Rick Short 2B - 1/3

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost to New Britain 6-5]

  • Kenny Kelly CF - 0/4 1E
  • Henry Mateo DH - 0/4 1K
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 2/4 1RBI 1K 1GIDP double
  • Ryan Zimmerman 3B - 0/4
  • Josh Labandeira SS - 2/4 1R 1RBI 1K double
  • Armando Galarraga SP - 7IP 8H 5R(5ER) 1BB 5K 1HR 1WP
  • Saul Rivera RP - 2IP 3H 1R(1ER) 1BB 1K; BS & Loss

Potomac (High A) [Lost to Wilmington 11-10]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 1/4 1RBI triple 1E(#28)
  • Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 1R 1RBI 1BB 1CS
  • Kory Casto 3B - 1/4 1R 1BB
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 2/4 1R 1RBI

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

  • Devin Ivany CA- 1/4 1BB 1K
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 0/3 1BB 1GIDP; OF assist (runner at 1B)
  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 0/4 1RBI

Vermont (SS) [Lost to Tri-City 7-2]

  • Mike Daniel LF - 1/3 double
  • Jeff Taylor RP - 2IP 2H 1R(1ER) 2BB 0K

GCL Nationals (R)

  • No game scheduled.

Sunday, August 14, 2005

Farm Authority Report 8/14/05

New Orleans (AAA)
  • Game against Albuquerque postponed by rain.

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost to New Britain 7-4]

  • Kenny Kelly CF - 2/4 1RBI 1K 1GIDP double triple; OF assist (runner at home)
  • Henry Mateo 2B - 0/4 2K 1E
  • Ryan 'Dutch' Zimmerman 3B - 2/4 1R 1RBI double
  • Josh Labandeira SS - 1/4 1RBI
  • Larry Broadway PH - 0/1
  • Darrell Rasner SP - 6IP 5H 4R(4ER) 1BB 0K 1HR 1HBP
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 1IP 2H 0R 1BB 0K

Potomac (High A) [Defeated Wilmington 7-3]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 2/4 1R 1K double 1E
  • Frank Diaz CF - 1/3 2R 2BB 1E
  • Kory Casto 3B - 1/4 1BB 1K
  • Salomon Manriquez DH - 1/4 1RBI 1K
  • Mike Hinckley SP - 7IP 5H 3R(2ER) 4BB 5K 1HR 1WP 1HBP 1E; Win

Savannah (Low A) [Lost to Augusta 6-3]

  • Devin Ivany CA - 0/4
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 0/3 1BB 1K

Vermont (SS) [Lost to Tr-City 4-3]

  • Dee Brown DH - 0/2 1BB 2K
  • Mike Daniel LF - 0/4 2K 1GIDP
  • Rehab Assignment: Clint Everts RP - 2IP 3H 2R(0ER) 0BB 0K 1E

GCL Nationals (R) [Defeated GCL Marlins 1-0]

  • Brian Peacock CA - 1/3 1R 1K
  • Ryan Delaughter RF - 1/3 1K
  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 0/3 1K
  • Matthew Perks SP - 8IP 2H 0R 2BB 6K; Win

Farm Authority Report 8/13/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Defeated Albuquerque 10-9 in 12 innings]
  • Ty Godwin LF - 2/6 1R 1BB
  • Marlon Byrd CF - 4/5 4R 2BB 2 doubles
  • Rick Short 3B - 4/7 5RBI 2 doubles 2E
  • Matt Cepicky 1B/RF - 1/6 2RBI 4K 1SF
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 1/5 1R 1RBI 1BB
  • Edgar Gonzalez PH - 0/1
  • Bill Bray RP - 1IP 1H 0R 0BB 2K
  • Jason Bergmann RP - 2IP 4H 2R(2ER) 0BB 2K 1HR; BS & W

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost to New Britain 9-7]

  • Kenny Kelly CF - 0/5 2K
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 1/3 2R 3RBI 1BB 1K 1HR
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 2/4 1R 1CS
  • Josh Labandeira SS - 2/4 1R 1K double
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 0.1IP 2H 0R 0BB 0K

Potomac (High A) [Lost to Wilmington 6-1]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 1/3 2BB
  • Frank Diaz CF - 0/5
  • Kory Casto 3B - 2/5 1R 1K double
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 0/4
  • Greg Bunn SP - 4.2IP 5H 4R(4ER) 4BB 5K 1HR; Loss

Savannah (Low A) [Lost to Augusta 9-7]

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

Vermont (SS) [Lost to Batavia 6-2]

  • Dee Brown LF - 1/3 2R 1BB 2K
  • Mike Daniel RF - 1/3 1BB
  • Marco Estarda SP - 6IP 4H 3R(2ER) 3BB 5K; Loss

GCL Nationals (R) [Lost to GCL Marlins 18-2]

  • Ryan Delaughter DH - 1/4 1RBI
  • Brian Peacock CA - 0/2
  • Coby Mavroulis SP - 2.2IP 6H 5R(4ER) 2BB 2K 1HR 2WP 2HBP; Loss

Friday, August 12, 2005

Minor League Transactions

Outfielder Matt Cepicky has cleared waivers and has accepted his assignment to Triple-A New Orleans. He will report to the club on Friday. Cepicky was called up to the big club on July 31, and he received only seven at-bats before his demotion.

Farm Authority Report 8/12/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Defeated Portland 3-1]
  • Ty Godwin LF - 0/4 1K
  • Marlon Byrd CF - 1/4 1K
  • Rick Short 3B - 4/4 1R 1RBI [editor's note: It's a damn shame the Nats don't need an IF ;-P]
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 0/3 1K
  • Edgar Gonzalez PH - 0/1 1K

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost to New Britain 9-5]

  • Kenny Kelly CF - 1/3 1R 1BB 2SB
  • Josh Labandeira SS - 0/3 1BB 1K 1E
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 0/4 2K
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 3/4 2R 3RBI(26th) 2HR(7th) 1K [Don't get any ideas Bowden]
  • Josh Karp SP - 5.2IP 9H 6R(6ER) 3BB 1K 1HR 1HBP; Lost

Potomac (High A)

  • No game scheduled

Savannah (Low A) [Lost to Greenville 4-3]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 1/4 1SB; OF assist (runner at the plate)
  • Devin Ivany CA - 1/4 1R 1K double 1PB(10)

Vermont (SS) [Lost to Batavia 10-9]

  • Dee Brown LF - 2/5 2R 1RBI 1BB 2K
  • Mike Daniel RF - 2/6 1R 1RBI; OF assist (runner at plate)
  • Ricky Shefka SP - 6IP 7H 3R(3ER) 4BB 5K 1HR 1HBP
  • Jeff Taylor RP - 0.1IP 3H 4R(3ER) 1BB 0K
  • Craig Stammen RP - 1.2IP 2H 0R 1BB 1K

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

  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 0/4 2K
  • Brian Peacock CA - 2/4 1RBI 1K
  • Andre Enriquez RP - 1IP 1H 1R(0ER) 0BB 1K 1WP
  • Eduardo Pichardo RP - 1IP 2H 1R(1ER) 1BB 0K

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Farm Authority Report 8/11/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Defeated Portland 6-1]
  • Ty Godwin LF - 2/4 1R
  • Marlon Byrd CF - 1/4 1R double 1GIDP
  • Rick Short 3B - 3/3 1R 1RBI 1BB
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 1/4 1R 2RBI 1K
  • Matt White LH SP - 7IP 5H 1R(1ER) 2BB 5K; Win
  • Jason Bergmann RP - 1IP 0H 0R 1BB 3K
  • Travis Hughes RP - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1K

Harrisburg (AA) [Defeated New Hampshire 6-1]

  • Kenny Kelly CF - 0/5 1K
  • Josh Labandeira SS - 2/4 1R double
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 0/3 1RBI 2K 1SF
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 1/4 1R 1RBI double
  • Danny Rueckel RP - 0.2IP 0H 0R 0BB 0K; Win (#9 in relief)
  • Saul Rivera RP - 1IP 2H 0R 0BB 3K

Potomac (High A) [Defeated Frederick 2-1]

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

Savannah (Low A) [Lost to Greenville 8-7]

  • Rogearvin Bernadina CF - 0/5 2GIDP
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 3/4 1R 1RBI 1BB double
  • Collin Balester SP - 1.1IP 2H 0R 0BB 0K; Left game with injury (Left the game in the second inning after he was hit in the head by a throw to second base. He is not expected to miss any action as a result of the incident, according to the Sand Gnats.)

Vermont (SS) [Defeated Batavia 10-6]

  • Dee Brown LF - 2/5 1R 1RBI
  • Mike Daniel RF - 3/5 2R 5RBI 1HR
  • Andrew Lane 2B - 0/4 1BB 3K
  • John Lannan SP - 6IP 6H 2R(2ER) 2BB 5K

GCL Nationals (R) [Lost to GCL Mets 6-5 in 11 innings]

  • Ryan Delaughter RF - 2/5 1R 2RBI 1BB 2K 1HR 1GIDP
  • Tim Pahuta DH - 0/5 2K

VSL Nationals

  • Season ended

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

PCL Pitcher of the Week

For the period ending August 7 ... Chad Durbin, New Orleans 2 G, 2 GS, 0 CG, 0 SHO, 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 14.1 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 13 SO, 0 SV Bouncing back and forth between Triple-A and the Majors since 1999, Chad Durbin is making his case for another shot at the big leagues, winning his third and fourth consecutive decisions last week by tossing 14 1/3 shutout innings. The Kansas City Royals 1996 third-round pick shut out Tucson on four singles and a walk in a 2-1 win on August 1, striking out seven in 7 1/3 innings. He turned around and blanked Tacoma for seven innings on Sunday, allowing leadoff doubles in the first and second innings to along with three walks. He struck out six in the game and at one point set down 13 straight batters. Durbin is now 3-4 after beginning the season 0-4. He hasn't allowed an earned run in his last 23 innings.

Farm Authority Report 8/10/05

New Orleans (AAA) [Lost to Portland 9-7]
  • Edgar Gonzalez 2B - 0/5 1K 1E
  • Ty Godwin LF - 2/5 2R 1RBI
  • Marlon Byrd CF - 4/5 1R 1RBI
  • Rick Short 1B - 1/4 1R 3RBI 1BB 1K 1HR
  • Brendan Harris 3B - 0/2 1R 1BB 1GIDP 1E

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost to New Hampshire 2-1]

  • Kenny Kelly CF - 2/3 1BB 1K
  • Henry Mateo 2B - 1/4 1SB
  • Larry Broadway 1B - 1/4 2K
  • Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 1/4 double
  • Josh Labandeira SS - 0/4
  • Armando Galarraga SP - 6IP 6H 2R(2ER) 1BB 3K 1HR; Loss

Potomac (High A) [Defeated Frederick 10-0]

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

Savannah (Low A) [Lost to Greenville 16-1]

  • Devin Ivany CA - 1/2 1PB
  • Edgardo Baez RF - 1/4 1R 1K double

Vermont (SS) [Lost to Hudson Valley 4-2]

  • Dee Brown LF - 2/4 1R 1RBI 1K 1HR 1CS
  • Mike Daniel RF - 0/4 1K
  • Jeff Taylor RP - 1IP 1H 0R 0BB 2K

GCL Nationals (R) [Defeated GCL Dodgers 3-2]

  • Tim Pahuta 1B - 0/4 1K
  • Ryan Delaughter RF - 0/3 1R 1K
  • Brian Peacock CA - 1/2 1BB

VSL Nationals

  • No game scheduled

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Farm Authority Report 8/9/2005

New Orleans (AAA) [Lost to Portland 3-2]
  • Ty Godwin LF - 2/5 2R double; OF Assist (runner @ home)
  • Marlon Byrd CF - 2/3 1BB
  • Rick Short 1B - 2/4
  • Brendan Harris 2B - 1/4 1K
  • Edgar Gonzalez PH - 0/1
  • Recent Signing: John Halama SP - 3IP 3H 1R(1ER) 0BB 0K
  • Bill Bray RP - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 2K

Harrisburg (AA) [Lost DH to New Hampshire 2-1 & 7-6]

  • G1: Kenny Kelly CF - 1/3 double
  • G1: Henry Mateo 2B - 1/3 1CS
  • G1: Larry Broadway 1B - 0/3 2K
  • G1: Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 0/3 1K
  • G1: Darrell Rasner SP - 6IP 4H 2R(2ER) 3BB 5K 1HBP; Loss
  • G2: Kenny Kelly CF - 1/3 1R 1RBI 1BB 1K 1HR 1E
  • G2: Henry Mateo 2B - 1/3 2R 1BB
  • G2: Larry Broadway 1B - 2/3 1R 2RBI 1BB 1HR 1HBP
  • G2: Dutch Zimmerman 3B - 2/4 1R
  • G2: Josh Labandeira SS - 1/4 2K
  • G2: Saul Rivera RP - 0.2IP 1H 0R 0BB 1K

Potomac (High A) [Game against Frederick suspended in bottom of 6th with P-Nats losing 4-1]

  • Ian Desmond SS - 0/3 1K
  • Frank Diaz CF - 0/2 1BB
  • Kory Casto 3B - 0/2
  • Salomon Manriquez CA - 1/1 1BB

Savannah (Low A) [Lost to Greenville 4-2]

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

Vermont (SS) [Defeated Hudson Valley 7-3]

  • Dee Brown LF - 1/3 1R 1RBI 1K
  • Mike Daniel RF - 0/3 2K 1SAC

GCL Nationals (R) [Lost to GCL Dodgers 7-3]

  • Tim Pahuta DH - 1/4 3RBI 1K 1BB
  • Brian Peacock CA - 0/4 1K

VSL Nationals/Marlins

  • No game scheduled.