Thursday, December 29, 2005

Farm Authority Report - 12/26 to 12/28

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

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

  • no Nationals played

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

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

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

  • Website inaccesible

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Farm Authority Report - The Holiday Edition

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional
  • Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez 3B - 1/3 1K [12/12]
  • Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez 3B - 0/2 1K [12/19]
  • Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez PH/1B - 0/1 1BB [12/23]
  • Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar PH/DH - 0/0 1BB [12/18]
  • Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar RF - 2/3 2R 3RBI 1BB 1HR [12/19]
  • Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar RF - 1/3 1R 1K [12/20]
  • Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar LF - 1/3 [12/23]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 2/5 1R 2RBI 1BB 1K 1HR [12/12]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 2/5 1R 1K double [12/14]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/3 1R 1RBI 2BB double [12/15]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 1K [12/17]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 1R 2RBI 1HR 2K [12/18]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 1K [12/19]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 3/5 2R 5RBI 2doubles 1HR [12/22]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Jason Stevenson SP - 5.2IP 2H 0R 3BB 3K; Win [12/12]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Mayque Quintero SP - 3IP 3H 1R(1ER) 1BB 3K [12/12]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Jacobo Sequea RP - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1K [12/14]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Jacobo Sequea RP - 0.1IP 1H 0R 0BB 0K [12/15]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 0/4 1K [12/12]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 2/5 1R 2RBI 1K double 1E [12/13]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 1/2 1R 1RBI 2BB 1K double [12/15]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway DH - 0/3 1BB 2K [12/16]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway DH - 1/3 2K [12/18]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 3/4 2RBI [12/20]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 1/2 2BB 1K [12/22]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 2/5 1K [12/23]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 2/3 1BB [12/12]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 1/4 1R [12/13]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 2/3 2RBI [12/15]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 0/4 1K 1PB [12/16]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 1/3 1K 1E [12/18]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 0/3 1BB 1PB [12/19]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 0/3 1BB [12/20]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 0/2 1RBI [12/22]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Wiki Gonzalez CA - 0/3 1BB 1K [12/23]
  • Tigres de Aragua: Ramon Castro PH/3B - 0/3 3K [12/12]
  • Tigres de Aragua: Ramon Castro 3B - 0/1 1R 3BB [12/15]
  • Tigres de Aragua: Ramon Castro 3B - 0/4 1R 1K [12/17]
  • Tigres de Aragua: Ramon Castro 3B - 0/1 [12/18]
  • No games on 12/24 and 12/25
  • Boxscores from 12/26 pending
Liga Mexicana del Pacifico
  • no Nationals played
Liga de Beisbol Dominicano
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 2/4 1RBI [12/12]
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/4 2R 1BB 1K [12/13]
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 2/5 2RBI [12/15]
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B/LF - 1/5 1R 1E [12/16]
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/5 1R triple [12/17]
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 2/4 1BB [12/18]
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 2/5 2R double [12/20]
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 0/2 2BB 1K [12/21]
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 2/4 1R 1RBI 1BB triple [12/26]

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

  • Website inaccesible

Saturday, December 24, 2005

Happy Holidays

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

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

A Christmas Carroll

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

Non-Tender Fallout

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

Friday, December 16, 2005

Good Bye, and Good Luck

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

Washington Nationals Organizational Big Board

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

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Tools of Ignorance

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

Welcome Aboard

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

Farm Authority Report - Playing Catch Up

Not only have I been otherwise occupied, but the various league websites are not as prompt with their daily updates. Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional
  • Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez PH/2B - 1/2 [12/8]
  • Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez 3B - 1/4 2RBI [12/9]
  • Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez PH/2B - 0/1 1BB [12/11]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 2/5 1R 2RBI 1BB 1K 1HR [12/8]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/4 1K [12/9]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/2 Sacrifice [12/10 Game 1]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 1R 2RBI double [12/10 Game 2]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/4 1K [12/11]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Jason Stevenson SP - 5.2IP 2H 0R 3BB 3K; Win [12/9]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Mayque Quintero SP - 3IP 3H 1R(1ER) 1BB 3K [12/10]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 0/4 1K [12/8]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway DH - 2/5 2R 1RBI double [12/9]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 1/3 1R 1BB 1K [12/10]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 1/4 2K [12/11]
  • Tigres de Aragua: Ramon Castro PH/3B - 0/3 3K [12/8]
  • Tigres de Aragua: Ramon Castro 3B /2B- 2/4 2R 1K [12/9]
  • 12/12 box scores pending
Liga Mexicana del Pacifico
  • no Nationals played

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

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

Friday, December 09, 2005

Rule 5 Draft Review

The Alfonso Soriano trade did not become official prior to the Rule 5 Draft yesterday, so the Nationals had a full 40-man roster. Therefore, they did not select anyone in the major league portion of the Rule 5 Draft. However, they did lose one person, RH RP Chris Booker, to the Philadelphia Phillies (through the Detroit Tigers). Booker did not play in the Nationals farm system in 2005, he was signed as a minor league free agent from the Reds at the end of the 2005 season. In 65IP in Triple-A, he had a 2.49 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 12.6 K/9IP, 3.9 BB/9IP, and 0.3 HR/9IP. He's another of the many faceless RH RP and the $50,000 payment from Philadelphia is probably better. In the Triple-A portion of the draft selected mostly organizational-type players. The rules for the Triple/Double-A portions of the draft are different. The players have no requirement to remain at any level so expect the following three guys to be shuttled back forth when necessary in 2006:
  • Kansas Royals minor league 2B, Brandon Powell - The 25-year old LH 2B hit 287/339/511 with a 97/28 K/BB ratio and 18 HR in High A. 25-years old for High-A speaks volume for his expectations. He's likely to be utility type player with Harrisburg.
  • San Francisco Giants minor league RHP, Jose Sanchez - In 133IP in Low-A (on loan to the Mets), the 24-year old had a 4.20ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 5.9 K/9IP, 2.5 BB/9IP, and 1.2 HR/9IP. He was too old for Low-A. He's likely to start in Potomac, perhaps in Harrisburg if he's transferred to the bullpen.
  • Arizona Diamondbacks minor league RHP, Josh Perrault - In 78.1IP in High A, the 23-year old had a 2.09 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 7.2 K/9IP, 2.2 BB/9IP, and 0.5 HR/9IP. He also was really old for the level so those numbers needed to be taken with a grain of salt. I'd guess he'll start the season at Harrisburg.

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

Farm Authority Report 12/6 to 12/8

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional
  • 12/8 boxscores pending
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/3 1R 1BB 1K [12/7]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 1/3 [12/7]
Liga Mexicana del Pacifico
  • no Nationals played
Liga de Beisbol Dominicano
  • 12/7 and 12/8 box scores pending
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 3/5 3R [12/6]

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

  • Edgardo Baez 167/231/417 2HR 4RBI

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Rule 5 Draft Preview

Today is the MLB Rule 5 draft. Here is a quick explanation of the Rule 5 Draft:
A player not on a team's Major League 40-man roster is eligible for the Rule 5 draft if: the player was 18 or younger when he first signed a pro contract and this is the fourth Rule 5 draft since he signed, OR if he was 19 or older when he first signed a pro contract and this is the third Rule 5 draft since he signed. A player drafted onto a Major League roster in the Rule 5 draft must remain in the majors (on the 25-man active roster or the DL) for all of the subsequent season, or the drafting club must attempt to return him to his original club. However, since a returned Rule 5 player must first be placed on outright waivers, a third club could claim the player off waivers. But of course, that club would then also have to keep him in the majors all season, or offer him back to his original club. Occasionally, the drafting club will work out a trade with the player's original team, allowing the drafting club to retain the player but send him to the minors.
I'm not going to be able to improve on the reviews you will find at Baseball Analysts or Baseball America or Rotoworld. But I wanted to throw out a few names that may be of interest to the Nationals:
  • Steve Andrade - 28-year old RH RP from the Blue Jays who had a 71/16 K/BB ratio in 50.2IP in Double-A. He may be superfluous with Bergman and Majewski, but he's a quality RHP.
  • Jarred Ball - 22-year old CF from the D-Backs. 253/377/363 with 39SB in Double-A. With the trade of Brad Wilkerson and the apparent lack of faith in Ryan Church, he is worth consideration.
  • Gregor Blanco - 22-year old CF from the Braves. 252/367/386 with 28SB in Double-A. Same reason as above.
  • Fabio Castro - 21-year old LH RP from the White Sox who had a 75/37 K/BB ratio in 79IP in High-A. Rumor has it that the Royals will grab him at #1 and trade him to Philadelphia.
  • Matt Chico - 22-year old LH SP from the D-Backs. Had a down 2005 but still put up 137/54 K/BB in 162IP split between Double-A and High-A. He could be an intriguing option as a candidate for the #5 spot in the rotation.
  • Chris Cooper - 27-year old LH RP from the Indians. 75/21 K/BB in 72IP between Double-A and Triple-A. An interesting LH option out of the pen.
  • Ben Francisco - 24-year old CF from the Indians. 307/357/474 in Double-A. Another Wlikerson replacement option.
  • Kevin Howard - 25-year old 2B/3B from the Reds. 296/346/428 in Double-A; also led Arizona Fall League in hitting. The only Bowden guy from Cincy I'd think about though the last thing the Nats need is yet another 2B.
  • JD Martin - 23-year old RH SP from the Indians. 63/8 K/BB ratio in 56.2IP in Double-A before undergoing Tommy John surgery. He may be worth grabbing and storing on the 60-day DL.
  • Mike Megrew - 22-year old LH SP from the Dodgers. Underwent Tommy John surgery in 2004. If he's recovered he's worth consideration potentially as a LH specialist out of the pen in 2006 with designs to return to starting later.
  • Rafael Rodriguez - 21-year old RH SP from the Angels. 118/60 K/BB in 146.1IP in Low/High-A ball. It might be rushing him to the majors but he could be a RH specialist in 2006 with designs to return to starting later.
  • Davis Romero - 23-year old LH SP from the Blue Jays. 136/34 K/BB in 124.2IP in High-A. A definite gamble but worth the look.
  • Vince Sinisi - 24-year old corner OF from the Rangers. Rehabbing from 2004 broken arm by hitting 363/438/600 in High-A and 258/300/343 in Double-A in 2005. A toolsy OF in the positive sense.

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

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

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

The Shallow End of the Pool

I know I'm late to the party. The usual suspects have the breakdown of the deal sending Brad Wilkerson, Terrmel Sledge, and Armando Galarraga to the Rangers for Alfonso Soriano. My take? I don't like it, but I don't hate it as much as many do. I agree with Chris that Brad Wilkerson was done in DC. For whatever reason, he had lost the faith of the man making the decisions (Bowden). Sledge is coming off of a severe hamstring injury so his inclusion is not the end of the world. If the deal were Wilkerson, Sledge, and organizational pitcher, someone like Jason Stevenson or Chris Schroder, I would have been marginally in favor of the deal. Soriano, even at the near $10M he may command in arbitration is not the end of the world, provided that either (a) he doesn't mind shifting to the OF (preferably LF); or (b) there is a deal in the works where either Soriano or Jose Vidro is moved for pitching. The problem I have with it is the inclusion of Armando Galarraga. I highlighted Galarraga's recovery from Tommy John surgery back in July. The Nationals ran into a huge problem late last year when they ran out of starting pitchers at the major league level. As of today, the Nationals starting rotation is:
  1. Livan Hernandez
  2. John Patterson
  3. Brian Lawrence
  4. Ryan Drese (assuming he's recovered from surgery)
  5. ???

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

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

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

Farm Authority Report 12/5/05

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional
  • no games
  • All-Star game scheduled for Tuesday
Liga Mexicana del Pacifico
  • no Nationals played
Liga de Beisbol Dominicano
  • no games
Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico
  • I will provide weekly updates to players on Fridays

Monday, December 05, 2005

MiLB - Nationals Organizational Report

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

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

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/3 1K [12/2]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/4 1K [12/3]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/3 2K [12/4]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Jacobo Sequea RP - 2.1IP 3H 2R(2ER) 2BB 0K [12/2]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Jason Stevenson SP - 5IP 6H 3R(3ER) 4BB 6K [12/4]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 2/4 2RBI double [12/2]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 2/4 1E [12/3]
  • Tiburones de la Guaira: Larry Broadway 1B - 0/3 1K [12/4]
  • Tigres de Aragua: Ramon Castro 3B - 1/2 2R 3BB [12/3]
Liga Mexicana del Pacifico
  • no Nationals played
Liga de Beisbol Dominicano
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/5 1K 1E [12/2]
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 0/4 [12/3]
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/4 [12/4]
Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico
  • I will provide weekly updates to players on Fridays

Sunday, December 04, 2005

Book Review - Scout's Honor

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

Things you can see with your eyes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'd pass.

Friday, December 02, 2005

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

I'm back Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/3 1RBI 1BB [11/25]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 [11/26]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/4 1K [11/27]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/3 1R 2RBI 1BB [11/29]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/3 2K [11/30 G1]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/3 1R [11/30 G2]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 [12/1]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Jason Stevenson SP - 5.2IP 4H 2R(2ER) 5BB 3K; ND [11/29]
  • Pastora de los Llanos: Mayque Quintero SP - 4IP 5H 2R(2ER) 4BB 0K; L [11/30]
  • Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez LF - 0/5 3K [11/25]
  • Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez PH/3B - 0/1 1R [11/26]
  • Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez LF - 1/4 1K [11/30]
  • Leones de Caracas: Marco Yepez LF - 0/2 [12/1]
  • Leones de Caracas: Armando Galarraga SP - 6.2IP 8H 2R(1ER) 0BB 2K; W [11/25]
  • Leones de Caracas: Armando Galarraga SP - 6IP 4H 2R(1ER) 3BB 3K; ND [12/1]
  • Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar PH/DH - 0/1 1BB [11/25]
  • Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar PH/RF - 0/1 [11/27]
  • Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar RF - 2/4 [11/28]
  • Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar PH/RF - 0/1 [11/29]
  • Navegantes de Magallanes: Alex Escobar RF - 1/4 1R 1RBI 1HR [12/1]
Liga Mexicana del Pacifico
  • no Nationals played between 11/25 and 12/1
Liga de Beisbol Dominicano
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/6 1R 2K [11/25]
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/5 [11/26]
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/5 1RBI [11/27]
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 3/5 2R [11/29]
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 1/5 1R [11/30]
  • Aguilas Cibaenas: Bernie Castro 2B - 2/5 2R 1RBI [12/1]
Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico
  • still no box scores but team standings are posted, of note ...
  • Terrmel Sledge - 222/263/333; 5G 4/18 2R 4RBI 1BB 4K; 2 doubles
  • Edgardo Baez - 063/118/250; 9G 1/16 1R 2RBI 1BB 4K; 1HR