Sorry Folks ...

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

Farm Authority Report 11/22/05

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

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

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• no Nationals played

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

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

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

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

Farm Authority Report 11/21/05

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

• no games

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

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

Farm Authority Report 11/20/05

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

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

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• no Nationals played

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

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

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

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

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

Regional Olympic Qualifying Tournament

11/18

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

11/19

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

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

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

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

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

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

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

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

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

Breaking News - Marlon Anderson Signed

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

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

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

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

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

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

More than anybody else was offering? No kidding.

Elias Free Agent Rankings

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

Farm Authority Report 11/17/05

Regional Olympic Qualifying Tournament

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

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• box scores of 11/17 pending

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

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

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

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

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

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

Jose Guillen News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Farm Authority Report 11/16/05

Regional Olympic Qualifying Tournament

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

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• Navegantes de Magallanes Ender Chavez RF - 0/1

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

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

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• box scores of 11/16 pending

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

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

Sickels Top 20 Prospect Retrospective

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

Baseball America - Nationals Top 10 Prospects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nationals Roster Moves

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

Farm Authority Report 11/15/05

Regional Olympic Qualifying Tournament

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

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• no Nationals played

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• box scores of 11/15 pending

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• Bernie Castro 2B - 1/5 1R 1BB

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

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

Farm Authority Report 11/14/05

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• no games on 11/14

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

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

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

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

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

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

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

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

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

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• 11/12 and 11/13 boxscores pending

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• 11/12 and 11/13 boxscores pending

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• 11/11 through 11/13 boxscores pending

USA Olympic Team Schedule

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

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

Farm Authority Report 11/11/05

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

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

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• 11/9 through 11/11 no Nationals played

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

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

Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

• 11/11 season opening box scores pending

Farm Authority Report 11/10/05

Peoria (AFL)

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

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• no Nationals played

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• 11/9 & 11/10 boxscores pending

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• no Nationals played

Vermont Expos Will Unveil New Name on 11/15

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

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

A nice bit of detective work