Federal justice officials will meet with Major League Baseball representatives after Washington Nationals pitcher Livan Hernandez’s name surfaced in the trial of a convicted drug dealer in San Juan, P.R. Prosecutors presented evidence that the drug dealer, Angel Ayala Vazquez, had a Porsche, a Lamborghini and a warehouse containing a recording studio, a barber shop and a car repair shop registered in Hernandez’s name. NYTIME
It's a shame if all of this is true because Livan Hernandez has always been one of my favorite pitchers in baseball. He's Cuban, throws junk, was on the 97 Marlins, is a work horse and has hung around forever. He's even doing alright this year for the Nationals in which he holds a 3.77 era. But this would certainly hurt his recovering reputation (remember he hit an old man with a golf club) if he is found guilty with this. I mean, this would probably result in big jail time if he was helping out a major drug dealer.
I think even the most biased Red Sox fans knew there was going to be problems behind the plate. Yet, I don't know if we knew it was going to be this bad. Tek is what he is, he calls a good game, but that's about it. At this point in his career he can't throw anyone out, or hit (let alone play everyday). Salty was supposed to be the future, but his defense looks worse the Teks. On top of that I don't know if these pitchers trust him, or like the way he calls games. I am not putting the pitchers problems just on his shoulders, but when everyone and their mother and stealing bases on him it adds a lot of pressure.
On top of Salty's struggles behind the plate he also isn't doing anything in the batters box either. Right now he is hitting .194, and although he has been hitting better of late he is not someone I trust to be consistent at all. My biggest concern is his relationship with the pitchers, and his ability to control base stealing, because this lineup (on paper) is good enough to take a shitty hitting catcher.
ESPN throws out the rumor that the Sox could make a move and get Ivan Rodriguez, who is getting less playing time with the Nationals. For once I agree with DP and I am all for it. He doesn't hit much anymore, but he throws out about 35% of the runners that steal on him and when you compare that to Salty (usually around 24%), and Tek (20%).
The Sox have so many problem right now (Crawford, bullpen, starting pitching, clutch hitting) that this isn't my main concern, but out of all their problems it's the one I don't see improving.
1 Nyjer Morgan OF 2 Ian Desmond SS 3 Ryan Zimmerman 3B 4 Jayson Werth OF 5 Adam LaRoche 1B 6 Mike Morse OF 7 Danny Espinosa 2B 8 Wilson Ramos C
Zimmerman is one of the best defensive 3rd baseman in the league, and is one of the few spots in the lineup that remains consistent year in and year out. Werth was a nice pickup (although awful contract long term). The Nationals signed LaRoche to replace Dunn, so they obviously took a step back from last year there. They should be better defensively as these young player develop, but there is no where near a "dangerous lineup". This lineup is waiting for Bryce Harper and he is at least a year away.
Pitching:
1 Livan Hernandez 2 Jason Marquis 3 Jordan Zimmermann 4 John Lannan 5 Tom Gorzelanny 6 Craig Stammen CL: Drew Storen
For their hitting they are waiting for Harper, for their pitching they are waiting for Strasburg. That won't happen this year most likely, so things will be rocky for this group. Livan can eat up innings, but is nothing special. Jason Marquis was terrible last season, but was also hurt a lot, so his health will be a key for them. Jordan Zimmermann is coming of Tommy John, so he will also look to bounce back. Overall, this is just awful and are really just building for the future, with a couple older guys to get them there.
Overall:
The future is exciting with guys like Strasburg and Harper, but that won't happen this year, thus making it another long summer in Washington.
STEPHEN STRASBURG - Starting Pitcher, Washington Nationals No one on this list entered their professional career with as much hype as this guy. Think back to when Lebron James was a junior at St. Mary's high school and was already being touted as the next Michael Jordan. Strasburg was not quite that hyped, but part of that is because baseball doesn't get the national media attention that it once did. Needless to say, the young flame thrower's beginnings were not short on hyperbole. Many scouts were on record saying that he was 'the best amateur pitcher they've ever witnessed', or that he was 'the most hyped prospect in the history of baseball'. Whatever it was baseball fans couldn't wait to get a glimpse of him. Strasburg was very different from James in one regard - he was much more of a late bloomer. He was a bit of a pudgy kid entering his first year at San Diego State University, and didn't really garner much national attention until his sophomore season in which he struck out more than 130 batters in just 98 innings. By then his fastball was becoming the stuff of legend and he was developing his off-speed stuff to go with it. As a Junior he eclipsed 100 innings and struck out a whopping 195 hitters, including 17 in a no-hitter against Air Force. In a short span he had gone from virtual unknown to an absolute lock for the #1 selection in 2009. He also helped USA earn a bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics.
The #1 pick fell into the laps of the lowly Nationals who immediately made Strasburg their #1 draft choice. Being represented by super-agent Scott Boras, the negotiations of his contract would not be easy, however. He held out until the very last minute, signing a record $15.1 million dollar contract - much lower than the fifty some million that some were projecting.
Despite rumblings from some in the media that he should head straight to the majors, the Nationals decided to handle Strasburg with kiddie gloves. He began his pro career at AA Harrisburg. His debut was so hyped that ESPN broadcast some of the game and there were more than 70 credentialed media in attendance. (If I had to venture a guess at the average Harrisburg media count I would put it somewhere around half a dozen.) He won that game striking out 8 and consistently rocked the radar gun in the upper 90s.
Last June 8, Strasburg made his big-league debut in what Sports Illustrated referred to as the most hyped pitching performance the game has ever seen. He did not disappoint the sell-out crowd, fanning 14 of the pathetic Pirates and pitching 7 solid innings for the win. His 14 Ks were a new franchise record, and he was the first MLB pitcher to have that many in his pro debut. On that night he also touched 100 mph on the gun twice.
Sadly, his 2010 season was cut short and he will miss all of 2011 since undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair damage to his ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow. Nonetheless, his 2010 campaign was not altogether disappointing. 68 IP, 92 K, 2.91 ERA and he was named to the All-Rookie team.
Despite his thus far short-lived MLB career, Strasburg has enough hype and has shown enough flashes of brilliance to land in the top 15 on this list. His accomplishments may not be long but his star power sure shines bright. Only time will tell if he is able to bounce back and build on his budding legacy to become an all-time great. At the tender age of 22 he does have time on his side. One thing that may hold him back will be pitching for Washington. Hopefully, ownership there has the smarts to realize they have a once in a generation talent that fans want to see and take the right steps to building a contender around him. They've started that process by showing they are willing to spend on free agents, now they have to show they're capable of spending wisely.
"The Nationals have had "conversations" with the Indians about Fausto Carmona and Grady Sizemore, reports Phil Wood of MASNsports.com. Another source tells Wood the Nats "are working on 'a number' of other trades," as well (MLBTradeRumors)."
Sizemore hasn't been healthy the last two years, and he is due $7.5 million this year, and have a team option of $8.5 million for next year. Rumor has it they are looking to move him. Still, he isn't the main part of this deal for the Nationals.
The Nationals have been looking for another pitching to help out the top part of their rotation. I am not a big Carmona fan, but I do think in the NL he could be very affective. Everything he does just reminds me of an NL pitcher. By that I mean he is a ground ball pitcher, that doesn't strike out a lot of people.
The problem here is that the Nationals farm system is pretty weak when you eliminate guys like Bryce Harper, and Stephen Strasburg. So, it will be interesting to see if they have the prospects to be able to pull a deal like this off.
***UPDATE***
Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain-Dealer says "there's not much meat" to the rumor about Carmona and Sizemore potentially going to the Nationals. MLB.com's Bill Ladson says he's heard the same (MLBTradeRumors).
The Nationals have agreed to sign Adam LaRoche to a two-year (with a 3rd year option) deal worth $7MM in 2011 and $8MM in 2012 before the $10MM mutual option.
Good deal for the Nationals. LaRoche has hit at least 20 homers and posted an OPS of .775 or better for six consecutive seasons. He hit exactly 25 homers in each of the past three seasons and has a career .271/.339/.488 stat line. It sounds like they got him for the correct amount of money and Werth, LaRoche, Zimmerman, and Bryce Harper should give them something to build on for years to come.
With Zack Greinke being traded, and Cliff Lee going to the Phillies the market is starting to clear up for Pavano, who is the best free agent pitcher available. One would think the Rangers would make a hard push for him, but most rumors suggest that it is the Nationals, and Twins making the biggest push for him.
The Nationals surprised us earlier in the offseason when they threw crazy amounts of money at Werth, but my gut is telling me that Pavano will end up back with the Twins. I was very confused on why the Rangers aren't involved in all this after Lee left them for the Phillies, but there are rumors going around they would like to make a hard push for Matt Garza, so maybe that's why.
There is a rumor going around today that a team has upped their offer to Cliff Lee to 7 years, and it's not the Yankees. According to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News the Nationals will offer Lee a seven-year deal, and ESPN's Buster Olney says that there is growing speculation among rival executives and agents that the Nationals will throw a huge number at Lee.
In short, I am shocked. The Nationals already through a ridiculous 7 year contract to Jayson Werth, and I really was unaware they had so much money to spend. If they do sign Cliff Lee they will have a very good team going into next year, but you have to wonder if they would be in a lot of trouble 5 years from now. Both Cliff Lee and Werth are in their 30's, and those are very risky contracts.
But fuck it, who cares? As long as the Yankee don't get Cliff Lee!
Jayson Werth just got a 7 year, 126 million dollars. Let me repeat that, Jayson Werth just signed a 7 year, 126 million dollar deal. The 1 time all star, who is 31 years old got really overpaid, which is kind of scary because if Werth is going for that much, Crawford is going to get an absurd contract. I'm not opposed to the Sox signing Crawford even if it is for crazy years and money.
Best thing that came out of this is that he's not on the Red Sox.
Shaun Marcum A marked Man In Milwaukee
The Brewers and Blue Jays have agreed to a trade that will send two players a little closer to home. The Blue Jays will send Kansas City native Shaun Marcum to Milwaukee in exchange for Canadian prospect Brett Lawrie. MLBTradeRumors
I think this is setting up a Zack Grienke to Toronto deal. With another prospect along with a Anthony Gose and maybe Kyle Drybek they should have enough of a package to get the frustrated young pitcher. It sucks because I lose Marcum to the NL in fantasy but the Cuban Missle Alexi is back which I'm fine with.
Stephen Strasburg is going to get Tommy John surgury and most likely miss next year in recovery.
This sucks for the rookie phenom. He made baseball somewhat interesting this year, and now he's not coming back for at least a year and a half. I think MLB teams should require their young pitchers to get Tommy John, because it seems like their better after that happens. This certainly sucks for the Nationals though. At least they got Bryce Harper.
The Nationals' Stephen Strasburg had some pointed words for fellow No. 1 draft pick Bryce Harper: "If he doesn't want to play here, then we don't want him here."
With the rookie deadline quickly approaching, I think it's pretty awesome that Strasburg did this. However, the organization is probably pissed. Strasburg's words did take some guts to say in regards to leadership and him being a rookie, however, they are also hypocritical based on the fact he signed his 4 year 15 million dollar deal last second with the Nationals. If Harper does sign the Nationals will be a very fun team to watch in the future with Strasburg, Harper, and Yunieski Maya all yet to reach their potential.
If he doesn't sign, that would be heartbreaking to DC, who is in need of an offensive player to carry the load.
The Washington Nationals put Adam Dunn on Waivers, who will clearly draw interest figuring he was the "prize" of this years trading deadline. The White Sox, Rays and Tigers are all rumored to have interest in the slugger.
I'm not a Adam Dunn guy, and I don't really see a huge difference between him and Nick Swisher or Carlos Pena. He's a boom or bust guy and in the AL he's only going to face stiffer competition. Is he worth to take a flier on when it comes to the White Sox, Detroit or any offensively challenged team? Absolutely. But I don't see him as a premier guy, but I've been wrong before.
DP talked yesterday about Stephen Strasburg's injury, but it is going to be a little more then a day-to-day type of injury. The Washington Nationals have placed him on the DL because of inflammation in his pitching shoulder (retroactive to July 22). By sending Strasburg to the DL, they are able to activate left-hander Scott Olsen.
Am I worried about this? No, not really. I actually think this might be the best thing for him. He has never pitched 100 innings before and most likely if he the Nationals pitched him straight through the rest of the year he would've gone over it (54 1/3 already).
There is still a part of me that is a little worried. We see so many young guys who throw really hard die out before they are even major leagues. I worry that this 100 MPH arm might not be able to holdup. I really hope that isn't true, because it has been a blast watching him, and I want to see what he can do in a full healthy season.
Anyways, Nationals tickets are probably going to be going for about a buck, so if you're in the area should be easy pickings.
Rookie sensation Stephen Strasburg was diagnosed with inflammation in his pitching shoulder after being scratched from his scheduled start for the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night because he had problems warming up his prized and powerful right arm. ESPN
Owners of Strasburg in fantasy, DO NOT PANIC this is just a very precautionary drill. If Strasburg said his little toe was sore they would keep him out a start. He is so talented that the Nationals don't want to take any chances with this guy at all, and neither would I. He's a phenom and is going to be the face of baseball going into the "Pitching Era" and will be o.k. This kid has lived up to the hype and will continue to progress for a up and coming Nationals team.
In nine starts for Washington, Strasburg is 5-2 with a 2.32 ERA, 75 strikeouts and 15 walks in 54 1/3 innings. WOW.
The Nationals have said from the beginning that if they can resign Adam Dunn that would be their preference, but as the trading deadline looms closer, and still no extension odds are Dunn will be traded soon. The White Sox and Rangers are known to have interest in Dunn, who is a free agent after the season.
There are rumors going around right now that the Nationals could be in talks with two other clubs about a three-team trade that would send Dunn to the White Sox and Edwin Jackson to Washington.
Of all the team the White Sox seem the most likely. Texas is in flux with new management, and they really can't be spending much more money now that they have Cliff Lee until the team is sold. Plus, Dunn just seems to fit the White Sox mold, it would be like having Thome back in his prime.
Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said over the weekend that he has not received any appealing trade offers yet for first baseman Adam Dunn. Maybe that's because Rizzo has set the bar way too high, but reports have come out that White Sox GM Kenny Williams spent the last few days trying desperately to land Dunn, offering up "anyone and anything he has in the minor leagues in a package."
The reported offer is Daniel Hudson and/or infielder Dayan Viciedo along with a couple lower level prospects. From what I am reading today the Nationals want even more then that. I think this is just the Nationals wanting to make sure they hear every offer before making a decision, because if they were able to get Daniel Hudson and Dayan Viciedo they should jump at that in a heart beat. I say that because all reports indicate that the Nationals have no chance at resigning Dunn. Also, I believe Hudson is going to be a hell of a pitcher (especially if he goes to the NL), and if you believe DP then Dayan Viciedo is going to be nasty too.
Well I guess Stephen Strasburg has lived up to the hype last night as he dominated the Pirates. He got the win and pitched 7 innings with 2er, 3 hits and 14 Ks. 14 ks is absurd. I know it was against the Pirates, but that still is very impressive for a MLB debut.
The Nationals are shaping up to be an actually good team in the future. If Bryce Harper is the real deal, then the offense will be built around him and the rotation around Strasburg. My bold claim will be that the Nationals will win the NL East in 2 years and be fighting for a wild card spot next year.
I usually hate buying into all the hype over a pitcher, but this kid could be the best we have ever seen. I have already said I am a believer, but there must be people who aren't. My prediction for tonight...
7 innings, 1 runs, 8 K's, 3 hits, 2 BB
I mean he is going against the Pirates, so odds are he should have a very good start. What do you guys think?
The Nationals have finally announced that Stephen Strasburg will make his MLB debut against Pittsburgh on June 8 at Nationals Park. Going against the Pirates is a great way to break Strasburg into the major, since they are basically a AAA team anyways.
There is so much hype around this kid that you have to get nervous, but from everything I have seen and heard this kid is the real deal. I expect that he will be a top 10 pitcher in the NL by the end of this year, and will be in the Cy Young race starting next year. Yea, the kid is just THAT good.
Strasburg, the No. 1 pick in last year's draft, is 3-1 with a 1.27 ERA in five Triple-A starts. In 10 minor league starts, including five with Double-A Harrisburg, Strasburg is 6-2 with a 1.43 ERA, with 60 strikeouts in 50 1/3 innings.
Incredible. Who would have thought I'd ever be pumped about seeing a Washington Nationals game?
Strasburg, who had not allowed a run in winning his first three Triple-A starts for the Syracuse Chiefs, went five innings Monday night against the Toledo Mud Hens, allowing five hits and two runs, one earned. He left with the score tied at 2, but his team won 6-3. There is so much hype around this kid that you would think he is going to be the best pitcher ever. Well, I'm actually buying into the hype. I hope the Nationals are careful with him and don't rush him too much, but it does seem like he is MLB ready.
Most pitchers have very up and down years their first time in the majors, but this kid is going to pass right through that. I think if the Nationals brought him up now that he could get 12 wins. I know, crazy right? On the fucking Nationals, but Strasburg just is THAT good.
