Nationals Farm Authority

It appears that the Reign of Bowden will continue.

Temporarily.

I hope.

Chris over at Capitol Punishment touches on Barry Svrluga’s article regarding the status of the Nationals’ GM.

He hits on all the key points that have been running through my head. I don’t view this as a horrible decision. It actually makes more sense than allowing Bowden to move on to Arizona, Tampa Bay, or Philadelphia (well, maybe it’s OK to send him to a division rival). The one thing that the Nationals need right now is stability.

With MLB allowing this ridiculous ownership selection process to drag on, the best thing for the team, in the short term, is to allow Bowden to retain his job. A new GM would have to learn on the fly in a barren free agent market. This may lead to the selection of someone who feels they need to make a splash to impress the future owner. And we all know how that worked out last year (see Guzman, Cristian or Castilla, Vinny).

Bowden is a known quantity. If he is allowed to retain the job, it must be temporary, and with serious budget restrictions. The last thing the Nationals need is for Bowden to go out and throw huge dollars at a player in a weak market (cough … Paul Konerko … cough). He can serve his purpose as a placeholder until a new owner assumes control and hires his own management team.

There is one additional concern I have with the retention of Bowden. As Chris mentioned, the retention of Bowden leads me to believe the Tavares/Bowden cabal will not retain Frank Robinson as manager. While not the biggest fan of Frank, I worry Bowden’s choice of a replacement will be Bob Boone. Boone is part of Bowden’s Cincy posse and will likely get serious consideration. THAT would be a mistake. Boone has proven himself inept as a manager in both Kansas City and Cincinnati. If people were frustrated with Frank Robinson and his decision making, Frank doesn’t hold a candle to Boone’s style.

As scary a thought as it sounds. The best course of action for the Nationals is to make no changes. Stay with Tony, Frank, and Jim until a new owner enters the picture.

And then, the fun will begin.

Peoria (AFL) [Split DH 5-7 & 12-6]

• G1: Brendan Harris, starting SS - 0/3 1BB 1E
• G1: Larry Broadway, starting 1B - 1/3 1RBI 1SF; left 1 RISP w/ 2-outs
• G2: Larry Broadway, starting DH - 2/4 1R 1RBI 1BB double; 1 2-out RBI & left 1 RISP w/ 2-outs
• G2: Ryan Zimmerman, starting 3B - 1/3 1BB 1K 1CS

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• Frank Diaz CF - 1/4

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• pending

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• No Nationals

Peoria (AFL) [Lost to Mesa 6-5]

• Ryan Zimmerman, starting 3B - 0/3 1BB 2K 1CS
• David Maust SP - 3.1IP 7H 5R(3ER) 2BB 3K 1pickoff; Loss
• Chris Schroder RP - 2IP 0H 0R 0BB 3K

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• pending

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• no games scheduled

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• games of 10/23-24 cancelled due to Hurricane Alpha

Top 5 GCL Nationals Hitters

1. Francisco Guzman OF - The 21-year old undrafted free agent out of Venezuela had an impressive US debut. In 40G with the GCL Nats, Guzman batted 344/369/519 with 7HR. That earned him a promotion to Vermont where he played briefly (9G) with similar results (469/471/719 with 2HR). The 6′4″ 200lbs OF needs more professional ABs but his start is definitely worth noting. He is likely to begin 2006 in Vermont.
2. Cristian Ogando OF - The 19-year old undrafted free agent also made a memorable debut in 2005. In 38 games with the GCL Nats, Ogando hit 294/355/331 with 2SB. He is still filling out physically and needs much more experience before moving up the organizational ladder. He will likely begin the season in Vermont with Guzman but it would not be out of the question for him to return to the GCL for additional experience.
3. Ryan DeLaughter OF - DeLaughter was drafted in the 5th round of the 2005 draft. The 18-year old high schooler is both a talented RHP and accomplished high school power hitter. It’s his hitting that will carry him to the majors. In 33G with the GCL Nats, he put up marginal numbers 248/288/438 with 6HR. At the plate his swing can get long at times, as demonstrated by a 6BB/39K ratio in 2005. When he keeps his swing shorter, the ball explodes off of his bat. Until he gains control of the strike zone, his progress will be slowed. Given he was a 5th round pick, the Nationals may attempt to push him to Vermont in 2006.
4. Brian Peacock CA/DH - The 21-year old was drafted in the 39th round of the 2004 draft. The Nationals signed him as a draft and follow shortly before the 2005 draft. It was expected that Peacock would go in the first 10 rounds of this year’s draft. Peacock struggled in his debut 219/299/294 in 42 games in the GCL. He demonstrated a solid ability handling his position defensively but clearly needs to improve with the bat in order to continue his career. Peacock is in the enviable position of playing a position where the Nationals are very weak, so he will be given every chance to succeed. I imagine he will return to the GCL in 2006.
5. Tim Pahuta 1B - Pahuta was a 2005 18th round draft pick out of Seton Hall. While he struggled with his BA (233), he showed some power potential, 12 of his 31 hits were for extra bases, as well as average control of the strike zone 17BB/35K. The 22-year old needs to accelerate his path up the organizational ladder to a level more comparable with his age. He will likely begin the season in Vermont though it may not be shocking to see him appear in Savannah.

Deryck Johnson OF was a 14th round draft pick in the 2005 draft. He made a brief appearance in the GCL. In 7 games, he batted 185/221/222.

Top 5 GCL Nationals Pitchers

1. Matt Perks SP - The 20-year old Perks returned to the GCL Nationals in 2005. The 2004 18th round draft pick made the most of his return in 12 games (8 starts). In 60.1IP, he had a 2.83ERA, 1.13WHIP, 6.1K/9IP, 2.5BB/9IP, and 0.3HR/9IP. He will begin the 2006 season in Vermont, but his definitely showing promise.
2. Terry Engles SP - The 19-year old was a 20th round draft pick in 2003. He, like Perks, returned to the GCL in 2005. In 12 games (9 starts), he pitched 54.2IP with a 4.28ERA, 1.30WHIP, 7.4K/9IP, 2.5BB/9IP, and 0.3HR/9IP. He’ll join Perks with Vermont in 2006.
3. Bartolo Francisco SP - The 23-year old undrafted free agent from the Dominican Republic made a solid debut in the United States. In 52IP split between starting and relieving had a 2.08 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 5.0 K/9IP, 2.3 BB/9IP, and 0.4 HR/9IP. This earned him a promotion to Savannah where he struggled with his both his control and hits. In 3 starts (17IP), he had a 4.24ERA, 1.82WHIP, 3.2K/9IP, 7.9BB/9IP, and 2.1HR/9IP. He needs to regain his control and perform much better in 2006 with Savannah.
4. Andre Enriquez RP - The 21-year old was a 13th round draft pick in 2005. In 10.1IP, he had 0.87ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 8.7 K/9IP, 1.7 BB/9IP, and 0.00 HR/9IP. Vermont seems the most likely destination for him in 2006.
5. Ryan Harrison RP - Harrison was a 23rd round draft pick in the 2004 draft. The 19-year old returned to the GCL as primarily a RP (11G - 4GS & 7 relief appearances). He threw 48.1IP with a 4.66ERA, 1.51WHIP, 6.3K/9IP, 2.8BB/9IP, and 0.7HR/9IP. Much like Perks and Engles, Harrison needs more experience to build up his stamina, and he’ll join them in Vermont in 2006.

The additional 2005 draft picks also made appearances with the GCL Nats:

• Jack Spradlin SP (8th) - The 21-year old was assigned but did not appear for the GCL Nats. He will likely return to the GCL in 2006.
• Michael Watkins RP (15th) - The 17-year old made 5 appearances for the GCL Nats. In 9.1IP, he had a4.82ERA, 2.04WHIP, 12.5K/9IP, 2.9BB/9IP, and 1.0HR/9IP. He will likely return to the GCL in 2006.
• Eduardo Pichardo RP (17th) - The 18-year old did not make a great debut in 2005. In 7.1IP, he pitched in 7.1 innings with a 22.09ERA, 4.91WHIP, 8.6K/9IP, 23.3BB/9IP (23 is not a typo), and 2.5HR/9IP. He will clearly return to the GCL in 2006.
• Coby Mavroulis RP (21st) - The 22-year old made 9 appearances and pitched 25 innings with a 5.04ERA, 1.68WHIP, 10.4K/9IP, 4.3BB/9IP, and 0.7HR/9IP. He may begin 2006 in Vermont but a start in the GCL is not out of the question.
• Antonio Evangelista RP (22nd) - The 22-year old appeared in 4 games (7IP) with a 2.57ERA, 2.00WHIP, 10.3K/9IP, 7.7BB/9IP, and 0.0HR/9IP. His age should require a start in no lower than Vermont in 2006.

Peoria (AFL)

• No game scheduled

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• Leones de Caracas: Ed Yarnall SP - 3IP 4H 0R 2BB 5K
• Navegantes del Magallanes: Ender Chavez CF - 2/4 2R 2K 1SB double
• Pastora de Los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/5 2K

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• pending

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• pending

Peoria (AFL) [Defeated Surprise 12-10]

• Brendan Harris, starting SS - 2/5 1RBI 1K; 1 RBI w/ 2-outs; third game at SS with no errors
• Ryan Zimmerman, starting DH - 1/5 1R 1K double; left 2 RISP with 2-outs. His name links to a MiLB story about him. It mentions he was intimidated intially by Frank. He works out in the off-season with Mets 3B David Wright and the Upton brothers (BJ and Justin)
• Larry Broadway PH - 1/1 double

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• 10/21 & 10/22 - No Nationals played

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• Pastora de Los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 0/4 2K
• Pastora de Los Llanos: Jacobo Sequea RP - 1IP 4H 4R(4ER) 1BB 1K

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• pending

Peoria (AFL) [Lost to Peoria Javelinas 7-6]

• Larry Broadway, starting 1B - 1/5 1RBI (w/ 2-outs) 1K; left 1 RISP w/ 2-outs
• Ryan Zimmerman, starting 3B - 5/5 2R 1RBI; 5 singles
• Brendan Harris, starting 2B - 2/5 1R 2RBI; double; left 2 RISP w/ 2-outs
• Chris Schroder RP - 2.2IP 2H 1R(1ER) 1BB 0K
• Roy Corcoran RP - 1.1IP 1H 1R(1ER) 2BB 0K; Loss

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• Pastora de Los Llanos: Frank Diaz CF - 1/4 1R 3RBI 1HR (5th HR in 8G)
• Pastora de Los Llanos: Jason Stevenson SP - 5IP 7H 2R(2ER) 3BB 4K; Win

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• 10/18/05 - Tomateros de Culiacan: Joe Horgan RP - 0.1IP 1H 1R(1ER) 0BB 0K
• 10/20/05 - Tomateros de Culiacan: Joe Horgan RP - 3.1IP 4H 2R(2ER) 1HR 1BB 2K 1WP

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• pending

Baseball America’s Chris Kline sits down with Ryan Zimmerman for a Q&A. Most of it is fluff, but there is this one exchange I want to highlight:

BA: In your opinion, how’d the “experiment” go when they asked you to move from third to short? RZ: It was a lot different, just in terms of the game being a lot faster than it was in college. I tried it for a little while because they asked me to, and I think I could do it full-time if that’s what they wanted me to do. I’m more comfortable at third, just because that’s where I have the most experience. I’ll be playing third out here; they might get me in some at short, but I’ll mostly be splitting up games with (White Sox third baseman Josh) Fields.

Kline added this:

The Nats toyed with moving Zimmerman, who played the majority of his college career at third, to shortstop earlier this summer. But that experiment was short-lived, and when Zimmerman made it to the big leagues, manager Frank Robinson played him sparingly because he didn’t want to mess with team chemistry.

What this tells me is there clearly is a lack of communication between Jim Bowden and Frank Robinson.

Jim Bowden was likely the advocate for the Zimmerman to SS “experiment” to distract attention from the unmitigated failure that was Cristian Guzman.

Frank Robinson then refused to play Zimmerman at SS in the name of team chemistry.

Sigh. It’s a good thing that by all appearances Zimmerman seems to be a well-grounded person who wasn’t impacted by a GM and manager conflict. Because the apparent lack of communication between the GM and manager is an issue the new owner needs to address immediately.

Top 5 Vermont Hitters

1. Francisco Plasencia OF - The 21-year LH OF made himself a prospect with a solid season in his first year with the Nationals. He finished a full season in Vermont 300/369/504 with 31XBH (11HR) and 14/17 in SB attempts. He is a bit old for the level at which he played, so it will be interesting to see if he can build upon his successes and work his way up through the farm system. His initial assignment out of spring training in 2006 will be most telling. If he is placed with Potomac, he is someone worth watching. If it’s Savannah, he has to prove himself all over again.
2. John Howell OF/DH - The 22-year old 9th round pick out of the University of Central Florida performed well in 29 games for the Expos (363/413/487) prior to being shut down for the season in late August with shoulder pain. The LH OF built upon a successful college season, 348/405/647 with 15HR in 59G with the Golden Knights. He is very much a work in progress. He should begin the season in Savannah where his age would dictate he needs to make an early impression toput himself on the major league prospect map.
3. Dee Brown OF - The 22-year old was a teammate of Howell at UCF, not to mention the son of late Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman, Jerome Borwn. Selected in the 10th round, Brown finished his first season with a 100% on baseball 283/331/484 in 47 games in Vermont after 312/395/608 in 59G with 18HR with the Golden Knights. Brown’s season was also cut short by injury (broken finger). He needs to work on his control of the strike zone (12BB/56K). He’ll join Howell with the Sand Gnats in 2006 with the same expectations.
4. Leonard Davis 3B - The 21-year old NY-Penn League All-Star had a breakout season in Vermont after stumbling in his first year with the GCL Nationals. In 67G, the 2004 8th round pick batted 300/338/489 with 7HR and 8SB. His strike zone control is an area that requires improvement (12BB/64K). Unfortunately for Davis, his future with the Nationals will not be at 3B. With Ryan Zimmerman and Kory Casto ahead of him on the 3B depth cahrt, Davis may have to learn how to play another position to continue his climb up the organizational ladder. He will likely begin the year as the starting 3B for Savannah in 2006.
5. Mike Daniel OF - The 21-year old University of North Carolina OF was a 7th round pick this year for the Nationals. The left-handed hitting OF played alot for the Expos finishing 260/345/357 in 67 games. He does not possess much power (7HR in 438 college ABs and 3HR in 235 professional ABs), and his speed is still a work in progress 6/13 with the Expos. He projects as a #5 OF though if he continues to work on his speed, that with his defense could carry him to a platoon role. A start in Savannah may be restricted by the presence of Plasencia, Howell, and Brown.

Andrew Lane 2B - The 23-year old 2005 27th round draft pick played for Vermont with a one-game stopover with Potomac. He didn’t hit very well (204/291/248) and is way too old for the level he finished the season. He looks to be an organizational player.

Top 5 Vermont Pitchers

1. Clint Everts SP/RP - The 21-year old former #5 overall selection in the 2002 draft spent the early part of his season recovering from Tommy John surgery. He made 15 appearances (8 starts) between the Gulf Coast League and Vermont rehabbing his arm. In 35IP, he had 1.69WHIP, 9.3K/9IP, 5.1BB/9IP, an 0 HR allowed. Much like a fellow Texan on the major league roster (John Patterson), Everts is still a few years away from making the big leagues. He has a plus-plus curveball and changeup and if recovery is consistent to many TJ patients, he should get his 88-93 mph fastball back. A definite advantage for Everts is his age, he has enough years in reserve to make a recovery and still be young enough to have a major league future, ideally as a frontline SP. I would hope the Nationals challenge him by placing him no lower than Potomac and in the best case, New Orleans.
2. (Wendell) Gene Yost SP - The 24-year old LHP was a 20th round selection in the 2004 draft. After a pretty good debut the Gulf Coast League in 2004 (11G[4GS] 35.2IP 1.12WHIP 5.8K/9IP 1.3BB/9IP), Yost did a little bit of everything in two stops, Vermont and Savannah. In 14 games a SP with the Expos, he had 83IP with 3.25ERA, 1.20WHIP, 6.1K/9IP, 3.3BB/9IP, and 0.8HR/9IP. Upon his promotion to Savannah, Yost moved to the bullpen where he demonstrated he could handle that role as well. In 8 relief appearances (13.2IP), he finished the season with 2.63ERA, 0.80WHIP, 10.5K/9IP, 1.3BB/9IP, and 0.7HR/9IP. He needs to continue doing the same thing he did this season, show versatility, in order to put himself in a position to help the Nationals. If a SP, he should begin the season with Potomac, though a bullpen role may bump that up to Harrisburg.
3. Chris Lugo SP - The 18-year old 2004 24th round draft pick started the season with the GCL Nationals, (28.2IP with 2.20ERA, 1.26WHIP, 7.5K/9IP, 3.4BB/9IP, and 0 HR allowed) which drove the Nationals to quickly promote him to Vermont where he both started and pitched out of the bullpen. His numbers there (5.13ERA, 1.48WHIP, 6.8K/9IP, 2.4BB/9IP, and 0.3HR/9IP) demonstrated he had the abilities to succeed when presented with a challenge. He was initially tabbed as a draft-and-follow candidate but his performance in tournaments prompted the Nationals to sign him. Lugo has done nothing to disappoint. He is still a work in progress and he needs more IP to develop. His 2006 season will likely begin with a promotion to Savannah.
4. Craig Stammen RP - The 21-year old RHP was a 12th round pick in the 2005 draft. He split his time in Vermont between starting, 7G, and relieving, 6G. In 51 overall IP, he had a 4.06ERA, 1.45WHIP, 5.7K/9IP, 2.1BB/9IP, an 0.4HR/9IP. He projects best as a RP and will likely be part of the Savannah bullpen in 2006.
5. Marco Estrada RP - The 22-year old RHP was a 6th round draft pick this year. He was prmarily a SP for the Expos, though he made three relief appearances. In 33.2IP, he had 5.08ERA, 1.40WHIP, 9.9K/9IP, 4BB/9IP, and 1.1HR/9IP. Scouts believe his stuff provides him with the opportunity to progress as a SP. Versatility, much like Gene Yost, would likely carry him farther. He’ll be given a shot to compete for a rotation spot with Savannah

I’ll also touch on 4 additional 2005 draft picks. None performed too well in their initial professional exposure:

• John Lannan SP - 21-year old LHP 11th round 2005 pick. 5.26ERA, 1.66WHIP, 5.8K/9IP, 4.4BB/9IP, and 0.7HR/9IP in 63.1IP
• Josh Palm RP - 22-year old RHP 16th round 2005 pick. 8.10ERA, 2.70WHIP, 8.1K/9IP, 5.4BB/9IP, and 0.0HR/9IP in 3.1IP
• Ricky Shefka RP - 21-year old RHP 20th round 2005 pick. 6.53ERA, 1.85WHIP, 5.9K/9IP, 3.0BB/9IP, and 0.6HR/9IP in 63.1IP
• Jeff Taylor RP - 22-year old RHP 24th round 2005 pick. 9.18ERA, 2.10WHIP, 8.6K/9IP, 7.0BB/9IP, and 0.0HR/9IP in 16.2IP

Peoria (AFL)

• Ryan Zimmerman, starting DH - 0/4 1K; left 1 RISP, 2 out

Liga de Beisbol Dominicano

• No Nationals played

Liga Mexicana del Pacifico

• No Nationals played

Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional

• Frank Diaz CF - 1/3 1R 1RBI 1BB 1HR (#4)