Nationals Farm Authority

With the trade deadline entering its final hours (4PM EDT today), a new suitor has entered the Soriano sweepstakes. 

Red Sox? Nope.

Mets? Think again.

How about the Florida Marlins? 

The latest rumor has the pitching-prospect heavy Marlins looking at a deal for Soriano with the possibility of them then flipping him for positional prospects.  With perhaps the Detroit Tigers.  The names being rumored are pitchers Yusmeiro Petit, Renyel Pinto and Jason Vargas.

Who are these guys?

Petit was the key piece the Marlins received from the Mets (with 1B Mike Jacobs and IF Grant Psomas) in exchange for 1B Carlos Delgado this off-season.  Petit was the Mets #2 prospect entering 2006, he’s a 21-year old RHP with four above average pitches (fastball, curve, slider, and changeup).  John Sickels had Petit ranked as the fourth best prospect in a system flush with high-ceiling prospects, and in his July 11 review of the top 20 Marlins prospects said, “Was 2-3, 4.21 in nine starts for Triple-A Albuquerque. For the Marlins, is 1-1, 7.41 in 17 innings so far, though his 12/2 K/BB is strong.”  Petit has had two tours with the Marlins so far in 2006 (5/13-6/18; 7/3-16) pitching both as a starter and in relief.

Pinto was acquired by Florida along with pitchers Sergio Mitre and Ricky Nolasco in the trade that brought outfielder Juan Pierre to the Chicago Cubs in 2005.  Pinto is a 24-year old LHP who ranked #13 among Baseball America’s 2006 top Marlins prospects.  He has three above average pitches (fastball, changeup, and slider).  His struggles have been with command and control.  Sickels had Pinto as the 18th best prospect in the deep Marlins system.  From the July 11 review, “7-2, 3.26 in 15 starts for Albuquerque, 80/37 K/BB in 77 innings. Has allowed four runs in seven major league innings. Triple-A numbers are quite impressive given the context.”  Pinto has spent part of 2006 with the Marlins on three separate occasions (5/15-31;  7/3-7; 7/30-present) all in relief.

The 23-year old Vargas was a 2004 2nd round draft pick by the Marlins out of Long Beach State.  Another LHP, Vargas pitched too many innings in 2005 to be considered a propsect in 2006.  However, in 2005, Vargas ranked #8 in Baseball America’s ranking of top Marlins prospects.  Vargas has a 91-94 mph fastball with a slider that is tough on lefties, and a gradually improving changeup.  He has pitched primarily out of the bullpen in 2006 during his two stints with the Marlins in 2006 (Opening day roster through 5/15; 7/7-30). 

An interesting list of names no doubt, any of three would likely rank towards the top of the list of Nationals pitching prospects.  But, aside from Petit,  Pinto and Vargas are not that high-ceiling pitching prospects that the Nationals are seeking in exchange for Soriano.  The Marlins have plenty more promising arms where that comes from, and one would hope the Nationals are insisting upon players not limited to Petit, RHP Anibal Sanchez, LHP Scott Olsen, RHP Chris Volstad, LHP Aaron Thompson, LHP, RHP Ricky Nolasco, and RHP Gaby Hernandez.

New Orleans (AAA)

• 7/30: Lost to Portland 7-1 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/31: Jason Bergmann (7-1 3.17) at Tacoma 10:05PM EDT

• HBP: Cust (by Traber), Matranga (by Traber)

Harrisburg (AA)

• 7/30: Lost to Binghamton 4-0 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/31: No game scheduled

• E: Dorta, M (7, fielding)

• WP: Echols

Potomac (A Advanced)

• 7/30: Defeated Winston-Salem 10-6 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/31: Ricardo Morales (3-8 4.95 ERA) at Lynchburg 7:05PM EDT

• SB: Powell (22, 2nd base off Day/Lucy), Guerrero (6, 2nd base off McCulloch/Lucy), Chavez (12, 2nd base off McCulloch/Lucy)
• E: Desmond (14, fielding)

• HBP: Haggerty (by Felfoldi)

Savannah (A)

• 7/30: Swept by West Virginia 6-5 & 9-6 (Gamer/Box1/Box2)
• 7/31: John Lannan (5-6 5.13) versus West Virginia 7:05PM EDT

• E: Trahan (5, fielding), Baez, E (3, fielding)

• HBP: Barba (by Trahan)

Vermont (Short Season)

• 7/30: Defeated Lowell 8-7 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/31: Jack Spradlin (2-2 1.97) versus Lowell 7:05PM EDT

• SB: Martinez (1, 2nd base off Zink/Exposito), McMillan (2, 2nd base off Zink/Exposito), Goldschmeding (2, 2nd base off Zink/Exposito)
• E: Castro (7, fielding), Nichols (4, fielding)
• HBP: Goldschmeding (by Masterson), Maxwell (by Masterson)

GCL Nationals (R)

• 7/30: No game
• 7/31: Yunior Novoa (0-1 2.70) at GCL Dodgers 12PM EDT
• Hat tip to reader Lin Vinson for pointing out this Florida Today article about the nuts and bolts of GCL baseball

A day after he surrendered seven earned runs in a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Nationals optioned LHP Mike O’Connor to New Orleans and plan to recall RH RP Ryan Wagner from New Orleans in time for Monday evening’s game in San Francisco.

O’Connor has struggled since June 30 going 0-3 in four starts with a 12.92ERA, 2.41WHIP, 4.7HR/9IP, 6.5BB/9IP, and only 3.5K/9IP:

On Sunday afternoon, it became clearer the reason for his struggles, Bill Ladson reported:

A couple of hours after learning that he was going to be sent down to Triple-A New Orleans, left-hander Mike O’Connor informed the Nationals that he has pain in his pitching elbow, requiring an MRI.

The next issue will be to determine how long the elbow had been bothering O’Connor and more importantly, why he didn’t mention it until he discovered he’d been demoted.

Replacing O’Connor on the roster is the third piece from the July 13th eight player deal with the Cincinnati Reds, Ryan Wagner. Wagner has been pitching in New Orleans and after a rocky debut on July 15 versus Round Rock, where he surrendered four runs in only an inning of work, Wagner has pitched in five additional games:

The 24-year old Wagner is a former first round draft pick who has struggled in recent years. Apparently due to changes in his mechanics directed by the Reds. Wagner’s successes at the University of Houston were when his delivery was almost side-armed. Once drafted, the Reds tried to get him to pitch more over the top in hopes of converting him into a starter, which had disastrous results. Bowden and the Nationals have told him to revert back to the sidearm delivery and his recall will allow him the opportunity to work with respected pitching coach Randy St. Claire.

There is one potential unintended consequence of recalling Wagner, his service time clock. Wagner has spent the entire 2006 season in the minor leagues so his accrued service time remained at 2.036 (2 years 36 days) [note: one service years is equal to 172 days]. Assuming he spends the rest of the season on the major league roster, this will put Wagner at 2.099 service time.

Why the concern over a few days? During the first three seasons of service time, a team can control the salary of a player with one exception, players who are classified as “Super-Two.” A Super-Two player:

can be eligible for salary arbitration, if he has at least two but less than three years of Major League and if:(a) he has accumulated at least 86 days of service during the previous season and (b) he ranks in the top 17% percent in total service in the group of Players who are can also be deemed “Super-Two” players (If two or more Players are tied in ranking, ties shall be broken consecutively based on the number of days of service accumulated in the previous seasons and if the Players remain tied, the final tie breaker will be by lot)

Wagner would exceed the 86 days, but it is unknown at present if he would fall into the top 17% of service time. As an example, the Nationals had two players who met the >86 day service time criteria in 2005. John Patterson was at 2.126 and was not Super-Two. Marlon Byrd was at 2.152 and was Super-Two. Chances are Wagner will not meet the top 17% criteria, but it is another intricacy of the Collective Bargaining Agreement with which teams must deal in making roster decisions.

Wagner will not replace O’Connor in the rotation (currently Livan Hernandez, Tony Armas, Pedro Astacio, and Ramon Ortiz). The most likely candidates to fill the number five spot in rotation are likely (July stats as starting pitchers):

Assuming there are no trades for starters (or more likely some of the four current starters being traded away), the Nationals will not require a #5 starting pitcher until August 12 at the earliest.

New Orleans (AAA)

• 7/29: Lost to Portland 7-3 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/30: Billy Traber (7-6 3.73) at Portland 5:05PM EDT

• E: Byrd (1, throw)

Harrisburg (AA)

• 7/29: Lost to Binghamton 7-0 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/30: Justin Echols (5-5 4.68) at Binghamton 7PM EDT

Potomac (A Advanced)

• 7/29: Defeated Winston-Salem 4-3 in 10 innings (Gamer/Box)
• 7/30: Jon Felfoldi (2-5 4.90) versus Winston-Salem 1:05PM EDT

• SB: Desmond (6, 2nd base off Perez/Lucy)
• PB: Montz (3)
• HBP: Bernadina (by Rodriguez), Mortimer (by Rodriguez)

Savannah (A)

• 7/29: Game versus West Viriginia suspended by rain (Gamer/Box)
• 7/30: David Trahan (1-13 5.13 ERA) and Marco Estrada (0-1 21.60 ERA) versus West Virginia 12:05PM EDT

Vermont (Short Season)

• 7/29: Lost to Lowell 4-1 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/30: Terrence Engles (1-4 5.60) at Lowell 5:05PM EDT

GCL Nationals (R)

• 7/29: Swept by GCL Dodgers 3-2 & 2-0 (Box1/Box2)
• 7/30: No game scheduled

• HBP: Vetters (by Sanchez), Lopez (by Sanchez), Garcia (by Sanchez)

New Orleans (AAA)

• 7/28: Defeated Tacoma 6-2 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/29: Anastacio Martinez (4-6 4.29) at Portland 10:05PM EDT
• The Washington Nationals have promoted Zephyr relief pitcher Travis Hughes

• HBP: Navarro (by Watkins), Clement (by Figueroa)

Harrisburg (AA)

• 7/28: Lost to Binghamton 6-5 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/29: Oscar Alvarez (6-7 5.51) at Binghamton 7PM EDT

• SB: Dorta, M (26, 2nd base off Owens/DiFelice)
• CS: Dorta, M (9, 2nd base by Pinango/DiFelice)

• WP: Perrin 2
• IBB: Lambin (by Ovalles)

Potomac (A Advanced)

• 7/28: Defeated Winston-Salem 5-4 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/29: Collin Balester (4-5 5.73) versus Winston-Salem 7:05PM EDT

• SB: Bernadina 2 (24, 2nd base off Bakker/Lucy, 2nd base off Egbert/Lucy), Powell (21, 2nd base off Egbert/Lucy)
• CS: Yepez (10, 3rd base by Egbert/Lucy)
• E: Powell (18, fielding)
• PB: Montz (2)
• Outfield assists: Guerrero (Kelly at 3rd base), Chavez (Cook, D at 2nd base)

Player | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | HR | ERA ——-|—-|—|—|—-|—-|—-|—-|—– Hinckley |6.1|11|3|3|3|3|0|5.35

Savannah (A)

• 7/28: Defeated West Virginia 3-2 in 11 innings (Gamer/Box)
• 7/29: Gene Yost (7-3 3.61) versus West Virginia 7:05PM EDT

• SB: Brown (12, 2nd base off Ferguson/Corredor, N)
• HBP: Brown (by Ferguson), Brown (by Louis), Schade (by Louis)

• WP: Levinski
• HBP: Gamel (by Hlebovy)

Vermont (Short Season)

• 7/28: Lost to Lowell 7-5 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/29: Jack Spradlin (2-2 1.97) at Lowell 5:05PM EDT

• WP: Jackson 2

GCL Nationals (R)

• 7/28: Defeated GCL Mets 11-5 (Box)
• 7/29: Doubleheader versus GCL Dodgers 10AM EDT

• SF: Marrero
• E: De Castro 3 (5, fielding, fielding, fielding), Willems (2, throw)

• WP: Willems 2, Jones 2.

The Nationals once again utilized LHP Mike Stanton to their advantage. After last season trading Stanton to the Boston Red Sox for pitchers Yader Peralta and Rhys Taylor, this afternoon the Nationals again turned the veteran LHP into minor league pitching.

The Washington Nationals today acquired 19 year-old right-handed pitcher Shairon Martis from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for left-handed pitcher Mike Stanton. Nationals Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcement.

Who is Shairon Martis? Martis, a 19-year old RHP out of Curacao, was Baseball America’s #28 prospect for the San Francisco Giants. Martis earned some notoriety for throwing a no-hitter against Panama during the World Baseball Classic this spring. The 6′1″ 195lb starter has spent 2006 in Class A Augusta of the South Atlantic League (the same league that Savannah competes). Thus far in 2006, he has made 15 appearances (all starts):

According to Baseball America:

Martis has a live arm with a fastball that reaches the mid-90s. His curveball shows signs of being a solid pitch, and he throws a slider and changeup as well. While his arm action is relatively smooth and fluid, his delivery has issues in terms of maintaining balance and incoporating his entire body.

Baseball America’s John Manuel ranked him as the the 9th best under-25 prospect. “Martis showed solid-average stuff and above-average pitchability for a teenager in his seven-inning no-hitter against Panama. A scout who saw it cautioned that Panama played with little energy in the game.”

In other WBC-related news, it appears that two of the higher rated Cubans from this year’s Cuban WBC team have sought asylum in Colombia. The rough translation is (thanks to BTF):

Two Ballplayers may have asked for asylum in Colombia.

Cuban ballplayers Yulieski Gourriel and Eduardo Paret may have asked for asylum in the Colombian Port of Cartagena, where the XXth Central American and Caribbean games are being held, according to local press reports this friday. “One of the members of the Cuban squad which deserted would be the star second baseman Yulieski Gurriel, considered to be one of the best in the world at his position. Apparently, his next destination will be the New York Yankees”, as per El Tiempo de Bogotá. According to the newspaper, “the other deserter of the Cuban team will be shortstop Eduardo Paret”. On tuesday, Cuban athletes Damaris Nay, Julio Acosta y Carlos Castillo asked for asylum in the Dominican Republic, subhost for handball of the XXth Central American and Caribbean games.

Gourriel (22-years old) and Paret (33-years old) played 3B and SS for Cuba in their 2nd place finish this spring. In 8 games:

Of the two, Gourriel is certainly the most coveted. Again from Baseball America:

“For me, he’s a No. 1 guy, and he’s a power hitter who fits the third base profile,” said a scout with extensive international experience. “I think he’s a championship-caliber third baseman in the big leagues. He doesn’t have a weakness. “I had him with a 55 arm, and it seems like he has more if he needs it, and I put him as a 55 defender, though I think he could be a 60. But he’s an offensive player.” Gourriel has a long, sinewy-strong body, comparable to a young Chipper Jones or Ernie Banks, and he produces tremendous power with quick wrists, strong hands and an unconventional approach at the plate that nevertheless allows him to generate terrific bat speed.

Why do I highlight this? Aside from the reference to the Yankees, Gourriel would be a free agent available to the highest bidder. If the Nationals are committed to finding and signing the best available talent, they should be one of the first to make a serious offer to Gourriel in hopes of encouraging him to join the Nationals.

New Orleans (AAA)

• 7/27: Defeated Tacoma 9-2 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/28: Steve Watkins (4-4 4.37) at Tacoma 10:05PM EDT

• HBP: Harper (by Dorman)

• HBP: Garciaparra (by Good)

Harrisburg (AA)

• 7/27: Lost to Binghamton 6-4 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/28: Kip Bouknight (5-7 4.42) at Binghamton 7PM EDT
• RP Alex Morales was placed on the DL yesterday. Taking his place on Harrisburg’s roster is RP Juan Ovalles, who was recalled from Class A Potomac

• E: Dement (7, throw)
• PB: Manriquez, S (15)

Potomac (A Advanced)

• 7/27: Lost to Winston-Salem 8-3 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/28: Mike Hinckley (5-7 5.42) versus Mike Hinckley 7:05PM EDT
• RP Josh Perrault was moved up to Class A Potomac from Savannah

• SB: Chavez (11, 2nd base off Perez/Lucy), Desmond (5, 2nd base off Perez/Lucy)
• E: Yepez (13, fielding), Ivany, D (9, throw), Bernadina (4, throw), Powell (17, fielding)

Savannah (A)

• 7/27: Lost to Lexington 13-2 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/28: Carlos Martinez (4-4 5.20) versus West Virginia 7:05PM EDT

Vermont (Short Season)

• 7/27: Lost to Auburn 9-5 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/28: Aaron Jackson (2-2 3.42) at Lowell 7:05PM EDT

• CS: Goldschmeding (2, 2nd base by Reddout/Jeroloman)
• PO: Goldschmeding (1st base by Reddout)
• E: Castro 2 (6, fielding, fielding), Guzman (3, throw), Goldschmeding (6, throw), Conway (4, fielding)
• HBP: Maxwell (by Reddout), San Pedro (by Lirette)

• HBP: Campbell (by Arnesen)

GCL Nationals (R)

• 7/26: Lost to GCL Marlins 5-3 (Box)

• 7/27: Defeated GCL Mets 4-0 (Box)
• 7/28: Colton Willems (0-1 4.00) at GCL Mets 12PM EDT

New Orleans (AAA)

• 7/26: Defeated Tacoma 4-3 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/27: Andrew Good (4-7 5.55) at Tacoma 10:05PM EDT

• Outfield assists: Byrd (Garciaparra at 1st base)

• Balk: Bergmann

Harrisburg (AA)

• 7/26: Lost to Altoona 7-1 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/27: Beltran Perez (7-4 3.38) at Binghamton 7:05PM EDT

Potomac (A Advanced)

• 7/26: Defeated Myrtle Beach 6-1 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/27: Clint Everts (5-8 5.12) versus Winston-Salem 7:05PM EDT

• CS: Desmond (4, 2nd base by Villa/Sammons, C)

• HBP: Young (by Morales, R)

Savannah (A)

• 7/26: Defeated Lexington 4-3 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/27: Carlos Martinez (4-4 5.20 ERA) versus Lexington 7:05PM EDT

• SF: Brown; Baez, E

• WP: Lannan

Vermont (Short Season)

• 7/26: Defeated Auburn 4-0 (Gamer/Box)
• 7/27: Erik Arnesen (0-1 5.03) versus Auburn 1:05PMEDT

• SB: Maxwell (4, 2nd base off Dials/Liuzza)
• E: Delaughter (3, fielding)
• P: Maxwell (by Dials), San Pedro (by Byrnes)

• HBP: Scobee (by Van Allen)

GCL Nationals (R)

• 7/26: Results versus GCL Marlins not yet posted (Box)
• 7/27: Wuillys Bravo (1-0 1.42) versus GCL Mets 12PM EDT

New Orleans (AAA)

• 7/25: Lost to Tacoma 4-3 (Box/Gamer)
• 7/26: Jason Bergmann (6-1 3.14) at Tacoma 5:05PM EDT
• 2B Bernie Castro was promoted to Washington to replace Jose Vidro who was placed on the 15-day DL

• E: Broadway (7, throw)
• PB: Harper (5)

Harrisburg (AA)

• 7/25: Lost to Altoona 3-2 in 10 innings (Box/Gamer)
• 7/26: Ryan Drese (0-1 1.59) at Altoona 12PM EDT
• Patriot News profiles OFs Prentice Redman and Tim Raines Jr

Potomac (A Advanced)

• 7/25: Swept by Myrtle Beach 11-6 & 7-6 (Box1/Box2/Gamer1/Gamer2)
• 7/26: Ricardo Morales (3-8 4.96) at Myrtle Beach 7:02PM EDT

• CS: Bernadina (9, 2nd base by Reyes/Sammons, C)
• E: Bernadina (3, throw), Desmond (13, throw)
• Outfield assists: Yepez (Hernandez at 3rd base)

• SF: Desmond
• SB: Bernadina 2 (22, 2nd base off Russell/Pyzik, 2nd base off Nix/Pyzik)

• IBB: Kaaihue (by Felfoldi)
• HBP: Young (by Felfoldi)

Savannah (A)

• 7/25: Split with Lexington 6-11 & 7-6 (Box1/Box2/Gamer)
• 7/26: John Lannan (4-6 5.23) at Lexongton 12:05PM EDT

• SF: Plasencia
• SB: Plasencia (10, 2nd base off Bogusevic/Lopez)

• Outfield assists: Plasencia (Espinoza at 3rd base), Brown 2 (Manzella at 2nd base, Thompson at home)

Vermont (Short Season)

• 7/25: Lost to Auburn 16-1 (Box/Gamer)
• 7/26: Cory Van Allen (0-1 4.66) versus Auburn 7:05PM EDT
• Burlington Free Press profile of OF Justin Maxwell

GCL Nationals (R)

• 7/25: Lost to GCL Marlins 2-1 (Box)
• 7/26: Yunior Novoa versus GCL Marlins 7PM EDT

• SB: Rooney (1, 2nd base off Gonzalez/Haupt)

• WP: Lira 2
• HBP: Ramos (by Lira)

Because it directly affects the state of the Nationals’ farm system, I thought we should write something on trading Alfonso Soriano — you know, before it actually happens; it is the hottest story in baseball, after all.

Soriano is a free agent at the end of the year. If the team doesn’t trade him now (and isn’t able to re-sign him in the offseason), the Nationals will receive a 1st round draft pick and a “sandwich” pick between the 1st and 2nd rounds from the team that does sign him. Or, if a team with a win-loss record in the bottom 15 of 30 teams signs him, a sandwich pick and a 2nd round pick ). Draft picks that high are wonderful but they are also wonderfully risky.

Don’t forget that the Nationals traded hometown favorite Brad Wilkerson (actually two years of Wilk since he won’t be a free agent until next offseason; also, his 2006 salary is $3.9M compared to Soriano’s $10M), a 4th outfielder, and a minor league arm for Soriano. The trade was highly ridiculed at the time: Soriano has been regarded as just a free-swinging slugger who can steal before this season. However, Soriano has done what no one (well, except maybe Chris) thought he could do: hit home runs in RFK Stadium just as well as any other stadium. On top of that, he’s been getting on base — taking walks at a career-high pace — and he’s still been stealing like crazy (including numerous steals of third base which are so fun to watch). If he really focuses on steals the rest of the season, the guy has a chance for a 50-50 season (only 3 players have ever even managed 40-40: Jose Canseco in 1988, Barry Bonds in 1996, and Alex Rodriguez in 1998).

So why not keep him? Well, I’m sorry folks, but there’s no way the Nationals make the playoffs this year. Sure, Soriano is a treasure to watch every game, but if you can get something for him in a lost season, why not do it? That’s what they need: 2 or 3 good prospects who are pretty close to the majors and who are not as risky as two draft picks. And you know what? No one says we can’t still try to re-sign Soriano in the offseason.