Nationals Farm Authority

On Friday September 1, major league teams are permitted to expand their rosters from 25 players to any number up to 40. Only players on the 40-man roster are eligible to be recalled, and it’s typically the opportunity for teams to add extra depth to their bench/bullpen or give younger players their first chance in the major leagues. Teams will also activate injured players from the disabled list.

In 2005, the Nationals added five bench players (Ryan Zimmerman, Rick Short, Brandon Watson, Kenny Kelly, and Keith Osik) as well as two arms (Travis Hughes and Darrell Rasner). Activated from the DL were RP Jon Rauch, IF Junior Spivey, and OF Ryan Church.

Here are the candidates for recall in 2006:

DL Players

• Micah Bowie LH RP - Bowie seems like the most likely of all the disabled players to make a September return. In his time with the Nationals, Bowie has provided solid relief from the LH side replacing the traded Bill Bray and Mike Stanton. In 19.2IP over 15 games, Bowie allowed only 3 runs on 11 hits and 3 walks while striking out 7.
• Mike O’Connor RH SP - O’Connor has been on the DL since August 2 with a mild elbow flexor strain. The Nationals could use another arm in the rotation after the abuse their starters have taken over the last week. This would allow the Nationals to put Jason Bergmann back into the bullpen where he would be better utilized.
• Felix Rodriguez RH RP - Rodriguez has been rehabbing from right shoulder tendinitis since May 26. In 7.0IP in New Orleans, he’s allowed 4ER allowing 11 hits and 5 walks while striking out 4. Rodriguez’ activation would require the Nationals open up a spot on the 40-man roster as he is currently on the 60-day and not counted as part of the 40-man roster.
• John Patterson RH SP - In my opinion, Patterson is a long shot to return from the right arm nerve injury, but the Nationals may want to bring him back later in September to allow him real time game actio before the season ends.
• Luis Ayala, Zach Day, Ryan Drese, Shawn Hill, and Brian Lawrence, all RHPs & Joey Eischen LHP - I would not expect to see any of these guys as they all recover from their various injuries
• Cristian Guzman, Alex Escobar, and Jose Guillen - None of these three will be making any September appearances

On the 40-Man

• Roy Corcoran RH RP - He may make a return but the Nationals, but since he’s been selected to Participate in the Arizona Fall League, the Nationals may select to sit him down in preparation for his work in the AFL
• Mike Hinckley LH SP - I would say that it’s safe to say, that Hinckley has no chance of making a September appearance. His performance in Potomac in 2006 has to be a disappointment. In 26 games in A Advanced Hinckley is 6-8 in 138.1IP allowing 94R (83ER) on 162H(17HR) and 57BB while striking out only 69.
• Larry Broadway 1B - Broadway’s shoulder separation rules out any September appearance which is disappointing for Broadway given Nick Johnson’s latest injury.
• Kory Casto 3B/OF - GM Jim Bowden has stated that Casto won’t be making a September appearance. He is also scheduled to play in Arizona so the Nationals may opt ot rest him in September so as not to wear Casto out unnecessarily.
• Melvin Dorta UTIL - Dorta has been tearing it up in New Orleans since his promotion this week. Through Saturday’s game, Dorta is 10/17 with 5R 1HR 2RBI and 3/4 in SB attempts. He would provide a solid PR/UTIL piece off of the bench in September but the presence of Henry Mateo and Bernie Castro may limit his opportunity.
• Tony Blanco OF/DH - Shoulder surgery ended his season a few months ago, no chance he’s around in September.
• Frank Diaz OF - DIaz is a defensive wiz in CF who has shown the ability to hit LHP (309/333/473 in 110AB in Harrisburg), but struggles against RHP (242/283/340 in 285AB). I doubt he is going to be called up, but his glove puts him on the map for the Nats in the future.
• Mike Vento OF - Vento is finally back in New Orleans after missing most of his return to the Zephyrs in early June with an ankle injury. He’s 7/14 with 5R and 5RBI in his return to AA this week. He’s primed for a September roster spot once the 2006 season ends for New Orleans.

Other Guys to Consider, any of these guys would require the Nationals open up a spot on their 40-man roster to accomodate them. Their are such chances, Jose Guillen and Alex Escobar can be transferred to the 60-day DL to open a spot (as can Shawn Hill and John Patterson if the Nationals want)

• Chris Booker RH RP - Booker was picked up from the Cincinnati Reds after the 2005 season. He was selected in the Rule 5 draft and bounced between Kansas City and Philadelphia before being returned to Washington on July 14. In his 14 games in New Orleans, Booker has thrown 15.1 innings allowing 7 runs on 14 hits and 13 walks with 27 strikeouts. If Felix Rodriguez is not recalled , expect Booker to get the nod.
• Marlon Byrd OF - Byrd was designated for assignment and assigned to New Orleans on July 14. Since his demotion, Byrd has rediscovered his stroke (291/377/520 in 127AB). Since August 1, Byrd has hit 6HR while hitting 305/370/598. With the injury to Alex Escobar, Byrd should be an option given his ability to play CF.
• George Lombard OF - The 30-year old Lombard has battled injuries this year in New Orleans, but since his return in July has been batting 293/383/550 with 8HR in 131AB. The LH presence of Robert Fick and Daryle Ward make Lombard’s bat less mecessary, but he has shown a nice enough balance of power and speed in his career to include him on the short list of September options.
• Steve Watkins RH SP - Watkins has provided solid SP in New Orleans in 2006. In 19G (18 starts), he’s pitched 100.0 innings allowing 56 runs (46 earned) on 96 hits (10HR) and 37 walks while striking out 66. He could serve as a mop-up RP/spot SP during September.

When roster expand in early September, I expect to see Micah Bowie, Mike O’Connor and Felix Rodriguez activated from the disabled list along with the additions of Mike Vento and Marlon Byrd for the OF and Melvin Dorta in a PR/super sub role. But it would not surprise me to see guys like Chris Booker, George Lombard, or Steve Watkins also receive some attention as the month rolls on.