In his weekly, DC Examiner column, GM Jim Bowden highlights several of the teenage prospects playing in the Gulf Coast League. It’s an interesting read from Bowden on the highly rated guys.
I overlooked Todd Jacobson’s final piece for the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star on P-Nats outfielders Mike Daniel, Justin Maxwell, and Chris Marrero.
The Red Sox reached a partnership agreement with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball. I’ll use this again as my soapbox to recommend that the Nationals undertake a comparable agreement in order to build a global influence.
The final bit of news has been discussed in the comments section, but I wanted to pull it up into a post of its own. All three of the primary sources had the note (Ladson, Svrluga, and Zuckerman). The quote in question from Bowden was:
“If we decide to go forward and sign a couple of players that we’re negotiating with, it might affect our ability to sign our first two picks. We may not be able to sign both of them because we may choose to spend the money on another key player of that type of talent. … We have to decide how to spend our money.”
Please keep in mind that this is not based on any insider information, just my opinion …
I believe that this is strictly posturing on behalf of Bowden. They are using this to hold a hard line in the negotiations with Ross Detwiler and Josh Smoker. There are stil 41 days for the two side to come to an agreement and this is just a negotiating tactic. The Nationals have flexibility in receiving a comparable pick in the 2008 draft if neither sign, but that should really be a last resort argument. The Nationals cut back on their major league budget with the stated goal of redeveloping the player development system. It would be a hard sell to the fans if they were not sign both guys. We have not seen any reports that either guy is asking for an exorbitant bonus so my best guess is that the Nationals are using the media to aid in their negotiations.
The statement also raises the issue of what the international market looks like. From what I can gather, the international prospect market does not necessarily have that one guy, the next Miguel Cabrera if you will, who is going to get a huge signing bonus. Meaning that there does not appear to be a multi-million dollar prospect waiting to take a chunk of the Nationals budget. There are several interesting guys (thanks to Baseball America for the names):
- Dominican Republic: 3B Bernardo Villar, OFs Angel Joseph, Edwin Barrera, Antonio Rodriguez, Melvin Rosario, Henry Pena, and Carlos Venezuela
- Venezuela: LHPs Carlos Flores and Martin Perez
- Korea: RHP Dae-Eun Rhee
- Australia: LHP Trent Baker
- Colombia: RHP Julio Teheran
- Panama: RHP Enrique Burgos
But none seem to be guys who are tied to the Nationals, according to BBA, or likely worth the large dollar investment. In actuality, it would probably be in the Nationals best interest to forego the huge splash this year and rather sign a slew of guys in the $50-100K range. The track record for these high bonus international prospects is spotty at best and more often it makes more sense to develop quality from quantity. This is all contingent upon the level of confidence the Nationals have in their guys on the ground in the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, etc.
It will certainly be interesting to see how this all unfolds.
UPDATE: Alan brought up the point that the Nationals should take a more active role in establishing a local presence in bringing baseball back to the youth of the city. MLB is taking the first steps to bring the RBI (Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities) program to DC.
Kevin | 05-Jul-07 at 9:50 am | Permalink
I agree that the comments are likely just Bowden posturing. I have been disappointed in the Nats not being named as one of the “players” in the international market, though. I really believe that perception will be important for a number of years as the Nationals try to build respect across the country, and in the DC area. Nationwide, they are starting at rock bottom. In the area, they have a limited number of folks who are devoted, many taking a wait-and-see attitude, and millions who need to be taught to care.
The signing of Burgess lets me know they are still serious about buidling the farm system with the major league savings. Signing Jack McGeary would convince me much more.
Brian Oliver | 05-Jul-07 at 10:04 am | Permalink
It seems that just spending to spend in the international market is not necessarily the wisest path to choose. It would be nicer to see the Nationals bring in a crop of 10-15 guys at no more than $50-75K bonuses. I’d rather they fill the pipeline back up with players and complement it when the right player comes along rather than jus throw money at the big name. Like I said, that is all contingent on good scouting.
I’d rather they give us a few press releases detailing partnerships in Japan, Korea, Australia, or Europe then bring in one or two big dollar guys. They really need to set the foundation internationally and build from there.
Alan | 05-Jul-07 at 10:09 am | Permalink
I also agree - Bowden’s comments seem like part of ongoing negotiations. About the organization’s plans to play internationally, does anyone else recall seeing an article some months back (in the WaPo? Somewhere else?) that characterized Stan Kastens as a man who has become a fixture at embassy events, schmoozing with the diplomats about the desirability of having players from their countries play on the very visible (back home, that is) Washington stage. I guess we’ll see if that was just party small talk, or if the Nats plan to be a player internationally. That said, I’d also like to see the team set up some sort of “baseball academy” for DC youth to develop not just local talent but also rebuild ties and interest in the black community.
Brian Oliver | 05-Jul-07 at 10:11 am | Permalink
The RBI (Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities) program is in the process of coming to DC. There was an announcement that KPMG was sponsoring the efforts in six cities to include DC.
Ed | 05-Jul-07 at 10:39 am | Permalink
The Plan is fine. Long term (even very long term) is great. No O’s short term expediency is preferred.
Nonetheless, Nats should start to get the system loaded with up-the-middle help–more than just Flores at C (we all like him but he is no sure thing), some middle infielders (including the elusive SS), plus a fleet CF or three who can also hit. Nats do not have many of these kinds of prospects even in low minors, but it is not too early to start.