The Nationals have confirmed that CA Jesus Flores was removed from last night’s game in Venezuela for precautionary reasons. He was hit by a pitch in the second inning.
The Nationals have begun to shape their rosters for the off-season. The following players were outrighted off of the 40-man roster or DL to Triple-A Columbus:
- IF D’Angelo Jimenez
- IF Tony Batista
- OF Brandon Watson
- OF Alex Escobar
- RHRP Chris Booker
- RHRP Winston Abreu
- RHSP Mike Bacsik
- RHSP Jason Simontacchi
- LHRP Micah Bowie
- LHRP Arnie Munoz
Of those seven players, only Jimenez, Escobar, Bowie and Munoz remain with the organization, the other players elected free agency. The Nationals still have to activate Nick Johnson, John Patterson, and Ryan Wagner from the 60-day DL which would put them at 35 out of their 40-man roster (prior to any free agency filings or non-tenders).
Additionally, the Nationals released the following players from their minor leagues:
- RHP Robert Almonte (21 years old)
- RHRP Matt Perks (22)
- LHRP Dan Pfau (23)
- 2B Jonathan Castro (23)
None of the four played any appreciable time above Hagerstown in 2007
Hendo | 17-Oct-07 at 3:21 pm | Permalink
So there are currently about five spots open on the 40-man roster. Makes me wonder: how freely can guys be moved on and off the 40-man in the offseason?
Let’s imagine, for example, that Garrett Mock — now unprotected — were to find his third or fourth pitch and started mowing ‘em down in the AFL. Would the FO have time to stick him onto the 40-man before he got drafted away via Rule 5?
Brian Oliver | 17-Oct-07 at 3:26 pm | Permalink
Keep in mind that there will be more openings on the 40-man when Fick files for free agency and depending upon who the Nationals offer arbitration to. That is potentially a long list. I believe the Nationals can find room for guys like Mock. They still can remove Mike O’Connor from the 40-man. Ryan Langerhans is another one.
hartmanbirge | 18-Oct-07 at 12:29 am | Permalink
I am glad that the clean out has begun in earnest - we have way too many marginal players and prospects hanging around and it muddles things. Simontachi was one such. I think that Munoz has a real chance to be part of the pen in 08. What does somewhat surprise me about the above is Booker and Abreu. I thought that they could be serviceable bullpen guys at the ML level and that they would have value. I wonder what it was about them that led organization to conclude otherwise? I know that neither set the house on fire when called up but I also know that neither had what I’d call a very good opportunity to prove themselves either… can’t judge a guy properly on only a few innings. So perhaps it’s a combination of age and lack of stuff……
Hendo | 18-Oct-07 at 6:24 am | Permalink
And, of course, Mock’s not really exposed anyway because the Rule 5 service time exemption increased from three years to four in the 2006 CBA. But the point about O’Connor et al. is understood.
Mark | 18-Oct-07 at 8:17 am | Permalink
I’m curious as well about Booker and Abreu, what are their ages? That would be the only thing that would make sense, unless there’s something behind the story that we don’t know.
Brian Oliver | 18-Oct-07 at 8:29 am | Permalink
Mark - Abreu is 30 (31 in April) and Booker is 30 (31 in December). Both are the stereotypical AAAA players. Good enough to dominate Triple-A but always seem to struggle in the major leagues
Kirk | 18-Oct-07 at 9:18 am | Permalink
Mark - Abreu is 30 (31 in April) and Booker is 30 (31 in December). Both are the stereotypical AAAA players. Good enough to dominate Triple-A but always seem to struggle in the major leagues
How old is Rafael Betancourt? 32. Didn’t sniff the bigs till he was 28. Now he’s a shut down set up guy. I would sign him to a long term deal but would the Tribe be up 3-1 with out him?
Not saying Abreu or Booker will be the next Betancourt. Just saying that the so-called AAAA guys sometimes work out.
Tofu Dog | 18-Oct-07 at 1:52 pm | Permalink
Good point on Betancourt, but there are twelve pretty capable pitchers on the active roster even after these demotions. When you add the ones who accepted the Columbus assignment and then R Wagner and Patterson and the others from the minors like Balester who could conceivably compete for spots in the spring, then I cannot see the need to have Abreu around since he had several shots and was never consistent. If guys like Paul Byrd are available, I would rather spend the time and money worrying about those ugly duckling types rather than Abreu and Booker.
Mark | 18-Oct-07 at 9:00 pm | Permalink
Thanks for the insight, it all makes a lot more sense now. Although that’s a good point on Betancourt, who’s been lights out all year.