Comments on: Across the Affiliates 2007 - Harrisburg (6 of 7) http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/ We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future - FDR Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:06:27 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 By: Will http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42248 Will Thu, 15 Nov 2007 03:11:33 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42248 <p>Brian, I would have to agree with most of your assessment of the 2007 Senators team. My only disagreement would be the ‘Top10’ list. As you noted, labeling “prospects” from this team would be difficult. I would drop Bernadina down a few spots to 6 and move Whitesell up to 4, Zin to 5, drop Brown from the list and add Adam Carr.</p> <p>They were acting as the Nationals second Triple-A team with a bunch of players that were being given once last chance. I also think at the start of the season the Nationals had to find players to ‘field a team’ in Harrisburg, as players at the lower levels were not ready to compete at the Double-A level. I think the Nationals hoped players like Ian Desmond and some of the pitching would be ready. Hopefully the 2008 Senators will have a better group of players on the field, that are ready to play hard and give the fans something to cheer for (and give me something to photograph;-) Will</p> Brian,
I would have to agree with most of your assessment of the 2007 Senators team. My only disagreement would be the ‘Top10’ list. As you noted, labeling “prospects” from this team would be difficult. I would drop Bernadina down a few spots to 6 and move Whitesell up to 4, Zin to 5, drop Brown from the list and add Adam Carr.

They were acting as the Nationals second Triple-A team with a bunch of players that were being given once last chance. I also think at the start of the season the Nationals had to find players to ‘field a team’ in Harrisburg, as players at the lower levels were not ready to compete at the Double-A level. I think the Nationals hoped players like Ian Desmond and some of the pitching would be ready. Hopefully the 2008 Senators will have a better group of players on the field, that are ready to play hard and give the fans something to cheer for (and give me something to photograph;-)
Will

]]> By: Benji http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42255 Benji Thu, 15 Nov 2007 03:54:57 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42255 <p>I hope Whitesell gets a shot. I'd love to see him more than Fick. Does Bowden not like prospects that where here before him?(Balester, Whitesell) Balester should have been in the majors before Dewiler who wan't impressive. Whitesell was in the top in HR and you said he was considered a top defensive 1B.</p> I hope Whitesell gets a shot. I’d love to see him more than Fick.
Does Bowden not like prospects that where here before him?(Balester, Whitesell) Balester should have been in the majors before Dewiler who wan’t impressive. Whitesell was in the top in HR and you said he was considered a top defensive 1B.

]]> By: Brian Oliver http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42318 Brian Oliver Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:44:27 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42318 <p>Will - Carr would have probably slid into #4 but since he only pitched 7 games for the Senators with 41 for the P-Nats, I didn't include him on the list for Harrisburg.</p> Will - Carr would have probably slid into #4 but since he only pitched 7 games for the Senators with 41 for the P-Nats, I didn’t include him on the list for Harrisburg.

]]> By: Steven J. Berke http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42319 Steven J. Berke Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:08:01 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42319 <p>In projecting/hoping that Whitesell will back up Young at 1B, are you assuming that Nick Johnson is done, or at least that he won't be back to start 2008? If Nick is back, it would be Dmitri who is the backup and Whitesell would likely be at Columbus (you haven't gotten to Columbus yet, but I am assuming Larry Broadway does not have much of a future there or anywhere else in the Nats organization).</p> In projecting/hoping that Whitesell will back up Young at 1B, are you assuming that Nick Johnson is done, or at least that he won’t be back to start 2008? If Nick is back, it would be Dmitri who is the backup and Whitesell would likely be at Columbus (you haven’t gotten to Columbus yet, but I am assuming Larry Broadway does not have much of a future there or anywhere else in the Nats organization).

]]> By: Brian Oliver http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42320 Brian Oliver Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:16:53 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42320 <p>I have no inside information but my guess is that Johnson is not going to be ready for the start of 2008. I even have reservations if he's going to ever make a complete recovery. If there is no NJ and Young is the starter then yes Whitesell is Columbus bound. If NJ is healthy, I could imagine the Nats trying to find a trade partner for Young.</p> I have no inside information but my guess is that Johnson is not going to be ready for the start of 2008. I even have reservations if he’s going to ever make a complete recovery. If there is no NJ and Young is the starter then yes Whitesell is Columbus bound. If NJ is healthy, I could imagine the Nats trying to find a trade partner for Young.

]]> By: Louis J. http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42341 Louis J. Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:12:21 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42341 <p>Brian</p> <p>I'm afraid I agree with your assessment of the Harrisburg situation. Fans have to understand that this rebuilding/turn-around will take a few years. The 2006 draft class is the first set of quality prospects the Nats have and, with only a very few exceptions, it will take that group another 3 years to reach ML ready status. I just don't know how the Nats can do it any faster. Bowden has another 3 years of shopping in the "bargain basement" department of MLB.</p> Brian

I’m afraid I agree with your assessment of the Harrisburg situation. Fans have to understand that this rebuilding/turn-around will take a few years. The 2006 draft class is the first set of quality prospects the Nats have and, with only a very few exceptions, it will take that group another 3 years to reach ML ready status. I just don’t know how the Nats can do it any faster.
Bowden has another 3 years of shopping in the “bargain basement” department of MLB.

]]> By: Ryan Sullivan http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42344 Ryan Sullivan Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:43:20 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42344 <p>Brian-</p> <p>This is more of a devil's advocate type question, but do you think you were a bit harsh with Zinicola? I know his numbers were very disappointing but he did seem to improve after a horrible first two months. And I found it interesting that the club often seemed to use him for multiple innings, which may not have helped his numbers.</p> <p>I'm sure he does not profile as a closer or strong set up man like he did this time last season, but to say he doesn't look like a prospect anymore seems somewhat harsh. I saw Zech pitch a few times in college (though never in the pros, unfortunately) but I just can't believe he won't be an asset in our bullpen in years to come.</p> <p>If you could comment (and others) I would appreciate the opinions. As always, great job with the blog, it is so impressive.</p> Brian-

This is more of a devil’s advocate type question, but do you think you were a bit harsh with Zinicola? I know his numbers were very disappointing but he did seem to improve after a horrible first two months. And I found it interesting that the club often seemed to use him for multiple innings, which may not have helped his numbers.

I’m sure he does not profile as a closer or strong set up man like he did this time last season, but to say he doesn’t look like a prospect anymore seems somewhat harsh. I saw Zech pitch a few times in college (though never in the pros, unfortunately) but I just can’t believe he won’t be an asset in our bullpen in years to come.

If you could comment (and others) I would appreciate the opinions. As always, great job with the blog, it is so impressive.

]]> By: Brian Oliver http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42345 Brian Oliver Thu, 15 Nov 2007 17:39:19 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42345 <p>I can see Zinicola turning it around but I now see him more as a generic RHRP out of the bullpen as opposed to a future closer.</p> I can see Zinicola turning it around but I now see him more as a generic RHRP out of the bullpen as opposed to a future closer.

]]> By: e http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42356 e Thu, 15 Nov 2007 19:37:21 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42356 <p>Brian --</p> <p>do you see Chris Marrero starting the season in H'burg or Potomac? I understand he's been learning 1B down in FLA, so who's playing first at every level? Will it be:</p> <p>Columbus -- Josh Whitesell Harrisburg -- Chris Marrero (or Steve Mortimer) Potomac -- Andrew Lefave (or Marrero or Brett McMillan) Hagerstown -- Bill Rhinehart</p> Brian –

do you see Chris Marrero starting the season in H’burg or Potomac? I understand he’s been learning 1B down in FLA, so who’s playing first at every level? Will it be:

Columbus — Josh Whitesell
Harrisburg — Chris Marrero (or Steve Mortimer)
Potomac — Andrew Lefave (or Marrero or Brett McMillan)
Hagerstown — Bill Rhinehart

]]> By: Brian Oliver http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42360 Brian Oliver Thu, 15 Nov 2007 19:51:58 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42360 <p>e - I'd agree with your order though my guess is McMillan is in Harrisburg with Marrero with Mortimer likely in Columbus with Whitesell</p> e - I’d agree with your order though my guess is McMillan is in Harrisburg with Marrero with Mortimer likely in Columbus with Whitesell

]]> By: Jesse http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42366 Jesse Thu, 15 Nov 2007 20:32:24 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42366 <p>Brian- I see David Trahan is a bit older, so what do you think the Nats have in plan for him, considering the excellent numbers he put up in his first year throwing sidearm?</p> Brian-
I see David Trahan is a bit older, so what do you think the Nats have in plan for him, considering the excellent numbers he put up in his first year throwing sidearm?

]]> By: Louis J. http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42367 Louis J. Thu, 15 Nov 2007 20:35:36 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42367 <p>Ryan Sullivan</p> <p>When Zech was drafted, the Nats thought they had found a diamond in the rough. His first year in pro ball was a quick move thru the farm system based on his good performances. Based on his rapid success, much was expected of him in 2007. In 2007, he developed control problems and his season turned into a routine rookie year. Becuase of the pitching problems in Harrisburg in 2007, both Zinicola and Carr were used in longer relief appearances than normal. The Nats realize that and I believe that the Nats still feel that Zinicola and Carr have good live arms and 2 ML pitches while working on their changeup. Next year, I believe that they may repeat in Harrisburg as the closer and set-up men in the bullpen together with Everts & Spradlin to be matched with the other young pitching prospects (Detwiler, Martis, Van Allen, Martinez & Meyers) that the Nats may be moving to Harrisburg. This will give the fans the first look at what the "future" prospects can do.</p> Ryan Sullivan

When Zech was drafted, the Nats thought they had found a diamond in the rough. His first year in pro ball was a quick move thru the farm system based on his good performances. Based on his rapid success, much was expected of him in 2007. In 2007, he developed control problems and his season turned into a routine rookie year. Becuase of the pitching problems in Harrisburg in 2007, both Zinicola and Carr were used in longer relief appearances than normal. The Nats realize that and I believe that the Nats still feel that Zinicola and Carr have good live arms and 2 ML pitches while working on their changeup. Next year, I believe that they may repeat in Harrisburg as the closer and set-up men in the bullpen together with Everts & Spradlin to be matched with the other young pitching prospects (Detwiler, Martis, Van Allen, Martinez & Meyers) that the Nats may be moving to Harrisburg. This will give the fans the first look at what the “future” prospects can do.

]]> By: Will http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42375 Will Thu, 15 Nov 2007 21:17:20 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42375 <p>Ryan Sullivan - I saw Zin pitch several times last year and talked with him almost on a weekly basis. The feeling I got talking with him and others was the coaching staff went with which pitcher had the 'hot hand' and not really put them in certain roles. IMO there were several times that he was left in the game to long. He would pitch well the first two innings and then get hit in the 3rd inning. The big thing with him is being consistant. One game he was unhittable and then next he got rocked. The last time I talked with Zech he said he wanted to pitch well in the Arizona Fall League (which is known as a hitters league) and get a spring invite. He has a 3.48 ERA (which is 2 pts lower then what he had in Harrisburg). He only had 3 bad innings in the AFL. Not sure if he will get a invite but I think he pitched well in the AFL. Check out my blog on the Senators. I plan to post a player profile of Zinicola this weekend or early next week.</p> <p>http://senatorsfansunite.blogspot.com/</p> Ryan Sullivan - I saw Zin pitch several times last year and talked with him almost on a weekly basis. The feeling I got talking with him and others was the coaching staff went with which pitcher had the ‘hot hand’ and not really put them in certain roles. IMO there were several times that he was left in the game to long. He would pitch well the first two innings and then get hit in the 3rd inning. The big thing with him is being consistant. One game he was unhittable and then next he got rocked. The last time I talked with Zech he said he wanted to pitch well in the Arizona Fall League (which is known as a hitters league) and get a spring invite. He has a 3.48 ERA (which is 2 pts lower then what he had in Harrisburg). He only had 3 bad innings in the AFL. Not sure if he will get a invite but I think he pitched well in the AFL. Check out my blog on the Senators. I plan to post a player profile of Zinicola this weekend or early next week.

http://senatorsfansunite.blogspot.com/

]]> By: Suns Fan http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42778 Suns Fan Sun, 18 Nov 2007 23:51:02 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2007/11/14/across-the-affiliates-2007-harrisburg-6-of-7/#comment-42778 <p>Did the Nats release Robby Jacobsen? He didn't hit too well in Hagerstown, but he has an excellent glove, and is pretty fast. I was kind of hoping he'd get another year in Hagerstown.</p> Did the Nats release Robby Jacobsen? He didn’t hit too well in Hagerstown, but he has an excellent glove, and is pretty fast. I was kind of hoping he’d get another year in Hagerstown.

]]>