Comments on: Rule 5 Draft - Chris Lubanski

By: Nate

Nate — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:31:29 +0000

The Big Lubanski, what’s not to like? Though if the concern is just to have a lefty OF bat Kory Casto might be the logical 3B/1B/LF bench guy. In any case I’m in favor of anything that moves us closer to a roster without Nook Logan.

By: estuartj

estuartj — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:45:26 +0000

If you figure on 13 position players making the roster out of ST then (baring more trades) we have 2 spots to fill.

I figure we'll carry;

4 OFers (WMP, Dukes, Milledge & Kearns) 2 CAers (Flores and TBD) 7 IFers (Young, Johnson, Flores, Guzman, Belliard, Zimmerman & TBD)

I think they'll try to fill the backup IF spot with a rule 5 draftee (and probably go for a pitcher too if they can get one).

If they then trade any of the above for another IF or SP they'll fill in with FA or MiLB signees...

Kory Casto makes sense as the backup IFer since he can be a lefty OFer too...two birds with one stone - but having 4 OF spots locked up to righties does make it tough...unless we open up some slots with a move of position players for additional pitchers...

By: Louis J.

Louis J. — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:17:07 +0000

Brian

Good thought about Lubanski. I like the choice and hope they can pick him up. He was a top prospect for the Royals. Why are they not protecting him? Is he another Casto? With your comments about Lubanski, I assume you believe that the Nats are done looking at Casto (LF, 3B & 1B) as an option.

Also, for the last last spot on the bench, what's your thoughts about minor league UT free agent Bobby Scales. He's a 30 year-old switch-hitter who is a good base-runner w/ some speed (14/16 SB) and can play 2B, 3B, 1B & OF. He also has some pop in his bat and ability to get on base. In 2007, with AAA Pawtucket, he had an 373-OBP and a 472-SLG. His versatility would give Manny a number options in a game

By: Brian Oliver

Brian Oliver — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:21:52 +0000

I really don’t know where the Nats stand on Casto. He had a down 2007 but is still on the radar to some degree. estuartj’s point about his ability to play corener IF and OF does give him some value.

As for Scales, sure … why not. Seems like a good option for a tryout.

By: Joe

Joe — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 14:00:56 +0000

Dubois could be the sleeper in this OF situation–these righty/lefty things seem to work themselves out through spring training performances, health and player moves. The Nats need more power production, and Dubois might bring that.
Last year was clearly an off-year for Jason, but understandable given severe allergies late in Spring Training that lead to dehydration, a hamstring pull (that nagged him all season), severe sinus infection, a re-tweak of that hamstring, then it was August and that was that. He might easily get back on track this year with an opportunity…

By: Louis J.

Louis J. — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:47:45 +0000

Joe

Dubois is a 7 year professional who was drafted in the 14th round in 2000 from VCU and he's a RHH. The Nationals already have Kearns, Pena, Dukes & Milledge - all RHH- on the 25-man roster. Dubois has to be more than a sleeper to make the Big Team.

By: John

John — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:23:20 +0000

On the Casto subject…I know he had a really down year I think he could be a factor this year. Whether thats with the Nationals or not remains to be seen. He went through a lot last year with getting married and having a kid while trying to fufill his dream at the same time. Thats a very big test. Having seen him play at multiple levels he definitely has the drive and skills. He also is the nicest guy you will ever meet so its easy to root for him. Don’t be surprised if he has a nice year somewhere…