Comments on: Nationals Agree to Contracts with Eight http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/01/11/nationals-agree-to-contracts-with-eight/ We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future - FDR Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:34:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 By: Hendo http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/01/11/nationals-agree-to-contracts-with-eight/#comment-48393 Hendo Sat, 12 Jan 2008 15:57:44 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/01/11/nationals-agree-to-contracts-with-eight/#comment-48393 <p>Given the acquisition of Whitney, and Marrero's announced move to 1B, what are Whitesell's realistic chances of advancing in the organization? (Not to mention that Whitesell isn't quite the Keith Hernandez of double-A ball.)</p> <p>While we're at it, how about Casto, whose ceiling seems to stop somewhat short of MLB?</p> <p>Are Whitesell and Casto both just roster fill at this point?</p> Given the acquisition of Whitney, and Marrero’s announced move to 1B, what are Whitesell’s realistic chances of advancing in the organization? (Not to mention that Whitesell isn’t quite the Keith Hernandez of double-A ball.)

While we’re at it, how about Casto, whose ceiling seems to stop somewhat short of MLB?

Are Whitesell and Casto both just roster fill at this point?

]]> By: Louis J. http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/01/11/nationals-agree-to-contracts-with-eight/#comment-48472 Louis J. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 04:30:29 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/01/11/nationals-agree-to-contracts-with-eight/#comment-48472 <p>Hendo Don't be surprise but all could be trade bait.</p> Hendo
Don’t be surprise but all could be trade bait.

]]> By: Justin http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/01/11/nationals-agree-to-contracts-with-eight/#comment-48490 Justin Sun, 13 Jan 2008 07:29:09 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/01/11/nationals-agree-to-contracts-with-eight/#comment-48490 <p>Marrero has yet to prove to anyone that he can be a more than average defender at any position and he is at least a year and a half behind Whitesell in terms of crossing paths. Whitney is a long shot to make the team as well (maybe Jimbo will pull something like he did with Speigner last year and Whitney can remain with the Nats and further develop in the lower levels). There are two scenarios that can play out... 1. Dmitri Young continues his revival and Bowden trades him near the all star break to get max value, then Nick Johnson steps in to play everyday once he is fully healed and healthy. This leaves a new spot on the bench for a power hitting guy (maybe Whitesell). or 2. They trade some younger guys to get a decent arm early in the year to try to compete for the East and sell some tickets for the new stadium. Either way Whitesell has never played at the AAA level, he is more than likely going to start in Columbus. The Nationals either see future potential out of him or trade value otherwise they would not have added him to the roster. So to answer your question no I dont think he is a roster filler.</p> <p>As for Casto, 50 at bats in the big leagues is hardly enough to judge so heavily on. He could be on the trading block as well. He had a down year last year with the bat. He still has value because he can play 4 positions and profiles as at least average at 3 of them (1st base is still a question). If he bounces back this year there is no reason why he can't be a productive everyday guy down the road. Much the same the Nationals must see value with Casto as well. If they had given up on him they could have taken him off the roster.</p> Marrero has yet to prove to anyone that he can be a more than average defender at any position and he is at least a year and a half behind Whitesell in terms of crossing paths. Whitney is a long shot to make the team as well (maybe Jimbo will pull something like he did with Speigner last year and Whitney can remain with the Nats and further develop in the lower levels). There are two scenarios that can play out… 1. Dmitri Young continues his revival and Bowden trades him near the all star break to get max value, then Nick Johnson steps in to play everyday once he is fully healed and healthy. This leaves a new spot on the bench for a power hitting guy (maybe Whitesell). or 2. They trade some younger guys to get a decent arm early in the year to try to compete for the East and sell some tickets for the new stadium. Either way Whitesell has never played at the AAA level, he is more than likely going to start in Columbus. The Nationals either see future potential out of him or trade value otherwise they would not have added him to the roster. So to answer your question no I dont think he is a roster filler.

As for Casto, 50 at bats in the big leagues is hardly enough to judge so heavily on. He could be on the trading block as well. He had a down year last year with the bat. He still has value because he can play 4 positions and profiles as at least average at 3 of them (1st base is still a question). If he bounces back this year there is no reason why he can’t be a productive everyday guy down the road. Much the same the Nationals must see value with Casto as well. If they had given up on him they could have taken him off the roster.

]]> By: Louis J. http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/01/11/nationals-agree-to-contracts-with-eight/#comment-48530 Louis J. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:58:16 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/01/11/nationals-agree-to-contracts-with-eight/#comment-48530 <p>Like it or not, Jim Bowden and his staff plus the minor league coaches have formed their opinion of Casto & Whitesell; namely, they are not major league starters. Some evidence was the acquistion of Garrett Guzman (OF)(L/L) and Matt Whitney (1B)(R/R) in the Rule 5 draft plus a the acquistion of Joe Lefave (1B/OF) from the Brewers for Ray King. Taking Casto off the roster exposes him to being claimed by another team without any compensation. Therefore, the Nats will probably attempt to make some deal to keep Guzman & Whitney and move them to Columbus and trade Casto & Whitesell. As part of a deal, the Giants and Pirates may be interested in one or both of them. For instance, if the Nats were interested in Matt Morris (RH-SP), the Pirates would be interested in unloading his contract ($9M for 2008 & 2009 option). Casto and a second tier minor league outfielder like Lowrance/Baez/Daniel might interest them.</p> <p>Also, remember that Marrero was a pretty good 3B in high school until an injury adversely affected his performance in his senior year. The Nats decided to find another position for him and his bat because Zimmerman plays 3B not because Marrero can't play 3B. Now , the Nats are loaded in the outfield and don't need another RHH power hitter. There are many teams who need a 3B and would paid a high price for Marrero. The Giants need a 3B (their top prospect Angel Villalona can move to 1B and Marerro & Villalona would give them a power hitting corner combination). A package of players including Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum plus an infielder (Eugenio Velez) and Marerro and a reliever would be a good deal.</p> <p>The Reds would be intereted in Marerro at 3B plus Bergmann and Maxwell for Adam Dunn if the Nats are willing to pay Dunn accordingly (6 yrs-$108M).</p> <p>Finally, Nick Johnson's days with the Nats may be coming to an end. His history of injuries, paying Young $5M a year for 2-yrs. and Young's status as the team leader/mentor in the clubhouse makes Johnson tradeable by the July 31, 2008 deadline once he demonstrates that he's healthy enough to play. Bowden has a good relationship w/Brian Cashman of the Yankees who could use Johnson in their lineup. Both Johnson and Young are free agents after the 2009 season, who do you think the Nats would resign and who would is more valuable to the Nats, Young or Johnson?</p> Like it or not, Jim Bowden and his staff plus the minor league coaches have formed their opinion of Casto & Whitesell; namely, they are not major league starters. Some evidence was the acquistion of Garrett Guzman (OF)(L/L) and Matt Whitney (1B)(R/R) in the Rule 5 draft plus a the acquistion of Joe Lefave (1B/OF) from the Brewers for Ray King. Taking Casto off the roster exposes him to being claimed by another team without any compensation. Therefore, the Nats will probably attempt to make some deal to keep Guzman & Whitney and move them to Columbus and trade Casto & Whitesell. As part of a deal, the Giants and Pirates may be interested in one or both of them. For instance, if the Nats were interested in Matt Morris (RH-SP), the Pirates would be interested in unloading his contract ($9M for 2008 & 2009 option). Casto and a second tier minor league outfielder like Lowrance/Baez/Daniel might interest them.

Also, remember that Marrero was a pretty good 3B in high school until an injury adversely affected his performance in his senior year. The Nats decided to find another position for him and his bat because Zimmerman plays 3B not because Marrero can’t play 3B. Now , the Nats are loaded in the outfield and don’t need another RHH power hitter. There are many teams who need a 3B and would paid a high price for Marrero. The Giants need a 3B (their top prospect Angel Villalona can move to 1B and Marerro & Villalona would give them a power hitting corner combination). A package of players including Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum plus an infielder (Eugenio Velez) and Marerro and a reliever would be a good deal.

The Reds would be intereted in Marerro at 3B plus Bergmann and Maxwell for Adam Dunn if the Nats are willing to pay Dunn accordingly (6 yrs-$108M).

Finally, Nick Johnson’s days with the Nats may be coming to an end. His history of injuries, paying Young $5M a year for 2-yrs. and Young’s status as the team leader/mentor in the clubhouse makes Johnson tradeable by the July 31, 2008 deadline once he demonstrates that he’s healthy enough to play. Bowden has a good relationship w/Brian Cashman of the Yankees who could use Johnson in their lineup. Both Johnson and Young are free agents after the 2009 season, who do you think the Nats would resign and who would is more valuable to the Nats, Young or Johnson?

]]> By: Brandon http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/01/11/nationals-agree-to-contracts-with-eight/#comment-48542 Brandon Sun, 13 Jan 2008 20:25:21 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/01/11/nationals-agree-to-contracts-with-eight/#comment-48542 <p>I think the Tim Lincecum deal is the best idea. The Giants were close to trading him for Alex Rios. Maybe Maxwell and Marrero and Jon Rauch for him.</p> I think the Tim Lincecum deal is the best idea. The Giants were close to trading him for Alex Rios. Maybe Maxwell and Marrero and Jon Rauch for him.

]]> By: Louis J. http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/01/11/nationals-agree-to-contracts-with-eight/#comment-48546 Louis J. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:06:24 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/01/11/nationals-agree-to-contracts-with-eight/#comment-48546 <p>Brandon</p> <p>To much given up by the Nats. Rauch is a Type A player (two draft choices) the same as Rios and Marerro is their #1 prospect & Maxwell is #9 prospect.</p> Brandon

To much given up by the Nats. Rauch is a Type A player (two draft choices) the same as Rios and Marerro is their #1 prospect & Maxwell is #9 prospect.

]]> By: natsfan07 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/01/11/nationals-agree-to-contracts-with-eight/#comment-48550 natsfan07 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:52:47 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/01/11/nationals-agree-to-contracts-with-eight/#comment-48550 <p>Brian, I just received news that several hagerstown suns players were released. I was wondering if you had any information on who the players were and the reasoning behind some of the releases. Thank you and GO NATS</p> Brian,
I just received news that several hagerstown suns players were released. I was wondering if you had any information on who the players were and the reasoning behind some of the releases. Thank you and GO NATS

]]> By: Hendo http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/01/11/nationals-agree-to-contracts-with-eight/#comment-48600 Hendo Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:35:34 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/01/11/nationals-agree-to-contracts-with-eight/#comment-48600 <p>Hmm, interesting trade speculations.</p> <p>Other boards have been talking up Nats - Giants deals of one kind or another, generally involving Cordero (disclaimer: I've been contributing to that chatter). Think JimBow and Sabes might possibly be trying to work something?</p> Hmm, interesting trade speculations.

Other boards have been talking up Nats - Giants deals of one kind or another, generally involving Cordero (disclaimer: I’ve been contributing to that chatter). Think JimBow and Sabes might possibly be trying to work something?

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