The Columbus Clippers break the news of the upcoming moves by the Nationals
- OF Ryan Langerhans purchased by Washington
- RHP Brian Sanches purchased by Washington
- LHP Charlie Manning purchased by Washington
- RHP Chris Schroder optioned from Washington
- LHP Matt Chico optioned from Washington
Given that the Nationals are at 38/40 on their 40-man, another roster move needs to be made. I’d imagine it’s moving RHP Ryan Wagner from the 15 to 60 day DL
The 28-year old Langerhans is currently hitting 306/417/438 with the Clippers with three home runs and a team-leading 24 RBI. He is a fifth OF, another LH bat for the bench who can be a late inning defensive replacement.
The 29-year old Manning is 0-0 with six saves for Columbus over 19 appearances. In 27 2/3 innings of work, he has a 1.95 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 34 strikeouts and 13 walks. He likely assumes the LOOGY role out of the Nationals bullpen.
The 29-year old Sanches is 0-0 with seven saves for Columbus over 14 appearances. Over 18 1/3 innings pitched, he has a 0.98 ERA and 0.64 WHIP with 26 strikeouts and only three walks. His role is likely to replace Schroder as a RH option out of the bullpen.
All three were signed (or in Langerhans case re-signed) as minor league free agents in this past off-season.
Nate | 23-May-08 at 11:19 am | Permalink
Boy, the annual Memorial Day Roster Panic still manages to sneak up on me every year.
On the other hand, the assembling of an All-OF 40 man roster is proceeding nicely.
dd | 23-May-08 at 11:28 am | Permalink
Schroeder just can’t seem to get a long look with the Nats.
Not a high draft pick, he always had to prove himself, and performed well in all minor league levels. Are Sanches and Manning better choices?
Seems to me the pitching is not the problem. Why not make more outfield moves?
Wonder why Escobar was not chosen over Langerhaus.
Brian Oliver | 23-May-08 at 11:30 am | Permalink
The only thing I can think of he’s lefthanded but with Mackowiak and Harris also lefties, it was not as much of a need.
As for Sanches/Manning replacing Schroder/Chico, six of one for half dozen of another in my opinion. Chico gets the chance to see if he can get himself back on track as a starter.
dd | 23-May-08 at 11:59 am | Permalink
Brian, I do see the benefit of sending Chico down for more “seasoning”.
The constant juggling of Schroeder for equal “talent” is questionable. The Nats Have not necessarily improved their relief pitching by moving him around over the last few years. They have not replaced him with any upgrade. Does it show “lack of class” by the club for a player who has been in the organization since 2001?
(I may be belabouring this point!!!)
Dick | 23-May-08 at 12:10 pm | Permalink
Time to start thinking about who permanently replaces Hill in the rotation. Clippard?
Brian Oliver | 23-May-08 at 12:13 pm | Permalink
Dick - If they are going to make that move, I’d hope they go with Collin Balester. Clippard seems like a good spot starter for a short period of tim. Balester is the future, see what you have there by giving him an extended look.
Dick | 23-May-08 at 12:18 pm | Permalink
Brian, I think Balester is too highly slotted at AAA. I have always sensed they have rushed him. His numbers have never been great at any level; certainly not like Lannan, Zimmermann, VanAllen or Alaniz have done. He is only 21 and I would hate to see his confidence destroyed if they bring him up too soon.
RJS | 23-May-08 at 12:24 pm | Permalink
How about Garrett Mock?
Brian Oliver | 23-May-08 at 12:35 pm | Permalink
In my opinion, Mock falls into the same group with Clippard. Adequate spot starter but not necessarily a long term solution.
Positively Half St. | 23-May-08 at 12:37 pm | Permalink
I would have preferred Alex Escobar over Langerhans, for sure.
Section 408 | 23-May-08 at 12:54 pm | Permalink
Agree about Escobar. Langerhans is a known quantity at the ML level. A career .230 hitter with little power and extremely average defense.
Tofu Dog | 23-May-08 at 1:45 pm | Permalink
Escobar is actually older than Langerhans by two years and has no upside at this point. He has never been able to stay on the field–for whatever reason. Langerhans is the more dependable player, one you hope reverts to his 2005-2006 form with the Braves when he was a very fine fourth outfielder who plays all three OF positions well.
Tofu Dog | 23-May-08 at 1:46 pm | Permalink
Langerhans is also left-handed, so that is not the reason.
Positively Half St. | 23-May-08 at 2:17 pm | Permalink
T-dog-
I admit that I was more impressed with Langerhans when he was with the Braves, and I hope he can keep up his current success. I do think that Escobar is the better player though, when he is healthy. Since he is currently healthy, I hoped to see him play in Washington.
Hoagie | 23-May-08 at 2:49 pm | Permalink
Escobar is a career .258/.328/.415 ML hitter and .280/.348/.481. Throw in Langerhans’ superior speed and defense (plus age) and Langerhans makes more sense at this point that Escobar.
Hoagie | 23-May-08 at 2:50 pm | Permalink
.280/.348/.481 in the minors*
Decent, but he’s in his 4th tour of AAA also.
dd | 23-May-08 at 3:06 pm | Permalink
Escobar’s line according to MILB is:
.315/.340/.478, close enough!!!
Basil | 23-May-08 at 3:07 pm | Permalink
Langerhans is a known quantity at the ML level. A career .230 hitter with little power and extremely average defense
Unless an anvil fell on his big toe between last season and now, I’d say his defense is significantly better than average. Langerhans’ instincts are so good that it looks like he’s running flag and post patterns out there.
Positively Half St. | 23-May-08 at 3:24 pm | Permalink
I would have no complaints with better outfield defense, and pretty much anybody could improve the team’s outfield offense at the moment.
dd | 23-May-08 at 3:39 pm | Permalink
Langerhaus will significantly improve the defense, while contributing to the team’s strikeout totals.
At this point, for the short term, he is a good option
Sec 314 | 23-May-08 at 3:46 pm | Permalink
Setting stats aside, Escobar is exciting to watch. He plays with passion. He can crank the ball out of the park. Langerhans is methodical, hardworking and dull.
At this point, they might as well go with someone who brings some excitement to the game. The current team is dull as dishwater.
Positively Half St. | 23-May-08 at 4:05 pm | Permalink
If I read the stats correctly, this will be Charlie Manning’s first call-up to the majors. Good for him- he has played in 8 minor league seasons.
Sanches has played 30 games in the majors with the Phillies, as recently as last year.
Pilchard | 23-May-08 at 4:48 pm | Permalink
The fact that Ryan Langerhans is considered a viable option after last season is amazing (2007: .167/.272/.305 — wow!). Nook Logan was a more productive offensive player last season… Nook Logan!
Would guess that the Nats 2008 OF is verging on the least productive OF in MLB history. Don’t see Ryan Langerhans reversing that trend.
Hoagie | 23-May-08 at 7:03 pm | Permalink
Langerhans likely got some confidence back. He’s not a .300 ML hitter, but we should see closer to a .260/.340/.410 line this year I’d guess, which would be great.
Ric | 23-May-08 at 7:51 pm | Permalink
I’m at the game tonight - stearns is coaching third. Was there a coaching shakeup too, or is this just temporary?
Andrew S | 23-May-08 at 11:49 pm | Permalink
Tolman was at his son’s graduation.
Jane | 24-May-08 at 6:07 am | Permalink
At AA baseball (especially for the Harrisburg Senators), the manager usually coaches third base.