Comments on: Across the Affiliates 07/24/08 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/ We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future - FDR Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:10:27 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 By: MO Nats Fan http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124088 MO Nats Fan Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:16:07 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124088 <p>Looking at the Harrisburg returns I had forgotten how young Iam Desmond is. I wonder where he projects now?</p> <p>With Guzman signed for 2 more years is he in line to come up in '10 and fill in until Gonzalez is ready closer to '12?</p> <p>He's been around, and been talked about for so long you forget he's only 21...</p> <p>Also, now that Rhinehart's OPS is back above 1.00 at AA does anyone think he might be in line for a cup 'o joe call up in September (especially is Boone and Young aren't back and LoDuca is possibly traded)?</p> Looking at the Harrisburg returns I had forgotten how young Iam Desmond is. I wonder where he projects now?

With Guzman signed for 2 more years is he in line to come up in ‘10 and fill in until Gonzalez is ready closer to ‘12?

He’s been around, and been talked about for so long you forget he’s only 21…

Also, now that Rhinehart’s OPS is back above 1.00 at AA does anyone think he might be in line for a cup ‘o joe call up in September (especially is Boone and Young aren’t back and LoDuca is possibly traded)?

]]> By: Brian Oliver http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124092 Brian Oliver Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:23:25 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124092 <p>MO - That's the thing with guys drafted out of HS, they seem to 'hang around' forever but are honestly not old in baseball terms.</p> MO - That’s the thing with guys drafted out of HS, they seem to ‘hang around’ forever but are honestly not old in baseball terms.

]]> By: EdDC http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124095 EdDC Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:28:37 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124095 <p>According to the Cube, see link, Desmond was born Sept. 20, 1985, which will make him 23 pretty soon.</p> <p>http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/D/Ian-Desmond.shtml</p> <p>He has nice size for a SS at 6-2 and 185. He draws walks, too, and that tendency is kind of "imprinted" and helps him at any level. He looks like he can play some ball, especially if he gets some breakthrough at the bat. He is still young enough for a AA player to think that could happen. If he gets a little hot, we could maybe see him in Sept.</p> According to the Cube, see link, Desmond was born Sept. 20, 1985, which will make him 23 pretty soon.

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/D/Ian-Desmond.shtml

He has nice size for a SS at 6-2 and 185. He draws walks, too, and that tendency is kind of “imprinted” and helps him at any level. He looks like he can play some ball, especially if he gets some breakthrough at the bat. He is still young enough for a AA player to think that could happen. If he gets a little hot, we could maybe see him in Sept.

]]> By: Marc http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124121 Marc Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:55:48 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124121 <p>The problem with Desmond is he just plain doesn't hit enough - he has good size, and I was hoping that last year's numbers at Potomac were indicative of him developing some power, but he's struggled at AA again, including the injury. I don't know that I see him as having a good batting eye - he drew a good number of walks last year, but 14 walks in 175 ABs this year isn't exactly a OBP machine. I sort of see Emilio and he as being similar - there's something toolsy about them, and if they can manage to put it together, they could be a very useful player, but they haven't put it together yet.</p> <p>Back on the Bowden thing, that conversation is the exact thing I can't stand about him the most - he managed to take a good idea, a reasonable business proposition, and by tone and implication, made it sound like "Chad who? Oh, that dude with the silly hat? Oh, yeah, we hate that guy." He could just as easily have said "Look, we need to do the right thing for Chad and the right thing for us - he's been a real workhorse for us over the last few years and we're hopeful to keep him here in the future, but we're going to have to see how the rehab progresses, and we need to adjust the contract to reflect that and to give him some longer-term stability." Same idea, same implementation, totally different approach.</p> <p>There's bad blood between them dating back to Chad's arbitration hearing before the beginning of LAST year, because apparently they really jumped on his durability as an issue, IIRC.</p> The problem with Desmond is he just plain doesn’t hit enough - he has good size, and I was hoping that last year’s numbers at Potomac were indicative of him developing some power, but he’s struggled at AA again, including the injury. I don’t know that I see him as having a good batting eye - he drew a good number of walks last year, but 14 walks in 175 ABs this year isn’t exactly a OBP machine. I sort of see Emilio and he as being similar - there’s something toolsy about them, and if they can manage to put it together, they could be a very useful player, but they haven’t put it together yet.

Back on the Bowden thing, that conversation is the exact thing I can’t stand about him the most - he managed to take a good idea, a reasonable business proposition, and by tone and implication, made it sound like “Chad who? Oh, that dude with the silly hat? Oh, yeah, we hate that guy.” He could just as easily have said “Look, we need to do the right thing for Chad and the right thing for us - he’s been a real workhorse for us over the last few years and we’re hopeful to keep him here in the future, but we’re going to have to see how the rehab progresses, and we need to adjust the contract to reflect that and to give him some longer-term stability.” Same idea, same implementation, totally different approach.

There’s bad blood between them dating back to Chad’s arbitration hearing before the beginning of LAST year, because apparently they really jumped on his durability as an issue, IIRC.

]]> By: MO Nats Fan http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124130 MO Nats Fan Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:09:31 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124130 <p>Marc, I have to agree (although I hate all the Bowden bashing on the post site) with your criticism of Bowden on this one. Remember when he made the comments about the Nats "owning" Zimmerman for the next 3 years.</p> <p>Why go out of your way to alienate your own players? For all of of the (IMO mostly undeserved)critism of Bowden I think he's just too arrogant and hot headed for this public a position.</p> Marc,
I have to agree (although I hate all the Bowden bashing on the post site) with your criticism of Bowden on this one. Remember when he made the comments about the Nats “owning” Zimmerman for the next 3 years.

Why go out of your way to alienate your own players? For all of of the (IMO mostly undeserved)critism of Bowden I think he’s just too arrogant and hot headed for this public a position.

]]> By: Nationals Fan http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124188 Nationals Fan Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:17:00 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124188 <p>I was in Greenville yesterday and watched Kimball dominate (7 Ks and 1 hit in 7 innings)for 7 innings, but also witnessed 2 official scoring decisions that had me shaking my head, and wondering who does the official scorekeeping at a minor league game. In the middle of the game King goes to his left, ranging all the way over to the SS area for a slow roller...he makes a great lunging grab, and his momentum toward CF demands a 360 spin and fire...he throws wildly to first, but the runner does not advance to 2B...he makes a play that most third basemen could not even get to, and because his throw is off the mark he gets the error...and yet if he successfully makes this acrobatic throw, it would be an ESPN highlight play!? Late in the game Valdez lines one to RF and the right fielder runs to his right and drops the liner at about belt level...it is scored a hit!? Who are these scorekeepers, and are there any requirements that they have a certain degree of baseball experience? Anyone know?</p> I was in Greenville yesterday and watched Kimball dominate (7 Ks and 1 hit in 7 innings)for 7 innings, but also witnessed 2 official scoring decisions that had me shaking my head, and wondering who does the official scorekeeping at a minor league game. In the middle of the game King goes to his left, ranging all the way over to the SS area for a slow roller…he makes a great lunging grab, and his momentum toward CF demands a 360 spin and fire…he throws wildly to first, but the runner does not advance to 2B…he makes a play that most third basemen could not even get to, and because his throw is off the mark he gets the error…and yet if he successfully makes this acrobatic throw, it would be an ESPN highlight play!? Late in the game Valdez lines one to RF and the right fielder runs to his right and drops the liner at about belt level…it is scored a hit!? Who are these scorekeepers, and are there any requirements that they have a certain degree of baseball experience? Anyone know?

]]> By: Chris http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124191 Chris Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:22:05 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124191 <p>Theres plenty of questionable scoring decisions in major league games, never mind A ball</p> <p>Watch a yankees game, its comical</p> Theres plenty of questionable scoring decisions in major league games, never mind A ball

Watch a yankees game, its comical

]]> By: Mark L http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124192 Mark L Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:24:47 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124192 <p>It was stated before and is worth repeating. Jim Bowdon is a major talent who needs someone above him who can keep him under control. The best line about him, when he was first hired by MLB, was that 'he was a talented guy in need of adult supervision'. The downside is the occasional adolescent blather he showed in regard to Cordero.</p> It was stated before and is worth repeating. Jim Bowdon is a major talent who needs someone above him who can keep him under control. The best line about him, when he was first hired by MLB, was that ‘he was a talented guy in need of adult supervision’. The downside is the occasional adolescent blather he showed in regard to Cordero.

]]> By: Chris http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124193 Chris Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:25:24 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124193 <p>I vote Brad Meyers in the PNats rotation, its time to see what hes got</p> I vote Brad Meyers in the PNats rotation, its time to see what hes got

]]> By: MO Nats Fan http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124196 MO Nats Fan Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:26:37 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124196 <p>In this case I believe the determination for the error is if an out would have been recorded if the throw had been on the mark. If after ranging so far the throw was off, but the runner was already to 1st then no error would be recorded (unless the runner advances to 2nd on the throw). Remember that errors are really a pitchers statistic (R vs ER) not a players statistic since errors are charged to the player, but the runs they create are not. This is especially true since there is no difference between a fielding error that allows a hitter to get to first with 2 out in the ninth of a 10-0 game or a throwing error that advances a baserunner to 3rd base with no outs in the bottom of the 9th of a tie game.</p> In this case I believe the determination for the error is if an out would have been recorded if the throw had been on the mark. If after ranging so far the throw was off, but the runner was already to 1st then no error would be recorded (unless the runner advances to 2nd on the throw). Remember that errors are really a pitchers statistic (R vs ER) not a players statistic since errors are charged to the player, but the runs they create are not. This is especially true since there is no difference between a fielding error that allows a hitter to get to first with 2 out in the ninth of a 10-0 game or a throwing error that advances a baserunner to 3rd base with no outs in the bottom of the 9th of a tie game.

]]> By: e http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124205 e Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:34:16 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124205 <p>Brain -- one little error I noticed in your post: the record for Hagerstown was omitted and instead you placed the Columbus record. No biggie ...</p> <p>Bernadina seems to be taking to AAA pitching quite well. .469/.553/.719 in 32 AB's since being dumped by the Nats. I, for one, am impressed that his very brief and unsuccessful time in DC didn't break him. He took his demotion to Columbus (although it really was a promotion from H'burg) and is showing that he can handle the pitching there (granted it is a small sample size, but he could just as easily gone 3-32). I hope that he gets back up to DC in September.</p> Brain — one little error I noticed in your post: the record for Hagerstown was omitted and instead you placed the Columbus record. No biggie …

Bernadina seems to be taking to AAA pitching quite well. .469/.553/.719 in 32 AB’s since being dumped by the Nats. I, for one, am impressed that his very brief and unsuccessful time in DC didn’t break him. He took his demotion to Columbus (although it really was a promotion from H’burg) and is showing that he can handle the pitching there (granted it is a small sample size, but he could just as easily gone 3-32). I hope that he gets back up to DC in September.

]]> By: mjames http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124218 mjames Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:46:04 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124218 <p>It was stated before and worth repeating, Jim Bowden is a first class dolt. His arrogance and overindulgence (DWI) impedes his ability to effectively perform the duties of a general manager. He has the social skills of gnat. Although Minaya was the architect of this franchise's demise, Bowden has been very effective in insuring its spiral downward. For those who cheer his achievements, they unable to provide any concrete examples aside from Flores (he wasn't the one who discovered him but everyone gives him credit). His treatment of Codero is just another example of his continued mismanagement.</p> It was stated before and worth repeating, Jim Bowden is a first class dolt. His arrogance and overindulgence (DWI) impedes his ability to effectively perform the duties of a general manager. He has the social skills of gnat. Although Minaya was the architect of this franchise’s demise, Bowden has been very effective in insuring its spiral downward. For those who cheer his achievements, they unable to provide any concrete examples aside from Flores (he wasn’t the one who discovered him but everyone gives him credit). His treatment of Codero is just another example of his continued mismanagement.

]]> By: Berndaddy http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124228 Berndaddy Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:57:11 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124228 <p>When I heard what Jimbo said last night on the radio I could bearly drive home. Wasn't he the face before Ryan Z? I don't know how anyone could respect him after that one. Lord help us as long as he's around.</p> When I heard what Jimbo said last night on the radio I could bearly drive home. Wasn’t he the face before Ryan Z? I don’t know how anyone could respect him after that one. Lord help us as long as he’s around.

]]> By: Berndaddy http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124230 Berndaddy Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:58:48 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124230 <p>He being Chad of course.</p> He being Chad of course.

]]> By: Nats fan in NJ http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124237 Nats fan in NJ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:11:25 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124237 <p>e - Wholeheartedly agree about Bernadina. The kid is 23, so still young. Definitely impressed that he hasn't regressed from his disaster in the Bigs.</p> e - Wholeheartedly agree about Bernadina. The kid is 23, so still young. Definitely impressed that he hasn’t regressed from his disaster in the Bigs.

]]> By: Moe Greene http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124238 Moe Greene Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:11:26 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124238 <p>E- One little error I noticed while you were pointing out the deficincies of the guy who runs this site for free...</p> <p>His name is Brian, not Brain.</p> <p>No biggie.</p> <p>Seriously, give the guy a break. Don't sweat the small stuff. Keep up the fantastic work, Brian. Your site has been my homepage for two months, now.</p> E- One little error I noticed while you were pointing out the deficincies of the guy who runs this site for free…

His name is Brian, not Brain.

No biggie.

Seriously, give the guy a break. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Keep up the fantastic work, Brian. Your site has been my homepage for two months, now.

]]> By: Brian Oliver http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124243 Brian Oliver Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:18:21 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124243 <p>Thanks for the heads up on Hagerstown's record. Copying/pasting at 5:30AM leads to some fun errors ;)</p> <p>I get the 'Brain' typo all the time ... there are worse things to be called</p> Thanks for the heads up on Hagerstown’s record. Copying/pasting at 5:30AM leads to some fun errors ;)

I get the ‘Brain’ typo all the time … there are worse things to be called

]]> By: expo_ram http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124250 expo_ram Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:24:47 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124250 <p>Brian, still no Hood siting in GCL?</p> Brian, still no Hood siting in GCL?

]]> By: expo_ram http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124252 expo_ram Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:26:58 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124252 <p>Oh, and IMO (and maybe its just me) I view this incredible site as being about the farm. Bowden-bashing for MLB club decisions should be reserved for the Post board (which get a little out of hand). Again, its just my opinion - not trying to tell anybody what to do.</p> <p>There certainly shouldn't be any FO bashing in reference to the farm they have put together in this short time.</p> Oh, and IMO (and maybe its just me) I view this incredible site as being about the farm. Bowden-bashing for MLB club decisions should be reserved for the Post board (which get a little out of hand). Again, its just my opinion - not trying to tell anybody what to do.

There certainly shouldn’t be any FO bashing in reference to the farm they have put together in this short time.

]]> By: Brian Oliver http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124253 Brian Oliver Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:28:27 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124253 <p>expo - Nope. Not yet. Just a guess, but I'll say he plays for the first time on Saturday, the next GCL Nats home game.</p> expo - Nope. Not yet. Just a guess, but I’ll say he plays for the first time on Saturday, the next GCL Nats home game.

]]> By: EdDC http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124262 EdDC Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:42:40 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124262 <p>Yes, this is a spectacular site, a real service to Nats' fans. You get this stuff nowhere else. I am grateful for it.</p> <p>On Bowden, he has manufactured prospects like Milledge, Dukes, Flores, and now Bonifacio without having the usual coveted veterans most MLB clubs have in their stockpile to deal. That's not easy. Getting very young arms like Martis is hard when you just have a Mike Stanton to give up. You don't get a "can't miss" like Hanley Ramirez without giving up true talent, like Josh Beckett, that championship-calibre clubs want. The Nats have no Josh Beckett.</p> <p>Bowden is a creative, talented guy who needs adult supervision, as Mark L points out.</p> <p>Bowden's off season FA signings are a bit mysterious, but I guess he has almost no budget to speak of, and takes what is left.</p> <p>I agree about the clumsy, insensitive Cordero comments, though. Restraint is not in Bowden's arsenal.</p> Yes, this is a spectacular site, a real service to Nats’ fans. You get this stuff nowhere else. I am grateful for it.

On Bowden, he has manufactured prospects like Milledge, Dukes, Flores, and now Bonifacio without having the usual coveted veterans most MLB clubs have in their stockpile to deal. That’s not easy. Getting very young arms like Martis is hard when you just have a Mike Stanton to give up. You don’t get a “can’t miss” like Hanley Ramirez without giving up true talent, like Josh Beckett, that championship-calibre clubs want. The Nats have no Josh Beckett.

Bowden is a creative, talented guy who needs adult supervision, as Mark L points out.

Bowden’s off season FA signings are a bit mysterious, but I guess he has almost no budget to speak of, and takes what is left.

I agree about the clumsy, insensitive Cordero comments, though. Restraint is not in Bowden’s arsenal.

]]> By: Andrew S http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124266 Andrew S Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:44:39 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124266 <p>Yeah I'm also thinking sometime this weekend.</p> Yeah I’m also thinking sometime this weekend.

]]> By: e http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124392 e Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:17:48 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124392 <p>actually, with all the info he gives us, I did not mis-spell Brian's name ... Thanks for all the hard work and great info Brain!</p> actually, with all the info he gives us, I did not mis-spell Brian’s name … Thanks for all the hard work and great info Brain!

]]> By: Dick http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124527 Dick Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:12:24 +0000 http://farmauthority.dcsportsnet.com/2008/07/24/across-the-affiliates-072408/#comment-124527 <p>I'm no big fan of JimBow. I know every story needs its heroes and villains. Currently, JimBow is viewed as a villain; somebody has to be.</p> <p>I say this because I am always reminded what this franchise would/could be today if we still had (or hadn't given away) Cliff Lee, Grady Sizemore and Brandon Phillips or even the draft picks tendering Vladimir Guerrero would have netted. Should Omar Minaya be the villain in that story? Or MLB? Does it matter?</p> <p>I say this because I always try to keep some perspective about the condition of the franchise that we inherited. I certainly don't expect Bowden to spin gold from straw but sometimes feel in the minority especially, as someone earlier pointed out, when reading the Post blog.</p> I’m no big fan of JimBow. I know every story needs its heroes and villains. Currently, JimBow is viewed as a villain; somebody has to be.

I say this because I am always reminded what this franchise would/could be today if we still had (or hadn’t given away) Cliff Lee, Grady Sizemore and Brandon Phillips or even the draft picks tendering Vladimir Guerrero would have netted. Should Omar Minaya be the villain in that story? Or MLB? Does it matter?

I say this because I always try to keep some perspective about the condition of the franchise that we inherited. I certainly don’t expect Bowden to spin gold from straw but sometimes feel in the minority especially, as someone earlier pointed out, when reading the Post blog.

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