Why do you want to fire Bowden?

Did Bowden refuse to go over a set limit to sign his top draft pick, or was he given that limit?

Was it Bowden’s idea to make some other midnight signings on draft day only because he had freed-up money from not signing Crow, or was he given a small budget to work with?

Was it Bowden’s idea to only focus on international kids who would sign for the smallest bonuses? Did Bowden not see talent in the other players who had higher market value?

Was it Bowden’s idea only to trade for players who have small contracts, or was he given those marching orders? That’s the way you stockpile young, talented players–you get quality young vets you can trade for prospects or who will give you comp picks after they finish playing for you. But Bowden never gets to sign those or trade for those. His fault?

Has it been Bowden’s idea not to more aggressively lock up Zim long term?

Was it Bowden’s idea to determine that he would not go over $5 million (Lo Duca) for any player in last year’s free agent market?

Sure, Bowden has a great job and is making big bucks. But he has never worked for an organization that would enable him to reveal his talents. He seems pretty creative to me working within the Nats’ financial constraints–essentially the constraints of a small market team, like the Reds.

I would love it if someone could prove me wrong on these points (like the Lerners could do this off-season).

If you were executing the plan I would be much happier with more picks. My point was to keep recent history alive….more picks for this front office does not mean a better team. When do we fire Jim Bowden?

I wish the Nats had done this with Young in 2007 and Soriano the year before.

JayB – Of course, signing the picks they have is the first step. I just see untapped value in having two or three other top 100 picks. I like their chances of finding value when they have 5 or 6 top 100 picks instead of 2 or 3.

Catchers Paul Lo Duca (37) – Type B, not offered arb Ivan Rodriguez (37) – Type B, not offered arb Gregg Zaun (38) – Type B, not offered arb

Infielders Jeff Kent (41) – Type B, not offered arb Mark Loretta (37) – Type B, not offered arb Juan Uribe (30) – Type B, not offered arb

Left fielders Moises Alou (42) – Type B, not offered arb Garret Anderson (37) – Type B, not offered arb Luis Gonzalez (41) – Type B, not offered arb

Right fielders Ken Griffey Jr. (39) – Type B, not offered arb

DHs Frank Thomas (41) – Type B, not offered arb

Starting pitchers Randy Johnson (45) – Type B, not offered arb Braden Looper (34) – Type B, not offered arb Greg Maddux (43) – Type B, not offered arb Brad Penny (31) – Type B, not offered arb John Smoltz (42) – Type B, not offered arb Randy Wolf (32) – Type B, not offered arb

Closers Eric Gagne (33) – Type B, not offered arb Jason Isringhausen (36) – Type B, not offered arb

Middle relievers Luis Ayala (31) – Type B, not offered arb Joe Beimel (32) – Type B, not offered arb Alan Embree (39) – Type B, not offered arb Dennys Reyes (32) – Type B, offered arb Arthur Rhodes (39) – Type B, not offered arb Rudy Seanez (40) – Type B, not offered arb

With the exception of the relievers, don’t most of these guys look like Type A’s from 3-5 years ago?