Few Things from Nats Park

Taking in the third Strasburg start from Nationals Park. Here are a few items of interest:

  • Jordan Zimmermann pitched a couple innings of a simulated game this afternoon. From the eagle’s nest up here, he looked OK. Byron Kerr of MASNSports got a few minutes with Zimmermann who thinks he may begin his rehab in Potomac in early July
  • Speaking of Byron Kerr, I recorded a minor league segment with him this afternoon for Nationals Insider which will be broadcast on WFED on Sunday at 5PM
  • Jason Marquis played catch in the outfield and is headed to Florida to begin his rehab
  • Rumor has it that a certain highly recognizable political figure

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Across the Affiliates 06/18/10

Andy Seiler has started tracking the summer leagues. His post today contains a week in review as well as some links to other summer league information.

Stephen Strasburg starts for the Nationals tonight at home against the Chicago White Sox.

Syracuse dropped both games at Gwinnett, losing the completion of their 5/8 game 6-3 (box) and the regularly scheduled game 3-0 (box/gamer). Although he is currently in the major leagues, RHP J.D. Martin picked up the loss as he started the game back in May, allowing four runs on eight hits and two walks over 4 2/3IP with four strikeouts. 3B Leonard Davis was 1/2 with a solo homer and 2B Chase Lambin was 2/4 with one RBI. In the regularly scheduled game, RHP Shairon Martis took the loss, giving up three runs on six hits and a walk over 6IP with four strikeouts. The Chiefs managed only four singles of offense, one each by Boomer Whiting, Justin Maxwell, Jason Botts, and Devin Ivany.

Today: Syracuse RHPs Craig Stammen (0-0, 5.68) & Erik Arnesen (1-2, 4.79) at Gwinnett (pitchers TBA) 6:05PM

Harrisburg let a passed ball and throwing error in the bottom of the eighth lead to four unearned runs on a 6-3 loss at New Britain (box/gamer). LHP Aaron Thompson was solid in his six innings of work, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks with one strikeout. RHP Cole Kimball allowed the four unearned runs on three hits and a walk with three strikeouts in his two innings. A passed ball on Sean Rooney on the third strike compounded by a throwing error opened the floodgates for New Britain. SS Danny Espinosa’s streak of games with a home run was snapped at three as he went 0/3 with a walk & run scored; 1B Chris Marrero was 2/4 with a double; and 3B Tim Pahuta was 1/4 with a two-run homer.

Today: Harrisburg LHP Ross Detwiler (0-0, 2.45) at Bowie RHP Chorye Spoone (5-5, 3.75) 7:05PM

Potomac broke out the lumber (though only three extra base hits) in a 13-4 win at Myrtle Beach (box). 2B Stephen Lombardozzi was 2/6 with a run & RBI; RF Michael Burgess was 2/5 with two runs; CA Derek Norris was 2/3 with two runs & one RBI; 1B Tyler Moore was 2/5 with a double, run & RBI; CF Nick Moresi was 4/5 with two doubles, three runs, & three RBI; and DH Brian Peacock was 2/5 with two runs scored. RHP Adrian Alaniz was the beneficiary of this offense and gave the P-Nats eight innings, allowing just one run on two hits and a walk with six strikeouts.

Today: Lynchburg RHP Mark Serrano (2-4, 3.62) at Potomac RHP Brad Peacock (1-8, 4.87) 7:05PM

Hagerstown dropped the series opener at West Virginia 7-5 (box/gamer). LHP Dan Rosenbaum gave up four runs (three earned) on five hits and three walks over 5IP with one strikeout. 2B Jeff Kobernus was 1/4; LF/3B Justin Bloxom was 1/4 with a double, run & RBI; DH J.P. Ramirez was 2/4 with a two-run home run; RF/LF Destin Hood was 2/4 with a run scored; and CF J.R. Higley was 2/4 with one RBI.

Today: Hagerstown LHP Mitchell Clegg (7-0, 2.95) at West Virginia RHP Phillip Irwin (1-0, 1.71) 7:05PM

Vermont kicks their season off tonight at home against Lowell. Notes: Apparently, the Nationals have signed one more from the 2010 draft and an additional undrafted free agent. OF Rick Hughes, a 29th round draft pick from Marin Community College, has been added to the roster along with RHP Shane Zellers. A quick Google search finds that Zellers is a starting pitcher from Alvernia University in Reading, PA.

Today: Lowell HP Mendez (NR) at Vermont RHP Taylor Jordan (NR) 7:05PM

The GCL Nationals roster has still not been released. Their season starts on Monday.

The DSL Nationals rallied for five runs in the top of the ninth to defeat the DSL Cubs2 5-2 (box). RHP Adalberto Mieses allowed two runs on four hits and five walks over 5IP with three strikeouts. RHP Karin Burgos struck out two in his two scoreless innings of relief and RHP Inocencio Heredia earned his third save with a scoreless ninth. CA Adderling Ruiz was 1/3 with a double & two RBI.

Today: DSL Nationals at DSL Marlins 10:30AM

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Wilkamania is Runnin’ Wild

Forgive the fanboy in me coming out, but head over to Byron Kerr and MASNSports.com for “Wilkie Closer to Nats Call

They didn’t want him to go too long because the Chiefs value him as a reliever in several situations. They use him as a long reliever that can give them multiple innings, so when they need a spot starter, Josh can fit the bill.

I’ve been to Nationals Park for the MLB debut of Stephen Strasburg and the home debut of Drew Storen. But I just may be most anxious to see the MLB debut of Josh Wilkie.

Just for fun …

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Bits & Pieces

Andy Seiler gives the Nats draft an A- at MLB Bonus Baby.

Sean Hogan has reviewed both the signed and unsigned Nationals draft picks.

John Sickels reviews the Nats draft.

Chris Needham talks about the Nats “trade” for Drew Storen.

There should be a new Natmosphere in Your Ear talking draft up some time today.

I will be doing regular spots talking minor leagues on Monday’s at 6:15PM on Nats Weekly on the Prime Sports Network. They archive the audio there if you have any interest.

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Across the Affiliates 06/17/10

Syracuse was off on Wednesday. The Chiefs will complete a game from 5/8 suspended by rain prior to their regularly scheduled match up.

Today: Syracuse at Gwinnett 6:05PM [pitchers TBA]

Harrisburg swept a doubleheader at New Britain, winning the first game 4-1 (box) and the second game 11-6 (box/gamer). SS Danny Espinosa provided the power in both games of the doubleheader, going 3/4 with a double, stolen base,  two-run homer, & three RBI in the first game & 2/3 with a solo homer & two RBI in the nightcap; Espinosa has now homered in three consecutive games. 1B Chris Marrero was 2/4 with a solo homer in the first game and 3/4 with two runs scored as the DH in the second game. Jhonathan Solano was 1/3 as the DH in the first game. Josh Johnson was 1/4 with two runs scored as the 2B/3B in the first game & 2/4 with two doubles & four RBI as the 3B in the second. 2B Michael Martinez was 2/3 with two RBI & three runs scored in game two. And, 1B Tim Pahuta was 2/3 with two doubles, two runs & three RBI. RHP Jason Jones started the first game, allowing two hits over four scoreless innings while striking out three with a no-decision. RHP Adam Carr earned the win despite allowing the only run on two hits and two walks over 1 1/3IP and RHP Zech Zinicola picked up his sixth save with a scoreless seventh. LHP Chuck James gave up three runs on three hits over 4IP and RHP Rafael Martin picked up the win, allowing three runs on five hits over 2IP.

Today: Harrisburg LHP Aaron Thompson (2-9, 7.05) at New Britain RHP David Bromberg (4-4, 3.54) 6:35PM

Potomac managed only three hits in an 8-0 loss at Myrtle Beach (box). CA Derek Norris was 1/4 & SS Jose Lozada was 2/3. The P-Nats struck out a combined fourteen times. LHP Evan Bronson took the loss allowing five runs on nine hits and a walk over 4 2/3IP.

Today: Potomac RHP Adrian Alaniz (1-3, 3.86) at Myrtle Beach LHP Matt Crim (4-4, 3.80) 7:05PM

Hagerstown swept a doubleheader at Asheville, winning the first game 5-4 (box) and the second game 5-2 (box/gamer). Justin Bloxom led the team offensively, going 2/4 with a two-run homer & three RBI in the first game and 4/4 with a double, two-run homer & three RBI in game two. Francisco Soriano was 3/3 with a double & solo homer in the first game and 1/3 with a double & two runs scored in game two. Steve Souza was 2/4 with one RBI in game one. 2B Jeff Kobernus was 0/3 with a walk & run scored and 1/4 with a stolen base & run scored in game two. Destin Hood was 1/4 in game one and J.P.Ramirez was 2/3 with a double and run scored. LHP Grahm Hicks started the first game, allowing four runs on eight hits and three walks over 4IP and RHP Luis Garcia earned the win with three scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out three. RHP Paul Demny started the second game, earning his fifth win allowing two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out four. RHP Dean Weaver returned from the DL, pitching a scoreless inning of relief. RHP Rob Wort earned the save, striking out two in the seventh inning.

Today: Hagerstown LHP Dan Rosenbaum (1-3, 1.97) at West Virginia RHP Jason Erickson (5-3, 2.59) 7:05PM

Vermont starts their season tomorrow evening at home at 7:05PM against Lowell.

The GCL Nationals begin their season on Monday at home (12:05PM) against the GCL Cardinals.

The DSL Nationals were torched 11-0 by the DSL Giants (box). RHP Silvio Medina allowed five runs (three earned) on seven hits and two walks over 5IP with four strikeouts. The DSL Nationals managed only two hits, a single by CF Edgar Gonzalez and a double by CA Kelvin Rodriguez.

Today: DSL Nationals at DSL Cubs 10:30AM

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Across the Affiliates 06/16/10

Syracuse rallied from a 4-1 deficit to defeat Charlotte 5-4 (box/gamer). RHP Jeff Mandel allowed four runs on six hits (including two homers) and a walk over 5IP while striking out four. RHP Mike MacDougal walked two and allowed one hit over two scoreless innings, picking up the win. RHP Joel Peralta earned his 19th save with a scoreless ninth. RF Kevin Mench was 1/5 with a solo homer; 2B Chase Lambin was 1/3 with a solo homer; CA Jamie Burke was 2/4 with a run & two RBI; and CF Justin Maxwell was 1/3 with a double & run scored.

Today: No game scheduled

SS Danny Espinosa (1/5) hit a grand slam home run leading Harrisburg to a 5-1 win at New Britain (box/gamer). 1B Chris Marrero was 2/4 with a double & run scored; 2B Michael Martinez was 2/4 with a double; and 3B Tim Pahuta was 2/3 with a run scored. RHP Andrew Kown picked up the win allowing a run on eight hits over 6 2/3IP.

Today: Harrisburg RHP Jason Jones (1-2, 5.71) & LHP Chuck James (3-0, 0.00) at New Britain LHP Tyler Robertson (0-5, 4.83) & RHP Kyle Gibson (3-2, 3.65) 5:05PM

Potomac fell 7-6 to Myrtle Beach in 12 innings (box/gamer). RHP Trevor Holder allowed three runs on eight hits over 5IP while striking out three. LHP Clayton Dill took the loss, allowing a run on a solo homer in his two innings of relief, striking out two. RF Michael Burgess was 1/5 with a solo homer; CF Chris Curran was 3/6 with a double, stolen base & two runs scored; CA Derek Norris was 0/3 with two walks & a run scored; and 1B Bill Rhinehart was 1/5 with a double & three RBI.

Today: Potomac LHP Evan Bronson (2-4, 3.60) at Myrtle Beach RHP Julio Teheran (2-1, 1.69) 7:05PM

Hagerstown’s game at Asheville was postponed by rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader (two seven inning games) starting at 5:35PM.

Today: Hagerstown LHP Mitchell Clegg (7-0, 2.95) & TBA at Asheville LHP Tyler Matzek (0-0, 1.83) & TBA 5:35PM

Vermont’s 2010 roster has been announced, I’ve updated the Big Board. The Monsters season begins on Friday at home against Lowell.

The DSL Nationals game with the DSL Orioles2 has not been updated on MiLB.com.

Today: DSL Giants at DSL Nationals 10:30AM

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Across the Affiliates 06/15/10

Syracuse fell 4-2 to Charlotte (box). LHP Matt Chico allowed four runs on six hits (two homers) and a walk over 6IP with six strikeouts.. RHP Collin Balester pitched 1 2/3 perfect innings of relief. LF Boomer Whiting was 2/4 with his 10th stolen base and a run scored; CF Justin Maxwell was 2/4 with a double; 3B Leonard Davis was 1/3 with a solo homer and stolen base.

Today: Syracuse RHP Jeff Mandel (2-2, 4.13) at Charlotte RHP Carlos Torres (4-5, 3.46) 7:15PM

Harrisburg was off on Monday.

Today: Harrisburg RHP Andrew Kown (1-2, 4.05) at New Britain RHP Deolis Guerra (1-2, 2.41) 6:35PM

Potomac was off on Monday.

Today: Potomac at Myrtle Beach 7:05PM (pitchers TBA)

Hagerstown dropped an 8-3 decision at Asheville (box/gamer). 2B Jeff Kobernus was 3/4 with a a pair of doubles and a run scored; 1B Justin Bloxom was 1/3 with a solo homer; PH/DH Brett Newsome was 2/3 with a double & run scored; and SSFrancisco Soriano was 2/5. LHP Josh Smoker fell to 0-7 on the season, surrendering five runs on five hits (including two homers) and four walks while striking out eight.

Today: Hagerstown LHP Mitchell Clegg (7-0, 2.95) at Asheville LHP Tyler Matzek (0-0, 1.83) 7:05PM

Vermont should announce their opening day roster today. I’ll have a post up as soon as I know the official roster. Vermont’s season opens this Friday at home against Lowell.

The GCL Nationals season begins on Monday 6/21. There is not typically a press release with the GCL roster, but I’ll see what I can find out.

RHPs Wirkin Estevez & Inocencio Heredia combined on a one-hitter as the DSL Nationals defeated the DSL Phillies 1-0 (box). Estevez allowed one hit and hit one batter over 7IP while striking out seven to pick up the win and Heredia earned the save with two hit-less innings of relief (he did hit one batter) while striking out two. RF Victor Chavez was 1/3 with a stolen base and RBI and SS Wilmer Difo was 1/4 … the only two DSL Nats hits.

Today: DSL Nationals at DSL Orioles 10:30AM

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Nationals Agree to Terms with 22 from Draft

The Nationals have signed the following 22 players from the 2010 draft:

  • 5th rd SS Jason Martinson
  • 6th rd CA Cole Leonida
  • 9th rd RHP Aaron Barrett
  • 10th rd SS Blake Kelso
  • 11th rd RHP Neil Holland
  • 13th rd RHP Chris McKenzie
  • 15th rd CA David Freitas
  • 16th rd RHP Mark Herrera
  • 17th rd RHP Tyler Hanks
  • 18th rd 2B Justin Miller
  • 19th rd CF Wade Miller
  • 20th rd RF Chad Mozingo
  • 22nd rd RHP Cameron Selik
  • 23rd rd RHP Colin Bates
  • 25th rd LHP Christian Meza
  • 26th rd LHP Christopher Manno
  • 31st rd CA Jeremy Mayo
  • 33rd rd LHP Ryan Sherriff
  • 35th rd 1B Tyler Oliver
  • 37th rd LHP Nick Serino
  • 41st rd RHP Kevin Cahill
  • 49th rd OF Dimetrius Hatcher

That’s 12 pitchers, five from Junior College (out of six total … only remaining unsigned 38th rd LHP Nick Lee) and seven from college (out of ten total … remaining unsigned are 2nd rd LHP Sammy Solis, 8th rd LHP Matt Grace [still playing in College World Series], and 27th rd RHP Sean Hoelscher). There are also seven unsigned high school pitchers.

The 10 hitters signed included two of their eight junior college draftees (naturally, Bryce Harper is the highest unsigned draft pick) and eight of the fourteen college draftees (remaining unsigned include 3rd rd SS Rick Hague, the Texas trio of OF Kevin Keyes [7], DH Russell Moldenhauer [24], & OF Connor Rowe [21], and 14th rd VA Tech SS Tim Smalling)

They additionally signed the following undrafted free agents: shortstop Mills Rogers (Carson-Newman College) and right-handed pitchers Tim Dupuis (Assumption College), Mike Gallo (Milligan College), Zach Gerler (Austin Peay University) and Ben Graham (Emporia State) as non-drafted free agents.

Rogers was a senior at Carson-Newman … he batted 378/448/637 with 10 homers, 58 RBI, and 8/11 SB

Dupuis was the closer for Assumption College … 25 games (led team and conference) (0 starts), 28.2 innings, 25 hits allowed, 14 runs allowed, 12 earned runs allowed, 8 walks, 31 strike outs, 3-2 record, 11 saves (team record & second in conference) 3.77 era… National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association preseason all-American… Northeast-10 Conference Second Team

Gallo was senior reliever for Milligan College

Gerler was the closer for Austin Peay

Graham was a starter for Emporia State

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Roster Moves

The Nationals promoted RHP Trevor Holder from Hagerstown to Potomac, placing RHP Patrick Lehman on the 7-day DL. Reportedly joining the roster in Hagerstown is LHP Graham Hicks.

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Strasburg Named NL Player of Week

Not a bad way to start a career. The press release in its entirety follows:

Washington Nationals rookie right-hander Stephen Strasburg has been named Bank of America Presents the National League Player of the Week for the period of June 7-13, 2010. Bank of America, the Official Bank of Major League Baseball, is the presenting sponsor of the National League and American League Player of the Week Awards, which reflect Bank of America’s long-standing tradition of promoting and recognizing higher standards of accomplishment.

In his first week in the Major Leagues, Strasburg led all hurlers with 22 strikeouts en route to posting a 2-0 record with a 2.19 ERA. The rookie flamethrower scattered six hits over 12.1 innings of work while walking five. In his Major League debut on June 8th, the top overall pick of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft dazzled, fanning a Nationals record 14 hitters in 7.0 innings without a walk and leading the Nats to a 5-2 victory over visiting Pittsburgh. Strasburg’s total of 14 strikeouts was eclipsed by only two others pitchers in their Major League debuts, behind only Houston’s J.R. Richard (9/5/71 at SF) and Brooklyn’s Karl Spooner (9/22/54 vs. NYG), both of whom struck out 15 in their maiden big-league assignments. The San Diego native became just the fourth rookie to fan 14 or more in a single game without issuing a walk, joining Roger Clemens (16 SO on 8/21/84 vs. KC), Dwight Gooden (16 SO on both 9/12/84 vs. PIT and 9/17/84 at PHI), and Kerry Wood (20 SO on 6/6/98 vs. HOU). On Sunday, the San Diego State product tossed 5.1 innings of two-hit ball while striking out eight and earning the win in his first road start, a 9-4 Interleague victory at Cleveland. Strasburg retired the first two Cleveland hitters on strikeouts, extending his consecutive strikeout streak to nine dating back to his debut start and marking the first time this season that a starter has fanned nine consecutive batters.

Other nominees this past week included Stephen’s teammate Adam Dunn (.455, 4 HR, 1.091 SLG); Cincinnati’s Brandon Phillips (.538, 14 H, 6 R), Jonny Gomes (2 HR, 11 RBI), Scott Rolen (.500, 12 H, 5 RBI) and Arthur Rhodes (0.00, extended M.L.-best 26 scoreless innings streak); Marlon Byrd (.500, 2 HR, 13 H, .767 SLG), Ryan Theriot (.344, 7 R, 5 SB) and Ted Lilly (1-0, 16 IP, 0.56 ERA) of the Chicago Cubs; Florida’s Chris Coghlan (.450, 3 2B, .542 OBP); San Diego’s Adrian Gonzalez (.400, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 5 R) and Wade LeBlanc (2-0, 0.69, 13.0 IP); San Francisco’s Aubrey Huff (.348, 3 HR, 7 RBI) and Matt Cain (2-0, 0.56, 9 SO); and Colorado’s Jason Hammel (2-0, 0.00, 9 SO).

The Bank of America Presents the National League Player of the Week, Stephen Strasburg, is awarded a watch courtesy of Game Time, the leader in licensed sports watches, available at MLB.com.

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