Nationals Farm Authority

The trade deadline is only three days away and the name that most Nationals fans have heard discussed most often is 1B Adam Dunn and the team most often linked to Dunn is the Chicago White Sox. Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com reported yesterday that

Any deal for Dunn would have to include Daniel Hudson, the White Sox’s top pitching prospect. The Nationals also want one of three White Sox prospects: catcher Tyler Flowers, outfielder Jordan Danks or injured infielder Brent Morel

Who are these four guys?

• RHP Dan Hudson (FutureSox scouting report)- 23-year old, 6’4″ 220-lb starting pitcher was the Whit Sox #3 prospect according to Baseball America’s pre-season rankings. According to BA, his strengths are “Hudson throws three solid pitches from a three-quarters arm slot with a crossfire delivery, a la Jered Weaver. His motion gives him natural deception, making his lively 91-93 mph fastball seem even quicker. His second-best pitch is his changeup, which elicits swings and misses. He also has a low-80s slider with average tilt, and he occasionally throws a slow curve. He pounds the strike zone and commands his fastball to both sides of the plate.” but that is countered with concerns that his delivery can get out of whack. From everything I’ve read, he projects best as a #3 or 4 starter. He was 11-4 with 108K and 31 BB over 93 1/3IP in Triple-A and has been 1-1 with a 6.32 ERA, 14K and 11B in 15 2/3 major league innings in 2010. You can slot him in at #3 or 4 in the Nats current rotation (and higher if Strasburg is out for any extended time).
• CA Tyler Flowers (FutureSox scouting report)- 24-year old, 6’4″ 220-lb right-handed catcher. Flowers was ranked as the Sox #2 overall pre-season prospect by BA. Their description of his strengths, “Flowers combines light-tower power with plate discipline, making it easy to project his bat into the middle of a big league lineup. He generates his pop through his strength and size, and he has good hand-eye coordination and advanced pitch recognition. Pitchers like throwing to him because he’s a good communicator and works hard on gameplans. Managers rated him the top defensive catcher in the Double-A Southern League last year. He has an average arm and has improved his footwork and release, thowing out 29 percent of basestealers last year.” Thus far in 2010, he is hitting 217/327/453 in 79 games for Triple-A Charlotte with 16 homers and 49 RBI; he’s struck out 104 time and walked 40 times over 276AB. He could immediately replace Wil Nieves as the backup catcher and provide the Nationals a healthy option as #2 for 2011.
• 3B Brent Morel (FutureSox socuting report)- 23-year old, 6’2″ 220-lb right-handed 3B. BA had him as the Sox #4 pre-season prospect. BA’s strengths, “Morel is a manager’s dream, with solid tools, outstanding instincts and a blue-collar work ethic. He’s one of the system’s top pure hitters, making good contact with a compact, line-drive swing. He has excellent pitch recognition and attacks fastballs. He has the power to hit 15 homers per year, and could show more as he matures. He runs well enough for a third baseman and is a good baserunner, but he doesn’t project as a basestealer. He’s a natural third baseman with first-step quickness and a plus arm.” A drawback is his lack of power for a corner IF. He started the season in Double-A where he hit 326/376/440 over 49G and has to date, hit 279/317/402 in Triple-A. Obviously, playing 3B is out of the question, what would be interesting is whether or not Morel could play 2B.
• OF Jordan Danks (FutureSox scouting report) – 6’4″ 210-lb left-handed hitting outfielder. BA had him as the Sox pre-season #5 prospect. BA’s strengths “Danks is an excellent athlete and a hard-nosed player. He’s a natural hitter with good bat speed, gap power, surprising bunting ability and above-average speed. He has the range and instincts to play center field, and he also has a solid-average arm.” He’s battled injuries but could be a solid major league regular center fielder. He is currently listed on the DL, hitting 243/314/377 with 6 homers and 32 RBI in Triple-A. Assuming he’s healthy, he’s a viable option for center in 2011.

I was a big fan of the Gordon Beckham rumors, but also realized there was very little chance of that happening. The White Sox would be crazy to trade their starting 2B for Dunn. The comparison that needs to be made is Dunn versus the potential for two draft picks (this assumes he does not sign an extension).

Hudson and any one of the three above guys is a better return (or more accurately, a known quantity) than the two draft picks they’d receive. The picks we are looking at are likely to be one pick in the #15-30 range (most likely) and one pick in the #31-35 range. If you were to tell me the Nationals could choose from a #4 starting pitcher in the majors and a backup catcher for 2011-2014 or two unknown picks that may develop into something better than that but could also turn into guys that top out in the Sally League, I’ll go with the known quantities.

All that being said, my first preference is extending Dunn for no more than three years. If he isn’t willing to agree to a 3-year deal, I’d strongly consider the offer of Hudson plus one of those three to the unknown of the two draft picks. And the order of preference would be: Flowers, Morel & Danks.

Two reasons to go to the Pfitz on Saturday July 3

First, RHSP Jordan Zimmermann will be making a rehab start.

Second, the P-Nats are holding their Silent Auction during their game against Wilmington which starts at 6:35PM

Here are the items available for bid at the auction:

1. Washington Nationals Autographed MLB Authenticated Team Baseball (Jason Bergmann, Roger Bernadina, Brian Bruney, Sean Burnett, Matt Capps, Tyler Clippard, Ian Desmond, Ross Detwiler, Adam Dunn, Jesus Flores, Christian Guzman, Willie Harris, John Lannan, Jason Marquis, Garrett Mock, Nyjer Morgan, Scott Olsen, Jim Riggleman, Craig Stammen, Drew Storen, Stephen Strasburg, Chien-Ming Wang, and Josh Willingham)
2. Stephen Strasburg Autographed Team USA Photo
3. Drew Storen Autographed Stanford Photo
4. Drew Storen Autographed Washington Nationals 1st Pitch Photo
5. Washington Nationals Shortstop Ian Desmond Autographed MLB Baseball
6. Washington Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman Autographed MLB Baseball
7. Washington Nationals Pitcher Drew Storen Autographed MLB Baseball
8. Washington Nationals Pitcher Chien Ming Wang Autographed MLB Baseball
9. Washington Nationals 1st Baseman Adam Dunn Autographed MLB Baseball
10. Washington Nationals Pitcher Jason Marquis Autographed MLB Baseball
11. Washington Nationals 3rd Baseman Ryan Zimmerman Autographed MLB Baseball
12. Washington Nationals Pitcher John Lannan Autographed MLB Baseball
13. Washington Nationals Pitcher Brian Bruney Autographed MLB Baseball
14. Washington Nationals Outfielder Josh Willingham Autographed MLB Baseball
15. Washington Nationals Outfielder Nyjer Morgan Autographed MLB Baseball
16. Washington Nationals Pticher Stephen Strasberg Autographed MLB Baseball
17. Washington Nationals Catcher Ivan Rodriguez Autographed MLB Baseball
18. Frank Howard Autographed Nationals Batting Helmet
19. Frank Howard Autographed 8×10 Photo
20. Frank Howard Autographed MLB Baseball
21. Ryan Zimmerman Autographed Mini-Base
22. Ian Desmond Autographed Mini-Base
23. Ivan Rodriguez Autographed Mini-Base
24. Brian Bruney Autographed Mini-Base
25. Nyjer Morgan Autographed Mini-Base
26. John Lannan Autographed Mini-Base
27. Jason Marquis Autographed Mini-Base
28. Drew Storen Autographed Mini-Base
29. Rob Dibble Autographed Mini-Base
30. Danny Espinosa Autographed Mini-Base
31. Roy Halladay Perfect Game Ticket
32. Negro League Baseball Autographed by Fred Battle, Willie Fordham, Bruno DiMartile, Ed Nork, Jim Weedon, Leo Burnette, Roosevelt Taylor, Eddie Banks, Jimmy Bland, Pedro Sierra, Al Burrows, and Luther Atkinson
33. Drew Storen 4×6 Autographed Photo Card
34. Jim Riggleman 4×6 Autographed Photo Card
35. John Lannan 4×6 Autographed Photo Card
36. Jason Marquis 4×6 Autographed Photo Card
37. Josh Willingham 4×6 Autographed Photo Card
38. Nyjer Morgan 4×6 Autographed Photo Card
39. Rob Dibble 4×6 Autographed Photo Card
40. Danny Espinosa 4×6 Autographed Photo Card
41. 2010 Carolina Team Balls Autographed by Potomac Nationals, Frederick Keys, Wilmington Blue Rocks, Lynchburg Hillcats, Salem Red Sox, Winston-Salem Dash, Kinston Indians, and Myrtle Beach Pelicans
42. Rob Dibble Autographed 8×10 Photo
43. Washington Nationals Pitcher John Lannan Autographed Bobblehead

I’m passing on Strasmas 6 at Nats Park for Zimmermann’s rehab start

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.

Nationals Park was as loud as I have ever heard it as RHP Stephen Strasburg struck out Andy LaRoche … his 14th of the game (a new Nats record) … seventh in a row (tying a Nats record [Chris Schroder of all people]) … eight of his last nine. He ended up one strikeout short of tying the record for a major league debut (15) … by J.R. Richard and Karl Spooner (according to the Sporting News record book).

When Strasburg went back to the mound for the top of the seventh, I figured that he was going to get a batter, maybe two and then enjoy the standing ovation as he left the mound. Instead, I saw Strasburg as sharp as he was at any point in the game. He struck out Garrett Jones, Delwyn Young, and LaRoche to finish his major league debut with seven innings pitched; four hits; two runs (resultant of a two-run HR by Young); fourteen strikeouts and no walks. He threw 94 pitches, 65 of them for strikes. After a couple of early deep counts, he settled down and made the Pirates look bad with a mixture of 98-99 mph fastballs and filthy breaking pitches.

If possible, Strasburg was better than expected and an electric Nationals Park got to see one damn impressive major league debut.

Update: Nationals ended up getting Strasburg a 5-2 win his debut. One quick comment from the press conference … Strasburg did not look at a scouting report prior to tonight’s game against the Pirates

Some guy named Strasburg is #1

Now that it appears that Stephen Strasburg is ready for the majors, I wanted to take a look an see how his starts might map out over the next few months.

First, here is a calendar tracking the schedules of both Washington and Syracuse.

I figure the Nationals are lining up Strasburg to make his major league debut at home some time during the June 4-10 homestand against Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. It makes sense from a business standpoint to have Strasburg debut at home (see CapPun).

Here are two ways things may play out …

Scenario One: He stays on his regular turn, going every fifth game.

• at Pawtucket on 5/17
• VS TOLEDO on 5/22
• at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on 5/27
• at Buffalo on 6/1
• VS CINCINNATI on 6/6 [MLB debut]
• at Cleveland on 6/12
• VS CHICAGO (AL) on 6/18
• VS KANSAS CITY on 6/23
• at Atlanta on 6/29
• VS NEW YORK (NL) on 7/4
• VS SAN FRANCISCO on 7/10

That’s not bad. They get one more home start for Strasburg in Syracuse and five of his first seven at Nationals Park, including a 4th of July showdown with the Mets.

Scenario Two: Throw in some extra days of rest.

• at Rochester on 5/18 (+1 day of rest has been rumored)
• VS TOLEDO on 5/23
• VS SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE on 5/29 (+1 day of rest)
• VS CINCINNATI on 6/4 (+1 day of rest for his MLB debut)
• VS PITTSBURGH on 6/10 (gets an extra day due to an off day on 6/7)
• at Detroit on 6/16 (an off-day for the Nats is included)
• VS KANSAS CITY on 6/21
• at Baltimore on 6/27 (an off-day for the Nats is included)
• VS NEW YORK (NL) on 7/2
• VS SAN DIEGO on 7/8 (an off-day for the Nats is included)

Once again, the Nats get five of his first seven major league starts at home, but they have Strasburg facing the Pirates instead of the White Sox (Chicago seems likely to draw better). And he also wouldn’t face the Mets on July 4 which is likely to draw regardless of who may be pitching. The added benefits here are an extra home start for the fans in Syracuse along with a benefit for DC fans, having Strasburg start up the road in Baltimore vice down in Atlanta (plus it throws a bone to MASN).

The only wild card I could see is this schedule

• at Rochester on 5/18 (+1 day of rest)
• vs Toledo on 5/24 (+1 day of rest)
• at San Diego on 5/30 (MLB debut at home for Strasburg)
• VS CINCINNATI on 6/4
• VS PITTSBURGH on 6/10 (gets an extra day due to an off 0n day on 6/7)
• at Detroit on 6/16 (an off-day for the Nats is included)
• VS KANSAS CITY on 6/21
• at Baltimore on 6/27 (an off-day for the Nats is included)
• VS NEW YORK (NL) on 7/2
• VS SAN DIEGO on 7/8 (an off-day for the Nats is included)

Would the Nationals give Strasburg the chance to debut in his hometown?

Baseball America’s weekly minor league transactions have the Nats both releasing and signing Josh Johnson.

Once again, not the pitching Johnson.

They released the catching Johnson they signed a few weeks back and signed a corner infielder Johnson. This Johnson had spent his career in the Royals organization, topping out at Double-A.

Also among the list of transactions was a series of releases, helping me to clear up a few of my outstanding placements of unassigned players.

• Released: RHP Ryan Speier, C Scott Thomas, 2B Greg Veloz, 3B Angel Gonzalez, 3B Yeurys Tejeda, SS Dani Arias, OF Carl Loadenthal, OF Pedro Powell, OF Jay Sferra, OF Sean Smith

Speier, Gonzalez, Loadenthal, Powell, and Smith were off-season minor league free agent signings.

I did not even know they had signed Thomas

Veloz was acquired from the Mets in exchange for Anderson Hernandez last year. Veloz played briefly in Potomac & Harrisburg in 2009.

Sferra was a 31st round draft pick last year as a senior out of UNLV. He played for the Monsters in 2009.

And, Tejeda & Arias were two 2006 international free agent signings. Tejeda split time between the GCL and Vermont while Arias spent the whole season in Vermont.

I have also learned that pitcher Will Atwood and catcher Travis Reagan have both retired.

Spoke with the Nationals and was told that minor league rosters will likely be announced this weekend. I’ll keep everyone posted on the information and post it once I receive it.

The Nationals optioned RHP Luis Atilano to Triple-A Syracuse reducing their spring training roster to 35.

The Post Standard offers a glimpse into the 2010 opening day roster for the Chiefs:

Position players such as outfielders Kevin Mench and Justin Maxwell, infielders Seth Bynum, Pete Orr, Chase Lambin, Chris Duncan and Josh Whitesell, and catchers Chris Coste and Carlos Maldonaldo, already are ticketed to Syracuse.

Starting pitchers Collin Balester, Shairon Martis, Matt Chico and J.D. Martin, who was optioned to Syracuse on Wednesday, are set to take their place in the rotation in front of relievers Joel Peralta, Andrew Kown, Josh Wilkie and Atahualpa Severino.

That’s two catchers, a starting infield (less a shortstop), and 2/3 of an outfield along with four starters and four relievers. I’d imagine that Eric Bruntlett and possibly Roger Bernadina are likely to join Syracuse along with Garrett Mock, Doug Slaten, Mike MacDougal, Luis Atilano, & Jesse English. That puts the Chiefs at 24 players. And that still leaves quite a few names who should be Triple-A unassigned (Zech Zinicola, Mike Daniel to name a couple).