Just out from the Nationals …
The Washington Nationals today announced they have agreed to terms on professional contracts with infielder Jean Valdez (16 years old), outfielder Jose Norberto (18) and right-handed pitchers Cleto Brazoban (17), Vidal Paredes (18) and George Rosa (19) from the Dominican Republic. Nationals Director of Scouting Dana Brown made the announcement.
“We are excited to add these five promising players to our player development system,” said Brown. “Valdez is the prized signing of the group. He is an exceptional hitter who projects as a potential middle-of-the-order bat with power and plate discipline. We are grateful to have the support of ownership, giving us the resources to sign international players of this caliber.”
Brown and National Crosschecker and Special Assistant to the General Manager Deric Ladnier recently scouted these players at the Rawlings Foundation Complex in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic.
We knew about Valdez and Brazoban (heard name as Cabral).
#1 by Ronny/Daggerrrrrr - August 10th, 2009 at 14:04
If everything goes well with Valdez development can he be another Miguel Carbrera and if not, who is the one player in MLB he could be like?
#2 by Brian Oliver - August 10th, 2009 at 14:10
Absolutely no idea. I’d only be guessing. Reports say his glove makes him a 3B or corner OF. Cabrera seems a very lofty comp.
#3 by Ronny/Daggerrrrrr - August 10th, 2009 at 14:20
You know me. I like to think big.
#4 by Ronny/Daggerrrrrr - August 10th, 2009 at 14:27
Brian ? Was Hanley Ramirez a well known prospect when the RedSox signed him.
#5 by Brian Oliver - August 10th, 2009 at 14:33
IIRC, he was a low six-figures guy
#6 by Nick - August 10th, 2009 at 14:33
Hi Brian. With all the trades,signings and coach and management overhauls that have taken place at both the major and minor league level, what is your opinion of the farm system from a player developmental point of view? Are our scouts and coaches well respected throughout the league?
#7 by Brian Oliver - August 10th, 2009 at 14:38
Nick – That is the million dollar question. I think there are some examples of well-respected guys and guys notsomuch.
The thing is that it seems pretty certain there is going to be some upheaval this off-season.
If Rizzo stays, I have to imagine he’ll want to bring his guys in.
If it’s someone else, the same thing holds true.
#8 by Nick - August 10th, 2009 at 14:45
Thanks Brian. Just curious – who are the current “notsomuch” ones you are hinting at?
#9 by Brian Oliver - August 10th, 2009 at 14:46
I’d prefer not to put those names out there. Just piecing things together from stuff I’ve heard.
#10 by Will - August 10th, 2009 at 14:51
Thanks Brian. Do you have any info on these new names? I can’t imagine they’re too highly sought after, as most kids from the DR with any promise usually sign before they’re 18-19, right?
#11 by Brian Oliver - August 10th, 2009 at 14:53
New names, no.
I’ll ask around but not sure what we’ll uncover
#12 by Nick - August 10th, 2009 at 14:54
I understand. I guess we’ll have to wait to see how the off season plays out. At least the talent level seems to have improved throughout the minors. Last question.Would you keep Rizzo around as G.M?
#13 by Brian Oliver - August 10th, 2009 at 14:58
Personally? I’d say yes. He’s been here so it would involve the least disruption in terms of a new face/voice. He has the scouting chops and is respected by his colleagues from all reports.
Whomever is the choice is GM, I want that person to have the ability to bring in their people. None of this carryover stuff. If they need to empty out everyone and start from scratch, so be it. I am just tired of cobbled together staffs of four of this tegime’s guys plus two of some other sprinkled with a sampling of a third person’s
#14 by Nick - August 10th, 2009 at 15:14
What area is it like this now – scouting, coaching or management? It sounds like a far more divided organzation than i suspected.
#15 by Brian Oliver - August 10th, 2009 at 15:18
I think the problem I see is that there are holdovers from Montreal, Bowden holdovers, and Kasten guys intermixed. I’d prefer the GM be given the power to assemble a cadre of people that all are of the same thinking as him.
The organization needs to ensure that the “plan” (I hate using that word) at the major league level is identical to that in the GCL and DSL from management to coaching
#16 by Nick - August 10th, 2009 at 15:21
Great post. Thanks for your input.
#17 by Wallyball - August 10th, 2009 at 16:41
Brian – do you think that there is any chance that Kasten is holding off giving the permanent GM title to Rizzo due to Strasburg? I do not mean this as a baseball decision, but a PR one. If Strasburg doesn’t sign, he brings in someone else? Not blaming it on Rizzo, per se, but showing that he is making changes?
I would hope not, but I cannot completely dismiss it. My gut tells me he would prefer a more established guy like Hunsicker any way.
#18 by Pilchard - August 10th, 2009 at 17:40
If there is one issue that is out of Rizzo’s hands, it is the Strasburg signing. Like the attempt to land Texiera, the Strasburg negotiations will come down to a Boras/Kasten and Lerners negotiation. Rizzo will not have much to do with whether or not Strasburg signs.
#19 by Wallyball - August 10th, 2009 at 19:32
Pilchard – I know, I didn’t mean to say that it would be based on substance, just a PR move to try to deflect some heat in a worst case scenario.
#20 by waytogoClint - August 10th, 2009 at 21:30
Clint Everts promoted to AAA!!! Happy birthday Clint…. and wata birthday it is!!!
08-10-1984
You have pitched an outstanding season thus far!!! Congrats!! Good Luck at AAA!!!
6-1 SV: 6 ERA: 1.28 IP: 49.1 SO: 57 WHIP: 1.09 AVG: .201
#21 by Wallyball - August 10th, 2009 at 22:18
Buster Olney chat today. I am officially grasping at straws now.
Greg (D.C.)
Any word on the Nats signing Strasburg? I’m assuming it’s either going to be 11:59 at the deadline or holding out until next year for Boras?
Buster Olney (1:32 PM)
Greg: Today, I heard the first positive vibe of the summer in regards to the Strasburg-Nationals negotiations … Nothing really concrete, but some optimism that it will get done. We’ll see.