Syracuse split a doubleheader with Toledo, winning game one 5-0 (box) and losing game two 3-1 (box). In the first game, RHP Andrew Kown moved to 4-0 for the Chiefs, allowing just two hits and a walk over 5 2/3IP. RHP Josh Wilkie and LHP Jack Spradlin pitched the final 1 1/3 scoreless innings. LF Norris Hopper was 1/3 with a run; 3B Pete Orr was 1/3 with a solo homer; CF Justin Maxwell was 2/3 with a stolen base & run; RF Kory Casto was 2/2 with a double, two runs & two RBI; 1B Mike Morse was 1/3 with a double & RBI; 2B Seth Bynum was 2/3 with a double; and SS Ian Desmond was 0/3. In the second game, LHP Horacio Ramirez gave up a run on seven hits over 5IP with two strikeouts. RHP Zech Zinicola struck out one in 1IP and RHP Zack Segovia took the loss, surrendering two runs on a two-run homer in 2/3 of an inning. Hopper was 1/2 with a double & run scored; Orr was 2/3; Maxwell was 0/3; Casto was 1/2 with one RBI; Morse was 1/3; Bynum was 0/3; and Desmond was 1/2. Notes: The Chiefs have a full 24-man roster, I did not have Brad Eldred on the DL; Post-Standard feature on LHP Ross Detwiler
Today: Toledo (pitcher TBA) at Syracuse RHP Shairon Martis (3-1, 5.45) 7PM
RF/2B Leonard Davis hit an RBI single in the top of the ninth and RHP Drew Storen retired the B-Mets in order for his first Double-A save in a 5-4 Harrisburg win (box). Francisco Plasencia was hit by a pitch in the top of the ninth, stole second and scored the winning run on Davis’ (2/5) RBI single. 3B Joel Guzman was 2/5 with a run scored. 1B Matt Whitney was 2/4; LF Bill Rhinehart was 0/2 with a run, RBI & stolen base; and CF Mike Daniel was 1/5 with a double & run scored. LHP Aaron Thompson made his second start for the Senators, allowing four runs (two earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out four. RHP Adrian Alaniz and LHP Cory VanAllen pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief with VanAllen picking up the win. Storen made his Double-A debut with one perfect inning. Notes: The Senators added Storen and OF Ricardo Nanita (from the DL) to replace IF Greg Veloz and RHP Clint Everts.
Today: Harrisburg RHP Erik Arnesen (6-5, 3.48) at Binghamton RHP Jennry Mejia (0-3, 3.74) 7:05PM
Potomac got six innings of scoreless relief and two great defensive plays by RF Michael Burgess in a 4-3 win over Frederick (box/gamer). LHP Will Atwood was a bit shaky in his start, giving up three runs on six hits and three walks in just 3IP. RHPs Hassan Pena, Cole Kimball, and Osvaldo Rodriguez pitched 3 2/3 hitless innings of relief, walking three and striking out three. Kimball picked up the win to move to 4-5 on the season. RHP Dan Leatherman pitched the final two scoreless innings, giving up a hit and walkand striking out two to earn his fourth save. Burgess was 0/4 at the plate but made two diving catches including one in the ninth. SS Danny Espinosa was 1/4 with a double; DH Jesus Valdez was 1/4 with a double; 1B Chris Marrero was 1/4 with two runs scored; CA Brian peacock was 0/2 with two RBI; and CF Boomer Whiting was 1/3 with a triple, run & RBI. Notes: Potomac is still one player short of a full roster.
Today: Frederick LHP Rick Zagone (0-3, 5.53) at Potomac RHP Trevor Holder (1-1, 4.91) 7:05PM
The game between Hagerstown and Rome was postponed by rain. It will be made up as part of a doubleheadet this evening starting at 5:30PM.
Today: Rome (pitchers TBA) at Hagerstown RHPs Patrick Lehman (0-1, 7.20) & Paul Demny (2-8, 4.80) 5:30PM
Vermont allowed all ten runs over the final four innings in a 10-3 loss at Batavia (box). LHP Jack McGeary gave up four runs (two earned) on seven hits and a walk over 5 1/3IP while striking out three. LF J.P. Ramirez was 0/4; RF Destin Hood was 1/3 with a walk & run scored; CF J.R. Higley was 2/4 with a solo homer; 3B Justin Bloxom was 1/3 with a double; and 1B Ronnie Labrie was 1/4 with a double.
Today: Vermont RHP Kyle Morrison (1-2, 3.77) at Batavia (pitcher TBA) 7:05PM
Update from Monday … the GCL Nationals defeated the GCL Mets 6-1 (box). LHP Danny Rosenbaum gave up a run on three hits over 5IP with two strikeouts and RHP Dean Weaver pitched two scoreless innings of relief, striking out one. RHP Ruben De La Rosa picked up the win, striking out five over two scoreless innings of relief. CF Eury Perez was 1/4 with a run scored; 2B Hendry Jimenez was 3/4 witht wo runs scored; CA Adrian Nieto was 3/4 with a run & RBI; SS Justino Cuevas was 1/4 with a run scored; DH Wilfri Pena was 1/4 with a double & two RBI; and LF Derrick Phillips was 1/3.
And on Tuesday, the GCL Nationals defeated the GCL Marlins 3-1 (box). LHP Josh Smoker picked up his third win with six scoreless innings, giving up four hits and striking out one. RHP Rob Wort earned his first save striking out two in two innings. Perez was 3/3 with one RBI; Nieto was 0/4; 3B Adrian Sanchez was 1/2 with a double & run scored; and RF Naoya Washiya was 1/3 with a triple, run, & two RBI. Notes: RHP Stephen Englund was suspended 50 games for violating for testing positive for amphetamines, his suspension began on Tuesday.
Today: No game scheduled
The DSL Nationals were thumped 10-0 by the DSL Padres (box). SS Estarlin Martinez was 1/5 with two more errors in the field (28 on the season); 1B Joseph Cabreja was 1/4; CA Bill Pena was 1/4; and 2B Jairo Bernabel was 1/3. LHP Francisco Vizcaino gave up five runs (four earned) on three hits and a walk over 2 2/3IP while striking out four. LHP Raudy Almonte allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and two walks over 2 2/3IP while striking out two. And RHP Javier Berroa surrendered two unearned runs on one hit and two walks over 2 2/3IP with four strikeouts.
Today: DSL Tigers at DSL Nationals 10:30AM
#1 by cjrugger - August 12th, 2009 at 08:26
Wow, Stephen Englund. on the road to a bust
and please get Estarlin Martinez off SS. he cant even handle 2B
#2 by ‘Nats fan in NJ - August 12th, 2009 at 08:32
Brian – Ok, I’m back from vacation and officially on the Strasburg watch. Though, it’s probably too early. Shouldn’t really start this until about 8pm on Monday night. Have you heard any vibes other than Olney’s comment from the last couple days?
#3 by hleeo3 - August 12th, 2009 at 08:35
Storen sticks out like a sore thumb as a Nat’s reliever. These 1-2-3 innings don’t fit in with the bullpen. Not that I am complainin.
#4 by Brian Oliver - August 12th, 2009 at 08:36
NFiNJ – 8PM on Monday sounds about right for the watch to start. Reports are that Ted Lerner has spoken with Scott Boras about Strasburg. I’d say things will heat up on Monday and get serious later in the day. Both sides know each other’s coming in so it won’t be new to them
#5 by hleeo3 - August 12th, 2009 at 08:48
Brian, you have probably answered this before. Do you see the Nats signing any more of their picks other than Strasburg? and if they are not able to sign Strasburg, would they try to use some of that money to sign a couple of guys at the last minute? I always thought most clubs tried to aim to get all of their top 10 picks (or in the Nats case 11).
#6 by Marcus - August 12th, 2009 at 08:51
Really looking forward to E. Perez moving forward in the system he’s odviously ready for the next level. This being his first year state side they must be trying to take it slow.
I think he’s top 10 in the orginazition; would anyone else put him that high?
#7 by Brian Oliver - August 12th, 2009 at 08:52
I thought Pena (5) would have signed by now. I figure we might see him still sign by Monday. Heard nothing about Perez (8) so I’m guessing he’s a longshot. Not sure who else is a better than 50/50 shot.
#8 by Dick - August 12th, 2009 at 09:19
Marcus: Perez might be close to top 10 based on some discussions I’ve heard with Nats management. He is probably the best prospect in the GCL and is very young.
#9 by Sec 204 Row H Seat 7 - August 12th, 2009 at 09:49
Glad to see Smoker is coming along. I have hopes for him.
#10 by Wallyball - August 12th, 2009 at 09:55
Re: Strasburg – I saw a blurb on ESPN yesterday with Gammons where he said that Ted Lerner and Boras are negotiating directly; that Boras is asking for $30m and arguing that even if the Nats don’t want to keep him for that amount, they could flip him next summer for 3 really good prospects. No idea whether there is anything to this, but pass it on FWIW.
#11 by hleeo3 - August 12th, 2009 at 10:10
-Wallyball Sounds like a mouthpiece of Boras. I can’t see many teams doing that deal. Strasburg is no Roy Halladay at the present time.
#12 by Berndaddy - August 12th, 2009 at 10:50
Whether Gammons is a mouthpiece or not I just read $30mil. That’s down $20mil from $50mil right….
This is a sign a hope, eh…
#13 by Wallyball - August 12th, 2009 at 10:55
I doubt that it happens around $30m either – I can’t see the Nats paying that. But like Berndaddy, if true, I saw it as movement, which is always a positive. That, plus Boswell’s reference to Kasten casually including Starsburg in 2010’s rotation several times, makes me feel optimistic (for 10:55am on a Wednesday)
#14 by Berndaddy - August 12th, 2009 at 11:28
Wallyball I don’t know if you meant to write it that way but we’ll have to remember “Starsburg”. Hopefully that a community in Natstown…
#15 by hleeo3 - August 12th, 2009 at 11:41
I agree 101%, based off of that Strasburg will probably sign between $17-25 million? Which is pretty fantastic negotiation by Boras, as much as I hate to give him credit. That is common strategy for lawyers. For example, in lawsuits you ask for a billion but you get 650 million which is 300 million more you were expected to get. Honestly, I would have wanted to offered Strasburg 12-15 million.
#16 by Todd Boss - August 12th, 2009 at 11:49
$30M is a great deal if its officially “6yrs, $30M.” :-)
#17 by Wallyball - August 12th, 2009 at 12:36
Berndaddy – it was a typo and I didn’t read it carefully enough before hitting send. But I would be happy to call him that if he signs.
hleeo3 – my gut tells me that $20m is going to be an important number, and maybe where the battle is drawn. I would guess that the Nats have already crossed the $15m number. All of that is irresponsible speculation on my part.
#18 by Ric - August 12th, 2009 at 12:40
I would do a contract at 6 years, $25 million with a bonus matching the average bonus actually given to the number 1 pick the last few years. If Strasburg is as good as anticipated, that deal has upside of saving some money long-term by buying out a few arbitration years on the back end. If not, or if he gets injured, it could look bad in hindsight, but it is a reasonable risk.
#19 by russ - August 12th, 2009 at 13:07
IMHO Boras did a great job of throwing out the $50M number early. The shock has warn off and people are saying it is reasonable to sign $tra$burg for double of the record amount. It doesn’t seem reasonable to me and I believe $12M is the right number but Boras has already done his job because $12M is not even being discussed. The Nats would have been better off publicly stating that $tra$burg was asking for too much money and then taking Ackley.
#20 by russ - August 12th, 2009 at 13:08
worn off
#21 by hleeo3 - August 12th, 2009 at 13:39
I looked up Mark Prior’s contract to get a general idea of what a “record break deal” looked like. So my idea was to build a $tra$burg contract (nice one russ) around that. Mark signed a 5 year deal worth 10.5 mil. This included a 4 mil dollar signing bonus. So based off of that, I made a rough contract foundation for Strasburg. So here it is: 5 year deal worth 18.5 mil. 16 mil is guaranteed the rest is incentive based (innings pitched, all-star apperances, etc.) with a 5 mil dollar signing bonus. I figured the signing bonus would get the deal done.
#22 by hleeo3 - August 12th, 2009 at 13:40
sorry about that seems like grammer is an issue for us today “record breaking deal”
#23 by Fan - August 12th, 2009 at 13:49
Nichol, Soriano, Clegg and Bronson Monsters
selected to the ALL-Star Game..
#24 by Mark - August 12th, 2009 at 13:58
This is not complicated. 11:50pm Boras:$50M 11:51pm Lerner: $12M 11:52pm Boras: $40M 11:53pm Lerner:$15M 11:54 pm Boras: 35M 11:55pm Lerner:$17M 11:56pm Boras: $31M 11:57pm Lerner:$19m 11:58pm Boras: $28m 11:59pm Lerner: $21M 12:00AM NO DEAL – Nats receive draft pick 1A in 2010 draft. See how simple this will be?
#25 by Dick - August 12th, 2009 at 14:01
I find it amazing that not one word about the Strasburg negotiations has been leaked by the Nats. There is no other organization in Washington, DC that could have avoided a leak this long. No one even knows who is negotiating with Boras for sure! This would not be the case if JimBow were still around!
I know Rizzo looked confident last night when asked if they would sign him, as he was saying he wasn’t going to talk about it. Boswell says Kasten seemed confident, too. The fact that Boras wanted lots of money was no secret so you have to figure ‘they wouldn’t have drafted him if they weren’t going to sign him’.
#26 by Freda - August 12th, 2009 at 15:26
NYPL All Star rosters have been announced. Representing Vermont will be 2B Francisco Soriano, SS Sean Nicol, LHP Mitchell Clegg and LHP Evan Bronson. Congrats guys!
#27 by Pilchard - August 12th, 2009 at 16:02
While I think that a deal will get done, the Nats will only start leaking information if they feel the negotiations are going awry.
They know the media/public will kill them if a deal does not get done. So as form of damage control, I can see the leaks popping up if Boras is taking a ridiculous position, and the Nats feel the need to let the public know that he is not bargaining in good faith. Otherwise, this will stay on the QT.
As an aside, it is amazing to me how both sides (probably more Boras than the Nats) are so beholden to the deadline before making any effort to reach an agreement.
It’s almost juvenile the way Boras refuses to show his cards (he is doing the same with Ackley and Tate) until the final hours for a deal to be made. Obviously, the dollars received justify the tactics, but it is a such a waste for the teams and the draftees to essentially ignore each other for two months (when they could be working toward getting to the bigs), and then try to hammer out the details at the last minute.
#28 by Dick - August 12th, 2009 at 16:15
Boras knows that human nature dictates things only get done while in a crisis. The deadline creates a crisis that teams could lose the pick if they don’t pay and that the chance of losing the pick gets very real at 11:59 on the 17th. Before that, not so real. At least his clients never have to wonder if they could have held out for more.
#29 by BinM - August 12th, 2009 at 18:05
Thought I saw something on ESPN.com earlier regarding some movement on a deal for Tate @#3 (although I don’t see where San Diego would get the $$$ from). That would be beneficial for all parties, as Bora$$ would only have two clients to worry about, and could ramp up the dialogue on Strasburg & the Nationals and Ackley & the Mariners.
#30 by BinM - August 12th, 2009 at 18:27
In other news, I see where our #1 from last year (and his Agents) still think he is worth more than he has been offered (it was a KLaw – ESPN Insider post, so I didn’t read it).
This man-child either has an over-inflated value on his abilities, or his Agents are doing irrepreable harm to his career. Good luck in the real world come next Tuesday.
#31 by chima - August 12th, 2009 at 22:52
don’t give him the money we get players who have proven them selfs in the bigs. your taking a risk at giving a guy who hasn’t thrown one pitch in pro ball. when there r going to be guys who have done it day in and day out available and cheaper. this team is only a few pitchers away. we have the offense to compete. cmon now lets use our heads. don’t fall in the hype of strasburg
#32 by John O’Connor - August 13th, 2009 at 09:31
BinM:
Monday night isn’t the deadline for Crow. He has until a week before next year’s draft because he came from an independent league.
Royals are offering $3M according to Law, and Crow (once again ) thinks he just gets to decide how much he gets paid and that’s it.