According to sources, the Nationals have sent LHSP Chuck James and RHRP Andrew Kown to Harrisburg. These moves are in conjunction with the promotions of RHSP Jeff Mandel and LHRP Victor Garate from Harrisburg to Syracuse. The Chiefs are at 23/24 while the Senators have a full 24-man roster.
Update: If I am reading this by Collin Balester correctly, he seems the likely replacement for Kown in Syracuse … working out of the bullpen
#1 by Positively Half St. - May 17th, 2010 at 08:58
This is interesting and maybe even disappointing to me. I thought Chuck James was pitching pretty well, and should be considered a possible addition to the DC rotation if injuries opened a spot. Does being in Harrisburg make any difference in that regard? It didn’t for Matt Chico.
#2 by peric - May 17th, 2010 at 10:30
They’ve got to see what Mandel, Milone, and Meyers can do Half-Street. They are a tad on the old side for prospects? Whereas Rizzo and staff are fairly sure about what they have in James and Kown. I think Kown deserved a shot at Batista’s job. Now they are going to use Balester in that role in Syracuse. He is still pretty young compared to Mandel, Milone and Meyers I think?
#3 by Positively Half St. - May 17th, 2010 at 10:33
Peric-
Excellent points. Thanks
#4 by Sue Dinem - May 17th, 2010 at 11:22
Kown turned 27 last October. Balester turns 24 in June. Milone turned 23 in February. Mandel turned 25 in April.
The affinity for Matt Chico mystifies me, but I’ll post a link to NTP that’s worth (re)reading: http://bit.ly/bWUGRd
#5 by Todd Boss - May 17th, 2010 at 11:40
Kown and JD Martin are old. Milone, Mandel and Balester are not.
Chico showed what he’s capable of during his spot start. He really pitched effectively, he’s a lefty and he isn’t a worldbeater but he’s an effective 4/5 starter possible on a mid-level team rotation.
CJames is obviously roster filler at this point in his career. He chose to try to make the comeback so he’ll go where the team says.
#6 by Souldrummer - May 17th, 2010 at 12:29
@Sue That article seemed a bit harsh, but probably accurate. The affinity for Chico is based on the fact that the stats quoted include the time that he was hurt. He had one good year when he was probably a serviceable 4/5 starter and some think he good bet to that point. Not hopeful about it, but he’ll get a chance in Syracuse to make his point.
They must really be down on Kown, though. I haven’t seen his stuff so I don’t know how his numbers translate to MLB expectations, but isn’t it almost time to consider moving Martis out of the Syracuse rotation, either to Harrisburg or to a middle relief role? He hasn’t exactly been lighting it up there and his stuff has always seemed subpar for MLB.
The unknown soldier in all of these moves is Garrett Mock. Wonder what they’re going to be doing with him. Seems like he’s got to be next in line for a flyer at Syracuse.
#7 by DJ - May 17th, 2010 at 13:26
Brian-
Any updates Ross Detwiler, Chien-Ming Wang and Jordan Zimmermann to start rehabs?
My guess: Detwiler – A week or two Wang – Early June Zimmermann – Mid July