No More Jose's To Sing For

Nats320
Of all the people I figured were untradeable for Our Washington Nationals, it seemed to be Jose Vidro. The Washington Post reports that Jimbo has found not only a taker in the Seattle Mariners, but also one that will absorb a majority of his remaining contract, and Washington has received two players in return.

Emiliano Fruto, a 22 year old right handed reliever comes over along with, one time top prospect, Outfielder Chris Snelling. According to Barry Svrluga of the Post, Fruto has an exceptional change up and may well make the Nats young team this season. In 23 trips to the mound for the Mariners in 2006, Emiliano finished with a 2-2 record and 5.50 ERA. The often injured Snelling, split time between Seattle and their top farm club in Tacoma. And, has never fulfilled his promise.

Tonight's trade solves, at least temporarily, the logjam in the middle infield with Felipe Lopez, Cristian Guzman, Vidro and Bernie Castro. Lopez will now move to second. Guzman, if healthy, will start at short. Castro the sub. Vidro's leaving also opens up Larry Broadway making the team as fill in, replacement for Nick Johnson. This team is getting young, by years, very quickly.


The lefthanded hitting Snelling, almost a Brad Wilkerson Look A Like, will be given every chance to earn a corner outfield spot. You can bet that chance may well come at Ryan Church's expense. Not sure if Snelling has any ability to play center, but he's a decent fielder. Not too tall at 5'11 and sort of stocky at 205 LBS.- has some POWER POTENTIAL.

Fruto is HUGE at 6'3" and 235 LBS. His success with his Change Up comes due to his use of his fastball. Emiliano has real potential. Looks alot like Amando Benitez. Hopefully has a better head on his shoulders than Armando.


This is not a bad trade, at all. It continues to rebuild Our Washington Nationals with youth, and at the same time, returns usable talent. On the surface, I have to actually give Jim Bowden credit-getting a pitcher and an injury prone, yet promising hitter for an aging, statue in the field, in Jose Vidro.

It will also be interesting to see who is dropped from the Nats 40 Man Roster. Tony Blanco may well lose his spot. Or, is another trade in the works. Washington now has a glut of Right Handed Relievers. Çould one or two be put together for some innings eating starter?

Of course, with Jose Guillen also off to Seattle, Section 320 is now completely out of folks to serenade the "JOSE" Song for. NatsDelNegro and I are going to have to brainstorm some new tunes with the continuing overhaul of our lineup. Maybe the folks at SafeCo Field, in Seattle, can invite us out for a tutorial sometime early next season on how to bellow it out. Knowing how much both enjoyed the song, each and every time they came to the plate, I am sure both Jose's would feel more comfortable, then--feel alot more at home.

Vidro for Fruto and Snelling--and Seattle pays 75% of the freight. Considering that so many just wanted The Nationals to eat his contract and just let him go--you can't complain about this one. Very Nice!!

I am actually giving Jimbo Credit!! What is the world coming to!!