tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post2533944368927915739..comments2023-10-20T04:28:04.547-04:00Comments on Nats320 -- A Washington Nationals Blog: Totally An Insurance ClaimScreech's Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-37054273543215246532009-03-12T14:09:00.000-04:002009-03-12T14:09:00.000-04:00The sense I get is the brass is none too enthused ...The sense I get is the brass is none too enthused about Colin Ballester's chance of making the squad based on his pitching thus far in ST; and they are equally concerned about middle relief (lack of confidence in Jason Bergmann and Garrett Mock in that role). This is where they think Kip Wells comes in to play.<BR/><BR/>I suspect that Stan and Mike are exploring trades involving Nick Johnson for pitching help (and Kearns, of course, but at $8 million, no one will offer anything worthwhile, I would think.) Suspect that Nats will not trade Johnson for another iffy pitcher - we have a stable full of those types.<BR/><BR/>Hitting and defense and flexibility seem greatly enhanced going into 2009; pitching could be very good, but ONLY IF: Lannan continues to mature; Shawn Hill miraculously can go; Olsen is decent; Zimmermann is everything he appears to be; Cabrerra is decent; and someone emerges to be dependable middle reliever and spot starter. Too many ifs, actually...Stausberg comes in September, perhaps, to give hope for solid rotation in 2010...<BR/><BR/>Trust in Stan and Mike. All good.SenatorNathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10049860385485455410noreply@blogger.com