Giving Hope--4th Annual Boys & Girls Club Holiday Party

"This is John Lannan. You’ve gotten to know John. This is who he is," stated Israel Negron, The Director of Community Relations for Our Washington Nationals. "There is no pretence here, nothing. He is coming out here because he wants to. And Justin Maxwell is just as giving."


Yeah, there they were again--giving hope for the holidays. Mr. "Civic Duty" himself--John Lannan--along with local product Justin Maxwell this time, representing Our Washington Nationals. Has one player seemingly given up more of his personal time to benefit others locally than Our Number 31 lately? We doubt it. The man is omni-present this off-season. Today, both John and Justin attending and being major contributors to the 4th ESPN Zone Holiday Party for The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. The yearly get together hosted by Washington's Major League Team and The Downtown D.C. Eatery whom have co-sponsored many different events since baseball returned to the nation's capital in 2005.

Most--not as important as this one.










On this Saturday, December 12th--125 children ages 5 through 12 years of age--were escorted from various Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the metropolitan, D.C. area to the ESPN Zone to not only Meet & Greet Lannan & Maxwell, but to receive age appropriate gifts, ham it up with SCREECH!!, enjoy a catered lunch and finish off the day with play time in the restaurant's lower level gaming areas.



“This effort is always important because for a lot of our kids this will be the best gifts that they will receive this Christmas Holiday," states Jim Almond, The Vice-President of Branch Operations for The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. "The Boys & Girls Clubs provides opportunities as well, but this kicks off the holiday season. The Nationals help get these kids in the mood. They (the kids) look forward to meeting the players and they love coming to the ESPN Zone."






For two hours, Mr. "Civic Duty" and Justin Maxwell handed out toys, signed autographs and chatted with the children while ESPN Zone provided a buffet lunch for each and every child. Then, My Best Friend!! Screech!! sent the house into hyper-drive when he paraded out and began to hand out Build-A-Bear Screech Dolls to every child. Ask The African Queen or anyone else in attendance and they will tell you the noise inside the restaurant rose to an incredible decibel level once Screech made his appearance. Ear piecing is the best description. What a sight--followed by every single child joining Lannan, Maxwell and Screech down in the gaming room for more fun and play.

Pleasure that may lead to something even better down the road.

Jim Almond: “The Nationals have just given these kids hope. When you see these baseball players on TV, they are bigger than life. When these kids are given the opportunity to touch them; to get an autograph and you see the players hugging these kids and taking the time to talk to them—it helps to inspire them. Whether that inspiration is be a professional athlete or to do better in school and get that all-important education--events like this mean so much. If these kids did not get this chance to meet these professional athletes today, their dream might not come true. Thankfully, events like this help to keep their dreams alive. Staying in school is important and The Nationals have been great at lecturing these children on that need. All of this stuff impacts these kids.”

Israel Negron: "We want to make a real difference in the community and it is events like this that allow us to do that. We know we have touched a child because we see it in their faces. And when we are fortunate enough to have guys like John Lannan and Justin Maxwell (participating), this stuff is easy to do. They (the players) are the driving force for what we do. If they are not here, well—it’s a fun event for the kids—but it wouldn’t be the same."

Annual dues to participate in any Boys & Girls Club is just $25, but for many of these kids that cost can be too high for their parents. So in lieu of money, scholarships or other reward programs are provided to cover the costs. No child is ever turned away from any Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington. You may also recall Our Washington Nationals have adopted The Hopkins Branch, The Boys & Girls Club closest to Nationals Park. Recurring annual funding by The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation has renovated the SE D.C. Facility, upgraded programs and provided staff for a full-time activities director.

“The Nationals have been outstanding for our community, just in the Hopkins Branch alone," proclaimed Mr. Almond. "They gave generous funding for programs and staff. They have been a Godsend for this particular community and the Hopkins Branch. Before The Nationals arrived, the kids would still be hanging around the club, but our programs would not be as conducive, or active, as they are today with The Nationals here.”





As for Washington's Baseball Team, efforts like this are a vital part of building a fan base for the future believes Mr. Negron: “There wasn’t baseball here for a long period of time. It is imperative that we (The Nationals) get out into the community and reach these young fans. In just about every other city there is a tradition of parents bringing their kids to a baseball game. We don’t have that here just yet in D.C. So, it is important for us to do these fun things so these kids get their parents to take them out to a ball game so the whole family becomes baseball fans. This (Holiday Party) is all apart of creating those traditions that The Nationals don’t have, but the other teams do. We are working on it one step at a time and one year at a time. We are building these traditions so that these kids will remember 20 years from now--and bring their own kids back to Nationals games and to this event.”

The small steps taken this weekend in finding and building a young baseball fan base thanks to the generous free time given by John Lannan--Mr. "Civic Duty" and his teammate Justin Maxwell today at the 4th Annual Holiday Party for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington hosted by Our Washington Nationals and the ESPN Zone.

“These players did this on their own," concluded Israel Negron. "We didn’t ask John or Justin or even Craig Stammen (who has posted up for numerous community events as well but was out of town today) to participate. We (The Nationals) also didn’t ask John or Craig to stay here during the off-season. They did it on their own because they want to be a part of this community. Justin happens to live in the area (University of Maryland product) already. Those guys have done so much this holiday season just to give back. It is their way of saying thank you to our fans.”

Jim Almond gets the final words: “What more can I really say. These kids are having a ball today and all because of The Washington Nationals. We can’t thank The Nationals enough for keeping their hopes alive.”

PS--You may notice in the photos that John Lannan is wearing glasses. He has ditched his contact lenses and in early January will have Lasik Surgery. We briefly chatted about the change and John seems very confident in the procedure.

All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Could It Be?

Update--The Washington Post now reporting Wil Nieves has been tendered a contract and will be offered arbitration. (7PM)

The non-tendering of Mike MacDougal tonight by Our Washington Nationals leaves no clear-cut leader in the clubhouse for job of closer on our ball club. The recently traded for Brian Bruney has been mentioned publicly as a possibility. Washington's 1st Round, Number 10 Pick Overall in the 2009 Entry Draft--Drew Storen--has been nominated as well, after he quickly moved up through the farm system since signing last June. But Drew is not guaranteed a roster spot come Opening Day--2010 either. Our General Manager Mike Rizzo has always stated no one will be rushed.

Could it be that Our GM has someone else on his radar? Certainly MacDougal will shop himself around looking for his own opportunity and is not certain to accept a lower salary (non-arbitration) to return here. Could it be that, maybe, Mike Gonzalez--the lefty former closer for both The Pittsburgh Pirates & The Atlanta Braves has emerged as signable? Or, maybe someone else?

Since taking the top Baseball Operation's Job, Rizzo always has seemed to have a plan in place. We can't imagine something else not being up his sleeve. The non-tendering of Mike MacDougal this evening opens up even more questions than it answers.

The fact that starting pitcher Scott Olsen was also non-tendered, as well, should not be much of a surprise. The lefty is coming off major surgery and there is no guarantee Olsen will be what he was three ago when Scott was a rising star with The Florida Marlins. He has consistently lost velocity on his fastball and any operation could only bring more concerns.

Could it be that Mike Rizzo needs whatever arbitration money Scott Olsen would have been guaranteed, so he can sign one of a handful of Free Agent Pitchers mentioned of late--Jon Garland, John Smoltz or Jason Marquis?

Also, no word yet that Mr. Rizzo has decided whether to keep three Major League caliber catchers in our system. Wil Nieves could become Washington's ace in the hole if either Jesus Flores or Pudge Rodriguez go down. But as of 6:30PM this December 12th, Nieves has not been offered arbitration or been non-tendered. Although, The Washington Times reports Nieves will be let go.

It appears Jason Bergmann, Sean Burnett, Jesus Flores and Josh Willingham will be offered arbitration contracts--none of which should be startling.

Or, could it be there are more surprises to come?

Mike Rizzo Side Session Concerning Pudge Rodriguez

Following the official press conference and the informal meeting with Pudge Rodriguez this afternoon, Our Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo concluded the days events with the assembled media with a side session of his own. Here is that transcript.

Question: From the way he (Pudge Rodriguez) talks, he sounds like a guy that expects to play every day?

Mike: “Would you expect anything different? He is a 14-time All-Star. He is a very prideful guy and thinks his skills are at the finest. And he might be right, you never know. Like I said at the beginning, he is going to be a significant contributor to the ball club. If that means 70 or 80 games, or as many as 80, 90 or 100 games, those are questions that will be answered throughout the course of the season. The best problem I will have all season is who are these two hot catchers and how are we going to play them on a daily basis.”

Question: If you break his numbers down last year, he had a couple of really good months that were on par with his normal seasonal averages. But he had a couple of months that were not very good. Do you attribute that to wearing down, or having an injury at some point? Or, was it just one of those things?

Mike: “No, I contribute it to him playing 121 games last year with two ball clubs. Like I said when we made the acquisition, his performance will be greatly enhanced with more rest and less playing time. That is why I kind of shot for that 75-85, maybe 90 game window. And I think we get peak performance out of a terrific player that is in great shape.”

Question: Have you talked with Jesus Flores about this deal and moving forward?

Mike: “I have talked with Jesus. Jim Riggleman has spoken to him and Scott Boras (his agent) has spoken to him. So, he is onboard. He is excited about it. This is going to be not only a teammate, but also a guy who is a legend in Jesus Flores’ mind. This is a guy he has looked up to his whole career and is one of his favorites.”

Question: You have said, in a perfect world, this gives Jesus as much time as he needs to make sure he is 100%. But how concerned are you guys as an organization this is going to take a little bit more time than just say the start of spring training or the beginning of the season?

Mike: “I can only go by what the medical people tell me. They say he should be 100% and ready to participate in spring training. Now, we take them at their word, but we all know that specifically shoulders are very difficult to predict. And the addition of Pudge Rodriguez was not as mentor, or not as an insurance plan. This is a very capable, productive, Major League player who still throws out a lot of runners--who can still handle the bat great. And brings us so many intangibles on and off the field that that was the reason we identified this guy from the beginning—and were so aggressive to go out and get him.”

Question: “Organizationally, you have a lot of catching depth in the lower minor leagues. Upper minor leagues you are still looking at Jhonathan Solano as being your number three catcher. Are you further going to address the catching position in the upper minor leagues?

Mike: “We have three capable catchers on the Major League level (including Wil Nieves). We have (Jaime) Burke on the AAA level and we have (Derek) Norris—who is an up and coming and potential significant contributor for us in the future. It is also no coincidence that Ivan is signed to a two-year contract. And we believe Norris is two years away from contributing in the Major Leagues. So, the time table works for us. The personality of the player worked for us and that is why he (Rodriguez) was so appealing to us.”

Question: So Norris will probably start at AA then?

Mike: “I am not sure where he is going to start yet.”

Question: How much can you talk about his improvement in hitting? How much do you think he will improve this pitching staff?

Mike: “He is the ultimate preparation guy. He is a professional. He always states what he gives you offensively is secondary. His most important feature to any ball club is—in his own words—how he handles the pitching staff and the game calling skills that he has. Of course, he is a shut down running game type of guy. Like we said, he was the 4th best catcher in as far as base stealing percentage. He is quick as a cat back there. He is as good of a ball blocker as I have ever seen. And you look at the guy—he has 5% body fat. A guy that is in terrific condition and he has got the attitude that he wants to contribute. The one thing—I don’t know if you noticed—but I noticed that he said it was all about winning—10 times. That is the attitude that we want to have with all the players we acquire. The name on the front (of the jersey) more (important) than the name on the back—and a winning attitude.”

Question: You have a couple of decisions you have to make in the next 24-hours. What is the latest report you have on Scott Olsen?

Mike: “Scott Olsen has completed his rehabilitation and now he is preparing for spring training. And that is a major milestone for him. He is no longer rehabilitating an injury. He is preparing for next year’s spring training.”

Question: How much does that development affect how you have to make that decision?

Mike: “It is a piece to the puzzle. The more information we get, the better decisions we can make.”

Question: How about the medical report of Roger Bernadina? Are you confident he can fully recover from his broken ankle?

Mike: “He played winter ball and was moving around well. And that was the only part of his game we were concerned about. With the ankle break and him being a speed player, that always comes into question. If a speed player loses his speed, that is not good for the player. But he’s moving well. He is running well. We evaluated him in winter league and he passed that test.”

Question: Bob Boone played four years as a Gold Glove catcher after 38 years of age. How much of an input did he have in making the decision on Pudge?

Mike: “He was one of the animate guys not just for a catcher, but this catcher. He had his finest season at 38—in his mind—that is what he said. We all see the resume, but we didn’t sign him because of his resume. We signed him for what he is going to bring to the club for the next two years. But we scouted mostly with our eyes on this one. He was a guy that when we saw him late in the season—he had really good bat speed. He is a guy that has a terrific approach to the plate and we feel he is going to be an offensive contributor. Defensively, he is still a standout.”

Question: Do you see Rodriguez getting a lot of playing time and stunting Flores’ growth?

Mike: “No, I don’t see him stunting his growth whatsoever. This is a guy (Flores) that was rushed from A Ball to the Big Leagues. That has never been a factor. This is only going to help Flores’ developmental process.”

With that final answer, the days media session surrounding the official signing of Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez concluded. Saturday, December 12th is the non-tender deadline to offer contracts to players on the 40-Man Roster of Our Washington Nationals. It will interesting to see if Scott Olsen, or anybody else, is released from D.C.'s Team.

Pudge Rodriguez Side Session With Reporters

What really stood out as Our Washington Nationals new catcher stepped in front of the podium at Nationals Park late this afternoon to casually talk with the local media after his introduction--was the sight of "Pudge" Rodriguez looking at each and every press member right in their face (eye to eye) as he answered each and every one-on-one question asked. Unlike any player yet to don a Nationals Jersey beforehand--Rodriguez was, seemingly, gauging who he was engaged with and chatting. Our New Number 7 apparently examining each reporter--looking for clues as to who exactly covers Washington's Major League Team.

Rodriguez introduced himself and shook hands with each correspondent.

And not once during this nearly eight minute segment, did "Pudge" lower his head. Nor, did he take his eyes off the questioner. Piercing eyes that never lost their focus. A very impressive showing--giving respect to each and every reporter on hand. Maybe, the best moment of the entire afternoon.

Here is the transcript of Pudge Rodriguez's Side Session With Reporters. He is very soft-spoken.

Question: I spoke to Jack McKeon (former Marlins Manager with Pudge) and he thinks that you can bring the pitching earned run average down by a run or more (with this team). Why do you think you can do that? What do you think of these young pitchers?

Pudge: “It happens with me behind the plate because I am a catcher who is very simple behind the plate. I am not trying to be too difficult for a pitcher. I just try to make the pitcher feel the most comfortable that I can when he pitches—very simple. I believe in strike one, that is my conversation with all the pitchers. I just want them to get ahead all the time. Jump ahead, get ahead, that is basically what I tell the pitchers throughout my whole career. I love for them to be around the plate and I want the pitcher to be within the strike zone and try to make the other hitters put the ball in play.”

Question: Jack McKeon said you were the reason you guys (The Marlins) won in 2003. He said it was more than just behind the plate, but in the clubhouse. How can you make this clubhouse better?

Pudge: (Smiling Broadly) “That is the way I am. I am a guy that loves to win. I want my teammates to do well too. This is a team. We are a family. When you put on this uniform, we are a family. So, we have to take care of ourselves. We have to respect ourselves and support ourselves day in and day out. Basically, that is my philosophy and the way I am. And you are going to see me in the clubhouse talking to guys about—whatever. That is how I grew up. Back in ’91 with Nolan Ryan and all those guys they taught me to be that type of player to help others. And that is the way I am.”

Question: When you signed as a free agent with The Tigers, they were coming off a 100-loss season. What was the reaction of that signing? (Me?—Pudge) No, others in the game—when you did that?

Pudge: “Well, they say: ‘why are you doing that?’ ‘Why are you signing here?’ And a lot of people told me why did I not go to a winning team? Detroit is a Major League Ball Club. You cannot take anything for granted. Every team in the Big Leagues is a good team. If you are in the Big Leagues it is because you are a good player. It doesn’t matter if you finish last in the division, or finish first—whatever. We go out there and we are all good players—that is the reason for that. And when I made that decision, I made that decision with a lot of pride. I am going to try to make this team get into the playoffs and that is what we did. Two years later in 2006, we were in Game 1 of The World Series. Nobody thought that was going to happen, but when you have good chemistry and you have a good clubhouse, you have a good group of people in the clubhouse and they get along well—you take that into the field and you win a lot of games. I don’t know my teammates yet. They are probably thinking the same way. But with my (talent) and their (talents), we are going to bring it all together. It is going to be much better.”

Question: The fact that The Tigers accomplished what they did after you joined them—does that give you more confidence this time around coming to a 100-loss team again and thinking it can happen again?

Pudge: “I don’t want to see that happen again (100-loss year). I don’t want to see that happen again. I think this club is much better than the ’04 (Tigers). ’04 in Detroit was a very challenging season for us. But we ended up winning 72 games. From 114 losses in 2003, to be able to finish the next season with at least 72 wins was a big thing for us. But here, I see this ball club differently. They are a completely different team. This team hits very well and they are going to pitch very well. I am going to do my best behind the plate to make those guys do the job, lower their e.r.a. and win—get the ‘W’. The most important thing is to have a lot of ‘W’s’ for the season.”

Question: Have you talked to Jesus Flores at all?

Pudge: “No, I haven’t talked to him. I am sure I will probably talk to him, as I will see him in spring training. We talked before. When I played last year here--when I came from Houston—we talked a little bit behind the batting cage. He is a nice guy. I talked to Alex Cintron and he told me that he’s a very nice guy that loves to learn. He likes to listen and that is the bottom line. I like those kinds of players. They love to listen. And I look forward to talking to him, to be his teammate, and being on the same team.”

Question: If both of you are healthy, how do you see the playing time split up between you two?

Pudge: “Right now, I am ready to play every day. Spring training is in two months and we shall see what happens. But I am ready to play. They (The Nationals) brought me to the club to do my best, to bring my experience in the game behind the plate and to help the pitching staff to pitch great this year. And basically, that is my goal."

With that final answer, the Pudge Rodriguez Side Session With Reporters concluded. Ivan had to clear out for a late afternoon flight back home. Coming up later this evening--the side session with Mike Rizzo--which ended the media availabilities at Nationals Park today.

Photo copyright--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Pudge Rodriguez Introductory Press Conference

Originally expected to begin at 1PM, today's Introductory Press Conference with Pudge Rodriguez as a member of Our Washington Nationals was moved back to 2PM, then 2:30PM. Eventually, it all began when a very chiseled and athletic looking Ivan Rodriguez walked into the media room at Nationals Park at 2:45PM. A 20 minute Q & A Session ensued that will be remembered for one specific line stated by Our New Number 7:

"I am ready to play every day."

Here is the complete transcript of today's Pudge Rodriguez Introductory Press Conference:

John Dever (Senior Director of Communications): “We would like to thank everyone for being here and bearing with us getting started a little later than we actually anticipated. And we would like to welcome our viewers and fans on MASN—The Mid-Atlantic Sports Network. Thanks for coming for what is another benchmark moment for The Nationals Franchise. The Nationals have signed catcher Ivan Rodriguez to a two-year contract. Pudge as he is perhaps more commonly known, is always included on any shortlist of the game’s top two-way catchers. And that is evidenced by his 13 Gold Gloves and his Seven Silver Slugger Awards. At this point, I would like to introduce our two dignitaries for the afternoon. Nationals Senior Vice-President & General Manager Mike Rizzo and 14-time All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez. We are going to get things started. They are both going to open up with statements. Upon completion of those statements, we will open up the floor for questions.”

Mike Rizzo: “Welcome to Nationals Park. It is my pleasure to be here today—a very exciting day for The Washington Nationals Family. It is a day we get to introduce certainly the greatest catcher in our generation, and quite possibly the greatest catcher in the history of baseball who joins us this year. The Lerner Family has been gracious enough to allow us to sign Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez to be a member of The Washington Nationals Family. He brings with him a laundry list of accolades and career records. We feel this is a player who can take us into the next level of competition. He’s the beginning of what we would call, not the rebuilding process like we saw, but the building process. He is a big piece of what we are doing currently in 2010 and in the future. And his helpfulness and impact on the organization goes far beyond the playing field and all the statistics—into the clubhouse, into the community, and into the Washington, D.C. area. So, without further ado, I would like to introduce the newest member of The Washington Nationals Family—Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez.”

(The donning of the customary jersey and cap takes place)




Mike: “It looks good on you!”

Pudge: “Thank You.”

Pudge: “Good afternoon. It is an honor for me to be here today. I want to say thanks to The Washington Nationals organization to give me the opportunity to be with The Nationals over the next two seasons. And my goal is to bring my experience into the ball club as a baseball player and be ready to play in the field. I am a player that loves to win. I love to play hard in the field. And I look forward to the same thing from my teammates when we play. I played against them this year when I played for The Astros and there are a lot of good things we said about this ball club. It’s a team that hits very well and plays in the field 100% all the time. Basically, that is what I like to see. I love to play the game hard, 100%. And I am looking forward to the same thing for the organization and for the team. Again, I appreciate it. I am very happy, excited, and I can’t wait for Spring Training to be a part of the team. So, thank you.”

Question: You had a chance to go elsewhere to play every day. What was it about The Nationals that attracted you so much?

Pudge: “The Nationals were a team that came to us to play pretty much on an every day basis. A two-year contract and that was what I was looking forward to—to be able to play two more seasons. I feel like I can play this game for two or three more years and basically, they (The Nationals) came out and showed an interest in me to come to the team and that was it. It’s a great team. I know what I saw when I play against them and that is why I decided to come to The Nationals.”

Question: This is a pretty young pitching staff. John Lannan certainly the ace at this point. But there is another guy on the way in Stephen Strasburg. How much of an impact do you think you will have on these guys as they are learning their craft at the Major League level?

Pudge: “Basically, communication is going to be pretty important for me with the pitching staff. I do that all the time—every year. Basically, spring training is for that to work with the pitchers, see them, because I have never caught them. At the same time, communication is very important. In Spring Training we are going to sit down. First all, I am going to see what they like to do? How they like to pitch? And then we go from there. I am not a difficult catcher. I try to make things very simple for the pitchers. I go with what they feel comfortable with and we go from there.”

Question: The Nationals already have a young catcher in Jesus Flores. Are you looking forward to working with him?

Pudge: “Absolutely, we are all teammates. And the goal is winning games. He is a talented player that hits very well as a catcher. I am sure we are going to talk a lot. He is a guy that I talked to before. He came to me and said hello when we played. He is a very nice guy. I look forward to talking to him about whatever he needs. I am here for that, but the most important thing is that we are here to win. We are here for one goal, to win and have a good season. And be in the playoffs in October.”

Question: This is not the first time in your career you have signed with a team that was coming out of a last place season—like in Detroit. Are there any similarities between this team and what that team had and what stands out about this that makes you want to come here?

Pudge: “ When I signed in Detroit in 2004, I saw this (situation as) better than 2004 in Detroit. Every year I was there we had some more improvement in the team. But in coming here, my goal is just to put my (effort) into the team, to help my teammates and try to support the whole team to win ball games. I know they have very talented players already on our team and they know what they have to do. My job is just to come in and help with my experiences with the team, with the ball club, especially the pitchers. And try to win games. Try to create a very solid team together in the field and basically, that is our goal, to take one game at a time. Baseball is not an easy sport to play. You have to play hard every day. You have to play 27 hard outs and if you do that every day you are going to win a lot of games. Basically, that is my philosophy and how I play the game. And that is what I am planning to bring into this ball club and to tell my teammates to play the game hard every day.”

Question: What expectations do you have about how much you will play?

Pudge: “I am ready to play every day. We discussed that. I am a player that can still play every day and I will play every day. Basically, I just need to do the best for the club. I know it is hard for me to play 162 games—that is impossible for a catcher. But I am healthy and feeling great—basically. I will be playing and I will be in the field playing.”

Question: How big of a goal is it for you to try to reach 3000 hits?

Pudge: “That is a goal. I am not too far from there—only 289 hits left for that. That is one of my goals, but the most important thing to me is I have a good season for The Nationals and have a great year myself and help the team win ball games. And at the end, just have a good season (for Washington) and go home with a good season for myself.”

Question: Ivan, when you first signed two days ago, the team was telling the media that between 70 to 80 games a year was probably your peak performance. Do you agree with that? What is your sense, at this age, how often you should be playing?

Pudge: “Again, I am ready to play. I look forward to going to spring training and do my job and play the game. I am a guy that takes care of himself very well—keeping myself in good shape. And I am going to be in spring training in February ready to go. Those decisions are not in my control, but I can control going to spring training in good shape and be ready, mentally and physically, to play on an every day basis.”

Question in Spanish

Question: Mike you had talked about how this move was really a priority for you during this off-season. Not to take away from the other two, could you talk about what this upgrade means to the position in terms of defense up the middle and offensively?

Mike: “Well, going into the off-season, we had a checklist of things we wanted to accomplish. And to certainly address the catching situation was certainly a priority for us. With the injury and surgery to Jesus Flores, we thought we needed a person who could be a significant contributor to the ball club—particularly in 2010—but in 2010 and beyond. When we made our checklist and made our evaluations, it was very evident and very quickly (determined) in the process, when we gathered all our evaluators together in one place that we were no longer looking for a catcher to fill that role. We were looking for Ivan Rodriguez to fill that role. It was so important to get a player of his caliber—not only his character, his leadership ability, his track record and the aura he brings to a clubhouse—but also for the fact that he threw out 38% of would-be base stealers—which was 4th in all of baseball last year. He has a potent bat and we think there is a lot left in the tank with this particular player. So, it (catching) was something we thought needed addressing. We had specific parameters in regard to who we wanted to fill that role. And at the end of the day, The Lerners made it possible for us to go out and sign a terrific player like Ivan Rodriguez.”

Question: Mike, right now, what is Jesus Flores’ health status?

Mike: “Jesus Flores is still rehabbing the shoulder surgery. It has been passed along to me in a meeting as early as yesterday that he should be full go, ready to go, by the beginning of spring training. And we will go to spring training with that in mind. In the past, specifically with arm surgeries and labrum surgeries—we go into it cautiously optimistic.”

With that final answer the formal press conference introducing Pudge Rodriguez to Our Washington Nationals concluded. The assembled media then met with both Rodriguez and Rizzo on the side—individually—for additional questions. Those transcripts will be posted later this evening.

All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Nats320 Winter Meetings Review With Phil Wood

With the 2009 Major League Baseball Winter Meetings now concluded, MASN's Phil Wood and I got together via phone to discuss what happened involving Our Washington Nationals over the past three days in Indianapolis. We chatted for quite some time looking at not only the moves made this week, but what fans might expect to see from Our General Manager Mike Rizzo and his baseball operations staff before Spring Training 2010 commences in Viera, Florida this coming February.

With that--here we go with the Nats320 Winter Meetings Review With Phil Wood:

What did you think of the Rule V Draft? Did you think that Rizzo called it right and there was nothing special really available, so that is why they traded for Brian Bruney? (SBF)

“I talked to a lot of people about Bruney and no one is saying anything bad about him. He had the elbow problem last year and he spent two years on the disabled list, but he was back and he didn’t have any issues the last few months of the season (2009) and pitched in the post-season. This is the guy that The Yankees once looked at as the heir-apparent to Mariano Rivera. So I think there is a real upside to him. The deal itself, there was no one in the Rule V Draft that they felt was going to be guaranteed to make the Big League roster. So, it’s a deal that makes a lot of sense. Although, one of the stories (circulating) was that The Yankees made the trade to protect one of their own people. They were going to ask The Nationals to draft Zach Kroenke and then trade him back to The Yankees for Bruney. But that wasn’t the deal. Then Kroenke was then drafted by Arizona in the Major League phase of the draft. They lost him anyway. Look, Bruney is going to help. Pudge Rodriguez is not an everyday player. But after (journeyman catcher) Greg Zaun got the deal that he got from The Brewers for one year—$2.75 Million, suddenly the deal for Pudge didn’t seem that far out of line. He (Rodriguez) didn’t have much of an on-base percentage this past season, but he still managed to hit 10 home runs and is still pretty good behind the plate.”

I think he just brings a professional attitude to the team and that will wear off on some people. (SBF)

“Well, first of all, both he and Jesus Flores are represented by Scott Boras. They know each other. Flores grew up a big fan of Rodriguez--so I think there is going to be some synergy there between those two. Now, they (The Nationals) told us the team doctors believe that Flores will be 100% by Spring Training, but that remains to be seen, I think.”

“Now, the other thing is that they are “IN” very deeply with Jason Marquis and John Smoltz. I don’t know if that is going to bear fruit, but people I talk to, the agents that are here, and some of the executives from the other clubs—say The Nationals aren’t trying to nickel and dime anybody.”

Since you mentioned that, there was that quote from Rizzo the other day where, when it comes to starting pitching, he was hoping somebody would basically fall to them. Was that more a cloud of smoke to cover what they are really doing? (SBF)

“Well, obviously, he understands there is a lot of competition for starting pitching. Like for instance, Jason Marquis is not a Cy Young winner, but he’s fairly solid. The Rockies declined his option for $9.75 Million and he wants to make, at least, that much money. And apparently, The Nationals don’t have an issue with paying him that much money. The other team they say is in on Marquis is Philadelphia, but they are also putting together a package to get Roy Halladay. If they (The Phillies) got Roy Halladay and already have Cliff Lee—I don’t think they are going to be that hot on Jason Marquis.”

“Now the Smoltz thing really interests me a lot because I think, even though he is 42 (years old), in this setting (Washington’s) he would be effective as, not a Number 1 Starter, but Number 2 or 3 starter. Just to have his voice in the clubhouse would be terrific. This is the smartest baseball player I think I have ever talked to.”

I remember we talked about just that in October during our post-season chat. I agree. I think he would be a good addition just for what he brings to the game in his head. (SBF)

There was a trade yesterday, basically The Braves are dumping the hard throwing, and sometimes closer, Rafael Soriano and it looks like Atlanta just gave him away to The Tampa Bay Rays for middle reliever Jesse Chavez in a salary dump. Is there any reason The Nationals would have been interested in, or could have been interested in, or should have been interested in acquiring him? (SBF)

“I’ll tell you what. I think they liked him. In terms of acquiring him and paying him what he would probably get in arbitration (over $6 million)—they don’t see him as a lockdown type of closer. They just don’t see him as a guy who is a multi-million dollar closer. They are talking about giving Bruney a shot at closing, but if Mike MacDougal has a strong spring—I think it is a moot point. But I think they are still talking to the agent for Mike Gonzalez. It’s just one of those jobs (closer), on a ball club that lost 100-plus games—you have to ask yourself how many save opportunities will there be?”

The Nationals have stated, you have stated, even I have stated—this week was not the finish line—but the start. Other than Marquis, Smoltz, Gonzalez—what others options might Mike Rizzo be cooking up? (SBF)

“They are still looking for some middle infield depth. We (the media) talked with Rizzo about Cristian Guzman. There is this perception that Guzman is going to be reluctant to play second base. And Rizzo said that it’s even money that he ends up back at shortstop—if, for instance, they come up with another second baseman. They really haven’t been attached to Dan Uggla (Florida), but they have made some deals with Florida in the past. I think Uggla is going to end up with someone other than The Nationals, but if there is another second baseman out there they feel can be an everyday player—they will attempt to go for him.”

If The Nationals are interested in Ian Desmond playing shortstop and The Nationals are unsure about whether Guzman can, or will play second base—if they go after Uggla—are they committing themselves to a well below average right side of the infield (with Adam Dunn manning 1st base)? (SBF)

“Yeah, absolutely right. The thing about Guzman and I see on some of these message boards: ‘Oh, we got to trade him and pay half of his salary.’ But he is a 10 and 5 guy (10 Years in the Majors, 5 years with the same team).”

They can’t do it without his permission (SBF)

“Exactly right. He CAN VETO ANY TRADE!! Whether it is The Washington Post or Times or whatever—nobody even brings that up. But all you have got to do is look at his page in The Baseball Encyclopedia and count the number of seasons and the number of years with Washington. He is a 10 & 5 Guy—simple as that.”

Personally, I have never felt he’s been that bad of player over the past few years. (SBF)

“He doesn’t walk much and that is always the biggest gripe. But honestly, 40 years ago, no one would have cared. Fantasy baseball is such a big deal, they are all looking for guys with high on-base percentages, but his on-base percentage isn’t bad. He puts the ball in play. It’s the idea that he is impatient at the plate—and he is—but that is just the way he plays. That’s indicative of players from his part of the country (The Caribbean).”

Sure, as far as fielding is concerned, Guzman looses focus in the field. And, at times, he wasn’t really strong at going to his left, but he tends to get to most balls. (SBF)

“All the scouts have him graded as an average shortstop, not below average, just average. He is nothing special at shortstop. And I guess, if you are going to hit .300 every year, you can get by with an average shortstop. Everyone is always looking for the next Cal Ripken, Jr., or the next Alex Rodriguez, or Derek Jeter. But let’s be honest, Jeter is not a spectacular shortstop. He knows where to play the hitters. Look, there is no Ozzie Smith (Hall Of Famer) out there. Pittsburgh signed Bobby Crosby and Crosby is a terrific defensive player who hits about .220. If you want a guy out there just to catch the ball, he’s fine. But the idea of paying Bobby Crosby $1 Million with another $500 thousand in incentives—just doesn’t work for me.”

“The Nationals are paying Guzman $8 Million, but they lost so many games last year because of their bullpen—not because of Guzman. They scored a lot more runs. They scored about 150 more runs last year (than 2008). But the bullpen, the first half of 2009, absolutely killed them.”

Where do you see Washington’s outfield playing out? Are they seriously shopping Josh Willingham? (SBF)

“No, in fact, they made a point of saying he is not available this off-season. Willingham is too young and too productive. Jim Riggleman went on and on about Josh as everything you want in a guy in terms of his make-up. His teammates love him, he is great in the clubhouse. He is certainly great with the media. As Riggleman said—he’s a man. And believe me—Riggleman doesn’t call everyone in that clubhouse a man.”

In his one year here, I find him to be an old school baseball player. So, what about Elijah Dukes in right if Nyjer Morgan is guaranteed centerfield? (SBF)

“Jim is trying his best to figure out Dukes, because Dukes will do anything for Tim Foli. Foli has just pushed the right buttons and Riggleman is trying to find it. He (Dukes) can be a monster player, but there are times where the battery in his hearing aid is dead. You talk to him and it just doesn’t register. Foli, for whatever reason, just makes it happen.”

Speaking of Foli, why is he not on the Major League Coaching Staff—he seems to have a lot of respect? (SBF)

“I think they wanted to avoid a situation like you see with other ball clubs where someone gets a job to be manager and is then not allowed to bring his own people in. Foli is an organization guy and they like Foli very much and they are paying Foli very, very well. Because Foli has been in the organization and has been very key in player development—they (Washington) wanted to give Riggleman an honest shot and the only way to do it was let him name his own coaches. He hired these guys that were all about his age. Guys he has worked with in the past, whether with The Dodgers or The Cardinals or The Mariners. I think that is the only fair way to do it. If you look back to what happened in Baltimore—when Lee Mazzilli was hired as manager—he wasn’t allowed to hire any of his own coaches. You can’t do that in this day and age. You have to give these guys their own coaches, there own support staff.”

Knowing you covered The Orioles for years, you probably know and have talked with John McLaren (New Bench Coach) many times. What do you think of him? Here is a situation where McLaren was fired as Seattle manager—Riggleman replaced him. Now, Riggleman replaces a fired manager—keeps the job--and hires back McLaren? It’s sort of odd. (SBF)

“Yeah, I know. John McLaren is a real smart guy. John McLaren was just in the wrong place (in Seattle). He is a guy who probably should have replaced Lou Piniella earlier in his career. He was with Piniella for a long, long time. McLaren just got the job at the wrong time. When you look at the year The Mariners won 88 games (2007), and people thought they were on their way (to a championship), you talk to guys who were coaches on that team—and they couldn’t figure out how this bunch of players won 88 games.”

So, where do you see The Nationals stacking up after this week and how they ended the 2009 season in rebuilding their team for the future? (SBF)

“If you cut the ’09 season in half, 81 games and 81 games—and my point of comparison is The Orioles here—cut their season in half, 81 games and 81 games. They each had each other’s opposite half. The Orioles second half was very close to The Nationals first half. And The Nationals second half very close to The Orioles first half. Now, going forward, even though people in Baltimore think The Orioles young pitchers are all going to win the Cy Young simultaneously, I think The Nationals are actually in better shape going forward. With Stephen Strasburg coming along, with Drew Storen coming along, and some of their younger guys, Washington is better positioned. Interestingly enough, down here (in Indianapolis), there was interest in Craig Stammen—which I think was surprising. A lot of people (teams) think Stammen is the perfect 4th or 5th starter. Nonetheless, I think The Nationals—coming off the way they finished last year—would have been even better if—let’s be honest—Nyjer Morgan had not been hurt. When they lost Morgan, they fell into the hole again and didn’t really get better until those last seven games of the year. Riggleman is going to let Willingham rest a little more often and he feels like Josh will not have the September slump like he had last year. He also feels Adam Dunn is the first baseman now and can trust him out there day after day. They (The Nationals) don’t even think of him as an outfielder anymore.”

“But I think the groundwork that was laid here we should know more—let’s say—by mid-January. I think we will have a much better idea of what they are going to be able to do with the pitching staff. If they end up with a Jason Marquis or they end up with a Jon Garland, or John Smoltz—and bring back Livan Hernandez for the back end of the rotation—they won’t be great or world beaters, but I think they will be a heck of a lot closer to .500 than they were when they started last year with you and me in the bullpen.” (Laughter)

But the moves you see Washington make from now until the end of spring training—are they more likely to be a free agent signings than the workings of any major trade? (SBF)

“I can’t imagine there is much on the roster that other teams want that The Nationals are willing to move. You are basically looking at a 40-man roster now that will be jimmied with as soon as they sign another free agent or two. But I think, yeah, that’s about it. I don’t think they are likely to trade any of their young pitchers, certainly. Nor do I think there is anyone on the roster, including Willingham, Ryan Zimmerman and maybe Dunn.”

“It’s funny the number of writers from out of town papers who are still not quite sure who The Nationals are. I had conversations here in Indianapolis, for instance when Washington picked up Bruney, and others were saying ‘what other relief pitchers do The Nationals even have? Who are these guys? Well they lost a lot of games—they are not worth covering.’ So I think The Nationals may be in a position to sneak up on some people. And I will tell you this—one of things they have done that has impressed the most people are their front office hires. I talked to people from 10 or 11 different organizations. They all said the guys Washington hired were not cheap guys. They hired guys who have strong track records and they are paying them premium money to work for them.”

Is it interesting to you that the national media—those around the country—still seem to make fun of The Nationals, but from talking to you and even Craig Heist (from WTOP) the other day—inside baseball, there is a lot more respect for Washington’s team than what there was before. (SBF)

“There is and it’s all been since last March when Jim Bowden left. Everybody loves Rizzo in baseball. Everybody respects Rizzo and he has re-polished the finish on the team. A lot of people still forget that Major League Baseball owned the team the first two seasons (in D.C.). There is this perception that The Lerners have been in charge since day one. People have forgotten how the farm system was decimated by Omar Minaya (Caretaker GM in Montreal—now with The New York Mets). It’s kind of the re-educating of these people. The Nationals became a laughingstock, but during the second half of 2009, they had a better record than five or six teams. So it is going to take a season where they finish with 82 or more victories, or a season where they get a reputation as a team that doesn’t quit—something has to happen positively—so the national media across the country will see the team in a different light. There are too many lazy people in my business that just don’t want to be bothered. ‘Oh yeah, The Nationals, they stink. The teams from Washington always stink.’ They don’t want to hear anything else. They don’t want to be bothered looking anything else up.”

With Strasburg coming up and the team seemingly liking Storen, Stammen too—do you think that is why they are not looking to make a big splash in any free agent pitching signing? (SBF)

“I would be surprised to not see Storen up by the All-Star Break. If Strasburg gets off to a real strong start—and they are going to be real careful not to bring him up too soon to make him a Super Two and be eligible for arbitration or free agency sooner—I think that is a situation they are going to monitor real closely. And I think they are real hesitant to rush him to the Major Leagues—seeing all the burnouts of young pitchers over the last 34 years.”

Do you think they also might feel Ross Detwiler or Craig Stammen can’t really make much more progress down in the minors and for that reason they could move one of them to the bullpen to continue giving them Major League experience? (SBF)

“I don’t think that anybody in the organization sees Ross Detwiler as a relief pitcher. I think, because of his make-up, and the fact that he doesn’t throw the ball 95 miles per hour and is more a finesse pitcher, he is going to have to be a starter. If he doesn’t come out of spring training with the team—they will send him back to AAA Syracuse. They have high hopes for him. Now that he has gotten back to the mechanics he had in college, which is not necessarily pretty and the way you want to see it done—it doesn’t seem to cause much stress on his elbow. It is going to be a battle to fill out the rotation spots. John Lannan is a lock, but it is going to be very interesting at spring training figuring out the rest.”

Anything else that interested you at The Winter Meetings that maybe wasn’t really covered because the media was just chasing the latest news? (SBF)

“I spent some time with Manny Acta and for a guy who was 26-61 (before being fired as Manager of Our Washington Nationals), everybody in baseball thinks he is the greatest. I love Manny too, but it brings us back to judging him just on wins and losses. Like this post I read on nationals.com where somebody said: ‘well obviously, Jim Riggleman is a much better manager because he turned the team around with a better record.’ They never want to bring up the personnel Manny had and how the personnel changed once Jim became manager. But Manny is rocking and rolling. He did tell me The Indians probably wouldn’t be able to trade my daughter because of her contract (Joking—Phil’s daughter’s name is Keri Wood). In fact, untradeable. Manny said that every single time he thinks about his bullpen (and Kerry Wood), he thinks about my daughter.” (Funny)

With that final tidbit—the Nats320 Winter Meetings Review With Phil Wood concluded. Many thanks to both Phil and Craig Heist from WTOP (earlier this week) for taking time out to speak about this week’s events in Indianapolis.

The Winter Meetings Conclude

Having been swamped at work, there hasn't been much time to stay abreast of everything going on at the just completed Winter Meetings. As it turned out, not much more happened, publicly, for Washington. But there was no surprise on our part when Zech Zinicola was picked by The Toronto Blue Jays in the Rule V Draft. Former Nationals Director of Scouting, Dana Brown, loved the guy and drafted him for Washington a few years back out of Arizona State. Now working for The Blue Jays as a Special Advisor to The GM, clearly Brown still has confidence in his ability to potentially succeed on the Major League Level. A belief, Washington's Current Baseball Management did not.

But the Rule V Draft this morning did give more credence to Our General Manager Mike Rizzo's decision to trade away the top pick to The New York Yankees (Jamie Hoffman from The Los Angeles Dodgers) for Major League ready pitcher Brian Bruney. There didn't seem to be much out there for the taking. Some teams, like Washington, more willing to bolster their Minor League lineups in the AAA & AA portion of the draft with filler (where any pickup does not have to stay on the Major League roster in 2010) than expose a 25-Man Spot to an unsure outcome in the Big Leagues. Not surprisingly, 34 of those 42 players picked by teams today were pitchers.

As the Winter Meetings concluded, Our Washington Nationals are still looking at Free Agent Pitching and Middle Infield help. Names like John Smoltz and Jason Marquis are still being mentioned as starters. Possibly, Mike Gonzalez in the bullpen. No real names clearly developing on the infield front.

Pitcher Zack Segovia was released from Washington's 40-Man Roster to make room for Jamie Hoffman to be drafted and sent to New York for Bruney.

There will be more later after I get through the remainder of the real work day.

Winter Meetings Chat With Craig Heist--WTOP

While the Braintrust of Our Washington Nationals wheel and deal from their suite and ajoining rooms in Indianapolis this week at The Winter Meetings, WTOP's Craig Heist is on hand reporting all the news. Not only all the rumors and facts involving Washington's Team, but Baltimore's as well. Earlier this evening, I was able to catch up with Craig on the phone as he just completed a media session with The Orioles' President--Andy MacPhail--and was heading to another event. Of course, for Nats320 purposes, we only talked about Our Washington Nationals.

Here is the transcript of that chat:

What’s your take on the Rodriguez signing? (SBF)

“Personally, I don’t think Mike and the brain trust are thoroughly convinced that Jesus Flores is going to be healthy by the start of the season. And that would be my guess--initially. The bottom line here is that they are hoping that, for Pudge, the ideal amount of games would be 90 that he would catch and play. If that is it basically, (playing time) at the beginning of the year, that would give Flores the maximum amount of time to get healthier.”

“In talking to Rizzo yesterday, he seemed to think that all of the medical issues in the reports they've received, Flores would be ready to report by the start of spring training. Whereas, (Manager Jim) Riggleman said the start of the year. That’s a six week difference right there—if you think about it. So, my general feeling is that this was a move they thought they needed to make. And this is the guy they wanted in terms of a catcher to bring in to mentor Flores, to guide him with his 14 All-Star Appearances, 13 Gold Gloves. A guy who is going to the Hall of Fame.”

“Now yes, they are still saying Flo’ is their Number One Guy, and still their catcher of the future, but with his shoulder and elbow being what its been, making him miss almost all of last year--they (The Nationals) felt like this (Rodriguez) was the guy they wanted.”

There has been all this rumbling about the money involved in the package for Pudge, two years, $5 or $6 million dollars depending on whose report you believe. (SBF)

“It’s $6 Million--three one year--three the next. But the whole basis for the deal getting done was the second year. Otherwise, you might be looking at $4 Million for one, or something like that (to sign him).”

I’ve been attempting to stay up with everything going on, reading things online, and some have said this is a total waste of money put out there by The Nationals. But it seems to me they don’t have much payroll anyway, so what does it really matter in the cost of Pudge’s contract? Some more have mentioned this outlay would affect their signing of a starting pitcher or two—like Jon Garland or Rich Harden? I don’t necessarily agree with that. (SBF)

“I don’t agree with that either. In fact, I don’t think I agree with that at all. One signing does not affect any others.”

Have you had the chance to talk with Rizzo about Brian Bruney and whether he felt this guy was better than any other choices possibly available in the Rule V Draft later this week? (SBF)

“I think that is probably part of it. The other thing for me, and the other part of it—at least the way I read it is—another power arm at the back of the bullpen. And they (The Nationals) are under the assumption you can’t have enough of those.”

Knowing you have attended many of these Winter Meetings in the past, do you find any difference in how The Nationals are being treated by other teams and agents this year with Rizzo as GM, as compared to, say, last year in Las Vegas? (SBF)

“I think there is a lot of truth to that. I believe Mike is as respected around baseball as you can get and let’s face it; they have already pulled two deals. (Chuckling) And one of them I think is a fairly decent deal. I don’t mind this Pudge Rodriguez thing at all.”

I believe it is a really good move because Washington can’t go on anymore with Josh Bard and Wil Nieves potentially playing major roles again when they had so many problems behind the plate last year. (SBF)

“If you look at what he (Pudge) did offensively last year, and they (The Nationals) still like what he can do behind the plate, he’s an upgrade and it helps that he stays in shape.”

Also, I don’t believe all the rumors going around. I believe many times it's agents and teams trying to stir the pot for their own advantage. But now, I am reading that Vincente Padilla might be interested in The Nationals. Yesterday, it was Jon Garland. Is it just all talk without substance? (SBF)

“No, in fact there is some truth to it. Rizzo did say yesterday The Nationals had a interest in Jon Garland.”

But do you find these agents are seriously coming to The Nationals to actually get their guy signed and to play here? Or, are they using The Nationals, as some have stated in the past, to get a better offer from the actual team the player really wants to play for? (SBF)

“I don’t think that is going to be the case with Rizzo. I think Rizzo has a plan and he is implementing it piece by piece. Look, I think they have done two pretty decent things, already. It is hard to get really excited about Brian Bruney. But it’s a situation where he has pitched on the big stage before—and that certainly helps. And he brings a power arm and the resume as a closer at one time with Arizona—that helps. And as for Pudge, he brings a professional talent to the ball club. They (The Nationals) have had a good start to this week."

With that final answer my Winter Meetings Chat With Craig Heist in Indianapolis concluded. He had to head off to more coverage for WTOP. But Craig's agreed to update with Nats320 as the week progresses, so, please come back from time to time to read his latest comments.

Shameless

"Following in the footsteps of Paul LoDuca and Dmitri Young, another bad [signing] by the Nationals," stated Jim Bowden on Sirus XM Home Plate today at The Winter Meetings in Indianapolis in a discussion about Our Washington Nationals signing Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez to a two year (now down to $5 million) contract.

As incredulous as I was over reading the quote, The African Queen was aghast over hearing it.

Shameless is the only way to describe it, maybe, classless too.

And who exactly decided to sign Paul LoDuca and Dmitri Young to contracts? At least one can expect a team player that works hard and comes to the park every day to play in "Pudge", no matter how many games he eventually plays for Washington. Not effort received from LoDuca and Young after signing $5 Million Dollar contracts to play here.

Sohna and I are very disappointed that Jim Bowden made this comment today. He can criticize the Rodriguez signing all he wants, but looping this into his LoDuca and Young signings and not mentioning his responsibility--utterly ridiculous.