Manny Acta, Z, Mr. Kasten, Mr. Lerner and Chicken Man

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He said all the right things, was engaging, funny and self deprecating during his 30 minutes on stage. But, more than anything else, Our Washington Nationals New Manager, Manny Acta had Presence. At the conclusion of today's Press Conference, at The Washington Square Office Building, in downtown DC, you could easily say, without managing one single game--The Nats new manager has Magnetism and Charisma. You just could not dislike this guy--at least on day one.

To my total surprise (and complete joy!!), my television network assigned me to cover the unveiling of Manny Acta in Washington. I was more than pleased to attend. Taking my digital camera along in tow--attempting to cover the event as fully as possible--but still working for our network. I counted 14 total TV Cameras and an equal amount of snappers, including Ian from The Nationals Pride Blog--shooting the presser for his website. Boswell and Svrluga from The Post, as well as, Ladson from Nationals.com., The Washington Times, Local TV, ESPN, Comcast SportNet, XM Radio--but to my knowledge, No MASN--interesting.


Mr. Kasten stated that The Nationals had not made up their minds on hiring Acta until late last week. But, from the very start--He, along with Bowden were quite impressed with Manny's knowledge and ideas about moving this Franchise Forward. Jimbo glowingly raving that "Manny Acta just fit so many categories, as far as being a leader, a motivator, a disciplinarian, someone that believes in pitching and defenses, someone that believes in playing the game the right way." Bowden going on to state that no one knew of Jim Leyland when he was hired as Pittsburgh Pirates Manager, and everyone knows about Leyland, now. Acta, Jimbo feels, is that same quality talent.


When introduced, Manny stepped to the stage, to great applause from many team employees, including Team Owner, Mark Lerner, and fans surrounding the press area. Noticeably, with tears in his eye, Acta thanked the one person who he could not have made it to this position without--his Wife, Cindy--"Who has been with me this entire rollercoaster ride" Cindy nodding in appreciation of thanks, while sitting next to Nats Star Third Sacker, Ryan Zimmerman. Manny saying, he had to turn to coaching early in life (at age 22) because "I was a terrible player and I didn't want to put anybody else through the pain of watching me." To great laughs.




With that, Jim Bowden presented Manny with his new uniform--Number 14, and, the big guy proudly wrapped the new jersey around himself--all smiles, taking in the enjoyment of the moment. "I like their plan"--the Nats New Manager stated concerning the position both Kasten and Bowden have moved the team toward. "We are going to win here, sooner, than later" Acta went on to talk about how great the entire situation is, with some very young talent and the new ballpark being built on South Capitol Street. "Its an exciting time to be in Washington, DC".
Mr Kasten stated: "I could have not predicted back to when we started that this was going to be our hire. It was getting to know Manny, hearing about him first, meeting him, learning more about him. That's what made out decision fairly easy. He was intent on listening to our plan, how we wanted to go about improving our franchise. I really think we have a manager who is not just on board ready to do the job in the Major Leagues. He is on board with our plan."


"Alfonso Soriano was the very first person to call me to congratulate me on the job. But, I am not dumb enough to think my presence here is the ONLY THING that will bring Fonzie back to the team." Acta went on to insinuate that, when it comes to Soriano--it will be all about money. But, he did say, he still believes, those 2 draft picks, the team would receive if Alfonso leaves, will only help the team, not hurt it. But, "I am not counting anything out, maybe Alfonso will come play for us."

Number 14 said he likes the everyday lineup, currently in place, with, and without Soriano. "I know [on paper] it's a long shot because of the depleted starting rotation, but it is baseball. You never know. We are going to work hard. We are going to do everything possible to win a game on an everyday basis. The bottom line is, pitching and defense wins games. He went on to say "We are going to be a top 5 Revenue Team, we are going to be able to compete with the best clubs. Its a tremendous opportunity and I am honored to be the 2nd Manager of The Washington Nationals."

Acta will be a big draw for the young Latino talent that's developed each and every day in, not only his native Dominican Republic, but all over Latin America. Manny is popular, well known, although "No one is as Popular as Big Papi." (in reference to Boston Red Sox Slugger David Ortiz), he stated. But, you could sense that Washington Management feels Manny will be able to help recruit many of those up and coming ballplayers in the Caribbean that so many teams covet.

Mr. Kasten replying: "When you manage in the Dominican, you are really managing stars. He has this great impressive list of experiences with young kids, developing kids, handling stars and he handled them all superbly every where he has been."

Replying in Spanish, to answer a Latino reporters question--Manny stated, "This is the capital of the world, and this is the world's team. Not America's team -- the world's team."

There are 10 current Nationals Players and Coaches that worked with Acta during his 3 years as Third Base Coach of The Montreal Expos--Pitching Coach, Randy St.Claire and players--John Patterson, Jon Rauch, Chad Cordero, Luis Ayala, Shawn Hill, Nick Johnson, Jose Vidro, Brian Schneider and Ryan Church. Manny RAVED about Randy St.Claire, called the Nats pitching coach, one of the finest minds in the game, "a great teacher and motivator".

The Question and Answer period with the working media, went on for about 30 minutes. And, when the hour was up, Acta, along with Mr. Kasten and Jim Bowden did the grand tour--TV, Radio and Print interviews, until all the media's thirst for the news was fulfilled.

During this time, I had the fabulous opportunity to chat for over 5 minutes with Ryan Zimmerman, casually on the side. Z having only heard about Acta, not meeting him, for the first time, until today--but still liked Manny's youthful exuberance and his excitement for moving Our Nats forward. I asked Ryan whether he was really upset about not winning The Rookie Of The Year Award, yesterday. Zimmerman responded diplomatically, stating "this was a tough year for good rookies--Hanley (Ramirez) was very deserved" Then went on with this great quote: " But, if I keep on having good seasons like I did this past year, and we improve as a team, we are going to win alot, for years, and hopefully go all the way to The World Series. That, is FAR MORE IMPORTANT than just another award."

We went on to talk about the Nats Lineup: Z commenting: "Even if Alfonso doesn't come back, we have a good hitting lineup. We are going to score 4-5 runs each game, most nights. Kearns & Church have power, Nick comes back, hopefully, from injury, he's very valuable; Brian Schneider had a terrific second half, Vidro is a hitting machine when he's healthy, Felipe provides speed. We don't really know about Guzman yet, but we can score" But, what about that starting pitching, if you are giving up 8-9 runs per game, I asked "Yeah, that's the problem", Ryan said, "but, I feel we are working on it. We are going to be alright."

As the conversation continued, we began to talk about what he's been doing this off season. Zimmerman has grown a thick winter beard. So thick, some of the media did not recognize him, at first. Z had not picked up a ball or hit, since the last game on October 1st, but has been working out, running and lifting weights. Lately, he's been in the DC Area, searching for a house to live. Stunningly, he asked me, where I lived and I told him--In Northern Virginia. "Is it a nice place?" he questioned. "Yeah, great neighborhood, you could be my neighbor anytime." We both laughed. I actually gave him some ideas. Zimmerman said he would look into them. With that, the Media came charging in and our conversation ended. We shook hands, with Ryan saying "A pleasure to see you again, I will check into those house ideas."

With that, I moved on--and ran into Stan Kasten, moving from one interview to the next. Very briefly, we shook hands, and I stated "believe it or not, I am actually working this event." Mr. Kasten grabbed a hold of my press credentials hanging around my neck, looked at them and started to chuckle--having no idea I was in the media. "He's a decent hire (I said of Acta)--very funny and self-deprecating" "Yes, he is that" he stated, still laughing at my press credentials, and off he went to the next interview.

Later, Mark Lerner and I got into a conversation--Mr. Lerner enjoying a rabid Nats Fan getting to cover something he enjoys. Mr. Lerner eyes bulging when I mentioned that I have attended virtually every single home game. His sister, Marla, looking at me, laughing "You're NUTS!!"

I would be remiss if I did not mention that another Great Nats Fan-- Hugh (Chicken Man) was in attendance. Hugh, well known for waving the beheaded rubber chicken from behind the 3rd base dugout at every single Nats Home Game, as diehard as I am, showed up to express his pleasure with Manny Acta being hired. Talking to both Mr. Lerner and Mr. Kasten, posing for a picture with Acta and getting Manny to sign his very first autograph as Manager of The Washington Nationals.

Hugh and I chatted for some time, glad to see each other again, and talk about our passion, Nats Baseball.

Manny Acta, a coach not too many knew much about, today, made a good first impression on Washington, DC. He alone, does not solve the many problems still to be worked out in the righting of this franchise. But, you couldn't help but feel good about Manny and this hire, after watching him perform today. He was a Natural, on stage, great with the Media--the type of guy you cheer for. 3 Months until Spring Training, 2007 and, Our Washington Nationals took a Big Step Forward Today.

Zimmerman Left At The Altar

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He will always be known as the very first draft pick of Our Washington Nationals. And, when his career ends, 18-20 years down the line, hopefully all those years wearing a Washington Nationals Uniform--Ryan Zimmerman may well have completed a Stellar Career-maybe even a Hall of Fame Career.


But, today--National League Baseball Writers of America, jilted Zimmerman and voted Florida's Hanley Ramirez the 2006 National League Rookie of The Year. Hanley claiming 14 First Places Votes to Ryan's 10 and winning the award with 105 total points to Z's 101. Three writers DID NOT even have Zimmerman as a top 3 Rookie. Now, who are those MORONS!!. They should have their Writers Card Torn Up and sent by their papers back to covering the Minors. Z not top 3 Rookie?? That's ridiculous!! Those 3 writers cost Ryan the deserved award. Ramirez hit well from the leadoff position, stole 51 bases, scored 119 runs and showed some pop in his bat with 17 Home Runs--but its obvious these writers were all caught up in the GLITZ and SHOW and not substance. Ramirez is a fine offensive talent. He's quite mediocre in the field. 26 Errors in 2006. Only 2 other players had more--FLop (Felipe Lopez) had 28 errors.

None of Hanley's stats compare to Ryan Zimmerman's incredibly consistent, all around, Rookie Season. While Knocking in 110 Runs and smashing 20 homers, batting .287, Number 11 showed a tremendous flair for the dramatic. Game winning bottom of the 9th Homers against the Yankees and Marlins at RFK Stadium. Game tying Homer off Mets Closer Billy Wagner, the first week of the season, resulting in a Nats extra inning win at Shea Stadium. Zimmerman among the league leaders, all season long, driving in runners from scoring position.

Yet, hitting is not what Z is best known for--its his fielding. Time and time again, throughout the 2006 season, Ryan showed cat reflexes on smashes down the line or into the hole. Diving to his right, sprawling to his left, to snare a hard hit ball. Already, at 21 years old, he may well be the best in the game at charging in on a slow roller, scooping the ball, and, all in one motion, sidearm toss to first to retire the runner. Zimmerman is one smooth fielder. 15 Errors for the year, the same as perennial Gold Glove Winner, St. Louis Cardinals 3rd sacker, Scott Rolen. Ramirez is no where near the quality infielder as Zimmerman. NOT EVEN CLOSE. The Giants Omar Vizquel had 4 errors, Houston's Adam Everett-7 and, the Phillies Jimmy Rollins-11 errors at Shortstop. All with equal amounts of total chances as Ramirez.

Very few defensive plays compare to that rainy Friday night, last April, against the Atlanta Braves, when Atlanta's utility infielder, Pete Orr, slapped a looper into no man's land down the left field line at RFK. Z--running with his back to home plate, looking straight up in the air--extending, flat out parallel to the ground to basket catch the ball. No one, and I mean NO ONE, at RFK that night thought Zimmerman had any chance of reaching that ball. It was the Defensive Play of The Year for Washington--Frank Robinson jumping off his perch along the railing in the 3rd base dugout to personally congratulate Ryan on the catch.

Ryan Zimmerman, along with Alfonso Soriano--were the Nationals One-Two Punch all year long. They both brought excitement to the park each and every day. Zimmerman halfway through the season--looked more like a 5 year veteran. Going into a hitting slump on for only a few games, before adjusting and breaking out again. Frank Robinson batting Ryan in the 3rd spot in the batting order over most of the last half of the season. Frank showing great respect for Z's young talents.

From our viewpoint in Section 320--we have front row viewing of Z's excellence in the field. I get a kick out of each and every time, an inning comes to an end, and the Nats are jogging off the field, Zimmerman--no matter where he is on the field--will retreat back to the 3rd base bag and step on it, before heading to the dugout. Whether he has crossed over the pitchers mound to make the final toss throw of the inning, or ran all the way down the left field line to catch a pop up--you can bet--Ryan will head to 3rd first. Superstition in baseball lives with Ryan Zimmerman. You gotta luv it.

Make no mistake about it, Ryan Zimmerman is THE NEW FACE OF OUR WASHINGTON NATIONALS. Beloved by many Nationals Fans already (Especially Ms. Zimmy in Section 320--"Come ON ZIMMY!!"). The few times The African Queen and I had the chance to meet him--he was generous and decent with his time--to a fault. Just the type of person a New Franchise needs to build around.

I would never want to place so much pressure on the guy and compare him to one of my other favorites that have played the game with the same proud composure. But, I will anyway--Ryan Zimmerman has all the makings of being as Perfect for Our Nationals as Cal Ripken was for The Orioles. Lets hope Zimmerman can continue to improve his game and become one of the best players in the game--and THE BEST PLAYER to ever wear a Washington Nationals Jersey.

Unfortunately, some Baseball Writers are not looking at that total package--and today jilted Ryan Zimmerman, like a groom whose lost his bride--Number 11 Left At The Altar.

They Are Professional

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I keep reading on and on about, especially in the main stream media, that The Washington Nationals do not know what they are doing. "The Nats are unwilling to spend money". "Washington has no plan". "The Nationals fired a popular but mediocre manager, and have no clue what to do to replace him". "We need to win now". "Tom Paciorek should be re-hired as TV Color Announcer". "Our Nats have no talent"--on and on it goes. And, so many of us have got caught up in the frenzy.

After all the speculation, wishing, and flat out bitching--Team President Stan Kasten seems to be, ever so slowly, putting together a Professional Lineup--both, on and off the field.

Over the past 10 days, Mr. Kasten, along with General Manager, Jim Bowden have, through diligent work, signed 21 minor league free agents to fill up the fairly woesome Farm System, and, hopefully, found a gold nugget or two to help the Major League Roster. Together, they announced the hiring of 10 Major Scouting Department hires--all qualified and educated on FINDING TALENT--Talent Our Washington Nationals need badly. Our Nats, now on par with every other team in the Majors, when it comes to scouting. We are EQUALS.

Then--after so much heartache and pain, for some--The Nats will hire the one Manager, to replace Frank Robinson--so many figured was the best fit for the job all along--Current New York Mets Third Base Coach--Manny Acta. Manny will sign a Two Year Contract Agreement. Yeah, he's the HOT NAME--Yeah he may well flame out like Norv Turner did, under a similar situation with Our Washington Redskins--but its clear, Acta WANTED THE JOB. Openly talked about what a great situation it would be. Understands that Our Washington Nationals may well become a GLAMOUR FRANCHISE. Manny is 37 years old-looking for that first BIG BREAK--like all of us in our job careers--at one time, or still today. Acta is so perfect for a growing team-to me. A team that will make mistakes over the next few seasons, but under the right guidance--may well surprise--a year of two sooner than expected.

I am sure most folks out there realize, I am a bit more optimistic than most. Just having a team in MY HOMETOWN, after losing MY WASHINGTON SENATORS in 1971 has been a BIG THRILL for me. I love our team--openly. And, make no mistake about it--The Washington Nationals are OUR TEAM!!

Mr. Kasten is building a PROFESSIONAL FRANCHISE. And, even during that building and, the potential growing pains, The Nats announced yesterday a DECREASE, or No Change, in all but the VERY BEST SEATS in the house at RFK. When someone can have a Season Ticket at RFK for just $405 in 2007-$5 per game--(In 1971, the final year of the Senators at RFK, the cheapest seat in the house were those same Yellow Outfield Seats, at $10 per game--1971 Dollars), you can not complain about it. That's a steal today--and an effort to build a fan base. A Fan Base that will, willingly, come to the new park on South Capitol Street in 2008.

For 34 years, so many of us rooted for THE BALTIMORE ORIOLES--and enjoyed so much of their success--until the Devil of Modern Baseball--Peter Angelos, ruined one of Baseball's GLAMOUR FRANCHISES with his short sightedness. Then, Angelos attempted to hijack the Welcoming of our very own team. Time and Time again, Peter The Great tried to block the move of The Montreal Expos to Washington. MLB allowing the move anyway--although paying a Ransom for the decision--including Our Nationals TV Rights.

But, despite it all--Poor Management by MLB, Stadium Problems, No Owners, Delay after Delay---The Washington Nationals are FLOURISHING. Would you rather root for a floundering Orioles Team, or an Up and Coming Nationals Franchise? Our Nats drew an equal amount of rabid fans to so called--archaic, RFK Stadium, in 2006. Camden Yards is a FABULOUS Ballpark. Yet, no one is Boycotting the Nats, like Baltimore Fans did late in the 2006 season.

We have HOPE. Hope brought by A NEW OWNER, The Lerner's--and a quality President, leading the Baseball effort--Mr. Stan Kasten. Despite everyone, including my concerns--The Nationals are becoming a Quality, Professional Franchise. A Franchise that all of us, will be proud of for years to come. I could not overstate how much, I believe, that will be true.

10 years from now, I expect to sit back and, fondly recall, all the growing pains of OUR WASHINGTON NATIONALS.

Manny Acta The Man? Sure Looks That Way!!

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With the Associated Press reporting that Manny Acta has pulled his name out of the running for the Oakland Athletics Manager's position, it seems clear, that Acta is number 1, in line for the Washington Nationals job and is negotiating a contract.

Yesterday, The Washington Post Reported that Acta, upon arriving back from Japan with the MLB ALL Stars, was, almost immediately, contacted by Nats General Manager, Jim Bowden--Bowden telling Acta the Nationals are still interested in him.

From the start of this Manager Search, by Washington, Acta has been THE ONLY potential choice that has not trashed the Nationals in some way. Manny has stated on numerous occasions, that he likes "THE PLAN" being put forth by President, Stan Kasten and Bowden. Yesterday, Manny called it a "GREAT PLAN". He's very familiar with many of the players already in the organization. Obviously has good relationships with, not only alot of Latin Players, but players from all over--he's very well liked.


Brian Schneider said fine things about Acta, while in Japan with Manny over the past two weeks. Acta telling Brian he would love to have the job. He loved the Fans in Washington, and their excitement they displayed---he noticed that each time the Mets visited RFK. Thought the team had some good solid young players to build around, and figures the New Stadium will be HOPPING!!.

Whether or not, he turns out to be outstanding as a Manager--will not be known for a few seasons. But, you got to love the attitude. Says the politically correct things. And, in our Nation's Capital--you gotta appreciate that!!!

Manny Acta is a good choice. BRING HIM ON MR. KASTEN!! I hope you are on that Blackberry RIGHT NOW!!

Speculating

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The San Diego Padres traded one of their, supposed, cornerstone young players, 2nd baseman--Josh Barfield, to the Cleveland Indians for young 3rd Baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff and reliever Andrew Brown. Padres GM, Kevin Towers, stated that he feels Kouzmanoff (the only player in MLB History to hit a Grand Slam on the very first pitch to him in the majors) could be The Friars starting cornerman for years to come.

What's interesting from a Nationals standpoint is that the Padres no longer have a second basemen on their 40 man roster. And, I would not consider San Diego a "REBUILDING" team. They are quite competitive--and flat have kicked our butts the past 2 seasons. Towers also said (the most intriguing part)--its far easier to find a second baseman.

Well, who has a plethora of middle infielders?--especially one they are looking to move--Our Washington Nationals. The Nats tried to trade Jose Vidro before last season's trading deadline, but his constant injuries and mediocre play at the time--found no takers. But,he's healthy now. For a younger, contending team, like the Padres, Number 3 might well be a good fit, providing veteran leadership. The returning Cristian Guzman, will, in all likihood, start at short, with Felipe Lopez moving to second. If Jose is traded, and Guzman is terrible again--FLOP moves back to short--opening up a roster spot for Bernie Castro. Its a no lose situation, for a rebuilding Washington team.

Of course, Alfonso Soriano is also available to San Diego, as a free agent pick up--as well as, Marcus Giles, Adam Kennedy and Mark Loretta, among others.

I am not overly familiar with San Diego's Minor Leaguers, but if there is a possible fit--even if Washington pays some of the freight on Vidro's contract--Jimbo better be looking at the Padres, right now. Our Washington Nationals have their new, revamped, Scouting Department in place. Lets put them to work and find a deal.

PS-The Detroit Free Press is speculating that Tigers GM, Dave Dombrowski, is looking to trade their Number 1 Starter, Jeremy Bonderman, for a power hitting first baseman over the winter meetings. Dombrowski is focusing on Rangers First Baseman--Mark Teixeira. Now, I am not sure if Washington has ANYTHING comparable to trade for Bonderman. But, this harding throwing, young, right hander would look great at the front of our rotation. I could only wish.

Schneiderman's Japan Caps

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Although even I did not get up at 4AM to watch any of the MLB/Japan Series over the last week. The Major League Stars trounced the Japan All Stars--5 games to zip. I found it interesting that throughout the Entire Series, MLB Promoted only the Red "CURLY W" Cap and the Red "DC" Cap. Even when the MLB Players wore their Away Grey Jersey's, Brian Schneider was told, apparently by Major League Baseball, to wear the Red Caps Only.



In fact, I noticed, on the MLB Store website, MLB is selling both Red Versions of the Nats Caps with Special 2006 Japan Series Logos. I would be curious to know whether this is a harbinger of things to come--and a fading out of the Blue "Curly W" Cap. There have been some rumors of a "tweaking" of the uniforms. That would be ashmed for me. I really like all the variations. The blue "Curly W" looks as good to me, as the red caps.


Or, maybe, its just another way for MLB to profit off Our Washington Nationals--without still owning them.

Brian Schneider got into two of the five games, knocking in 2 runs in the 4th game of the series on a 2 out single and a bases loaded walk--an eventual 7-2 rout of the Japanese Team. The Phillies Ryan Howard was, by far, the MVP of the series, slamming 4 homers. Japanese Baseball Fans throwing loving adulations at him by the end of this series. Howard is one dangerous hitter.

Building Blocks

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Our Washington Nationals continued their off season overhaul of the entire organization today, announcing the addition of 10 new Scouts--all major positions in an effort compete on a more level playing field with its MLB competition.

Chuck LaMar was at the top of that list--The Original and long time (11 seasons) General Manager of The Tampa Bay Devil Rays, was named Special Assistant to The General Manager and National Crosschecker. Although Tampa Bay floundered badly over their first decade of Major League Baseball-- and,LaMar certaintly would get some of that blame, you can't deny the fact that the Devil Rays have chosen some fine draft picks during those seasons under LaMar. Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli, Delmon Young are all budding stars, worked a steal of a trade to the New York Mets for Lefthander Scott Kazmir.

All 10 hires bring a serious amount of Major League Talent Searching Experience to The Nationals. You can read all the bios at www.Nationals.com.

Most important to me, and deservedly so, Dana Brown was retained as Scouting Director. For the past 4 seasons, under extremely limited financial means, Brown was able to draft and sign quality young players. 2 of which are now the cornerstones of this Young Franchise.



Chad Cordero and Ryan Zimmerman were both picked by Brown. Dana also chose William & Mary product, Bill Bray--who made his MLB Debut with Washington this season, before being traded in the Big Cincinnati transaction over the summer. The Nationals receiving Austin Kearns, Felipe Lopez and Ryan Wagner in return.

On the surface, is it groundbreaking, thrilling news? Too most--No. But, today's hiring of 10 new experienced scouts and the retaining of a quality man in Dana Brown--to me, is a great sign that Stan Kasten is moving forward on his plans. A few months ago, Mr. Kasten stated, during the signing of 16 year old phenom, Esmailyn Gonzalez, out of the Dominican Republic, that The Washington Nationals will not bend, against other teams, in the Worldwide Search for talent.

On July 2, MLB.com reported Mr. Kasten stating: "This is an important signing,"...."We can now compete for the best talent in Latin America. We will have a presence there." Kasten went on to say that Latin America isn't the only place the Nationals will be looking for baseball talent. They will also be eyeing talent in Japan and Korea.

Yesterday, the signing of 21--shot in the dark--minor league players, to see if anyone might help The Nationals Franchise in the near future. Today, a complete overhaul of the Scouting Department--most likely bringing the search for talent more on par with the rest of baseball.

Its a good day for The National Pastime in Washington. The Nats Building Blocks are, slowly, beginning to make sense--and coming together.

The Grab Bag

When I first read the Nationals Press Release, I started to giggle. It reminded me of going to one of those traveling circus's that use to pass through towns many years ago. Here for a few days, then off to the next stop. These Fly By The Night Circus's always had nickel and dime games that you played for prizes. Once you actually won at a contest, you got to take a prize home. Sometimes, the winner got to see what choices of prizes to choose. Many times, you picked from a grab bag assortment. Occasionally, you won something good, mostly, you just threw the junk prize right away.

That's exactly what Our Washington Nationals announcement sounded like today. As Stan Kasten stated last Friday, The Nats would be signing a dozen or so Minor League Free Agents--hoping to find lightning in the bottle and, at the same time, fill out the minor league system with everyday players. No big money spent here. Just fielding teams for their minor leagues. Maybe, just maybe, getting lucky. Today's Grab Bag consisted of 21 Players of various experience and age. No one younger than 24, some as old as 32. 13 of which were pitchers.

Honestly, I don't know much about them, but some names I did recognize. There is infielder Alejandro Machado, a former Nationals Farm hand, sold off to Boston before the Inaugural 2005 season. Machado came on strong, made the 2005 playoff roster for The Boston Red Sox. Jimbo got a serious amount of grief for letting him go for nothing. Well, he's back. Still just 24 years old.


Pitchers Tim Redding and Colby Lewis--both one time top prospects. Redding with Houston and Lewis with Texas. Outfielder, Darnell McDonald--only because the Orioles hailed him for a few years, with no meaningful results.
What's interesting to read about all these players is their combined success at the Minor League Level. If stats were the only baseball information that counted--these 21 guys look pretty good. But, obviously there are flaws in their games, that must be seen to believe. There is something in their talents, right now, that has kept them from being successful on a regular basis at the Major League Level. That hitch in their swing, the inability to command that third pitch, mentally not being able to bring their best talents to the forefront--under pressure. Those are the deficiencies the Nats must work out of these 21 players--if they expect any of them to actually contribute to the Major League Roster.

It could happen. Do you think the Arizona Diamondbacks wouldn't like to have Dan Uggla back from the Florida Marlins. The Marlins plucked Uggla off the Diamondbacks Minor League Roster in the Rule 5 Draft before last season--Uggla had a terrific rookie season at 26 years old. Knocking 27 Homes Runs, and 90 RBI--competing with Washington's Ryan Zimmerman for Rookie of the Year in the Nationals League. In all likihood, only one or two will pan out--if any at all. But, if both of those are pitchers--these signings are a success.

These players are cheap, nothing is really expected--if someone surprises--Today's Grab Bag will be looked back on fondly. If not, The Circus will be back again--same time--next year.

Now We Know--Officially

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It was the quote of the off season, so far--In a press conference yesterday afternoon at RFK Stadium with Washington Nationals Beat Writers, Team President Stan Kasten stated (as per The Washington Post):

"I don't want to rule anything out, but [signing big-name free agents] is not my current game plan," Kasten said. "I have said that when you sign free agents I actually think you take yourself farther away from your goal, if you are not ready to take advantage of the money you spend."

Mr. Kasten went on the say that the Nats will be signing a "dozen of so" minor league free agents, mostly pitchers, and give them a chance to make the team. Then, according to The Washington Times--top prospects, Outfielder Kory Casto and Lefthander Matt Chico (picked up in the Livan Hernandez trade) will be given a shot at The Major Leagues this spring--but, if not ready, they will not be rushed.

On Alfonso Soriano--Mr. Kasten reinterated what we, as fans, have come to expect for sometime--Alfonso will only be resigned for REASONABLE DOLLARS--nothing more. If not, The Nats are taking the draft picks for his leaving and not looking back.

The first official sign of what so many had believed for some time. Our Washington Nationals will not be Players in the off season Free Agent Market--unless someone falls into their laps. The Nationals are OFFICIALLY rebuilding from within. Our Nationals are not going to be like The Washington Redskins--signing every mediocre former talent for Big Bucks.

And, that's GREAT with me.

Still, this doesn't rule out Washington picking up some of the free agent major league pitchers, I was interested in before. Jason Marquis, Gil Meche and Adam Eaton all still fall into the second tier category. Although, Ted Lilly is certaintly out now--as well as the never were to be considered seriously--Barry Zito and Jason Schmidt.

The Nationals need caretaker pitchers right now, as a transition to a competitive team. The more you rush young talent, the less chance that talents has to develop properly. I read the other day that both Tom Glavine and Randy Johnson had terrible first few seasons in the Majors--and were sent down to right themselves. I checked it out and it was true. Both sure Hall Of Famers, were sent back down after making their Major League Debuts to work out the kinks. The Atlanta Braves, and, the then, Montreal Expos, recognized their talents, let these two get their feet wet, sent them down to rebuild their confidence. Look at their careers now, both fabulous lefthanders.

On the everyday player side--Jose Guillen still fits into my roster for 2007. Number 6 is available cheap--If Jose wants to play here, sign him up.

On the Managerial Front, its very clear that The Nationals will have a NEW FACE, someone who has never managed before, but someone both Kasten and Bowden feel could grow with the young club. At the same time, Mr. Kasten said they are looking for someone to fit this team "now"--not necessarily when The Nats become contenders.

There was one very discouraging report from this Press Conference, when General Manager, Jim Bowden, noted that Nick Johnson is having a setback in his recovery from a broken leg. Scar Tissue is hampering his movement--so Nick will undergo arthroscopic surgery in Sacramento, California to alleviate the motion problem. Speaking from experience--I had a similar Scar Tissue Problem after major surgery--its not all cut and dry--the recovery period will be longer--no matter what Jimbo wants to believe. I have feared for some time, the Johnson might not be healthy come Spring Training. Unfortunately, those fears might be coming true. I hope not, but a 100% ready Number 24 come March, is unlikely. And, that's SAD.

Trick Or Treating With Abby

Nats320
We have a tremendous amount of fun in Section 320. So much so that many kids get a total kick out of all the Cheers, Singing and, of course, Visits by Screech. But, no youngster has enjoyed Section 320 more than Abby. Abby is the daughter of Becky and Mike--regulars in 320. At one time, Abby was well known for singing the "JOSE" Song each of every moment of the day--waiting for the School Bus--before going to bed each night!! All The Time. We all loved hearing that story. During the last game of the season, Mike was one of those fortunate to win a "SHIRT OFF THE BACK" of a Washington National--getting to walk onto the field, with Abby, to receive a Micah Bowie Jersey, personally from Number 59. As the 2006 season concluded--Abby, Becky and Mike have missed everything Nats and recently incorporated Our Washington Nationals into their Halloween Fun.


Here's their story, as told by Abby, Becky & Mike:

We can't believe that the 2006 season is over. What a great year of experiences. Being part of the 320 crowd is a blast. Can't you just hear the "Swing that Stick NICK!!! and RALLY TIME" echoing throughout the stadium. My daughter Abby keeps asking when we can go to the game. I subconsciously get on 295 North to head to the stadium. We give exploding knucklebumps each morning at the bus stop on the way to kindergarten.
So many memories from the season. Screech visits, a 40/40 year, the rise of a rookie phenom. A single chance at a foul ball (oh well), Stan Kasten visits, Abby running the bases during the Diamond Dash, meeting the players entering the stadium, Frank's Farewell, winning a Micah Bowie's jersey and too many others to mention.

We are definitely suffering from Nats withdrawl. We figured there was only one thing to do. Nationals-ize all of our holidays. We had a great Halloween- Abby as a cheerleader and Becky and I in our Nationals gear. (Funny note- when one of the little boys in our group showed up as Spiderman, Abby could be heard singing "Schneider Man-Schneider Man")

Our new holidays include:
Thanksgiving for Zimmerman walk off home runs. Is there anything to be more thankful for?
Christmas- We have sent Santa a wish list for a free agent starting pitcher
Hannukah- Since the tradition is for smaller gifts day after day, we are looking for minor league talent with players to be named later.
Valentines Day has been changed to Curly W Day as there is nothing we love more.
St Patrick's Day will remain the same. Can't mess with perfection- I am sure (RallyTime) Richard agrees.
We are going to combine New Years/Easter and Opening Day as they are the start of all of the fun!
Last but not least- we are petitioning for our new holiday "Pitchers and Catchers Reporting Day".

Let's Go Nats!!!!

Becky, Mike and Abby

Screech'sBestFriend: Good Stuff!! I just can't wait to see Jordan (Mrs. Brian Schneider) to let her know about her boy's song being sung during Halloween. Her facial response would truly be priceless. Its nice to know that between The African Queen, Myself, MickNats, SenatorNat, Ms.Zimmy, Johnnie Damon and "The Noise Boys" (RallyTimeRichard, SeyHeyKlib, NatsDelNegro and KentuckyRob) we have yet to corrupt Abby--although, I am sure, if she was allowed, she would easily become The Ringleader!!