tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post1979214490611379937..comments2023-10-20T04:28:04.547-04:00Comments on Nats320 -- A Washington Nationals Blog: A Few More Thoughts About Last Night's Deflating LossScreech's Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-20995010849586500662010-06-02T14:38:31.498-04:002010-06-02T14:38:31.498-04:00Rizzo told me personally that he would be pleased ...Rizzo told me personally that he would be pleased to sign Guz, Mr. Original National (along with Livo), for next 2-3 years, "depending on the money." Of course. I believe I heard on ESPN that Twins put Orlando Hudson on DL, due to that game-ending collision, first chink in the armour for that expensive acquisition for them, which has been paying off. Note that Nats went the cheaper route by signing Kennedy, who has been a solid contributor, for sure, but is not in league with OH despite certain sabermetric comparisons. <br /><br />Nats will not pursue those they deem "over-priced" free agent outfielder such as Jason Werth, as they did not even consider Matt Holliday last off-season, according to the Nats' excellent GM. Holliday is not playing thus far at his extraordinarily productive pace as last year for the Cardinals, which vindicates the operating philosophy, at least for now. I applaud the Nats brass for not falling prey to Redskins-itis - but, I am equally concerned that Stan and Mike are overly circumscribed in what they can truly do in terms of prudent risk-taking in the free agency market.<br /><br />At some point, it is clear to me that Nats will have to roll the dice on a big free agent everyday player - cannot try to out-smart the system every time, as they did (again, for now) with Pudge. Beltran, Beltre are two classic examples of free agent acquisitions where credible arguments can be made on both sides as to whether they were value plays. But, the evaluation has to come in the context of what realistically is on the farm capable of production, and how close the team is to play-off contention on a regular basis with or without him. And the evaluation may have to be for more than the year where they disappointed after the fact, e.g., Beltre in Seattle...<br /><br />Point is, too, that virtually all ultimately worthwhile free agents are seemingly "over-priced," and, thus, some judicious budgeting for one-two must be set, or the team is going to relegate itself to small-market team's operating philosophy.<br /><br />Is Oswalt worth $13.5 million for 2010-11, as a case in point, to the Nationals? Probably not, in terms of its relative share of the overall budget, especially IF Strasburg; Zimmermann; Wang; Lannan; Olsen are all good to go in 2011. But, allocating a figure in that neighborhood to draft and sign Bryce Harper is not the "alternative," to Oswalt, for example. I often interpret Nats' moves as factoring draft signings in this context. The latter must be a wholly separate proposition. Should the team decide to pass on Oswalt, $$$$ to this effect should be made available to Stan and Mike to pursue an everyday player (preferably in right field), as they deem fit.<br /><br />Living off the buzz of Stephen Strasburg and relying on all parts to click on a decent but very thin roster with no room for error or injury, to speak of, is too lean a fuel mixture for success. <br /><br />Trust in casting some bread on the water. Even if some precious crumbs are wasted. All delicious.SenatorNathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10049860385485455410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-86900229618293080592010-06-02T10:41:57.548-04:002010-06-02T10:41:57.548-04:00Guzman has been a total team player. Sohna's b...Guzman has been a total team player. Sohna's been on his side since day one. It will interesting what Mike Rizzo decides to do with him. Guzman's actually become a trading commodity for teams in contention thanks to his unselfish play. You have to wonder what others teams might be interested in his versatility. That's valuable.Screech's Best Friendhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-32969668884836497942010-06-02T10:36:12.862-04:002010-06-02T10:36:12.862-04:00If Guzman continues his good play at bat and in th...If Guzman continues his good play at bat and in the field and avoids getting slowed by injury like last year's shoulder and bunion issues, I can seriously see him being resigned by the Nats to a one or two year contract next offseason. Boy will that piss people off!TBChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16985413477143165605noreply@blogger.com