The Nats Thread (old thread link inside, too many load issues)

[skinsfan_1215]

Where do you get a leadoff player in the offseason? Our OF is pretty much locked up, right? Morse, Harper, Werth? The infield is locked up for the next few years at least, with LaRoche being the only question mark after next year...

That's my biggest problem, something I can't get my head around to make it work...

I know we need a leadoff hitter. Desmond/Espinosa/Lombo aren't longterm solutions. I also know that a Morse/Harper/Werth in the OF makes a weaker than you would like defensive outfield.

I don't know if it's going to happen this way, but I keep coming back to the solution: EITHER Morse or LaRouche being resigned to a longer deal to play 1B, with the other being traded. Perhaps packaged for a younger, strong defensive CF that can hit leadoff. productively.

I'd hate to lose either of the guys, but because of their ages they aren't in the longterm plans of the club 4-5 years down the road (Morse will be 31 next season, Larouche will be 33).

[Stugein]

Wearin' my Nats shirt to the office today. Fishing for glares from all the Phillies fans. ^_^

[hunterx]

We've been grooming a lot of guys from our system, too. We do have a few prospects in the minors, but I doubt they will be ready for another 2 years. However, we've been surprised before, and if Goodwin stays healthy and has good success in the AFL and spring training, maybe we bring him up.

Brian Goodwin, OF. He missed over a month due to issues with his quad. He's started his return slower, but is still batting .296 with 2 HR's, 2 doubles, 9 RBI's, 6 BB's and 2 SB's. He has been batting leadoff in the CF spot for the Hagerstown Suns.

Destin Hood, OF. He's got more strikeouts than hits, not so good for a leadoff hitter. He also has only 2 walks through 42 at bats. Only 1 double, no triples or HR's. He's really regressed from his last half season in 2011. Hitting .229 so far, this is his worst season to date.

We don't really have anyone else

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

I thought the plan all along was to eventually trade Morse. Him being hurt has killed his value so that's kind of on hold, but I can't see him being here in two years. Also, with Werth out for a long, long time, there's no reason to trade him now. I think we probably make a move with some other pieces to pick up our leadoff guy. Morse, Harper, new guy in the OF. I'm really curious who they make a run at. And I just hope and pray that Storen isn't the bait. I mean I know closers only have so much value, but I can't deal with an HRod 9th inning every game. Or even Lidge. Ugh

[superozman]

Well last place vs. second place - and its' the complete opposite of what i wanted!!!!

But anyway, I am here. the Phils are playing .500 baseball, Minus their starting 1B, 2B, a platoon in LF, and with their #2 and #4 starters on the DL at a point=. But the Nats are in second without their RF, LF/1B Morse, Zim on the DL.

An awful bullpen has blown a few leads for the Phils, so instead of a chance at 2nd this series, they can only hope for a sweep and pulling within .5 of the Nats.

And just like the series a couple weeks ago – the exact same pitching line up for the Phils. So should be an interesting series:

GG vs. KK
Zim vs. Halladay
Jackson vs. Hamels

[hunterx]

But the Nats are in second without their RF, LF/1B Morse, Zim on the DL.

We have Zimm and LaRoche back, but we are without Ramos as well as the Werth and Morse like you mentioned.

And just like the series a couple weeks ago – the exact same pitching line up for the Phils. So should be an interesting series:

GG vs. KK
Zim vs. Halladay
Jackson vs. Hamels

I don't believe we saw Halladay last time, so that will be a first this year.

[skinsfan_1215]

I thought the plan all along was to eventually trade Morse. Him being hurt has killed his value so that's kind of on hold, but I can't see him being here in two years. Also, with Werth out for a long, long time, there's no reason to trade him now. I think we probably make a move with some other pieces to pick up our leadoff guy. Morse, Harper, new guy in the OF. I'm really curious who they make a run at. And I just hope and pray that Storen isn't the bait. I mean I know closers only have so much value, but I can't deal with an HRod 9th inning every game. Or even Lidge. Ugh

That's what I'm thinking too. Might be more of an offseason move since we're going to be missing Werth until well after the trade deadline. If that is the plan, hopefully Morse can continue his hitting from last year to keep his value high.

[superozman]

We have Zimm and LaRoche back, but we are without Ramos as well as the Werth and Morse like you mentioned.




I don't believe we saw Halladay last time, so that will be a first this year.

Yea, i meant Zim is back, but did forget to include Ramos. And you are right, Worley pitched. I'm full of mistakes this morning!!!!!

Oh well. All I know is I have dollar dog night tomorrow, and tickets to Wed as well. Should be fun!

[Sticksboi05]

So nice to play a vastly inferior team compared to Baltimore. Hate facing Halladay though.

[superozman]

So nice to play a vastly inferior team compared to Baltimore. Hate facing Halladay though.

Them Phightin' words!

[hunterx]

The Phils are 7-3 over their last 10 compared to 5-5 for us...though only 1-4 through our last 5. We really need to hit Kendricks hard tonight to get off to a good start in the series.

Records are only relevant at the end of the year, until then it is "who is hot now."

[TaylorPickSix]

I hope Gio brings his ice blood tonight. We're gonna need him to be absolutely dominant. If he shows up, I think we win tonight. Don't like our chances against Halladay and Hamels though - those two have owned us. Really wish we were facing Lee instead, we seem to hit him pretty hard.

[BRAVEONAWARPATH]

Ian Desmond with the homer!

[Warhead36]

Desi with another HR!

Hitting over .270 with pop and mostly solid fielding, could he be an all-star?

[Sticksboi05]

Desmond already has more HR's than last year.

---------- Post added May-21st-2012 at 07:36 PM ----------

LOL Gio making a fool of the Phillies.