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

[skinfan2k]

I bet Morse isn't traded until July where we reap some time who needs offensive help? I bet Rizzo is waiting for the first big injury to happen and then he will trade him for what he wants to get in return

[Sticksboi05]

Just asking... but how many times has Morse hit .300 with 30 homers in his career? Once?

I don't think we should give Morse away for peanuts at all though. And a single LHP would count as peanuts to me. I'd rather have a prospect and pick up a LHP who is actually having a good year sometime during the season. These relievers bounce up and down so much from year to year, I don't want to project any of them based on 2012.

If he's healthy he will repeat at least 90% of that production. You do not give away a guy who in a down year because of injuries hits .285 with the power that Morse has. Guy can crank it out in the clutch on a pitch way off the plate down and away. For the right deal, move him, but don't do it for one decent bullpen reliever. Foolish that'd be.

[StillUnknown]

http://mlbbuzz.yardbarker.com/blog/m...hares/12644440

Washington Nationals players voted last year to split a full postseason share among personnel in the organization’s scouting and player development departments.

While there is precedent for such action by a team, it isn’t routine. Players more frequently include employees who are around the club every day, such as clubhouse attendants and bullpen catchers.

For every playoff team, the distribution of shares is voted on before the postseason begins by players who spent the entire year with the club. The Nationals awarded 49 full shares, each valued at $37,045.32.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said “a few key veterans” led the push to include the scouting and player development staff in the bonus pool.

“That was a nice gesture showing their appreciation for all of the hours and hard work that those individuals put in,” Rizzo said through a team spokesperson. “There are a lot of behind-the-scenes individuals who contribute to a winning season, and I was glad to see our players recognize those people.”

[hailer21]

I don't see any role that Morse can realistically fill on this team. He would have to be either the 5th outfielder or a pinch-hitting/backup 1st baseman.

The first role doesn't really exist until September and placing Morse in the latter would be a huge pill to swallow for a .300/30 HR guy. Reduced to the bench, I can't imagine Morse would be the awesome clubhouse guy he is reputed to be now throughout the season. As a GM, the absolute last thing I would want to disturb is team chemistry. So the only real alternative is to trade him for whatever you can get, IMO.

And given his value, I don't think there is any reason to expect getting "peanuts" in return.

[WALEOVECHKIN]

MLBTR:
The Nationals agreed to sign free agent closer Rafael Soriano to a two-year, $28MM contract, Yahoo's Jeff Passan reports. The deal includes a 2015 option valued at $14MM that will vest if Soriano finishes 120 games over the course of the next two seasons. Agent Scott Boras represents Soriano.

[SkinsHokieFan]

MLBTR:
The Nationals agreed to sign free agent closer Rafael Soriano to a two-year, $28MM contract, Yahoo's Jeff Passan reports. The deal includes a 2015 option valued at $14MM that will vest if Soriano finishes 120 games over the course of the next two seasons. Agent Scott Boras represents Soriano.

This is what happens when you get good

You steal stud pitchers from the Yankees.

I love it, go all in on the next 2-3 years at least. The young core plus moves like this are what put you over the top.

[DCranon21]

MLBTR:
The Nationals agreed to sign free agent closer Rafael Soriano to a two-year, $28MM contract, Yahoo's Jeff Passan reports. The deal includes a 2015 option valued at $14MM that will vest if Soriano finishes 120 games over the course of the next two seasons. Agent Scott Boras represents Soriano.

That's what's up. So that means Clip is gone now and just in case Storen has a bad opportunity to shut the door. I like this move by Rizzo.

[ixcuincle]

No excuses now

Title or bust

[GoSkins0721]

MLBTR:
The Nationals agreed to sign free agent closer Rafael Soriano to a two-year, $28MM contract, Yahoo's Jeff Passan reports. The deal includes a 2015 option valued at $14MM that will vest if Soriano finishes 120 games over the course of the next two seasons. Agent Scott Boras represents Soriano.

Yowza! Does this put Storen/Clip on the block to be traded with Morse for a big name?

This means the Nats lose their #1 pick this year (I think).

[MattFancy]

Seems like a steep price, but you can never have enough pitching

[STBonecrusher21]

This means the Nats lose their #1 pick this year (I think).

Yep. Said that on the article on the Nats website.

[StillUnknown]

This is what happens when you get good

You steal stud pitchers from the Yankees.

I love it, go all in on the next 2-3 years at least. The young core plus moves like this are what put you over the top.

Kinda opens up some trade possibilities as well. Morse + Storen/Clip might bring back something nice.


Then again, they could keep all 3 relievers and use Clippard as the lefty specialist. Numbers say he can handle the job.

[skinsfan_1215]

Are there any stud 2B players that a team might be willing to part for in return for Morse + Storen/Clip? Upgrade that position and oh boy our line up.

[Dave25]

Are there any stud 2B players that a team might be willing to part for in return for Morse + Storen/Clip? Upgrade that position and oh boy our line up.

Morse,Clippard,Espinosa and Rendon for Robinson Cano who agrees to a long term extension.


Haha one can dream.

[Popeman38]

Are there any stud 2B players that a team might be willing to part for in return for Morse + Storen/Clip? Upgrade that position and oh boy our line up.

Umm, Danny Espinosa? .986 avg fielding percentage, with a line of .239, 21 HR, 64 RBI as average for him. 20 steals last years. +range +power. He has played 2 and a half season in the bigs. People were SOOOO ready to give up on Ian Desmond at this point in his career too. We have the best range combined with best power in our middle infield in the league.