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Some Free Agents are more "Free" than others

By Harper Gordek | December 2, 2008 | Oleanders and Morning Glories

Yesterday, all the arbitration offers came in. This is a big deal. Players labelled as Type "A" Free Agents cost the signing team a draft pick to the team they are leaving from IF the team they are leaving from offers them arbitration. Because of this rule, even if the original team has no real interest in signing the player, usually they still offer arbitration. The worst case scenario is that the player accepts arbitration and the team has a good player signed for one year at less than market value. The best case, and far more likely scenario, is that the player leaves anyway and they get that extra draft pick. Anyway - for teams like the Nats, who need to rebuild from the inside - this is a crucial point. Sign a Type "A" Free Agent offered arbitration and you lose a draft pick. While the Nats would only lose a second rounder because...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Adam Dunn, Arbitration, Free Agents, MLB, Nationals, Washington Nationals

OMG Answers the Mailbag Again

By Harper Gordek | December 1, 2008 | Oleanders and Morning Glories

While the Nationals Enquirer breaks into his neighbor's house trying to find out what happened to Walter, I answer the mailbag. If they sign a first baseman like Mark Teixeira, what are the Nationals' plans for Nick Johnson? -- Don T., Milwaukee You serious, Clark? Trade him. The only question is whether to trade him before signing Tex when the Nats have more leverage. That would be a serious leap of faith though and would indicate a 100% commitment to signing Teixiera (in other words - don't expect it). Knowing the Nationals had one of the worst ERAs in the National League last year, would you rather get a high-priced slugger or a pitcher? -- Matt S., Farmingdale, N.Y. Wow. That's like asking Lerner if knowing the attendance wouldn't change would he rather lower payroll or raise ticket prices... Of course everything is case by case but generally based on...

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OMG answers the Mailbag

By Harper Gordek | November 24, 2008 | Oleanders and Morning Glories

While Nationals Enquirer has an old friend for dinner in Jamaica, mailbag answering goes on. I've been an Austin Kearns fan for years and he hasn't really lived up to the hype because of injuries and slumps. With his rough season in 2008, is this the end for Kearns as a starter?-- Chad B., Hitchins, Ky. First, hello Austin's cousin. How's the family? Second, no it's not the end, and there are 8 million reasons why. If he isn't starting on Opening Day I'll be shocked. (If he IS starting on July 1st I'll also be shocked. He's done.) What are your thoughts on catcher Luke Montz? -- Louis G., Washington I think Montz is a funny last name. There seems to be a lot of people getting on Lastings Milledge and his play in center field. I thought he improved dramatically over the course of the season. Why...

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: MLB, Nationals, Washington Nationals

Banal Conversation Starters #1 : Retirement of the Professional Athelete

By Harper Gordek | November 21, 2008 | Oleanders and Morning Glories

I was going to begin my offseason Friday BCS series, where I offer my opinion on topics that plague the sports world hiding just under the surface only to return when there is no current issue on our minds like a case of herpes with a theatrical sense of timing, with it's acronymical inspriration. However, the retirement of Mike Mussina has brought up a pet peeve of mine so why not be current with my banality? Apparently, for any player with a high level of talent, there are only two ways to retire properly. You can retire while you still are able to play the game at a high level, or you can retire right after you win a championship. If you can do both - well that's perfect. Any other retirement is an embarrassment to a player and his legacy. I don't think I've heard a bigger bunch of self-centered bullshit from fans and media on...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Banal Conversation Starters, mlb, retirement, Washington Nationals

Markey likes it!

By Harper Gordek | November 20, 2008 | Oleanders and Morning Glories

Wait a second... Mark Teixiera has interest in playing for the Nationals? Maybe he never looks at the NL Standings. "Sure I have interest in the Nationals. Now on an unrelated note let me peruse the standings from last year and this sheet on the payrolls of each teaaooOH MY GOD!" This raises so many questions... Will the Nats trade Young / Johnson / Willingham while they still have trade value thinking they can sign Tex? Or will they hold onto them just in case the competitive bidding goes against them? Will Rabid DC locals accept Tex even though sources say "[Maryland] is his home" Will Ted Lerner pony up the cash and not low-ball Tex? Will the Orioles get in the way by making their own run at the hometown boy? (they have recently been trying to re-up their ties to Baltimore and Maryland.) Will the Yankees, Angels, or other team...

Read more | 4 Comments | Tags: Mark Teixeira, MLB, Nationals, Washington Nationals

Where could Mark Teixeira land?

By Evan | November 20, 2008 | MVN Outsider

ccho

As Thanksgiving approaches with the winter meetings not too far behind, Mark Teixeira is getting closer and closer to figuring out what ballpark he will call home next year.There has not been a ton of chatter surrounding Teixeira, but everyone knows the two big players for 'Tex' are the Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees. There are, however, a couple other teams in the mix. Here's a ranking of who is most likely to get Teixeira...1. New York YankeesThe New York Yankees are going all out this winter, economy be damned. With the Yankees set to move into a new stadium that will send their revenue through the roof, they will continue to lead the field for a very, very long time in dollars spent.The acquisition of Nick Swisher seems to have tempered most people's expectations that the Yankees will chase Tex, but I don't believe it for a...

Read more | 4 Comments | Tags: Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, MLB, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals

Bits and pieces

By Harper Gordek | November 19, 2008 | Oleanders and Morning Glories

Not a blog but MLB.com is playing up the Teixiera (and Hudson) interest. You know, if an offer isn't made all this talk will look like an elaborate smoke screen to try to convince the fans they are trying. I'm just saying, Stan, that's all. Just saying. Nats Farm Authority has a great little guest piece going about the Dominican Summer League, along with their other fantastic work. Nats 320 has Chad Cordero's wedding pictures. (While it was fun to think that he was hiding in the bushes taking pics - Chad Cordero's family gladly sent him pictures so the fans could see. Thank god the Nats got rid of that guy.) Firejimbowden gives praise where praise is do for Rich Campbell leaving Ryan Howard off his Top 10. Marc Zuckerman also put Howard down in comparison to others at #10 I understand the obsession with awarding MVP votes to those with hot finishes...

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OMG Answers the Mailbag!

By Harper Gordek | November 17, 2008 | Oleanders and Morning Glories

In lieu of Nationals Enquirer who I imagine is sitting on a beach, earning 20 percent. With the acquisition of Josh Willingham and rumors swirling about the Nats wanting Carlos Gonzalez, I can't help but notice that the team has a lot of outfielders. What do they plan on doing with all of them?-- Pat R., Oakton, Va. Play a "shortfielder" next season? Create a travelling dance troupe of "Angels in the Outfield" (now that Christopher Lloyd has no house he's free to travel around reprising his Oscar-nominated role of "Al, the Boss Angel". Seriously though the title on that link has him as "Taxi" star Christopher Lloyd? "Taxi"? I know people loved the show but the man forever will be Doc Brown, end of story. "Taxi"...the guy who wrote that headline must be 50 years old.) Oh yeah the outfielders... Remember when the Nats invited 319 pitchers to camp? They don't...

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: mailbag, MLB, Nationals, Washington Nationals

Where could Mark Teixeira land?

By Evan | November 20, 2008 | MVN Outsider

ccho

Read more | 4 Comments | Tags: Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, MLB, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals

BREAKING: Josh Willingham, Scott Olsen traded to Washington

By Evan | November 10, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Willingham - Spike from NJ

The Washington Nationals today continued their march towards trying to be relevant, acquiring left-fielder Josh Willingham and pitcher Scott Olsen for a trio of prospects.Willingham, 29, had 15 homers in an abbreviated 2008 with a .254/.364/.470 line, similar to what he has hit over his career. He is eligible for arbitration, likely a major reason why the Marlins opted to move him despite ownership giving the team permission to retain all their arbitration eligible players.Olsen, known for his hotheadedness, is also eligible for arbitration for the first time. He went 8-11 with a 4.20 ERA in 201.2 innings as a 24-year old. There is cause for concern with Olsen's effectiveness as he posted a 3.11 ERA in his home park and 5.58 away.The Marlins got second baseman Emilio Bonifacio, who headed to Washington for Jon Rauch at the trading deadline from the Arizona Diamondbacks. He hit .243/.296/.337 and may be...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Florida Marlins, MLB, Washington Nationals

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