A Restoration Project: The Washington Nationals - Page 3

TavesSoul · 08-07-2009, 07:00 PM

What a disappointing month May was for the Washington fans, and the General Manager of the team, Greg Taves. "Just bloody terrible," said Taves, when asked what he thought of the team's play during the month. "In all fairness to the boys, we were decimated by injuries like no one else. Hopefully that doesn't happen again." A 9-19 record this month puts the Nats under .500 for the season.

May's Hot Players
SP Stephen Strasburg - 0-1, 2.43 ERA, 3.2 K/BB
MR John Grabow - 0-0, 1.17 ERA, 15.1 IP
CF Elijah Dukes - .315, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 4 SB

May's Cold Players
SP John Lannan - 0-4, 5.64 ERA, 2.1 K/BB
MR Terrell Young - 1-1, 13.50 ERA, 9.1 IP
C Brian Schneider - .158, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 0 SB

May's Injuries
The Nationals were decimated by injuries this month, which killed all momentum they had from the previous month. First C Jesus Flores went down with a quadriceps strain, and it was announced he'd miss 4-5 weeks. Then 2B Anderson Hernandez fractured his thumb, and was declared out for three weeks. Next, LF Roger Bernadina injured his hamstring, as was out for 2-3 weeks. Meanwhile the injury saga of RF Justin Maxwell continued, as at the start of the month he suffered a setback that kept him out two extra weeks, and then a day after his return, he fractured his foot, and was declared out another 3-4 weeks.

May's Transactions
The team still waits to see what develops, after a month when it was missing a large number of it's key players. Taves made one minor acquisition, claiming 2B Adrian Cardenas off of waivers from the Oakland Athletics. He platooned with Vallejo, until Vallejo was sent down to AAA to work on some things.

May Prospect Report
Here are the top pitching and hitting prospects at each level.

AAA
CL Adam Carr - 2-2, 2.30 ERA, 9 SV
Analysis: Carr is transferring his AA success to AAA, and making a case for promotion next year.
1B Bill Rhinehart - .323, 15 HR, 36 RBI, 0 SB
Analysis: DHing his way to massive numbers. Must have set some sort of AAA record for HR's in a month.

AA
SP Casey Kelly - 3-1, 1.83 ERA, 4.6 K/BB
Analysis: The #2 ranked prospect in the MLB is showing why he's seen in such a light. Might get a shot to pitch in Majors at the age of 20.
CF Engel Beltre - .321, 7 HR, 18 RBI, 5 SB
Analysis: Fantastic first month in A lead to promotion, and despite splitting time, he's picked up right where he left off.

A
SP Kennil Gomez - 6-0, 0.98 ERA, 5.4 K/BB
Analysis: Absolutely dominant in his second season in A, promotion is in the cards.
2B Valerio Heredia - .302, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 4 SB
Analysis: Tearing up A since his promotion, Heredia could jump through the ranks quickly.

TavesSoul · 08-07-2009, 07:20 PM

The 2010 MLB Draft Preview
June 15th, 2010

Going into tonight's First Year Player Draft, many prospects will sit by their phones, waiting to get the call letting them know they've been picked in this years draft. Baseball U.S. released it's top prospect list earlier in the week, signify the names of the ten players it thinks won't be waiting very long to receive those calls. It looked like follows:

1) 1B Sergio Villanuera, 22 yr old, Pacific (NCAA)
2) SP Felipe Perez, 22 yr old, Texas Tech (NCAA)
3) SP Jin-young Pak, 22 yr old, University of Pennsylvania (NCCA)
4) SP Adam Wicks, 22 yr old, Vanderbilt (NCAA)
5) SP Donatello Re, 18 yr old, high school
6) SP Mike Mongeau, 22 yr old, USC (NCAA)
7) 1B Alberto Cruz, 22 yr old, Iowa State (NCAA)
8) RF Luiz Campos, 22 yr old, Temple (NCAA)
9) RF King Fontaine, 22 yr old, Northwestern (NCAA)
10) RF Earl Rogers, 22 yr old, college

Washington, Kansas City, Colorado, Detroit, and the Los Angels Angels have the top 5 picks, With the most pressure on Washington and Kansas City to set the drafts tone. In a deep draft, Washington has three picks in the first 30, and hopes to get a bumper crop of young talent. Rumours are abound, as much speculation is happening over who Washington GM Greg Taves will take with his first pick. Last year he used it to acquire flamethrower SP Stephen Strasburg, and while this draft is stocked with young arms, the Nats positions of need are said to be 3B, 2B, and SS. Rumours persist they may go off the board with the first pick and take St. Joseph's SS William Bumgar, the top rated shortstop prospect in this draft, although passing on more respected talent would be hard. It's expected that if Washington passes on 1B Sergio Villanuera, Kansas City would snap him up in an instant.

Washington First Round Picks
This is a list of first round picks made during GM Greg Taves' time in Washington.

2009 - 1st Round (1st Overall)
SP Stephen Strasburg
Strasburg had a solid year in AAA, but struggled when called up to the majors at times. This year he started the year as the #2 starter, and is clicking along with a 2-3 record, and a 2.16 ERA. Has a lot of no decisions due to some terrible luck, as his teammates hitting seems to disappear whenever he pitches.

spider_monkey_b · 08-07-2009, 10:43 PM

Just wondering...are you playing as being able to be fired or did you check the job safety option?

I'm restarting my dynasty, likely as the Pirates, and was thinking of leaving it unchecked to add yet another challenge.

Articula · 08-08-2009, 12:03 PM

I've always followed the thought process that when being a bad team you draft the most talented player on the board and things will work themselves out. It'll be interesting to see where the Nats go!

TavesSoul · 08-08-2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spider_monkey_b

Just wondering...are you playing as being able to be fired or did you check the job safety option?

I'm restarting my dynasty, likely as the Pirates, and was thinking of leaving it unchecked to add yet another challenge.

I am able to be fired. I love the challenge of trying to keep a job, and it leaves the game more unpredictable. Makes me invest more time and emotion into decisions, knowing a trade which makes us tank while offering us a bright future might be enough to get me canned.

TavesSoul · 08-08-2009, 02:35 PM

For the second straight year, Bill Massey found himself nearly at blows with his boss, and like last year, it was over who the team should pursue with it's first overall pick in the 2010 Amateur Draft. For the past month, he'd been arguing with the Nationals GM Greg Taves about who they should take, and Bill was worried that much like last year, Greg would go with his gut, instead of weighing what Bill was saying. Bill had never seen a GM relying so much on just his gut feel. Sure, he'd worked for guys who he couldn't persuade to his side, but most times, they at least had an explanation for why they made the decisions they did. Greg usually never did. Sure, he had some logic to most of his decisions, but their were certain decisions he made that all he would say was "I had a feeling about this guy" as to why he made them. Massey had already experienced this, when they acquired the likes of 2B Jose Vallejo, SP Jake Arrieta and RF Gabe Kapler. Massey had rallied against the acquisition of Arrieta and Kapler, and so far he'd yet to be proven wrong about them. Yet, what still bothered him to this day was Taves' drafting SP Stephen Strasburg last year over CF Dustin Ackley. Was Strasburg a good pitcher? Sure, but Massey had tried to warn Taves that his teammates throughout the years had never liked playing with Strasburg. That could be seen already this year, as Strasburg had been excellent, but lost a majority of his decisions as the team around him seemed to refuse to lay hard when he pitched. Ackley on the other hand was starting to light up the majors, and everyone seemed to enjoy playing with him.

This year, they were debating 1B Sergio Villanuera and SS William Bumgar. Bill thought that Villanuera was the complete package, and the acquistion of him could lead the Nationals to having the best 1B not only in baseball, but maybe in history. Taves on the other hand was getting one of his "feelings" about Bumgar. While Greg raised good points, as they needed a SS prospect badly, and Bumgar was a solid player, Bill couldn't understand taking him with the first pick, when their was a clearly more talented guy to be had. In Bill's mind, the top prospect, without character issues, should always go first, especially when your an organization that for years has lacked talent. Villanuera was a superstar in Bumgar was a solid contributor, but no superstar.

Bill had taken this job after being told by the owner Ted Lerner that he would basically be making all the baseball decisions, while Lerner hired a no name general manager that Massey could influence, and would take all the heat for the bad couple seasons till Massey got them on their feet, and then he would inherit the team. Yet, things had not turned out as Bill had thought it would, and he had begun to hate Taves and his gut. Sure, he respected him, as Greg had proven to be a pretty adapted GM in his year and a half at the helm, but this was supposed to be Bill's team to run. Massey swore to himself that if he couldn't sway Taves' pick this time around, he'd either find a way to get rid of Taves, or quit the team completely.

TavesSoul · 08-08-2009, 05:44 PM

2010 Draft In The Books
June 15th, 2009

The 2010 Amateur draft concluded today, and the day started with a shocking pick. The Washington Nationals were on the clock when it was announced that they selected SS William Bumgar out of the Saint Joseph's University. While considered a solid prospect by most GMs, he didn't crack Baseball U.S.'s top 10 list, and is a surprise pick. Nationals GM Greg Taves had this to say about that: "It was definitely a hard choice to make, and since we started to scout this class, we had a debate between our top five guys. It's fair to say that even on draft day, we had a hard time decided between our top two, but we need a shortstop prospect, and we feel William offers our team an elite prospect who can hit, run, and play great defense. We also like his work ethic, and his small school attitude. The only thing he won't do is hit for power, but I'm okay with that." The Kansas City Royals were next up, and they quickly rushed in their pick, taking top prospect 1B Sergio Villanuera. "I couldn't believe that he was there when we picked," said KC GM Dayton Moore. "We thought for sure we'd have to take our second choice, and we're ecstatic to feel an organizational need with such a stud of a prospect. I'd like to thank Greg Taves for passing on 'The Franchise'." The Colorado Rockies were third, and they used their selection the fifth ranked prospect, SP Donatello Re. The third ranked prospect fell into the Detriot Tigers laps at four, as they took SP Jin-Young Pak, while the Los Angeles Angels rounded out the top 5 with the selection of SP Adam Wicks, Baseball U.S.'s fourth ranked prospect. Number 2 ranked prospect SP Felipe Perez fell to the San Diego Padres at the 16th pick, while the Toronto Blue Jays picked up CL Francisco Martinez, a closer out of Pacific, with the 21st pick.

Washington Nationals Draft Picks

First Round - 1st Overall
SS William Bumgar - 22 Yrs Old, RHB, Saint Joseph's University
We feel that Bumgar can be a solid player on a championship caliber team. We probably will never be the star player, but always one of the teams better players none the less. He'll start in the Rookie League, till he gets his footing. There's a bright future for William ahead.

18th Overall
CL Tanyu Kato - 22 Yrs Old, RHP, University of Nebraska
I was shocked to see him still on the board, and I pounced on taking him. His sinker and curveball have some real movement to them, and his pitches have been clocked at 98 MPH. Kato is a smart, loyal, hard working pitcher who may close out games for the Nationals for years, if he can beat out the next pick for that job.

25th Overall
SP Will Lehman - 22 Yrs Old, RHP, Northwestern University
Even more shocking when I made my next pick was the fact that Will sat their, unclaimed. For some reason I did not see his name when I pick Kato with the last pick, and to get a pitcher who Bill thinks projects as a top closer in the big league's down the road, and I agree. The only question is his work ethic, but his 100 MPH fastball quickly makes you forget about any questions you had. His splitter is also phenomenal.

Supplemental Round - 36th Overall
CF Arturo Peralta - 22 Yrs Old, Switch, Pacific University
Like most of the center fielders in my system, Arturo plays awesome defense, and runs like the wind. has some decent offensive potential, though he'll never be an All-Star. I worry about his work ethic, though.

44th Overall
C Ignacio Otero - 22 Yrs Old, LHB, University of Iowa
The hardworking Cuban is a great defensive catcher, who projects to hit well in the Show when he develops. He'll never be an elite power guy, but he'll hit around 15 HR. Slow as molasses though.

Third Round - 78th Overall
RF Judite Centeeiro - 22 Yrs Old, LHB, LaSalle University
Projects to be a solid MLB hitter down the road, with a heavy bat. Not too bad speed-wise, with average defense to boot. His work ethic is what probably dropped him from a second round pick to a third.

Fourth Round - 108th Overall
1B Steve Moser - 22 Yrs Old, RHB, Columbia
Could be a solid hitter down the road, though he'll never hit for power, not remind anyone of a cheetah. Serviceable glove, a desire for winning, and a .417 average in college all drew the Nationals interest.

Fifth Round - 138th Overall
2B Miguel Guerrero - 22 Yrs Old, RHB, University of Texas
A good, but not great defender, Guerrero is a young hitter who hits for some power. He'll take a few too many strikeouts, but his work ethic should help get him to the pros.

6th (168th Overall) - RF Raul Castillo - 18 Yrs Old, LHB, High School
7th (198th Overall) - LF Corbin Hooper - 22 Yrs Old, LHB, Vanderbilt University
8th (228th Overall) - SP Sebastien LaRochelle - 20 Yrs Old, RHP, High School
9th (258th Overall) - RF Ryan Butler - 20 Yrs Old, RHB, High School
10th (288th Overall) - LF Tanzan Naito - 22 Yrs Old, Switch, UNC Charlotte

NYY #23 · 08-08-2009, 06:46 PM

I think finding a good shortstop is a lot harder than finding a good first baseman, so hopefully Bumgar works out for you.

jmantemp · 08-08-2009, 10:46 PM

I just read through this whole thing tonight and it's been a lot of fun to read. Keep up the good work. I'm sure rebuilding Washington has been tough. Can you keep us up-to-date on how players you didn't end up picking - like "The Franchise" end up doing? It's fun to play that "What If?" game. (Although I'd understand if it made you crazy.)

TavesSoul · 08-10-2009, 06:07 PM

June was a better month for the Nationals, with the team pulling off a 13-13 month. The team is currently 5.0 games back of Mets for the NL East lead, so the fans still have some hope for this season, something that the last two years was long gone at this moment. "I'm glad the team has started to turn things around, and I hope it continues next month," said GM Greg Taves. "Our injuries have started to get under control, and now if only we could get a little more offense, we might have a shot at the playoffs this year." Many observers however don't think this team realistically has a shot at contention, although it's widely believed they could be a .500 team.

June's Hot Players
SP Dallas Braden - 2-0, 3.16 ERA, 3.3 K/BB
MR Saul Rivera - 1-0, 1.38 ERA, 1 SV
3B Ryan Zimmerman - .350, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 1 SB

June's Cold Players
SP Rich Harden - 0-3, 7.11 ERA, 4.0 K/BB
MR Ryan Perry - 0-1, 14.14 ERA, 7.0 IP
CF Robbie Grossman - .192, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 SB

June's Injuries
Luckily for the Nats, June was more about players coming back. Still, their were some injuries that hurt the team. First, recently returned CF Elijah Dukes fractured a finger, almost two months to the day when he fractured his thumb. He is out for four weeks. Then 2B Jose Vallejo strained his hamstring, and will sit out 2-3 months of the season. On the comeback trail, both C Jesus Flores and RF Justin Maxwell returned to the roster from their injuries.

June's Transactions
June, in typical Taves fashion, was a slow month for transactions, as the team focused on the Amateur Draft. They did make two waiver transactions though, claiming MR Ryan Perry from the Colorado Rockies, as well as MR Jose Ceda. The Nationals hope these moves shore up a leaking bullpen.

June Prospect Report
With the draft this month, the Nationals added a bevy of new young talent to their minor league system. "Their are a quite a few guys in this haul that we're extremely excited about," said Taves. "Massey and I did some hard work, and had some heavy debates, but we're excited about the idea that some of these guys with some patience will be great MLBers."

AAA
CL Adam Carr - 2-1, 1.69 ERA, 7 SV
Analysis: While Cecil and Zimmermann continue to shine, no one dominated like Carr this month. With a couple more showings like this, he could be one his way to the majors.
LF Chris Marrero - .307, 12 HR, 22 RBI, 0 SB
Analysis: His first year of AAA ball has been good, but he has been absolutely dominant this month. May get a look in the majors as a reward.

AA
MR Brad Peacock - 10.2 IP, 0.84 ERA, 2 SV
Analysis: Peacock is a solid reliever that`s performed at every level so far, but this month he was unhittable in short situations. Might have a brighter future then I thought.
CF Engel Beltre - .291, 7 HR, 17 RBI, 2 SV
Analysis: Despite missing a week, Beltre still dominated at AA ball. Formerly, I thought he would never turn into much of a hitter, but his power game has exploded this year, and he`s perhaps the best throw in to a deal we've had so far. Has a real future in the Show.

A
SP Steven Stewart - 1-0, 1.23 ERA, 1.8 K/BB
Analysis: In his second year of A ball, Stewart is finally proving himself. Still, his future is probably not bright, though this may earn him a promotion to AA ball next season.
3B Vic Cegles - .257, 9 HR, 19 RBI, 4 SB
Analysis: Stewart has looked like a man among boys this year, which at 24, he is for this team. May need the challenge of AA ball, but is behind Stephen King.

Short A
SP Tom Haley - 1-0, 2.08 ERA, 1.33 K/BB
Analysis: The 901st overall pick in last years draft had a good start to his career so far, pitching well in R ball last year, and now at the start of the Short A season.
1B Jorge Franco - .316, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 0 SB
Analysis: 'Grandmother', the Nationals 6th pick last year, has had a good start to the season, yet it remains to be seen whether he can keep that streak going.

R
SP Sebastien LaRochelle - 1-0, 1.15 ERA, 2.7 K/BB
Analysis: The team's eighth rounder this year, he pitched a three hit shutout, and has dominated early. The Sudbury native looks eager to prove his mettle.
2B Miguel Guerrero - .393, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 0 SB
Analysis: The fifth round pick has out performed top pick Bumgar to steal the show, hitting big and showing everyone he's got a bright future ahead of him.

TavesSoul · 08-10-2009, 06:32 PM

Things continue to look up, as the Nationals get ever closer to .500. Posting a 14-11 record in July helped them to close in on the passing grade, although they are still 5.0 games behind the NL East leading Florida Marlins. "As long as we keep getting better every month, we have an outside chance at the playoffs still," said GM Greg Taves. "Really though, this is a step in the right direction for our team, and shows that what we've been building here is working. And that's all I can ask for." Taves is said to be pleased that 2010 free agent acquisition Harden was starting to turn around his season.

July's Hot Players
SP Rich Harden - 3-1, 2.11 ERA, 3.4 K/BB
MR Damaso Marte - 3-1, 2.21 ERA, 1 SV
1B Adam LaRoche - .244, 6 HR, 18 RBI, 0 SB

July's Cold Players
SP John Lannan - 1-2, 5.76 ERA, 1.4 K/BB
CL J.J. Putz - 1-3, 8.10 ERA, 3 SV
RF Justin Maxwell - .150, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 SB

July's Injuries
The Nationals have made it through worse injuries then those suffered this month. Still, CF Xavier Avery has to be disappointed, experiencing shoulder problems that will put him out 2 months just 7 games into his audition for the big club. The team also lost backup C Brian Schneider for 3 weeks to a strained oblique, 2 days before getting starter C Jesus Flores back.

July's Transactions
With the trade deadline looming at the end of the month, Taves knew that this was his last chance to make some tough decisions. There were many questions unanswered as to how a healthy Nationals team would perform, but he no longer had the luxury to wait and see. Three major trades were made in an effort to push the club into the playoff discussion. First, on the 12th, Taves finalized a trade with the rival New York Mets to shore up a leaking bullpen. Due to under-performance by Hanrahan, the Nationals needed a closer bad, and acquired CL J.J. Putz from the Mets and his heavy salary, in exchange for MR John Grabow, SP Tyler Clippard, and minor league RF Yhonson Lopez. Grabow had been under-performing, but he's a fairly consistent LHP out of the pen, while Clippard has a solid future.
Fifteen days later, he made another move to shore up the bullpen, acquiring MR Damaso Marte from the Brewers as well as prospect RF Caleb Gindl, and minor league 3B David Wright. In exchange the Brewers get MR Ryan Perry and SP Scott Olsen. Both are great solid young pitchers who can help a staff for years, while the Nats strengthen the bullpen this year, and get a prospect they can move.
Finally, the day of the trade deadline arrived, and the Nationals had to decide the fate of LF Adam Dunn. Dunn was having a great year, hitting .310 with 24 HR. He was willing to resign for 5 years @ $12M each, which in Taves' mind was a little too much for a guy who couldn't field in an NL League. He had put out quiet feelers around the league, to see who would be interested in acquiring him, and was surprised to get a call from Mets GM Omar Minaya inquiring after Dunn. Minaya and Taves have a good relationship, despite managing rival clubs, and they spent the 12 hours before the deadline offering and counter-offering deals. Finally, a package was agreed on, and they filed the paper work right before the official deadline. Dunn would become a Met, while star SS Jose Reyes would become a National. The Mets would also acquire SP Tim Cahill, LF Rob Kemp, RF Caleb Gindl, and CF Robbie Grossman. "This was the hardest trade in my time as GM to pull the trigger on," said Taves at the press conference. "Adam has been great for the Nationals organization, and we would have loved to keep him, but at the end of the day, when you can get a Jose for your team, you do whatever it takes to get him." Some GM's have panned the move, as the Mets acquire not only a great hitter in Dunn, but future starters in Cahill and Grossman, and two talented prospects in Kemp and Gindl. "We know we payed a premium," said Taves, "but we think in the end the price is worth it. If we can resign Jose, then all those prospects are worth the cost."

July Prospect Report

AAA
SP Casey Kelly - 4-1, 1.72 ERA, 5.3 K/BB
Analysis: Kelly's 1.82 ERA for the season begs to be promoted, and he'll audition soon enough in the pros. My top prospect now that Strasburg is in the majors to stay.
1B Freddie Freeman - .307, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 0 SB
Analysis: The #21 prospect is performing like it. I may have to think about dealing LaRoche in the off-season to make room for Freeman and Rhinehart.

AA
SP Jake Arrieta - 3-1, 0.96 ERA, 2.9 K/BB
Analysis: Arrieta has really exploded this year, after a terrible year last year. Already in AAA to finish last month. This month reminded me of why I dealt for him.
C Derek Norris - .242, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 1 SB
Analysis: Norris was having an okay year, and then exploded this month. Still needs to hit for a better average though before he can be considered a true MLB prospect.

A
SP Tom Milone - 3-0, 2.05 ERA, 2.5 K/BB
Analysis: Milone, despite his apparent lack of skills still continues to pitch A ball well. We'll re-evaluate in the off-season.
3B Vic Cegles - .323, 10 HR, 28 RBI, 2 SB
Analysis: Still a man among boys, Cegles deserves a promotion. Maybe I'll final grant him one.

Short A
SP Will Lehman - 3-0, 2.33 ERA, 4.1 K/BB
Analysis: The 25th overall pick this year is showing why, beating tough competition and being the Vermont Lake MVP for the month. He'd get a promotion, but I don't want to burn him out.
RF Jason Johnson - .320, 1 HR, 17 RBI, 6 SB
Analysis: The speedy RF is still proving himself worthy of a minor league spot next year. Will play A ball to start next season.

R
CL Tanyu Kato - 1-1, 1.42 ERA, 9 SV
Analysis: The 18th overall pick this year could probably play Short A already, but I'd like him to dominate at every level, so promotion is unlikely yet.
RF Raul Castillo - .200, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 1 SB
Analysis: Castillo struggles to hit, but when he does it always has a big effect. If he can bring his average up a bit, he might have a legitimate shot at playing A ball next year.

metzrule3 · 08-10-2009, 10:37 PM

Did you trade for David Wright, as in David Wright of the Mets? What happened to him?

TavesSoul · 08-10-2009, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metzrule3

Did you trade for David Wright, as in David Wright of the Mets? What happened to him?

No, not that David Wright. I guess I should have clarified that. No, the Brewers had an A ball prospect who just so happens to share the same name and position. I can only hope he turns out half as well, though I don't think he has much of a future past AA. Didn't mean to scare you and other Mets fans.

Articula · 08-11-2009, 10:44 AM

Taves,

How much do you manage the minor league rosters? For instance your new SS Bumgar, were you able to place him at low A or A ball and just inject him into the starting lineup and leave him there? Or do you have to constantly check to make sure he's starting?

Thanks,
Justin

TavesSoul · 08-11-2009, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Articula

Taves,

How much do you manage the minor league rosters? For instance your new SS Bumgar, were you able to place him at low A or A ball and just inject him into the starting lineup and leave him there? Or do you have to constantly check to make sure he's starting?

Thanks,
Justin

Justin,

I have it set so I manage the rosters of the minor league teams, but I mostly just adjust them for injuries as things go. I tend to go with whatever my manager at each level suggests, and usually he starts my top prospects, so it's never been a problem. As for Bumgar, well I think he could play A or Short A, I prefer to let him develop slowly. Usually I will try to advance a top prospect a level a year, till they hit AAA. Granted, the 1st rounders usually skip Short A in favour of A ball their second year. The rare exceptions I've made are for the SP Stephen Strasburg's and when injuries strike, as they always do. And no, I never have to check to make sure my prospects are starting once I set the rosters every two weeks or so. Hope that answers your question.

Taves

TavesSoul · 08-14-2009, 12:37 PM

August continued the trend of the Nationals improvement, as they finished the month with a 17-11 record, putting them 4 games over .500. The Nats sit just outside the playoff picture, a half game back of Florida and Milwaukee for the wild card spot. The fans and the team are excited to be in such a position, and attendances starting to max out, as things get exciting going into September for the first time in Washington. GM Greg Taves was excited, stating "I always thought this team had playoff potential, and I am excited that we're still in it. Now we just need to close out the season strong. But whether we make the playoffs or not, this season is going to go down as a success, as we've already eclipsed our win total from last year."

August's Hot Players
SP Rich Harden - 4-1, 2.83 ERA, 1.7 K/BB
MR Damaso Marte - 2-0, 1.42 ERA, 8 SV
3B Ryan Zimmerman - .360, 9 HR, 32 RBI, 2 SB

August's Cold Players
SP Dallas Braden - 1-3, 5.83 ERA, 2.1 K/BB
MR Joe Ceda - 5.0 IP, 9.00 ERA, 0 SV
2B Anderson Hernandez - .171, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 0 SB

August's Injuries
Continuing the trend of outfielders who can't stay of the DL, LF Roger Bernadina got a hip strain, and will be out 4 weeks. It's the second time this season Bernadina's been on the DL. Luckily, he was Washington's lone injury casualty this month, as they got C Brian Schneider and 2B Jose Vallejo back from their stints on the DL.

August's Transactions
There was nothing happening transactions-wise this month, as Taves saw nothing come across the waiver wire that interested him, and the trade deadline has passed. The GM is said to be excited to see his nearly healthy roster come together and perform.

August Prospect Report

AAA
CL Adam Carr - 1-0, 1.38 ERA, 9 SV
Analysis: Carr has been dominant yet again, and hopefully will be ready next year to close in the majors. Will get a look near the end of the year if we're out of the playoff race.
CF Mike Daniel - .321, 9 HR, 18 RBI, 4 SB
Analysis: A solid AAA CF, he isn't seen as having a major league future, but he continues to perform like this, I may have to give him a reward call-up.

AA
SP Paul Demny - 2-1, 2.38 ERA, 2.5 K/BB
Analysis: Not a highly hyped guy, Massey thinks very little of him. Still, how can I not be impressed by his success over the last two years?
SS Chris Lugo - .301, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 0 SB
Analysis: A good month from the kid, he still is consider to have a future in the show, at 24.

A
SP Cole Kimball - 2-0, 1.29 ERA, 3.2 K/BB
Analysis: A good month from Cole, although he's only had an okay season. Needs another solid month, or he could be done in our system.
2B Nick Arata - .234, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 0 SB
Analysis: His second year of AA ball is going much better then his first. May be some hope for him yet.

Short A
CL Tanyu Kato - 11.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 8 SV
Analysis: Got the promotion, and then dominated Short A ball. Is as good as advertised.
1B Jorge Franco - .327, 1 HR, 18 RBI, 0 SB
Analysis: 'Grandmother' has had a solid year. Will be around next year in A ball.

R
SP Luis Jimenez - 3-0, 2.11 ERA, 4.2 K/BB
Analysis: Solid pitcher, we'll see how he does in Short A next year. That'll be the real test.
2B Miguel Guerrero - .301, 0 HR, 20 RBI, 0 SB
Analysis: The fifth round pick may not smash it out of the park, but with a man on base, you want him batting. Narrowly beat out Bumgar.

TavesSoul · 08-15-2009, 11:46 PM

It was early Tuesday morning when Greg Taves awoke from his sleep the night before. It was the start of September, and for the first time in his short time with the Nationals, this was the first time that they were still playing meaningful games this late in the season. Heck, it was the first time they were playing meaningful games past May. Greg had a lot to be happy about, and he was looking forward to the coming month, and the playoff drive. Yet, when he looked to the future of the organization, he was even more pleased with himself. Despite being a Canadian who knew very little about the game, he felt he had done a remarkable job rebuilding the youth of this organization, and the Nationals had a bright future ahead. Greg could feel in the very fiber of his being that the Nationals were on the cusp of being one of the elite teams in baseball. Sure, he had stepped on his Head Scout's toes a few times to get the prospects he felt right about, but Greg felt that the performance of his prospects proved his feelings were right. Still, he'd noticed Bill had been acting more stand-offish then usual since the draft this previous June. Greg had completely ignored Bill's advice, and taken a SS who wasn't ranked in the top 10 prospects over "The Franchise", a prospect who was every scouts wet dream. Still, Bumgar was performing admirably so far, and Greg just knew he'd be their SS for the future.
"I better head to the office," Greg said to himself, grabbing his wallet and heading down to the bus stop. He hadn't purchased himself a car yet, but was getting by on Washington's excellent transit system.

TavesSoul · 08-16-2009, 12:02 AM

Greg got to the office at his usual time of 6 am. He definitely wasn't much of a morning person, but he had known from the start that only hard work would help him to succeed in the GM job, and he had become known around the team for his extremely long work days. He went in early every morning and watched film on players from around the minors, searching for the next prospect he could mine. He was always the first one in the building, minus the night guards, and as such, he had his own key.

Greg walked up to the front door of Nationals Park, and put his key in the lock. It wouldn't turn.
"That's odd," Greg muttered to himself, and he knocked on the glass, trying to get the attention of Samuel, the old front door guard who worked till 7 each morning. Samuel glanced up at him, and Greg noticed that for the first time since he had known Samuel, a smile wasn't fixed firm upon his face. Samuel worked his way to the door, with a brown legal envelope in his worn hand. Slowly he unlocked the door, and edged it open, while remaining steadfast in the gap.
"Sorry Greg," he said, looking Greg in the eyes, "but I can't let you in. Mister Lerner's orders and all."
Greg looked at Samuel, puzzled and said, "what do you mean, you can't let me in. Come on, Sam. I don't have time for one of your jokes. I've got film to watch this morning."
"I'm sorry, sir. Mister Lerner came down last night and informed all us security boys that we weren't supposed to let you in anymore, under any circumstances. He also left this for you," Samuel said, holding the manila envelop out through the gap in the door. "I really wish this wasn't the case, Greg, but in this economy, I can't risk upsetting the boss." Sam looked down as his said this last bit, and then he shut the door and relocked it. Greg just stood there in stunned silence. He didn't understand what was going on, and was sure this must be some joke. After a couple minutes of just standing there, waiting for someone to pop out and yell 'Gotcha!', Greg finally walked over to the nearest bench, and tore open the top of the envelope. Inside was a letter.

TavesSoul · 08-16-2009, 12:15 AM

Mister Gregory Taves,

First off, I wish to thank you so much for doing the job you did. I appreciate the work you've put in, and I think you've had a great impact on the team. Yet, I must admit, I did not hire you with entirely sincere motives. I can admit to you now that part of the reason that we hired a nobody like you was to take the heat for the Nationals terrible record, and to take the brunt of the outrage while the team was reshaped. You see, I hired Bill. Yes, I know you think you did, but you must realize now that I was the one who got his name to fall into your lap, and I let you think you hired him. In truth, he was in place before you got here. I had wanted to originally hire Bill as the new GM, but he didn't want the burden. Not wanting to lose out on hiring a man I was sure was to be my franchises savior, I came to Bill with a scheme to hire someone who would be easily influenced. This person would merely be a place holder until the moment that Bill was ready to take the title of GM. You were that person, and that moment is now.
Admittedly, no one thought the moment would come as soon as it did, and I will admit to you that it's partially because of the good work that you and Bill put in to change the whole essence of this organization from the ground up. I will forever be indebted to you for the role you played. Still, I have been informed by Bill that he no longer felt he could work with you. Apparently, he feels you've started to ignore all his advice, and he gave me an ultimatum last night: I could either fire you and promote him to his "rightful place", or he would quit on the spot, and go work for the Mets. Clearly, I couldn't let that happen, and so it is with great regret and sincere apologies that I have to terminate you. The rest of your pay for the year, and the following year as well, have been deposited in your account. Again, I'm sorry it has come to this, but I can't let a man of Bill's experience and skill just walk away without looking like a fool.

Sincerly,
Ted Lerner

TavesSoul · 08-16-2009, 12:29 AM

Okay, so I'm sure that some of you are wondering why I've chosen to end this dynasty so early into it. The short answer is I didn't choose to, but rather it was forced upon me. My computer crashed about two weeks ago, and while I had my written portions of the Dynasty I've posted since backed up, I hadn't backed up my dynasty itself. I have spent the last two weeks doing everything I could think of to try and save it, and I had a couple tech-savvy friends give me advice and look at it, but alas, there was no hope but to restore everything, and lose all my data. Today was when I finally restored the comp, and officially gave up hope of saving the Dynasty (as well as some other semi-important files, but that's not relevant here). I have attempted to convey some of that abruptness in the end of my tale, while also putting in some threads that I could use to help give it an actual ending. Hopefully you all appreciate that, and to those of you that were really getting into the Dynasty, you have my sincere apologies. Trust me, I was more upset to lose this story than you were.

Alas, I will all announce that I intend to start a new Dynasty. I have yet to decide upon a team, but I can say it won't be the Nationals, as I'd hate to try and replicate this storyline. It also won't be the Blue Jays or the Athletics, as the Jays already have a rather excellent dynasties representing them on the boards (props to ryan008 especially), and William Foster has started a rather enjoyable Athletics dynasty. Any suggestions for what people would like to see, I'll take into consideration (although I will say, it's probably between the Tigers, Mets, Pirates, Cubs, Giants and Diamondbacks). Once I've decided what team it'll be with, I intend to do about a year in advance offline before I post it, just so I always have extra stocked up. I also have learned my lesson, and will be constantly backing it up, so that no matter what happens, I should be able to continue on with the dynasty for as long as I can get employment in baseball.

08-07-2009, 07:00 PM	#41
TavesSoul Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 168	May 2010 What a disappointing month May was for the Washington fans, and the General Manager of the team, Greg Taves. "Just bloody terrible," said Taves, when asked what he thought of the team's play during the month. "In all fairness to the boys, we were decimated by injuries like no one else. Hopefully that doesn't happen again." A 9-19 record this month puts the Nats under .500 for the season. May's Hot Players SP Stephen Strasburg - 0-1, 2.43 ERA, 3.2 K/BB MR John Grabow - 0-0, 1.17 ERA, 15.1 IP CF Elijah Dukes - .315, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 4 SB May's Cold Players SP John Lannan - 0-4, 5.64 ERA, 2.1 K/BB MR Terrell Young - 1-1, 13.50 ERA, 9.1 IP C Brian Schneider - .158, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 0 SB May's Injuries The Nationals were decimated by injuries this month, which killed all momentum they had from the previous month. First C Jesus Flores went down with a quadriceps strain, and it was announced he'd miss 4-5 weeks. Then 2B Anderson Hernandez fractured his thumb, and was declared out for three weeks. Next, LF Roger Bernadina injured his hamstring, as was out for 2-3 weeks. Meanwhile the injury saga of RF Justin Maxwell continued, as at the start of the month he suffered a setback that kept him out two extra weeks, and then a day after his return, he fractured his foot, and was declared out another 3-4 weeks. May's Transactions The team still waits to see what develops, after a month when it was missing a large number of it's key players. Taves made one minor acquisition, claiming 2B Adrian Cardenas off of waivers from the Oakland Athletics. He platooned with Vallejo, until Vallejo was sent down to AAA to work on some things. May Prospect Report Here are the top pitching and hitting prospects at each level. AAA CL Adam Carr - 2-2, 2.30 ERA, 9 SV Analysis: Carr is transferring his AA success to AAA, and making a case for promotion next year. 1B Bill Rhinehart - .323, 15 HR, 36 RBI, 0 SB Analysis: DHing his way to massive numbers. Must have set some sort of AAA record for HR's in a month. AA SP Casey Kelly - 3-1, 1.83 ERA, 4.6 K/BB Analysis: The #2 ranked prospect in the MLB is showing why he's seen in such a light. Might get a shot to pitch in Majors at the age of 20. CF Engel Beltre - .321, 7 HR, 18 RBI, 5 SB Analysis: Fantastic first month in A lead to promotion, and despite splitting time, he's picked up right where he left off. A SP Kennil Gomez - 6-0, 0.98 ERA, 5.4 K/BB Analysis: Absolutely dominant in his second season in A, promotion is in the cards. 2B Valerio Heredia - .302, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 4 SB Analysis: Tearing up A since his promotion, Heredia could jump through the ranks quickly.

08-07-2009, 07:20 PM	#42
TavesSoul Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 168	2010 Draft The 2010 MLB Draft Preview June 15th, 2010 Going into tonight's First Year Player Draft, many prospects will sit by their phones, waiting to get the call letting them know they've been picked in this years draft. Baseball U.S. released it's top prospect list earlier in the week, signify the names of the ten players it thinks won't be waiting very long to receive those calls. It looked like follows: 1) 1B Sergio Villanuera, 22 yr old, Pacific (NCAA) 2) SP Felipe Perez, 22 yr old, Texas Tech (NCAA) 3) SP Jin-young Pak, 22 yr old, University of Pennsylvania (NCCA) 4) SP Adam Wicks, 22 yr old, Vanderbilt (NCAA) 5) SP Donatello Re, 18 yr old, high school 6) SP Mike Mongeau, 22 yr old, USC (NCAA) 7) 1B Alberto Cruz, 22 yr old, Iowa State (NCAA) 8) RF Luiz Campos, 22 yr old, Temple (NCAA) 9) RF King Fontaine, 22 yr old, Northwestern (NCAA) 10) RF Earl Rogers, 22 yr old, college Washington, Kansas City, Colorado, Detroit, and the Los Angels Angels have the top 5 picks, With the most pressure on Washington and Kansas City to set the drafts tone. In a deep draft, Washington has three picks in the first 30, and hopes to get a bumper crop of young talent. Rumours are abound, as much speculation is happening over who Washington GM Greg Taves will take with his first pick. Last year he used it to acquire flamethrower SP Stephen Strasburg, and while this draft is stocked with young arms, the Nats positions of need are said to be 3B, 2B, and SS. Rumours persist they may go off the board with the first pick and take St. Joseph's SS William Bumgar, the top rated shortstop prospect in this draft, although passing on more respected talent would be hard. It's expected that if Washington passes on 1B Sergio Villanuera, Kansas City would snap him up in an instant. Washington First Round Picks This is a list of first round picks made during GM Greg Taves' time in Washington. *2009 - 1st Round (1st Overall)* SP Stephen Strasburg Strasburg had a solid year in AAA, but struggled when called up to the majors at times. This year he started the year as the #2 starter, and is clicking along with a 2-3 record, and a 2.16 ERA. Has a lot of no decisions due to some terrible luck, as his teammates hitting seems to disappear whenever he pitches.

08-08-2009, 02:35 PM	#46
TavesSoul Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 168	2010 Draft For the second straight year, Bill Massey found himself nearly at blows with his boss, and like last year, it was over who the team should pursue with it's first overall pick in the 2010 Amateur Draft. For the past month, he'd been arguing with the Nationals GM Greg Taves about who they should take, and Bill was worried that much like last year, Greg would go with his gut, instead of weighing what Bill was saying. Bill had never seen a GM relying so much on just his gut feel. Sure, he'd worked for guys who he couldn't persuade to his side, but most times, they at least had an explanation for why they made the decisions they did. Greg usually never did. Sure, he had some logic to most of his decisions, but their were certain decisions he made that all he would say was "I had a feeling about this guy" as to why he made them. Massey had already experienced this, when they acquired the likes of 2B Jose Vallejo, SP Jake Arrieta and RF Gabe Kapler. Massey had rallied against the acquisition of Arrieta and Kapler, and so far he'd yet to be proven wrong about them. Yet, what still bothered him to this day was Taves' drafting SP Stephen Strasburg last year over CF Dustin Ackley. Was Strasburg a good pitcher? Sure, but Massey had tried to warn Taves that his teammates throughout the years had never liked playing with Strasburg. That could be seen already this year, as Strasburg had been excellent, but lost a majority of his decisions as the team around him seemed to refuse to lay hard when he pitched. Ackley on the other hand was starting to light up the majors, and everyone seemed to enjoy playing with him. This year, they were debating 1B Sergio Villanuera and SS William Bumgar. Bill thought that Villanuera was the complete package, and the acquistion of him could lead the Nationals to having the best 1B not only in baseball, but maybe in history. Taves on the other hand was getting one of his "feelings" about Bumgar. While Greg raised good points, as they needed a SS prospect badly, and Bumgar was a solid player, Bill couldn't understand taking him with the first pick, when their was a clearly more talented guy to be had. In Bill's mind, the top prospect, without character issues, should always go first, especially when your an organization that for years has lacked talent. Villanuera was a superstar in Bumgar was a solid contributor, but no superstar. Bill had taken this job after being told by the owner Ted Lerner that he would basically be making all the baseball decisions, while Lerner hired a no name general manager that Massey could influence, and would take all the heat for the bad couple seasons till Massey got them on their feet, and then he would inherit the team. Yet, things had not turned out as Bill had thought it would, and he had begun to hate Taves and his gut. Sure, he respected him, as Greg had proven to be a pretty adapted GM in his year and a half at the helm, but this was supposed to be Bill's team to run. Massey swore to himself that if he couldn't sway Taves' pick this time around, he'd either find a way to get rid of Taves, or quit the team completely.

08-14-2009, 12:37 PM	#56
TavesSoul Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 168	August 2010 August continued the trend of the Nationals improvement, as they finished the month with a 17-11 record, putting them 4 games over .500. The Nats sit just outside the playoff picture, a half game back of Florida and Milwaukee for the wild card spot. The fans and the team are excited to be in such a position, and attendances starting to max out, as things get exciting going into September for the first time in Washington. GM Greg Taves was excited, stating "I always thought this team had playoff potential, and I am excited that we're still in it. Now we just need to close out the season strong. But whether we make the playoffs or not, this season is going to go down as a success, as we've already eclipsed our win total from last year." August's Hot Players SP Rich Harden - 4-1, 2.83 ERA, 1.7 K/BB MR Damaso Marte - 2-0, 1.42 ERA, 8 SV 3B Ryan Zimmerman - .360, 9 HR, 32 RBI, 2 SB August's Cold Players SP Dallas Braden - 1-3, 5.83 ERA, 2.1 K/BB MR Joe Ceda - 5.0 IP, 9.00 ERA, 0 SV 2B Anderson Hernandez - .171, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 0 SB August's Injuries Continuing the trend of outfielders who can't stay of the DL, LF Roger Bernadina got a hip strain, and will be out 4 weeks. It's the second time this season Bernadina's been on the DL. Luckily, he was Washington's lone injury casualty this month, as they got C Brian Schneider and 2B Jose Vallejo back from their stints on the DL. August's Transactions There was nothing happening transactions-wise this month, as Taves saw nothing come across the waiver wire that interested him, and the trade deadline has passed. The GM is said to be excited to see his nearly healthy roster come together and perform. August Prospect Report AAA CL Adam Carr - 1-0, 1.38 ERA, 9 SV Analysis: Carr has been dominant yet again, and hopefully will be ready next year to close in the majors. Will get a look near the end of the year if we're out of the playoff race. CF Mike Daniel - .321, 9 HR, 18 RBI, 4 SB Analysis: A solid AAA CF, he isn't seen as having a major league future, but he continues to perform like this, I may have to give him a reward call-up. AA SP Paul Demny - 2-1, 2.38 ERA, 2.5 K/BB Analysis: Not a highly hyped guy, Massey thinks very little of him. Still, how can I not be impressed by his success over the last two years? SS Chris Lugo - .301, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 0 SB Analysis: A good month from the kid, he still is consider to have a future in the show, at 24. A SP Cole Kimball - 2-0, 1.29 ERA, 3.2 K/BB Analysis: A good month from Cole, although he's only had an okay season. Needs another solid month, or he could be done in our system. 2B Nick Arata - .234, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 0 SB Analysis: His second year of AA ball is going much better then his first. May be some hope for him yet. *Short A* CL Tanyu Kato - 11.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 8 SV Analysis: Got the promotion, and then dominated Short A ball. Is as good as advertised. 1B Jorge Franco - .327, 1 HR, 18 RBI, 0 SB Analysis: 'Grandmother' has had a solid year. Will be around next year in A ball. R SP Luis Jimenez - 3-0, 2.11 ERA, 4.2 K/BB Analysis: Solid pitcher, we'll see how he does in Short A next year. That'll be the real test. 2B Miguel Guerrero - .301, 0 HR, 20 RBI, 0 SB Analysis: The fifth round pick may not smash it out of the park, but with a man on base, you want him batting. Narrowly beat out Bumgar.

08-15-2009, 11:46 PM	#57
TavesSoul Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 168	The End?: Part 1 It was early Tuesday morning when Greg Taves awoke from his sleep the night before. It was the start of September, and for the first time in his short time with the Nationals, this was the first time that they were still playing meaningful games this late in the season. Heck, it was the first time they were playing meaningful games past May. Greg had a lot to be happy about, and he was looking forward to the coming month, and the playoff drive. Yet, when he looked to the future of the organization, he was even more pleased with himself. Despite being a Canadian who knew very little about the game, he felt he had done a remarkable job rebuilding the youth of this organization, and the Nationals had a bright future ahead. Greg could feel in the very fiber of his being that the Nationals were on the cusp of being one of the elite teams in baseball. Sure, he had stepped on his Head Scout's toes a few times to get the prospects he felt right about, but Greg felt that the performance of his prospects proved his feelings were right. Still, he'd noticed Bill had been acting more stand-offish then usual since the draft this previous June. Greg had completely ignored Bill's advice, and taken a SS who wasn't ranked in the top 10 prospects over "The Franchise", a prospect who was every scouts wet dream. Still, Bumgar was performing admirably so far, and Greg just knew he'd be their SS for the future. "I better head to the office," Greg said to himself, grabbing his wallet and heading down to the bus stop. He hadn't purchased himself a car yet, but was getting by on Washington's excellent transit system.

08-07-2009, 10:43 PM	#43
spider_monkey_b Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 282	Just wondering...are you playing as being able to be fired or did you check the job safety option? I'm restarting my dynasty, likely as the Pirates, and was thinking of leaving it unchecked to add yet another challenge.

08-08-2009, 12:03 PM	#44
Articula Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 39	I've always followed the thought process that when being a bad team you draft the most talented player on the board and things will work themselves out. It'll be interesting to see where the Nats go!

08-08-2009, 05:44 PM	#47
TavesSoul Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 168	2010 Draft In The Books June 15th, 2009 The 2010 Amateur draft concluded today, and the day started with a shocking pick. The Washington Nationals were on the clock when it was announced that they selected SS William Bumgar out of the Saint Joseph's University. While considered a solid prospect by most GMs, he didn't crack Baseball U.S.'s top 10 list, and is a surprise pick. Nationals GM Greg Taves had this to say about that: "It was definitely a hard choice to make, and since we started to scout this class, we had a debate between our top five guys. It's fair to say that even on draft day, we had a hard time decided between our top two, but we need a shortstop prospect, and we feel William offers our team an elite prospect who can hit, run, and play great defense. We also like his work ethic, and his small school attitude. The only thing he won't do is hit for power, but I'm okay with that." The Kansas City Royals were next up, and they quickly rushed in their pick, taking top prospect 1B Sergio Villanuera. "I couldn't believe that he was there when we picked," said KC GM Dayton Moore. "We thought for sure we'd have to take our second choice, and we're ecstatic to feel an organizational need with such a stud of a prospect. I'd like to thank Greg Taves for passing on 'The Franchise'." The Colorado Rockies were third, and they used their selection the fifth ranked prospect, SP Donatello Re. The third ranked prospect fell into the Detriot Tigers laps at four, as they took SP Jin-Young Pak, while the Los Angeles Angels rounded out the top 5 with the selection of SP Adam Wicks, Baseball U.S.'s fourth ranked prospect. Number 2 ranked prospect SP Felipe Perez fell to the San Diego Padres at the 16th pick, while the Toronto Blue Jays picked up CL Francisco Martinez, a closer out of Pacific, with the 21st pick. Washington Nationals Draft Picks First Round - 1st Overall SS William Bumgar - 22 Yrs Old, RHB, Saint Joseph's University We feel that Bumgar can be a solid player on a championship caliber team. We probably will never be the star player, but always one of the teams better players none the less. He'll start in the Rookie League, till he gets his footing. There's a bright future for William ahead. 18th Overall CL Tanyu Kato - 22 Yrs Old, RHP, University of Nebraska I was shocked to see him still on the board, and I pounced on taking him. His sinker and curveball have some real movement to them, and his pitches have been clocked at 98 MPH. Kato is a smart, loyal, hard working pitcher who may close out games for the Nationals for years, if he can beat out the next pick for that job. 25th Overall SP Will Lehman - 22 Yrs Old, RHP, Northwestern University Even more shocking when I made my next pick was the fact that Will sat their, unclaimed. For some reason I did not see his name when I pick Kato with the last pick, and to get a pitcher who Bill thinks projects as a top closer in the big league's down the road, and I agree. The only question is his work ethic, but his 100 MPH fastball quickly makes you forget about any questions you had. His splitter is also phenomenal. Supplemental Round - 36th Overall CF Arturo Peralta - 22 Yrs Old, Switch, Pacific University Like most of the center fielders in my system, Arturo plays awesome defense, and runs like the wind. has some decent offensive potential, though he'll never be an All-Star. I worry about his work ethic, though. 44th Overall C Ignacio Otero - 22 Yrs Old, LHB, University of Iowa The hardworking Cuban is a great defensive catcher, who projects to hit well in the Show when he develops. He'll never be an elite power guy, but he'll hit around 15 HR. Slow as molasses though. Third Round - 78th Overall RF Judite Centeeiro - 22 Yrs Old, LHB, LaSalle University Projects to be a solid MLB hitter down the road, with a heavy bat. Not too bad speed-wise, with average defense to boot. His work ethic is what probably dropped him from a second round pick to a third. *Fourth Round - 108th Overall* 1B Steve Moser - 22 Yrs Old, RHB, Columbia Could be a solid hitter down the road, though he'll never hit for power, not remind anyone of a cheetah. Serviceable glove, a desire for winning, and a .417 average in college all drew the Nationals interest. Fifth Round - 138th Overall 2B Miguel Guerrero - 22 Yrs Old, RHB, University of Texas A good, but not great defender, Guerrero is a young hitter who hits for some power. He'll take a few too many strikeouts, but his work ethic should help get him to the pros. 6th (168th Overall) - RF Raul Castillo - 18 Yrs Old, LHB, High School 7th (198th Overall) - LF Corbin Hooper - 22 Yrs Old, LHB, Vanderbilt University 8th (228th Overall) - SP Sebastien LaRochelle - 20 Yrs Old, RHP, High School *9th (258th Overall)* - RF Ryan Butler - 20 Yrs Old, RHB, High School 10th (288th Overall) - LF Tanzan Naito - 22 Yrs Old, Switch, UNC Charlotte

08-08-2009, 06:46 PM	#48
NYY #23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 13,112	I think finding a good shortstop is a lot harder than finding a good first baseman, so hopefully Bumgar works out for you.

08-08-2009, 10:46 PM	#49
jmantemp Minors (Single A) Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 61	I just read through this whole thing tonight and it's been a lot of fun to read. Keep up the good work. I'm sure rebuilding Washington has been tough. Can you keep us up-to-date on how players you didn't end up picking - like "The Franchise" end up doing? It's fun to play that "What If?" game. (Although I'd understand if it made you crazy.)

08-10-2009, 06:07 PM	#50
TavesSoul Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 168	June was a better month for the Nationals, with the team pulling off a 13-13 month. The team is currently 5.0 games back of Mets for the NL East lead, so the fans still have some hope for this season, something that the last two years was long gone at this moment. "I'm glad the team has started to turn things around, and I hope it continues next month," said GM Greg Taves. "Our injuries have started to get under control, and now if only we could get a little more offense, we might have a shot at the playoffs this year." Many observers however don't think this team realistically has a shot at contention, although it's widely believed they could be a .500 team. June's Hot Players SP Dallas Braden - 2-0, 3.16 ERA, 3.3 K/BB MR Saul Rivera - 1-0, 1.38 ERA, 1 SV 3B Ryan Zimmerman - .350, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 1 SB June's Cold Players SP Rich Harden - 0-3, 7.11 ERA, 4.0 K/BB MR Ryan Perry - 0-1, 14.14 ERA, 7.0 IP CF Robbie Grossman - .192, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 SB June's Injuries Luckily for the Nats, June was more about players coming back. Still, their were some injuries that hurt the team. First, recently returned CF Elijah Dukes fractured a finger, almost two months to the day when he fractured his thumb. He is out for four weeks. Then 2B Jose Vallejo strained his hamstring, and will sit out 2-3 months of the season. On the comeback trail, both C Jesus Flores and RF Justin Maxwell returned to the roster from their injuries. June's Transactions June, in typical Taves fashion, was a slow month for transactions, as the team focused on the Amateur Draft. They did make two waiver transactions though, claiming MR Ryan Perry from the Colorado Rockies, as well as MR Jose Ceda. The Nationals hope these moves shore up a leaking bullpen. June Prospect Report With the draft this month, the Nationals added a bevy of new young talent to their minor league system. "Their are a quite a few guys in this haul that we're extremely excited about," said Taves. "Massey and I did some hard work, and had some heavy debates, but we're excited about the idea that some of these guys with some patience will be great MLBers." AAA CL Adam Carr - 2-1, 1.69 ERA, 7 SV Analysis: While Cecil and Zimmermann continue to shine, no one dominated like Carr this month. With a couple more showings like this, he could be one his way to the majors. LF Chris Marrero - .307, 12 HR, 22 RBI, 0 SB Analysis: His first year of AAA ball has been good, but he has been absolutely dominant this month. May get a look in the majors as a reward. AA MR Brad Peacock - 10.2 IP, 0.84 ERA, 2 SV Analysis: Peacock is a solid reliever that`s performed at every level so far, but this month he was unhittable in short situations. Might have a brighter future then I thought. CF Engel Beltre - .291, 7 HR, 17 RBI, 2 SV Analysis: Despite missing a week, Beltre still dominated at AA ball. Formerly, I thought he would never turn into much of a hitter, but his power game has exploded this year, and he`s perhaps the best throw in to a deal we've had so far. Has a real future in the Show. A SP Steven Stewart - 1-0, 1.23 ERA, 1.8 K/BB Analysis: In his second year of A ball, Stewart is finally proving himself. Still, his future is probably not bright, though this may earn him a promotion to AA ball next season. 3B Vic Cegles - .257, 9 HR, 19 RBI, 4 SB Analysis: Stewart has looked like a man among boys this year, which at 24, he is for this team. May need the challenge of AA ball, but is behind Stephen King. *Short A* SP Tom Haley - 1-0, 2.08 ERA, 1.33 K/BB Analysis: The 901st overall pick in last years draft had a good start to his career so far, pitching well in R ball last year, and now at the start of the Short A season. 1B Jorge Franco - .316, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 0 SB Analysis: 'Grandmother', the Nationals 6th pick last year, has had a good start to the season, yet it remains to be seen whether he can keep that streak going. R SP Sebastien LaRochelle - 1-0, 1.15 ERA, 2.7 K/BB Analysis: The team's eighth rounder this year, he pitched a three hit shutout, and has dominated early. The Sudbury native looks eager to prove his mettle. 2B Miguel Guerrero - .393, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 0 SB Analysis: The fifth round pick has out performed top pick Bumgar to steal the show, hitting big and showing everyone he's got a bright future ahead of him.

08-10-2009, 06:32 PM	#51
TavesSoul Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 168	Things continue to look up, as the Nationals get ever closer to .500. Posting a 14-11 record in July helped them to close in on the passing grade, although they are still 5.0 games behind the NL East leading Florida Marlins. "As long as we keep getting better every month, we have an outside chance at the playoffs still," said GM Greg Taves. "Really though, this is a step in the right direction for our team, and shows that what we've been building here is working. And that's all I can ask for." Taves is said to be pleased that 2010 free agent acquisition Harden was starting to turn around his season. July's Hot Players SP Rich Harden - 3-1, 2.11 ERA, 3.4 K/BB MR Damaso Marte - 3-1, 2.21 ERA, 1 SV 1B Adam LaRoche - .244, 6 HR, 18 RBI, 0 SB July's Cold Players SP John Lannan - 1-2, 5.76 ERA, 1.4 K/BB CL J.J. Putz - 1-3, 8.10 ERA, 3 SV RF Justin Maxwell - .150, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 SB July's Injuries The Nationals have made it through worse injuries then those suffered this month. Still, CF Xavier Avery has to be disappointed, experiencing shoulder problems that will put him out 2 months just 7 games into his audition for the big club. The team also lost backup C Brian Schneider for 3 weeks to a strained oblique, 2 days before getting starter C Jesus Flores back. July's Transactions With the trade deadline looming at the end of the month, Taves knew that this was his last chance to make some tough decisions. There were many questions unanswered as to how a healthy Nationals team would perform, but he no longer had the luxury to wait and see. Three major trades were made in an effort to push the club into the playoff discussion. First, on the 12th, Taves finalized a trade with the rival New York Mets to shore up a leaking bullpen. Due to under-performance by Hanrahan, the Nationals needed a closer bad, and acquired CL J.J. Putz from the Mets and his heavy salary, in exchange for MR John Grabow, SP Tyler Clippard, and minor league RF Yhonson Lopez. Grabow had been under-performing, but he's a fairly consistent LHP out of the pen, while Clippard has a solid future. Fifteen days later, he made another move to shore up the bullpen, acquiring MR Damaso Marte from the Brewers as well as prospect RF Caleb Gindl, and minor league 3B David Wright. In exchange the Brewers get MR Ryan Perry and SP Scott Olsen. Both are great solid young pitchers who can help a staff for years, while the Nats strengthen the bullpen this year, and get a prospect they can move. Finally, the day of the trade deadline arrived, and the Nationals had to decide the fate of LF Adam Dunn. Dunn was having a great year, hitting .310 with 24 HR. He was willing to resign for 5 years @ $12M each, which in Taves' mind was a little too much for a guy who couldn't field in an NL League. He had put out quiet feelers around the league, to see who would be interested in acquiring him, and was surprised to get a call from Mets GM Omar Minaya inquiring after Dunn. Minaya and Taves have a good relationship, despite managing rival clubs, and they spent the 12 hours before the deadline offering and counter-offering deals. Finally, a package was agreed on, and they filed the paper work right before the official deadline. Dunn would become a Met, while star SS Jose Reyes would become a National. The Mets would also acquire SP Tim Cahill, LF Rob Kemp, RF Caleb Gindl, and CF Robbie Grossman. "This was the hardest trade in my time as GM to pull the trigger on," said Taves at the press conference. "Adam has been great for the Nationals organization, and we would have loved to keep him, but at the end of the day, when you can get a Jose for your team, you do whatever it takes to get him." Some GM's have panned the move, as the Mets acquire not only a great hitter in Dunn, but future starters in Cahill and Grossman, and two talented prospects in Kemp and Gindl. "We know we payed a premium," said Taves, "but we think in the end the price is worth it. If we can resign Jose, then all those prospects are worth the cost." July Prospect Report *AAA* SP Casey Kelly - 4-1, 1.72 ERA, 5.3 K/BB Analysis: Kelly's 1.82 ERA for the season begs to be promoted, and he'll audition soon enough in the pros. My top prospect now that Strasburg is in the majors to stay. 1B Freddie Freeman - .307, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 0 SB Analysis: The #21 prospect is performing like it. I may have to think about dealing LaRoche in the off-season to make room for Freeman and Rhinehart. AA SP Jake Arrieta - 3-1, 0.96 ERA, 2.9 K/BB Analysis: Arrieta has really exploded this year, after a terrible year last year. Already in AAA to finish last month. This month reminded me of why I dealt for him. C Derek Norris - .242, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 1 SB Analysis: Norris was having an okay year, and then exploded this month. Still needs to hit for a better average though before he can be considered a true MLB prospect. A SP Tom Milone - 3-0, 2.05 ERA, 2.5 K/BB Analysis: Milone, despite his apparent lack of skills still continues to pitch A ball well. We'll re-evaluate in the off-season. 3B Vic Cegles - .323, 10 HR, 28 RBI, 2 SB Analysis: Still a man among boys, Cegles deserves a promotion. Maybe I'll final grant him one. *Short A* SP Will Lehman - 3-0, 2.33 ERA, 4.1 K/BB Analysis: The 25th overall pick this year is showing why, beating tough competition and being the Vermont Lake MVP for the month. He'd get a promotion, but I don't want to burn him out. RF Jason Johnson - .320, 1 HR, 17 RBI, 6 SB Analysis: The speedy RF is still proving himself worthy of a minor league spot next year. Will play A ball to start next season. R CL Tanyu Kato - 1-1, 1.42 ERA, 9 SV Analysis: The 18th overall pick this year could probably play Short A already, but I'd like him to dominate at every level, so promotion is unlikely yet. RF Raul Castillo - .200, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 1 SB Analysis: Castillo struggles to hit, but when he does it always has a big effect. If he can bring his average up a bit, he might have a legitimate shot at playing A ball next year.

08-10-2009, 10:37 PM	#52
metzrule3 Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 22	Did you trade for David Wright, as in David Wright of the Mets? What happened to him?

08-11-2009, 10:44 AM	#54
Articula Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 39	Taves, How much do you manage the minor league rosters? For instance your new SS Bumgar, were you able to place him at low A or A ball and just inject him into the starting lineup and leave him there? Or do you have to constantly check to make sure he's starting? Thanks, Justin

08-16-2009, 12:02 AM	#58
TavesSoul Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 168	The End?: Part 2 Greg got to the office at his usual time of 6 am. He definitely wasn't much of a morning person, but he had known from the start that only hard work would help him to succeed in the GM job, and he had become known around the team for his extremely long work days. He went in early every morning and watched film on players from around the minors, searching for the next prospect he could mine. He was always the first one in the building, minus the night guards, and as such, he had his own key. Greg walked up to the front door of Nationals Park, and put his key in the lock. It wouldn't turn. "That's odd," Greg muttered to himself, and he knocked on the glass, trying to get the attention of Samuel, the old front door guard who worked till 7 each morning. Samuel glanced up at him, and Greg noticed that for the first time since he had known Samuel, a smile wasn't fixed firm upon his face. Samuel worked his way to the door, with a brown legal envelope in his worn hand. Slowly he unlocked the door, and edged it open, while remaining steadfast in the gap. "Sorry Greg," he said, looking Greg in the eyes, "but I can't let you in. Mister Lerner's orders and all." Greg looked at Samuel, puzzled and said, "what do you mean, you can't let me in. Come on, Sam. I don't have time for one of your jokes. I've got film to watch this morning." "I'm sorry, sir. Mister Lerner came down last night and informed all us security boys that we weren't supposed to let you in anymore, under any circumstances. He also left this for you," Samuel said, holding the manila envelop out through the gap in the door. "I really wish this wasn't the case, Greg, but in this economy, I can't risk upsetting the boss." Sam looked down as his said this last bit, and then he shut the door and relocked it. Greg just stood there in stunned silence. He didn't understand what was going on, and was sure this must be some joke. After a couple minutes of just standing there, waiting for someone to pop out and yell 'Gotcha!', Greg finally walked over to the nearest bench, and tore open the top of the envelope. Inside was a letter.

08-16-2009, 12:15 AM	#59
TavesSoul Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 168	The End?: Part 3 Mister Gregory Taves, First off, I wish to thank you so much for doing the job you did. I appreciate the work you've put in, and I think you've had a great impact on the team. Yet, I must admit, I did not hire you with entirely sincere motives. I can admit to you now that part of the reason that we hired a nobody like you was to take the heat for the Nationals terrible record, and to take the brunt of the outrage while the team was reshaped. You see, I hired Bill. Yes, I know you think you did, but you must realize now that I was the one who got his name to fall into your lap, and I let you think you hired him. In truth, he was in place before you got here. I had wanted to originally hire Bill as the new GM, but he didn't want the burden. Not wanting to lose out on hiring a man I was sure was to be my franchises savior, I came to Bill with a scheme to hire someone who would be easily influenced. This person would merely be a place holder until the moment that Bill was ready to take the title of GM. You were that person, and that moment is now. Admittedly, no one thought the moment would come as soon as it did, and I will admit to you that it's partially because of the good work that you and Bill put in to change the whole essence of this organization from the ground up. I will forever be indebted to you for the role you played. Still, I have been informed by Bill that he no longer felt he could work with you. Apparently, he feels you've started to ignore all his advice, and he gave me an ultimatum last night: I could either fire you and promote him to his "rightful place", or he would quit on the spot, and go work for the Mets. Clearly, I couldn't let that happen, and so it is with great regret and sincere apologies that I have to terminate you. The rest of your pay for the year, and the following year as well, have been deposited in your account. Again, I'm sorry it has come to this, but I can't let a man of Bill's experience and skill just walk away without looking like a fool. Sincerly, Ted Lerner

08-16-2009, 12:29 AM	#60
TavesSoul Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 168	The End?: An Explanation Okay, so I'm sure that some of you are wondering why I've chosen to end this dynasty so early into it. The short answer is I didn't choose to, but rather it was forced upon me. My computer crashed about two weeks ago, and while I had my written portions of the Dynasty I've posted since backed up, I hadn't backed up my dynasty itself. I have spent the last two weeks doing everything I could think of to try and save it, and I had a couple tech-savvy friends give me advice and look at it, but alas, there was no hope but to restore everything, and lose all my data. Today was when I finally restored the comp, and officially gave up hope of saving the Dynasty (as well as some other semi-important files, but that's not relevant here). I have attempted to convey some of that abruptness in the end of my tale, while also putting in some threads that I could use to help give it an actual ending. Hopefully you all appreciate that, and to those of you that were really getting into the Dynasty, you have my sincere apologies. Trust me, I was more upset to lose this story than you were. Alas, I will all announce that I intend to start a new Dynasty. I have yet to decide upon a team, but I can say it won't be the Nationals, as I'd hate to try and replicate this storyline. It also won't be the Blue Jays or the Athletics, as the Jays already have a rather excellent dynasties representing them on the boards (props to ryan008 especially), and William Foster has started a rather enjoyable Athletics dynasty. Any suggestions for what people would like to see, I'll take into consideration (although I will say, it's probably between the Tigers, Mets, Pirates, Cubs, Giants and Diamondbacks). Once I've decided what team it'll be with, I intend to do about a year in advance offline before I post it, just so I always have extra stocked up. I also have learned my lesson, and will be constantly backing it up, so that no matter what happens, I should be able to continue on with the dynasty for as long as I can get employment in baseball.