Worst to First - The Sequel

[NYY #23]

As the Nationals head into year number 2 we broke even in Spring Training, going 14-14. That's right in line with our owner's expectations for this year and staying close to .500.

The preseason predictions have the Nationals finishing 87-75 this year, and heading to the postseason as a Wild Card team. That's more in line with my expectations, although I do know we have faults, and a postseason berth is far from a guarantee.

The Nationals made it through Spring Training relatively healthy. We'll be starting the season without Mei-sho Li, but he's expected back during April. Reliever Gerald Hilton (5-1, 1 SV, 5.11 ERA last season) was the only roster casualty, as he was out of options, and didn't pass through waivers, claimed by the Brewers. Not a big loss, but a minor hit to our bullpen depth.

We'll kick off the season at home, hosting the Conquistadors.

[NYY #23]

The Nationals have had a rough start to the season going 9-16 while scoring the 14th most runs in the league, allowing the 15th fewest runs, and a defense ranked 12th. It's definitely not the start I envisioned.

I'm hoping the return of Li from the disabled list will help stabilize our defense. I'm also hoping that Jack Appling can turn things around after starting 1-4 with a 8.46 ERA after going 14-11 with a 3.47 ERA last year. It's still early though, and I'm not ready to throw the towel in on the 2055 season just yet.

Around the league Pascal Sisto is off to a torrid start with the Astros, hitting .356 with 10 home runs, and 26 RBI in his first month of a new three year $50 million contract after he flirted with free agency. Ben Jones of the Rays picked up the 2000th hit of his career in April, while Javier Ledezma of the Knights hit his 300th home run.

[NYY #23]

May was a much better month for the Nationals as we went 17-10 for the month and pulled to 26-26 on the year. While we're not in the division race we're 1 1/2 games out of the Wild Card race. Jack Appling seems to have turned things around and was 2-2 with a 3.38 ERA. Our defense and offense has also shown improvements in May, and hopefully our progress can continue in June.

There were three milestones around the league, Francisco Perez of the Rangers hit his 300th homer, Ben Jones of the Rays hit his 300th homer, and Jose Salas of the Athletics picked up his 2000th hit of the A's.

[NYY #23]

The Nationals started off the month 7-5 to pull into a three way tie for fourth place in the NL East, and move within a game and a half of the final Wild Card spot.

I wasn't too excited about the amateur draft this year after losing our first round pick, and the Nationals didn't pick until the 27th pick of the second round. That's why we took a chance in the second round drafting JJ Rogers, a left handed starting pitcher prospect who has first round talent, but impossible demands. In the third round we selected college closer Stanley Morton.

In the fourth round we selected first baseman Jason Lewis, with first baseman Gunnar Dalusag rounding out the top five.

[NYY #23]

Things are slowly improving for the Nationals as we went 15-11 in June, our second straight winning month. That pulls us within 5 1/2 games of the Braves for first place in the NL East, and tied for the final Wild Card spot.

The Nationals had a busy last half of June, signing all of our draft picks, and completing two trades. The first move was trading Bryan Tretheway to the Mexico City Conquistadors for Keith Hahn. It wasn't a major move, but really exchanging a pair of 30+ relievers in the final year of their contracts. After going 2-2 with a save and 3.00 ERA in 36 innings last year Hahn is making his way back from a torn labrum, pitching to a 3.68 ERA in AAA, and just completing his injury rehab assignment. He's only pitched one inning since being acquired, while allowing 6 earned runs.

The second trade was sending 1B Luis Velazquez to the Blue Jays for reliever Augusto Pineda. The 27 year old Pineda is 2-1 with a save and 3.38 ERA in 42 2/4 innings while Velazquez was hitting just .169 this year after hitting .303 with 15 home runs last year. Velazquez didn't excel in a limited role with Miguel Martinez on the roster.

We'll keep an eye on things in July, and see if we need to make a bigger trade.

[NYY #23]

The Nationals made a trade in July sending 2B Dani Flores, SP Jack Appling, and CF Dana Caine to the Reds in exchange for SP Nelson Castaneda. Castaneda was 7-4 with a 2.27 ERA this year in 99 innings. I'm hoping that Castaneda will provide an upgrade in our rotation as he'll slot as our #2 pitcher, while Flores was set to be a free agent after the season.

After going 10-13 during July I'm hoping he can provide a boost to our team without giving up any top prospects. We've fallen three games back in the Wild Card race though, so we will need a strong finish to the season.

Derrick McCauley was our lone All-Star representative, and he was 8-4 with a 2.94 ERA when rosters were announced. At 23 year old he's exactly the type of pitcher we want to build around. He pitched one inning in the All-Star Game, allowing one run on one hit.

The Nationals made one international amateur signing, bringing aboard 16 year old Ramon Bustamante after signing the left handed pitching prospect to a $7.3 million signing bonus.

The Marlins James Murphy saved the 400th game of his career this month. The 35 year old is now 11th on the all-time saves list.

[NYY #23]

The Nationals limped along in August, keeping our head above water with a 15-14 record. I'm just not sure this team has what it takes to make it to the postseason. Although we still are just 3 1/2 games out of the Wild Card spot, and maybe some of our September call-ups can help us out. We'll see what happens in September.

[NYY #23]

Just when I thought things were done for the year the Nationals go and play 17-8 for the month, and we moved within a game of the final Wild Card spot.

Looking back to last offseason Rafael Martinez has turned into one of my biggest mistakes. It's bad enough we lost a draft pick for signing him he's hit just .240 and has a WAR of 1.6. We're not quite getting our $19.7 million worth for Martinez, and despite making just 62 starts he passed the 100 game mark, so he option for next year has vested.

He'll be a high priced backup to Sung-hwan O, who is hitting .270 with 13 home runs, 48 RBI, 49 runs scored, and a WAR of 2.9. I didn't think the 23 year old would develop so quickly, or I could have used the money I gave Martinez for other purposes.

Our pitching did have a good month in September, which has been the key to our success.

32 year old Jon Pierce picked up the 2000th hit of his career for the Yankees this month. Pierce is hitting .297 this season.

[NYY #23]

We were so close, yet so far away as the Nationals finished the month 3-4 to finish with an 86-76 record, 3 games out of the final Wild Card spot. Although it would have been nice to reach the playoffs, we did just have one win less than last year.

A look at the playoff tree:



Ryan Abbott of the Rangers won the batting title in the American League, hitting .341. In the National League it was Dan Stephens of the Diamondbacks, who hit .380.

It was a big year for Roberto Roa of the Reds. With 58 home runs this year Roa broke the 40 year mark of 57 home runs set by Mark Teixeira in 2015.

[NYY #23]

Congratulations to the Baltimore Orioles who won the World Series with a 4-2 series win over the Chicago Cubs. After winning 94 games the Astros were swept in the Wild Card to end their chances at a 3-peat.

With 2055 in the books the Nationals will look to next season. I already mentioned that Rafael Martinez had his option vest. I chose to execute our $4.2 million option on 2B Maximino Laterano after he hit .307 with 29 RBI, 44 runs, and 1.9 WAR.

After hitting .284 with 31 home runs, 84 RBI, 71 runs scored, and a WAR of 5.2 Rafael Gonzalez chose to opt out of his contract. We've submitted a 10 year $72 million extension offer to Gonzalez in the hopes to keep him with the Nationals.

The Nationals will be looking for a new bench coach this offseason, as we chose to let Clarence Conway walk away after his contract expired.

Washington Nationals - 41-121 (.253) 51 1/2 GB
2053 - Washington Nationals 87-76 (.534) 4 GB (Lost to Cincinnati Reds 3-1 in Wild Card Series, Season Score - 64)
2054 - Washington Nationals 86-77 (.531) 13 GB (Lost to Cincinnati Reds 3-1 in Wild Card Series, Season Score - 63)

[illeracula]

Your manager has to have a tough time keeping names straight in the club house with all the Rodriguez, Martinez, Hernandez and Gonzalez's on the team...I know I have problem keeping track of which J. Martinez is the better one in my minor league system...

Tough luck this season. I have feeling this coming season is going to be a big one for the Nat's.

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by illeracula

Your manager has to have a tough time keeping names straight in the club house with all the Rodriguez, Martinez, Hernandez and Gonzalez's on the team...I know I have problem keeping track of which J. Martinez is the better one in my minor league system...

Tough luck this season. I have feeling this coming season is going to be a big one for the Nat's.

I do feel bad for him, and have gotten confused a couple of times myself. There is nothing like when you get a scouting report and start to panic over a big drop in a player, only to be looking at the wrong player!

I hope that you are right about this coming season!

[NYY #23]

Our first move of the offseason was signing Rafael Gonzalez to a 10 year $7.2 million extension. At 29 years old that is longer than I would have liked, but with an opt-out after four years it's likely he'll take advantage of it if he continues to play well.

Our second move was signing reliever Jorge Rivera to a three year $12 million extension. This was a move to make my owner happy as Rivera struggled last year going 5-7 with a 5.91 ERA, but Rivera saved 40 games the year before, so perhaps it was just a bad year.

The Nationals brought aboard Leonard Solis as our bench coach. Solis had been acting as the Yankees' pitching coach since 2032.

Two former Astros won Silver Slugger Awards - catcher Roberto Sanchez (.306/.410/.617, 546 AB, 45 HR, 2 SB, 103 R, 110 RBI, 9.7 WAR) and third baseman Victor Valencia (.268/.330/.529, 630 AB, 44 HR, 105 R, 105 RBI, 7.0 WAR). Sanchez was also named MVP in the AL.

The only award won by the Nationals was Rookie of the Year, won by Rafael Gonzalez after his dominant rookie season where he hit .284 with 31 homers and 84 RBI.

[NYY #23]

The Nationals got things rolling in the offseason with a pair of trades and a free agent signing. The signing was a minor one though with 25 year old centerfielder Francisco Ruiz signed out of Cuba to a $750,000 contract. He'll be a candidate for our fourth outfielder.

We traded for a new left fielder, Roberto Roa. Roa hit a record 58 home runs this year while driving in 145 runs and hitting .271. We acquired Roa and 28 year old reliever Shawn Cain (4-2, 1 SV, 2.90 ERA, 80 2/3 IP) from the Reds in exchange for SS Julian Hernandez, 3B Kenko Kouda, and minor league starting pitcher Dave Plummer. With the emergence of Manny Rodriguez at third base Kouda is expendable, and although Hernandez has been solid at shortstop we solidified our outfield and hope to plug the shortstop hole shortly, as long as we don't get outbid.

Then finally LF Yasuo Heidi and CF prospect Mauro Torres were sent to the Indians in exchange for closer Jeremy Blake and reliever Doug Atkins. Blake (6-3, 32 SV, 1.77 ERA, 71 1/3 IP) and Atkins (2-5, 1 SV, 3.44 ERA, 65 1/3 IP) will join Cain and hopefully improve our bullpen, which struggled last year.

[NYY #23]

I admit that I was rooting for Michael Baldwin to get in the Hall of Fame this year, and he narrowly missed it. If you blinked you probably missed it, but Baldwin was one of two 20 year old relievers I traded for in my final year with Carolina along with Gerald Tucker. While Tucker turned into a solid reliever in the majors (83-75, 163 SV, 3.28 ERA), Baldwin turned into something a little bit more. Somewhere between 2033 when I traded him and 2035 he turned into a top ten prospect. He added a Rookie of the Year Award in 2036 at 22 when he went 11-6 with a 2.48 ERA, and for the next ten years he was a front of the rotation starter. He went 159-106 during his career with a 3.15 ERA, with 2731 strikeouts in 2509 innings before his career was cut short by a steady stream of injuries. Baldwin won both a Cy Young Award and MVP in 2038 when he went 19-7 with a 2.07 ERA with 10.2 K/9 and a WAR of 9.

While Baldwin didn't get in this year he has a good shot next season. Nick Seaton and Bill Olson were other former players who missed the cut.

Results:

SP Michael Baldwin 74.9 (2nd year)
C Tony Pollock 72.5 (3rd year)
CL Juan Gómez 58.3 (1st year)
SP Nick Seaton 36.0 (1st year)
CF Grant Murphy 35.1 (9th year)
1B Steve Shepard 34.6 (10th year) Dropped
CL Bill Olson 30.3 (2nd year)
SP Howard White 22.7 (1st year)
C José Carlos Escobar 20.9 (7th year)
SP Luis Rosas 18.5 (9th year)
SS Christian Lee 13.7 (9th year)
SP Juan Gómez 13.7 (5th year)
CL Roberto Sandoval 11.8 (10th year) Dropped
SP Mike Darch 11.4 (3rd year)
2B Ben Bevan 10.9 (2nd year)
SP José Ruíz 8.5 (1st year)
C Rafael Herrera 8.1 (1st year)
CL Johnny Stewart 7.6 (6th year)
2B Albert Wilcox 7.1 (9th year)
2B José Sepúlveda 6.6 (8th year)
2B Pete Woolford 6.2 (6th year)
SS Harry Miron 5.7 (2nd year)
RF Lorenz Claussen 5.2 (5th year)
SP Wes Rowland 4.7 (1st year) Dropped

[NYY #23]

The Nationals offseason is beginning to take shape. Once again we found ourselves in a bidding war for Vic Shufflebottom, but once again we came up short. After a 17-8 season last year the 34 year old landed a 3 year $45 million contract with the Royals.

That left us with plan B - Culley Warren, a 35 year old who was 12-9 with a 4.49 ERA last year, and signed a one year $3 million contract. We saved some money to up our offer for shortstop Gabriel Flores, who agreed to a six year $48 million contract. The 26 year old Cuban will take over as our starting shortstop and makes me feel better about trading Julian Hernandez. I will admit to a period of uncomfortableness when we got into a bidding war after making the trade.

The Nationals also signed reliever Ta-heng Jin from Taiwain and Sumitomo Ichihara from Japan. Reinforcing our bullpen has been a top priority this offseason.

Then finally the Nationals completed a trade with the Texans sending:

SP Domingo Rosales
LF Javier Rios
SP Paul McDowell
RF Cisco Lopez
RP Helder Menano

And getting back:

SP Hal Ramey
RP/SP David Fleming
RP Herb Farmer
RP Jose Miranda
RP Juan Morales

Ramey will immediately become our ace, the 32 year old was 15-13 with a 2.75 ERA and 5.6 WAR last year for San Antonio. He'll replace Rosales (5-8, 4.76 ERA) in the rotation. Paul McDowell was the big piece going to San Antonio. He's a top 20 prospect, and I think he'll be a very good pitcher one day. But this trade was about the present, so I felt comfortable sacrificing a top prospect.

[NYY #23]

It's Opening Day in Washington, and we're ready for the 2056 season. We've made a minor free agent signing, lost a couple of players to waivers, and completed a major trade just a few days before the season is set to begin. Expectations for this season very greatly, from our owner expecting us to play .500 ball, to preseason predictions that have us winning a record number of games.

After a 19-9 Spring Training I do have pretty high expectations heading into the season though, and think this could be the year in Washington. But it's a long season, so I don't want to get ahead of myself yet.

Let's take a look back at our final moves of the winter. Reliever Bill Watkins was our final free agent signing of the offseason. After going 7-4 with a 3.43 ERA in 81 1/3 innings Watkins signed a three year $21 million contract in another move to improve our bullpen.

We lost Jesus Diaz to the Indians to waivers after her went 1-2 with a 4.98 ERA. We also lost catcher Rogelio Morales to the Dodgers to waivers after Morales hit .273 in 22 at-bats last year.

Then finally our big trade with the Orioles. Going to Baltimore are:

CF Ernesto Herrera
SP Mitchell Howell
LF Angel Costa
C Rafael Martinez
2B Cesar Tobias

The 21 year old Herrera was one of our top outfield prospects, and has hit poorly in the majors (.172) in limited action after admittedly being called up too early. We also included starting pitcher prospect Howell, outfield prospect Costa, second base prospect Tobias, and overpriced catcher Rafael Martinez.

It was a lot to give up, but surprisingly we couldn't get the deal done without including Martinez. Coming back to Washington is second baseman Richie Bennett. Last year Bennett hit .302 with 33 home runs, 101 RBI, and had a WAR of 7.7. Also coming back in the deal was catcher John Patton, who is a typical defense first backup catcher.

Now it's time to play ball!

[NYY #23]

Things couldn't have gone much better for the Nationals at the start of the 2056 season as we started off with the best record in baseball going 20-8. Of course we don't have too much breathing room with the Cubs right behind us with a 18-9 record, and Reds just behind at 17-11.

But our offense has been good, pitching good, and defense good. Hal Ramey has been everything we hoped for at the top of the rotation, going 4-0 with a 2.63 ERA. The young duo of Bruce Moody (3-1, 2.25) and Derrick McCauley (1-1, 3.68) appear to have taken big steps forward this year, and closer Luis Carrillo looks much better this year, dropping his ERA from 4.58 to 1.69 with winning 2 games and saving 6.

Around the league Javier Ledezma of the Cubs picked up the 2000th hit of his career. Former National outfielder Vance Jackson hit his 300th home run of his career for the Cubs.

[NYY #23]

The Nationals set the bar very high in April when we went 20-8, and while we weren't able to maintain that pace we did go 18-9 in May and are now 38-17 for the year and have a 4 1/2 game lead over the Reds in the NL East. The Nationals no longer have the best record in baseball, trailing the Brewers (39-17) by a half game.

But things are going well in Washington with strong pitching from the rotation, bullpen, and a strong defense. While our .276 batting average is second in the league our 247 runs scored is 7th in the league.

Around the league 31 year old Jose Medina of the Athletics saved the 300th game of his career. 35 year old Jason Browning of the Orioles saved his 400th game, while 36 year old Greg Ryan of the Mariners hit his 400th home run of his career.

Pedro Sisto of the Astros was named Batter of the Month after hitting .393 with 8 home runs, 28 RBI, and 21 runs scored.

[NYY #23]

June started off poorly for the Nationals as we went 6-7 to start the month, and our lead in the NL East has dropped to two games over the Reds. No reason to panic just yet in Washington.

It was time for the amateur draft and the Nationals were selecting 22nd in the draft. In the first round we selected 18 year old centerfielder Dennis Jeoffrey. In the second round we selected starting pitcher Chris Smith, another high schooler. In the third round we selected catcher Robert Ellis. In the fourth round we selected our first college player, starting pitcher Juan Mendoza. We rounded out the top five rounds with 19 year old catcher Ralph Gibbons.