Dreaming in Washington

[Jeffy25]

5-1-09
Nationals go to 10-13, 6.5 GB
Beat the Cardinals 4-3
Cabrera settled down after a rough first inning, and got the win

Nats sign Edwin Moerno to a one year deal worth around 400k

5-2-09
Nationals go to 11-13, 5.5 GB
Outhit the Cards and win 11-8
bad pitching by both sides, catchers hit well in this one


L. Hernandez is desginated for assignment to make room for Moreno, no one has claimed Baez yet, so he was released and the team will simply buyout the remaining 4 something million left on his contract

[Jeffy25]

Scott Olsen agreed to a two year extension to buy out the rest of his arbitration at 7.4 Million over both years.

[Jeffy25]

5-3-09
Nationals go to 11-14, 6.5
lost in extra innings
Lose a surprising bullpen game to the Cardinals.
Moreno pitched great in his debut!


Jonny Gomes was claimed off waivers and Langerhans was designated for assignment.

[Jeffy25]

5-5-09
Nationals go to 12-15, 5.5 GB
beat the Astros 8-3
Good hitting in this one to retaliate against the Astros.


5-6-09
Nationals go to 12-16
Lose to Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers 8-3
We forgot about Lillibridge's hit streak, and he pinch hit and didn't get a hit, so it stops at 20.

[Jeffy25]

5-10-09
The Nationals go to 13-19
Lose to the D'Backs with bad pitching once again, 12-7
another awful pitching performance


Dimitri Young has returned from the DL. We have not yet decided what we are going to do with him, but we want to move his salary.

[Jeffy25]

5-11-09
Nationals go to 13-20, 9.5 GB
lose in extra innings to the Giants 5-4
Sean Burnett couldn't get any outs and blew this one.

Austin Kearns was designated for assignment, we are hoping someone will just claim him. We don't want his salary, and we are still debating on what to do with an aging D. Young.
Jorge Padilla is brought up to take his place on the bench.

5-12-09
Nationals to go to 13-21, 10.5 GB
Lose to the Giants 6-1
Lincecum was too much for us, and we just couldn't manage anything.


Livan Hernandez cleared waivers, so we just outright released him.

As the team settles into the rebuilding mode, several players have been designated for assignment in attempts to save some money and lower payroll for the remainder of the year, and to allow younger players to take over these positions.

The following players were designated today:
RHP Kip Wells
2B Willie Harris
2B Pete Orr
RHP Julian Tavarez
CF Corey Patterson
They join:
Ryan Langerhans
and
Austin Kearns who both still have time before they clear waivers, Langerhans has one day.

2B Alex Cintron was called up as well LHP Chuck James to fill the 25 man roster. This allows younger players to be promoted up to Triple A.

Currently the only top 100 prospect the team has, is Jordan Zimmerman, who is number 65 overall, and has now been inserted into the rotation. We are really hoping to strongly rebuild this draft, with several picks, including three first round picks, as well the first overall pick.

5-13-09
Nationals to go 14-21, 9.5 GB
Beating the Giants 7-2
Clint Barnes hit a game changing 8th inning grand slam to break a 2-2 tie. Jordan Zimmerman pitched well for 6, but Chuck James got the win pitching the last 3 innings.


Ryan Langerhans clears waivers and is sent to Triple A.

Julian Tavarez was claimed by a few teams, not sure where he is going to end up yet. Will likely take another day.

5-14-09
Nationals go to 14-22, 10.5 GB
Lose to the Phillies 8-3
Their offense is strong, i don't think we pitched poorly, they just got strong two out hits, and they cashed in on opportunities, championship team vs the worst team in baseball.


We were able to give Josh Bard an extension to remain our backup catcher for two more years, we like that he is a switch hitter with a decent arm. He won't be used often, but he is stable and inexpensive for two more years. We feel that after his extension has finished that Nieto will be ready for the major leagues.


Julian Tavarez was sent to Pittsburgh.

5-16-09
Nationals go to 14-23, 11.5 GB
Lose to the Phillies 10-5
Needless to say, Hinckley may be looking for a new job soon.


Nyjer Morgan comes off the DL, and Cintron is sent back to Triple A

Hamman has taken on the closer role over Hinckley who is 6 out of 9 on saves thus far.

[Jeffy25]

5-17-09
Nationals go to 15-23, 10.5 GB
Beat the Phillies 7-6
In a game that Balester took a no hitter into the 7th, that he absolutely fell apart in during that inning, we almost lost the game. A solo shot to Ryan Howard was the first hit he allowed, and then he struggled to get anyone out as runs scored on him before the bullpen was able to come in and get his final out for him. He ends up with a no decision and a bad night on his record even though he pitched an almost perfect first 6 innings, other than a few walks.


5-18-09
Nationals go to 15-24, 11.5 GB
Lose to the Pirates in extra innings 8-7
The bullpen blows yet another game! Bullpen ERA currently sits at 5.72, starters ERA is at 6.00, both are worst in baseball. Offense is doing fine, but this pitching is an obvious issue.



Marco Estrada is called up from Triple A and Roger Padilla is sent back down, so we can have an extra arm in the pen. Estrada has good ratings, and there isn't really any reason to not give him a shot. Pretty good pitcher, 65/79. Why not give him a shot?

5-19-09
Natoinals go to 15-25, 12.5 GB
Lose to the Pirates 12-10 in extra innings
Worst bullpen ever! A Grand Slam with two outs in the 9th to tie this one up, when we were up 10-4 going into that inning.
It is just an awful bullpen!

[Jeffy25]

5-20-09
Nationals go to 15-26, 12.5 GB
Lose to the Pirates 25-3
We showed how well we field in this one!


5-21-09
Nationals go to 15-27, 13.5GB
Lose to the Pirates 7-3
Well this losing streak is slowly becoming epic.


Austin Kearns cleared waivers, we are sending him to Triple A for the time being, he can't really help our offense any anyway. We will be trying to find some pitching and move some of this payroll.

Trade Made!

Kearns shipped to Seattle, Batista brought to Washington!

Austin Kearns, a 38/54, 29 year old right fielder, who is making 8 million this year, and 10 million next year. To be traded for

Miguel Batista, a 20/20, 38 year old starting pitcher who is making 9 million for this year.

Kearns would replace Daryl Ward in the Seattle outfield that has Ichiro and Guterriez, or possibly DH over Griffey and Ray Durham.

The Mariners are 22-20

Batista cleared waivers and was sent to Triple A, just like Kearns.

Batista probably won't be worth much to the Nationals, but Kearns will actually play in Seattle.

We did this because we don't want to pay Kearns 10 million for next year, so we will basically just pay Batista his 9 million and move on. Saves us money, Seattle will use Kearns, and they aren't using Batista.

We will give Batista a shot, and allow Estrada more time to develop in Triple A

Zach Britton was called up to Triple A, he has been pitching lights out in Single A. 2-0, 1.72 ERA

Thursday, May 21st, 2009
Milwaukee Brewers: D. Bush pitches a 3-hit shutout against the Houston Astros with 3 strikeouts and 4 BB allowed!
Tuesday, May 19th, 2009
Washington Nationals: A. Dunn goes 5-6 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, with 0 RBI and 2 R.
Monday, May 18th, 2009
3B S. Rolen of the Toronto Blue Jays honored: Wins the MLB AL Player of the Week Award.
RF N. Schierholtz of the Atlanta Braves honored: Wins the MLB NL Player of the Week Award.
Tampa Bay Rays: J. Shields pitches a 3-hit shutout against the Oakland Athletics with 5 strikeouts and 2 BB allowed!
Sunday, May 17th, 2009
Kansas City Royals: M. Maier goes 5-5 against the Baltimore Orioles, with 1 3B, 1 HR, 7 RBI and 1 R.
Friday, May 15th, 2009
New York Yankees: R. Cano goes 5-5 against the Minnesota Twins, with 2 2B, 1 RBI and 1 R.
Texas Rangers: V. Padilla pitches a 2-hit shutout against the Los Angeles Angels with 5 strikeouts and 0 BB allowed!
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
Los Angeles Dodgers: C. Billingsley pitches a 2-hit shutout against the Philadelphia Phillies with 4 strikeouts and 5 BB allowed!
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
Tampa Bay Rays: S. Kazmir pitches a 3-hit shutout against the Baltimore Orioles with 4 strikeouts and 3 BB allowed!
Monday, May 11th, 2009
3B B. Inge of the Detroit Tigers honored: Wins the MLB AL Player of the Week Award.
1B P. Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers honored: Wins the MLB NL Player of the Week Award.
Sunday, May 10th, 2009
Oakland Athletics: G. Gonzalez pitches a 5-hit shutout against the Toronto Blue Jays with 5 strikeouts and 1 BB allowed!
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
Washington Nationals: B. Lillibridge goes 0-1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, ending his hitting streak at 20 games.
Tuesday, May 5th, 2009
Washington Nationals: B. Lillibridge goes 2-5 against the Houston Astros, extending his hitting streak to 20 games!
Monday, May 4th, 2009
LF J. Willingham of the Chicago White Sox honored: Wins the MLB AL Player of the Week Award.
LF C. Headley of the San Diego Padres honored: Wins the MLB NL Player of the Week Award.
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
Florida Marlins: R. Paulino goes 5-5 against the Chicago Cubs, with 2 2B, 1 HR, 1 RBI and 2 R.
Friday, May 1st, 2009
1B P. Konerko of the Chicago White Sox honored: Wins the MLB AL Batter of the Month Award.
SS J. Reyes of the New York Mets honored: Wins the MLB NL Batter of the Month Award.
SP A. Pettitte of the New York Yankees honored: Wins the MLB AL Pitcher of the Month Award.
SP T. Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants honored: Wins the MLB NL Pitcher of the Month Award.
LF T. Snider of the Toronto Blue Jays honored: Wins the MLB AL Rookie of the Month Award.
LF M. Hoffpauir of the Chicago Cubs honored: Wins the MLB NL Rookie of the Month Award.
Thursday, April 30th, 2009
Arizona Diamondbacks: M. Scherzer pitches a 4-hit shutout against the Milwaukee Brewers with 9 strikeouts and 0 BB allowed!

[Jeffy25]

5-22-09
Nationals continue their losing streak go to 15-28, 14.5 GB
Lose to the O's 7-3
The bullpen, yet again, blows another one for us...five runs in the 8th.

Trade Made

Deal sends Dimitri Young to Baltimore and Jamie Walker to Washington

Another trade proposal to Baltimore in this one.

They would get 1B Dimitri Young 51/34, 5 million this year and 6 next year

Current first basemen for Baltimore, Aubrey Huff. DH, has been Ty Wigginton thus far, they are still battling for second in the AL East, and have it by a game. They have no depth, in the last game they played against us, Felix Pie was their clean up hitter.

Their pitching has been what's been carrying them, and their bullpen is strong.

We want LHP Jamie Walker. 37 years old, making 4.5 million this year, is a lefty specialist.

We are also throwing in RHP Ryan Wagner to complete the deal. 21/21

5-23-09
Nationals go to 15-29, 15.5 GB
Lose to the O's 11-5
Once again, just fabulous pitching



Kip Wells is released after clearing waivers.

Wilfredo Ledezma is designated for assignment and Marco Estrada is brought back up.

[Jeffy25]

5-24-09
Nationals go to 15-30, 15.5 GB
lose to the Orioles 5-4 in 10 to bring the losing streak to 7 games, we were 13-16


5-25-09
Nationals go to 16-30, 15.5 GB
Beat the Mets in extra innings
This bullpen is still atrocious, but we ended up with a win



5-26-09
Nationals go to 16-31, 15.5 GB
Lose to the Mets 9-7



Jamie Walker has said he will test free agency and does not want to talk extension.

5-27-09
Nationals go to 17-31, 15.5 GB
Beat the Mets 6-5
Hamman got Delgado to ground into a double play with David Wright at third for the final outs of this game after we intentionally walked Beltran. The bullpen almost cost us a game in which we actually scored against Johan Santana.


Miguel Batista is upset with his role, he expects to be our closer, and since we haven't been using him in that role he is demanding a trade. But we are doubting anyone will take him, but we will try.

5-29-09
Nationals go to 17-32, 16.0 GB
Lose to the Phillies 7-5
Olsen had a tough start, and for once the bullpen was strong, but it wasn't enough.



We got our scouting director to a four year extension, and Randy Johnson wins his 300.

Randy Wells is claimed off waivers from Chicago, so the Nationals designate Batista to see if anyone will take his salary.



5-30-09
Nationals go to 18-32, 15.0 GB
Beat the Phillies 14-11
The bullpen came dangerously close to blowing yet another one, but we managed to win. Lillibridge has been pretty cold since his hitting streak got snapped. We are hoping it doesn't remain that way. Check out Randy Wells' ERA



Justin Maxwell is called up and replaces Chuck James.

5-31-09
Nationals go to 18-33, 15.0 GB
Lose to the Phillies 8-2
J.A. Happ and Chase Utley were plenty for us, and we only managed 2 hits the whole game.


Josh Towers cleared waivers and was released.

End of May brings some updates

Monday, June 1st, 2009
1B M. Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers honored: Wins the MLB AL Player of the Week Award.
CF M. Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers honored: Wins the MLB NL Player of the Week Award.
1B M. Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers honored: Wins the MLB AL Batter of the Month Award.
1B P. Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers honored: Wins the MLB NL Batter of the Month Award.
CL B. Seay of the Detroit Tigers honored: Wins the MLB AL Pitcher of the Month Award.
CL R. Soriano of the Atlanta Braves honored: Wins the MLB NL Pitcher of the Month Award.
LF T. Snider of the Toronto Blue Jays honored: Wins the MLB AL Rookie of the Month Award.
LF C. Dickerson of the Cincinnati Reds honored: Wins the MLB NL Rookie of the Month Award.
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009
Houston Astros: J. Smith hits three home runs against the Cincinnati Reds, going 3-5 with 5 RBI and 3 runs scored!
Texas Rangers: B. McCarthy pitches a 2-hit shutout against the New York Yankees with 7 strikeouts and 1 BB allowed!
Monday, May 25th, 2009
1B K. Youkilis of the Boston Red Sox honored: Wins the MLB AL Player of the Week Award.
LF N. McLouth of the Pittsburgh Pirates honored: Wins the MLB NL Player of the Week Award.
Saturday, May 23rd, 2009
St. Louis Cardinals: J. Pineiro pitches a 5-hit shutout against the Kansas City Royals with 6 strikeouts and 1 BB allowed!
Atlanta Braves: K. Kawakami pitches a 6-hit shutout against the Toronto Blue Jays with 7 strikeouts and 0 BB allowed!
Friday, May 22nd, 2009
Texas Rangers: B. McCarthy pitches a 5-hit shutout against the Houston Astros with 5 strikeouts and 2 BB allowed!
Thursday, May 21st, 2009
Milwaukee Brewers: D. Bush pitches a 3-hit shutout against the Houston Astros with 3 strikeouts and 4 BB allowed!
Tuesday, May 19th, 2009
Washington Nationals: A. Dunn goes 5-6 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, with 0 RBI and 2 R.
Monday, May 18th, 2009
3B S. Rolen of the Toronto Blue Jays honored: Wins the MLB AL Player of the Week Award.
RF N. Schierholtz of the Atlanta Braves honored: Wins the MLB NL Player of the Week Award.
Tampa Bay Rays: J. Shields pitches a 3-hit shutout against the Oakland Athletics with 5 strikeouts and 2 BB allowed!
Sunday, May 17th, 2009
Kansas City Royals: M. Maier goes 5-5 against the Baltimore Orioles, with 1 3B, 1 HR, 7 RBI and 1 R.
Friday, May 15th, 2009
New York Yankees: R. Cano goes 5-5 against the Minnesota Twins, with 2 2B, 1 RBI and 1 R.
Texas Rangers: V. Padilla pitches a 2-hit shutout against the Los Angeles Angels with 5 strikeouts and 0 BB allowed!
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
Los Angeles Dodgers: C. Billingsley pitches a 2-hit shutout against the Philadelphia Phillies with 4 strikeouts and 5 BB allowed!
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
Tampa Bay Rays: S. Kazmir pitches a 3-hit shutout against the Baltimore Orioles with 4 strikeouts and 3 BB allowed!
Monday, May 11th, 2009
3B B. Inge of the Detroit Tigers honored: Wins the MLB AL Player of the Week Award.
1B P. Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers honored: Wins the MLB NL Player of the Week Award.
Sunday, May 10th, 2009
Oakland Athletics: G. Gonzalez pitches a 5-hit shutout against the Toronto Blue Jays with 5 strikeouts and 1 BB allowed!
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
Washington Nationals: B. Lillibridge goes 0-1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, ending his hitting streak at 20 games.
Tuesday, May 5th, 2009
Washington Nationals: B. Lillibridge goes 2-5 against the Houston Astros, extending his hitting streak to 20 games!
Monday, May 4th, 2009
LF J. Willingham of the Chicago White Sox honored: Wins the MLB AL Player of the Week Award.
LF C. Headley of the San Diego Padres honored: Wins the MLB NL Player of the Week Award.
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
Florida Marlins: R. Paulino goes 5-5 against the Chicago Cubs, with 2 2B, 1 HR, 1 RBI and 2 R.
Friday, May 1st, 2009
1B P. Konerko of the Chicago White Sox honored: Wins the MLB AL Batter of the Month Award.
SS J. Reyes of the New York Mets honored: Wins the MLB NL Batter of the Month Award.
SP A. Pettitte of the New York Yankees honored: Wins the MLB AL Pitcher of the Month Award.
SP T. Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants honored: Wins the MLB NL Pitcher of the Month Award.
LF T. Snider of the Toronto Blue Jays honored: Wins the MLB AL Rookie of the Month Award.
LF M. Hoffpauir of the Chicago Cubs honored: Wins the MLB NL Rookie of the Month Award.

Lillibridge is now 5 for his last 45

2009 Amateur Draft
I tired to recreate it as best as I could.

I will just share the first 9 rounds, there were 30 rounds overall.

Round 1
Round 1, Pick 1 - Washington Nationals: SP S. Strasburg
Round 1, Pick 2 - Seattle Mariners: CF D. Ackley
Round 1, Pick 3 - San Diego Padres: CF D. Tate
Round 1, Pick 4 - Pittsburgh Pirates: C J. Sanchez
Round 1, Pick 5 - Baltimore Orioles: MR M. Hobgood
Round 1, Pick 6 - San Francisco Giants: SP Z. Wheeler
Round 1, Pick 7 - Atlanta Braves: MR M. Minor
Round 1, Pick 8 - Cincinnati Reds: CL M. Leake
Round 1, Pick 9 - Detroit Tigers: SP J. Turner
Round 1, Pick 10 - Washington Nationals: CL D. Storen
Round 1, Pick 11 - Colorado Rockies: SP T. Matzek
Round 1, Pick 12 - Kansas City Royals: SP A. Crow
Round 1, Pick 13 - Oakland Athletics: SS G. Green
Round 1, Pick 14 - Texas Rangers: SP M. Purke
Round 1, Pick 15 - Cleveland Indians: MR Q. Curry
Round 1, Pick 16 - Arizona Diamondbacks: 3B C. Miranda
Round 1, Pick 17 - Arizona Diamondbacks: CF L. Montgomery
Round 1, Pick 18 - Florida Marlins: CL E. Harmon
Round 1, Pick 19 - St. Louis Cardinals: CL A. Madden
Round 1, Pick 20 - Toronto Blue Jays: MR E. Gregory
Round 1, Pick 21 - Houston Astros: SS J. Burgaz
Round 1, Pick 22 - Minnesota Twins: MR N. Johnson
Round 1, Pick 23 - Washington Nationals: RF V. Arenas
Round 1, Pick 24 - Los Angeles Angels: SP F. Delgado
Round 1, Pick 25 - Los Angeles Angels: SP B. Harris
Round 1, Pick 26 - Milwaukee Brewers: MR M. Washam
Round 1, Pick 27 - Seattle Mariners: RF C. Becquer
Round 1, Pick 28 - Boston Red Sox: C J. Hargrove
Round 1, Pick 29 - New York Yankees: MR J. Johnston
Round 1, Pick 30 - Tampa Bay Rays: LF S. McGirr
Round 2
Round 2, Pick 1 - Washington Nationals: 1B P. Costello
Round 2, Pick 2 - Seattle Mariners: SS E. De los Santo
Round 2, Pick 3 - San Diego Padres: MR J. Martínez
Round 2, Pick 4 - Pittsburgh Pirates: SP M. Hamilton
Round 2, Pick 5 - Baltimore Orioles: MR D. Skinner
Round 2, Pick 6 - San Francisco Giants: 3B K. Reeves
Round 2, Pick 7 - Detroit Tigers: C L. González
Round 2, Pick 8 - Colorado Rockies: MR H. Olthof
Round 2, Pick 9 - Cincinnati Reds: C C. Lowe
Round 2, Pick 10 - Kansas City Royals: 3B B. Martínez
Round 2, Pick 11 - Oakland Athletics: SP J. Hardin
Round 2, Pick 12 - Texas Rangers: MR T. Hubbard
Round 2, Pick 13 - Cleveland Indians: 1B R. Silva
Round 2, Pick 14 - Arizona Diamondbacks: LF M. Kelly
Round 2, Pick 15 - Los Angeles Dodgers: LF J. Mora
Round 2, Pick 16 - Atlanta Braves: SP Z. Zhou
Round 2, Pick 17 - Florida Marlins: CL P. Stout
Round 2, Pick 18 - St. Louis Cardinals: SP C. Vázquez
Round 2, Pick 19 - Toronto Blue Jays: RF F. van Brussel
Round 2, Pick 20 - Houston Astros: SP B. Steward
Round 2, Pick 21 - Minnesota Twins: CF C. Bello
Round 2, Pick 22 - Chicago White Sox: 3B R. Stephens
Round 2, Pick 23 - New York Yankees: SP V. Becerra
Round 2, Pick 24 - New York Mets: 1B M. Jordan
Round 2, Pick 25 - Milwaukee Brewers: SS R. Smith
Round 2, Pick 26 - Philadelphia Phillies: RF N. Moreno
Round 2, Pick 27 - Boston Red Sox: 2B J. Martínez
Round 2, Pick 28 - Tampa Bay Rays: CF H. Nakagawa
Round 2, Pick 29 - Chicago Cubs: MR R. Cowen
Round 2, Pick 30 - Los Angeles Angels: 2B J. MacGugan
Round 3
Round 3, Pick 1 - Washington Nationals: 3B J. Márquez
Round 3, Pick 2 - Seattle Mariners: CL W. Hollingsworth
Round 3, Pick 3 - San Diego Padres: C C. Martínez
Round 3, Pick 4 - Pittsburgh Pirates: SS B. Dickinson
Round 3, Pick 5 - Baltimore Orioles: MR S. Ramírez
Round 3, Pick 6 - San Francisco Giants: CF R. Bland
Round 3, Pick 7 - Detroit Tigers: SP E. Guerrero
Round 3, Pick 8 - Colorado Rockies: RF R. Espinosa
Round 3, Pick 9 - Cincinnati Reds: LF G. Gray
Round 3, Pick 10 - Kansas City Royals: MR C. Snow
Round 3, Pick 11 - Oakland Athletics: C C. Cassell
Round 3, Pick 12 - Texas Rangers: SP C. Velásquez
Round 3, Pick 13 - Cleveland Indians: C J. Martínez
Round 3, Pick 14 - Arizona Diamondbacks: RF Á. Sardiña
Round 3, Pick 15 - Los Angeles Dodgers: 2B T. Miller
Round 3, Pick 16 - Atlanta Braves: MR H. McCormack
Round 3, Pick 17 - Florida Marlins: LF J. Alba
Round 3, Pick 18 - St. Louis Cardinals: 1B K. Carroll
Round 3, Pick 19 - Toronto Blue Jays: CF J. Vargas
Round 3, Pick 20 - Houston Astros: LF V. Fernández
Round 3, Pick 21 - Minnesota Twins: CF R. van der Knaap
Round 3, Pick 22 - Chicago White Sox: MR C. Burrell
Round 3, Pick 23 - New York Yankees: MR E. Rolón
Round 3, Pick 24 - New York Mets: LF M. O'Higgins
Round 3, Pick 25 - Milwaukee Brewers: CF M. Sin
Round 3, Pick 26 - Philadelphia Phillies: RF F. García
Round 3, Pick 27 - Boston Red Sox: MR R. Walkup
Round 3, Pick 28 - Tampa Bay Rays: CF K. Hoshino
Round 3, Pick 29 - Chicago Cubs: MR J. Mateo
Round 3, Pick 30 - Los Angeles Angels: CF R. Miller
Round 4
Round 4, Pick 1 - Washington Nationals: RF G. Mesa
Round 4, Pick 2 - Seattle Mariners: 3B D. Hensley
Round 4, Pick 3 - San Diego Padres: SP D. Dunaway
Round 4, Pick 4 - Pittsburgh Pirates: C C. Byrd
Round 4, Pick 5 - Baltimore Orioles: MR G. Alvarado
Round 4, Pick 6 - San Francisco Giants: SP O. García
Round 4, Pick 7 - Detroit Tigers: SS G. Greco
Round 4, Pick 8 - Colorado Rockies: CL J. Koike
Round 4, Pick 9 - Cincinnati Reds: SP C. MacGregor
Round 4, Pick 10 - Kansas City Royals: CF E. Ferguson
Round 4, Pick 11 - Oakland Athletics: RF R. Toledo
Round 4, Pick 12 - Texas Rangers: LF C. Clark
Round 4, Pick 13 - Cleveland Indians: C H. Sipe
Round 4, Pick 14 - Arizona Diamondbacks: MR E. Pérez
Round 4, Pick 15 - Los Angeles Dodgers: SS J. Aco
Round 4, Pick 16 - Atlanta Braves: 3B D. Moody
Round 4, Pick 17 - Florida Marlins: CF S. Quintanilla
Round 4, Pick 18 - St. Louis Cardinals: LF G. Welteroth
Round 4, Pick 19 - Toronto Blue Jays: LF J. Houchin
Round 4, Pick 20 - Houston Astros: RF C. Zhai
Round 4, Pick 21 - Minnesota Twins: MR D. Hester
Round 4, Pick 22 - Chicago White Sox: RF J. Martínez
Round 4, Pick 23 - New York Yankees: CF C. Sherman
Round 4, Pick 24 - New York Mets: SP B. Ledoux
Round 4, Pick 25 - Milwaukee Brewers: LF M. Anderson
Round 4, Pick 26 - Philadelphia Phillies: MR J. Serrano
Round 4, Pick 27 - Boston Red Sox: RF J. McDaniel
Round 4, Pick 28 - Tampa Bay Rays: MR D. McWalrick
Round 4, Pick 29 - Chicago Cubs: 3B O. Waltone
Round 4, Pick 30 - Los Angeles Angels: SS E. Brown

(continued)

Round 5
Round 5, Pick 1 - Washington Nationals: MR P. Anderson
Round 5, Pick 2 - Seattle Mariners: CL C. O'Rorke
Round 5, Pick 3 - San Diego Padres: CF J. García
Round 5, Pick 4 - Pittsburgh Pirates: MR Y. Wang
Round 5, Pick 5 - Baltimore Orioles: LF L. Trejo
Round 5, Pick 6 - San Francisco Giants: CF G. Torres
Round 5, Pick 7 - Detroit Tigers: MR T. Simmons
Round 5, Pick 8 - Colorado Rockies: CF D. Holt
Round 5, Pick 9 - Cincinnati Reds: CF T. González
Round 5, Pick 10 - Kansas City Royals: CF R. Pérez
Round 5, Pick 11 - Oakland Athletics: 1B J. Álvarez
Round 5, Pick 12 - Texas Rangers: MR E. Zarate
Round 5, Pick 13 - Cleveland Indians: CL G. Kim
Round 5, Pick 14 - Arizona Diamondbacks: LF J. Todd
Round 5, Pick 15 - Los Angeles Dodgers: CF H. Osborne
Round 5, Pick 16 - Atlanta Braves: C S. Meadows
Round 5, Pick 17 - Florida Marlins: 2B V. Lawedre
Round 5, Pick 18 - St. Louis Cardinals: MR R. Bolduc
Round 5, Pick 19 - Toronto Blue Jays: CF D. Dailey
Round 5, Pick 20 - Houston Astros: SP M. Pérez
Round 5, Pick 21 - Minnesota Twins: LF J. Cooper
Round 5, Pick 22 - Chicago White Sox: 2B S. Chacón
Round 5, Pick 23 - New York Yankees: MR E. Rodríguez
Round 5, Pick 24 - New York Mets: LF M. Ward
Round 5, Pick 25 - Milwaukee Brewers: CL R. William
Round 5, Pick 26 - Philadelphia Phillies: RF I. Hernández
Round 5, Pick 27 - Boston Red Sox: RF H. Morton
Round 5, Pick 28 - Tampa Bay Rays: 1B C. Fernández
Round 5, Pick 29 - Chicago Cubs: MR M. Williams
Round 5, Pick 30 - Los Angeles Angels: SP K. Watts
Round 6
Round 6, Pick 1 - Washington Nationals: SP C. Donnelly
Round 6, Pick 2 - Seattle Mariners: 2B J. Wood
Round 6, Pick 3 - San Diego Padres: CL S. Martínez
Round 6, Pick 4 - Pittsburgh Pirates: SS W. Burns
Round 6, Pick 5 - Baltimore Orioles: MR D. Knight
Round 6, Pick 6 - San Francisco Giants: MR F. Younger
Round 6, Pick 7 - Detroit Tigers: RF T. Witter
Round 6, Pick 8 - Colorado Rockies: CF I. Chaney
Round 6, Pick 9 - Cincinnati Reds: MR A. Ruíz
Round 6, Pick 10 - Kansas City Royals: CF M. Ford
Round 6, Pick 11 - Oakland Athletics: 3B R. Ramos
Round 6, Pick 12 - Texas Rangers: CF V. Ford
Round 6, Pick 13 - Cleveland Indians: C S. Nicholson
Round 6, Pick 14 - Arizona Diamondbacks: SP R. Gómez
Round 6, Pick 15 - Los Angeles Dodgers: SS M. Galló
Round 6, Pick 16 - Atlanta Braves: 3B M. Henderson
Round 6, Pick 17 - Florida Marlins: 2B R. Rogers
Round 6, Pick 18 - St. Louis Cardinals: 1B J. Baker
Round 6, Pick 19 - Toronto Blue Jays: MR S. Hall
Round 6, Pick 20 - Houston Astros: RF L. Blanco
Round 6, Pick 21 - Minnesota Twins: SS J. perez
Round 6, Pick 22 - Chicago White Sox: MR J. Paredes
Round 6, Pick 23 - New York Yankees: CF L. Oríz
Round 6, Pick 24 - New York Mets: CF T. Adams
Round 6, Pick 25 - Milwaukee Brewers: CF S. Walker
Round 6, Pick 26 - Philadelphia Phillies: CF C. Wilson
Round 6, Pick 27 - Boston Red Sox: 1B J. León
Round 6, Pick 28 - Tampa Bay Rays: SP T. Kitakawa
Round 6, Pick 29 - Chicago Cubs: 3B P. Fuentes
Round 6, Pick 30 - Los Angeles Angels: SS C. Hernández
Round 7
Round 7, Pick 1 - Washington Nationals: SS S. Matthews
Round 7, Pick 2 - Seattle Mariners: SP J. McCoy
Round 7, Pick 3 - San Diego Padres: LF D. Diéguez
Round 7, Pick 4 - Pittsburgh Pirates: SP Y. Sang
Round 7, Pick 5 - Baltimore Orioles: C T. Hunter
Round 7, Pick 6 - San Francisco Giants: 2B S. Carey
Round 7, Pick 7 - Detroit Tigers: SP M. Delgado
Round 7, Pick 8 - Colorado Rockies: CF M. Harrison
Round 7, Pick 9 - Cincinnati Reds: 2B T. Horton
Round 7, Pick 10 - Kansas City Royals: 2B S. Morales
Round 7, Pick 11 - Oakland Athletics: C M. Greer
Round 7, Pick 12 - Texas Rangers: 2B P. Ortíz
Round 7, Pick 13 - Cleveland Indians: SP T. Hudson
Round 7, Pick 14 - Arizona Diamondbacks: LF M. Castro
Round 7, Pick 15 - Los Angeles Dodgers: CF J. Cardona
Round 7, Pick 16 - Atlanta Braves: SP J. Medine
Round 7, Pick 17 - Florida Marlins: CF Y. Tanaka
Round 7, Pick 18 - St. Louis Cardinals: SP H. Shipanoff
Round 7, Pick 19 - Toronto Blue Jays: CF J. Holden
Round 7, Pick 20 - Houston Astros: MR W. Peters
Round 7, Pick 21 - Minnesota Twins: CF L. Boivin
Round 7, Pick 22 - Chicago White Sox: LF B. Hunter
Round 7, Pick 23 - New York Yankees: SP B. Sarkies
Round 7, Pick 24 - New York Mets: RF J. Guzmán
Round 7, Pick 25 - Milwaukee Brewers: SP J. Gracía
Round 7, Pick 26 - Philadelphia Phillies: RF M. García
Round 7, Pick 27 - Boston Red Sox: 1B T. Mitchell
Round 7, Pick 28 - Tampa Bay Rays: RF S. Brandon
Round 7, Pick 29 - Chicago Cubs: 1B S. Vincent
Round 7, Pick 30 - Los Angeles Angels: SS J. Cortéz
Round 8
Round 8, Pick 1 - Washington Nationals: CL J. Billyard
Round 8, Pick 2 - Seattle Mariners: CF J. Campbell
Round 8, Pick 3 - San Diego Padres: LF A. Elías
Round 8, Pick 4 - Pittsburgh Pirates: SS J. Rivera
Round 8, Pick 5 - Baltimore Orioles: SP B. Merrill
Round 8, Pick 6 - San Francisco Giants: SP G. Álvarez
Round 8, Pick 7 - Detroit Tigers: SS R. Boyd
Round 8, Pick 8 - Colorado Rockies: LF J. McGuire
Round 8, Pick 9 - Cincinnati Reds: SP E. Colón
Round 8, Pick 10 - Kansas City Royals: SP H. Conner
Round 8, Pick 11 - Oakland Athletics: 1B L. Martínez
Round 8, Pick 12 - Texas Rangers: CF J. Marcotte
Round 8, Pick 13 - Cleveland Indians: SS M. Estrada
Round 8, Pick 14 - Arizona Diamondbacks: SP R. Ramírez
Round 8, Pick 15 - Los Angeles Dodgers: SP I. Janes
Round 8, Pick 16 - Atlanta Braves: SS P. Nichols
Round 8, Pick 17 - Florida Marlins: CF M. Tidwell
Round 8, Pick 18 - St. Louis Cardinals: 1B J. Colón
Round 8, Pick 19 - Toronto Blue Jays: CF M. Jiménez
Round 8, Pick 20 - Houston Astros: LF S. Maeda
Round 8, Pick 21 - Minnesota Twins: 2B E. Estelles
Round 8, Pick 22 - Chicago White Sox: MR F. Medina
Round 8, Pick 23 - New York Yankees: CF F. Kelly
Round 8, Pick 24 - New York Mets: SP B. Floyd
Round 8, Pick 25 - Milwaukee Brewers: 2B M. Cardenas
Round 8, Pick 26 - Philadelphia Phillies: LF A. Reis
Round 8, Pick 27 - Boston Red Sox: 3B A. Carter
Round 8, Pick 28 - Tampa Bay Rays: CL J. Farmer
Round 8, Pick 29 - Chicago Cubs: 1B J. Brewer
Round 8, Pick 30 - Los Angeles Angels: LF D. Liñares
Round 9
Round 9, Pick 1 - Washington Nationals: C C. O'Neill
Round 9, Pick 2 - Seattle Mariners: CF R. Klinke
Round 9, Pick 3 - San Diego Padres: RF W. Patterson
Round 9, Pick 4 - Pittsburgh Pirates: SP C. Rodríguez
Round 9, Pick 5 - Baltimore Orioles: C R. Turner
Round 9, Pick 6 - San Francisco Giants: CF W. Li
Round 9, Pick 7 - Detroit Tigers: SP A. Liñares
Round 9, Pick 8 - Colorado Rockies: CF P. Stephens
Round 9, Pick 9 - Cincinnati Reds: CF M. Copp
Round 9, Pick 10 - Kansas City Royals: SS D. Lederman
Round 9, Pick 11 - Oakland Athletics: RF F. Pujols
Round 9, Pick 12 - Texas Rangers: 2B J. Martínez
Round 9, Pick 13 - Cleveland Indians: C B. Bailey
Round 9, Pick 14 - Arizona Diamondbacks: LF E. Hawkins
Round 9, Pick 15 - Los Angeles Dodgers: CF G. McDonah
Round 9, Pick 16 - Atlanta Braves: SP P. Villegas
Round 9, Pick 17 - Florida Marlins: CF M. Johnson
Round 9, Pick 18 - St. Louis Cardinals: CF L. Pérez
Round 9, Pick 19 - Toronto Blue Jays: SS J. Ríos
Round 9, Pick 20 - Houston Astros: MR F. Bryant
Round 9, Pick 21 - Minnesota Twins: 2B C. León
Round 9, Pick 22 - Chicago White Sox: 3B H. Díaz
Round 9, Pick 23 - New York Yankees: MR R. Frazier
Round 9, Pick 24 - New York Mets: CF H. Hess
Round 9, Pick 25 - Milwaukee Brewers: CF A. González
Round 9, Pick 26 - Philadelphia Phillies: RF A. Rochez
Round 9, Pick 27 - Boston Red Sox: SP J. García
Round 9, Pick 28 - Tampa Bay Rays: LF C. Lee
Round 9, Pick 29 - Chicago Cubs: MR D. Waddell
Round 9, Pick 30 - Los Angeles Angels: SP J. Hunt

[Jeffy25]

Round 1, Pick 1
RHP, Stephen Strasburg

Having the first overall pick, it was between Ackley or Strasburg. And since we have a pretty solid offense, Strasburg was the clear choice. He will very likely be the staff ace within two years.

Fastball:    Strasburg has a plus, plus fastball that touched triple digits twice in his first start. He sits comfortably in the upper 90s and maintains it deep into starts.
Fastball movement:    Fairly true, though he elevated at times. He did show some arm-side life and was able to spot it down in the zone consistently.
Slider:    More of a slurve, thrown 80-82 mph with a lot of action, depth and tight spin. In the past, he threw a true hard slider, 85-87 mph, but not in this outing.
Changeup:    He threw 80-82 mph and showed signs of repeating it. Has good action to it, although it wasn't as firm as it's been in the past.
Control:    He threw strikes, but was up in the zone a little and hitters were on his fastball. He had better control than command.
Poise:    Good. He's shown some negative emotion in the past, but there was no sign of it this time.
Physical Description:    Strasburg looks the part of an ace, physically strong with a long neck, rounded shoulders, big hands and good core strength in the lower half.
Medical Update:    Healthy.
Strengths:    The plus stuff, especially the fastball. Size, strength, mound presence ... a complete package.
Weaknesses:    Nitpicking a little, but he doesn't have a put-away pitch among his secondary offerings. His command in the strike zone could use some improvement.
Summary:    When you're generally considered to be the top Draft prospect in a class before a game is played, the microscope is going to come out. Strasburg's stuff holds up under such scrutiny for the most part, especially his plus fastball. Nitpickers may look at the secondary offerings as being just average and his command needing a little refinement, but none of that will keep him from being atop just about every Draft board.

Round 1, Pick 10
RHP, Drew Storen

Storen was an easy pick at number 10 overall, our bullpen is incredibly weak, and we think Storen could make it to the show pretty quickly.

Fastball:    Storen's fastball was in the 90-94 mph range.
Fastball movement:    He has good movement out of the strike zone.
Curve:    It's a hard breaking ball, thrown 79-83 mph, with a snap-down break. It's more a longer curve than a slider.
Changeup:    Has a changeup, but doesn't really use it in a relief role.
Control:    His command is average at best and is the main reason he's a reliever and not a starter.
Poise:    He goes right at hitters and has the right mentality for short relief.
Physical Description:    Storen has a solid build with wide shoulders.
Medical Update:    Healthy.
Strengths:    He has three pitches, with his fastball-curve combination working well in the bullpen.
Weaknesses:    His command hasn't always been a strong point.
Summary:    Storen has the stuff to be a starter and it's not unheard of for a team to take a college closer and let him start as a pro. That being said, there's a reason Stanford has him in the bullpen ... his command hasn't always been sharp. Even as a short reliever, though, his fastball-curve mix is more than enough to get hitters out, especially from the right side. Good college closers usually get drafted well and Storen should be no exception.

Round 1, Pick 23
RF Vincete Arenas

After selecting two pitchers, we wanted to get the most well rounded hitter available. Arenas is very young (17) and has a very high ceiling and work ethic.
The issue with Arenas, is that it is going to take quite awhile before he will make the Majors. He has the tools and the ability, but it will take a lot of refining.


Round 2, Pick 31
1B Pablo Costello

We liked that he is a switch hitting first basemen with a tremendous bat. But like Arenas is several years away from being prepared. He is drawing comparisons to be similar to Mark Tiexera one day. But he will have to put in a lot of work to get there.


Round 3, Pick 61
3B Jose Marquez

We like Marquez because he is a defensively sound third basemen who can play multiple positions. He is an ideal platoon player. If his bat can develop, he will be an ideal Ryan Freel type player in the future.

[Jeffy25]

6-2-09
Nationals go to 19-33, 15.0 GB
Beat the Giants in a run fest 15-11

I guess it cut it off, But Jordan Zimmerman got the win, pitching 5 innings, and Wells got the save pitching the last 4 innings.

6-3-09
Nationals go to 20-33, 15.0 GB
Beat the Giants in walkoff fashion 10-8
For once a win for the Nationals in late innings. A walk off three run homer with two outs in the 9th.


Several undrafted free agents were signed to minor league contracts.

Here are the top prospects now:

[IMG]http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab311/jefflage960/Prospect****ting.jpg[/IMG]



As you can see, the draft really did us a lot of good, as well Jordan Zimmerman really improved a lot. adding Britton was huge, and Estrada and Smoker have both improved drastically.

6-4-09
Nationals go to 21-33, 14.0 GB
Beat the Giants 21-1!
Sharion Martis was three outs away from a no hitter! Bengie Molina hit a leadoff double in the 9th to break it up, and Rick Aurilla drove him in.
The Nationals hit the crap out of the Giants this series, and certainly in this game.


6-5-09
Nationals go to 22-33
Beat the Mets 7-2
We could get used to all of this winning!


RF Josh Kroeger is claimed off waivers and Maxwell is sent back to Triple A.

Kroeger was struggling in Triple A, for the White Sox
We will try him out, he has magnificent potential ratings, he is a 68/80.

We went ahead and released Miguel Batista, it costs is about 6 million dollars. But severing that tie was the best move for the club. And we saved a lot of money by moving that payroll in the trade we made with Seattle.

Finances:

I have already lowered payroll to below 40 million for this year. It was around 55 million when we started.

We officially have the lowest payroll in baseball, the league average is 93,099,602. Ours is 39,912,000.

We are 24th in attendance, and looking good for 2010 and 11.

The best value player for his paycheck is Jesus Flores, his VORP/Salary is 22.8. while the worst is Collin Balester, who is a -9.5.

We have around 20 million in our budget room for next year for new free agents. I don't forsee us adding anyone, but rather ensuring that we have the cash to operate when players like Strasburg reach arbitration and when Zimmerman's contract increases.

Our salary report for next year projects to be even lower, but Zimmerman and Dunn will both be getting solid raises.

Freel's contract will be much lower, Jamie Walker's 4.5 million will be gone.

We want to move Willie Harris' income and find out what we are going to be do about future arbitration players like Gomes, Orr, Burnett and James.

So the team decided to release Orr and Harris, lowering payroll even more, but we had to tie up the rest of our operating cash to buyout their contracts. We can't really afford to do too many more moves until the end of the season, unless they help our budget room.

Expect to see a lot of prospects make their major league debuts.

[gglennwill]

I just wanted to thank you for a very entertaining thread! Not only am I enjoying following your team, but I'm learning a lot from how you do your transactions. I have a team that is not performing and getting a lot of salary, and I'm not sure about the different trade techniques to bring that down. You seem to be very knowledgable about how to dump salary and I'm learning watching you in action. Plus you have the patience of Job with a pretty bad team to begin with. Thanks for an entertaining and educational thread!