The 2010 Washington Nationals

[MrEndshiftresign]

While waiting for Spritze's databases to be completed, I decided that I've tested the game enough and am pretty much ready to start my own dynasty. Here I take control of the Washington Nationals, hoping to take them to the World Series in a few years' time.


GM's Log, 4/4/10

I remember the old joke about the Washington Senators. First in war, first in peace, last in the American League. Heck, even a musical was written, not exactly about those hapless Senators, but portraying them as AL whipping boys. More than 50 years later, here I am in DC, managing the former Montreal Expos, who have since become the Washington Nationals. People see me as a franchise savior, someone who can finally make baseball relevant in the nation's capital, despite the fact that he hails from a country where basketball is by far the most popular sport. Speaking of basketball, this is a city embarrassed by the antics of one Gilbert "Agent Zero/Hibachi" Arenas, and on the football scene, coming off a 4-12 season and years of inconsistent play.

I look at the team's lineup and I see some strength in the middle of the lineup, where LF Adam Dunn (playing 1B), 3B Ryan Zimmerman and LF Josh Willingham provide lots of pop. I see good defensive potential courtesy of SS Cristian Guzman and aging (though effective) C Pudge Rodriguez, and especially the aforementioned Zimmerman. At CF, Nyjer Morgan is our lead-off man, our fastest player and hits for a good average. Aside from that, I don't see much. Ian Desmond performed decently at 2B in a brief call-up last year, and he'll be challenged by the veteran Adam Kennedy, several years removed from his ALCS and World Series heroics. Mike Morse hasn't had more than a few brief cups of coffee in the past few years, and he's already 28 years old! Still, he's our starting RF, despite being a natural 1B. The bench? Largely unremarkable.

Our rotation, I would say, is interesting. Kindest thing I can say about it. I asked manager Jim Riggleman whom he thinks would be our staff ace, and he's giving the role to John Lannan. Decent control guy, but I've never been a fan of control guys. I like my fastballs blazing and K's running up on the box scores like Brendan Fraser's Steve Nebraska character. Jason Marquis is the #2 pitcher, and I'm not a fan of his either. Now I'm very high on #3 man Stephen Strasburg, last year's first overall pick. I think Riggleman is rushing him to the majors when he gave me the rotation, but let's see how he pans out. Scott Olsen, who once saw himself as a staff ace, is #4 and a legal problem away from being demoted. Jason Bergmann rounds out the five-man rotation. Solid vet. Tyler Clippard, Sean Burnett and closer Matt Capps lead the bullpen. Solid, but unspectacular, IMHO.

Previous management left a copy of Baseball America's minor league report on my desk. We've got the 6th-best farm system in the league, but leading the way is Strasburg, who's now in the major league lineup. SP Jordan Zimmermann, who's on our disabled list, and C Derek Norris are apparently the top prospects for this year. I've also got some high hopes for SP Josh Smoker, who's in Short Season A, and RF Roger Bernardina, who's with the AAA Syracuse Chiefs. Aside from that, I think it's wait-till-the-next-draft, and what a draft it'll be, with phenom Bryce Harper all for the grabbing at first overall.

It's time to play some ball.

[MrEndshiftresign]

GM Log - 4/15/10

4-5, .444, 2 GB

Just sent Stephen down to Triple A for some seasoning. An 11.57 ERA in two starts says one thing about a young player - he's too raw. Meanwhile, I've got 35-year-old Livan Hernandez, whose pitching has seen better days, taking Strasburg's spot in the rotation.

Not too many complaints, though, about my batters. The middle of the lineup is batting especially well. Ryan, Adam and Josh are starting this season off pretty well. Njyer is hitting .342, but he has yet to steal a base, having been caught four times already. Pudge is playing like a 38-year-old, which leads me to think Jesus Flores might be taking his place once he gets off the DL. One minor shakeup - I think I'll be trying Adam Kennedy at 2B, since Ian hasn't really been cutting it these past 9 games.

[MrEndshiftresign]

GM Log - 5/1/10

10-13, .435, 3.5 GB

This first month has been solid, but unspectacular for us. We've been playing near-.500 ball for most of the first month, though we went through a rough patch where we lost three straight to Colorado - at home. Our heavy hitters were banged up pretty bad by pitching staffs the past few games (not just the Rockies), and Ryan is edging ever-so-close to the Mendoza Line after a good first ten games. Adam Kennedy's back to the bench after just a few starts...Ian's starting at 2B, and I've got Willie Harris starting at RF with the unremarkable Mike Morse now riding the bench. Jesus Flores just replaced Pudge as starting catcher, as it looks like the former MVP is now good for veteran leadership in the clubhouse.

I'm impressed with Scott's good performance so far as the #4 pitcher, now #2 following an injury to Jason Marquis (he'll be out for about three months) and Stephen's demotion to AAA for more seasoning. (He's being used as a setup man by Syracuse and not too happy about it.) Jason Bergmann is also pitching solidly, so are John and Livan.

It's been an uneven first month, and we're straying away a bit from the .500 mark that Ted (Lerner) expected from us, but hopefully we'll get it together by draft day.

***

Barring any significant team news, next updates will be after the draft, then after the All-Star Game, then after the season. I'm hoping to finish two seasons before bedtime.

[MrEndshiftresign]

GM Log - 6/15/10

32-32, .500, 8 GB

All right, we're fresh off a good run and what we feel is a blockbuster trade. We just unloaded five players - CL Matt Capps, disgruntled 2B Adam Kennedy, starting C Jesus Flores and relievers Brian Bruney and (the ancient) Miguel Batista for CL Kerry Wood and SP Justin Masterson. It took a while to convince the Indians, but we've now got a star closer and our comparatively weak rotation has significantly been bolstered. Stephen's still being used as a setup man in AAA ball, but we may be calling him up in a couple weeks time.

Today is draft day, and we now prepare for what should be a monumental draft in Nationals history. Bryce Harper is probably the most-hyped MLB prospect in ages, no question about that, and I envision him replacing Pudge as our starting catcher in about a year or two. That's how ready we believe he is.

I think I need to be going. Draft begins in a few minutes...

[MrEndshiftresign]

Harper, Kokawa lead 2010 draft class

June 15, 2010

There were no surprises as the Washington Nationals selected phenom Bryce Harper, an 18-year-old catcher from the College of Southern Nevada, with the first overall pick of yesterday's Major League Baseball amateur draft.

"There is nothing that Bryce couldn't do. Most would play him right away in the majors, but since I insist everyone needs some time in the minors, we'll probably be seeing him in September," said veteran-oriented Washington GM Homer Singson. The 31-year-old Singson, a native of the Philippines, has been making waves since taking over the Nationals, making what many believe have been intelligent trades and proper lineup decisions.

The Pittsburgh Pirates selected burly Arizona pitcher Soetsu "Piggy" Kokawa with the second overall pick and see him as a majors-ready fireball-throwing pitcher who would have normally gone first overall. This came as a bit of a surprise for those expecting the Pirates to select more heralded pitcher prospects like Jameson Taillon or Anthony Ranaudo. Five-tool CF Miguel Gomez went third to the Baltimore Orioles, while another Gomez - starting pitcher Angel - went to the Kansas City Royals as a hometown selection from the University of Missouri. Just like the Pirates' selection of Kokawa, many observers see the Royals' selection of Gomez as a risk, given his history of legal problems as a college-level pitcher. The Cleveland Indians, who had lost closer Kerry Wood and starter Justin Masterson to the Nats in a recent trade, bolstered their pitching by selecting Taillon, a high-schooler from The Woodlands, Texas as the fifth overall pick.

The complete recap of the first round:

1. Washington - Bryce Harper (C), College of Southern Nevada
2. Pittsburgh - Soetsu "Piggy" Kokawa (SP), Arizona (*)
3. Baltimore - Miguel Gomez (CF), North Clay HS (IL) (*)
4. Kansas City - Angel Gomez (SP), Missouri (*)
5. Cleveland - Jameson Taillon (SP), The Woodlands HS (TX)
6. NY Mets - Dustin "The Phantom" Dawson (SP), UCSB
7. Arizona - Anthony Ranaudo (SP), LSU
8. Houston - Jesus Ruiz (SP), St. John's (*)
9. Toronto - Deck McGuire (SP), Georgia Tech
10. San Diego - Karsten Whitson (SP), Chipley HS (FL)
11. Oakland - A.J. Cole (SP), Oviedo HS (FL)
12. Cincinnati - Drew Pomeranz (SP), Mississippi
13. Chicago WS - Alfonso "Lieby" Chavez (2B), Deerfield Beach HS (FL) (*)
14. Milwaukee - Ricardo Gonzalez (SP), UC-Irvine (*)
15. Chicago Cubs - Manny Machado (SS), Brito Miami Private HS (FL)
16. Tampa Bay - Dylan Covey (SP), Maranatha HS (CA)
17. Seattle - Chris Sale (SP), Florida Gulf Coast U
18. Detroit - Ralph Garrett (SP), Virginia (*)
19. Atlanta - James Paxton (SP), Kentucky
20. Minnesota - Levon Washington (CF), Buchholz HS (FL)
21. Florida - Lewis Rathbone (SP), Vanderbilt (*)
22. Texas - Lance Smith (2B), Judson (*)
23. San Francisco - Raul Martinez (3B), Animo Leadership HS (CA) (*)
24. NY Yankees - Gabriel Mestres (SP), Riverside HS (PA) (*)
25. St. Louis - Bryce Brentz (RF), Middle Tennessee State U
26. Colorado - Rafael Mendoza (1B), North Baltimore HS (OH) (*)
27. Philadelphia - Guillermo Gabriel (SP), Wofford (*)
28. Boston - John Cote (1B), Central Connecticut State (*)
29. LA Dodgers - Rob Lee (CF), Bishop Fenwick HS (MA) (*)
30. LA Angels - Sun-Wei Tong (RF), LSU (*)


(DISCLAIMER - My GM name/background is purely fictional and simply a tribute to my favorite cartoon character. Any similarities to the real Homer Simpson are nonexistent.)

(*) denotes fictional player

[MrEndshiftresign]

"GO HOME, HOMER!"

June 24, 2010

"I was naive. I thought $5,500,000 was substantial. Oh, well."

As the Washington Nationals lost a seventh straight game, a select group of fans burned general manager Homer Singson in effigy outside the Nationals Park, demanding for his ouster. This is following top draft pick Bryce Harper's decision to continue his college studies and "wait until something better comes along."

"I simply didn't find (Washington's) offer satisfactory," said Harper. "But (Singson) need not feel so bad since I think he's doing a good job running his organization for a newcomer. He just needs a little more experience."

Many Nationals fans felt otherwise. "Now where the (profanity) did they get that guy from? Some random hole-in-the-wall tavern, talking baseball with the bartender over a couple beers?", snarled a fan who refused to be identified. "He should rename himself George Allen," said another fan, disappointed with Singson's preference for veterans. "First, he traded away Matt (Capps) and Jesus (Flores) for Kerry Wood. Before that, he was starting Adam Kennedy over Ian Desmond. What's next, trading for Jamie Moyer?"

Another top pick who refused to sign was second-round pick Francisco Flores, whose cannonball arm, blazing speed and infield versatility made him a potential first-rounder to many observers.

"We learn from our mistakes," said Singson in an interview earlier today. "Hopefully we can get Bryce again next year, but I assure you, we're not going to tank this season to get him." Singson hinted at trading for some quality veterans, but refused to give specific details. Singson also remained optimistic that signed draft picks Yunes Yahya, a first baseman originally from Kenya and speedy second baseman Zach Lewis could turn out to be diamonds in the rough.

[MrEndshiftresign]

GM Log - 8/1/10

51-53, .490, 16 GB

Just came back from the Philippines, took a two-week vacation and let Riggleman run things while I'm gone. To be honest, I just wanted to let the heat die down after the whole Harper/Flores debacle, not to mention all those fans pissed off because I traded for the likes of Gary Sheffield and Russ Branyan, and refuse to call Stephen Strasburg up to the majors. I'm not ashamed to admit I'm a very veteran-oriented guy, and I'd rather cast my lot with someone who's spent some time in the majors rather than some unproven talent. Ryan, Ian and Jesus, when he was still with the team, should consider themselves lucky. Ryan's our best player and regardless of age, he should be starting. I would've wanted Adam Kennedy to start, but he wanted out, so I granted him his wish, therefore Ian's starting. Pudge was in a bad slump, so I thought having Jesus at catcher could shake things up, and it did. But eventually, I had to give him up because we needed pitching.

Anyway, time to look at my lineup. I greeted Jim quite warmly upon returning to the office. "Hi, Jim! How's everything been going when I was gone?", I said. "Oh, you'll be glad to know that I made some trades I know you'll like. Lots of them." Jim seemed ecstatic to announce the trades he had approved in my absence.

I totally hit the roof when I found out what he just did. He had traded away Pudge and Ryan in separate deals. He put Gary Sheffield, whom I acquired for two minor league pitchers, on the bench. He had tried to soothe me by saying he got two solid vets in the whirlwind of trades he had executed, but I refused to sit still. How could he send Ryan to the Angels? HOW COULD HE?!?!? I told him to trade for more vets, but he traded the wrong youngster off. And I wanted Pudge to finish his career with the Nats.

And Jim let me down by INSISTING that he had to call Stephen up to the majors. "But he throws that fastball at a hundred plus," insisted Jim while I was dressing him down. "I don't give a (profanity) if he throws TWO HUNDRED MILES PER HOUR, when I say he's not ready, I say HE IS NOT READY," I replied angrily.

Again, the operative word is "Oh, well." Let's take a look at the drastically-revamped Washington Nationals:

CF - Nyjer Morgan (30)
SS - Cristian Guzman (32)
C - Mike Napoli (28) - AI's trade
LF - Adam Dunn (30)
RF - Josh Willingham (31)
3B - Casey Blake (36) - AI's trade
2B - Ian Desmond (24)
1B - Russ Branyan (34) - my trade
Utility OF - Gary Sheffield (41) - my trade, Hideki Matsui (36) - AI's trade
Utility IF - Pete Orr (31)

SP1 - Justin Masterson (25) - my trade
SP2 - Chien-Ming Wang (30)
SP3 - John Lannan (25)
SP4 - Scott Olsen (26)
SP5 - Livan Hernandez (35)
Spot starter - Ramon Ortiz (37) - AI's trade
Middle relievers - Jason Bergmann (28), Garrett Mock (27), B.J. Ryan (34), Tyler Walker (34)
Closer - Kerry Wood (32) - my trade

Key players on DL - Jason Marquis (31)

(NOTE - Following the whole Bryce Harper thing, I decided to go the George Allen route and see where it takes me...so I'm deliberately trading away a lot of youngsters for oldsters. Unfortunately, I went on vacation mode to speed things up, and the damn AI traded Ryan Zimmerman, who, together with Stephen Strasburg, is probably the only youngster I won't trade away.)

[MrEndshiftresign]

GM Log - 10/15/10

81-81, .500, 17 GB

This was a good season regardless of what anyone says. My naivete and vet-centric attitude led to failure in the draft, but we've got two compensation picks which we'll most likely be using for college boys who'll be ready to play in a year or two.

Anyway, let's take a look at how we fared so far.

Catchers - We started the season with the venerable Pudge Rodriguez and youngster Jesus Flores, but ended the season with neither man backstopping. Instead we got Mike Napoli via trade (a trade which I didn't approve of), and he gave us a total of 36 homers with two teams. That said, he is not a defensive presence nor does he do those things that don't show up on the stat sheet. He may be up for trade pretty soon.

Infield - This is a position that had undergone a lot of changes all year round. We ended up with 1B Russ Branyan, 2B Ian Desmond, 3B Casey Blake and SS Cristian Guzman. Only Ian and Cristian remain from the opening-day lineup, while Russ and Casey were acquired via trade. This is an area that misses Ryan Zimmerman's power and defense, but I guess he's happy now that the Los Angeles Angels won the World Series. I think I'll trade for another first baseman or an outfielder...Russ didn't really play up to standards. If we get an outfielder, we'll move Adam to first base, where he defensive deficiencies won't show that much.

Outfield - This is another area where we dealt with changes, changes and more changes. CF Nyjer Morgan was the only constant all year long, and his speed and average really helped us. He could cut down on those 28 CS, though. LF Adam Dunn, he of the 44 homers (2nd in the NL) may be moved to 1B, where he spent some time as well. I like his power but hate his lack of defense. RF Josh Willingham was barely over the Mendoza Line at .209, with 17 homers. If I had my way, I would've started either Gary Sheffield or Hideki Matsui, but Jim wants to use them as utility outfielders or pinch hitters. Fair enough, they spent a lot of time at DH in the junior circuit.

Pitchers - Trading for Kerry Wood gave us a tried-and-tested veteran closer, while I think trading for Justin Masterson was a case of too many cooks. I wasn't too pleased with Justin's performance. I couldn't count the number of pitchers who took their turns as starters, but since John Lannan apparently won't be joining us this year, I'd say Justin and Chien-Ming Wang are the only definite returnees in the rotation. Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann will need to step it up this year if they don't want to see the minor leagues.

See you on April 2011, with the baseball version of the Over The Hill Gang hopefully complete.

[MrEndshiftresign]

GM Log - 4/10/11

0-0, .000, 0 GB

Opening day lineups for the 2011 Washington Nationals:

CF - Nyjer Morgan (30)
SS - Cristian Guzman (33)
C - Mike Napoli (29)
LF - Manny Ramirez (38) - offseason FA
1B - Adam Dunn (31)
2B - Ian Desmond (25)
3B - Casey Blake (37)
RF - Josh Willingham (32)
Key reserves - Gary Sheffield (42), Hideki Matsui (36), Jeff Keppinger (30), Garrett Atkins (31)

SP1 - Justin Masterson (26)
SP2 - Jordan Zimmermann (24)
SP3 - Stephen Strasburg (22)
SP4 - Jason Marquis (32)
SP5 - Scott Olsen (27)
MR - Jason Bergmann (30), LaTroy Hawkins (38), Livan Hernandez (36), Tyler Clippard (26)
CL - Kerry Wood (33)

[MrEndshiftresign]

OPINION - Memo to Homer, the George Allen Technique Doesn't Work In Baseball These Days!

June 15, 2011

Quick, what's Homer Singson's favorite '60s band and album? Why, it's the Brittles, and their debut album "Meet The Brittles"! And his favorite "Brittles" songs? From the debut album there's "A Waste Of Money", and for a latter-day chestnut, there's "The Long And Winding Road (To The Playoffs)". And let's not forget this classic which goes, "I will still pay you, I will still play you, when you're 64!", which he must have dedicated to the likes of Manny Ramirez, whom he dearly overpaid for in the recent offseason.

The 32-year-old Washington Nationals general manager has long been a whipping boy for fans and the media alike. Even as his team went 81-80 last year despite a whirlwind of trades that gutted into team chemistry, and an overwhelming preference for past-their-prime graybeards like Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui (combined age - 79), Singson refused to remain content. He traded for 38-year-old LaTroy Hawkins, giving up young pitcher Colin Balester and capable second starter Chien-Ming Wang, who, while not a young man per se at 30, still has so much left in his career. He paid a ridiculous $51,590,000 to sign 39-year-old Manny Ramirez for four years, and Manny's paid him back with uneven play and a long trip to the DL. Other 30-and-above players like Tyler Walker, Cristian Guzman, Casey Blake and Nyjer Morgan have all spent (or are spending) various amounts of time in the DL. And the Nats' farm system has plunged from 6th-best in the majors down to 13th, and may even drop further in the coming weeks if Singson continues to make bonehead decisions in the tradition of the cartoon character of nearly the same name.

That said, Singson is picking first overall tomorrow, and has another chance at the fabled Harper, who is simply the most-hyped amateur prospect in the century. He wasted one compensation pick (not to mention a lot of money) to get Manny Ramirez, but is picking again at 18th. If I were Singson, I would pick Harper again, and at 18th, will go once again for Francisco Flores, aka the Second-Round Steal Who Got Away. We're hoping Ted Lerner has more patience than we do, because a 21-37 record punctuated by multiple swoons is no way to get DC interested in baseball. Heck, we'd rather watch Gilbert Arenas' gun trial than a Nats game these days. People don't pay to watch overpaid Social Security candidates who play tired offense and barely existent defense.

But going back to music, maybe the best song for Homer Singson to sing would be a more recent, and actual song. Remember Afroman? "Because I Got High" would be the best song for the young, inefficient Homer to sing. But of course, we need to change the lyrics first.

"We lucked out in 2010, although I was high
Signed and traded for old men, because I was high
We're now last place in the East and I know why,
I say, because I got high, because I got high, because I got high!"

[MrEndshiftresign]

Harper, Inoue Signings Enough To Placate Angry Fans?

June 27, 2011

27-42, .391, 12 GB

The long wait for touted catcher Bryce Harper is finally over. The 18-year-old phenom from Nevada accepted Washington's generous $9,500,000 signing bonus, putting a kibosh on rumors that GM Homer Singson's overspending has put the Nationals in the red, and earning him back some of the respect fans lost when he originally failed to sign Harper last year.

"Business is very, very, very good," said Singson, who seemed elated upon signing Harper, the first-ever player in the history of the Majors to be drafted first-overall two years in a row. "We may have had some rough spots this year and we're saddled with injuries, but I can see the team jelling together. Watch out for us in a couple of years."

That is, if Singson is still with the Nats two years from now. Rumors have it that Nationals owner Ted Lerner is very upset with some of the deals Singson has approved, particularly those exchanging young talents for past-their-prime veterans. Nonetheless, Harper and fellow 2011 first-round pick Tadao Inoue, a power-hitting third baseman, are thrilled to be with the Nationals organization.

Also joining the Nationals' organization are fifth-rounder Julio "Crazy Jules" (*) Fonseca, a speedy centerfielder who has a habit of not removing his socks till the following game after a shutout loss, diminutive third-round pitcher John Stokes and second-round LF Michael "Free As A" (*) Byrd.

(*) - nickname updated on commish mode

2011 MLB Amateur Draft - First Round

1. WAS - Bryce Harper (C), College of Southern Nevada - failed to sign last year
2. OAK - A.J. Cole (SP), "college" - failed to sign last year
3. FLA - Franck Boone (LF), Dixie St.
4. CLE - Ramon Rivera (CF), Gunter HS (TX)
5. ARI - Juan "A-Rod" Garza (SP), Georgia
6. BAL - George White (CF), Manchester West HS (NH)
7. PIT - Mal "Sweet Lou" Haydon (SP), Medina HS (TX)
8. DET - Tim "Barnyard" O'Connor (C), Lafayette
9. OAK - Sean "Pendragon" Bristcoe (SP), Old Lyme HS (CT)
10. CIN - Vidal "Nine Fingers" Reyes (LF), Clemson
11. HOU - Paul Dyck (CF), Alabama
12. OAK - John Murray (SP), Arizona State
13. CHC - Daniel Tilli (LF), Briarwood Christian HS (AL)
14. SF - Riley "Pocket" Sibbald (RF), Mississippi
15. CHC - Jose Trujillo (RF), Buhach Colony HS (CA)
16. NYY - Mark Howard (SP), Northwestern State
17. TB - Eugene Price (CF), St. Anselm's Abbey HS (DC)
18. WAS - Tadao Inoue (3B), Dallas Baptist
19. SD - Hector Lopez (SP), Alabama
20. CHS - Manny Machado (SS), "college" - failed to sign last year
21. DET - Manny Bonilla (SP), New Albany HS (OH)
22. PHI - Hector Flores (3B), Arizona State
23. TB - Pedro Romero (LF), Mountain View HS (CA)
24. COL - Si-Xun Si-Tu (2B), NC-Greensboro
25. MIN - Luis Perez (LF), Arizona State
26. NYY - Jose Moran (SP), Miami (FL)
27. NYM - Thad Ross (SS), Cotton Center HS (TX)
28. LAA - John Ladd (2B), Kentucky
29. LAD - Pancho Perez (SS), Mildred HS (TX)
30. TB - Dillon Buschma (SP), Parkersburg HS (WV)
31. ATL - Lawrence Rowe (SP), San Diego St.
32. SF - Jeff Warren (C), Houston

[MrEndshiftresign]

GM Log - 7/2/11

28-46, .378, 13 GB

This cannot go on much further. I may have forgiven him for questionable personnel decisions when I went on vacation last year, but a 28-46 record that is worst in the National League is too much for me to bear. I have decided to dispense with Jim Riggleman's services. Bench coach Nick Leyva now takes over as manager, and I'm hoping he can prove something to the fans who think his losing record as a MLB manager doesn't make him qualified.

Not only is he a stern disciplinarian, but he's got the right temperament to deal with this vet-oriented lineup that I have. It may be too much for me to demand a winning record this year from Nick, but as long as he pulls us out of the NL East cellar, I'm fine with that. This has been a very underachieving team that hasn't been too lucky with injuries, so anything better than last place would be fine for me, I believe. Dunno with Teddy...I know he has little patience for me now, following my controversial moves.

[MrEndshiftresign]

Opinion - Nats lineup to Homer Singson - Don't Play With Me, 'Cause You're Playing With Fire!

Singson cooks up more controversial deals

July 31, 2011

Oops, he's done it again. Homer Simpson, er...Singson, who else?

Frustrated with 1B Adam Dunn's lackadaisical play and free-swinging ways, upset over RF Josh Willingham's two years of (copy-paste comments on Adam Dunn here), and agitated by C Mike Napoli's currently (copy-paste Dunn, Willingham), he has traded all three. Dunn was traded to the defending World Series champs, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, where he now rejoins former National Ryan Zimmerman, who was shipped away last year in a deal Singson claims he never approved. In his place are 1B Kendry Morales and MR Kyle Farnsworth. Good, we thought at first. Morales is three years younger than Dunn, and while he doesn't have as much power as the 6'5-285 Dunn, he hits for a much better average and his pop is very adequate for first base. But then we saw the second Angel involved in the deal - THIRTY-FIVE YEAR OLD Kyle Farnsworth. Sure, he'll be a good setup man for Kerry Wood (34), but for how much longer?

Then there's the six-for-two deal where Willingham and Napoli, reliever Rafael Martin and three other Joe Nobodies (actually Garrett Atkins, Justin Turner and Jeff Keppinger, who just joined the Nats this preseason!) headed to Boston in exchange for catcher Victor Martinez and SP Josh Beckett, who are 32 and 31 respectively. No spring chickens, but at least they'll be productive for another 4 to 5 years. Beckett adds valuable experience (something Singson maniacally craves) to a young rotation headed by Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann. Martinez has better defensive skills than Napoli. But did Singson really have to give up so many players? Now he's got a bench thinner than Posh Spice. Good job, Homer.

"We want to win now," says Singson, but do you call a 40-57 record winning? Sure, manager Nick Leyva has erased some doubts by leading your Nationals above the .400 mark, but how does he deal with all these roster changes? Is finding real team chemistry possible at this point, with young players like Michael Burgess and Mike Daniel buried deep on a thin bench while you insist on playing your multi-million dollar follies, aka Manny Ramirez and Hideki Matsui? (Yes, we realize this is an oxymoron.)

We can only hope this recent trade will prove us wrong, because our faith in Homer Singson is decreasing once again.

[MrEndshiftresign]

10/1/2011

65-97, .401, 24 GB

Singson wins 2011 "Isiah" For Worst Sports Manager

Is he really on the way out of Washington?

In other news, the USA-USA (United States of America Underground Sportswriters Association) just gave Homer Singson an award. Only, it's the type of award you wouldn't want to receive. Singson won the Isiah Award, for the year's worst sports manager, named in honor of former New York Knicks GM and Continental Basketball Association commissioner Isiah Thomas.

"Since last year, we have found Mr. Singson's business acumen to be highly questionable. While he truly loves the game of baseball and has a great mind, unlike the fat cartoon oaf he nearly shares a name with, his overwhelming preference for 30-plus veterans (no matter how crappy or over-the-hill they are), horrible signings and questionable trades have made him a candidate for the Isiah two years in a row. Last year, a winning record saved his a**, as his Nationals were old, but scrappy. This year, not even a valiant and successful attempt to move past the .400 was enough, because his Nationals were older and sucky," read the USA-USA's declaration of Singson as their Worst Manager. Singson also won their award for "Worst Free Agent Signing" for his acquisition of outfielder Manny Ramirez for a 4-year, $51,000,000 contract. Ramirez, 39, hit just 12 home runs and batted .221 in 108 games, ending the season on the disabled list. Singson was the Isiah winner by a huge margin, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates' Neal Huntington (the Pirates were the only MLB team with a worse record than the Nats) and the Washington Wizards' Ernie Grunfeld who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Neither Singson nor Washington Nationals owner Theodore Lerner, who has long been rumored to be searching for a new GM, were available for comment.

[MrEndshiftresign]

So ends my first two seasons as Nationals GM. I'll be completing the 2011 postseason tomorrow, so we shall see whether my GM Homer Singson returns for a third season. If he will, I'll probably have him aim for younger players to rebuild the roster. Anyway, we finally got Bryce Harper and another potential star in the fictional Tadao Inoue. The "Over The Hill Gang" and Manny Ramirez signing experiments have apparently failed.

See you all tomorrow!

- MrEndshiftresign

[MrEndshiftresign]

GM Log - 4/1/2012

0-1, .000, 1 GB

After "winning" the dubious Isiah award for worst general manager in American sports, after a horrid 65-97 season, I deserve some sort of break.

No such luck. I stepped into a half-empty Nationals Park, booed and jeered upon entering the building. It was actually a productive offseason for me, with the likes of Trevor Hoffman, Alan Embree, J.D. Drew and David Eckstein all joining the Nationals to give the bench some depth. Troy Glaus is our new starting 3B (acquired via Rule 5), David DeJesus (acquired via trade) will battle it out with Manny Ramirez for starting LF, and I remain unapologetic in my desire to focus on steady experience rather than impulsive youth. (The media has called me an impulsive young GM so many times, though.) There are exceptions, though. Michael Burgess is only 22, yet he's our starting right fielder. Stephen Strasburg is only 23, and our best pitcher - provided he recovers successfully from bone chip removal surgery on his elbow. We hope he doesn't turn out to be the next Mark Prior. Even if I've added up more aging vets, I've decided to be more patient towards younger players - just a little - after all, Bryce Harper is our catcher of the future, Tadao Inoue the heir apparent to Troy Glaus. My NFL idol George Allen didn't stick with the Over The Hill Gang forever.

I'm sure I saw a brown-skinned man in the crowd holding up a banner reading "GO HOMER!" next to an image of the Philippines and its 7,107 islands. I was sure he was giving me some support, some assurance that I'm doing an okay job despite bad luck with injuries. Turns out he kept pointing to the country map, and the text actually read "GO HOME-R". Sigh. Even my own countrymen hate me.

Our opening day lineup:

CF - Nyjer Morgan (31)
LF - David DeJesus (32)
1B - Kendry Morales (28)
RF - Michael Burgess (22)
C - Victor Martinez (33)
SS - Ian Desmond (26)
2B - Maicer Itzuris (31)
3B - Troy Glaus (35)
Key reserves - Manny Ramirez (39), David Eckstein (37), J.D. Drew (36), Alberto Gonzalez (28), Casey Blake (39)

SP1 - Josh Beckett (31)
SP2 - Jordan Zimmermann (25)
SP3 - Justin Masterson (27)
SP4 - Jason Bergmann (30)
SP5 - Luis Atilano (26)
MR - LaTroy Hawkins (39), Doug Slaten (32), Alan Embree (42)
Setup - Trevor Hoffman (44)
CL - Kyle Farnsworth (35)

(NOTE - So much for adding youngsters. I'm going to give the George Allen approach one more try...)

[MrEndshiftresign]

6/15/2012

27-41, .397, 17 GB

Rumor Mill - Starting pitcher wants out of Nats, "hates" his GM?

For today's dose of Baseball Blind Items, a prominent starting pitcher currently playing for the much-derided Washington Nationals, has expressed his intent to be traded to a contender, or at least to "someone who knows what he's doing."

"I can't take much more of this. He makes the stupidest decisions, signs overpaid veterans whose careers have seen better days, is barely present during gametime and is totally clueless about running a big league squad," grumbled the starter to a friend, while he and several others were dining at a well-known DC restaurant. The "he" in question is apparently Nationals GM Homer Singson, recent winner of the 2011 Isiah award for worst GM in professional sports, and in the running for a second straight title.

Recently his performance has been flagging as well. Once having a 24-25 record, the Nationals have gone on a 3-16 swoon afterwards, and it is not just said starting pitcher who wants out. Fans have been showing up in trickles, and another GM recently commented to the press, "the Nationals have no pop, they don't rock, they've got no soul, and they can't find a rhythm and are always singing the blues after the game."

Said pitcher shares the same surname as an early-'90s time traveler, and is considered an integral part of Singson's version of the Over The Hill Gang, despite being only in his early '30s.

First round of 2012 draft:

1. PIT - Paul O'Halloran (SP), American HS (FL)
2. HOU - Jesus Maldonado (SP), Iona
3. FLA - Warren Long (CF), Palmer HS (AK)
4. WAS - Franck Boone (LF), Dixie State (did not sign last year)
5. TOR - Adrian Rosales (SP), San Diego
6. OAK - Kevin Murray (RF), Kentucky
7. NYY - Jesus Collazo (1B), Newfane HS (NY)
8. ARI - Julio Machado (RF), Nebraska
9. CLE - Paco Estrada (CF), Village Christian Academy (NC)
10. SD - Troy Cash (SP), South Carolina
11. SEA - Fraser Guy (RF), Virginia
12. NYM - Mario Vega (SS), Pepperdine
13. CHC - Carlton Uvie (1B), Station Camp HS (TN)
14. MIN - Vicente Seanez (SS), UALR
15. CHS - Yue-jiu Pao (3B), Eielson HS (AK)
16. SL - Gerard Reynolds (LF), Wofford
17. LAA - Arturo Rojas (CF), Lamar
18. CLE - Arturo Carmona (SP), Cedarville
19. MIN - Mario Vizcarra (SP), Fairview HS (KY)
20. PHI - Steve Hill (SP), Trousdale County HS (TN)
21. LAD - Marx Huigen (SS), Landmark HS (MA)
22. FLA - Glenn Willis (SS), Pyramid Lake HS (NV)
23. TPB - Kaleab Machungwa (LF), Knoch HS (PA)
24. SEA - Dave Shapir (CF), East Brunswick HS (NJ)
25. SL - Alejandro Ruiz (SP), UC-Riverside
26. SF - Curt Walters (1B), Fossil Ridge HS (CO)
27. COL - Vicente Rivera (MR), Texas A&M
28. BOS - C.J. Pineau (1B), Stanford
29. NYM - Preston Buckner (2B), Arizona
31. TEX - Lou Berry (SS), UMKC

[MrEndshiftresign]

7/31/2012

43-62, .410, 25 GB

Eleventh-Hour Deal - Zimmerman rejoins Nats, Fans Happy!

In a last-minute deal just before the trading deadline expired, the Washington Nationals reunited with third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, giving up disgruntled LF Manny Ramirez in the process to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Also joining the Nats' fold is middle reliever Rich Thompson.

Zimmerman, 27, has been batting under .260 since he joined the Angels in a controversial trade allegedly approved when Nationals GM Homer Singson was on vacation. Though hitting only .257 this season, he has driven 13 home runs and 59 RBIs, as compared to Ramirez, 40, who is going through another subpar year with a .221 batting average, 9 home runs and 32 RBIs. Thompson, 28, is 3-4 with one save and a 6.44 ERA, but has fanned 70 batters in just 57 innings with the Angels.

[MrEndshiftresign]

GM Log - 10/1/2012

70-92, .432, 31 GB

I would like to say that this was a solid year. We improved five games from last year and I commend Jose Offerman for doing a great job following Nick Leyva's dismissal. Jose led us to a 43-49 record despite the usual injury bugs, bad PR and players complaining about our supposed lack of direction.

Now I'm not saying I'm doing a 360-degree turn and becoming a youth-oriented GM. I'm just saying that next year I'll probably sign more quality veterans (probably re-sign LaTroy and David), but I'll make sure Bryce Harper, Franck Boone and Tadao Inoue make a good impression in the majors. After all, we invested hard-earned draft picks on them...

But shall I remain with the Nationals in 2013? The ball's in your court now, Teddy. I know you've been disappointed with some of my previous moves, but I'm now doing my part to adjust to what the fans want and what you want and what would help us win more games and put an end to half-empty ballparks.

[MrEndshiftresign]

Opinion - Now Will You Look At Those Nats...

Singson finally doing the right thing?

May 16, 2013

"I know I've made some mistakes. But I think we finally got it right."

Those are the words of one Homer J. Singson, 34-year-old general manager of the Washington Nationals, and a man as reviled in the nation's capital as Dan Snyder, Ernie Grunfeld or Gilbert Arenas. We haven't been kind to him, which we freely admit. From his naive inability to initially sign phenom Bryce Harper in the 2010 amateur draft, to his epic fail acquisition of an old, disinterested, overpaid Manny Ramirez about a year later, we have been hard on his behind just like media men all over the country. Underground sportswriters even gave him the 2011 Isiah Thomas Award for his initial incompetence at the GM post.

But things have been changing as of late. Singson hired former MLB speedster Jose Offerman as manager, replacing the ineffective Nick Leyva in the middle of last season. Singson traded Ramirez to the LA Angels of Anaheim, getting two quality players - Aussie reliever/spot starter Rich Thompson and prodigal son Ryan Zimmerman, finally bolstering the Nats' weak defense. This year, Singson acquired ace pitcher Ricky Nolasco and dependable second baseman Aaron Hill, 30 and 31 respectively, which proved once and for all that Homer actually knows talent in its prime, rather than wasting big bucks on big names, no matter that they're unable to produce like way back in the good old days.

And guess what - the Nationals have a 17-18 record. Wait a minute, didn't this happen last year as well? Granted, the Nats are still prone to long swoons and aside from 1B Kendry Morales, 3B Zimmerman and Mendoza Line-treading RF Michael Burgess, have little power to speak of. Oh, wait. Harper is finally on the Nats' major league roster after performing well in spring training. Franck Boone, the talented Dutch left fielder picked fourth overall by the Nationals in last year's amateur draft, is shuttling between Triple A and the majors and may be a fixture in the lineup really soon. As for the pitching staff, Stephen Strasburg, Nolasco and Jordan Zimmermann look like the second coming of Koosman, Seaver and Matlack in terms of top three men in the rotation. All signs point to a re-surge in baseball interest in Washington DC, and for once, we're cutting Homer Singson some slack. Good job, Homer. Way to cut down on the pride and bad decisions. Hoping you could give us a winning season this year.

Opening day lineups:

CF - Nyjer Morgan (32)
2B - Aaron Hill (31)
3B - Ryan Zimmerman (28)
1B - Kendry Morales (29)
RF - Michael Burgess (24)
C - Bryce Harper (20)
LF - David DeJesus (33)
SS - Ian Desmond (27)

Key reserves - Victor Martinez (34), David Eckstein (38), Franck Boone (22), Troy Glaus (36)

SP1 - Stephen Strasburg (24)
SP2 - Ricky Nolasco (30)
SP3 - Jordan Zimmermann (26)
SP4 - Justin Masterson (28)
SP5 - Rich Thompson (28)
Middle relief/spot starters - Bronson Arroyo (36), Luis Atilano (27), LaTroy Hawkins (40), Victor Garate (28)
Setup - Drew Storen (25)
Closer - Kyle Farnsworth (37)