tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14787509140840475982024-02-18T00:05:20.862-05:00NationalsFanboyLooserRants, musings and incoherent thoughts from a guy who is way too obsessed with the Washington Nationals.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.comBlogger651125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-29022949877140920982011-06-14T11:35:00.002-04:002011-06-14T11:49:51.226-04:00Oh Oh Livo!Greetings all - hope the season is treating you well. I don't get here all that often anymore. The new job is keeping me hopping. And that's good. I'm loving it. I've even been out to the ballpark some.<br /><br />I did want to stop by and "pimp" <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jun/12/records-reveal-hernandezs-drug-ring-ties/">our story from yesterday by Nathan Fenno</a> on Livan and his involvement with drug kingpin Angel Ayala-Vazquez.<br /><br />Take the time to read it if you haven't already. I'm not a lawyer, I don't play one on TV and I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. So I don't know what it will mean when it all gets added up. But I don't suspect it will be good.<br /><br />Eventually, I will get back on here a little regularly and share some of my thoughts for the few of you who care. Like in previous seasons, this team sometimes makes me smile and often makes me scowl.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-87781178633970243122011-04-03T08:57:00.003-04:002011-04-04T15:00:26.404-04:00Some updatesNot sure how many people really care that much, but even if it is only one or two it means a lot to me. I've received some e-mail asking if I'm still writing and I am - only at my relatively new place of employment. <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/sports-desk/2011/apr/1/thank-you-jason-chimera/">Here's my latest entry from my doubleheader day with the Nats and Caps on Thursday</a>.<br /><br />We did another doubleheader yesterday, though we left the ballpark in the seventh so we could find something quick to eat before the Caps game.<br /><br />While at Nats Park, My Son the Braves Fan and I made an awesome discovery. At the stand where they used to sell the big ribs, they now sell a variety of hot dogs (are the ribs gone?) - and one of them is served with mac and cheese AND fritos.<br /><br />I figured it would be 10 bucks. Only six. And, yes, it was as wonderful as it sounds.<br /><br />I've somehow managed to lose 20 pounds since Dec. 1 and I still have a long way to go. Eating those dogs isn't going to help. I'll have to avoid that side of the joint on future visits.<br /><br />Finally, thanks to all who have been in touch since I started at The Times. We're up and running, we're having a blast. We're still a work in progress. I like what we've done thus far but we're going to be 1,000 times better a year from now.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-89001284433471617912011-03-09T10:22:00.003-05:002011-03-09T10:24:51.508-05:00Meet Amanda ComakThe Nationals beat writer at The Washington Times arrived in town yesterday, long enough to realize her boss was a nut job and her colleagues were cool. We won't keep her around long - by around, I mean around here. She's heading to Viera on Saturday.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/nationals-watch/2011/mar/8/welcome-nationals-watch/#">She learned her way around our blog program much faster than I did</a>, though that was a pretty low bar to clear.<br /><br />Looking forward to having her in Florida. Amanda is going to do great things.<br /><br />And Anonymous who keeps commenting about the "Moonie" paper - we get it. You won't be reading. Your choice. Please show a smidge of restraint and restrain yourself from posting it again.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-69012280134902379912011-03-05T13:09:00.003-05:002011-03-05T13:41:08.827-05:00Because You Know You Care!At least I hope you care. Maybe not.<br /><br />Anyway, <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/sports-desk/2011/mar/5/coming-home/#">I wrote my first blog entry for The Washington Times today</a>. Bookmark it. Tell your friends. Like us. Follow us. Please. I need the love. You thought I begged for poll votes? You ain't seen nothing yet.<br /><br />Once again, I appreciate all the readership and support for THIS blog, which won't die (Loosers never die, they just go away) but won't be used too often in the future. And I really appreciate the incredible outpouring of kindness and support since I switched career gears again and headed up this-a-way.<br /><br />Give us a read, please.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-17618054293491396612011-02-26T16:26:00.003-05:002011-02-27T00:17:16.828-05:00Ian's ErrorsI promised some updates on progress at The Washington Times, plus some links.<br /><br />So let's start there. Columnist Dan Daly is in Florida to check in on the Nats and spring training. <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/daly-ot/2011/feb/26/are-34-errors-really-big-deal/">He offers up this take</a> on Ian Desmond and that errors thing.<br /><br />Dan will be in Florida for a week or so. Not long after he leaves, our new Nats beat writer will arrive. I've hired Amanda Comak to cover the Nats. She has experience with all four major pro leagues in Boston and she's spent time covering the team in Baltimore for Orioles.com. Amanda shared some terrific ideas in our interviews and I'm confident she'll do a tremendous job covering the Nats.<br /><br />Look for her stuff soon, keep reading Dan and be ready for our section launch date of March 21. We'll have a lot of stuff online between now and then.<br /><br />And while I have your attention: Please go to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Washington-Times-Sports/200162889999907">Washington Times Sports </a>on Facebook and hit "like" - only because there is no "love" button. Follow us on Twitter, too, at <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/WashTimesSports">@WashTimesSports</a><br /><br />We thank you.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-15054552975973669302011-02-08T17:27:00.002-05:002011-02-08T17:59:09.351-05:00The End of the LooserOr, if you prefer, The New Beginning.<br /><br />As those of you who hang with me on Facebook know, things are a-changing in my life. Not an infrequent thing, but this time the change is a good one. A really good one. A spectacular one.<br /><br />The Looser is going legit again.<br /><br />The Washington Times is bringing back its sports section. Showing incredible wisdom (or massive stupidity, one or the other), it has chosen me to be the sports editor of the relaunched section.<br /><br />To say I'm jacked beyond belief is to understate things considerably. I'm jacked beyond belief to the 1,000th power. I've tried other things but the news media is what I know, what I do. And this is home. This is a marvelous area. When I first left 37 years ago to attend VCU, I thought I'd be back one day. Had no idea it would take 37 years.<br /><br />I'm doing the transition out of one job and into another thing over the rest of this month. As great as this opportunity is for me, I'm still saddened by what's going on with FanHouse and I want to stay at that party until the end. I had a great time there and thought I'd found my final job. I gained some new skills, things that enhanced my qualifactions for this job. I work with a terrific group of people. I will miss FanHouse terribly.<br /><br />But I'm so very fortunate to have another exciting job to move into full-time, starting March 1. The possibilities, as they say, are endless. I get to build a staff, plan coverage, help make the printed Times sports section something fun to read and the web version a must-bookmark on your computers.<br /><br />I'll keep this page and post blurbs on it here and there but it will be very infrequent and mostly plugs for things we're doing at the Times. Hey, use EVERY avenue available to plug your product.<br /><br />I will not stop blogging, however. The editors at Times sports will have a blog and I will still be doing some writing about the Nats and many other sports. This IS quite a multi-sports area.<br /><br />You can count on me throwing the link to the editors' blog and all our other blogs up here when they're ready.<br /><br />Marc Lancaster, a FanHouse colleague who has considerable experience covering major league baseball, will be joining me as our Deputy Sports Editor. I'll have two hires to announce very soon and a bunch more to announce shortly. We're not wasting time. We're going to get up and running quickly.<br /><br />To all those who read these bleatings regularly, I thank you. I've had the pleasure of meeting many of you on my trips to the park (trips that will be a lot shorter once I finally get moved). And I ask you - keep reading at www.washingtontimes.com. And tell your friends. And their friends.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-3512323481091698412011-01-13T18:38:00.002-05:002011-01-13T18:43:23.064-05:00THANK YOUWow. News travels fast. I heard from SO many of you before I was even off our conference call.<br /><br />The short word is I can't say much because I don't know much - I can only hope for the best because this job is BY FAR the best I've ever had. I love the job, the people, the work, everything about it. Tuesday, the day after the national championship game, I was already making plans for next season.<br /><br />I wanted it to last forever. Maybe it still will in some form or fashion. Keep your fingers crossed. <br /><br />And another very sincere thank you to every one of you who has reached out. I appreciate it more than I can express.<br /><br />Tell me again why I thought the media was a good field?MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-4376027505241684102011-01-11T17:08:00.002-05:002011-01-11T17:12:22.331-05:00This Guy<a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/soriara01.shtml">is much better than I thought</a>.<br /><br />That said, I'm not sure what I thought or why when I heard the name Rafael Soriano. I knew he was with Atlanta and then with Tampa. I never paid much attention. My Son the Braves Fan never seemed really worked up about him one way or the other.<br /><br />Just another example of my ignorance that I've never denied is pretty high when it comes to players who aren't Nats (and many times with players who ARE Nats).<br /><br />So I kind of shrugged when I heard the Nats were interested, or allegedly interested, or whatever. Is it Carl Pavano interested (not actually) or Zach Greinke interested (very much so)?<br /><br />Looking at it a little more closely, and without the benefit of knowledge of sabermetrics (does he have Seriously Wicked Shit?), I think I'd be very happy with this signing.<br /><br />Sign him, sign another bench player (is Nick Punto not in anybody's thoughts?), maybe trade for Fausto Carmona (I like the guy without any valid reason to do so) and let's get the party started.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-30064141774718217492011-01-07T11:11:00.003-05:002011-01-07T12:33:50.590-05:00Happy New Year!Did you miss me? I sure missed you. Apologies for going so long without a post but it has been quite a month around the ol' FanboyLooser house, with some things going on both good and bad. Plus, being a college football editor, things have been rather hectic in recent days. <br /><br />So it is time to get all caught up and, I hope, back into a routine of regular posting.<br /><br />First, for all my Caps fans friends, and everyone else actually, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7ABAYOil6w&feature=related">you must watch this short clip now</a> particularly if you watched the 24/7 series (excellent stuff there). WARNING - do not watch at work, do not watch with children present and do not watch if you have sensitive ears. I'll also add that anyone who was shocked by the many F words uttered by Bruce Boudreau needs to get out more. They curse an awful lot in sports.<br /><br />Now, onto the show and let's see if I remember everything.<br /><br />*Has Adam LaRoche actually signed yet? Did he pass a physical? I'm very glad they got LaRoche instead of Lee here, though I can't really articulate why. I know Lee was injured last year but I just think he's on the way down. Is LaRoche an all-star or as exciting as Adam Dunn with a bat in his hand? No. But he's pretty consistent and, along with Jayson Werth, is a solid addition. Those two in and Dunn/Willingham out won't really be an offensive dropoff (maybe a few home runs) and they're MUCH better defensively. Of course, my wife and I would represent a defensive upgrade so that's not saying much.<br /><br />The LaRoche/ADD stories have received a revival in recent days. Who can forget Nick Johnson beating him to first base, the beginning of the end for LaRoche in Atlanta. But I can't think of another time it has really affected him on the field and what player hasn't suffered from brain lock? What is Nyjer's excuse? LaRoche is a solid player and a very solid guy and he's a good addition.<br /><br />*Speaking of Nyjer, I'd really rather see them try Ankiel or someone (my wife again) in center every day for a while. I'm convinced we saw the real Nyjer last year and not in 2009.<br /><br />*Thank you, thank you to the person responsible for making sure Carl Pavano didn't become a Nat. Too old, too much money and is he really better than a healthy Jason Marquis? Go with the flow for next year and wait for Jee-SUS to return.<br /><br />*Thank you, thank you to Zach Greinke for saying no. If that price reported many times over for him is true, that was way too much to give up. That said, I hope the Nats light him up like a pinball machine at least twice this year. Just because.<br /><br />*Don't trade Jordan Zimmermann for anyone.<br /><br />*I'm on record as saying I don't like proven for potential deals very much. I would have thought Josh Willingham would have brought more back, but what do I know? I'm sure there's one out there and I'm not thinking clearly, but have any of these hot prospects acquired over the years done anything -- for the Nats? Was anyone surprised that Aaron Thompson, who had a fairly significant history of not doing well in the minors, didn't do well and is now no longer in the organization? The Nats keep buying lottery tickets and I haven't seen much of a return.<br /><br />*Who is F.P. Santangelo and is he going to make my ears hurt listening to him on my television?<br /><br />*The results of my Jayson Werth poll were interesting. LOTS of votes and I didn't even have to beg. We had 115 people who thought it was good, nine who thought it was a bad signing and 51 who said wait and see what else they do. I was one of those 51 and my new poll will ask what everyone thinks now that it appears the Nats are about done. Though I suspect, just in my head and without any knowledge, there's something else brewing. Rizzo promised a starter and I think he's bound and determined to get one, no matter the cost.<br /><br />*Still not sure if I'm satisfied to the point that I'll make a return to the stadium. As noted, I like the Werth and LaRoche additions. I would have preferred Dunn and Werth and I still feel like we as a fanbase were jerked around on Dunn. I don't think the team had any intention of making a serious offer and keeping Dunn. He didn't fit the athletic/defensive mold Rizzo seems to want. And that's fine. Sure, I know you can't come out and say in July, "We don't want the big lug around anymore," but you can tap dance around it. My anger wasn't so much that Dunn wasn't signed, it was more a feeling that we were misled. And I don't like that one bit.<br /><br />That said, I still love watching live baseball more than just about anything else so I expect my stance of toughness will crack and melt and I'll be there to catch Jayson Werth's first home run ball.<br /><br />But it hasn't yet.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-79096182256333937162010-12-18T12:16:00.002-05:002010-12-18T12:21:46.624-05:00Bring Back Scruffy!<a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/was/fan_forum/werth_message.jsp?partnerId=ed-4333901-174665044">Jayson Werth is a good-looking guy</a>! Who knew? He cleans up so well. <br /><br />My wife watched part of the press conference with me and didn't believe it was actually the same guy she saw bouncing up and down with his (former) teammates after that late-season blast off Drew Storen.<br /><br />That linked video message shows just how good he looks.<br /><br />That said, BRING BACK SCRUFFY! This Jayson Werth looks like he would simply abhor getting dirty. I want the Jayson Werth who looks mean enough to make me cower in fear.<br /><br />So there's my New Year's wish list. The return of Scruffy.<br /><br />Unrelated, my ornament came today. Yeah, I bought one of those three-packs that offered the Nats ornament as a "bonus" gift. And the tickets are a gift. I haven't made up my mind yet about returning in 2011. Will Jayson Werth be enough or do I need to see more? Stay tuned on that because I just know everyone is on the edge of their seats.<br /><br />But back to the ornament. It broke coming out of the box.<br /><br />I sure hope that's not an omen. I have a clean Jayson Werth and a mess of an ornament. That needs to be reversed.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-32935402907670092702010-12-16T20:35:00.002-05:002010-12-16T20:36:41.701-05:00Opening Day Starter for the Viera Invisible All-StarsWelcome back Chien-Ming, be good to see you at Nationals Park agai *** oh wait. It will be good to see you at Nationals Park.<br /><br />We'll see.<br /><br />Wonder if Brandon Webb will join him on the VIA-S.<br /><br />This is their hat:<br /><br /><br />This is their uniform:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And this is the release, courtesy of the Nationals:<br /><br />NATIONALS RE-SIGN RIGHTHANDER CHIEN-MING WANG<br /> <br /> The Washington Nationals tonight signed free-agent right-handed pitcher Chien-Ming Wang to a one-year Major League contract. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.<br /> <br /> Wang, 30, returns for a second season with the Nationals organization. He did not pitch in 2010 while working with the Nationals’ training staff on a rehab program designed to regain full health from July 2009 right shoulder surgery. <br /> <br /> Wang is 55-26 with a 4.16 ERA in 109 career games/104 starts spanning five seasons with the Yankees. An extreme ground-ball pitcher, Wang’s career ground ball-to-fly ball ratio of 2.73/1 ranks third among active pitchers with 100-plus starts, trailing only Brandon Webb (3.63/1) and Derek Lowe (3.09/1). His .679 career winning percentage ranks second among active pitchers with 100 or more starts.<br /> <br /> Perhaps best known for posting consecutive 19-win seasons for the Yankees in 2006 and ‘07, Wang’s consistency afforded him the honor of starting the Yankees’ first post-season contest in 2007 vs. Cleveland. During the same two-year span, Wang led MLB with 38 wins and a .745 winning percentage while pacing the American League with 864 ground balls induced and a 2.9/1 ground ball-to-fly ball ratio. <br /> <br /> Wang originally signed with the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent on May 5, 2000.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-75845901249198966602010-12-16T14:06:00.005-05:002010-12-16T16:01:02.971-05:00See Ya HammerProps to Mark Zuckerman on the scoop on this one - <a href="http://natsinsider.blogspot.com/2010/12/willingham-dealt-to-as-for-two.html">Josh Willingham to the As for two as-yet-unidentified "young" players</a>.<br /><br />If one of them is Gio Gonzalez, I'm really jacked. I would have thought Willingham would have been part of a package to bring in a major-league player. Preferably a pitcher.<br /><br />I wonder if the Nats know something we don't?<br /><br />Moving Willingham doesn't bother me as much as it might have before. At least last year he had an excuse for not doing anything in the second half of the season. I seem to remember a significant dropoff in 2009.<br /><br />That said, he served the Nats well. I still can't believe it took the Nats so long to finally start playing him. <br /><br />I wish him well.<br /><br />Now, who are these two "young" players?<br /><br /><a href="http://dc.sbnation.com/2010/12/16/1880474/josh-willingham-trade-nationals-athletics-henry-rodriguez-corey-brown">UPDATE: More on the players coming the Nats way</a>. At first glance, I'm not overwhelmed. Anybody who actually knows something about these guys, please share your thoughts in the comments.<br /><br />UPDATE 2: The Nats' release on the trade -- <br /><br />NATIONALS ACQUIRE RHP HENRY RODRIGUEZ & OF COREY BROWN <br />FROM OAKLAND IN EXCHANGE FOR LF JOSH WILLINGHAM<br /> <br /> The Washington Nationals today acquired right-handed pitcher Henry Rodriguez and outfielder Corey Brown from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for left fielder Josh Willingham. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.<br /> <br /> Rodriguez went 1-0 with a 4.55 ERA in 29 appearances last season with Oakland in just his second season as a full-time reliever. He posted 10.7 strikeouts per 9.0 innings (33 K/27.2 IP) and a .240 batting average against, including a stingy .207 mark against right-handed batters. Rodriguez recorded 11 saves and a 1.69 ERA in 20 appearances with Sacramento of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 2010, posting 13.1 strikeouts per 9.0 innings (31 K/21.1 IP) and a 3.44 strikeout-to-walk ratio (31 K/9 BB) with the River Cats. <br /> <br /> The hard-throwing right-hander ranked fourth in the big leagues last season with an average fastball velocity of 98.45 miles per hour, after his 98.96 mph average in 2009 trailed only Detroit’s Joel Zumaya (99.19 mph). Rodriguez touched 103.2 mph on the gun in 2010, a high that was topped only by Cincinnati’s Aroldis Chapman (105.1 mph) and Texas’ Neftali Feliz (103.4 mph). <br /> <br /> Rodriguez, 23, is 1-0 with a 4.26 ERA in 32 career relief appearances in the major leagues. A member of the World Team in the 2008 All-Star Futures Game at Yankee Stadium, he is currently pitching for Leones in the Venezuelan Winter League, where he has five saves and a 1.77 ERA (27 K/20.1 IP) in 17 appearances. <br /> <br /> Brown batted .283 with 18 doubles, 11 triples, 15 home runs, 69 RBI and 22 stolen bases in 131 games last season with Midland of the Double-A Texas League and Sacramento. He earned citations as a Texas League All-Star and Topps Double-A All-Star for his 90 games with Midland. Brown batted .320 with 14 doubles, eight triples, 10 homers, 49 RBI, 19 stolen bases and a .415 on-base percentage with the RockHounds, ranking among Double-A leaders for on-base percentage (third), batting average (fifth) and triples (tied for eighth).<br /> <br /> Brown dominated the prospect-laden Arizona Fall League in 2009, hitting .333 and finishing among AFL leaders with 28 RBI (first), six home runs (tied for second), 65 total bases (second), 15 extra-base hits (tied for third) and 35 hits (fourth). <br /> <br /> Selected by Oakland in the compensation round (59th overall) of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, the 25-year-old has batted .272 with 83 doubles, 21 triples, 65 home runs, 243 RBI and 48 stolen bases in 390 games over four minor-league seasons. <br /> <br /> Willingham, 31, batted .268 with 16 home runs and 56 RBI in 114 games last season with the Nationals.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-63245181031429581962010-12-14T11:56:00.002-05:002010-12-14T12:01:17.603-05:00Matt Stairs is a NatStrike up the band, another member of the Senior League All-Stars!<br /><br />Release courtesy of the Washington Nationals and I'm sure everyone feels better about things now. Did anyone have a whiff of this one coming?<br /><br />Bold has been added by me, not the Nats. Take that Phils! You got Cliff Lee? The Nats got Matt Stairs!<br /><br />NATIONALS AGREE TO TERMS WITH OF/1B MATT STAIRS<br /> <br /> The Washington Nationals today agreed to terms with outfielder/first baseman Matt Stairs on a non-guaranteed minor league contract, which includes an invitation to Major League Spring Training. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.<br /> <br /> Stairs is an 18-year big league veteran who has competed in four post-seasons and won a World Series championship with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. He owns the all-time Major League mark with 23 pinch-hit home runs (Greg Dobbs and Ross Gload rank second among active players with eight pinch-homers). Stairs enters 2011 having played for a record-tying 12 different Major League teams and having homered for a record-tying 11 different clubs.<br /> <br /> <strong>The 42-year-old</strong> tied for the Major League lead with four pinch-hit home runs last season, after leading all big league pinch hitters with five homers and 15 RBI (tied) in 2009. Overall in 2010, Stairs clubbed six home runs, six doubles and 16 RBI in 78 contests with the San Diego Padres. <br /> <br /> Stairs has reached the 20-homer plateau six times en route to hitting 265 home runs and posting 897 RBI during his career.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-86678871017165289712010-12-14T09:42:00.002-05:002010-12-14T09:59:07.231-05:00And the Nats Can't Find ONE No. 1 StarterDepending on your view of Cole Hamels (and I think highly of him), the Phillies now have FOUR No. 1 starters with the news that Cliff Lee is returning to Philadelphia. Surprise news, everyone is saying. Really? A true surprise or just something no one knew anything about until it actually happened? Kind of like Jayson Werth?<br /><br />Pretty strong rotation there, though, eh? I think the pecking order is clear: Halladay (the best pitcher in baseball), Lee (not the second best as long as The Freak is around), Oswalt and Hamels. You could throw Ramon Ortiz in the fifth spot and still have the best rotation in the game (or second best if you are a Giants fan).<br /><br />While it is an impressive collection, here's why I think Phils fans shouldn't get but so excited and why fans of the Nats and other NL East teams don't need to get too freaked out: It is an aging rotation.<br /><br />My prediction? Enjoy 2011, Philadelphia. I predict 100 victories and a pennant and probably a World Series crown.<br /><br />But Hamels is the only youngster of the group and he's running out of young (he'll be 27 two days after Christmas). Oswalt and Lee turn 33 next season. Halladay turns 34.<br /><br />Which one breaks down first? I'd never wish ill or injury on anyone, seriously, not even my worst enemy or a Phillie. But is there any way that trio makes it through 2012 unscathed?<br /><br />Let's also note the Big Four combined to lose 43 games in 2010. So the idea when playing the Phils is to catch them in a "back-end" series. Take your chances with Hamels, Joe Blanton (until he's traded to the Red Sox) and Halladay. Beat No. 5 and catch one of the other two on one of their infrequent but not unheard of off days. Win the series.<br /><br />Chin up people, it can be done.<br /><br />So where does this leave the Nats? No change. Did anyone really expect Cliff Lee to come to Washington? Did anyone really expect to win the division in 2011? No. So there's no reason for us to fret.<br /><br />I'm still not in favor of Carl Pavano and I still would like to see the team take a chance on Brandon Webb. I still wouldn't cry if Norris/Ramos, Desmond and a pitcher not named Zimmermann went to the Royals for Zack Greinke. I also wouldn't cry if the Nats didn't add a pitcher. Take your chances with Zimmermann, post-injury Marquis, post-demotion Lannan, Livo and any one of countless other options. <br /><br />My main concern is first base and that the Nats will somehow end up with their own Senior Tour ready first baseman, the other available Lee (Derrek). I'd rather see Adam LaRoche, who will never hit 50 doubles and 46 home runs like Derrek Lee did in 2005 but looks (to me anyway) to be a better fit for this team right now.<br /><br />Of course, they had a pretty good fit already (you think a Zimmerman/Dunn/Werth/Willingham 3-6 would have been OK) and he's with the White Sox now.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-70756253042246450962010-12-13T18:08:00.002-05:002010-12-13T18:11:12.301-05:00Speaking of MASNThe release from our favorite sports network just came in and I'll copy it below. But first, I have a question:<br /><br />Speaking of MASN, do we know who is in the booth next year? I hadn't even thought about it until I got this release. Was Bob Carpenter given multiple years last time? Is Ray Knight going back to pre- and post-game?<br /><br />Inquiring minds want to know. Does anyone have the answer?<br /><br />Anyhoo, here is MASN's release to hold us until another huge offseason move happens (if it does). Nats.com was full of maybe news today I didn't like. Cliff Lee not happening (no shock). Derrek Lee maybe happening (Really, he's like my age). Carl Pavano still a possibility (The Senior Tour comes to Nats Park with Derrek Lee and Carl Pavano). Brandon Webb excited to go pitch for the Viera Invisible All-Stars.<br /><br />Oh, yeah, here's the release:<br /><br />MASN to Televise Jayson Werth Press Conference Live<br /><br /><br />Nationals press conference scheduled for Wednesday, December 15th at 1 p.m.<br /><br />(Washington D.C.) --- MASN will provide live coverage of the Nationals news conference scheduled for Wednesday afternoon introducing outfielder Jayson Werth to local media. <br /><br />The news conference is scheduled for Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. and will be televised live on MASN hosted by Nats Xtra broadcaster Johnny Holliday.<br /><br />The Nationals signed Werth to a seven-year, $126 million deal during the annual Winter Meetings. Werth, 31, batted .296 with an NL-leading 46 doubles, 27 home runs and 85 RBI in 156 games in 2010 for the Philadelphia Phillies, establishing career highs in hits, doubles, extra-base hits and runs. Werth's career includes seasons in Philadelphia (2007-10), Los Angeles (2004-05) and Toronto (2002-03).MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-6570437885407938862010-12-08T07:48:00.004-05:002010-12-08T08:14:20.302-05:00Thank You CubsIf you believe the Chicago Sun-Times (and I do), <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/2738510-419/cubs-deal-agent-pena-free.html">Carlos Pena is off the market</a>.<br /><br />(and if you don't believe the Sun-Times, <a href="http://natsinsider.blogspot.com/2010/12/pena-to-cubs-nats-want-laroche.html">believe Mark Zuckerman who just posted on the topic</a>)<br /><br />A trillion thank yous to the Cubs. Had I known, I would have spent more money on my visit to Wrigley. <br /><br />All signs point to Pena being a very fine guy and I hope he has a monster year. As the linked article points out, his numbers have dropped each of the past three seasons. Yet he got $10 mil - albeit only for one year - after failing to even reach the Mendoza Line.<br /><br />I sleep better knowing he won't be batting between Zimmerman and Werth.<br /><br />Is there any question any more that Adam LaRoche is the right answer at first? Left bat, solid player who won't cost a fortune, a good fit in that he doesn't have to be the big bopper?<br /><br />I still say the Nats make one more significant splash before the party breaks up in Florida, though I make it clear that's just me talking at this stage. I don't know how serious they are about Cliff Lee, though I wouldn't object to another crazy contract if he's on the other end of it. Some people say they're very much in it, some people say they're very much not. Rizzo keeps using the term longshot. I've seen longshots win before.<br /><br />Adrian Beltre? That won't be the big name, thankfully. No knock on him, I don't feel the same way about Beltre as I do about Pena. It just isn't a fit. He's a fine 3B and the Nats have a better one. Why make anyone play out of position (and add another right-handed bat) when Adam LaRoche is out there?<br /><br />The shindig in Florida breaks up tomorrow, I think. I'm very eager to see what, if anything, happens in the next 24 hours.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-36111794979721317232010-12-07T07:48:00.003-05:002010-12-07T08:00:08.302-05:00Two More L'sAnd I'm not talking about losses. This is my wish list for the rest of the winter. If this happens (and it likely won't), no need to get me anything for Christmas but one of the new Nats hats. I'll be happy. And I'll be back.<br /><br />With the addition of Jayson Werth, I want two things to happen. L guys.<br /><br />*Cliff Lee. Call it my pipedream. As I'll note when I finally put my Werth thoughts on virtual paper, you really only ought to do one blowout, crazy contact. I'll waive that rule here. If it takes seven years and 140 mil, do it. Think about 2012: Lee, Jee-SUS, Zimmermann (assuming the development we all expect). There's the Nats answer to the Roy-Roy-Hamels triumverate in Philadelphia.<br /><br />*<a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/larocad01.shtml">Adam LaRoche</a>. Good, solid answer at 1B. Another strong bat, doesn't have to be THE big bat with Werth around. Certainly makes much more sense than Adrian Beltre. Bats left. Doesn't have to change positions.<br /><br />Oh, and keep Willingham unless the return is someone like Greinke.<br /><br />I could live with a rotation of Lee, Zimmermann, Livo, post-demotion Lannan and, hell, just about anyone for 2011. I'd much rather see Bernadina in center than Morgan but I won't quibble.<br /><br />Lee. LaRoche. Happy Holidays.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-91612758978970121562010-12-06T07:46:00.003-05:002010-12-06T08:02:19.405-05:00OK, This One IS Just A Rumor - NowSometimes I forgot that I'm nothing more than a mere blogger, posting from my home (not in a basement) with whatever I want to say being fair game.<br /><br />I need to give up these standards from my previous life.<br /><br />Nope, can't do it. But I CAN post stuff that I wouldn't write in the old days, I'm just going to make it clear what is and what isn't rock solid.<br /><br />The Josh Willingham trade? That was rock solid and I wrote it that way. The Jayson Werth signing? That was very close to rock solid (well, it was rock solid - I just didn't know it at the time) and I wrote it that way.<br /><br />I hinted at more yesterday and some of the regulars have done so since they got wind of Werth and expanded on that.<br /><br />First, everyone expects Brandon Webb to get done. No shocker there. Low pay, high incentives, limited expectations. The Viera Invisible All-Stars need someone now that Wang has been non-tendered. Unless he signed elsewhere while I was sleeping.<br /><br />But that's not the potential big one that has the world ready to buzz again. One more time - a mere rumor to this point. May not pan out at all. I know that and you need to know that before reading the next line.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beltrad01.shtml">Adrian Beltre</a>.<br /><br />Yeah, the guy whose bobblehead I lucked into when I saw the Nats play in Seattle in 2008 is something of a target. <br /><br />Say what? <br /><br />I asked my source to place it on the scale: pipedream or possibility or close to being done? Somewhere above pipedream and somewhere below close to being done. My guess is "being seriously explored by both sides" would work.<br /><br />We'll see. As noted yesterday, keep your ears open.<br /><br />The big question would become, where's he going to play? Although there's nothing in the rules that says you can't have two guys standing near 3B, it's not good baseball strategy. Someone has to play 1B. Can Beltre do that? Or, uh, ah, does the best third baseman in the game make a move? No way, right? Laughable, right?<br /><br />One thing I have learned over the years is never say no way. Never laugh. Because you never know. You'd have laughed at me Saturday if I told you the Nats were about to drop seven years and 126 mill-yun on Jayson Werth. Some of you laughed yesterday when I swore "werth"while news was coming.<br /><br />Again, RUMOR. Take it as such. But make sure all your alerts from blogs, Facebook and Twitter are set on high. Whether it's this or something else, the Nats are NOT done. Far from it.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-44125408484013410112010-12-05T17:01:00.001-05:002010-12-05T17:02:06.895-05:00WHO IS YOUR DADDY?Release courtesy of the Nationals and, yes, I am patting myself on the back. HARD<br /><br />NATIONALS AGREE TO TERMS WITH <br />RF JAYSON WERTH ON SEVEN-YEAR DEAL <br /> The Washington Nationals today agreed to terms with free-agent right fielder Jayson Werth on a seven-year contract. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.<br /> <br /> Werth, 31, is a career .272 (684-for-2519) hitter with 138 doubles, 15 triples, 120 home runs, 406 RBI, 77 stolen bases and 433 runs scored in 775 games spanning eight seasons with Philadelphia (2007-10), Los Angeles-NL (2004-05) and Toronto (2002-03). For his career, Werth also owns .367 on-base and .481 slugging percentages, as well as an .848 OPS.<br /> <br /> In 2010, his final season with the Phillies, Werth batted .296 (164-for-554) with an NL-leading 46 doubles, 27 home runs and 85 RBI in 156 games. He established career highs in hits, doubles, extra-base hits (75) and runs (106). He also notched a career-best .532 slugging percentage in ‘10, and thus, increased his slugging mark for the fourth straight season. <br /> <br /> An NL All-Star in ‘09, Werth burst upon the scene as a premium middle-of-the-lineup bat in 2008, and in three seasons since, he has batted .279 with 88 doubles, 87 home runs, 251 RBI and 53 stolen bases in 449 games. In the same three-year span, Werth has paced MLB having seen 4.46 pitches per plate appearance. In the two-season stretch from 2009-10, Werth’s 204 runs scored, 173 walks and 63 home runs ranked third, fifth and eighth, respectively in the NL.<br /> <br /> An excellent baserunner, Werth has twice posted 20-stolen base seasons (2008, ‘09), and in 2010 his speed and senses helped him to score 100-plus runs for the first time in his career.<br /> <br /> Drafted in the first round by the Orioles as a catcher in 1997, Werth has proven durable, as he is one of only 12 National Leaguers to have played in 155-plus games each of the last two seasons.<br /> <br /> A proven post-season performer, Werth’s .607 slugging percentage and .987 OPS rank third and fifth, respectively, among active players who have played in at least 20 playoff games.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-89722282160901167232010-12-05T12:18:00.007-05:002010-12-05T12:31:03.486-05:00Ears Open People - Big News ComingI still have a source or two in this world and I'm told the Nats are about to make a very big splash in the free agent world. Very big splash. Losing Dunn? Mike Rizzo has to be grinning like the cat that ate the canary.<br /><br />This one will be werth waiting for, I'm told. Not sure when it will become official and how much work remains to be done. Not 100 percent sure it will happen - but pretty darn close to that.<br /><br />Other moves are in the works, too. A quiet offseason, at least in terms of good news, is about to get noisy. It could be a fun week.<br /><br />If my favorite soon-to-be former Phillie does indeed end up in D.C., I may have to forget all about my promise to stay away. It will be werth it.<br /><br />Ears open people.<br /><br />(and if you are wondering how seriously to take this, ask yourself if you laughed when I wrote about the Willingham trade - of that I was rock-solid 100 percent certain. Here I'm only 99.999999999999 percent)MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-80949748602388594142010-12-03T14:14:00.003-05:002010-12-03T14:39:54.263-05:00Thank You Adam DunnI held off on posting. I reached for the computer yesterday intent on letting it all spill out. Instead, I decided to wait until I calmed down. Then it occurred to me I might never post again since I might never calm down. So I reached for the computer again.<br /><br />My wife's reaction was priceless. When she heard the very loud F BOMB I uttered after hearing the news - she was in the same room but could have heard it from her classroom 20 miles away - she asked what was wrong. I told her. And she said:<br /><br />"Idiots. We're not going back, right?"<br /><br />Correct. We are not. The Nats won't notice. The Nats won't care. But a family has to take a stand.<br /><br />Eventually, maybe even tonight, I'll let that anger out. I have plenty to say. I had an e-mail exchange with a colleague who is a Nats fan today. Turns out I'm definitely not alone in my thoughts. I may just cut and paste his e-mail because he said it better than I could.<br /><br />But, until then, I want to make sure my appreciation for Adam Dunn doesn't get lost in this disgust that is eating away at me from the inside out.<br /><br />So:<br /><br />Dear Adam Dunn,<br /><br />Thank you. Having been a Nats fan since the team landed in Washington, I can assure you moments of joy have been few. I could list some, sure. I'd be lying if I said there weren't any. Cripes, I've seen five walk-off home runs (one of them by you).<br /><br />But by and large they've been rare and you were responsible for many of them.<br /><br />Sure, you drove me nuts now and then looking at strike three (except you were right on the Randy Johnson pitch). Sure you drove me nuts sometimes watching you play defense (but you were getting better).<br /><br />Overall? You made it fun to be there and you're one of the few guys who made me inch up and lean forward in my seat every time you came up.<br /><br />Specific moments? I could go on forever but here are a few I was present for and for which I give you a rousing and heartfelt thanks:<br /><br />*No. 300. Against the Braves no less, with my Son The Braves Fan right next to me. Even he had to give it up for that one. "That was cool," he said, standing and applauding with the rest of us. Yes, yes it was.<br /><br />*The one against St. Louis in 2009 when Martis pitched that gem. Landed way in the upper deck and made my wife go "HOLY SHIT" really loud.<br /><br />*The one off the warehouse (on the bounce) in Baltimore that made my wife use another word after HOLY but just as loud.<br /><br />*The walk-off slam against the Mets in early July that was called a double after review. But, hey, everyone in the joint knew it was out. Even K-Rod, which is why he laid that fattie in for Pudge to drive in the winner.<br /><br />*The two against the Braves late this season, with aforementioned son next to me saying, "Sure, great idea Nats, let this guy go because you have SO many others who can do that."<br /><br />*The last one, the walk-off against the Phillies. I laughed, I cheered and I cried a little, too, because I knew. I think everyone in the stadium knew. That was it.<br /><br />There's more but you have contracts to sign and more money to spend and I have to get back to work and then figure out which team I'll go see next year because I don't want to give up on live baseball. Just the Nats. I wish you'd picked the cool team in Chicago but whatever. Your call. I don't blame you for any of this.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I await the signing of Carlos Pena so I can get disgusted all over again. I await the crap the Nats try to shove down our throats about how this is the right baseball decision. I do not await the end of 2013, when Ryan Zimmerman follows you out the door. Probably just a coincidence that he won Silver Sluggers both years you were in the lineup with him, eh?<br /><br />You were a joy to watch and I enjoyed watching you.<br /><br />Thank you,<br /><br />NFBLooserMikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-47295339775831874222010-11-21T13:11:00.003-05:002010-11-21T13:24:09.338-05:00Trade TalkIf I accomplished nothing else this weekend, it was a success for one reason. I managed to talk My Son the Braves Fan off the ledge.<br /><br />He was distraught because the Braves acquired Dan Uggla. Really. They gave up a reliever and a utility guy (yes, a good one) to get a 30-HR machine. Very much a plus deal for the Braves.<br /><br />But my son like Omar Infante a lot, didn't want to see him gone. I get that, I said, but you have to give to get. The key is to make sure you get more than you give. I think the Braves did here. I had crazy dreams of Uggla in Washington.<br /><br />As fans, you're supposed to have favorite players. The lesson in today's free agent and wheeling-and-dealing times: Don't get too attached.<br /><br />It got me to thinking. If the Nats do make trades, will any departures make me screams "Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo?" Only a couple.<br /><br />*Jee-SUS: Obvious, and there's no way it happens.<br /><br />*Zimmerman: See above.<br /><br />That may be it. There are a couple of others I'd be a bit distraught to see traded. <br /><br />*Zimmermann. Jee-SUS he isn't but I remained convinced for now he's going to be pretty good so I'd like to see him stay.<br /><br />*Ramos. I'm not sold on the guy yet. I don't think any of us saw enough last season to really tell either way. Jury's still out and all that. But if this cat is such a hot prospect that the Nats gave up a young and proven closer for him, well, he damn sure ought to be worth keeping.<br /><br />*Danny Espinosa. See Zimmermann, above.<br /><br />But if the price is right?<br /><br />There many other players I don't want to see guy but I won't lose sleep if the return is right. Ian Desmond? I like him a lot and wouldn't mind seeing him stay for a long time. But suppose the return is along the lines of a Zach Greinke (yes, I know it would cost more than Desmond)? <br /><br />I just hope if the Nats do trade proven they get more than one piece of potential for it. We'll see soon enough, I guess.<br /><br />Finally, I have to give it up for Ben Goessling at MASN. He got me this morning. I saw the headline "<a href="http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2010/11/why-you-should-want-the-nationals-to-sign-carl-pavano.html">Why You Should Want the Nationals to Sign Carl Pavano</a>" and I'm thinking, "Wow, this better be good." Because I don't want the Nationals to sign Carl Pavano.<br /><br />It's good. I still don't want him signed but it's good.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-15784485074721979122010-11-16T10:41:00.002-05:002010-11-16T10:48:21.019-05:00Moves, Signings, RamblingsA buddy is, for reasons I've been unable to ascertain, a huge Florida Marlins fan. Makes no sense given his background but it's a free world and he's otherwise OK.<br /><br />He sent me a Facebook note yesterday: Heard you guys were interested in Uggla.<br /><br />You guys? I told him if I was really one of those guys, Adam Dunn would be signed by now. I'm just a detached fan. But as a fan, yeah, I'd be interested in Uggla.<br /><br />I'm curious what it would cost. If it could be done for Derek Norris and some other "prospects," I'd be all for it. Because then you could move Danny Espinosa to short and use Ian Desmond as the chip to maybe, maybe, just maybe land Zach Greinke.<br /><br />I see all these stories out there saying how teams are going to ask for Jordan Zimmermann and/or Ian Desmond for any deal involving a real player. I would very much not like it if the Nats send Jordan Zimmermann somewhere else. And while I have no issue at all with Ian Desmond remaining a Nat, I also have no issue with him going somewhere else if the return is good.<br /><br />Zach Greinke is good.<br /><br />Yes, I realize this is all pointless meandering of the mind. None of it will happen. Still, it's nice to dream.<br /><br />I'm also left wondering this: the Nats won't give four years to a player who is pretty much in his prime but the Redskins can give about a zillion years and a kajillion dollars to a player who is past his prime and maybe, just maybe, past the days of being reasonably effective?<br /><br />No wonder I'm always confused and mumbling.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-16966479427325133112010-11-15T17:52:00.003-05:002010-11-15T18:00:03.304-05:00HEY!! What about Jee-SUS!??!?I've been asked three or four times already: No votes for Stephen Strasburg for rookie of the year? Suppose he'd stayed healthy?<br /><br />Second one first: He didn't. <br /><br />IF he had and had posted 10 wins and lots of strikeouts with a low-2 ERA, then, yeah, you bring him into the conversation. Again, as we all know painfully well by now: He didn't. Not in the conversation. It's not rookie of the 10-week period in the middle of the season. It's rookie of the year. Or most of the year at least, in the winner's case.<br /><br />Crowded class of quality rookies this year in the NL and while some of the ballots were odd, they got it right.<br /><br />Buster Posey deserved to win. Jason Heyward had a great year and would have been a quality choice, too. But like our man Zim (my twin), he was runner-up to an excellent player who had an excellent year. No shame there.<br /><br />Voters only had three spots. With those two and Garcia in St. Louis (not to mention Sanchez in Florida and some others I'm sure I'm forgetting now), could you really give one of those slots to a guy who threw for 10 weeks, no matter how well he threw?<br /><br />No.<br /><br />Jee-SUS did not get screwed. He'll win his share of awards. I already have bets down on 2012 Cy Young, 2012 All-Star starter (yes, I know it isn't an award), 2012 Comeback Player of the Year, 2012 Gold Glove, 2012 MVP.<br /><br />I may even go back to the stadium to see some of those 2012 games.<br /><br />Unrelated, the Braves have to be really loving that deal they made to get Mark Teixeira a few years back. All Texas got out of the deal was the 2010 AL Rookie of the Year and an all-star shortstop.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1478750914084047598.post-62230366116109426702010-11-11T09:24:00.002-05:002010-11-11T09:32:11.799-05:00Ryan Zimmerman - My TwinThink about it. We could be the same guy.<br /><br />We're from Virginia. We're dashingly handsome. We have four letters in our first names. OK, that's a reach. His is the real name, mine is a nickname. I'm still counting it.<br /><br />Sure, there are some differences. He's younger, richer, stronger and a much, much better baseball player (he should be, he's less than half my age). His opinion also matters, or at least should.<br /><br /><a href="http://natsinsider.blogspot.com/2010/11/zims-plea-to-re-sign-dunn.html">As reported by Mark Zuckerman</a> and others from last night's uniform show, Zimmerman reiterated his point about wanting Adam Dunn to remain a teammate. He makes very good points, particularly about the consistency. This is partly stumping for one of his buddies, sure. But it doesn't detract from his main point - you lose more out of the middle of your lineup than you're sure you'll be able to replace. So sign the man.<br /><br />Back to the differences: Zimmerman can't stay away from Nats Park if the Nats don't sign Dunn. I can. Zimmerman is under contract. That's where he gets his money, so he has to show up.<br /><br />Through 2013 anyway. Afterward, he can go wherever he'd like.<br /><br />If I never show up at Nats Park again, it will matter not a twit to anyone other than me. The show will go on and no one will notice my absence. It won't have any bearing on the Nationals in any way.<br /><br />If Zim doesn't show up anymore after 2013, it will matter.<br /><br />My opinion on Dunn is just that, worth about as much as the hot air I expend repeating it so often. Nothing.<br /><br />Zim's opinion ought to matter. I won't be missed. He will.MikeHarrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120210292656990693noreply@blogger.com7