The Nationals optioned Harry Ford and Abimelec Ortiz to Rochester and reassigned Riley Adams to minor-league camp, firming up their catching and first base positions
If this gambit works and by some miracle Taboni is able to offload Ruiz's contract to some catching-desperate contender early/mid-season before handing the reigns to Ford, we should build Paul a statue.
Ford going to the WBC was the popular thing to do, but I think he would’ve been better served staying in camp, playing well and impressing the Nats. Which is the greater honor, going to the WBC or making the bigs?
- Abrams gets traded to whoever needs 2B/SS help (Maybe Blue Jays if Giménez’s hitting out stinks his glove, Yankees if Volpe/Caballero situation doesn’t pan out)
Mixed emotions over this. Hate that we gave up Ferrer for someone who is starting at Rochester. But at the end of the day, it makes sense; Ruiz looks healthy, and we should know in a few weeks whether he can reclaim the spot he had a few years back. Ford will be in a position to play every day instead of splitting time with Ruiz. There is more upside right now with Ruiz as our starting catcher; maybe he will regain some of his value to get traded if Ford plays well in Rochester.
I think you're right about Abrams and the trade deadline. They're hanging on to him for the time being and maximizing his value. The question with regard to Nunez is his offense. He has from now until then to make the case for starting.
Good to see Keibert get a chance to show that he might not be the worst C in MLB. My dad always says it’s better to be second-worst than league-worst and who can argue with that.
Absolutely the smart move for Ford to get regular playing time. Tonight's lineup looks like one of the regular of a couple lineups to start the season. Get some offensive momentum going, along with some clean defense.
Ruiz and Garcia tend to receive a tad bit of bashing. In some ways understandable. I want to give them a chance to see what they can do under the new leadership and coaching.
Well a bit of surprise but nothing about the Nationals can be counted on as a sure fire great thing
So, over/under for Ford’s final call up? 6 weeks?
Somehow I don’t see him being called up until he is beyond the ability to earn a full year of service time. That’s not before the end of April.
If this gambit works and by some miracle Taboni is able to offload Ruiz's contract to some catching-desperate contender early/mid-season before handing the reigns to Ford, we should build Paul a statue.
Smart move for now
I’m interested to see what Ruiz does with this Final chance. Will he stop swinging at pitches that would otherwise hit him in the chest?
His chase rate this spring is down about 11 points from last season. That's encouraging.
Ford going to the WBC was the popular thing to do, but I think he would’ve been better served staying in camp, playing well and impressing the Nats. Which is the greater honor, going to the WBC or making the bigs?
Ask the players on the Venezuelan team.
They traded a young left-handed closer for him. He didn't need to be in camp to impress the Nats. ;)
Kidding aside, I think the WBC is a rare opportunity and having him participate served him well.
Trade Deadline will be interesting.
Predicting:
- Abrams gets traded to whoever needs 2B/SS help (Maybe Blue Jays if Giménez’s hitting out stinks his glove, Yankees if Volpe/Caballero situation doesn’t pan out)
- Nuñez full time SS
- Garcia Jr slots back in 2B
- Ortiz called up to platoon with Chaparro
Garcia Jr full time defensively at 2B is a prospect I don't wish to contemplate.
Mixed emotions over this. Hate that we gave up Ferrer for someone who is starting at Rochester. But at the end of the day, it makes sense; Ruiz looks healthy, and we should know in a few weeks whether he can reclaim the spot he had a few years back. Ford will be in a position to play every day instead of splitting time with Ruiz. There is more upside right now with Ruiz as our starting catcher; maybe he will regain some of his value to get traded if Ford plays well in Rochester.
No surprises. To me, anyway.
Ford gets much needed time at AAA and will certainly be called up. I think it'll be later than many are predicting.
Ortiz was always odd man out at 1st and can see him staying in Rochester all year.
As always, injuries and/or total lack of performance can impact all of the above.
Adams to minor league camp. Ouch.
Tonight's line up looks very much like what I think Opening Day will be, probably swapping out Ruiz for Millas.
Just a thought - is Keibert Ruiz the slowest runner in MLB? He's got to be up there.
No surprises, but interesting that Nuñez is officially the most-of-the-time 2B. He gets to show whether he can produce enough O.
He slides to short when CJ gets traded at the deadline. Garcia goes back to 2B. Ortiz comes up to platoon at 1B.
I think you're right about Abrams and the trade deadline. They're hanging on to him for the time being and maximizing his value. The question with regard to Nunez is his offense. He has from now until then to make the case for starting.
I fully anticipate we'll be just as frustrated as usual with Ruiz at the plate in a month but hope he proves me wrong
Good to see Keibert get a chance to show that he might not be the worst C in MLB. My dad always says it’s better to be second-worst than league-worst and who can argue with that.
Absolutely the smart move for Ford to get regular playing time. Tonight's lineup looks like one of the regular of a couple lineups to start the season. Get some offensive momentum going, along with some clean defense.
Ruiz and Garcia tend to receive a tad bit of bashing. In some ways understandable. I want to give them a chance to see what they can do under the new leadership and coaching.
Per Mark's Twitter: "Tonight's game has been canceled, due to rain. No make-up."