I guess they have not given up on Ruiz, but if they traded a very good reliever to get Ford I would think they would want to give him as much MLB exposure as possible.
As they just did with Riley Adams and now Parker, I suspect other prior underwhelming performers are on a shorter leash where there is depth. Ruiz has Ford and Millas on his heels. Irvin/Mikolas have Gray, Alvarez, Cornelio, Eder, and Herz (just threw a bullpen!) close behind. I suspect Rutledge is feeling the heat as recent signings pitch well during ST too. Nunez is chasing Garcia for more 2B playing time too. Later in the year, maybe Seaver King is looming too if he builds on solid AFL and ST performances.
Ruiz has Ford on his heels, to be sure. But not Millas. If Millas was on his heels they wouldn't have traded for Ford. ;)
Millas and Adams are inventory -- 4A guys who can competently fill in if needed at the MLB level. The Nats have 4 catching prospects in their top 50 (Lomavita, 21; Hernandez, 39; Bazzell, 42; and Jones, 49). One of those is your future backup catcher but won't be on anyone's heels anytime soon.
Don’t disagree that Ford is the long term replacement for Ruiz. But there’s a world where Ford starts in AAA and Millas usurps Ruiz playing time in the majors if he returns to his form of last season. But I certainly expect Ford to move to the majors this season—actually prefer he took the starting job right away. In any case, if Ruiz looks like he will repeat his 65 WRC+ and negative WAR of last season, he isn’t likely to hold off even Millas.
I'm in that world with you where Ford starts at AAA; this is where we diverge, though.
If Ruiz struggles, Millas won't usurp his PT. It's far more likely, especially after his solid outing in the WBC, that Ford comes up in that scenario and splits time with Ruiz while Millas heads to Rochester. They gave up a young lefty closer with strong upside to bring Ford over. He's here on the expectation, sadly, that Ruiz comes up short.
Millas will get the occasional start but if Ford starts the year in AAA, that likely means Ruiz is going to be given a long leash to reestablish himself in a year where the team is not expected to contend. Should he do well, he may draw trade interest. IF he's able to produce at the plate, $6M a year for a capable starting catcher ain't such a bad deal for some contender.
And if Ruiz struggles, the Ford era begins. Either way, it's tough to see Millas as anything but a classic glove-first backup catcher who gets day games after night games and a few other starts a month.
Well, there's his contract for one. No, it's not a mega-deal but they committed enough $$ that I think they want to give Ruiz every last chance to compete before giving up.
Mark, a WBC question, please.Puerto Rico is a territory of the US . Its citizens are American citizens, so why shouldn’t Hawaii or Illinois or Kansas, etc. have its own team in the WBC? I believe its called an “island nation”, but I believe there is some inconsistency or double standard here
I don't claim to be that savvy when it comes to state vs territory, but I do know that as a territory, Puerto Rico (unlike Hawaii and the other states) has no voice in the federal government. It elects a non-voting representative to the House, and its island residents cannot vote for President. (Those who live on the mainland can.) So, they are American citizens, but without full rights. That's probably part of why they can compete separately, not only in the WBC, but in the Olympics and World Cup, too.
Every sport makes its own rules. For example, England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland all field "national" soccer teams, but when it comes to the Olympics they combine into one Great Britain team. Let's not even get into who is eligible to play for which country!
“Why is Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic?
Puerto Rico competes in the World Baseball Classic because the tournament recognizes sporting nations rather than just sovereign countries. Under the rules of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and the International Olympic Committee, Puerto Rico has maintained its own independent National Olympic Committee since 1948. This "sporting sovereignty" allows the island to field its own teams in international competitions, separate from the United States, as long as it has a recognized governing body for that specific sport.
The inclusion is also driven by the WBC's flexible eligibility rules, which prioritize cultural heritage and lineage. Players are eligible to represent Puerto Rico if they were born on the island, are residents, or have at least one parent or grandparent born there. This allows the massive Puerto Rican diaspora —including MLB stars born in the 50 states — to play for Puerto Rico.”
FWIW Hong also has its on WBC team despite being a Special Adminstrative Region of China.
From AI : Hong Kong has its own World Baseball Classic (WBC) team because it operates as a distinct member under the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and the Baseball Federation of Asia, separate from the China national team, allowing it to compete independently. This autonomy, a common feature in international sports, lets the Baseball Association of Hong Kong, China (BAHKC) grow local talent.
As for today's radio broadcast against the Marlins, the MLB. com schedule says "No active feeds available." Let's hope that changes when the game starts, as I am hoping to listen to Charlie and Dave today. The AM feed of 980 doesn't quite reach Alberta Canada where I live.
It will probably change at gametime, but if you still have problems, you can always Google
WTEM 980AM and listen to the game via their website. I have an audio MLB account, but I often go to the radio websites, where the signal is usually stronger.
Again, good info. Thanks. I was under the impression that a radio stations broadcast of an mlb game would be blacked out on the internet, forcing you to buy an mlb subscription. Squeeze us like a lemon.
I do wish Nationals TV would give us more spring training games. This is the most important Spring the team has had since moving. I would have liked to watch it today.
Why is this Spring so important? I’d be interested in hearing more of your reasoning as it’s pretty clear the Nationals aren’t going to win a lot this season. Is it because of the newest rebuild and all the key prospects?
Its important with all the changes to see how the younger players are doing under the new staff. I personally believe that the lame duck staff badly hurt some of our prospects.
For those who didn't see, the Nationals reassigned Yohandy Morales to minor-league camp shortly before first pitch. No real surprise there; Morales was unlikely to beat out Andres Chaparro to be the right-handed first baseman. That move leaves the spring training roster at 40.
Not what I would call a clean game at all. Through 3 innings, 0 hits, 3 errors, and the bright spot, I can'tthink of one, maybe Willetts walk. Ugh! Let's go guys!!
I guess they have not given up on Ruiz, but if they traded a very good reliever to get Ford I would think they would want to give him as much MLB exposure as possible.
As they just did with Riley Adams and now Parker, I suspect other prior underwhelming performers are on a shorter leash where there is depth. Ruiz has Ford and Millas on his heels. Irvin/Mikolas have Gray, Alvarez, Cornelio, Eder, and Herz (just threw a bullpen!) close behind. I suspect Rutledge is feeling the heat as recent signings pitch well during ST too. Nunez is chasing Garcia for more 2B playing time too. Later in the year, maybe Seaver King is looming too if he builds on solid AFL and ST performances.
Is there any information on how Herz's bullpen session went? Let's hope he is starting for the Nats by summer.
Ruiz has Ford on his heels, to be sure. But not Millas. If Millas was on his heels they wouldn't have traded for Ford. ;)
Millas and Adams are inventory -- 4A guys who can competently fill in if needed at the MLB level. The Nats have 4 catching prospects in their top 50 (Lomavita, 21; Hernandez, 39; Bazzell, 42; and Jones, 49). One of those is your future backup catcher but won't be on anyone's heels anytime soon.
Don’t disagree that Ford is the long term replacement for Ruiz. But there’s a world where Ford starts in AAA and Millas usurps Ruiz playing time in the majors if he returns to his form of last season. But I certainly expect Ford to move to the majors this season—actually prefer he took the starting job right away. In any case, if Ruiz looks like he will repeat his 65 WRC+ and negative WAR of last season, he isn’t likely to hold off even Millas.
I'm in that world with you where Ford starts at AAA; this is where we diverge, though.
If Ruiz struggles, Millas won't usurp his PT. It's far more likely, especially after his solid outing in the WBC, that Ford comes up in that scenario and splits time with Ruiz while Millas heads to Rochester. They gave up a young lefty closer with strong upside to bring Ford over. He's here on the expectation, sadly, that Ruiz comes up short.
Millas will get the occasional start but if Ford starts the year in AAA, that likely means Ruiz is going to be given a long leash to reestablish himself in a year where the team is not expected to contend. Should he do well, he may draw trade interest. IF he's able to produce at the plate, $6M a year for a capable starting catcher ain't such a bad deal for some contender.
And if Ruiz struggles, the Ford era begins. Either way, it's tough to see Millas as anything but a classic glove-first backup catcher who gets day games after night games and a few other starts a month.
Well, there's his contract for one. No, it's not a mega-deal but they committed enough $$ that I think they want to give Ruiz every last chance to compete before giving up.
Mark, a WBC question, please.Puerto Rico is a territory of the US . Its citizens are American citizens, so why shouldn’t Hawaii or Illinois or Kansas, etc. have its own team in the WBC? I believe its called an “island nation”, but I believe there is some inconsistency or double standard here
I don't claim to be that savvy when it comes to state vs territory, but I do know that as a territory, Puerto Rico (unlike Hawaii and the other states) has no voice in the federal government. It elects a non-voting representative to the House, and its island residents cannot vote for President. (Those who live on the mainland can.) So, they are American citizens, but without full rights. That's probably part of why they can compete separately, not only in the WBC, but in the Olympics and World Cup, too.
Sound like a reasonable answer . Thanks. Other opinions are welcome.
Every sport makes its own rules. For example, England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland all field "national" soccer teams, but when it comes to the Olympics they combine into one Great Britain team. Let's not even get into who is eligible to play for which country!
More good info from those smarter than me. Thanks.
That's all reasonable, and by that logic, DC should also be able to field a team. Talent pool might not be as deep as Puerto Rico's...
This is from the Sporting News:
“Why is Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic?
Puerto Rico competes in the World Baseball Classic because the tournament recognizes sporting nations rather than just sovereign countries. Under the rules of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and the International Olympic Committee, Puerto Rico has maintained its own independent National Olympic Committee since 1948. This "sporting sovereignty" allows the island to field its own teams in international competitions, separate from the United States, as long as it has a recognized governing body for that specific sport.
The inclusion is also driven by the WBC's flexible eligibility rules, which prioritize cultural heritage and lineage. Players are eligible to represent Puerto Rico if they were born on the island, are residents, or have at least one parent or grandparent born there. This allows the massive Puerto Rican diaspora —including MLB stars born in the 50 states — to play for Puerto Rico.”
FWIW Hong also has its on WBC team despite being a Special Adminstrative Region of China.
From AI : Hong Kong has its own World Baseball Classic (WBC) team because it operates as a distinct member under the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and the Baseball Federation of Asia, separate from the China national team, allowing it to compete independently. This autonomy, a common feature in international sports, lets the Baseball Association of Hong Kong, China (BAHKC) grow local talent.
WOW! Thanks so much. Couldn’t get a more complete or official answer than that. Quiz after the game😁?
Thanks to all for your input.
I'm looking forward to this "prospects game", especially with Charlie and Dave on the call.
Go, future Nats!
As for today's radio broadcast against the Marlins, the MLB. com schedule says "No active feeds available." Let's hope that changes when the game starts, as I am hoping to listen to Charlie and Dave today. The AM feed of 980 doesn't quite reach Alberta Canada where I live.
It will probably change at gametime, but if you still have problems, you can always Google
WTEM 980AM and listen to the game via their website. I have an audio MLB account, but I often go to the radio websites, where the signal is usually stronger.
Again, good info. Thanks. I was under the impression that a radio stations broadcast of an mlb game would be blacked out on the internet, forcing you to buy an mlb subscription. Squeeze us like a lemon.
So far, that hasn't been an issue. But things change, and not always for the better.
Looking forward to seeing how Clemmey pitches. Really been under the radar since the Lane Thomas deal.
And of course young Willets.
I do wish Nationals TV would give us more spring training games. This is the most important Spring the team has had since moving. I would have liked to watch it today.
Why is this Spring so important? I’d be interested in hearing more of your reasoning as it’s pretty clear the Nationals aren’t going to win a lot this season. Is it because of the newest rebuild and all the key prospects?
Its important with all the changes to see how the younger players are doing under the new staff. I personally believe that the lame duck staff badly hurt some of our prospects.
Ooh, Ooh, Willits and Ford. Be still my heart.
That's Ethan ODonnell from UVA!
Nobody describes the action like Charlie and Dave. LOL
For those who didn't see, the Nationals reassigned Yohandy Morales to minor-league camp shortly before first pitch. No real surprise there; Morales was unlikely to beat out Andres Chaparro to be the right-handed first baseman. That move leaves the spring training roster at 40.
Just an fYI. Clemney proving his toughness. Threw up twice behind the mound in the middle of the first inning. Still out there #gamer
I was at the game against the Giants when Lucius Fox sprayed his stomach contents in front of the pitcher's mound. It was something to see!
Defense letting Clemmey down.
Big time. But no earned runs. And, he struck out his last batter, so he didn't lose his focus.
But he lost his breakfast!
And I'm sure his buddies will never let him forget it, poor guy.
The boxscore lists just three boots by the Nats. Clemmey got shortchanged.
Not what I would call a clean game at all. Through 3 innings, 0 hits, 3 errors, and the bright spot, I can'tthink of one, maybe Willetts walk. Ugh! Let's go guys!!
Can someone explain why Joey Weimer is getting so much playing time?
He chose the Deluxe Package
The new management team that brought him and Ortiz in are giving them extra special looks. Neither looks like they deserve it.
Clemmey's line:
3IP, 0H, 2R, both unearned, 2K, 1BB
Also, interesting note in the box: Willets charged with a shift violation which under MLB rules results in an error charged to the fielder.
(So I guess we do have boots on the ground.)