The Nationals are set to add workhorse right-hander Zack Littell to a rotation that's suddenly much more crowded than it was at the start of spring training
To me Alvarez seems like a bullpen arm. Long relief/spot starter.
In general, I can appreciate the front office focusing on pitchers over throwers, though. They’re not just going after flamethrowers that fail to grasp the art of pitching.
I agree, though I'm willing to bet that Irvin wins spot # 5.
What do we all think Gray's innings limit is? If it is 150 innings, then the Nats could keep him on AAA until mid-May, keep him to 4 or 5 innings per start, and bring him up and have him go most of the rest of the season.
Regarding Mikolas, let's see what the starters on the farm are doing in late June. I think Mikolas is the first guy to be released if Mitchell Parker or Andrew Alvarez put forward strong seasons at AAA or even if DJ Herz needs innings in Sept.
Definitely an interesting development, now with Lord, Irvin, and Gray all vying for the last spot in the rotation (unless they go 6-man rotation?). Definitely like the Littell signing more than I ever did the Mikolas signing. Rotation might not be bottom-tier now.
Because Littell was obviously still trying to get a better deal on a team with higher expectations. Still several decent enough arms available so we may see another one of these signings before the team heads north.
I know no one wants to hear this, but Littell’s arguably their #1. His late start means he’s probably not going Opening Day, but his 3.2 bWAR last year is more than any pitcher has racked up in a season for the Nats since Max Scherzer. Gore had 3.0 last year, Gray had 3.1 in 2023. Littell had 2.8 in 2024, which would have led the Nats that year too. If Cavalli has 3 WAR this year, that would be a success.
That’s a good point - it may be the Nats want to take a little pressure off of the mostly unproven Cavalli and the TJ-recovering Gray to lead the staff.
It’s strange he went unsigned this long, though.
I’m always a bit distrustful of the “he’s been preparing on his own” line, so it’s possible he might need some ramp up time until say, mid-April to be ready to go every 5th day (or 6th day if the Nats go that route?)
But, based on the stats, this might be their biggest, best FA signing this season. I wonder if Mikolas’ last start convinced them that they need more proven veteran depth?
Off topic, but I just noticed my MASN2 channel 579 on FIOS now says "Channel no longer available". This is probably where the Nats.tv channel is going.
Perhaps the velocity for Gray were signs he is being slow walked back to the rotation. Feels that Irvin as teams player rep will have more of a chance to be SP5.
Anyone want to take a guess on the 40 man casualty?
It definitely feels like Varland, Lovelady and Wiemer will be removed in favor of Perez, Smith and Littell before OD. Waldichuk likely next in line after that.
Solid signing to increase depth
So in my mind, this means the rotation will be:
1. Cavalli
2. Mikolas
3. Griffin
4. Littell
5. Gray/Irvin (loser goes to Rochester)
Lord to the bullpen, and Parker to AAA.
Thoughts?
Dump Mik and pay him his term. Let the mariachi play him out. Adios amigo!
Alvarez is still in play. For now anyway.
To me Alvarez seems like a bullpen arm. Long relief/spot starter.
In general, I can appreciate the front office focusing on pitchers over throwers, though. They’re not just going after flamethrowers that fail to grasp the art of pitching.
Re: pitchers vs. throwers... I really like that distinction and what you're saying. Spot on from where I'm watching.
I think Irvin over Gray for the moment. He’ll build up for a bit in the minors. (Littell too if he’s not ready.)
Maybe Lord is trade bait.
I send Gray to Rochester for innings management.
Nice. Maybe Gray starts off in Rochester for a while, and Lord becomes long man in pen. Good problems.
I agree, though I'm willing to bet that Irvin wins spot # 5.
What do we all think Gray's innings limit is? If it is 150 innings, then the Nats could keep him on AAA until mid-May, keep him to 4 or 5 innings per start, and bring him up and have him go most of the rest of the season.
Regarding Mikolas, let's see what the starters on the farm are doing in late June. I think Mikolas is the first guy to be released if Mitchell Parker or Andrew Alvarez put forward strong seasons at AAA or even if DJ Herz needs innings in Sept.
This is probably unfair, but is there a chance that Mikolas is on a short leash? I know a lot of Cardinals fans who think he’s washed.
I wouldn't call it unfair at all. His numbers coming in were not impressive at all and he hasn't done much to improve them.
Definitely an interesting development, now with Lord, Irvin, and Gray all vying for the last spot in the rotation (unless they go 6-man rotation?). Definitely like the Littell signing more than I ever did the Mikolas signing. Rotation might not be bottom-tier now.
Good signing, just wonder why Mikolas was signed before Littell? He has been washed up for at least a couple of years.
Because Littell was obviously still trying to get a better deal on a team with higher expectations. Still several decent enough arms available so we may see another one of these signings before the team heads north.
Not impressed with what I saw of Mikolas in West Palm so I welcome this.
All together now: "You can never have too much pitching."
Pitching depth is the team's most glaring weakness.
Anybody who can eat innings is welcome.
Anybody who can eat innings with an ERA under 4.0 is a goddamned hero.
Well said!
Have to think this signing was motivated by Mikolas not looking very stellar this spring.
It's time to change how starting pitching is viewed. No one is going 7 or 8 innings. Let's try two guys going 3-4 innings and see how that works.
Interesting view.
Interesting that he will have already worked with Matthews in Cincinnati and was converted to a starter in Butera’s/Johns’ old club.
For what salary?
They will wait to announce a salary until after he passes the physical. If he fails it, there won’t be any salary.
I know no one wants to hear this, but Littell’s arguably their #1. His late start means he’s probably not going Opening Day, but his 3.2 bWAR last year is more than any pitcher has racked up in a season for the Nats since Max Scherzer. Gore had 3.0 last year, Gray had 3.1 in 2023. Littell had 2.8 in 2024, which would have led the Nats that year too. If Cavalli has 3 WAR this year, that would be a success.
That’s a good point - it may be the Nats want to take a little pressure off of the mostly unproven Cavalli and the TJ-recovering Gray to lead the staff.
It’s strange he went unsigned this long, though.
I’m always a bit distrustful of the “he’s been preparing on his own” line, so it’s possible he might need some ramp up time until say, mid-April to be ready to go every 5th day (or 6th day if the Nats go that route?)
But, based on the stats, this might be their biggest, best FA signing this season. I wonder if Mikolas’ last start convinced them that they need more proven veteran depth?
Off topic, but I just noticed my MASN2 channel 579 on FIOS now says "Channel no longer available". This is probably where the Nats.tv channel is going.
Probably. There are some comments about that on today's game thread post.
Thanks. Just took a look over there!
I saw that last night and had the same thought. Let's hope.
Yes, a place holder.
Channel 844 on my Comcast tier.
Perhaps the velocity for Gray were signs he is being slow walked back to the rotation. Feels that Irvin as teams player rep will have more of a chance to be SP5.
Hard not to love this signing.
Of the Gray/Lord/Alvarez/Parker group, I think two of are ticketed for Rochester and two are ticketed for the bullpen. Let’s see who goes where.
Anyone want to take a guess on the 40 man casualty?
It definitely feels like Varland, Lovelady and Wiemer will be removed in favor of Perez, Smith and Littell before OD. Waldichuk likely next in line after that.
It’s at 38 now, I think.
Hard to believe this guy was still on the street given the last few years.