"It’s going to be kind of a pirate ship down there."
Is that good?
I'm reminded of a Tom Boswell column from way back in the dark days -- maybe 2007? I couldn't find it -- the gist of which was that the Nats rotation had all had negative WAR, therefore a bunch of random replacement players had to be an improvement, right? It was the ultimate in Boz spring optimism.
I guess we have to feel this way about the 2026 bullpen.
The 2007 team is one of my favorites. Somehow, some way, they won 73 games!!
Buster Olney predicted that Nats team would lose 145 games and the Baltimore Orioles would win the World Series. Uh, nope - Baltimore went, I think, 72-90 (or worse) and the Nats swept the Orioles at Camden Yards, costing the manager his job.
That team knocked the Mets out of the playoffs and nearly spoiled things for the Phillies late in the season…..
Manny Acta should’ve received Manager of the Year for getting that team of misfits to win 73!!
I agree that Manny got the most out of them, and offensively, they had their moments. Peak young Zimm, the rise of da Meat Hook, and Ryan Church would probably be a sought-after platoon bat today. But oh man, tough for me to put that team among my favorites. When your rotation is leaning on Matt Chico, Mike Bacsik, and Jason Bergmann to be your workhorses... No bueno.
Let's remember that the 2007 bunch did much better than predicted with a bunch of "rejects" and finished not far behind the previous western-division-winning Twins in the standings. That's when ownership should have stepped up to bolster the roster.
As I recall, fans were clamboring for them to sign Torii Hunter. I'm glad that didn't happen. They were 5 starting pitchers away from sniffing the playoffs, and the offense was about to get worse, with guys like Dmitri and Guzman and Kearns on their way downhill. It's a shame that peak Zimm had to suffer through those teams.
BPs are wierd and while "proven" arms give you a warm and fuzzy in the offseason, the truth is what you get is completely unknown. You can probably count on one hand the number of relievers that have been consistently good for 5 consecutive years. Most of the time someone has bad year(s) mixed in. Sometimes you luck into a good BP and sometimes a good BP on paper bad lucks into an bad one. A great recent example is the 2023 Marlins. They had, from back to front, one of the most effective BPs in baseball. In 2024 they were the opposite with almost the exact same group of pitchers. We just claimed and released one of those guys in the great waiver wire turnover we had leading up to ST.
Of course it is always exciting for the first full squad workout, but this truly feels like a fresh start (not another new beginning). Everyone seems motivated and have bought into the new coaches and leadership. That just might keep me excited into July, and maybe beyond!
Interesting notes on Pérez working at Driveline this winter. Given this coaching staff, he could be a good surprise for this bullpen. Nice work again, Mark.
Just picked up book “The MVP Machine” about Driveline type methods of player development. I hope our new coaches can do a better job than we seem to have done in the past with development. It has felt like that has been hit or miss in the past. How many players have we brought up through the system and made better than they were before they joined our system? Hope springs eternal.
Chaparro has looked every bit the part of a career AAAA player since he came over two trade deadlines ago. but he deserves one more chance to take the next step.
I loved the CJ quote about Cionel. Was curious and found these highlights. Makes CJ, Luis, and Bell look like they are playing the wrong sport. From 1:50 to end -
"It’s going to be kind of a pirate ship down there."
Is that good?
I'm reminded of a Tom Boswell column from way back in the dark days -- maybe 2007? I couldn't find it -- the gist of which was that the Nats rotation had all had negative WAR, therefore a bunch of random replacement players had to be an improvement, right? It was the ultimate in Boz spring optimism.
I guess we have to feel this way about the 2026 bullpen.
The 2007 team is one of my favorites. Somehow, some way, they won 73 games!!
Buster Olney predicted that Nats team would lose 145 games and the Baltimore Orioles would win the World Series. Uh, nope - Baltimore went, I think, 72-90 (or worse) and the Nats swept the Orioles at Camden Yards, costing the manager his job.
That team knocked the Mets out of the playoffs and nearly spoiled things for the Phillies late in the season…..
Manny Acta should’ve received Manager of the Year for getting that team of misfits to win 73!!
I agree that Manny got the most out of them, and offensively, they had their moments. Peak young Zimm, the rise of da Meat Hook, and Ryan Church would probably be a sought-after platoon bat today. But oh man, tough for me to put that team among my favorites. When your rotation is leaning on Matt Chico, Mike Bacsik, and Jason Bergmann to be your workhorses... No bueno.
Let's remember that the 2007 bunch did much better than predicted with a bunch of "rejects" and finished not far behind the previous western-division-winning Twins in the standings. That's when ownership should have stepped up to bolster the roster.
As I recall, fans were clamboring for them to sign Torii Hunter. I'm glad that didn't happen. They were 5 starting pitchers away from sniffing the playoffs, and the offense was about to get worse, with guys like Dmitri and Guzman and Kearns on their way downhill. It's a shame that peak Zimm had to suffer through those teams.
BPs are wierd and while "proven" arms give you a warm and fuzzy in the offseason, the truth is what you get is completely unknown. You can probably count on one hand the number of relievers that have been consistently good for 5 consecutive years. Most of the time someone has bad year(s) mixed in. Sometimes you luck into a good BP and sometimes a good BP on paper bad lucks into an bad one. A great recent example is the 2023 Marlins. They had, from back to front, one of the most effective BPs in baseball. In 2024 they were the opposite with almost the exact same group of pitchers. We just claimed and released one of those guys in the great waiver wire turnover we had leading up to ST.
I hope Ortiz makes a good impression in camp and generates some positive early returns on
the Gore deal.
Of course it is always exciting for the first full squad workout, but this truly feels like a fresh start (not another new beginning). Everyone seems motivated and have bought into the new coaches and leadership. That just might keep me excited into July, and maybe beyond!
GO NATS!!
Interesting notes on Pérez working at Driveline this winter. Given this coaching staff, he could be a good surprise for this bullpen. Nice work again, Mark.
Just picked up book “The MVP Machine” about Driveline type methods of player development. I hope our new coaches can do a better job than we seem to have done in the past with development. It has felt like that has been hit or miss in the past. How many players have we brought up through the system and made better than they were before they joined our system? Hope springs eternal.
Love your daily reporting, Mark. Very happy I subscribed.
Relievers are a dime a dozen (mostly) so I always figure it's a crap shoot until the day ST ends and the rosters are announced.
I'm going with Chaparro with the edge at 1st base.
Chaparro has looked every bit the part of a career AAAA player since he came over two trade deadlines ago. but he deserves one more chance to take the next step.
I loved the CJ quote about Cionel. Was curious and found these highlights. Makes CJ, Luis, and Bell look like they are playing the wrong sport. From 1:50 to end -
https://youtu.be/rZpdi2ELZds?si=m2tmH5r23Z-JNxEF
I am pulling for Brady House and I hope he really nails down his spot at 3rd. Like Dylan Crews, however, there is doubt. Can he hit?