Toboni addresses roster churn, Cornelio debut, veteran struggles, Crews and Ford
President of baseball operations Paul Toboni was impressed with the Nats' recent 17-game stretch, which required roster maneuvering
NEW YORK – As he watched the team he assembled complete a grueling 17-game stretch without an off-day with a winning record, Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni found himself simultaneously proud of the club’s efforts under the circumstances and frustrated with a handful of winnable games that turned into losses.
Could that actually be construed as a positive development, Toboni was asked this afternoon during a session with reporters prior to the Nats’ series opener against the Mets? That being frustrated with tough losses might actually mean expectations here are higher than what some may have thought entering the season?
“That was a thing I was unsure of coming in: When we lose a game, is it really going to matter to the players in the clubhouse?” Toboni said. “And that’s been a resounding yes. When you go into the clubhouse after games, it’s like: Dang, we should’ve won that. Which is cool. It means they have high standards and expectations, which is a good thing.”
In order to make it through that 2 1/2-week without completely overtaxing a pitching staff that has been the team’s weakness to date, the Nationals made a string of roster moves, often a transaction per day to make sure there were fresh arms available to manager Blake Butera.
For a rebuilding club that appears to be focused more on long-term development than short-term success, it sometimes feels like mixed messaging. But Toboni, while acknowledging the fine line he’s walking, believes it’s the proper strategy for this organization and something that is likely to continue.
