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Don't turn your back on the Wolf...contract

By Harper Gordek | January 7, 2009 | Oleanders and Morning Glories

Red NWO! Look out it's Sting! And Another Sting! When I first heard the Nats were intested in Randy Wolf I was excited. Then I realized that as usual I confused him with Paul Byrd. I like Paul Byrd. Not a lot, mind you. But he's a perfectly average pitcher who you can count on for innings, who might benefit with a move back to the NL. But this isn't about Paul Byrd, is it? Is it? No. So what about Randy Wolf? Just glancing through the stats it's a bag with more bad than good. He hasn't been above average since 2004. That was also the last year he put in more than 20 starts before last year, but last year he had a full year and pitched 190 innings. He was awful on the road last year (5.76 ERA, opponents AVG .283 / .359 / .463) which means he pitched well at home but...

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: MLB, Nationals, Randy Wolf, Washington Nationals

No Gnus is good gnus?

By Harper Gordek | January 6, 2009 | Oleanders and Morning Glories

With Milton (not Mitlon - how did I not see that until yesterday?) off to the Cubs, the Nats are down to their last couple of free agent targets, Adam Dunn and Orlando Hudson. Personally I would sign both, or just Adam Dunn, but not just Orlando Hudson. Hudson is a true "last piece of the puzzle" type player. Above average but not great, getting on at years, perfect for the contending team that needs a couple more wins with an issue at 2nd base, imperfect for a team just looking to be competitive. Side Note 1 : Why would I sign both then? Well signing both tells me the team is looking to be "playoff" good in the next 2-3 years. The expectation would be that more signings would follow next offseason. Signing just Orlando could say the same thing but the job would be that much tougher. Orlando isn't going to...

Read more | 5 Comments | Tags: Adam Dunn, Elijah Dukes, Lastings Milledge, MLB, Nationals, Orlando Hudson, Washington Nationals

Initial Thoughts of MLB Network

By Alan Smodic | January 6, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Much like DirecTV's MLB Extra Innings package, the MLB Network is more baseball than one can handle. -- programwitch/Flickr.com

On January 1, Major League Baseball followed in the footsteps of the NFL and NHL by unveiling its own channel -- the MLB Network.If you don't already know what this exactly is, MLBNetwork.com's about page helps:MLB Network stands for Major League Baseball Network, which means access to more baseball than America's ever seen! This new 24-hour network delves into the world of baseball, going far beyond the field. Fans can tune in at any time for fresh perspectives, current news, the latest trade rumors, pre and post-game banter, highlights and more.Again, if you've seen the NFL or NHL networks, just picture those and think baseball. I wasn't sure if I'd receive the channel (I get the NFL network, but not the NHL), so I was surprised to see it coming in through my satellite. Obviously, I checked it out.I was impressed with my first viewing. The first show I saw...

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Hey, I'm still here!

By Harper Gordek | January 5, 2009 | Oleanders and Morning Glories

That what I imagine Nick Johnson is saying after reading this line in Bill Ladson's piece today. The team is looking for a first baseman to replace Nick Johnson, and Dunn is their top target. I know what he probably means is "looking for a first baseman for the future, since it won't be Nick. He gets injured too much." but still it's not like he isn't on the team right now. Oh and about that piece. Just so you know if the Nats were to hit righties like they did lefites last year....they'll still stink. vs LH : .261 / .325 / .399 That would be an uninmpressive middle of the pack in OBP (far closer to the bottom than the top), and still 4th from last in SLG. Balance out the good and the suck before worrying about lefty / righty, ok?...

Read more | 3 Comments | Tags: MLB, Nationals, Nick Johnson, Washington Nationals

MLB Top 10: Best Offseason Acquisitions to Date

By Jaymes Langrehr | January 5, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Oakland won the Matt Holliday sweepstakes in November -- bryce_edwards/flickr

It's hard to believe that baseball's offseason is nearly over, but pitchers and catchers report to spring training in just over a month. A struggling economy and penny-pinching GMs have led to a somewhat slow offseason, but that doesn't mean good deals were made. With all the publicity the Yankees' spending spree is getting this winter, it's easy to lose track of some of the better deals that flew under the radar. Here are 10 smart transactions (made at a sensible cost) that you may have forgotten about.10. Jeremy Affeldt to the Giants -- signed for 2 years, $8 millionThe first free agent signing of the offseason wasn't very glamorous, but it's turned out to be one of the better (read: sensible) signings of the offseason. Affeldt may not light the world on fire, but he's a very solid lefty reliever that will make San Francisco's bullpen better. Give credit...

Read more | 5 Comments | Tags: Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants, Top Ten, Washington Nationals

Mitlon Bradley - Yes, please

By Harper Gordek | January 2, 2009 | Oleanders and Morning Glories

Christmas and New Years have passed, and for us non-federal employees, thus begins the long slog until Memorial Day (or maybe Easter for you lucky ducks) until the next official day off. Ugh. What will make the time go faster? Following the Nats Plans B though QQ, of course! That and our trips to Aruba. Oh? You're not going? Too bad. After losing out on Teixeira the Nats had to move on. The only question was "move on to where"? Ok, really the only question was "Move on to anyone other than Adam Dunn because of course Bowden would want to sign Adam Dunn"? We got another piece of the puzzle today from Bill Ladson. The Nats are interested in pursuing Milton Bradley. I love Milton Bradley. I cannot stress that enough. Love every fold in that crazy, punch you out for looking at him wrong, kick you in the head for looking at him right,...

Read more | 15 Comments | Tags: Milton Bradley, MLB, Nationals, Washington Nationals

Overwhelming the enemy with sheer numbers

By Harper Gordek | December 29, 2008 | Oleanders and Morning Glories

So what if the Nats lost out on Mark Teixeira? He was only one guy. What happens when they toss out 14 men on the field? That must be the plan since the Nats went out and signed 5 guys! Where these guys fall: Minor League Filler: Jose Castillo (2B/3B), Gustavo Molina (C)The Nats are limited in depth at these positions so another warm body in the minors can't hurt. Both are on the right side of 30, both have seen major league action, and if either actually plays for the Nationals in 2009 prepare to weep like a soft summer rain because they stink. LITB Specials : Corey Patterson (OF), Gustavo Chacin (P) Both you've heard of before because both have been decent major leaguers. Check that. Despite all the early century excitement over the guy, Corey Patterson has never really been a decent major leaguer. Take a look. He had some great...

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: mlb, Nationals, Washington Nationals

Fourth down for George Michael and the Redskin Report

By Anthony Brown | December 27, 2008 | Hog Heaven

Economic turbulence is blowing Washington's long running Redskins Report off the air. The Washington Post reported on Christmas Day that George Michael, the popular sportscaster on WRC-TV (Channel 4) ended his 28 year career with the station when WRC's parent, NBC Universal, demanded deep cuts in Michael's Redskins Report, covering the Washington Redskins, and Full Court Press, covering the Washington Wizards NBA team. The Redskin Report was a fixture on Saturday evenings during the NFL season. The show featured Redskin Hall of Famers Sonny Jurgensen and John Riggins, and Washington Post sports columnist Michael Wilbon. Tony Kornheiser, Wilbon's colleague in the Post's sports department often substituted when Wilbon was not available. The Redskin Report launched Wilbon and Kornheiser on their visual media career. Both are seen on ESPN and other sports venues.Michael feigned fan indignation at poor performance by the Redskins, but he is known to be close to owner...

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: Baltmore Ravens, Detroit Lions, NFL, Washington Nationals, Washington Redskins, Washington Wizards

Initial Thoughts of MLB Network

By Alan Smodic | January 6, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Much like DirecTV's MLB Extra Innings package, the MLB Network is more baseball than one can handle. -- programwitch/Flickr.com

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MLB Top 10: Best Offseason Acquisitions to Date

By Jaymes Langrehr | January 5, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Oakland won the Matt Holliday sweepstakes in November -- bryce_edwards/flickr

Winter Meetings Report: Sabathia disappoints with NYC money grab; Mets dominate closers market; Big bats still available

By Brandon Rosage | December 12, 2008 | MVN Outsider

One host couldn't hide his disdain for the plot twist CC Sabathia supplied for baseball's off-season storyline, while the other host can't get enough big market spending. In this "Winter Meetings Report," The Pitch hosts Joe Aiello and Brandon Rosage bicker about the affect Sabathia's signing has on the off-season market, as well as the business of entertainment for Major League Baseball. Discussion also moves to the New York Mets' acquisition of Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz to solidify their bullpen, and the latest developments regarding Mark Teixeira and Manny Ramirez' future. Plus, the show gives some time to the Red Sox' new logos and added rumor mill sorting. Join the discussion, listen in and participate via e-mail (thepitch@mvn.com) or in the comments....Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: audio, Boston Red Sox, CC Sabathia, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, Washington Nationals

Where could Mark Teixeira land?

By Evan | November 20, 2008 | MVN Outsider

ccho

As Thanksgiving approaches with the winter meetings not too far behind, Mark Teixeira is getting closer and closer to figuring out what ballpark he will call home next year.There has not been a ton of chatter surrounding Teixeira, but everyone knows the two big players for 'Tex' are the Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees. There are, however, a couple other teams in the mix. Here's a ranking of who is most likely to get Teixeira...1. New York YankeesThe New York Yankees are going all out this winter, economy be damned. With the Yankees set to move into a new stadium that will send their revenue through the roof, they will continue to lead the field for a very, very long time in dollars spent.The acquisition of Nick Swisher seems to have tempered most people's expectations that the Yankees will chase Tex, but I don't believe it for a...Read more

Read more | 4 Comments | Tags: Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, MLB, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals

BREAKING: Josh Willingham, Scott Olsen traded to Washington

By Evan | November 10, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Willingham - Spike from NJ

The Washington Nationals today continued their march towards trying to be relevant, acquiring left-fielder Josh Willingham and pitcher Scott Olsen for a trio of prospects.Willingham, 29, had 15 homers in an abbreviated 2008 with a .254/.364/.470 line, similar to what he has hit over his career. He is eligible for arbitration, likely a major reason why the Marlins opted to move him despite ownership giving the team permission to retain all their arbitration eligible players.Olsen, known for his hotheadedness, is also eligible for arbitration for the first time. He went 8-11 with a 4.20 ERA in 201.2 innings as a 24-year old. There is cause for concern with Olsen's effectiveness as he posted a 3.11 ERA in his home park and 5.58 away.The Marlins got second baseman Emilio Bonifacio, who headed to Washington for Jon Rauch at the trading deadline from the Arizona Diamondbacks. He hit .243/.296/.337 and may be...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Florida Marlins, MLB, Washington Nationals

MLB '09 off-season starter: Can LA afford to lose Manny? The Obama Effect on free contracts; Big name pitchers cut loose

By Brandon Rosage | November 7, 2008 | MVN Outsider

To celebrate the start of what looks to be a competitive and active winter of dealing among big league clubs, The Pitch's Joe Aiello and Brandon Rosage weigh in on the biggest stories effecting the market this week in Major League Baseball, including... Dodgers GM Ned Colleti makes A-Rod-like offer to Manny Ramirez The Barack Obama tax plan's effect on player negotiations this winter Matt Holliday's desire to skip a pay day in favor of postseason plans A.J. Burnett walks away from $24 million and two years with Toronto to hit the free agent market Cubs leading the Jake Peavy sweepstakes Nationals unveil some sharp and fugly new jerseys The guys also rewind to their 2008 predictions from March 2008 and relive the embarrassment and glory of sounding like naive idiots. Listen in and participate via e-mail (thepitch@mvn.com) or in the comments....Read more

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: audio, Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals

MLB Power Rankings

By Daniel Rathman | September 22, 2008 | MVN Outsider

The MLB Power Rankings will run on Outsider every Monday night until the conclusion of the regular season.� This is the second-to-last edition of the Rankings; next Monday's edition will be the last.� The final week of the regular season is upon us.� Yeah, already.� Hard to believe, isn't it?� The Halos, Rays, and Cubs are into the playoffs.� The Dodgers and Red Sox are, for all practical purposes, in.� Two of the Mets, Phillies, and Brewers will make it, as will either the White Sox or Twins.� All the other teams will be hitting their La-Z-Boys when the final outs of their games are recorded on Sunday.� Here's how the league stacks up in the penultimate edition of the Power Rankings. Note: some of the statistics and records below are through SATURDAY's games. 1.� Los Angeles Angels, 95-59 With the AL West division locked up and home-field advantage essentially...Read more

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