AFL Update: November 19, 2010
Steve Lombardozzi was the lone Nat to play in yesterday’s seven-inning 1-0 loss by the Scottsdale Scorpions to the Peoria Javelinas. Lombardozzi led off, played 2B, but went 0-for-4 with a strikeout.
If folks haven’t seen them in their online travels, Mark Zuckerman had a good preliminary post about the Rule 5 draft. As folks pointed out in the comments, the last CBA changed the Rule 5 rules, so that list isn’t quite correct. Here’s what Brian had on his draft tracker (I know, something I need to rebuild/update):
2004 H.S. pick
Brian Peacock (DFE)
2005 College picks
Tim Pahuta
Jack Spradlin
2006 H.S. picks
Chris Marrero
Stephen King
Brad Peacock (DFE)
2006 College picks
Cory VanAllen
Zech Zinicola
Cole Kimball
Hassan Pena
Erik Arnesen
Adam Carr
Sean Rooney
Robert Jacobsen
2007 College Picks
Brad Meyers
Adrian Alaniz
Jeff Mandel
Justin Phillabaum
Martin Beno
Shane Erb
Boomer Whiting
Dan Lyons
Bill Rhinehart
I’ve got a query out to see if/how I can determine which players are on the AA and AAA reserve lists for the minor-league phase of the draft, but I’m not terribly hopeful that I’ll have much success. Generally speaking, the minor-league phase of the draft will move around mostly pitchers and the plug holes. Last year, for example, the Nationals lost Terrence Engles and picked up Nick Moresi.
Thanks, Sue. That list reminds me, what do you think of Arnesen? He probably needs another year down on the farm, but he doesn’t seem too far away. Another soft tosser who makes it on brains & guile.
Arnesen may have reached his ceiling, but I wish for his sake that the Nats would give him a one-and-done turn in the rotation (e.g. cover a doubleheader) so that (a) he can say he pitched in the majors (b) he could potentially get claimed when he’s waived to go back down (and get a chance to impress a new organization.
My friend Shawn did an interview with him (Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4) a couple of years ago for his blog and I think you can see he’s a fine young man.
Agree with you Sue! Arnesen is a stand-up guy and under-rated by the Nats. Would be great if he at least got a shot at the show.
Thanks for the links, Sue. I guess (hope) we find out who the Nats are protecting by tomorrow a.m. I’m very much looking forward to finding out who they’re wiling to lose.
Looks like they’ve already lost Juan Jaime on waivers to the Diamondbacks. This could mean the Diamondbacks have been studying the Nats farm system and prospects very closely of late? One has to wonder about that?
Peric, you can’t be suggesting the Nats have interest in Upton-wink, wink. I’ve said that I’d love to see the Nats trade for a first baseman such as Logan Morrison or Smoat or Freeman. I’m not sure we have the goods to complete such a transaction, but it’s the route I wish the team would just try. And, of course, I’d love to see them get someone like Upton. By the way Sue, could Upton play center field.
If that’s a question, yes. But I think it’s a pipe dream that Washington would even try to go for Upton. It’s my understanding that the D-Backs are asking for multiple MLB-caliber players (e.g. Jacoby Ellsbury and Daniel Bard). I realize there’s one such trade idea being floated out there, clearly by someone that cannot remember 2002 all that well.
I have to fall on Sue_D’s side of the argument here – J.Upton would probably cost more in prospects than he might be worth in the long run (at least two MLB-proven players, given the BOS example of Ellsbury & Bard). What could the Nationals offer in comparison? Willingham (older FA in 2012 w/salary obligations) & Clippard (same age as Bard, w/similar skill set). They would probably need to surrender more than that – Probably one (or more) of Norris, Marrero, JZimm, or Bernadina.
That could be a lot of collateral damage to simply acquire a younger, controlled player at a position that’s aready competently filled at the ML-level with Willingham.