Wednesday’s News & Notes — Playoff Edition
| Team | Yesterday | Today | Probable Pitchers |
| Potomac | OFF DAY | vs. Lynchburg, 7:05 p.m. |
Whiting (11-3, 3.45) vs. Esparza (2-4, 3.92) |
| Hagerstown | OFF DAY | @ Lakewood, 7:05 p.m. |
Rodriguez (7-11, 4.96) vs. Tirado (7-1, 3.90) |
Potomac vs. Lynchburg – C.L. Division Series
For the third time in three seasons, the Hillcats and P-Nats will square off in the first round of the Carolina League Playoffs. In 2013 and 2014, Potomac prevailed 2-0 in the best-of-three series, but also had home-field advantage as double-half winners. This season, it’s just the opener in Woodbridge, then Game 2 and Game 3 (if necessary) in Lynchburg. The Hillcats took 12 of the 22 games between the two teams, but the P-Nats won five of nine in the second half. Pitching matchups have not yet been announced beyond tonight, but if the rotation is not altered, it’ll be Hector Silvestre in Game 2 and Matt Crownover in Game 3.
Hagerstown vs. Lakewood – S.A.L. Division Series
Like Potomac, Hagerstown makes its first playoff appearance since 2014. The Suns have been on the road since August 29, but like most 80+ game winners, have played well both home and away (44-26 vs. 39-31). Hagerstown dominated Lakewood early (11-0) but won just four of the last 11 games against the Phillies affiliate. According to MiLB.com, the playoff rotation will be Jefry Rodriguez, Tyler Watson, and (if necessary) Joan Baez. Roster moves: RHP Luis Reyes placed on the 7-Day DL.
I’m not too excited about Hagerstown’s rotation. I like Watson but even he’s struggled a bit since his promotion.
Karl, I liked your new top ten prospects in the last post. Would concur with eight or nine of your picks. However, I’d take Stevenson or Severino well ahead of Voth. I especially like Severino and think he is the most underrated prospect in the system.
In case anyone was wondering Schrock was promoted to AA and finished the season much like he began- really well, albeit in a small sample size. He posted a .391 avg and looks poised to potentially make a big league impact sometime next year. I still can’t come to terms with that trade…
My issue wasn’t so much trading Schrock, though I was sorry to see him go, it was the lousy return. A one month rental of a lefty middle reliever whose peripheral stats were terrible with the A’s was not the kind of bullpen fix that the team needed heading into the playoffs.
At the time the trade was made it was a fait accompli that the Nats were going to make the playoffs; so, the trade was not even a two month rental; it was a playoff rental. The Nats return on giving up Schrock turns on whether Rzcepzynski helps the Nats advance in the playoffs or not. If he gets a key lefty out as part of a playoff or even a World Series win, the deal accomplished its purpose. If Rzcepzynksi fails to get the job done or if the Nats lose in the NLDS without a contribution from him, the deal was a failure. The deal is really going to come down to the handful of hitters he faces in October, and whether he gets outs or not.
Agree that the “Zep” trade was a playoff rental, and will be judged on his playoff
contribution. It was also a consequence of the Melancon deal. With the loss of
Rivero, Nats were left without a healthy/reliable non-specialist lefty, and they
had to have one, especially the way that Dusty likes matchups. So Billy B. had
a real advantage, and the price (Schrock) reflects that.
+1
Congrats to Tony Renda on getting promoted to the Reds. The Nats have done very well developing undersized second basemen who can hit.
So no word on Dunning or Soto (or even Banks) getting bumped up to Hagerstown for the playoffs?
No, I’m pretty sure they’re not eligible. Most leagues have a rule that you have to be on the 25-man roster about a week to ten days before the playoffs start, and players from higher levels are prohibited unless they’ve played at least 2/3rds of their PAs in the league. Both rules are designed to prohibit teams from “loading up” rosters.