Nats Acquire Willingham and Olsen
by Galvan316 on Nov 10, 2008 7:00 PM CST
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PrintESPN is reporting that The Washington Nationals Monday, agreed to a trade for left fielder Josh Willingham and lefty starter Scott Olsen of the Florida Marlins for a package of players.
The Nats traded away second baseman Emilio Bonifacio, who hit .243 in 49 games last season, and two minors leaguers in pitcher P.J. Dean and shortstop Jake Smolinski
Pretty interesting considering that the Nats had an outside shot at landing Holliday who was dealt to the A's earlier.
Discuss
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They got a pretty decent hitter in Willingham.
I’ve always thought that Willingham is a solid outfield. I don’t care much for Olsen, but the Nats got one player who is already a solid player and in Olsen they have a talent who they can hope to polish up a bit on and off the field.
Interesting deal.
I doubt the Marlins are dealing Nolasco or Hermida now.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Yep - that's the first thing I thought.
But you never know – sometimes they like to dump everyone and start fresh. I wonder where Willingham will play for the Nats.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Does it matter?
The Nats are so bad, they could play him anywhere and it would improve their offense.
I will say that you’re right, it’s still possible they could move other pieces. If Hermida’s available, go get him.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
It could matter if Jim wanted to seek Austin Kearns again
but Kearns is a righty so that shouldn’t be a problem. I’m also interested if anyone’s going to ever try Willingham at C again.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Catcher?
Doubt it. He has caught 15 major league games, none since 2006 (and only 2 then). He wasn’t very good, which is why he was moved to the outfield in the first place.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
oh i bet they deal hermida...
from what i am to understand they want him gone
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
btw i dont think they were ever going to deal nolasco
unless you have heard something that no one else have i have not seen nolasco being shopped in any report anywhere. he is cost controlled for a while without any issues normally not the type of player they deal
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
The problem is...
… Nolasco is in line for a huge arb raise this offseason. That’s why I heard he might be on the market.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
meh i follow this pretty closely just as you do
and i can honestly say that i have not seen one thing anywhere about his availability. I would love to get him back though. That is for sure. That has got to be one fo the worst trades…. WOuld have been interesting to see how it would have worked without the injuries though.
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
Not all "available" players...
… are talked about by the various writers who write about these rumors. Just because he hasn’t been written about doesn’t mean you couldn’t get him, for the right offer.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
no but the marlins are normally pretty fair and honest about which players they are selling
it really isnt a secret whether it is them trading gary sheffield, miguel cabrera or josh beckett..
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
Actually, Cabrera was a bit of a surprise, wasn't he?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
nah they said before the deal about a week before as i remember
that both him and dontrelle were available for the right price
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
Shame
Nolasco would look great in the blue. Who knows what the Marlins will do, I can see more movement with them, its is just a guess who goes next.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
Nolasco was once on the Cubs (as you know) ... and I too wish he were back "home"
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
like I said in my Holliday post
the Rockies-A’s trade might be the first domino of the offseason.
Bonifacio to the Marlins means Uggla is probably moving off 2b. Willingham to DC means that Wily Mo Pena is almost certainly gone one way or another. Not a bad young OF with Milledge, Dukes, and Willingham…just gotta wonder how many felonies the Nats might rack up with Olsen and Dukes combined.
Uggla could be moved altogether.
I was hoping the Cubs would be able to trade a 2B for Hermida. Now we’ll have to try a different approach. The player Jim should really be asking about – just in case, he’s available and before any Peavy trade happens – is Hanley Ramirez.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Come on.
I can’t envision any scenario in which Hanley becomes available. When you factor in his position and the improvements in his defense one can make a case for him being the best player on the planet. Not the best young player, but the best player.
Miguel Cabrera was moved last year.
You’ve got to ask.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
The Marlins signed Hanley to a multi-year extension last season.
They are making him the face of the francise.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Nov 10, 2008 9:47 PM CST up reply actions
I said one can make the case that he is the best player.
When you adjust for position and age you could make the case that he is the most valuable player in the entire league.
don't worry - Jimbo will be making that call to Florida...
…just as soon as he gets done talking to Ruben Amaro to about Jimmy Rollins. Now if only Omar would text him back about Jose Reyes…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
that would be awesome
but I can’t imagine it would happen. Hanley is locked down through 2014 at a pretty darn reasonable price. Uggla will go over to 3rd, Hanley will stay…but like you say, can’t hurt to ask (just prepare to be laughed at by the Marlins mgmt : )
by PrincetonCubs on Nov 10, 2008 8:06 PM CST up reply actions
I forgot they locked him up.
I realized after I thought about it that we’d get outbid anyway.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Didnt they lock up Hanley a few years ago
In one of those Longoria type deals so he’d be cheaper through his arb eligible years?
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
Nats in 09!
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
3009!
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
I made a bet with a friend that they would finish 3rd in that division, hovering round .500
And I think that is where people thought they would be too. The Nationals have NOTHING besides a decent bat out of Zimmeran
THIS SIGNATURE HAS BEEN CONFISCATED BY THE GRAMMAR POLICE
eh well I hope you prove me wrong
I’d love for DC to do well since I live so close to that team. But I have to say they have the worst pitching in the Majors. I wouldn’t doubt if some AAA team had a better one!
THIS SIGNATURE HAS BEEN CONFISCATED BY THE GRAMMAR POLICE
Come on, the Rays were loaded w/ top prospects
The Nats arent
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
I keep reading the word above
but I don’t get it…
THIS SIGNATURE HAS BEEN CONFISCATED BY THE GRAMMAR POLICE
Hot stove
is boiling hot now. lets go hendry feed us fans that have nothing better to do but wait on you to give us something to talk about.
Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!
Scott Olsen is now their number one starter
Bet he’s happy
THIS SIGNATURE HAS BEEN CONFISCATED BY THE GRAMMAR POLICE
jim bowden
is becoming the jerry jones of baseball. what an idiot!
Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!
Not really.
The Nationals have a pitcher by the name of Shawn Hill who if healthy, could be a fairly solid front of the rotation starter. His only problem is that there is always something nagging him. In 2007, the only season which he had over ten starts, he had only four wins but a fairly strong 3.42 ERA over just under 100 IP. They also have John Lannan, who at this point is better than Olsen.
I disagree, as of right now I'd say Olsen is a more established, effective pitcher than those two
Potential wise, sure Lannan and Hill could be pretty good
THIS SIGNATURE HAS BEEN CONFISCATED BY THE GRAMMAR POLICE
Yeah, my immediate reaction to this trade was...
…if Scott Olsen had behaviorial issues before, he’s probably not going to get much better playing in DC.
“What?! You traded me to the Washington Nationals?! They didn’t even win 60 games last season! You hate me, Dad. You’ve always hated me!”
“Um, yes, we did you trade you to Washington and I’m not your Dad.”
"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.
I would think Jeremy Hermida is off the market now
If he was ever on to begin with.
McGrath: I got a good deal on those boys. The scouts said they showed a lot of promise.
Reggie Dunlop: They brought their f***in' TOYS with 'em!
McGrath: Well, I'd rather have em playin with their toys than playin with themselves.
Reggie Dunlop: They're too dumb to play with themselves. Boy, every piece of garbage that comes into the market and you gotta buy it!
whaddya think
about uggla?? think he’s traded to a team like the cards??
Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!
Uggla is one-dimensional and an awful 2nd baseman
I sure wouldn’t give up a lot to acquire Dan Uggla if I’m another team. Seems to me the Cardinals would want to make a better acquisition than that.
McGrath: I got a good deal on those boys. The scouts said they showed a lot of promise.
Reggie Dunlop: They brought their f***in' TOYS with 'em!
McGrath: Well, I'd rather have em playin with their toys than playin with themselves.
Reggie Dunlop: They're too dumb to play with themselves. Boy, every piece of garbage that comes into the market and you gotta buy it!
There was some talk he'd be moved to third anyway, right?
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
Or situational lefty out of the pen!!!
I know he throws right, but I’d put $100 on that bastard being ambidextrous!
by jbertram on Nov 10, 2008 8:21 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Sorry
My post was missing punctation. Uggla won’t move to 3rd. With the trade of Jacobs, he may be headed to 1st.
seems to me
uggla is too short to play 1st.
Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!
Agreed
McGrath: I got a good deal on those boys. The scouts said they showed a lot of promise.
Reggie Dunlop: They brought their f***in' TOYS with 'em!
McGrath: Well, I'd rather have em playin with their toys than playin with themselves.
Reggie Dunlop: They're too dumb to play with themselves. Boy, every piece of garbage that comes into the market and you gotta buy it!
he'll end up at third
or traded, one or the other, i’d imagin
by PrincetonCubs on Nov 10, 2008 10:38 PM CST up reply actions
Call the police
Florida was totally robbed in this trade. If the rumor that the Nats are in the market for Tex is true, they could be an interesting team next year. Not interesting enough to pass the Phillies and Mets, but enough to not be a bottom feeder anymore. Not that I think that should be the way to go for them though.
I still think Hermida, Nolasco, Uggla etc. are still on the block, and after this trade, maybe for a much lower price than we originally thought.
Some people have 3 layers, like pie. Blog Blog Blog
sure looks like it
but the marlins seem to always get the better of all trades
Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!
Bonifacio is the real deal
Defense, speed, a high ceiling, and youth. The Nats may come out ahead but that hinges on Willingham’s balky back (cue the people who say we should not consider Furcal for that exact reason) and Olsen’s ability to keep his shady character in check.
I don’t think the Marlins come out as badly as people are making it seem…
I disagree 100%
Nothing I saw in Bonifacio excited me very much. He does have speed I’ll give you that. A fielding percentage of .958 at 2nd in his short time in Washington did nothing to make me think he is an above average defender.
His minor league line was .285 / .340 / .362. That was enhanced thanks to a good line in 2006 in high A.
He also strikes out way too much for someone with no power. I think Bowden did well here.
Bonifacio
No power, but I disagree about his bat. You mention his good season in High A, but you fail to mention that his previous seasons in low A and rookie ball pull his overall numbers down.
Minor League numbers:
2003 [rk] .199 avg, .298 obp, .219 slg
2004 [low a] .260 avg, .319 obp, .306 slg
2005 [low a] .271 avg, .341 obp, .330 slg
2006 [high a] .321 avg, .375 obp, .449 slg
2007 [aa] .285 avg, .333 obp, .352 slg
2008 [aaa-pcl] .302 avg, .348 obp, .387 slg
2008 [aaa-il] .452 avg, .500 obp, .516 slg (small sample size)
His bb:kk ratio is bad. He’s still young though so if they can teach him some discipline at the plate he could be a very good top of the order guy with his plus speed.
I'm just not a believer in players learning discipline
in the majors. By that time, they are usually set in their ways. Of course there are some that change but that’s rare.
I guess in Bonifacio you see a potential Luis Castillo in his prime. I see someone like Neifi Perez without the Colorado effect.
completely agree there
The majors is not where you learn discipline. He’d need to spend more time in the minors.
Luis Castillo
I don’t think Bonifacio ever gets his OBP that high…maybe more of a Chone Figgins light type player.
Uggla not being traded
per mlbtraderumors.com tonight. Just to put those Uggla rumors to bed.
Like everyone else, I think we can stop hoping for Hermida now. If he gets traded then exactly who will the Marlins put in the outfield besides Maybin? I guess if they’re in full rebuild mode then they’d consider throwing anyone out there, but Hermida is still young enough to be part of a rebuilding effort.
Rosenthal: Hermida could be next
A few things of interest in Ken Rosenthal’s recent article:
1) The Padres sent revised offers to the Cubs and Braves Monday for Peavy. Both clubs say they aren’t improving their offers. The Braves are saying they may move on when the open market starts.
2) A few words on the closer market – he says the Mets are the only ones who have made that a top priority
3) Marlins trades – Speculates: Uggla stays, Bonifacio becomes a utility player; Amezaga goes;
Reliever Kevin Gregg likely is next, and right fielder Jeremy Hermida is another possibility.
4) Mentions the Blue Jays as a suitor for Dempster. I remember reading something before about their owner wanting Canadians on the team.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Dempster to Toronto is legitimate
One, AJ Burnett has decided to go free agent and that has for all intents and purposes ended any chance of his return to the Blue Jays because the owner and JP Riccardi are ticked off. Two, the Blue Jays are a team on the verge of good things. Three, Dempster is obviously Canadian. Four, the exchange rate and changing tax situation in each country actually plays to the favor of Dempster signing with a Canadian team from a financial perspective assuming of course that a U.S. deal versus a Toronto deal are relatively close.
McGrath: I got a good deal on those boys. The scouts said they showed a lot of promise.
Reggie Dunlop: They brought their f***in' TOYS with 'em!
McGrath: Well, I'd rather have em playin with their toys than playin with themselves.
Reggie Dunlop: They're too dumb to play with themselves. Boy, every piece of garbage that comes into the market and you gotta buy it!
Actually, the Canadian dollar is down quite a bit from its peak last summer.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Al, FYI on the free agent frenzy
You might need to post something again or change the original to clarify the instructions. People still arent’ getting it.
Either that, or change all my point totals to 15 ;-)
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 11, 2008 9:44 AM CST up reply actions
Maybe everyone should bid in Canadian dollars.
:)
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Better yet Yen. We'd all be rich then.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 11, 2008 10:07 AM CST up reply actions
Hill or Harden?
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 11, 2008 10:38 AM CST up reply actions
If wishes were yen, we'd all be rich.
"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.
Valid points, but
Dempster lives in Colorado now
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 11, 2008 9:43 AM CST up reply actions
How's the Colorado dollar doing these days?
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Nov 11, 2008 9:44 AM CST up reply actions
I've got a few of the quarters . . .
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 11, 2008 9:54 AM CST up reply actions
Hm, I must confess...
…it hadn’t occurred to me that Demp might end up in Toronto. Y’know, assuming the Cubs don’t/can’t re-sign him, this would actually be a good result. He’d be back in his home country and the Cubs would hardly ever have to face him.
"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.
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