Email
PrintComments
Can't blame him
It’s the best move for him career-wise. He’ll be the closer this year, as Storen needs a bit more time. If he succeeds, he could get traded to a playoff club midseason. If he succeeds, he’ll get sniffs at other closing roles in the future, and he would also likely cash in during a better market (too many pen arms out there with late inning experience in this one).
by toonsterwu on Dec 23, 2009 5:32 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
that report doesn't sound for certain to me....am I reading it wrong?
A woman's guess is more accurate than a man's certainty.--Rudyard Kipling
by cooliogirl47 on Dec 23, 2009 5:52 PM CST up reply actions
It's not 100% official
probably more like 95%. I assume Buster has very credible sources, like someone who works for the Nats.
"I'm not an athlete, I'm a baseball player"
-John Kruk
Trust me....
They have to pay for players, no one else would even think about stepping on the field wearing that jersey
If you can’t the name on the front of the jersey right, I doubt they do much else right
That’s not true!!! WHY THE F*CK WOULD YOU SAY THAT YOU AHOLE!! Ok maybe your right but you gotta give a little something here for it to work. I don’t know what I’m going to do this is the worst thing I’ve ever read, this day could not get any worse. Fine, F*ck it, you’re right.
by Ditkavsworld
by gaclaudy on Dec 23, 2009 8:39 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
Every time I see it I have to Rec it.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
I actually like what the Nationals are doing.
Remember this isn’t the same guy that completely effed them.
Randy Wells. A product of the Roy Halladay School of Pitching, located in Toronto, Canada. Possible relocation.
Now Al, that's a slap in the face of all Nats fans...
this isn’t very nice, considering how indignant you were about Mark Grace’s comment.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 23, 2009 6:12 PM CST up reply actions
uhho
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
Would be hard to insult Nats fans more than Julian Tavarez
did when he signed with them last year. I hope Capps remembers his explanation for why signed with them.
“Why did I sign with the Nationals? When you go to a club at 4 in the morning, and you’re just waiting, waiting, a 600-pounder looks like J-Lo. And to me, this is Jennifer Lopez right here. It’s 4 in the morning. Too much to drink. So, Nationals: Jennifer Lopez to me.”
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 23, 2009 7:48 PM CST up reply actions
Are you serious?
Did he really say that?
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
yes that is a true quote
I remember reading it and laughing my ass off.
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
I always had a soft spot for Julian
An honest man.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 23, 2009 8:42 PM CST up reply actions
I had to post this.
This is Jennifer Lopez. Yes, it is — Felipe Lopez’s wife. He used to play for the Nationals. See, totally relevant.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
All two of them?
That’s not true!!! WHY THE F*CK WOULD YOU SAY THAT YOU AHOLE!! Ok maybe your right but you gotta give a little something here for it to work. I don’t know what I’m going to do this is the worst thing I’ve ever read, this day could not get any worse. Fine, F*ck it, you’re right.
by Ditkavsworld
I can't say whether he enjoys it,
but he’s certainly used to it.
"I have the time and hatred but not the knowledge." ~Madison Cub Fan (Aug. 25, 2009)
I posted at the same time as you
Not quite official but I’d assume it’ll happen. He woulda been good insurance for Carlos, but I think we can use that money elsewhere.
"I'm not an athlete, I'm a baseball player"
-John Kruk
the Nationals shockingly have some pitching now
While they are still going to finish in dead last, their offense combined with much better pitching may make them win around 75ish games.
Wrigley Bound in the Summer of 2010
I gotta say
How can you blame a guy for making the best financial decision for him? Furthermore, a case can be made that going to the Nats may put him in as good a position to make the playoffs as coming here would be … in that, if he does well, with Drew Storen ready for some role in 2010 and potentially closing in 2011, Capps could be dealt. That combination makes it tough for me to buy criticism of his decision on this.
Because....
when you say “best financial decision for him”, you’re talking about the fact that when he hits the free agent market in two years, he might be able to make $10 million a year instead of $7 or $8 million a year. If he was going to make $100,000 a year pitching for a contender, or $8 million of whatever pitching for a last place team, that’s different. Then, I say, go support your family. I liken this to Fred McGriff turning down a trade to the first place Cubs at the trade deadline in 2001 because he was comfortable playing for a last place team in his hometown. Same thing with Capps. Hey, if that’s your decision, fine. I’m in no position to tell people how to live their life. But don’t expect to be taken seriously as a ballplayer, because you’re basically a paycheck player. I agree with kanderber on this one. I want guys on the Cubs who want to win.
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004
two comments
a) The idea that going to the Nats places him in a weaker position to be in the playoffs is flawed. Assuming he succeeds, it all but guarantees that he will be traded, as Storen will be up at some point this season. Furthermore, while I’m far more positive thansay, BLou on the Cub’s chances in 2010, right now, I don’t see the Cubs as a playoff team (then again, I only see Philly and the Dodgers as a playoff teams)
b) I am not one to tell someone how to best provide for their family. Sure, it’s a lot of money either way, but that’s a judgment one must make for their own families .
Actually, a 3rd comment that ties in that I’ve argued below and elsewhere – it’s not only the best financial decision for him, it’s also the best careeer decision for him. It puts his future in the best possible position, while also putting him in line to be in the playoffs this year in a midseason deal.-0
The higher his career profile
the more choices he has when he signs his big deal, too.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
I'm not blaming him at all...
if he wants to go for the bigger offer (assuming the Cubs even made one), then that’s his choice. It does say that winning isn’t his top priority though, like it or not. You don’t sign a contract with the Nationals with the expectation that you’ll be pitching in October. You sign a contract with them because they offered the most money.
I think it is less the winning or losing
and more the chance to close. by being the everyday closer, he can gain value haeding to the trade deadline. Is there an outside chance the Nats might surprise people and be a contender this season, by adding Pudge and Capps, errrr
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
2011 is a more realistic year for a .500 push for them
At that point, the rotation could look solid (Strasburg/Zimmerman would be an awesome top 2, with Lannan a decent mid-rotation lefty and Marquis filling his innings eating role). The pen could be better with Drew Storen zipping 95-98. Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa could fill the holes up the middle. Derek Norris could be challenging Jesus Flores, and maybe they spend a little for corner OF/1st.
one side question
leaving aside all the “winning isn’t a big deal thing for a moment”, would you say that it’s fair that some players look for prestige as much as they look for winning or money? Even though pen arms are overrated, there is a fair case to be made that there is additional prestige with being a closer.
Btw, I’m pretty sure the spec is that the Cubs offered more money.
Can't blame him
but certainly this is a money move, and not I want a chance to go to a possible playoff team move.
"But it doesn't matter what I do, what I choose. I'm what's wrong. This is fate" - Dexter season 4....I mean Lovie season 6.
Good for Capps
He might not be cut out to play in a pressure cooker. And if that was his determination then he did the Cubs and himself a big favor.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
I figured you were going accuse him of fleecing the Nats out of $.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 23, 2009 6:26 PM CST up reply actions
honestly
i think his determination was to make the best career choice for him. I don’t get why people are overlooking that fact.
If he failed as a setup man in Chicago, he would
a) likely limit his earnings potential
b) likely limit the sniffs he gets at closing jobs in the near future
If he failed as a closer in Washington, he likely would still get opportunities to be a setup man somewhere.
If he succeeds as a closer in Washington, he puts himself back on the market in a better situation (coming off a better year, in a better market, and potentially, a better economy). If he succeeds in Washington as a closer, he could himself in a playoff race, as some teams are likely to chase him as a result of that.
If he succeeds as a setup man in Chicago, he’d likely get sniffs at closing roles, but the impact wouldn’t be as great.
Overall, it’s disappointing as a Cubs fan, but it simply is the best decision possible for him.
by toonsterwu on Dec 23, 2009 6:55 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
toonster is right on here.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
Absolutely.
This is a good example of (some) fans not thinking objectively. Capps made the right decision, for himself. I would have liked to have him, but I can’t blame him either.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Besides, I'm not so sure the Nationals and Cubs won't finish somewhat similarily in the 2010 standings
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
okie dokie
Eric Hanna and FAN of the BULLS, the two greatest BCBers in the history of mankind
by jesus christos on Dec 23, 2009 6:35 PM CST up reply actions
FINALLY!!! Someing your not certain of!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 23, 2009 6:53 PM CST up reply actions
Are you just being your usual blowhard self or do you really mean that?
because I would love to see you make that part of your signature line and have the balls to keep it until the 2010 season is over.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Mr, Optimism!
Why do you even bother, this causes you such angst.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Dec 23, 2009 7:02 PM CST reply actions
Meh.
I would have like to have him, but it’s not the end of the world. Lots of arms out there.
I was worried that they’d overpay him anyway.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Dec 23, 2009 7:15 PM CST reply actions
curious
does anyone know for sure that the Cubs made an offer??
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
Of course, Jim was bidding against himself, clearly,
but Capps said, “No, Jim, I don’t want to take that big, juicy offer, for fear of what the blogs might say.”
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
ahhh yes, the BCB reject excuse
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
It's obvious...
Nyger Morgan was more persuasive than John Grabrow.
"Pinky, are you pondering what I'm pondering?"--The Brain
obviously
Grabow doesn’t bring good chemistry to the table
/sarcasm
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer
by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 23, 2009 11:04 PM CST up reply actions
The Cubs will end up trying to trade for him
Book it. The Nationals will be unloading players they can’t afford to pay as they play in an empty stadium again this year. They’ll end up paying him 2/3 of the salary and get a player or two in return for him.
Well, I still prefer Kelvim Escobar.
If healthy – he’ll be great. If not, Caridad will be.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
Escobar in the pen
might be nice, but I get the feeling he’ll get an offer to start.
Well
if he can actually start – offer him that first.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
Rather than act like he just insulted our sister...
I say we just wish him well. The Nationals have some interesting players anyway, so why begrudge him his choice? (Which also makes sense for reasons outlined above)
If he went to the Mets or Cardinals, I’d say we take to the streets with pitchforks and burning effigies. But he didn’t…
(As a final thought, I’m also fine with it because I figure the Cubs were just saved from overpaying for a reliever whose production we can get elsewhere…for less.)
by CubsWin!Oregon on Dec 23, 2009 8:49 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd
My thoughts exactly.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Dec 23, 2009 8:58 PM CST reply actions
Link
… for some reason didn’t work.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2009/12/nothing_official_yet_with_capp.html
speaking of closers coming off bad years
the pirates are talking to gregg!
Eric Hanna and FAN of the BULLS, the two greatest BCBers in the history of mankind
by jesus christos on Dec 23, 2009 10:05 PM CST reply actions
And, apparently, Octavio Dotel.
Thus, the Pirates are going from a bullpen with bad, young relievers, to one with bad, old relievers.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
does it honestly surprise you? haha
I don’t think (besides Cedeno) I can name a single starting player on that team. They’ve truly blown it up in Pittsburgh. I could see them losing 110 games next year
Wrigley Bound in the Summer of 2010
one of the Wilsons, right?
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
he got traded to seattle
Eric Hanna and FAN of the BULLS, the two greatest BCBers in the history of mankind
by jesus christos on Dec 23, 2009 11:51 PM CST up reply actions
ok, i got nothing then
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
Any LaRoche's left ?
Only guy I can rember without cheating is McLouth.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 24, 2009 1:05 AM CST up reply actions
Um nevermind. I just googled him
Forgot about the trade. I got nothing too.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 24, 2009 1:06 AM CST up reply actions
andy is still left
Eric Hanna and FAN of the BULLS, the two greatest BCBers in the history of mankind
by jesus christos on Dec 24, 2009 2:29 AM CST up reply actions
at least they're paid appropriately
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer
by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 23, 2009 11:05 PM CST up reply actions
Interesting.
Blou said JH’s ’10 would be defined by Byrd and Capps, so if Capps is on the Nats, does that mean Capps shuts down the Cubs in game 7 of the NLCS? DAMNIT!!! CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPPS!!!!
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Well
Now it’s official. Capps to the Nats.
Capps, Nats agree to deal
At roughly 1 a.m., the Nationals got their man.
Making their clearest step yet to improve a bullpen and end their pained search for a closer, the Washington Nationals on Wednesday reached a deal with free agent reliever Matt Capps, according to agent Paul Kinzer.
You know you are having a rough off-season when...
the Nats and Orioles are smoking us. Now of course they both didn’t have millions locked up in mediocre/bust players as Cubs do but both have really improved their teams and should rank top 5 grading-wise in terms of off-season moves. I personally don’t think Capps was anything special but the Marquis signing was good for the Nats.
I wouldn't call that "smoking us".
As you say, Capps wasn’t anything special, and the Cubs shouldn’t be spending $7.5m a year on Jason Marquis.
I still don’t think that makes the Nats anything more than a 70-win team.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I don't know...
The Nationals look like they’re doing a real fine job addressing their bullpen. They look good defensively up the middle, and Marquis will help a bit. I would be surprised to see them edge a bit closer toward .500 than that, especially if they are able to bring Hudson in on the cheap.
Smart move by Capps, by the way.
by Damen Jackson on Dec 24, 2009 12:55 PM CST up reply actions
I suppose.
If the Nats tank again, they could always trade him somewhere.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Even if they don't tank
They will, more than likely, deal him. I mean, chances are that they’ll be in that 70 win range. I’m a little disappointed the Nats never tried Drew Storen as a starter, but his stuff is filthy and he is close to being ready for a big league role. That said, Storen will likely get called up at some point this season, and with Capps on a one year deal and Storen the future closer, I imagine they will deal Capps if a decent deal came along, irrespective of where they are in the standings, unless they are surprisingly in the playoff chase (put that at 1% … and that might be high).
Sure...
and I meant “wouldn’t be surprised”, of course.
by Damen Jackson on Dec 24, 2009 1:36 PM CST up reply actions
Middle infield is one of the Nats strengths.
Signing Hudson would be stupid. They need pitching.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
i haven't heard this hudson talk
it makes no sense at all, if it’s true. Cristian Guzman has moved over to 2nd … so I’m not sure where they would play Hudson. Of course, they coudl always change their mind and shift him back to short for a year, but they seem intent on giving the youngsters a look.
There's been some discussion about Hudson...
at least among Nats fans. Some wouldn’t mind seeing Hudson go there. Guzman isn’t that enthused about moving over to second, according to some accounts.
"Pinky, are you pondering what I'm pondering?"--The Brain
They have a real hot SS prospect in Ian Desmond.
Like I said, they need to spend their $ on pitching.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I think Desmond could handle being shortstop...
and I agree with you, the Nats money would be better spent on pitdhing.
"Pinky, are you pondering what I'm pondering?"--The Brain
MLB.com
Reported a few days ago that he’s still being discussed inside the Nationals organization, so it’s actually more than fan chatter. I’ve seen the reports elsewhere also, and get the sense that they’re waiting to see how he’s priced.
by Damen Jackson on Dec 24, 2009 5:53 PM CST up reply actions
Well, not sure that I agree there
But, whatever.
This team looks to be trying to change the culture as much as they are the on-field product. Guys like Rodriguez and Marquis are going to provide that team a little direction and leadership in the clubhouse, and helpfully smooth the transition of some of this younger talent in major-leaguers. Picking up a Hudson, assuming that it’s a moderately-priced deal, is just a continuation of that.
It’s a good strategy, and a real breath of fresh air from the Bowden days.
by Damen Jackson on Dec 24, 2009 2:01 PM CST up reply actions
lets take stock here
close for a last place team and get about 20 saves or be a setup man on a possible contender with a chance to get a save opportunity here and there ? He must not really care about winning that much. I give the nats no more than 60 wins next season.
Someday we'll go all the way.
by Cubbinstrongsince86 on Dec 24, 2009 7:21 PM CST reply actions
60 wins?
I’ve addressed the other parts above. You do realize that pyth had them with a much better w-l and much of that was traced to the bad pen. Add in overall improvement this offseason, and I think they’ll be in that 70-80 win range.
thats all well and good, but...
they led all of baseball with 143 errors. As far as I can tell they’re pretty much the same team defensively with the addition of ivan rodriguez. My point is that you can upgrade your bullpen all you want, but if you can’t field the ball and make the plays it isn’t going to matter. Bad defense will sink any good team despite who maybe in the bullpen.
Someday we'll go all the way.
by Cubbinstrongsince86 on Dec 25, 2009 5:16 PM CST up reply actions
Errors, of course, are not the best measure of defense.
Actually, the Nats have a very good defensive 3B in Zimmerman, and their SS prospect Desmond is pretty good, too.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Defense
Their defense should be improved as well.
a) Adam Dunn will likely be at 1st base on a regular basis. They need his bat in the lineup, and 1st base is the best place to hide him.
b) Nyjer Morgan will be back. That will be huge for them, to have Morgan chasing things down in the middle.
c) Jesus Flores will be behind the dish. That should be an upgrade as well.
d) The middle infield – took some time to catch up on the news there. Sounds like they are pondering going after Orlando Hudson. If they stick with their original plan, Guzman at 2nd and Desmond at short would’ve been an upgrade.
We’ll have to see how the middle infield situation will play out, but overall, their defense in 2010 should be better.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Cubs By The Numbers
Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.
Click here to order your copy, available now!
Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges
Baseball Nation Recent Stories
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Ku Klux Klan, umpires and bowling: Why the minor leagues tossed out Jim Evans academy
- The Cardinals Hall of Fame can now be found at Bill Clinton’s library in Arkansas (Huh?)
- Will Bryce Harper start the season with the Nationals?
- Mitch Mustain puts football behind him, signs reported rookie deal with White Sox
- Robinson Cano and Denzel Washington face off in Jay Leno’s Yankees trivia contest
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
