Barry...you're awesome! Thanks for the AM update. I'd love to see some of that young D-Back talent come this way...likely Mike Rizzo finds, no?

Would love to see Chris Young in a Nats uniform. He should be expendable considering Justin Upton's imminent rise to the Bigs next year.

I believe I actually mentioned this about 10 days ago :)

Would love to see Chris Young in a Nats uniform. He should be expendable considering Justin Upton's imminent rise to the Bigs next year.

I believe I actually mentioned this about 10 days ago :)

Dang it, sorry, double post.

As much as getting Chris B. Young (not to be confused with the Friars' Chris R. Young) to roam the outfield next year at SoCapStad would be excellent, considering he's the D'backs' HR leader, I doubt they'd part with him in their drive to win the NL West. Personally, if we traded Chief to AZ, getting Chad Tracy and maybe an A-ball starter would be fine by me. Tracy isn't playing as much 3B as he used to with Mark Reynolds playing there quite a bit and he (Tracy) could spell Zim or Meat at either corner or provide a left-handed alternative to Jimenez off the bench.

Just more proof of the Post's incomplete Nats coverage. What was on the pizza? From whom did they order it?

Chirs Young looks like a dynamic player for years to come. That would be fun. They have a couple of other outfielders in that system as well. It really does seem to be a different trade market these last few years. Even contenders seem reluctant to trade prospects.

I've also been wondering about the Tigers and Athletics. Those teams have prospects a plenty and questionable (unhealthy) relief. Any indication that those teams are serious?

What's so great about Ray King? Am I missing something here? For someone who gives up a run in every other inning he pitches, I fail to see what all the excitement is about.

Natsbisquit -

It's unfortunately a fallacy that the Tigers have "prospects aplenty". It is one reason they're in trade market. They have no help in the minor league system. Other than Cameron Maybin - who seems to be untouchable - almost all their pre-season prospects have flamed out this year. My guess is they won't be a trading partner for Rauch. Below is pretty good site for investigating which organization has what.

http://www.fantasybaseballhub.com/minor_league_prospects.html

Nice one John in Mpls!

(not to be confused with John from Cincinnati - anyone watch that HBO show?)

Especially since we heard Cal and some O's ordered roasted quail, herbed potatoes with summer vegetables at Cooperstown. Travesty.

Can someone explain how Bowden got it in his head that the Tigers would give up their best position prospect for a RELIEVER!?

Starter, I could see but relievers are usually good for diamond in the rough type of prospects.

Talking of high-rated prospects: Knowing how Bowden and Krivsky love each other, as recently as Memorial Day I'd have been tempted to inveigle them into a teleconference and suggest Cordero for Homer Bailey straight up.

Good thing I didn't, although the fireworks would have been entertaining. Bailey's line since then reads like an unlisted telephone number, and he's back in Louisville stinking out the joint. But, Lord, he was fun while he lasted.

The same way he got it into his head that Soriano was worth Kendrick and Weaver from the Angels last year?

-----

Can someone explain how Bowden got it in his head that the Tigers would give up their best position prospect for a RELIEVER!?

Barry --

the Astros DFA'd Morgan Ensberg the other day. Would the Nats be interested in picking him up? It was just two seasons ago that he belted 36 homers and knocked in over 100 runs. Sure he's a 3B, but maybe he could play 1B or OF, or be a decent PH?

Looking Bronxward: Jose Tabata, anyone?

(Memo to the Chief: Vertical stripes are slimming.)

Interesting.

A poll on the official Nats site asks, "Who is the most important player on the Nationals?"

492 people have voted. Here are the results:

Shawn Hill: 12 votes (2%)
Ronnie Belliard: 28 votes (6%)
Dmitri Young: 144 votes (29%)
Ryan Zimmerman: 308 votes (63%)

"Can someone explain how Bowden got it in his head that the Tigers would give up their best position prospect for a RELIEVER!?"

Hi, I'm Jim Bowden, and I believe in trading just the bare minimum for my team, 'cause, let's face it, they're not really any good.

Hi, I'm Jim Bowden, and I believe in setting the price high for these guys, because they can all be major parts in a contender, so you should give me the very best you have in exchange for them.

Which one do you think should be the general manager?

Let's add to that the fact that whenever you haggle you NEVER start off asking for what you actually expect to pay. All these rumors of pie-in-the-sky trades actually raise the value of the players.

Some things to digest -

I don't follow the D'Backs and don't claim to be an expert on their up and coming talent but it seems absurd to me that they would trade Chris Young this afternoon for Cordero. My understanding is that Young is one of their best players this year and any deal for Cordero would be made in an attempt to make the play-offs. And I doubt they are counting on Justin Upton or any other AAA hand to contribute to that run.

So that leaves us with a couple of options in this hypothetical scenario. Trade Cordero for prospects (who will probably be in the major leagues in two to three years). Or hold onto Cordero and trade him to the D'Backs for Young in the offseason - after they fail to make the play-offs because Valverde self-destructs in the next month. At that point, the D'Backs (or whichever teams don't make the play-offs)are much more likely to deal on co-equal terms.

I find myself coming to the defense of JimBow perhaps too much these days but I found the comments concerning the Texeira trade on Baseball TOnight (last night) remarkable. Laudatory priase was being dished out to Texas (by Steve Phillips, I think) for getting Salamochia and some good minor leaguers. It was said that they must have driven a hard bargain because "normally a team like the Braves wouldn't want to give-up a major leaguer or any of its good prospects to make such a trade." [or words to that effect] The inference being that the Rangers (and any small-market team) should have just given Texeira (or any potential all-star) away since they were not going to be able to sign him for next year. Ridiculous. I beleive that the national media simply prefers to have all it superstars in major markets so it doesn't have to worry about covering play-off baseball in Pittsburg or Kansas City. Am ranting, I know - but it reminded me of their attitude last year toward Soriano and the generally dismissive idea that he should be playing ball in Washington. If the idea of making a trade that strengthens your organization is what is meant by "asking too much" than perhaps JimBow has been unfairly accused.

With that in mind, the Tigers should trade their best prospect for a reliever if they feel like they need that particular reliever to make the play-offs, win the World Series, or whatever their motivation and calculus in balancing the organizations short-term and long-term goals. Nobody is going to make them make the trade - but neither is it anybody else's responsiblility to see that they get to defend their pennant.

A final note about the D'Backs - should we really be dealing with people who stole our uniforms?

John in Mpls sez: "Just more proof of the Post's incomplete Nats coverage. What was on the pizza? From whom did they order it?"

Well, unless Stan has completely dropped the ball in cutting his marketing deals, it had better have been a Papa John's pizza, personally delivered by Screech, with footage shown on what passes for a big screen at RFK...

John in Mpls, you gotta love these polls.

"Most important" could mean anything:
- Right now, this instant, da Meat.
- Long-term-careerwise, and now on the squad, Zimm.
- Long-term-careerwise, and down on the farm, Chris Marrero.
- At 7:05 tonight, Matt Chico.
- In the top of the ninth at least one night this week, the Chief.
- For a face to put onto a baseball card... hmm, Zimm ain't bad-lookin' at all. Detwiler looks like the Arrow Shirt Man, though.
- A tattooist's answer to prayer: Jon Rauch.
- A beat writer's answer to prayer: Rob Fick.

Heck, ask the right question and Matt LeCroy could get some votes.

John in Mpls,

How is that interesting? A poll landsliding Zimmerman as the most important Nat right now is like asking a group of Chicago Bull fans who their favorite all time player is (though personally I would go with BJ Armstrong).

I think what we all need to be concerned with is that if Austin Kearns' ears continue to grow he will soon be able to hear all of the negative comments coming from the upper deck every game.

506: I'm liking your Bowden characterizations.

The one from Bristol, though, goes something like this:

"Hi, I'm Jim Bowden, and I'm all mad because I gave up my job on Cold Pizza to audition for the male lead in Little Miss Sunshine, and then that [RF] Greg Kinnear juked me outta that, so here I am. Wanna ballplayer? Hah... hah... "

[* frothing at mouth, etc. *]

Tim Brown: Nats after Carlos Quentin (AZ RF). Mike Rizzo addores him.

Jeff Passan: Dodgers offered FuturesGame MVP (SS) Hu for Rauch. Theyd be silly not to take that!!!

Boston is going back to Cordero since they cant get Gagne (or so it appears).
Indians offering up Cliff Lee. Cordero for Lee+a prospect or two???

e -

Re: Morgan Ensberg

Be leery of the hitters who

A) Had precipitous drops in power numbers the last two years. Drug testing any one?
B) Play in band boxes. Didn't Houston alter their stadium after 2005 because of the ridiculous # of HRs there. Does anyone remember?

Love it, Hendo. Maybe we should have Bowden Day today and all try to do impressions in order to send him good vibes to Do The Right Thing, whatever that is.

"ask the right question and Matt LeCroy could get some votes."

Who is the most important big leaguer that Frank Robinson would do anything not to embarrass except keep him out of a situation in which he will probably embarrass himself?

If Adam Dunn ends up with the Nationals, it will have to be through the offices of a third team. The Nats have had discussions with the Mets, Red Sox, and Tigers over the past few days, usually about their available relievers, but some sources believe that Dunn could be the ultimate goal. Multiple reports have Dunn has been telling people that he would love to be reunited with his close friend Austin Kearns, and would consider extending his deal if traded to Washington.

I think it's interesting for the reasons Hendo points out. I think it's basically asking people to determine their definition of importance vis a vis this Nationals season and the players on the current roster.

But I do agree, it was basically a popularity contest. Still, it has nothing to do with the Post's Orioles coverage, so I find it much more interesting than previous topics.

By the by, based on my definition of "important," I voted for Zimmerman.

Cliff Lee used to be an Expo prospect...went over in the trade for Bartolo I believe. I'm not a fan.

I do, however, like Hu and CQ. That'd be great to get both!

Thanks #4. Interesting web site.

I ranted a little on the great Nationals Farm Authority blog. With apologies, let me repeat it here...

For the past decade or more, both off-season and in-season trades have been dominated by three phenomena: (1) salary dumping by disappointed would-be contenders, looking to unload high priced players for one tool Low A prospects while paying others to take the contract off their hands, (2) small market teams moving their best about-to-be free agents so they can say "at least we got something," and (3) small market teams that are doing well at mid-season trading prospects for a seasoned veteran in hopes that this will be the year as well as to keep the fans and the team interested. Trading major leaguers or major league ready prospects to make both teams better has become exceedingly rare (see Toronto trade for Fred McGriff and Tony Fernandez to the San Diego Padres for Joe Carter and Roberto Alomar in 1990). The distortion is exacerbated by fans (or talk radio hosts) who want to feel their team is part of the action, and so agitate for a trade - any trade. Sigh. Sizemore, Lee and Phillips for Colon still stings (type 3 trade, with a healthy dolop of MLB owners stripping the team). Or Jason Bay (and someone else) for a since forgotten Mets farmhand. Bottom line... I'm thrilled that the Nats are not in dumping mode, and value their young, major league proven pitchers highly and don't again trade for some soon to be forgotten Mets farmhand. The only trades I would welcome would be ones that improve the major league team in the next few years. Maybin for Cordero seems like a fair trade to me... [addition] as Detroit needs relief pitching to maximize their chances NOW. [further note... I was at 2 of the 3 Detroit games at RFK - how can they not be running away with their division? Answer - unreliable bullpen]

Amen, natsagain. Don't forget the aging, wily veteran for rising prospect ala Doyle Alexander for John Smoltz. But I think we made that trade last year when we sent Hernandez to Arizona.

Isn't it amazing how a team 15 games below .500 can't seem to make a trade to improve the team. I guess the moon isn't for sale after all.

Of course y'all realize the real reason no trades have been made or indeed will be made before the trade deadline today, don't you? It's not because JimBo is asking for the moon from the other teams, although he very well may be doing just that. No, it's because he has listened closely to fan input and insists on throwing Clint in on every proposed deal, causing the other GMs to run screaming off into the night. Am I right, people?

Clint. The one member of the Nats "family" who I'm glad gets little or no coverage at all in the Post. JimBo read and heeded the front of the T-shirt, now he needs to read and heed the back.

SC Nats Fan,

I couldn't agree more - people (including decision makers) are for some reason attached to the players that put together a last place team. I've never heard more 'well if (insert name) returns to his old form/develops well....' I mean come on - Anybody who ordered or wore a "Save Da Meat" shirt or whatever was on it, is not too bright. Is Dmitri a key part of a contending team - No, he's the backup that can pinch hit and give better players a rest, somebody to rely on if your starters spend some time on the DL - I know his batting average is ridiculous this year, blah, blah, blah...but let's get real.

I say move Cordero and/or Rauch for the best you can get for them and realize that it's probaly not going to net you HOFers and stop asking for the moon. I want this team to be as good as anybody on here but when I keep reading that they are asking the world for Chad Cordero it makes me upset. I know I'm not the only one who gets nervous when he jiggles out of the bullpen with a 1-run lead b/c I know that he's going to give up at least a single to the first or second batter he faces...

Maybe I'm still disappointed they didn't move Soriano at the deadline last year like they should have.

Zephyrs have pulled Humber three straight games (Friday - for food poisoning). Yesterday for no reason (given), and again today for no given reason. He was suppose to start all three (after missing Friday he was suppose to go Monday, missed Monday and was scheduled for today - which he again missed).

Nick715, I may not be bright, but I look dead-sexy in my Da Meat shirt, ow, ow.

Well, sexy and bright are two totally different things - just check the headlines on any given day...

Well, sexy and bright are two totally different things - just check the headlines on any given day...

Well, sexy and bright are two totally different things - just check the headlines on any given day...

I'm probably not too bright either (being 1. female and 2. blonde), but I think da tee is sweet!

---

Nick715, I may not be bright, but I look dead-sexy in my Da Meat shirt, ow, ow.

I don't have a problem with the Young/Belliard signings as a mix of veterans to show the youngsters what the show is all about is a good thing. Still, they do have movable players and needs to fill, not the least of which is a power hitting outfielder. I hope Guz will be ok for next year, if not, thats a worry to. Lopez & Kearns...questions aplenty about there projected numbers vs. reality numbers. The clock continues to tick..tick..tick.

"I'm probably not too bright either (being 1. female and 2. blonde), but I think da tee is sweet!"

Yeah, I think we're pretty much idiots. Idiots with totally awesome tee shirts, thanks Mr. 300*!

Well, sexy and bright are two totally different things - just check ESPN on any given day...I mean how sexy is Chris Berman (answer - super sexy...for a walrus) and the man has basically become a cartoon...

Well, sexy and bright are two totally different things - just check ESPN on any given day...I mean how sexy is Chris Berman (answer - super sexy...for a walrus) and the man has basically become a cartoon...

Well, sexy and bright are two totally different things - just check ESPN on any given day...I mean how sexy is Chris Berman (for a walrus) and the man has basically become a cartoon...

Well, sexy and bright are two totally different things - just check ESPN on any given day...I mean how sexy is Chris Berman (for a walrus) and the man has basically become a cartoon...

Well, sexy and bright are two totally different things - just check ESPN on any given day...I mean how sexy is Chris Berman (for a walrus) and the man has basically become a cartoon...

new post from Barry

Nick715 -- I may not be bright, but at least I don't post 5 times in a row ...