I think it's an absolutely good idea to forego a Fan Fest in favor of something more community oriented like this. Good on Stan.

Think about it - Jason Bergmann is preparing a meal for a child who is either impoverished or stricken with a disease. Beats a batting cage any day of the week.

Now, will someone please give Screech a bath? The idea that he is even mankier today than when I last saw him - which was way back in September of 2006 - is just plain disturbing. Keep him away from the food!

And good on the Lerner family, too.

Thanks for the culinary update, Barry, and for the Slowes update.

Also, carrying forward from the last posting: I love the pic of Manny Acta at the Thanksgiving Parade (now on the Nats page of the Post site)! He looks like he's unleashing a thunderbolt of a pitch before the masses.

Screech has to find a dry cleaner: that costume is the most rancid-looking outfit in Mascotville. Everytime I see Screech hug a fan, I have pity on the poor filth-transferee. KEEP THAT DAMN COSTUME AWAY FROM THE FOOD!!!

"I don't really know why we did it," -- Bob Boone.

Bob, its on page 27 of The Plan(tm) No real successful team can have fewer than three first basemen. So Johnson, Young and Marrero would make an excellent troika.

It's all coming together.

Barry, is the Post going to publish a guide for Spring Training? Here's an excellent one that's posted on the Nats BPG board:

http://www.ballparkguys.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=41;t=015641

"Think about it - Jason Bergmann is preparing a meal for a child who is either impoverished or stricken with a disease."

You're assuming that the meal would've otherwise gone unprepared. Or that the cameras and media attention aren't getting in the way of their regular production schedule.

I'm sure they appreciate the positive PR though. I hadn't otherwise heard of the organization.

"I'm sure they appreciate the positive PR though. I hadn't otherwise heard of the organization."

That's okay, they've never heard of you either.

What's a child entree?!

Non-food-related definition: someone who enters the Nationals' collective consciousness (or vice versa), but has not yet attained the age of majority.

Re. child entree: I would guess smaller portions, or perhaps food that is more child-friendly than an adult entree?

Not that it's a burning question - I'm just stalling on getting back to my work this afternoon...

Re 1st base -- seems plain to me. Johnson is good but injured too often and long; probably to be traded. Young is decent defensively, good with a bat, and great in the clubhouse. That's why he's #1 on the depth list. There will be a hole at 1st and Marrero is being tested to see if he can fill it 2009 or later.

Now, what are the chances of some of the posters and, more important, some of the DC City Council may understand that the Lerners have been significant contributers to charitable organizations, for decades.

Last year I had the pleasure of sitting in the first row behind an aisle (lower bowl). I often got to see screech close up and personal. The concept that he/she is near food that will be distributed to anyone is frightening, to say the least. Call the Department of Health. NOW!

I'm sure I speak for most -probably all- of the regulars in the Journal by saying that while we appreciate and respect your work Barry....you suck so much (tic). This is the absolute epitome of envious jealousy: while we're sitting in our cubicles and offices refreshing the stadium webcam and drawing up mock Opening Day batting orders (or is that just me?), you're hanging out with Manny and the gang. So what must I do to be Barry Svrluga?

Chicago had, and now Huckabee I guess: "Want to be like Mike"
D.C. is adopting: "Want to be like Barry"

I bet someone 5 dollars that I can eat 25 of those children entree's.

I can eat 25 of those children entree's.

That BPG board link was the best. I love the Nats but haven't ever gone to spring training. Even after follwing my father's Cards all those years. Nats fan Thanks. I'm not so affraid to go, now.

Thx Again

PS
Two years ago I went to one of the Cards vs Nats games. With every Card run I found myself getting more and more upset. By the Sixth inning I knew I was a Nats fan. Sorry Dad. Pujols got kicked out of the game, too. My son's were bummed.

Regardless of Young's or Johnson's status, they are aging and probably not part of "the future."

Marrero's a developing yute. Why wouldn't they have a young 'un learning the position?

Previous posters are right about the need to have a "yute" at first, and the reasons that Marrero is the right yute are that he has a major league bat and is a defensive liability everywhere else.

weeble, i have to take issue with meathook being "decent defensively." sorry, he's an absolute cinderblock defensively. no lateral movement, not very good at receiving imperfect throws at first, he really has no redeeming defensive qualities at all. love the guy, but it's painful to watch any groundball up the 1st base side when he's there.

have to agree that moving marrero to 1B makes sense in many different ways. first, no way we can rely on nick. he's a very good player when healthy (great defensively, good offensively), but he's rarely healthy. meathook is signed for two years, but this team would be better served in 2010 and beyond with youth that has potential in that position and moving meathook back to the bench (or trading him) if marrero is ready.

plus there's the whole issue the marrero isn't considered very good defensively either and will probably cause less damage in the field at 1B than the OF.

Ooooooooh. Good one.
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"I'm sure they appreciate the positive PR though. I hadn't otherwise heard of the organization."

That's okay, they've never heard of you either.
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Posted by: cynical is as cynical does... | January 14, 2008 12:10 PM

Barry -

Just heard the Richmond Braves are leaving town after the 2010 season and relocating to Gwinnett, GA. Any chance the Nats could take over in Richmond? What is the lease situation in Columbus?

Thanks.

I made neither assumption.

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You're assuming that the meal would've otherwise gone unprepared. Or that the cameras and media attention aren't getting in the way of their regular production schedule.

If Alan's report is true, then picking up the Richmond area would be a HUGE opportunity for expansion for the Nationals. I've always thought the influence of the Braves ranged way too far to the north up the East Coast, and this would be a prime opportunity to stake out heavily populated territory just a couple hours from DC (and the next largest city in the area after Baltimore).

The stadium for the Richmond Braves, while nothing great, isn't half-bad and would just be waiting for us to come in and open up shop. Not to mention, its a lot easier to shuttle people between the DC team, the Potomac team, and the Richmond team than involving Columbus in the equation (although I'm not by any means advocating the abandonment of that franchise).

Alan's on the money, it's breaking news, here's the Tin Yurl:

http://tinyurl.com/3b89kg

The Richmond Grays, anyone?

Stadium reportedly needs work, sounds like the Braves might be using the threatened move as leverage to get this done.

Also, the Nats' player development contract with Columbus expires after 2008, another Tin Yurl for ya:

http://tinyurl.com/2kozzh

I'd be stoked to see the Nats AAA relocate to Richmond (also make for a good little rivalry pt. II with Norfolk, Baltimore's AAA). However, I don't see it. Unless Richmond gets in gear, SERIOUSLY in gear, about a new stadium are extensive renovations to The Diamond there is now way that the Nationals are going to turn down a brand new park in Columbus to head to a mini-RFK in Richmond.

Now, I remember a few years ago there was talk of building a new park in the Bottom along the river but the flood kinda washed away (pun) that dream.

Fun to think about though.

The link I posted above suggests that the minor league teams have at least as much to say about their affiliates as the MLB teams do -- Columbus may want to affiliate with the Indians, for example (more Indians fans in Ohio than Nats fans).

Richmond natives are blaming politics for the failure to build a new stadium and/or renovate "The Diamond" in time to keep the Braves.

Lemme see, what kind of team might move to a city crippled by political infighting where it would have to play in a decrepit old stadium for a few years while hoping against hope that the city council would eventually build a new park?

Re Richmond, the Nationals would not be able to just "take over" Richmond for their AAA location. AAA franchises are owned, just like major league franchises. The Braves happen to own their AAA team in Richmond. So they can move it, barring lease obligations and the like. That's what the Braves are apparently planning to do.

By contrast, the Nationals do not own the Columbus Clippers. So, in order for the Nats to locate their AAA affiliate in Richmond, they would either need to (a) buy an existing AAA team and then move that team to Richmond, or (b) reach an agreement with the owners of an existing AAA team to move to Richmond and sign a player development agreement with the Nats. Neither is very likely to happen.

Richmond would be sweet, but I've seen better bleachers on High School campus.
Richmond Greys, nice...

Corey, I remember similar talk as well (about constructing a new stadium in the Bottom) ... it's been a while since that kind of talk, but if the Braves actually depart, I think that talk could be started anew with the Nationals.

On a lighter note, as of last fall, we're down one aging stadium. We need to replenish the roster.

Didn't Shniderman play catcher for us last year?

In addition to the post I made above about moving to Richmond....Upon further though this may be a prime time to really market potential fans outside of the Beltway, and not only inside. In much of the Southeast, even VA, the Braves have ruled because of the TBS coverage and no viable local alternative; however, now that TBS and the Braves have split there are several vulnerable fans in VA and NC. What is the one of the best ways to market your franchise outside of your home city? Other than national tv deals, World Series appearances, and bigtime superstars....the farm system is the way to go. So adding on to the AAA move to Richmond idea, let's go a step further.

AA: Now, Harrisburg, PA - possibility, Roanoke/Salem, VA. This area is one of the heaviest populated in VA west of Richmond, and they have a relatively new stadium. The City of Salem built the park down there with the intention of drawing a AAA or AA team; however, the Carolina League remains. This could give the Nats the opportunity to appeal to some of those VA Tech loyalists who have favorable opinions of the Nats since they wore the Tech colors post 4/16. Also, they are on their 4th MLB team in several years (PIT,COL,HOU,BOS); therefore, they are vulnerable. Only issue is that this would put considerable distance between the rest of the Eastern League clubs.

High A is safe in Potomac, just prayers go up for a new park soon.

Low A in Hagerstown isn't horrible but in an effort to vacate O's territory (Yes, the Washington market and Baltimore market are distinctly different) let's expand our horizons. This one isn't so easy for me. My suggestion is that if those same Loudon County folks who were so adament about bringing the Nats there over D.C. would swallow their pride then Leesburg would be a great option. A little suburbian equality: 95 suburbianites have Potomac, give the 66 crowd something.

ShortSeason A: As much as I would hate to see the Lake Monsters go....Vermont, c'mon, we can do better than that. I have no clue where this could go....I'm not familiar with Short-Season ball and the logistics of it (stadium size, avg. attendance, market size, blah blah blah). Any suggestions?

None of this will probably happen, but it's kinda fun to talk and think about. Anybody else got anything or does my impressive display of run-on sentences have some merit?

As a random aside, since I have no concept of how the process works... How often do new minor league teams get started?

Would it be possible to start one where another minor league team has vacated, and are the minor leagues flexible enough to accommodate the addition of new teams?

How ironic, an article released today about the desires of Richmond officials to tear down their old stadium and build a new one to serve as a catalyst in a development campaign of a "shady" part of town....Sound familiar?

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news/community.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-01-14-0157.html

As an advocate for the fan fest, I agree with John in Mpls on his post, better to do something that gives back to the community - that's being good stewards. BUT - next year, why not do both? However, if you can only do one, then what the Nats have done is best. Appreciate the perspective...thanks.

On the words below...Hagerstown really isn't the O's territory, I know and worked with many, many people from that area and not one of them or their friends followed or rooted for the Baltimore teams - baseball or football - they skew toward Pittsburgh and DC for football and all over the place for baseball - football is more popular there. If they can build a new stadium in those parts, it could become Nats' territory.
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Low A in Hagerstown isn't horrible but in an effort to vacate O's territory (Yes, the Washington market and Baltimore market are distinctly different)

_____________________

Good point, Coverage. But maybe we could swap Vermont for Jamestown in the NY Penn league. With a few name changes, wouldn't this lineup of affiliates be great:

Richmond Grays (AAA)
Harrisburg Senators (AA)
Potomac Nationals (high-A)
Hagerstown Federals (low-A)
Jamestown Colonials (SS)

Bob L., I still don't understand where you think the Richmond team is going to come from. Every team in the International League has a modern stadium and is highly unlikely to relocate.

Also, I expect that many people would take offense at a team named the Richmond Grays.

There are a fixed number of affiliated minor league franchises (the independent leagues are different, because they do not affiliate with MLB teams). The affiliated minors have expanded only when the majors have expanded, so that each new MLB team ends up with the appropriate minor league teams at each level. As someone else noted above, if the Braves are going to move their team (i.e., franchise, which they happen to own) somewhere else, then another existing franchise would have to relocate to Richmond. Most of the other AAA franchises are owned by local ownership groups, not by the affiliated teams (the Braves are one of very few exceptions). Affiliation agreements are generally separate from location and ownership issues, so when the Nationals' affiliation with Columbus expires after this season, they could seek to affiliate with a team in another location, if one was available that they preferred.

I don't think this is a done deal. I think the Braves will end up staying in Richmond, after all the posturing and negotaiting is said and done.

Cosmo makes sense, thanks for reeling us back in.

learn something every day. here and i thought a 'child entree' was as described by jonathan swift in 'a modest proposal.'

I believe Salem is owned by Fenway Sports Group (the Red Sox ownership group) and thay are looking to move their High A team from Lancaster (California) to the east coast.

Ottawa used to be the weakest franchise in the IL but that franchise was tranfered to the Lehigh Valley (Phils). To move a AAA franchise to Richmond, we'd need to find a buyer for a weak franchise, and perhaps get other clubs to shuffle affiliations. Is there a good site for minor league finances?

Coverage, I acknowledged your point about the difficulty of moving a team to Richmond, and the rest of my post was just speculation and wishful thinking. I also noted earlier that this looked like it might be a bluff to get stadium improvements, so I agree with Cosmo that the Braves may never leave.

Also it did occur to me that "Richmond Grays" could create issues for some, but my next thought was that if it was clear that the name was meant to pay tribute to the Homestead Grays, then the people doing the complaining might be the ones with confederate flags in their garages.

I hope the Nats never leave Burlington, VT.
Everything about the place is good for a short season team. Team management, the fans, team mascot and the atmosphere are all way above average. The Nats don't have to worry about shipping players around that much in the short season. If you haven't been to Burlington and experienced a Lake Monster game it is worth the trip. And of all the NY-Penn League towns the last one I would pick to resettle in would be Jamestown, NJ. Lovely stadium, but it is truly in the middle of nowhere.

I love the minor league speculation, but back to Nick and Dmitri for just a miunte. I had a question on a BP chat today (everyone consider subscribing to Baseball Prospectus- ok, there's the payment for discussing this).

Kevin (Fairfax VA): As great as it was to have Dmitri Young last year, it really stunk not to have Nick Johnson. Nick is really snakebit, but can you tell me 1) if it makes sense that a player would miss an entire season for that kind of broken leg, 2)if he is likely to be the old Nick Johnson again if he plays come spring training, and 3) should he or Dmitri play first base for the Nats if Nick is healthy?

Will Carroll: 1) Yes, this wasn't a run of the mill fracture. It was BAD, requiring plates. Johnson also had several complications requiring other procedures.

2) It's tough to come back from a full year out, but it's possible. If Johnson can stand, he can hit. "Old Nick?" He's got to show me that.

3) I think it's a tough situation and makes me wonder why they signed Young. I'd guess Young shifts to the OF only bc there's no way that Johnson could with the leg. Then again, you have four good OFs out there now, so adding in Young is tough, unless you're starting Milledge or Dukes at AAA.

OK, so Richmond is out because we don't have a team, and the existing Jamestown team is in NY not VA. Well, it was fun while it lasted.

I think they signed Meat because they have nobody in the pipeline and realized they can't count on Nick. If Nick's healthy and productive (unlikely, in my view) then they have an asset to deal at the deadline. I don't think we'll be seeing Meat in the OF very often, if at all.

New post.

I can eat 50 eggs.