Rizzo Renewed by Marky Mark & the In-Laws

[JCA-CrystalCity]

broke out to note his renewal by the boy band / ownership group.

[GburgNatsFan]

Golden says Rizzo will speak to reporters later today. I'd guess a 3 year deal with an option for a 4th.

Rizzo is 62 so this may be his last ride.

Looks like a fairly fit 62.

[OfftheBat]

Rizzo interviewed by Mad Dog Russo yesterday on MLB Network:


https://youtu.be/xrckuV_Jqrc?si=PZ8fTaI4izv6xSFJ

[IanRubbish]

Rizzo interviews are like politician interviews.  Substance free question dodging, not sure why anyone would bring him on their show.

[Senatorswin]

Is the number of years he's signed for a national security issue? Has anybody heard how many years the extension was for?

[imref]

Rizzo spent some time serving beers to stadium staff at an end of season party:

https://x.com/TalkNats/status/1709344835654599137?s=20

Before it was over, he sent two 55 year old ushers to San Diego for a 20 year old sous chef.

[DCsOwn]

https://x.com/keithlaw/status/1713232868460339640?s=46&t=Q_qc3R_qyMHAAFvlywNqzQ

Poaching from the Os

[DCsOwn]

https://x.com/paulmancano/status/1713236958812500235?s=46&t=Q_qc3R_qyMHAAFvlywNqzQ

[DCsOwn]

https://x.com/talknats/status/1713244107215081734?s=46&t=Q_qc3R_qyMHAAFvlywNqzQ

Really the first move that I’m enthused about this offseason.

[nobleisthyname]

Sounds like a great move.

[Slateman]

https://x.com/talknats/status/1713244107215081734?s=46&t=Q_qc3R_qyMHAAFvlywNqzQ

Really the first move that I’m enthused about this offseason.

Yes I agree

[welch]

The Post coverage:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/10/14/nationals-scouting-department-addition/

[DCsOwn]

From the Law chat today:

George: What do you think about the player dev and scouting hires in DC? Cause for optimism? Or more of the same from a Rizzo-led FO?

Keith Law: Haas, Ciolek, Dunn are all great hires.

https://meadowparty.com/blog/2023/10/19/klawchat-10-19-23/

[DCsOwn]

https://x.com/federalbaseball/status/1717195134784172163?s=20

Official announcements complete with specific title designations. 

[Senatorswin]

Was it ever announced how many years Rizzo's contract was for?

[Slateman]

Still waiting to see if the reason we cant develop is because Rizzo can't figure out modern analytics, or if the Lerners wont pay for it

[Natsinpwc]

Still waiting to see if the reason we cant develop is because Rizzo can't figure out modern analytics, or if the Lerners wont pay for it

The answer is YES.

[Senatorswin]

Still hasn't been announced how many years Rizzo signed for. On some level it seems like the years should be announced so fans know how many more years Rizzo is likely to be making the player decisions. On the other hand I guess the case could be made it's a personal matter.

[IanRubbish]

Still hasn't been announced how many years Rizzo signed for. On some level it seems like the years should be announced so fans know how many more years Rizzo is likely to be making the player decisions. On the other hand I guess the case could be made it's a personal matter.

Atlanta announced terms recently when they extended their GM, but Miami did not with the new GM they hired from Tampa Bay, so can go either way.   Lerners and co. just need a GM to be a PR shield for their poor decisions and passion for pennies, and Rizzo has been more than willing to make up nonsense for them, including the really bad "they meant to say Stras will be at Spring Training to help develop pitchers" silliness.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/how-to-say-youre-rebuilding-without-saying-youre-rebuilding-a-guide-for-general-managers/

You'd be shocked to see that Mike Rizzo's picture is at the top of the article and he's quoted as one of the guys who uses a euphemism for rebuilding without admitting it:

We’re Retooling
Saying that you’re retooling makes you seem like an expert. Retooling sounds like it requires the skill of a true craftsman. There are measurements involved, fine calibrations made with specialized tools. Maybe you take readings with a gizmo, or maybe you just make a slight adjustment and then lean in real close and listen intently. Fans aren’t going to want to interrupt you when you’re concentrating so hard!

Think about what happens when the repair guy comes to fix your washing machine. You turn into a weird, awkward puppy, right? You don’t want to leave him alone in case he needs something, so you offer him a glass of water in a voice that’s several decibels softer than you intended, and then you hang around pretending to be interested in that plant by the laundry room door. That’s what the fans will do if you tell them you’re retooling.

When the Nationals started selling in 2021, GM Mike Rizzo struck just this tone, saying “We have to make good, intelligent trades and deals to retool this thing.” Three last-place finishes later, he was awarded a contract extension.

[HalfSmokes]

We’re rebuilding in the same way that the Pirates are rebuilding.

[Five Banners]

We’re rebuilding in the same way that the Pirates are rebuilding.

Most of the artifice and such seems to be peeling away from other conclusions

[Smithian]

I think Rizzo would like to have a Top 10 payroll but he is operating in reality, not fantasy. Not going to rag on him for trying to put a positive shine on this gross situation.

[varoadking]

I think Rizzo would like to have a Top 10 payroll but he is operating in reality, not fantasy. Not going to rag on him for trying to put a positive shine on this gross situation.

No matter how much you polish a turd...it's still a turd...

[imref]

Saw this on Reddit: Baseball Prospectus notes:

The Nationals are the first team since the 1940-43 Philadelphia Athletics to finish in last place for four straight seasons and not fire either their manager or general manager. FWIW, the Athletics could not fire Connie Mack because he owned the team.