Nationals new 1B discussion

[RyanTheRiot]

Matt Stairs?

The Stairs signing definitely indicates that Rizzo recognizes our current lack of left-handed power.  It also says that he isn't willing to spend big on any available left handed power guys (Adam Dunn, LaRoche).  I don't think Stairs is the short-term answer though.  He's more of a last resort as a LH bat off the bench.

[hammondsnats]

again Lee and Hawpe would be cool.  You have two rovers in Morse (RH) and Hawpe (LH) who are capable of playing corner OF and 1B.  i'm kinda digging that now. 

[TylerDC]

Is it assumed that LaRoche will be headed to Baltimore?

[Evolution33]

Is it assumed that LaRoche will be headed to Baltimore?

The only thing that is certain is that the D-Backs did LaRoche a huge favor by declining his option.

[Potomac Cannons]

Do the Nats realize that there are right-handed pitchers like Roy Halladay, Tim Hudson, Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez, Josh Johnson, and Roy Oswalt in the NL East?  Don't we need a left-handed hitter with some power SOMEWHERE in the lineup?

First, Javier Vasquez is done.  There's nothing to worry about there.  Second, all that matters are the splits against RHP.  If the lineup of all righty batters hit RHP then there's no reason to worry about lefty batters.

[Evolution33]

Left handed people are the devil anyway. Don't need any more satan worship on the Nationals.

http://www.anythinglefthanded.co.uk/lh-info/myths.html

[hammondsnats]

[Tyler Durden]

I'm pretty intrigued with Lee.  If they get him, I really hope it works out - it will be interesting to see if the team really is able to prevent runs at a level high enough to compensate for bad pitching.

[The Chief]

Maybe I just haven't been paying attention but I would be totally fine with Lee.  Maybe even slightly prefer him to LaRoche.

[DPMOmaha]

Zim
Lee
Werth
Morse

Those 4 in the middle.  Lee and Werth might be fliped...  That should still be a very productive middle of the lineup. 

[blue911]

Strikeouts are meaningless without OBP. Strikeouts are a lot better than GIDP.

116 of the 172 came when a GIDP wasn't possible.

[DPMOmaha]

116 of the 172 came when a GIDP wasn't possible.

Just making sure he didn't give the guy behind him the opportunity to GIDP.  Just being a good teammate.

[blue911]

Just making sure he didn't give the guy behind him the opportunity to GIDP.  Just being a good teammate.

Swinging strikeouts don't bother me, it's the called ones that tick me off.

[Lintyfresh85]

Someone want to tell me the difference in striking out 200 times, and hitting a infield pop out 200 times?

Because I'm pretty sure everyone that nages about strike outs, including Lorby, would not say a word about a guy popping out so much... and they accomplish the same thing. An out, without any movement on the base paths.

[blue911]

Someone want to tell me the difference in striking out 200 times, and hitting a infield pop out 200 times?

Because I'm pretty sure everyone that nages about strike outs, including Lorby, would not say a word about a guy popping out so much... and they accomplish the same thing. An out, without any movement on the base paths.

Looking says you don't have a clue about the strike zone. Outside of that, I don't care.

[Lintyfresh85]

That's not true.

I'm sure you played baseball... you've never been frozen by a pitch, or rung up by an umpire with a terrible strike zone?

[blue911]

That's not true.

I'm sure you played baseball... you've never been frozen by a pitch, or rung up by an umpire with a terrible strike zone?

Sure, but generally speaking being called out is the fault of the batter. Besides I liked to hack so looking wasn't a major concern.


EDIT: And like everybody else that didn't play professionally, I was a terrible hitter. Pros should have a lot better idea than us schmucks.

[TylerDC]

Someone want to tell me the difference in striking out 200 times, and hitting a infield pop out 200 times?

Because I'm pretty sure everyone that nages about strike outs, including Lorby, would not say a word about a guy popping out so much... and they accomplish the same thing. An out, without any movement on the base paths.

Dumb question but are pop outs and sacrifice fly's listed as different stats? Otherwise, yeah, I'd rather have a guy pop out, haha.

[daveb32]

Someone want to tell me the difference in striking out 200 times, and hitting a infield pop out 200 times?

Because I'm pretty sure everyone that nages about strike outs, including Lorby, would not say a word about a guy popping out so much... and they accomplish the same thing. An out, without any movement on the base paths.

If you don't put the ball in play, the defense can't make an error.

[hammondsnats]

NEW YORK -- The Nationals are "actively" pursuing free-agent first baseman Derrek Lee, according to a baseball source, while another indicated that Lee is the club's top target to play the position. The Nationals are one of several clubs interested in Lee's services.

If they are able to sign Lee, the Nationals would get a Gold Glove-caliber first baseman and a leader on and off the field. One person in the organization said Lee "is a character guy."

Lee could also provide power in the middle of the lineup. This season, Lee played for the Cubs and Braves and hit .260 with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs. He played most of the season with a thumb injury and had surgery after the Braves were eliminated by the Giants in the National League Division Series. Lee is expected to be 100 percent by Spring Training.
For weeks, it was reported that the Nats were looking for a left-handed bat to replace Adam Dunn. Entering the offseason, their top target was Carlos Pena, but he signed with the Cubs during the Winter Meetings. It was then assumed that Adam LaRoche would be Washington's next target, but talks don't appear to be serious between the two parties.

On Thursday, there were reports that LaRoche was close to signing with the Orioles, but a source said that wasn't the case.

If they are unable to sign Lee or LaRoche, the Nationals may consider Casey Kotchman, an above average defensive first baseman, but limited with the bat.

This season, Kotchman played for the Mariners and hit .217 with nine home runs and 51 RBIs. He is best known for his years with the Angels. In 2007, he hit .296 with 11 home runs and 68 RBIs.

During his seven-year career, Kotchman has made nine errors in 4,875 chances.

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101217&content_id=16338822&vkey=news_was&c_id=was

At this point, LaRoche or Lee, just get it done.

Lee's averages the last 3 years: .286 AVG / .367 OBP / .488 SLG, 25 HR, 37 2B, 94 RBI, 73 BB/121 K

[PANatsFan]

116 of the 172 came when a GIDP wasn't possible.

Ok, well . . . thanks.

[imref]

FWIW, Lee hit .256 against RHP last year but has a career average of .280 against RHP, .289 against LHP.  Power is slightly better against LHP.

[cmdterps44]

I can dig Lee. He had a bad season last year. It could be a drop off or it could be from an injury (didn't he have one?) I think a 1 year would suffice but whatever. Just get him or LaRoche.

[cmdterps44]

Wait, Ladson said "we may not be serious" about big AL??? What's with this!? He said he would play here. GHUGHHUHG

[PANatsFan]

Wait, Ladson said "we may not be serious" about big AL??? What's with this!? He said he would play here. GHUGHHUHG

Well if Tinkerbell Slapstein says it's Lee, it's probably LaRoche.