Nationals new 1B discussion

[Lintyfresh85]

That's either a negotiating bluff (like how Rizzo said we didn't need an outfielder this offseason) or a trade hint. I hope.

Either that... or this dude is about to become our new 1B.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

His daddy was a scout.  I'm sure his daddy and Riz or Riz's daddy crossed paths.  He's great defensively, and I'm sure he's athletic if not toolsy.

 

[PANatsFan]

Either that... or this dude is about to become our new 1B.

That's not Richie Sexson, is it?

[JCA-CrystalCity]

If it were Russ Branyan, then I'd take it all back.  I fear it is K-man.

[KnorrForYourMoney]

  And don't forget the old reliable "no one wants to come here" excuse that can be warmed up every off season like leftover meatloaf. If never loosen up the purse strings that excuse will always be available. That meatloaf has bacteria growing all over it and needs to be thrashed.

Thankfully, the Werth deal pretty much destroys that tired excused.  Hopefully we've heard the last of it.

[PANatsFan]

If it were Russ Branyan, then I'd take it all back.  I fear it is K-man.

NOT THE ASSMAN!

[Lintyfresh85]

That's not Richie Sexson, is it?

I miss Big Sexy.

[NatsDad14]

Anyone have Insider?

This tweet scares me.

All indications are that the Washington Nationals would like to sign an everyday first baseman such as Derrek Lee or Adam LaRoche, but the club has another option if they deem the two veteran free agents too pricey. They could platoon two players.

Heck, the Nationals could do worse than going with Mike Morse on a regular basis, but could also sign a lesser free agent, such as Nick Johnson, and use the two in a platoon type scenario.

Morse, 29 in March, had a breakthrough season in 2010, hitting .289/.352/.519 with 15 home runs in 98 games, and torched left-handed pitching to the tune of a .999 OPS. Johnson, a lefty bat, has hit lefties and righties fairly equally over the course of his career, but tends to hit for a little more power against right-handers.

Johnson would have to stay uncharacteristically healthy for such a plan to work, but if the worst case scenario is for Morse to handle the position full time, the Nationals have some leverage against the demands of Lee and LaRoche. LaRoche is said to be asking for a three-year deal, and the Orioles have reportedly made such an offer.

Washington could use the payroll space to continue to add to the pitching staff.

[NatsDad14]

Players want backloaded deals because it gives them a larger base if the team offers arbitration after the contract expires.

I dont think Werth would care about that if he got 22 Million this year. He would be willing to forgo that arbitration if he could get frontloaded money. With time value of money, he would make more money

[Evolution33]

All indications are that the Washington Nationals would like to sign an everyday first baseman such as Derrek Lee or Adam LaRoche, but the club has another option if they deem the two veteran free agents too pricey. They could platoon two players.

Heck, the Nationals could do worse than going with Mike Morse on a regular basis, but could also sign a lesser free agent, such as Nick Johnson, and use the two in a platoon type scenario.

Morse, 29 in March, had a breakthrough season in 2010, hitting .289/.352/.519 with 15 home runs in 98 games, and torched left-handed pitching to the tune of a .999 OPS. Johnson, a lefty bat, has hit lefties and righties fairly equally over the course of his career, but tends to hit for a little more power against right-handers.

Johnson would have to stay uncharacteristically healthy for such a plan to work, but if the worst case scenario is for Morse to handle the position full time, the Nationals have some leverage against the demands of Lee and LaRoche. LaRoche is said to be asking for a three-year deal, and the Orioles have reportedly made such an offer.

Washington could use the payroll space to continue to add to the pitching staff.

Basically speculation and opinion.

[comish4lif]

Thankfully, the Werth deal pretty much destroys that tired excused.  Hopefully we've heard the last of it.

Well, I think Zach Greinke carved off a fresh piece by not waiving his no-trade to come to DC.

[Lintyfresh85]

Basically speculation and opinion.

Well, they really wouldn't have much to say about the Nats if it was based off facts.

With Rizzo being Rizzo... the most you'll hear outside of a Nats beat writer is exactly that, gossip.

[houston-nat]

Washington could use the payroll space to continue to add to the pitching staff.

This article is silly. What pitchers on the free agent market need all that payroll space? The only reason not to sign a first baseman is if you are about to get a pitcher who costs $20m a year, and Carl Pavano sure as hell doesn't deserve that.

[Evolution33]

Well, they really wouldn't have much to say about the Nats if it was based off facts.

With Rizzo being Rizzo... the most you'll hear outside of a Nats beat writer is exactly that, gossip.

Jayson Stark has a way of getting info, but this was just in the rumor sections and seems mostly like stuff we know. The Nationals want to sign Lee or LaRoch but if for some reason they don't Branyan, Glaus, Kotchman, and Johnson exist.

[Ray D]

I personally would be happy if they went the Morse/Nick route for first base and focused on Pavano instead.
Pavano  wants a three year deal and the Twins don't seem to want to give him  more than one year. So either offer him a multi-year deal - two would probably get him - or sweeten up a one-year offer. In any case, get it done.
But Rizzo won't go that route because (1) Nick doesn't fit his profile, and (2) Morse doesn't fit Riggleman's profile.  Which I think is a shame.  It would be a risk, I know.  But if Nick could stay healthy - and platooning him could help keep him healthy - a Nick/Morse combination could be a winner.

[Evolution33]

I personally would be happy if they went the Morse/Nick route for first base and focused on Pavano instead.
Pavano  wants a three year deal and the Twins don't seem to want to give him  more than one year. So either offer him a multi-year deal - two would probably get him - or sweeten up a one-year offer. In any case, get it done.
But Rizzo won't go that route because (1) Nick doesn't fit his profile, and (2) Morse doesn't fit Riggleman's profile.  Which I think is a shame.  It would be a risk, I know.  But if Nick could stay healthy - and platooning him could help keep him healthy - a Nick/Morse combination could be a winner.

I am of the opinion that the bidding is all over for Pavano, Lee, and LaRoche and they are all just sitting around waiting for a mystery team to either give them what they want or to figure out they aren't getting what they want.

[PANatsFan]

That article is dumb - I guess they want the Nats to take Blanton because Philly gets extra special treatment like more home games than anyone else.

[EdStroud]

I personally would be happy if they went the Morse/Nick route for first base and focused on Pavano instead.
Pavano  wants a three year deal and the Twins don't seem to want to give him  more than one year. So either offer him a multi-year deal - two would probably get him - or sweeten up a one-year offer. In any case, get it done.
But Rizzo won't go that route because (1) Nick doesn't fit his profile, and (2) Morse doesn't fit Riggleman's profile.  Which I think is a shame.  It would be a risk, I know.  But if Nick could stay healthy - and platooning him could help keep him healthy - a Nick/Morse combination could be a winner.

Ray D you are a person who I have enjoyed reading their posts.  Always level headed, straight forward and not long winded, but Nick Johnson...really....really.....

[PANatsFan]

I want Nick for the bench. Favorite player of all time.

[Spinman]

I personally would be happy if they went the Morse/Nick route for first base and focused on Pavano instead.
Pavano  wants a three year deal and the Twins don't seem to want to give him  more than one year. So either offer him a multi-year deal - two would probably get him - or sweeten up a one-year offer. In any case, get it done.
But Rizzo won't go that route because (1) Nick doesn't fit his profile, and (2) Morse doesn't fit Riggleman's profile.  Which I think is a shame.  It would be a risk, I know.  But if Nick could stay healthy - and platooning him could help keep him healthy - a Nick/Morse combination could be a winner.

I totally agree with Ray D. Nick and Morse! Nick is a plus to the clubhouse too! He would take over Dunn's role there. He is such a good defensive player. Have him healthy for 75 games and Morse getting 300 Ab's. Morse would hit 30 HR's.

[PANatsFan]

If WNFF takes up a collection we could get Nick for the league minimum I bet.

[Spinman]

If WNFF takes up a collection we could get Nick for the league minimum I bet.

$414,000. Nice! I will pitch in $3.00 !

[Spinman]

Ed, Ray,Coladar... lay it on the line what will the Nats do at first base. I don't think they will get a front of the line pitcher/starter. Not this year! So... the $$$ will be there to spend.

[Lintyfresh85]

$414,000. Nice! I will pitch in $3.00 !

I'll pitch for 3 dollars.

[Spinman]

I don't think Werth paid any attention to the Plan after the gave him $126 Mill!