Poll: Trevor Rosenthal ERA

[bluestreak]

What would you rather do, give up 3 runs in a typical first inning or 3 runs in a typical 8th? If the guy is going to be on the roster, he needs to pitch.

[Natsinpwc]

Rosenthal- Make a change in everything, Shave, get a haircut, quit the whine.

Change underwear every day.

[Jon1976]

I think he'll get it together, but he's dug such a hole for himself that if he's used as a one-batter specialist out of the bullpen(which looks like might be his role IF he can keep his roster spot) he'll have to pitch just about all the rest of the season giving up few runs in order to get his ERA in the 3.50-4.00 range.

[imref]

he needs a 10 day IL assignment and a rehab stint to get his head together.  He should be pitching in Fresno or Potomac until he shows that he can get people out.  Let Austen Williams take his slot for now.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Terms of Rosenthal's contract:

Trevor Rosenthal rhp
1 year/$7M (2019), plus 2020 option

   - 1 year/$7M (2019), plus 2020 option
        signed by Washington as a free agent 11/1/18
      -  19:$6M, 20:$10M mutual option ($1M buyout if club declines)
       - Rosenthal may exercise $15M conditional player option for 2020 if he has 50 games pitched or 30 games finished in 2019
       - performance bonuses:
            in 2019: $500,000 each for 25, 30, 35, 40 games pitched, $1M each for 45, 50 games pitched, $1M each for 20, 30, 40 games finished, $2M each for 50, 60 GF (maximum of additional $8M)
            if 2020 mutual option is exercised, $2M each for 30, 40, 50 GF
        award bonuses
       - assignment bonus: $1M if traded

https://legacy.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/national-league/washington-nationals/

I think they viewed him as next year's closer if he got his act together, which is why the trigger for the player option is 50 appearances / 30 games finished.  I think they don't allow him to get close to that if he's just getting low leverage garbage innings.  There's a $7MM commitment counting the buyout.  I really wonder if they will waive him after 10 or so appearances if it looks like it isn't working out.  With less than 6 years experience, I think he can be outrighted if he clears waivers.  He could refuse assignment, buthe'd forfeit that deal.  I would not think the trade bonus would figure in.