Luis Garcia Aspirations / Trepidations Thread

[Slateman]

Every rebuilding team needs a lovable scrappy player who is not very good but who is oddly charismatic. Its fun to cheer for this player and it is hilarious when they actually get a big hit from time to time. Luis Garcia Jr ably played this role for years, eventually becoming the longest tenured player on the team.

But now it is time to go.

Nunez has been that player for two years

[JCA-CrystalCity]

He's going to have to take a heck of a lot less than $7 million if he wants to play in the majors next year. He's a utility platoon bat.

Oddly, he's not a horrible pairing with Amed Rosario. Just neither can be in the field.

I think he played a little 3rd his 1st year in the majors. Wouldn't be the worst thing for him to try in winter ball

[Count Walewski]

Nunez has been that player for two years

That’s true, you can even see the excitement and joy in the faces of the other Nationals players when Nunez gets a big hit. Makes Garcia even more expendable.

[nobleisthyname]

I always loved García's swagger. He has one of the best home run bat drops in the game. He always turns into an above average player in OOTP too. But yeah, I don't want him back next season.

[IanRubbish]

I always loved García's swagger. He has one of the best home run bat drops in the game. He always turns into an above average player in OOTP too. But yeah, I don't want him back next season.

His bat is ok for a premium defensive player at a premium position. Problem is he has no range and cannot play 2B.  His bat isn't good enough to play 1B, so he needs to go, especially with what he'd make in arb. 

There is no way this team can fix its defense with the same middle infield as last year. 

[Slateman]

I always loved García's swagger. He has one of the best home run bat drops in the game. He always turns into an above average player in OOTP too. But yeah, I don't want him back next season.

That swagger comes off so pompous now that we know hes lazy.

[blue911]

That swagger comes off so pompous now that we know hes lazy.

Smug prick is more accurate.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Interesting day for LGJr. Do the Nats settle with him on a contract today, release him, or offer arb? I know that, for a few guys, they've offered arb and settled before the hearing, and occasionally actually gone to hearings on guys.

IIRC, if you offer arb and the team loses the hearing, they can release the player after paying a % of the amount set by the arbitrator. I just don't think the Nats would be  happy paying, say, 20% of $7 million, if they don't settle today or cut him.

[Smithian]

Interesting day for LGJr. Do the Nats settle with him on a contract today, release him, or offer arb? I know that, for a few guys, they've offered arb and settled before the hearing, and occasionally actually gone to hearings on guys.

IIRC, if you offer arb and the team loses the hearing, they can release the player after paying a % of the amount set by the arbitrator. I just don't think the Nats would be  happy paying, say, 20% of $7 million, if they don't settle today or cut him.

Going with my overall opinion on most current players nearing or in arbitration; let him go. Culture reset. Lots of talent, I fully expect him to be a solid starter somewhere in 2028 or 2029, but I don't think that can be in Washington, D.C. Fresh start candidate.

[Slateman]

Going with my overall opinion on most current players nearing or in arbitration; let him go. Culture reset. Lots of talent, I fully expect him to be a solid starter somewhere in 2028 or 2029, but I don't think that can be in Washington, D.C. Fresh start candidate.

Garcia is the one I think needs to be let go. He's had two coaching staffs. His lack of effort and work ethic were clear the issue, not ability. I'd like to cut him loose and move CJ to 2B.

[imref]

.211   .304   .316   in 5 games / 19 ABs in the Dominican Winter league so far. Toboni says he will get reps at 1B this winter.

[varoadking]

.211   .304   .316   in 5 games / 19 ABs in the Dominican Winter league so far. Toboni says he will get reps at 1B this winter.

So we're dumpster diving AND recycling now...how very green of us...

[JCA-CrystalCity]

So we're dumpster diving AND recycling now...how very green of us...

reduce, reuse, recycle... I know it well.

I dated a woman who was EPA's Garbage Gremlin mascot for a while because she could fit into the suit.

[varoadking]

reduce, reuse, recycle... I know it well.

I dated a woman who was EPA's Garbage Gremlin mascot for a while because she could fit into the suit.

This may well fall into the category of TMI...

[JCA-CrystalCity]

This may well fall into the category of TMI...

she went on to better things.

[welch]

Garcia is a heavier version of Herbie Plews, 2b for the Nats, 1956-58. Garcia shows more power, but he plays in a much smaller ballpark than Griffith Stadium. And Garcia seems fat and lazy. And fans liked Plews. Garcia?

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/plewshe01.shtml

[blue911]

Garcia is a heavier version of Herbie Plews, 2b for the Nats, 1956-58. Garcia shows more power, but he plays in a much smaller ballpark than Griffith Stadium. And Garcia seems fat and lazy. And fans liked Plews. Garcia?

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/plewshe01.shtml

There hasn’t been a Nat since Felipe López that has been a bigger disappointment. I can’t escape the fact that I believe his work ethic and maturity play a large part in his failures.

[imref]

There hasn’t been a Nat since Felipe López that has been a bigger disappointment. I can’t escape the fact that I believe his work ethic and maturity play a large part in his failures.

how soon we forget Robles.

[blue911]

how soon we forget Robles.

I never thought Robles was a baseball player, just an incredible athlete.

[IanRubbish]

Toboni says he will get reps at 1B this winter.

What???  Is he the latest lottery ticket they're praying can turn into some kind of deadline trade piece? 

He's a free swinging slap hitter, and that won't change, and that's exactly what contending teams don't pay a premium for.

[tomterp]

What???  Is he the latest lottery ticket they're praying can turn into some kind of deadline trade piece? 

He's a free swinging slap hitter, and that won't change, and that's exactly what contending teams don't pay a premium for.

The chances he graces our opening day lineup is minimal.  They are just showing how they support players and give them opportunities to succeed.  If on the off chance he figures it out, all the better.  If not he'll be gone.  Nothing to worry about.

[blue911]

The chances he graces our opening day lineup is minimal.  They are just showing how they support players and give them opportunities to succeed.  If on the off chance he figures it out, all the better.  If not he'll be gone.  Nothing to worry about.

He said reps this winter. I take that to mean DWL not MLB.


A quick check shows he’s only played second so far.

[Slateman]

The chances he graces our opening day lineup is minimal.  They are just showing how they support players and give them opportunities to succeed.  If on the off chance he figures it out, all the better.  If not he'll be gone.  Nothing to worry about.

They tendered him a contractor. Hes 100% going to take it.

[welch]

There hasn’t been a Nat since Felipe López that has been a bigger disappointment. I can’t escape the fact that I believe his work ethic and maturity play a large part in his failures.

I read the SABR bio of Herb Plews. The guy went to college, got an engineering degree from the University of Ilinois, signed with the Yankees, played minor league ball, and did a couple years military service in the 1950s. He was in his late 20s before he got to the majors with the Nats. After three decent years, the Old Senatirs traded him away, and he never made it back.

Plews said, however,

Looking back on his life in baseball, Herb unhesitatingly declares, “I enjoyed every minute of it, and if I had to do it over, I would certainly do the same thing. I was just a little disappointed I never was able to stay long enough to get my pension. At that time, I was short just a couple months, but that can’t be helped. I enjoyed every minute, and I was always thankful to have played during the time that I did, getting to see some of the greatest players who have ever played the game.”

Garcia has always look overweight and lazy. As Blue calls it, immature and bad work ethic.

[Slateman]

Gald we're building that new culture