Author Topic: Toboni's first Hot Stove Luncheon (Read 440 times)

PowerBoater69 · « **on:** January 29, 2026, 09:13:28 pm »

On Saturday Toboni will be answering questions. I'm not sure if he'll take live questions or pre-scripted ones from Kolko. I'm hoping to find out if he has any additional money budgeted for free agents and who exactly he sees taking the field on opening day.

IanRubbish · « **Reply #1 on:** January 29, 2026, 09:32:34 pm »

Quote from: PowerBoater69 on January 29, 2026, 09:13:28 pm

On Saturday Toboni will be answering questions. I'm not sure if he'll take live questions or pre-scripted ones from Kolko. I'm hoping to find out if he has any additional money budgeted for free agents and who exactly he sees taking the field on opening day.

Think the answers to those questions are well known.

PowerBoater69 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2026, 07:47:39 am »

Quote from: IanRubbish on January 29, 2026, 09:32:34 pm

Think the answers to those questions are well known.

Oh, oops, here are some different questions.

https://www.talknats.com/2026/01/30/2026-hot-stove-luncheon/

varoadking · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2026, 08:15:27 am »

Quote from: PowerBoater69 on January 30, 2026, 07:47:39 am

Oh, oops, here are some different questions.

https://www.talknats.com/2026/01/30/2026-hot-stove-luncheon/

Is this true?

Quote

The Nats have restrictions on bringing in water...

We've never had an issue bringing in water in 12 ounce, sealed plastic bottles...

PowerBoater69 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2026, 08:17:32 am »

Quote from: varoadking on January 30, 2026, 08:15:27 am

Is this true?

We've never had an issue bringing in water in 12 ounce, sealed plastic bottles...

Two water limit per person. It should be unlimited, it is a health issue, on a brutally hot day that just isn't enough, as I've proven.

blue911 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 30, 2026, 08:24:03 am »

Quote from: PowerBoater69 on January 30, 2026, 08:17:32 am

Two water limit per person. It should be unlimited, it is a health issue, on a brutally hot day that just isn't enough, as I've proven.

Agreed. Drinking out of the bubblers isn’t an option considering how few there are in the park. Plus it probably isn’t lead free.

imref · « **Reply #6 on:** January 30, 2026, 08:41:28 am »

we pack a clear bag (within allowable size) with water bottles, they've never said anything or taken any away from us.

PowerBoater69 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 30, 2026, 08:55:11 am »

Quote from: imref on January 30, 2026, 08:41:28 am

we pack a clear bag (within allowable size) with water bottles, they've never said anything or taken any away from us.

They strictly enforced the limit of two each on my family when I made it back on a hot day last fall. Plus they caused a mass casualty event at a concert they hosted last summer when they restricted water access.

machpost · « **Reply #8 on:** January 30, 2026, 09:56:22 am »

Quote from: blue911 on January 30, 2026, 08:24:03 am

Agreed. Drinking out of the bubblers isn’t an option considering how few there are in the park. Plus it probably isn’t lead free.

And their water bottle filling stations dispense lukewarm, unfiltered water. Just another example of cheapness.

imref · « **Reply #9 on:** January 30, 2026, 10:22:32 am »

Quote from: machpost on January 30, 2026, 09:56:22 am

And their water bottle filling stations dispense lukewarm, unfiltered water. Just another example of cheapness.

last time I was at Camden yards, they didn't even have refill stations. I've never had an issue with the ones on the 300 level at Nats park.

JCA-CrystalCity · « **Reply #10 on:** January 30, 2026, 02:41:36 pm »

Tbh, I'd be surprised if the water wasn't filtered, atbleast the ones to fill bottles. I don't think relatively modern dispensers are built without filtering. Do they maybe change the filters once a season? I could see that. Anyone familiar with DC code?

tomterp · « **Reply #11 on:** January 30, 2026, 06:01:33 pm »

Quote from: JCA-CrystalCity on January 30, 2026, 02:41:36 pm

Tbh, I'd be surprised if the water wasn't filtered, atbleast the ones to fill bottles. I don't think relatively modern dispensers are built without filtering. Do they maybe change the filters once a season? I could see that. Anyone familiar with DC code?

I'd be shocked if it was filtered. And if it were filtered, I'd be shocked if they ever changed out the filters. They'd be sitting there for 7 months growing mold.

The water tastes awful, metallic and warm.

JCA-CrystalCity · « **Reply #12 on:** January 31, 2026, 12:59:43 pm »

Not 100% sure why I am going now. What is there for them to say? Will post if I am moved to. I don't usually track the promo announcements too well and I suspect there won't be much beyond prospect hype on the organization

PowerBoater69 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 31, 2026, 01:18:00 pm »

Quote from: JCA-CrystalCity on January 31, 2026, 12:59:43 pm

Not 100% sure why I am going now. What is there for them to say? Will post if I am moved to. I don't usually track the promo announcements too well and I suspect there won't be much beyond prospect hype on the organization

I'm second row by the stage. Does not look like there will be a Q&A

JCA-CrystalCity · « **Reply #14 on:** January 31, 2026, 01:42:21 pm »

The qs were all scripted past couple years. Didn't ask for qs in advance so I will assume no audience participation. I think I saw you when I got in the food line. Wings are good. Same for churros.

JCA-CrystalCity · « **Reply #15 on:** January 31, 2026, 01:43:33 pm »

I see lots of young people in sports coats and slacks. Must be the senior leadership

PowerBoater69 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 31, 2026, 01:44:05 pm »

Quote from: JCA-CrystalCity on January 31, 2026, 01:42:21 pm

The qs were all scripted past couple years. Didn't ask for qs in advance so I will assume no audience participation. I think I saw you when I got in the food line. Wings are good. Same for churros.

I thought the new guys might not be afraid to answer questions. I've got my red, white, and blue hat and a blue Spring Training jersey from 2010.

I ran into a writer from Talk Nats and he yelled to his friend "hey, it's Power Boater". Scared the crap out of me, how many people here hold grudges after 21 years.

JCA-CrystalCity · « **Reply #17 on:** January 31, 2026, 02:00:11 pm »

Kolko getting ready to emcee

JCA-CrystalCity · « **Reply #18 on:** January 31, 2026, 02:13:39 pm »

Toboni: white sweater not coat.

JCA-CrystalCity · « **Reply #19 on:** January 31, 2026, 02:16:29 pm »

Talking a lot about the staffing process and turnover as the bulk of Toboni's off season. Tough part of course letting folks go. Many phone calls for every position between interviews and checking references. "thousand" estimate.

JCA-CrystalCity · « **Reply #20 on:** January 31, 2026, 02:21:57 pm »

Driveline hires, process: Mentions traditional way of coaches coming up through the system. Best ones communicate and relate to players. Past 10-15 years, best systems incorporate new info and teach it. Players look for it (e.g., you can get to 15 inches of horizontal break if you move you finger position). Looked for coaches from that system who can communicate the info.

JCA-CrystalCity · « **Reply #21 on:** January 31, 2026, 02:26:10 pm »

Gore trade: grumble from audience when mentioned. Thoughts on players acquired.

Fien -Highest profile in trade. Compares to Willits. Two were top high school SS and played in the same show tournaments. Sees him as left side eventually (not specific to SS or 3rd). Chance to get a second guy out of top 12 in draft.

Rosario - 2024 was one of best of minors. Out last year and this. Expects him to come back to prior form.

Fitz Gerald - underrated 5th rounder based on what he's shown so far in minors. Would have been higher now if there was a redraft.

Cabrera

Ortiz may play this year in dc

JCA-CrystalCity · « **Reply #22 on:** January 31, 2026, 02:30:03 pm »

Ferrer /Ford deal: quick deal. Came together fast. Seattle pitches it. Asks for Ferrer. They say they were set for another pitcher (fa? trade?) but asked here about whether Ferrer could be available before closing that other deal. Ford was the guy we ask for. [Kolko: Nickname? the little dumper?] Ford has specific things to work on. When ready will be up.

JCA-CrystalCity · « **Reply #23 on:** January 31, 2026, 02:32:19 pm »

Kolko asks about fan reaction and how to explain deals: says the idea is stable winning once start winning. Not just a year or two. Path is to get a ton of talent in system

JCA-CrystalCity · « **Reply #24 on:** January 31, 2026, 02:34:36 pm »

Abrams: told cj and Young they aren't shopping them but non-zero chance of trade. Will always listen but aren't calling.