An Old Topic On This Forum (Must See)

[ronnynat]

I was interested in looking through the old trade threads and came across this one. Look at people's initial reactions to the Soriano trade. It's pretty hilarious. Who is that "#1 pitching prospect" and where did he end up?

http://www.wnff.net/index.php/topic,743.0.html

[natsfan1a]

I was a Nats fan then but wasn't on this forum yet, but isn't this kinda like dredging up old issues in the course of a current spousal argument?   

[Roarin Storen]

Lmfao.

[tomterp]

Hey, that was pretty cool to go back and read again, with the benefit of hindsight.

Soriano had a big year while Wilkerson faded and then had surgery, so we definitely made out.  However, my big complaint about Soriano was that he is a choker with RISP, and that proved to be true again in 2006, despite his overall big numbers.  He was very non-clutch.

Ken was really on his game in this thread, though.  Check this out:

I would try and trade Vidro to an American League team, where he could DH and play a little 2B. I'm pretty sure that type of move would add a couple years to his career.

Ken was the first to call this one!  Exactly what happened later.

[rileyn]

Gosh, I'm pretty proud of myself for my feelings on that trade.  Can I get a pat on the back?   

What ever happened to scot? 

[spidernat]

Gosh, I'm pretty proud of myself for my feelings on that trade.  Can I get a pat on the back?   

What ever happened to scot? 

scot got traded to the Rangers for future considerations so he could be near Wilkerson. I remember how livid people were over losing Wilkerson (whom they labeled 'the face of the franchise'). People were so sad to lose him because he is a 'gamer'. What a joke

[Nat of the Living Dead]

scot got traded to the Rangers for future considerations so he could be near Wilkerson. I remember how livid people were over losing Wilkerson (whom they labeled 'the face of the franchise'). People were so sad to lose him because he is a 'gamer'. What a joke

No worse a reason than "he is a nice guy" and Dmitri Young.

I was a Wilky fan and one of the Expos I did slightly follow before they relocated.  Why he is suddenly a "laugh about" is something I will never understand about our fan base.  It wasn't like he was a clubhouse cancer, walked out on this team, or caused a rift in the fan base itself.  He came, he saw, he played ball.  Was he Super Ballplayer?  Not at all.

But he offered DC something that the new team in DC needed: they needed a face.  They needed someone for DC fans to pay attention to right off the bat, whether you knew who he was before or if he was "sold to you."  So he stepped in and filled that role.  He helped garner interest in the new team in DC.  He did his job and didn't complain or freak out.  He was always available to the fans and that is the type of player DC needed.  He did his job and he did it well.

I for one was sad to see him go.  I would rather him back out in our OF considering currently he is doing better than almost our whole outfield.  He doesn't have killer numbers but nor does our outfield. 

He was a good player, he was a "gamer", and an ambassador when this team needed one.  Thats more than I can say for the jackass we replaced him with.

[2k6nats]

I was interested in looking through the old trade threads and came across this one. Look at people's initial reactions to the Soriano trade. It's pretty hilarious. Who is that "#1 pitching prospect" and where did he end up?

http://www.wnff.net/index.php/topic,743.0.html

Answering the question you asked, here's where he is now.  In addition to this, he did get a cup of coffee with Texas, but only for a few days.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/stats/player.php?id=451482

[ronnynat]

Answering the question you asked, here's where he is now.  In addition to this, he did get a cup of coffee with Texas, but only for a few days.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/stats/player.php?id=451482

thanks. looks OK at best

[Nat of the Living Dead]

Perhaps we should revisit those old "Get Rid of Chief" threads from earlier this year.  Chief is certainly making the naysayers eat some raw crow right now.

[The Chief]

Perhaps we should revisit those old "Get Rid of Chief" threads from earlier this year.  Chief is certainly making the naysayers eat some raw crow right now.

I am (obviously) as big a fan of Chad as anyone, and he's doing much better, but he's still only 18 out of 24 (75%).  Not exactly anything to write home about for a closer.  He just seems to be rusty starting off the season the last couple years.  Hopefully he will find a way to get a handle on that in future (hopefully more important) seasons.

[ronnynat]

I am (obviously) as big a fan of Chad as anyone, and he's doing much better, but he's still only 18 out of 24 (75%).  Not exactly anything to write home about for a closer.  He just seems to be rusty starting off the season the last couple years.  Hopefully he will find a way to get a handle on that in future (hopefully more important) seasons.

His age is pretty important, though. Being so young, we can allow a few rough starts to seasons. That experience he already has under his belt is priceless. I'm truly hoping he sees us into the future and our future fantastic teams help him break some records. Crazy optimism, but shoot...

[tomterp]

I am (obviously) as big a fan of Chad as anyone, and he's doing much better, but he's still only 18 out of 24 (75%).  Not exactly anything to write home about for a closer.  He just seems to be rusty starting off the season the last couple years.  Hopefully he will find a way to get a handle on that in future (hopefully more important) seasons.

c'mon Chief, Chief has been awesome since returning from bereavement.  He's blown only 1 save, and his ERA is under 1.80.  I bet if you looked at all closers over that period, he's darn near the top of the list.  Of course he must be judged on the full record, but if you're looking for recent trends as the leading indicator of where he's headed, they're VERY favorable.

[wpa2629]

I think that people have a tendency to look at professional athletes as robots - as if the strains and stress of their personal lives have no impact on their professional performances - Chief ADORED his grandmother - her immenent passing must have certainly taken its toll on him mentally - and he's been lights out since he's return from the bereavement list - Look how much better Fick has been since his mother passed? ... Chief did struggle early on in the year - but I believe much of that was because of what he went through with his family.  I'm with Tomterp here - he's been fantastic of late - and I think - much more indicative of what he's really capable of.

[Nat of the Living Dead]

If there is anyone who is on the trading block who shouldn't be there, IMO, its Cordero.  I would love for this kid to stay a Nat for his career.

[tomterp]

If there is anyone who is on the trading block who shouldn't be there, IMO, its Cordero.  I would love for this kid to stay a Nat for his career.

That Cordero to the Mutts rumor is nauseating.

[wpa2629]

That Cordero to the Mutts rumor is nauseating.

It's beyond nauseating and I couldn't agree with NOTLD more - Cordero is only 25 - he's the second youngest to 100 saves in baseball history - he's an "original" Nat and one of the faces of the franchise - I get that having a closer on a losing team doesn't make as much sense as some think it should - but what about next year when they're more competitive? Or the year after when they could be contending? He'll only be 27 then - in the prime of his career - I want him to stay a Nat for his career too -  I firmly believe this is where he belongs.

[Nat of the Living Dead]

That Cordero to the Mutts rumor is nauseating.

Oh God, yes.  First time I heard that one I almost overdosed on Pepto Bismol.  GAK!

[tomterp]

Since Rauch and Cordero are both still young, and talented, they should be a part of the core we carry forward.  However, obviously Bowden has put them on the block for precisely the reason that they are good enough to help any playoff contender, and thus a team might be willing to overpay in order to plug a crucial hole.  We've learned that Bowden isn't going to deal these guys just to deal them, he's going to demand top value, and if they are dealt we ought to be (intellectually at least) pleased with the outcome.

[wpa2629]

Since Rauch and Cordero are both still young, and talented, they should be a part of the core we carry forward.  However, obviously Bowden has put them on the block for precisely the reason that they are good enough to help any playoff contender, and thus a team might be willing to overpay in order to plug a crucial hole.  We've learned that Bowden isn't going to deal these guys just to deal them, he's going to demand top value, and if they are dealt we ought to be (intellectually at least) pleased with the outcome.

It's funny ... I was reading the game day threads for the Tigers series and the fans on their board would KILL for Cordero - they hold their breath and grab the maalox every time Roller Coaster Jones takes the mound - LOL - since we all know how enlightened and saavy internet fans are (smirk) - at least Cordero is being noticed ...

But I agree with you about Bowden - Rauch and Cordero won't be traded for the sake of just being traded - it's quite likely that whatever we get in return would be of high value - I'm pretty sure I won't like it at the time - no sir, not one bit - but I'll support who ever comes here cuz they'll be a Nat ...

[sportsfan882]

Although Chief was bad at the beginning of the season he has settled down nicely.  If we do trade Cordero we would have to get a bunch in return.  I still wouldn't mind keeping Chief and Rauch around though, they both are fairly young and are both fairly reliable. 

[Kenz aFan]

That Cordero to the Mutts rumor is nauseating.

I don't care what the NYMutts give us, I don't want Chad traded to a National league team. If he's traded, I'd rather one of Cordero to the Bo'Sox rumors happened, and only if the Nats get a starter than can help them this year, or next season at the very latest, and for many years to come.

[natsfan1a]

Agree.

That Cordero to the Mutts rumor is nauseating.

[spidernat]

Look how much better Fick has been since his mother passed? ...

 

Sorry wpa but I couldn't resist that one. 

[wpa2629]

Sorry wpa but I couldn't resist that one. 

He went from Horrendous - to doing ok  - compared to the way it was - anything's an improvement ... I didn't mean it to say he's been "good" - just much better than before