Not that Mike Rizzo or Manny Acta have asked me, but here's my opinion nonetheless.
Outfield (5): Dunn, Milledge, Dukes, Willingham, Kearns
Infield (6): Johnson, Hernandez, Guzman, Zimmerman, Harris, Belliard
Catcher (2): Flores and Nieves
Starters (4): Lannan, Cabrera, Olsen, Martis
Relievers (8): Bergmann, Tavarez, Mock, Shell, Ledezma, Rivera, Beimel, Hanrahan
I think the Nats will be best served by sending Zimmermann down to Syracuse until Memorial Day. The Orioles just sent down Matt Wieters, and he's supposed to be greater than sliced bread, for the very same reason. If you think Zimmermann is really the goods, you trade six weeks at the start of his career for another year of arbitration, since the Nats obviously aren't going to sign anyone to a long-term contract untilthey are forced to.
The Nats don't need a fifth starter until April 20 anyway, and under my roster scenario they can allow Bergmann, Tavarez or Mock to rotate through that spot depending upon matchups until Zimmermann is recalled.
Let Balestar and Zimmermann both go down and hopefully pitch well against the International League hitters.
Outfield (5): Dunn, Milledge, Dukes, Willingham, Kearns
Infield (6): Johnson, Hernandez, Guzman, Zimmerman, Harris, Belliard
Catcher (2): Flores and Nieves
Starters (4): Lannan, Cabrera, Olsen, Martis
Relievers (8): Bergmann, Tavarez, Mock, Shell, Ledezma, Rivera, Beimel, Hanrahan
I think the Nats will be best served by sending Zimmermann down to Syracuse until Memorial Day. The Orioles just sent down Matt Wieters, and he's supposed to be greater than sliced bread, for the very same reason. If you think Zimmermann is really the goods, you trade six weeks at the start of his career for another year of arbitration, since the Nats obviously aren't going to sign anyone to a long-term contract untilthey are forced to.
The Nats don't need a fifth starter until April 20 anyway, and under my roster scenario they can allow Bergmann, Tavarez or Mock to rotate through that spot depending upon matchups until Zimmermann is recalled.
Let Balestar and Zimmermann both go down and hopefully pitch well against the International League hitters.
Photo (c) C. Nichols 2009. All rights reserved.
Here are a couple of less cynical reasons for sending Zimmermann to Syracuse. If he's going to save the Nats, he's going to have to pitch 170-180 innings. He's never gone much more than 100. Why risk blowing his arm when we're not a contender this season? Also, he's not on the 40-man roster. Who do you want to put on waivers so he can pick up 100 innings in the majors?
Anon, thanks for the comment.
I don't think it's cynical to say it's in the Nats long-term best interest to send Zimemrmann down until he attains "super two" status.
also, there are several candidates to remove from the 40-man: O'Connor, WMP, Casto just for the obvious ones.
if you believe the nonsense that the nats are going to put Meathook back on the 40 perhis handshakle deal with Bowden, someone is gone off the 40 anyway.
The way the Lerners throw good money after bad, I'd love to get them in a poker game.
My guess is that both Meathook and WMP are more likely to end up on the 25-man than off the 40.
I don't think it's cynical to say sending Zimmermann down is in the Lerner's best interests, but I do think it's cynical not consider that he's very short on innings and that the 40 is getting pretty tight.
Silly question-is there a way to put my name on replies without opening an account with somebody?
I'm not the first to say it, but I'll put money on them going north with 7 guys in the Pen and one more hitter... Da Meat Hook.
And frankly, I'd rather have him come off the bench to pinch hit than the likes of Casto.
The other possibility is that A. Hernandez is gimpy, but not really injured, so they bring along the AG just in case.
Anon, under the comment box you shold be able to click the "Name/URL" radio box and enter your name.
I've never been happier to be wrong about WMP! I'm sorry to see Zimmermann rushed, but at least it'll mean a few more wins.
Go Nats!