CSN Washington reported today that the Washington Nationals have signed relief pitcher Brad Lidge to a one year deal.
Lidge has spent the past four years with the Phillies. Last season he was hindered by a shoulder injury. In 25 appearances after he returned, he posted a 1.40 ERA. He was also on the Phillies 2008 World Series Championship team.
Through his career, he has 224 saves with a 3.40 ERA.
Lidge will join Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard in the bullpen for the Nationals this year.
The Nationals have done some work this off season to improve their pitching staff. Signing Lidge only adds to the quality that they have.
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Thursday, January 26, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Why the Nats Can't Have Fielder
Let's be perfectly honest...it was made pretty evident that signing Prince Fielder was going to come at a price tag that was at least $180 million. Sure, he would have been a great addition and is good for around 30 home runs and around 100 RBIs a season, but, at what cost?
Last off season the Nationals went out and spent $127 million on a player that did not work out (Jayson Werth...less). Am I saying that the same would have happened to Fielder? No. Trust me, he will be just as productive next season as he was last season. But, for the Nationals, all he would do is sell tickets.
The team was so adamant about keeping Adam LaRoche at first base. That was their whole reasoning for not signing Fielder right off the bat (no pun intended). Going out and spending upwards of $200 million to sing ANOTHER first baseman is just impractical at this point. The Nationals have not even gotten a chance the see what LaRoche is capable of because he was hurt for a majority of last season.
The depth that the Nationals currently have at first base is excellent. After Adam LaRoche, the Nats have Michael Morse (who will start in the outfield) and then Chris Marrero. They also have Tyler Moore. The depth at the position is fantastic. Let's not forget the fairly recent signing of do-it-aller Mark DeRosa. DeRosa can step in at any position in the infield and play well.
Since the Nationals have sparred themselves $200 million over the next nine years, they can now turn their attention to retaining this actually pretty decent roster that they have assembled. Doing things like extending contracts and resigning players that only signed a one year deal. They can even make sure that they keep their impressive farm system intact, as well.
Let's not forget, the Nationals are currently trying to give Ryan Zimmerman a contract extension. Still having that extra cash around will only make those negotiations easier.
Signing Prince Fielder to a lucrative contract would, in the long run, seemingly hurt the organization. The club would go back to the dismal days of having one star, but, no supporting cast.
Last off season the Nationals went out and spent $127 million on a player that did not work out (Jayson Werth...less). Am I saying that the same would have happened to Fielder? No. Trust me, he will be just as productive next season as he was last season. But, for the Nationals, all he would do is sell tickets.
The team was so adamant about keeping Adam LaRoche at first base. That was their whole reasoning for not signing Fielder right off the bat (no pun intended). Going out and spending upwards of $200 million to sing ANOTHER first baseman is just impractical at this point. The Nationals have not even gotten a chance the see what LaRoche is capable of because he was hurt for a majority of last season.
The depth that the Nationals currently have at first base is excellent. After Adam LaRoche, the Nats have Michael Morse (who will start in the outfield) and then Chris Marrero. They also have Tyler Moore. The depth at the position is fantastic. Let's not forget the fairly recent signing of do-it-aller Mark DeRosa. DeRosa can step in at any position in the infield and play well.
Since the Nationals have sparred themselves $200 million over the next nine years, they can now turn their attention to retaining this actually pretty decent roster that they have assembled. Doing things like extending contracts and resigning players that only signed a one year deal. They can even make sure that they keep their impressive farm system intact, as well.
Let's not forget, the Nationals are currently trying to give Ryan Zimmerman a contract extension. Still having that extra cash around will only make those negotiations easier.
Signing Prince Fielder to a lucrative contract would, in the long run, seemingly hurt the organization. The club would go back to the dismal days of having one star, but, no supporting cast.
Report: Fielder Makes Decision
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| (Photo: nasorb.com) |
All reports and signs pointed to either the Washington Nationals or the Texas Rangers to sign Fielder. At one point the Nationals seemed the clear cut front runners to sign him due to their affiliation with his agent, Scott Boras.
But, they were merely reports, not facts...sadly.
The deal is reportedly worth $214 million over 9 years. This type of contract is exactly what Boras and Fielder were looking for. They wanted a long term deal, at least seven years, with a lot of money to go with it, $214 million ain't too bad!
Things can now get back to normal around the old Washington ball club. They can now turn to focus on signing third baseman Ryan Zimmerman to a long term deal. Rumors have already buzzed of the two sides trading figures.
Missing out on Fielder is not the end of the world. The Nationals still have Adam LaRoche to rely on at first base. The Nats also have Tyler Moore and Chris Marrero in their farm system. Both are reliable players that can get the job done.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Redskins Hire Receivers Coach
CSN Washington reported today that the Redskins have hired former Giants wide receiver Ike Hilliard as their new receivers coach.
Hilliard does have some experience coaching. He has coached under Jim Haslett in the UFL. He was also an assistant receivers coach for the Dolphins.
It was also reported that Bob Slowik, former defensive backs coach, will replace Lou Spanos as line backers coach. Spanos left to become the defensive coordinator for UCLA.
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Hilliard does have some experience coaching. He has coached under Jim Haslett in the UFL. He was also an assistant receivers coach for the Dolphins.
It was also reported that Bob Slowik, former defensive backs coach, will replace Lou Spanos as line backers coach. Spanos left to become the defensive coordinator for UCLA.
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Sunday, January 22, 2012
Nats Extend Morse
This past Friday, Mark Zuckermann reported that the Nationals have agreed to a contract extension with out fielder Michael Morse. The deal is for two years and $10.5 million.
The contract does not keep Morse from becoming a free agent in 2013.
The contract does not keep Morse from becoming a free agent in 2013.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Nationals Sign Players
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| (Photo: misterirrelevant.com) |
Each player signed a one year deal. Zimmerman signed for $2.3 million, Gorzelanny was inked for $2.7 million, and Clippard is expected to receive between $1.5-2 million.
The Nationals agreed to a contract with these three players just before the deadline. If they were to wait any longer, then they would have to go to arbitration hearings on February 1st.
Now that the Nationals have signed these three, only two players remain: left fielder Michael Morse and pitcher Jon Lannan.
Helu, Kerrigan Honored
Yesterday, the All-Rookie team was announced and there were two Redskins that were deserving on that list. Running back Roy Helu Jr and defensive end Ryan Kerrigan were selected.
Kerrigan was the teams first selection in the NFL draft (16th overall). He started his career with a splash by scoring a touchdown in week one against the Giants. Kerrigan finished with 7.5 sacks and 41 tackles.
Roy Helu was the Redskins steal of the draft. He was selected 105th overall in the fourth round of the draft. Helu immediately became an important part of the offense. By seasons end, he was no doubt the starting running back. Helu finished the season with a team high 640 yards rushing. He also set a team record when he had 14 pass receptions against the 49ers.
Kerrigan was the teams first selection in the NFL draft (16th overall). He started his career with a splash by scoring a touchdown in week one against the Giants. Kerrigan finished with 7.5 sacks and 41 tackles.
Roy Helu was the Redskins steal of the draft. He was selected 105th overall in the fourth round of the draft. Helu immediately became an important part of the offense. By seasons end, he was no doubt the starting running back. Helu finished the season with a team high 640 yards rushing. He also set a team record when he had 14 pass receptions against the 49ers.
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