Off-Season, 2039-40
A lot has happened since our last post near the end of 2038 season.
It definitely seems like Russell has made more shrewd decisions in his fewer moves. The fans are returning to Washington and the Nashville chatter has started to die down.
We shall see what 2040 brings in the way of results before we completely judge Russell's work and influence.
---Submitted by Trevor Carpenter, USA Today (172)
Day 109, 2038
What a strange trip it's been this season. GM Hernandez continues to work the phones in an attempt to get the team over the hump and make the playoffs. Not just an RDI Group goal, but a $5M Cap Bonus is on the line, as well.
The off-season started with the acquisition of multiple RP options, namely:
Zach Rivera, from the White Sox
Jeramy Sparks, from the Braves
Rex Flowers, from the Yankees
All three are now pitching elsewhere. Reports are suggesting this happened as other opportunities to acquire picks and cap space became available. To date, management has spent huge on starting pitching, offering two massive contracts to:
Olawide Waldroup (13 years, $439M [opt out available after 6th season])
August Brett (11 years/ $451M)
With all the money now committed to the Core Four, management is looking to fill in around them with prospects and veterans who other teams perceive as done. A couple examples there are, slashing:
Jacob Donald (C, $10/1) 0.264/ 0.307/ 0.475 (all improvements over his 2037 numbers)
Yuuto Yoshida (2B/ 3B, $10/ 1) 0.197/ 0.396/ 0.489 (OBP leading all of baseball)
The Core Four build hasn't worked to perfection just yet ... with the rotation leading the charge to a 46-51 record, on pace for 77 wins. While that is an improvement over 2037, it is not enough to make the playoffs. The Nationals will have to play 0.677 ball the rest of the way to make it ... I do not see that happening.
We'll see how it goes ... but if nothing else, Hernandez has no rotation work to do this winter ... it's all about the position players. He'll have seven R5 first round picks to find some diamonds in the rough, as well as three R4 first round picks and at least $43M in cap space to make some moves.
Lastly, there have been rumblings about the team's exploring a potential move, with Nashville as a first target. Unsure about the seriousness of these exploration efforts, but the Nashville Buzz has definitely created its own buzz in D.C., with fans staging sit-ins and silent protests to keep the team in Washington.
To this I say ... it is clear that Management is spending to try to win. That has been RDI's #1 goal since purchasing the team. If fans want to see the team stay in Washington ... buy some tickets, people!
---Submitted by Trevor Carpenter, USA Today
Mr. National 2037, presented 11/17/2037
When the Nationals signed Wayne Mack, it was out of defensive necessity. Mack wanted to continue his career in the field, a la Adrian Beltre, and he wanted to come back East. Needing a 3B (and then a 1B), Mack was (and IS) the ultimate team player. He signed for a bargain rate of $8M with a boatload of achievable incentives.
At the plate, Mack earned seven of those incentives, nearly doubling his salary for 2038 (to $15M). In the field, Mack started at 3B and shifted across the diamond to 1B when the team acquired Dean Honeycutt from the Royals. He led the team in average (0.329), on-base percentage (0.382), OPS (0.961), hits (184), doubles (33), and walks (51). Defensively, he logged a 0.993 fielding percentage with 1012 putouts, 12 defensive saves, and only 8 errors (in 149 games).
In short, on the field he was everything that the RDI Group (first year owners) could have hoped for. Off the field, he was a mentor to the younger players and a pillar in the community, signing autographs everywhere he went, often staying for hours until everyone who wanted to chat with him had the chance to do so. (He still enjoys his dinners with Randall Rosenthal at Armand's Chicago Pizzeria, the few moments he takes for himself in what is the busyness of his life.)
Manager Ryan Zimmerman was overheard saying that he has neither played nor coached anyone who made themselves as accessible as Mack does. And on top of all that, Mack is very active with his favorite charities: Coalition for the Homeless, So Others Might Eat, and Friends of Homeless Animals. He gives countless hours in the off-season to these charities and hosts large groups from each one at three individual home games during the season.
It is with great honor and pride that Wayne Mack is selected as Mr. National 2037.
---Submitted by Trevor Carpenter, USA Today
Pre-Offseason, 2038
GM David Hernandez continues the firestorm of activity, working diligently to address key issues from last year's squad, namely the Bullpen. In a literal handful of days, Hernandez has brought in the following to bolster the relief corps:
Zach Rivera, from the White Sox
Jeramy Sparks, from the Braves
Rex Flowers, from the Yankees
This did cost some other assets, namely SP Brady Smith who was sent to Chicago in the deal for Rivera. Forward-thinking, Hernandez also picked up SS Steven Ondina, who may actually end up starting this season. Ondina's glove and speed may push him ahead of new-incumbent SS Hale Lincoln. A battle surely to be determined in Spring Training.
The biggest "get" thus far may be the acquisition of former Randall Rosenthal teammate, SP Maurice Anderson. This completely solidifies the Nationals' rotation and puts them in the conversation for potentially one of the best in the league. Rumors swirl that Hernandez is still working to bolster the defense to ensure that these five horses have all the protection behind them to maximize chances for success.
However, quick analysis identifies that the Nationals may really struggle to score runs. Time will tell.
---Submitted by Trevor Carpenter, USA Today
2037 In Review
Final Record - 74-88 (+13 over 2036)
All-Stars - 3 (1B Wayne Mack, 2B Benito Mahan, RP Herb Arnett)
Total Trades - 32
Free Agents Signed - 16 (traded 7)
Draft Picks Made - 8 (traded 3)
Post-Season Awards - 1 (Wayne Mack Silver Slugger for 1B)
Statistical Leaders
GS - SP Cole Wagner, 37
IP - Wagner, 237.2
Wins - Wagner, 12
WHIP (min. 50 IP) - SP James Bacon, 1.03 (121.2 IP)
Strikeouts - Wagner, 247 (9.4/ 9)
Saves - RP Wesley Lewis and RP Lupe Casal, tied with 12
Games - 2B/ DH Benito Mahan, 156
AVG - 3B/ 1B Wayne Mack, 0.329 (184-for-560)
OBP - Mack, 0.382
SLG - Mahan, 0.604
Runs - Mahan, 101
Hits - Mack, 184
2B - Mack, 33
3B - Seong-Hun Gim, 11
HR - Mahan, 52
RBI - Mahan, 98
SB - Gim, 25
D* - SS Jonah Cook, 53
PO - Mack, 1012
AST - Cook, 305
Miscellaneous
Top 3 Blunders
All in all, not a bad Year 1 under new ownership. The Nationals sit poised to address the needs identified in 2037 (bullpen, defense, and [like everyone] ... batting). Word on the street is that GM Hernandez is already burning the midnight oil, trying to make his team better. (And keep his job.)
---Submitted by Trevor Carpenter, USA Today
Day 124, 2037
Wayne Mack. Reborn.
Mack was signed late in the Free Agent season because the Nationals needed a 3B that could play defense. The hitting was a bonus. He signed an incentive-laden $8M contract to prove that he still has game. There is no doubt that Mack still has game.
Mack slid across the diamond when the Nationals brought in 3B Dean Honeycutt and hasn't stopped hitting. Sitting first in the National League and second overall in Batting, Mack has really impressed everyone in the Nationals organization, from the GM down to the bat boys. His professional approach has set the tone for the Nationals' mini-resurgence, as the team may finish over 0.500 for the first time since we can remember.
Mack has even been spotted with newly acquired SP Randall Rosenthal hanging out at one of Mack's favorite joints - Armand's Chicago Pizzeria - in Silver Spring, MD. (A friend from the Mets introduced him to it years ago, before the main restaurant and several francise locations closed, leaving just the one Silver Spring location.) Mack still gravitates there at least once a week (when he's able) because it's quiet and away from the general busyness of baseball. Rosenthal has taken a liking to this out-of-the-way spot and, like Mack, appreciates the sanctuary it provides.
But getting back to Mack, he is having a resurgence of his own. The incentives were:
With the season Mack is having, he's on pace to collect the $1M bonus for 10 of those 12 benchmarks. The only two he's projected to miss are RBI (needs 100+, projected for 98) and walks (needs 60+, projected for 57). The Nationals plan to give Mack every opportunity to earn as much as he can, as they need his presence in their lineup and in the field to maximize their win totals and ever-so-slightly challenge for a Wild Card position.
---Submitted by Trevor Carpenter, USA Today
Day 111, 2037
Just ... wow.
We didn't expect to be writing again so soon, but GM David Hernandez continues to roll the dice and bring in top-tier talent. Washington welcomes with open arms SP Randall Rosenthal! Rosenthal started 2037 in Texas and was dealt to the Gamblers less than a month into the season. Fast forward 3+ months and Rosenthal is on the move again, this time joining a deep starting rotation as its new headliner.
Sports media has been buzzing about the combination of Rosenthal, Cole Wagner, Robert Lake, James Bacon, Brady Smith, Dennis Blatherson, and Lawson Knight, and the damage they can do to opposing lineups. Tripwire Sports has wondered more than aloud if GM Hernandez has forgotten the offensive side of the ball, but he immediately references Dean Honeycutt, Wayne Mack, Spencer Navarro, and Tony Van Patton as definitive answers that no, he has indeed not forgotten offense.
The next task for GM Hernandez is to meet with Rosenthal's agent and work out an extension to justify trading #2-3 overall in 2038 to acquire him. A fellow NL GM was overheard saying, "Rosenthal is a real talent. He might be new to the Nationals, but if they get the deal done, he will be an impressive anchor to a top-5 rotation. I hope that doesn't happen," he laughingly added.
We in DC certainly hope that it does happen ... as GM Hernandez has built an impressive, young, rotation that could remain together for years. With Lake signed to an 8-year deal and Wagner's extension already buttoned up, Rosenthal, Bacon, and Brady are next in line. The rotation could be a stronghold in Washington for seaons to come. That's what everyone is praying for.
---Submitted by Trevor Carpenter, USA Today
Day 105, 2037
In the 22 games since our last post, the Nationals have gone 13-9, which has helped propel the team back above 0.500 to a 47-43 record at the All-Star Break. Just 18 games shy of the 2037 $5M goal, everyone is locked in and focused on getting it done.
This includes Nationals' Pitching Coach, Alstolfo Alcala, who has been getting some results of late, particularly with newest acquisition, James Bacon. Since joining the Nationals on Draft Day, Bacon has started 8 games. The first 3 games left everyone in Washington wondering ... why did we trade #4 for him?! He's fried, cooked, burnt, or whatever other Bacon-ism you can muster.
But Bacon has settled into his new home, backed by a better defense, and has really started to bring his game to another level. In the 8 games, he has gone 4-3 posting a 4.53 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP, 1.5 BB/9, and 6.4 K/9 over 47.2 innings. Certainly not the ERA we'd like to see (and we'd love more strikeouts!), but Bacon is coming around.
Over his last 5 games, Bacon has 4 quality starts, 1 complete game shutout, and an ERA of 2.41. His 0.86 WHIP and 4.33 K/BB ratio are among the best on the team over that stretch.
The poor start to Bacon's Nationals' career prompted his name to be bandied about in discussions, but it appears those rumors have cooled as he's gotten on track. Here's to hoping Bacon can lead a solid starting staff toward a playoff run in the second half of the season. Worth noting is that the Nationals currently sit just 1 game back, third In the Hunt for a Wild-Card Playoff Spot.
We know one thing: GM David Hernandez is doing all he can to simulataneously build a culture where other players want to come ... as well putting together a winning team, for now and the future.
---Submitted by Trevor Carpenter, USA Today
Day 79, 2037
While GM David Hernandez continues to wheel and deal, League Management and other teams have really begun to take notice. And not in a good way. When pressed about his near-30 moves since taking over a few short months ago, Hernandez quipped, "we inherited some quality individuals when the RDI Group purchased the team back in November 2036. That said, as good as they were off the field, they weren't very good on it, as their 61-101 2036 season record firmly illustrates.
"Each move is made with the thought process that we are getting better both now and in the future. Every player we sign or acquire via trade helps us. Period."
With that, Hernandez abruptly ended the interview, disappointed at the level of criticism his moves and his team are receiving. Sitting at 34-33 as of this writing, the Nationals are on pace to win 82 games and finish over 0.500 in the first season under new ownership.
The RDI Group has exhibited a penchant for going all in, making every effort to win in every corner of each endeavor in which they participate. Their aggressive hiring of David Hernandez, known throughout the sports' world as a man willing to make moves, wholeheartedly supports this theory.
We shall see how these trades work out - and if Hernandez slows down the turnstyle as he begins to build the team he believes can be a winner. Stay tuned! Always action in Washington ... and not just on Capitol Hill.
---Submitted by Trevor Carpenter, USA Today
