Ronnie Belliard signs with Nats

I am a little late on this one, but the Nats signed Ronnie Belliard to a non-guarenteed minor league deal two days ago, where Belliard can make $750,000 if he makes the team. And heck, why wouldn't he? Manny Acta said Belliard was a lock to make the team. One problem though, will he be happy as a backup?


Since 2003 Belliard has been in the middle of the pack in terms of production for a second baseman. He is a line drive hitter, which would seem to go really well in spacious RFK. But, almost his entire career he has been a regular. Could he adjust well to the bench? The only reason I could see him starting is if Guzman fails again at short and Lopez has to move back over with Belliard at second base. Belliard has some legal issues in his past, most recently an extortion case, but MLB says he is clear - so Im not going to worry about it if the team isn't.

Cordero Rumors

Today is a new day, therefore there are more Chad Cordero trade rumors. This time he could be headed to Cleveland. That seems like the perfect fit! The Indians are deeeep in pitching, especially starting pitching. If I were Bowden Id offer Cordero for, say, Sowers and Carmona. I imagine the main reason for the rumors would be that Keith Foulke retired, and the Indians aren't sold on Borowski to close. Let's get it done! This would make sense for both teams. I contacted Ken Rosenthal and he says he is going to put in a call for me. I will let you know what he says.

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2007/02/18/sox_yankees_are_an_unmatched_pair/?page=4

...and Tony Batista too

...and Tony Batista, too!!!

Apparently Bowden has signed Tony Batista who could (very easily) come off the Nationals bench in 2007. Once or twice. Maybe for a week or so. Until everyone's had enough. Believe me, he won't stick. Did anyone know this guy was even still...alive?!?!http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/14/AR2007021400975.html

He can scare me, too!

I wish it was the Younger Young...

The Detroit Free Press is reporting the Nationals are close to signing FA 1B Slugger Dmitri Young. Young, released last season by the Tigers, has gotten into some legal trouble in his past. Also worth noting - he played for Jim Bowden in Cincinnatti. We should have known!

To me this signals that the organization really doesn't think Johnson will be healthy in time. I suppose Dmitri could just be an extra bat off the bench, because he can't field at all. Heres my look at all of those competing for the 1B Position:

Travis Lee - Amazing Fielder (Has career .997 FP). Definately no Prince Fielder with the bat though. He has power, when he makes contact, which isnt all that often.

Larry Broadway - Probably the favorite to win the job this Spring, Larry has been with the organization for years. He has potential, but is aging. Last September he messed up his knee which seemed to effect his hitting in Winter Ball. Would have probably been on the bench even if NJ was healthy.

Dmitri Young - He actually has a pretty good bat. Its just he can't play the position all that well. He was drafted awhile ago by STL (back in 1991 - 1st Rd. 4th Overall) and debuted in 1996. Two years later he was in Cincinnati under Bowden. Four years later, in 2002, Dmitri was a Detroit Tiger. He still was, up until his release last season.

I suppose I could include Robert Fick in this category too but I don't think he will get everyday playing time unless the other 3 candidates all flop. He will definitely get more ABs though, even continuing past NJs return date.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070214/SPORTS12/702140350/1050/SPORTS02

Cordero and Arbitration

There have been a few reports out there that the Nationals' and Cordero's people (Reynolds Sports Management) have been working on a long term agreement. I can say that this is only somewhat true. While both sides are talking, the Nationals' offered only a 2-year deal way below what Cordero's people are asking. They will continue to negotiate but I fully expect this to go to arbitration.

From talking with Reynolds Sports, they have told me how they plan to go about presenting their case. First off, they say - look at Brad Lidge's contract. He lost his closer job twice this year and is still getting a $1 million raise. Also they'd like to point out Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez. Cordero has more saves than K-Rod did when he was Cordero's age.

Personally I couldn't care less which figure is chosen, it doesn't effect me. It really doesn't effect anyone besides Cordero.

The arbitration date is set for Tuesday, Feb. 20th in Arizona. I expect the Nationals' to win this one, only because of how other cases have been decided this year. Mostly in the club's favor.

Whatever happens, Cordero isn't likely to get a lot of save opportunities this year.