'Summer of '69' (a Washington Nationals dynasty)

The Washington Post Times

A new year, a new reason to be optimistic?

Rock and roll artist Bryan Adams once coined a little diddy
by the name of "summer of '69". Although the words 'Montreal'
and 'expos' are scarcely mentioned in the song, ok technically
not at all, i know he was referring to the year of
America's team (i havent exaggerated this much since i put a picture
of Brad Pitt on my singles profile) , otherwise known as the Montreal Expos.
This isnt the history channel nor is it ESPN's The top 5 reasons why you
cant blame Canada, so i wont recount the misery that the summer of '69
was about to unleash on about 230 fans and one desperate for a job beat writer.


This is 2008 and no longer the Expos and no longer Canada-i remember how thankful
my sister was when in 2004 i told her i would be moving out of the Montreal area,
"thank God, your an American again". She pasted on me a year later and i always wondered
if she thought that she can finally rest in peace knowing that her little brother was once again "American".
This current franchise has a new name and a new face, well a new name is enough. The
'l's still outweigh the 'w's (although is it me or do the w's just look heavier?), but
atleast hope lives here in the nations capitol-i think it jumped ship from politics over to baseball.
After enduring a 73-89 season we have reason for optimism. Not the 89 losses but the new manager and 'captain' of
the ship-one Rowley Smith. Im older than the dirt found under Nick Johnson's cleats (how someone gets their
cleats dirty when they are hardly on the field beats me, images of Mr Johnson running onto the field after
one of those 89 losses and pretending to go from first to third on a well hit grounder amuses me), and been
covering baseball for almost 40 years and still never heard of the guy.


Alas, this is also not a column portraying Mr. Smith as the savior of our nationals (thats tomorrow), this is simply
me trying to get another paycheck to add to my "retire and get the hell outta here" fund. *raises bottle of ensure*
Heres to another 162 games and those 'w's finally getting the better of those 'l's in 2008.

-Orvell Washburn is a columnist for the Washington Post Times.
He covered the Expos from conception and now does the same for the nationals.

The Washington Post Times

Jackie Robinson was black?

"Those are gonna kill you you know." I told Rowley Smith yesterday after a press conference while watching him swallow enough bourbon to put a large animal to sleep.
"Old age will probably kill you" he replied. "And which is more fun, being old or being drunk?". I had to laugh, there is a natural bond between old folks and it wasnt lost upon us.
Rowley is an endearing fellow, about 6'2 195 pounds. Doesnt look his years of 83. He has piercing blue eyes that although once probably landed him more women than he deserved have since faded slightly, liken to the sea after sunset. I let him drown the recent memory
of a reporters feeding frenzy (like stray dogs after a New York strip), and he in turn let me
scribble notes on my trusty pad. When it was finally time to talk baseball he sat down his glass and pulled a cigar
from his jacket pocket. "We're going to the playoffs within 2 years, write that down." he flatly states while placing
the cigar loosely between his lips. I do as im told. I ask him about the recent rumors that he would undertake
both duties of manager as well as GM. This causes him to finally light his cigar. "Back when I was coming up in baseball
thats how it was done. Even when we had GM's they didnt know baseball from cricket. I still dont what the hell cricket is."
He's referring to the pre-1960's era of baseball when managers did indeed often bear the responsibility of both.
I get the feeling that once Mr Smith comments on a topic it is considered 'discussed' in his eyes.
That works for me, I need to get home anyway and catch American Idol-I dont particularly care for it but it helps me feel young.
I asked about his history and experience on the diamond. Smith spent 4 years (1942,1945-1947) with the minor league team
Montreal Royals before his career was cut short due to a nagging war injury suffered during duty in 1943.
Whats notable about this time frame is 1946. This is the year before Jackie Robinson ended 80 years of segregation in baseball.
In 1946 Robinson had been acquired by the Brooklyn Dodgers from the Negro League Kansas City Monarchs and promptly placed with the
teams top minor league affiliate-you guessed it-Montreal Royals. Mr. Smith had this to say about the great Jackie Robinson-"Helluva hitter,
not the best I had seen but damn good." When asked to elaborate (i am trying to sell papers here) he stated with his trademark straight
face and flat tone, "If my memory serves me correctly, I believe he was black to." Classic, i could stop this interview now, snatch Rowley's
bottle up and go home confident that my editor would findly find something out of the english language resembling 'good work' to describe
my Article.


After a couple stints as a bench coach for the Brooklyn Dodgers Smith finally settled into the role of a major league scout. Most recently with
the Florida Marlins where your current nationals owner solicited his services. I know what you die hard readers (im sure my column has many)
are dying to ask-"but what about his age? I mean the guy is 83 years old! Can he manage his daily pill regimine much less a baseball team?"
Hey you guys said it not me.


-Orvell Washburn is a columnist for the Washington Post Times.
He covered the Expos from conception and now the nationals.

good start so far.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by twinsGM

good start so far.

---

Thanks, not as action packed as yours but im hoping to use my writing background to keep readers interested.

Ah yes, the old Expos...now the new Nats...I'll always love 'em, whatever their name, whoever their personnel...since you are starting from their very beginnings, as did I - I watched their first game on t.v ...a win over the Mets! - I shall follow their progress, avidly.

During their Monteal sojourn, your account of them should draw a similar audience, to that which follows the Canujun Ehs, in this forum.

Much success!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rongar

Ah yes, the old Expos...now the new Nats...I'll always love 'em, whatever their name, whoever their personnel...since you are starting from their very beginnings, as did I - I watched their first game on t.v ...a win over the Mets! - I shall follow their progress, avidly.

During their Monteal sojourn, your account of them should draw a similar audience, to that which follows the Canujun Ehs, in this forum.

Much success!

---

Im actually starting in '08-when you get a chance read my first two posts, and tell me what you think. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ghettostar

Im actually starting in '08-when you get a chance read my first two posts, and tell me what you think. :)

---

Ok, good.. that's what I thought. I got confused reading his comment... Phew!

The Washington Post Times

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Ryan Zimmerman is expected to be the catalyst for the Nationals line-up.






Position by position breakdown


With spring training over and April looming ive broken down the 'Nats
from catcher to LF. Im assuming there will be changes and this may not even be the
same roster that debuts in april but is doubtful to change drastically so
get used to seeing most of the names listed here for atleast another year.
I will be covering pitchers tomorrow.


In just the few discussions ive had with the new manager and with those
familiar with him in baseball circles ive learned a bit about his style and the strategy hes likely to employ
here with the 'nats. He wants a team that relies on defense and pitching first. He feels that if you can keep
the other team to a low score even a mediocre hitting team can get a few runs across the plate. A team that hits
very little has proven to be successful as long as those are 'key' hits, such as when runners are in
scoring position. Its too early to tell what this will mean as far as roster changes but its never too early to
speculate, and that my friend is what im going to do today.


Catcher- The man seemingly with the job would be free agent acquisition Paul Lo Duca.
Lo Duca hit .272 with 9 homers last year as a member of the Mets. Not great numbers and add that
with his sub-par abilities at catcher and this could be someone elses job before the end of the season.
The likely candidate to steal the job once hes back from a minor injury is Johnny Estrada. Johnny hit
.278 with 10 bombs in 120 games with Milwaukee. Johnny also plays the position considerably better than Lo Duca.
The incumbent is a highly touted prospect in his second season Jesus Flores. In 79 major league
games for the 'nats last year he hit .244 with 4 bangers and 25 RBIs. The consensus is that Flores isnt
quite ready to take the helm yet but it'll be up to him to prove that assessment wrong. other notables:
Will Nieves.


1st Base- Nick Johnson. After hitting .290 with 23 HRs, an on base percentage of .428 and an OPS of
.948 i doubt the 'nats are going to spend too much time contemplating this position. Although Johnsons glaring
lack of defense could negate whatever positives he brings to the table in the eyes of new defensive minded
manager Rowley Smith. Im through playing devil's advocate now.


2nd Base- Ronnie Belliard is an average hitter with average defense. Which means he probably wont last
more than a year with the direction Smith is trying to take this team. Whose is poised to supplant Ronnie in the line-up?
Felipe Lopez? Pete Orr? Two journeyman without much upside? If Belliard loses his job it wont be to either of these
two. I suppose Felipe Lopez has the best shot however.


SS- Christian Guzman is a career .263 hitter who has never hit more than 10 homeruns in a season-and that was seven years ago-
and plays his position with a little left to desire. Guzman is due to make over $4 million dollars this year
in the final year of his contract. Expect Guzman to be a free agent after this year, but with no one else even resembling
a major leaguer on the current roster at shortstop, plus the fact that Guzman hit .328 in 46 games with the nats last year, expect
Guzman to hang around for now.


3b- This is where we can let out a little sigh. Ryan Zimmerman should be the cornerstone of the Nationals
for years to come. Although we've seen him decline in almost every statistical catagory since his rookie campaign
in 2005 when he was a september call-up. He hit .266 with 24 homeruns last year and has tremendous upside considering he is only
23 years of age.

RF- Austin kearns finally had his first full major league season last year (missing only 1 game) inwhich he hit
.266 and put 16 in the bleachers. kearns is still young and is one of the best fielders in he game. With great range
and a pretty good arm to boot, he seems to fit this team just fine.


CF- Lastings Milledge provides great defense in the center of the field and gets his first shot at a full major league
season this year after being traded from the mets. Lastings hit .272 with 7 homers in 49 games last year for the mets but at
only 22 years of age he looks to improve on those stats and 'last' as the starting center fielder for the nats for a few years to come.


LF- I might as well leave this section blank because that sums up this position at the moment for the nationals.
With Ryan Church sent to the mets for Lastings Milledge, the gig is up for grabs. My guess is that Lastings Milledge scoots over
to play left when the young stud Elijah Dukes gets back from injury and plays center.
Elijah hit only .191 last year for the Rays but still managed an OPS of over .700! He managed to do that with the help
of 10 Homers in only 52 games and almost as many walks (33) as whiffs (44).


All in all I am confident in saying that there is talent to be found in this years line-up.
Wether it comes together is yet to be seen and wether the rotation can fend off other line-ups long
enough for these young bats to be relevant is for tomorrows column.




-Orvell Washburn is a columnist for the Washington Post Times.
He covered the Expos from conception and now does the same for the Nationals.

Free agent signed by 'Nats today-


http://i36.tinypic.com/2z5sqwo.jpg



Free agent left fielder Josh Burrus was signed by the club today.
The 3 year deal is reportedly worth $1.9 million. Burrus spent the 2007
campaign in the Atlanta Braves minor league system at AA Miss. Braves where
he hit .213 with 6 homeruns in 91 games.

The 24 yr old Burrus has shown flashes in his seven year minor league career.
Playing 76 games for A ball Myrtle Beach in 2005 Burrus hit .284 and 20 homeruns before struggling in AA. He had 36 steals at both levels and led the entire Braves organization with 28 doubles. Injuries hampered Josh in 2006.

Josh Burrus isnt much of a risk at under $2 mill a year but that seems alot for such an unproven player. General Manager Jim Bowden must have seen something he liked, or maybe new Manager Smith had a play in this one. Either way he was obviously brought in to compete at LF until Elijah Dukes
comes off the DL. Although at $2 million they better get more than just fill-in
duty out of their newest addition.



-Orvell Washburn is a columnist for the Washington Post Times.
He covered the Expos from conception and now does the same for Nationals.

The Washington Post Times

Rotation set for major overhaul?


I know today I was supposed to outline the pitching staff for the upcoming season,
but the recent rumor mill is churning out fresh fodder for us media type and fans alike
to discuss, debate and in all likelihood send Mr Bowden threating letters stating that if he
doesnt swing a deal that sees Roy Hallady in nationals red he'll wake up april 1st with
four flat tires and feces of some species of domesticated feline attached to the paint of
whatever luxury car has the unfortunate task of hauling his pompous ass from penthouse suite
to his office at Nationals Park. Ok, im alone on that one. The point is im not going
to waste my precious time (when your my age its all precious) on something thats about
to become moot anyhow. On to the good stuff i suppose.


Rumor has it that manager Rowley Smith feels that a couple of the young guns that dotted the
rotaion last year and were expected to make their full season debuts this year are simply not ready.
Im assuming hes speaking of Jay Bergmann, John Lannan, and Matt Chico.

Bergmann made 21 starts last year going 6-6 with a 4.45 ERA. The knock on him is that although
he has decent control scouts dont think his pitches are polished enough for the majors quite yet.
From what i seen of the kid last year was that he just didnt get enough movement on his breaking balls.
I still believe hes our best option for day 1 though- I mean how many pitchers dont have flaws?
Roy halladay thats who!

John lannan made 6 starts going 2-2 with an ERA of 4.15 in 34 innings. Thats not bad for a 23 yr old
rookie if you ask me, but of course neither Smith or Bowden have as of yet.

Although Matt Chico started 31 games last year i added him to this list because he's young and while keeping his ERA
a respectable 4.63 last year has struggled mightly in spring training.

So let the speculating begin. Will we see a major trade? Does Smith have his eye on a free agent?
Will I get my wish for Roy? Note to Bowden: I would even settle for Johan Santana.








-Orvell Washburn is a columnist for the Washington Post Times.
He covered the Expos from conception and now does the same for the Nationals.

Format and settings

For this dynasty Ill be simming the first year, then for the 2009 season I will play every game in play by play under manager. Both GM difficulty and PBP difficulty will be set to mogul. Peaks will be kept on but i will however keep my
scouting expeditures purposely low so that my scouting is atleast +/- 4 or worse. I have strict rules to keep from taking advantage of the AI. I wont go
into immense detail on these, lets just say every trade will be realistic. The same for free agent signing. You wont see me trading 70 rated players for cash or prospects, just as in real life most of the time these get released if theres no room for them on my team.

I will be using Frenchredsox rosters (july version). I did some minor changes to settings such as turned medical staff effect to -100%, tweaked simulation
settings a bit (singles down to 97, walks to 98, triples to 81, strikeouts to 95). I also turned promotions up all across the board and tuned the happiness
effect (-30% effect on performance).


Here I will differentiate from most dynasties in that in the first seasons amateur draft I will be editing a pitcher and drafting him with my first pick.
I know this isnt conventional but i will explain my reasoning in a bit. I will
edit this pitcher so as to be called up in the second season to be a starter.
His initial rating will look something like 72/94. I will set him to reach his peak
during the end of the 2009 season. I will be controling this pitchers every pitch in pitch by pitch mode. This is the only time i will use pitch by pitch.
Heres a post i made in another thread explaining why i like doing this:





"I dont want to put out the misconception that I do this with any other players or that I make my game less challenging. The rest of my team is mediocre at best, im the small market royals with a payroll of 57 mill in 2009. i just always like the idea of my player being the 'savior' of sorts. You know the one that gives the home town team hope and thoughts of grandeur? i enjoy carrying the team on my back and hopefully all the way to the playoffs where with a little luck and gritty play even the royals have a shot. Especially when "my" pitcher is equalizing those big bats of the redsox and yanks. As my star pitcher goes, so the kansas city royals goes, and if we only "just come up short" the fans can have a whole offseason to discuss how if we could just add one more strong arm to the rotation or if the owner would dig in his pockets and go after one big bat in free agency-we can get over the hump next year. Ah, next year-thank the baseball gods theres always next year."


You could substitute royals for Nationals and you get the drift. I certainly hope this doesnt turn any 'mogul purist' away from my dynasty. Although it doesnt look as though i have that much of a following as it is. :p

The Washington Post Times

News and Tidbits



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Willie Harris making a push for left field duty



-Espn released its first set of Power Rankings today. Your Nationals are one Baltimore team
away from the bottom. Thats right #29. Padres are #1 followed by Cubs at #2. See the complete
list at the bootom of the page. What are your thoughts on being the second worse team in the
majors? Also notice how the top 5 teams and 7 of the first 8 are from the National League.
Doesnt bode well for the home tewm.


-Veteran LF Willie Harris is making his case to be opening day starter. Willie had
a good spring training and batting coach Jerry Howell said he may be one of
our best contact hitters. Willie hit .270 in 117 games for atlanta last year and plays
a pretty good left field. Jokes on me, i didnt even include him in my Position analysis.
Hey, when you look like Brad Pitt you're allowed to make mistakes.


-I got to see Josh Burrus during batting practice this morning. The kids got some pop.
i was also very impressed with how much green he covers in left field. Im not sure theres too many
guys right now in the majors that could get to the same balls he can. His arm is average at best
and his fielding is a little below average however, so only time will tell with this guy.




Power Rankings



1. San Diego Padres
2. Chicago Cubs
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. Philidelphia Phillies
5. New York Mets
6. Chi White Sox
7. ST. Louis Cardinals
8. LA Dodgers
9. Boston Red Sox
10.Colo Rockies
11.Detroit Tigers
12.Mil Brewers
13.ATL Braves
14.Hou Astros
15.LA Angels
16.Pitt Pirates
17.Toro Blue Jays
18.Fla Marlins
19.Cle Indian
20.New York Yankees
21.Cin Reds
22.Seattle Mariner
23.Oakland A's
24.Minn Twins
25.Texas Rangers
26.S.F. Giants
27.Tampa Bay dRays
28.Kansas City Royals
29.Wash Nationals
30.Bal Orioles










-Orvell Washburn is a columnist for the Washington Post Times.
He covered the Expos from conception and now does the same for the Nationals.