Lee's summer work paying off in instructional league
Lee's summer work paying off in instructional league
Byron Kerr
Nationals
"Bring it on!" That's how left-handed pitcher Evan Lee greeted me as we started to talk about his baseball summer during Nationals fall instructional league workouts and games in West Palm Beach, Fla., this month. You can tell by that reaction that Lee brings that same attitude to the mound when handed the ball for the Nats. Lee, 23, is currently pitching for the Nats in their scrimmages against the Marlins, continuing preparations for a hopefully uninterrupted 2021 season. The southpaw, who...
Can Scherzer regain elite form in final year of contract?
Can Scherzer regain elite form in final year of contract?
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Our offseason player review series continues today with Max Scherzer, who wasn't his elite self but still managed to be effective. PLAYER REVIEW: MAX SCHERZER Age on opening day 2021: 36 How acquired: Signed as free agent, January 2015 MLB service time: 12 years, 79 days 2020 salary: $35 million (deferred), $15 million signing bonus Contract status: Signed for $35 million in 2021 (deferred), $15 million signing bonus, free agent in 2022 2020 stats: 5-4, 3.74 ERA, 12 GS, 1 CG, 67 1/3 IP, 70 H,...
A tale of two seasons for Orioles catchers
A tale of two seasons for Orioles catchers
Steve Melewski
Orioles
The catcher position is historically one that does not produce much offense. Of course, there are always exceptions, but generally speaking, teams are happy if they get modest offense from their catchers. For a good portion of the shortened 2020 season, the Orioles had to be delighted with the offense coming from their catchers. They used three players at the position with Pedro Severino making 32 starts, Chance Sisco 22 and Bryan Holaday six. In late August, the O's catching trio was...
Light free agent winter workload for Orioles
Light free agent winter workload for Orioles
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Part of a team's offseason agenda is attempting to retain its own free agents. Hold onto the players who are deemed irreplaceable and affordable. The Orioles won't be bogged down by this type of business. The current list of Orioles free agents is a brief read. Left-hander Wade LeBlanc and third catcher Bryan Holaday are the only ones assured of hitting the market. The $3.5 million option on shortstop José Iglesias' contract is going to be picked up unless there's a monumental,...
Thames' poor year again leaves Nats with first base questions
Thames' poor year again leaves Nats with first base questions
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Our offseason player review series continues today with Eric Thames, who was among the most disappointing players on the roster this season. PLAYER REVIEW: ERIC THAMES Age on opening day 2021: 34 How acquired: Signed as free agent, January 2020 MLB service time: 5 years, 63 days 2020 salary: $3 million (prorated $1,111,111) Contract status: Has $4 million mutual option (or $1 million buyout) for 2021 2020 stats: 41 G, 140 PA, 123 AB, 10 R, 25 H, 5 2B, 0 3B, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 1 SB, 0 CS, 14 BB, 42...
First offseason edition: "10 questions for O's fans"
First offseason edition: "10 questions for O's fans"
Steve Melewski
Orioles
So, it's been two weeks since the last Orioles game and we are definitely moving into full offseason mode around here. The American League Championship Series begins today with the Houston Astros facing the Tampa Bay Rays. While we move along this offseason and go through the holidays and wait to find out if there will be a Winter Meetings this year, we take time today for the latest edition of "10 questions for O's fans." Answer one question, a couple or all 10. Give short answers or long...
Source: Hale, Long won't return to fast-changing coaching staff
Source: Hale, Long won't return to fast-changing coaching staff
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
The Nationals' first offseason task appears to be a significant makeover of manager Davey Martinez's coaching staff. One week after cutting ties with pitching coach Paul Menhart, the club has now also informed third base coach Chip Hale and hitting coach Kevin Long they will not be returning in 2021, a source familiar with the decisions confirmed. There could be more moves coming, as well. Assistant hitting coach Pat Roessler, brought in last winter, has been Long's right-hand man with three...
Another quizzical look at the Orioles
Another quizzical look at the Orioles
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Schools are open with remote classrooms, which should make it easier for you to take today's quiz. Except it's much harder to cheat off the person next to you. I can't fix that part. Also, I waited again until the weekend to pass out a quiz because I'm a real jerk. Please share your answers with the moderator. The opening day starter will be: A. Alex Cobb B. John Means C. A pitcher who signs over the winter D. None of the above The 2021 Most Valuable Oriole will be: A. Ryan Mountcastle B....
Nats need a healthy and productive Castro next year
Nats need a healthy and productive Castro next year
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Our offseason player review series continues today with Starlin Castro, who was brought in last winter to help fortify the Nationals lineup, but played in only 16 games before suffering a season-ending injury. PLAYER REVIEW: STARLIN CASTRO Age on opening day 2021: 31 How acquired: Signed as free agent, January 2020 MLB service time: 10 years, 150 days 2020 salary: $5 million (prorated $1,851,852) Contract status: Signed for $7 million in 2021, free agent in 2022 2020 stats: 16 G, 63 PA, 60 AB,...
Cluff values Fredericksburg experience, now continues instruction in Florida
Cluff values Fredericksburg experience, now continues instruction in Florida
Byron Kerr
Nationals
In late September, we got a chance to check in with shortstop Jackson Cluff, who spent the last month of the season at the Nationals alternate training site in Fredericksburg, Va. Cluff is rated as the No. 20 Nats prospect by MLBPipeline.com. He played his first season of pro ball at low single-A Hagerstown. Cluff said it was exciting to get a chance to work out with other Nationals players as part of the 60-man player pool. "I think that excitement raises when you get to play at this level...