Nats sign Difo for $1 million, avoiding arbitration
Nats sign Difo for $1 million, avoiding arbitration
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
The Nationals have agreed to terms with Wilmer Difo on a 2020 contract that will pay the utility infielder $1 million if he's on the big league roster, a source familiar with the deal confirmed this afternoon. The signing, which was first reported by USA Today, comes one day before Major League Baseball's deadline for clubs to tender contracts to all arbitration-eligible players. It means Difo and the Nationals will avoid going to arbitration, but it doesn't guarantee him the full $1...
At his tailgate today, Mancini speaks on possible loss of Villar
At his tailgate today, Mancini speaks on possible loss of Villar
Steve Melewski
Orioles
At his Purple Tailgate fundraiser for his good friend Mo Gaba today, the Orioles' Trey Mancini briefly discussed some team business. Like his teammate, infielder Jonathan Villar, hitting the waiver wire and possibly being non-tendered by the club. Last year, Villar hit .274/.339/.453 with 33 doubles, five triples, 24 homers, 40 steals, 111 runs and an OPS of .792. He produced the first season with 20 or more homers and steals by an Oriole since Manny Machado in 2015. "It's tough. He had such...
After erratic season, Suero needs to find formula for consistency
After erratic season, Suero needs to find formula for consistency
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we have reviewed each significant player on the Nationals roster. We conclude today with Wander Suero, who led the staff in relief appearances while being wildly inconsistent game to game. PLAYER REVIEW: WANDER SUERO Age on opening day 2020: 28 How acquired: Signed as international free agent, February 2010 MLB service time: 1 year, 123 days 2019 salary: $562,500 Contract status: Under team control, could be arbitration-eligible in 2021, free...
Podcast provides interesting insight into Nationals analytics department
Podcast provides interesting insight into Nationals analytics department
Byron Kerr
Nationals
On his "Sports Info Solutions Baseball" podcast last week, Mark Simon (Twitter: @MarkASimonSays) talked about analytics and how the Nationals use data in several aspects of their baseball seasons. Simon visited with Nationals assistant general manager for baseball research and development Samuel Mondry-Cohen. Mondry-Cohen referred to his department as the "R&D department" within the Nationals organization. He said the development side of the club's analytics study is devoted to...
Rogers determined to pitch next season
Rogers determined to pitch next season
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Undergoing one Tommy John surgery isn't an unusual occurrence for a pitcher. It's almost become the norm, happening at earlier ages with a higher level of success rates. The panic factor isn't as intense. But two of the exact same procedures? Orioles left-hander Josh Rogers could feel cursed, but his latest recovery process is lined in silver. As he sees it, there are advantages attached to the familiarity. He knows what to expect and how to tweak the routine. The Orioles announced on July 3...
Is another O's first-round pick going to be moved?
Is another O's first-round pick going to be moved?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
As a pitcher taken with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2011 draft, right-hander Dylan Bundy arrived in the Orioles organization bearing the weight of some very high expectations. Those expectations that he would be a No. 1 starter, and maybe a dominant No. 1, were not realized. Tommy John surgery and shoulder issues took care of that. Bundy has been solid at times for the club and he's led the team the last two years in starts, innings and strikeouts. He's surely a gamer with a four-pitch mix...
Hard-throwing Rainey showed potential to pitch late innings
Hard-throwing Rainey showed potential to pitch late innings
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Tanner Rainey, who by season's end had established himself as one of the more reliable members of the bullpen. PLAYER REVIEW: TANNER RAINEY Age on opening day 2020: 27 How acquired: Traded from Reds for Tanner Roark, December 2018 MLB service time: 158 days 2019 salary: $555,000 Contract status: Under club control, could be arbitration-eligible in 2022,...
Gary Kendall talks about Keegan Akin and Dean Kremer
Gary Kendall talks about Keegan Akin and Dean Kremer
Steve Melewski
Orioles
For this recent entry about Ryan Mountcastle and his addition to the Orioles' 40-man roster, I spent some time interviewing Triple-A Norfolk manager Gary Kendall. I talked with Kendall talking about two pitchers. We discussed left-hander Keegan Akin and right-hander Dean Kremer, who were both also recently added to the 40-man roster. Outfielder Ryan McKenna joined that trio and now none of the four can be taken in the upcoming Rule 5 draft. Throwing a fastball, slider and changeup, Akin went...
Intriguing Voth has thrust himself into mix for 2020 rotation spot
Intriguing Voth has thrust himself into mix for 2020 rotation spot
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Austin Voth, who proved to be one of the club's biggest surprises this season. PLAYER REVIEW: AUSTIN VOTH Age on opening day 2020: 27 How acquired: Fifth-round pick, 2013 draft MLB service time: 127 days 2019 salary: $556,000 Contract status: Under team control, could be arbitration-eligible in 2022, free agent in 2026 2019 stats: 2-1, 3.30 ERA, 9 G, 8...
A look at how the catching position could shape up
A look at how the catching position could shape up
Steve Melewski
Orioles
If Adley Rutschman is the future of the catching position for the Orioles - and he most certainly is - the present in 2020 will probably look a lot like it did in 2019. Pedro Severino, Chance Sisco and Austin Wynns remain as the three O's catchers currently on the 40-man roster. The club seems set with that trio for next season as they also get set to watch Rutschman progress through his first full season on the O's farm. Both Severino and Sisco got off to hot hitting starts with the club...