Post by bbednarko on Dec 4, 2007 10:48:35 GMT -5
Nationals kick off the offseason with a bang
Acquisition of Rodriguez sets the tone for offseason movement
Washington, DC - It's very early in the offseason, and Washington Nationals' GM Bob Bednarko has already made a splash.
The 2nd year GM wasted no time jumping into the trade market, acquiring superstar 3B Alex Rodriguez from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
"Coming into the offseason, we are fortunate to not have many glaring weaknesses", Bednarko said. "However, one that we do have is 3B. When Rodriguez became available, it was the perfect scenario for our ballclub. We add a power bat to a lineup that desperately needs a boost, and turn 3B from a platoon to a position of strength. We couldn't be happier."
In return for Rodriguez, Washington sent a package headed up by star pitcher Tony Armas, Jr., and included minor league prospects LHP Arnie Munoz and OF Jerry Owens.
Armas, brings heavy talent to Hollywood, though his statistics don't show it. Battling injury and the uncertainty of trade speculation, he finished the 2004 campaign with a 9-9 record and a 3.74 ERA, starting 26 games for both Washington and the Chicago White Sox.
Munoz appeared in 50 games for AAA Athens, compiling a 2-9 record, with 24 saves and a 5.29 ERA. He struck out 77 in only 59 innings.
Owens hit a combined .280, 7 HR, and 47 RBI between Class A Springfield and AA Cantrall.
Bednarko is excited about the possibilities 2005 brings.
"One thing that hurt us last season, was the absence of a true power threat in our lineup. With A-Rod on board, teams will have to take our lineup a little more seriously now. It's exciting."
Washington also hopes to get solid production out of rookie Alex Rios, who takes over duties in leftfield after incumbent Geoff Jenkins left via free agency. Rios smacked 15 homeruns, drove in 82 runs, and stole 18 bases for AAA Athens last season. 2005 will be his first season up with the big club, and club officials expect big things out of the 24-year old prospect.
"Alex is going to be just fine", Bednarko explained.
"He has all the tools to be a great every day player in this game. We'll hit him down in the order, and let him settle in slowly. If anything, he upgrades our defense greatly. We are very happy to have him."
As we move deeper into free agency and then inch closer to Spring Training, the buzz around our national's capital continues to soar. Fans are excited about the 2005 campaign. And, for good reason.
Projected 2005 Lineup:
1. Randy Winn, RF
2. Orlando Hudson, 2B
3. Craig Wilson, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Orlando Cabrera, SS
6. Jason Phillips, C
7. Alex Rios, LF
8. Endy Chavez, CF
Projected 2005 Rotation:
1. A.J. Burnett, R
2. Seth McClung, R
3. Kyle Lohse, R
4. Zach Day, R
5. Kyle Snyder, R
Bronson Arroyo, R
Brian Fuentes, L
Damaso Marte, L
Scott Stewart, L
Franklyn German, R
Travis Harper, R
Matt Anderson, R
Acquisition of Rodriguez sets the tone for offseason movement
Washington, DC - It's very early in the offseason, and Washington Nationals' GM Bob Bednarko has already made a splash.
The 2nd year GM wasted no time jumping into the trade market, acquiring superstar 3B Alex Rodriguez from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
"Coming into the offseason, we are fortunate to not have many glaring weaknesses", Bednarko said. "However, one that we do have is 3B. When Rodriguez became available, it was the perfect scenario for our ballclub. We add a power bat to a lineup that desperately needs a boost, and turn 3B from a platoon to a position of strength. We couldn't be happier."
In return for Rodriguez, Washington sent a package headed up by star pitcher Tony Armas, Jr., and included minor league prospects LHP Arnie Munoz and OF Jerry Owens.
Armas, brings heavy talent to Hollywood, though his statistics don't show it. Battling injury and the uncertainty of trade speculation, he finished the 2004 campaign with a 9-9 record and a 3.74 ERA, starting 26 games for both Washington and the Chicago White Sox.
Munoz appeared in 50 games for AAA Athens, compiling a 2-9 record, with 24 saves and a 5.29 ERA. He struck out 77 in only 59 innings.
Owens hit a combined .280, 7 HR, and 47 RBI between Class A Springfield and AA Cantrall.
Bednarko is excited about the possibilities 2005 brings.
"One thing that hurt us last season, was the absence of a true power threat in our lineup. With A-Rod on board, teams will have to take our lineup a little more seriously now. It's exciting."
Washington also hopes to get solid production out of rookie Alex Rios, who takes over duties in leftfield after incumbent Geoff Jenkins left via free agency. Rios smacked 15 homeruns, drove in 82 runs, and stole 18 bases for AAA Athens last season. 2005 will be his first season up with the big club, and club officials expect big things out of the 24-year old prospect.
"Alex is going to be just fine", Bednarko explained.
"He has all the tools to be a great every day player in this game. We'll hit him down in the order, and let him settle in slowly. If anything, he upgrades our defense greatly. We are very happy to have him."
As we move deeper into free agency and then inch closer to Spring Training, the buzz around our national's capital continues to soar. Fans are excited about the 2005 campaign. And, for good reason.
Projected 2005 Lineup:
1. Randy Winn, RF
2. Orlando Hudson, 2B
3. Craig Wilson, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Orlando Cabrera, SS
6. Jason Phillips, C
7. Alex Rios, LF
8. Endy Chavez, CF
Projected 2005 Rotation:
1. A.J. Burnett, R
2. Seth McClung, R
3. Kyle Lohse, R
4. Zach Day, R
5. Kyle Snyder, R
Bronson Arroyo, R
Brian Fuentes, L
Damaso Marte, L
Scott Stewart, L
Franklyn German, R
Travis Harper, R
Matt Anderson, R