THE BELTWAY BOYS: Phillies Give Nationals The Byrd

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Phillies Give Nationals The Byrd

Marlon Byrd

Washington Nationals General Manager announced Saturday Afternoon that the club has traded problem centerfielder Endy Chavez to the Philadelphia Phillies for outfielder Marlon Byrd. Byrd is expected to join the Nationals over the weekend at RFK Stadium.

In one of those typical "fresh start" trades, both Chavez and Byrd were on the outs with their respective clubs and in desparate need of new scenery. Both have spent time in AAA this season. While Byrd is assured a position on the major league roster, it is a this point uncertain where Chavez will begin his Phillies career.

Chavez brings more base stealing ability to the Phillies, while Byrd offers a bit more punch. Byrd is only two years removed from his breakout year of 2003, when he batted .303 with 7 home runs and 45 RBIs. Byrd stole 11 bases in 12 tries. He had a .366 on base percentage to go along with a .418 slugging percent.

If Byrd returns to form, he could be an ideal number 2 hitter, providing a solid combination of power and speed. The question becomes, "who would he replace?" Wilkerson is set in one slot mainly because Nick Johnson is becoming a stud at firstbase. Jose Guillen will likely be signed to a long-term deal within the next year. Ryan Church has such a huge upside that I think the Nats want him to succeed very much. Does Byrd become the fourth outfielder in favor of Termel Sledge, who I think is going the way of Mr. Chavez as soon as he's shown to be healthy? Because Byrd bats righthanded, he can be a compliment to Ryan Church's lefthand bat. That may be the best bet for all concerned.

Regardless, Trader Jim keeps us guessing. I love that.

# posted by Farid Rushdi @ 7:58 PM

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Rasner Rocks For Yanks

What was it that Jim Bowden said when he lost Darrell Rasner to the Yankees through waivers last winter? Wasn't it something like, "C'mon, it wasn't like he was going to make an impact at the major league level?" Well Jimbo, it seems like some of your "minor" transactions are coming back to haunt you.

Rasner, a 6'3" righty from Carson City, Nevada, was waived February 11th by the Nationals, just a couple of weeks before the start of spring training. He was picked up and assigned to 'AAA' Columbus. He had some injuries this year, but it didn't effect his pitching. In 58 innings for the Clippers, Rasner went 4-0, 2.76. But wait. There's more.

Pitching on Sunday against the Twins, Rasner pitched 6 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits. In two starts, he's now 1-0, 1.17.

What do you always like to say, Jim, something about "You can never have enough pitching?" Let's see, you waived Rasner, and he's starting for the Yankees. You waived Claudio Vargas, and he's starting for the Diamondbacks. You waived Byung Young Kim, and he's starting for the Rockies. You traded Tomo Ohka for a guy no longer in the major leagues, and he's starting for the Brewers.

Jim, if I were you, I'd stay away from the waiver wire. Seems like you haven't figured it that it's supposed to help the team, not hurt it.

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Big Changes, Little Names

Big happenings? Nah. Just happenings. Zach Day was designated for assignment by the Colorado Rockies and Capitol Punishment is reporting that the Nats have claimed him off the waiver wire. So we ended up getting Preston Wilson for nothing. That's nice. Billy Traber, he of the tight leash, was sent down to New Orleans and replaced by Mike O'Connor.

That's all well and good, but don't look to any of these moves making a difference in the play of the team. But hey, it's something to talk about. Right?