Where Have You Gone, Carl Everett?
[October 15th] -- Two months before the Montreal Expos were transferred to Washington, D.C., an aging Carl Everett was traded by the Expos to the Chicago White Sox for a couple of prospects. Although he had several productive major league seasons, Everett had developed debilitating knee injuries, and what was "deadwood" in Montreal became "depth" in Chicago. Everett did a credible job for the soon-to-be AL champion Chi-Sox in 2005, going 251-23-87. How did the prospects do for the Nationals?
Jon Rauch has compiled a 5-4 record in two years with the Expos/Nationals while compiling a 2.70 ERA. A torn labrum early in the season forced Rauch to the sidelines for 91 games. Rauch's TSN scouting report indicates a 90+ mph fastball and a "frightening" curve ball. A healthy Rauch could be a quality middle of the rotation starter soon.
Gary Majewski was a stud in 2005. He pitched in 79 games, going 4-4 with a sterling 2.93 ERA. He struck out 50 in 86 innings, and allowed only 2 home runs the entire year. For most of the season, Majewski was "money in the bank" in middle relief. He protected those 2 or 3 innings between the starter and the Chief. He tired late in the year from overwork, but manager Frank Robinson can't be blamed because there simply wasn't anyone else. He is only 25 and will be an integral part of the Nationals bullpen for years to come.
While Everett did help the White Sox this year [although his .311 OBP and .435 SLG weren't exactly stellar], his 36 year old knees and Jose Guillen-like demeanor make him a liability for the future. Jon Rauch and Gary Majewski, however, will be playing in the major leagues long after Carl Everett returns home to Tampa Bay and becomes fat and cranky. I am not a fan of many of the team's trades the past few years [what would life be like if we still had Grady Seizemore and Jason Bay?], but the Carl Everett trade laid a solid foundation for the Nationals' future.
