THE BELTWAY BOYS: Nats Win By Losing Juan Pierre Sweepstakes

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Nats Win By Losing Juan Pierre Sweepstakes

[December 7th] -- So, Juan Pierre is now a Chicago Cub. The 28 year old, coming off of one of his worst seasons (.276 batting average, .326 on base percentage), was sent to Chicago in exchange for Sergio Mitre and prospects Ricky Nolasco and Renyel Pinto. The Cubs gained a speedy outfielder with a very pedestrian career .355 on base percentage and an arm so weak that it almost negates his speed and defensive acumen. What did they give up?

Their future.

Mitre is a decent major league pitcher, but he was most likely a throw-in. It's Nolasco and Pinto that got the deal done. In 2005, Nolasco went 14-3, 2.89 for 'AA' West Tennesee. He struck out 171 in just 163 innings. Renyel, also with West Tennesee, went 10-3, 2.71. Both players are considered "studs" and will likely be in the Marlins' rotation by 2008.

The Cubs gave up two young prospects with a combined record of 24-6, 2.77, for a centerfielder that is a good player whose "pluses" are just a little better than his "minuses." In four years, Pierre will be a 33 year old who is losing his speed while Nolasco & Pinto will be in their mid 20's and stalwarts in the Marlins' starting rotation.

To get Pierre, the Nationals would have had to give up two of the team's best minor league prospects to get a player who is at best a middle-of-the-road fix. I'm glad the Nats got "dissed" again. From what I've seen so far in Dallas, the more "dissed" we get the better we'll end up.

# posted by Farid Rushdi @ 12:48 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?