THE BELTWAY BOYS: Nationals Sign Kevin Gryboski

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Nationals Sign Kevin Gryboski

[February 20th] - There are signings, and then there are "signings."

This one is definitely a "signing."

The Nationals signed former Braves' reliever Kevin Gryboski to a minor league contract with a invitation to the team's major league camp.

From 2002-2004, the 32 year old right-hander averaged 50 innings and 61 games per year with a solid 3.39 ERA for the Braves. Last season, the pitched 21 innings with Atlanta with a 2.95 ERA before being traded to the Rangers for Matt Larenzo, where he amassed an ERA above 11.00 in 10 innings. He was released at the end of the season.

I don't get it. For all but ten innings in a four year career, Gryboski was a rock in the Braves' bullpen, pitching 60 innings per year and keeping things safe for Atlanta after their starter's tired and before John Smoltz entered the 9th inning. Then, after a couple of bad outings with Texas, he's released and goes unsigned during the off season, finally signing with a team whose only real strength is it's bullpen.

If he's truly "done," then why sign him? And if he isn't, why did he sign with Washington? Gryboski is a ground-ball pitcher, making him ideal for small parks where balls tend to fly out easily and often. Yet, not one of those teams playing in band-boxes was willing to sign him to a minor league contract, and is forced to sign with Washington, whose need for a ground-ball pitcher is diminished by the expansive outfield at RFK.

These, and other important questions will be answered in Vierra this spring. For now, though, I haven't a clue as to what Jim Bowden is up to.

# posted by Farid Rushdi @ 9:44 AM

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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?