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Nationals Looking At Defensive Shortstops
The Washington Nationals are interested in shortstops Alex Gonzalez and Adam Everett, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.
With the Nationals tentatively planning to move Cristian Guzman from short to second base, a major league source tells Rosenthal and Morosi that the team is looking to add a strong defensive shortstop. Gonzalez posted a +10.5 UZR/150 in 2009, while Everett's UZR/150 was +13.6.
Gonzalez and Everett could each still re-sign with their respective teams, the Red Sox and Tigers, in which case the Nationals might look elsewhere for middle infield help. In a separate article by MLB.com's Bill Ladson, new manager Jim Riggleman suggests that he wouldn't mind starting 2010 with prospect Ian Desmond at shortstop.
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Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Desmond a pretty poor defender at SS?
I would go with Everett at SS. If they keep Dunn and Willingham they will have enough thunder but will need to make up for their defense somewhere.
Posted by: bbxxj | November 12, 2009 at 09:34 PM
If the Nationals get ANOTHER former Reds in Alex Gonzalez it will be hilarious.
Posted by: Ethanator99 | November 12, 2009 at 09:35 PM
Desmond impressed at short last year with his range and arm. He obviously has the athleticism to play short, the question is about his consistency. Last season the team was talking about using him at second or possibly in the outfield.
I expect the Nats to start the season with Desmond at AAA. If he shows improved defense, especially on routine throws, then he could be called up mid-season.
I think they will try to trade Guzman at the deadline just as they did with Nick Johnson and Belliard last year. Desmond will be up with the Nats after that, or sooner if there is an injury or something.
The tools are there for Desmond, its just a question of maintaining a high level of play for a whole major league season.
Posted by: SpashCity | November 12, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Juan Uribe should get a look from the Nats.
Posted by: TheMelkMan | November 13, 2009 at 12:34 AM
It makes sense to start Desmond in AAA for more seasoning, and also to have him prove his good 2009 wasn't just a product of an unsustainable BABIP. Alex Gonzalez could be a decent option, but what would be better IMO is signing O-Hud (no more than two years, mind you) to play second. His bat would augment an already deep batting order, and that would leave shortstop open for Desmond or Danny Espinosa when Guzman is traded/walks in free agency.
Posted by: stickyfurr | November 13, 2009 at 06:04 AM
"Desmond impressed at short last year with his range and arm."
-6.2 UZR/150 and a .738 RZR isn't really what I'd call "impressive," though I suppose it was only through 136 innings. Still... that's not very good glove work.
Posted by: MorneauVP | November 13, 2009 at 08:46 AM
Man I sure hope the Nat's stay away from Gonzalez. He'd be a perfect fit on the Jay's and he's shown he can handle himself in the AL east. Whats the chances though he resigns with Boston ? Im still not convinced their done with him.
Posted by: BaseBallz | November 13, 2009 at 09:16 AM
Never mind after looking at his number I retract my previous post. Though, for a non contending team, the Jays could do worse.
Posted by: BaseBallz | November 13, 2009 at 09:20 AM
I thought the whole point of moving Guzman to second base was so Desmond could come up to the bigs and play? What were Guzman's stats at short like? He didn't strike me as all that bad a defender.
Posted by: GlassCobra | November 13, 2009 at 12:18 PM
@MorneauVP
Errors on routine ground balls hit right at the player effect UZR and other fielding stats.
As I said before, Desmond impressed with his athleticism or "tools" such as his range and arm strength. The question is about his consistency, whether he can be solid defensively and maintain something close to his offensive numbers (.879 OPS) over the course of a whole major league season.
The Nationals are looking to add a defensive shortstop, as the post states, because they aren't sold on Desmond as the answer at shortstop. A season at AAA could give him a chance to improve. He is, after all, only 23
Posted by: SpashCity | November 13, 2009 at 01:16 PM
Nice post!!
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Posted by: Nancy Loftus | November 14, 2009 at 06:34 AM