Here's a quick look at items on the Nationals and Orioles..
- Endy Chavez was designated for assignment earlier today but Orioles manager Buck Showalter doesn't expect him to stay idle for long, tweets Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com. "Endy will end up on his feet shortly. I know Dan's going to explore some things with him," the manager said. The outfielder was DFA'd in order allow for the promotion of Nate McLouth.
- Showalter went on to note that McLouth had to be promoted due to his impending opt-out date, Kubatko tweets. According to the manager, other teams asked about McLouth's ability but the O's opted to promote him instead.
- Even though the Nationals are welcoming Kurt Suzuki with open arms, the catcher's arrival will have a significant impact on the club's depth chart beyond this year, writes Amanda Comak of The Washington Times. Jesus Flores told reporters that he was "shocked" by the news but is now on the same page with the club after meeting with manager Davey Johnson.
“Jesus was playing very well about three years ago.”
And that is the crux of why they acquired Suzuki.
Seems like bringing McLouth up was a good choice. He went 2 for 4 tonight. Hope he remains hungry.
Hope he gets some food and some sleep, although he probably won’t be playing tomorrow with Price going.
Lee welcomed him today also.. Whacked him HARD on the back of the helmet with his backswing.
Players should be fined for letting go of the bat like that all the time and hitting catchers who do not move and are in the exact position they are supposed to be in.
Lee and Ortiz are just 2 people who are my main targets of a new rule. They both let go of the bat on the swing with 1 hand and very often hit the catcher in the back of their head, Lee did it 2 times in only 1AB tonight. Even Fish announcer Tommy Hutton said something “his” own player doing it all the time.
Catchers getting hurt by non sliding got fans in an uproar, that can be written off as part of the game, but whacking a catcher on the back of the helmet, simply because they let go of the bat and when a catcher is where they are supposed to be and the batter has moved all the way back (or out of) the batters box to hit should result in a severe fine or suspension.
A catcher with a .576 OPS and a 10% CS rate is shocked they brought in someone new?