After missing out on Orlando Hudson to the Twins last winter, the Nationals turned their focus to Adam Kennedy, signing him to an affordable $1.25MM deal. Washington holds a $2MM option for 2011 with a $500K buyout, but MLB.com's Bill Ladson writes that it's "unlikely" Kennedy returns to the Nats in 2011. He says he'll talk with GM Mike Rizzo about his future soon.
Kennedy's offensive success in 2009 (.289/.348/.410) hasn't carried over to the 2010 season (.252/.321/.335), but his defense has returned to form and matches up more closely with his career UZR/150 mark of 7.9 at second base. In total, he's still been worth almost a full win (0.9 WAR) in limited playing time.
The combination of Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa, who has impressed in his debut this season, has likely spelled the end of Kennedy's time in D.C., however (speculation on my part) at $2MM he could be retained if he's willing to accept a bench role. He's seen time at second, third, and first base over the past two seasons, and still runs fairly well. The Nationals traded one utility infielder, Cristian Guzman, to the Rangers last month, so there could be an opening to fill that role.
If he does enter free agency, Kennedy will join a second base class that's once again headlined by Hudson, but doesn't feature any elite names. He'd likely be looking at a contract similar to the one he signed in Washington.
This may sound crazy, or maybe not…But I really think the Nats will try to get either Kelly Johnson, Rickie Weeks, or Aaron Hill this off-season. This of course, is just in case the Nats aren’t ready to give Espinosa the position…I would make Danny the starting 2B next year but this is just in case he isn’t. Danny Espinosa is pretty much Dustin Pedroia.
Jays would be stupid to sell awfully low on Hill.
And why would the Brewers trade Weeks? They can try to get those guys but they likely won’t be available.
Johnson would be a good option though.
weeks would definetly be available for the right offer. He’s a free agent after next season and if the Brewers could get an arm, it might work.
I’m sure Brewers would prefer to get him signed instead of trading him. They’ll lose tons of offense if they trade Fielder and Weeks.
Ever hear of They will still have offense, but they have no pitching except
Gallardo if they keep Fielder and/or Weeks.
The Brewers absolutely love Rickie Weeks and his work ethic. He loves them back too for sticking with him and helping him through his rehabs. He has repaid their faith by working hard enough to be a passable second baseman and getting well enough to be a nice offensive asset. He’s got 26 home runs. From the lead off spot. Almost unheard of.
You are right. They are going to do everything they can to keep Weeks around.
Kennedy would be a good fit for LA next year.
So the Nationals should trade a pitcher, after losing Strasburg to Tommy John, for a player that’s going to hit free agency and plays a position that they already an area of strength for them?
The “deal from your weakness to add to a surplus… for one year anyway” strategy doesn’t seem to be a good method in my book.
If they think they can compete next season, then it would be a pitching prospect who had a breakout season. Something like A.J. Morris and Brad Meyers.
The Nats should have some sort of backup plan to Espinosa.
Why should the Nats do anything different now after screwing the pooch with the Adam Dunn move? Rizzo is just as bad as Hendry. Dumb moves that sets back any progress made. Moving Kennedy would be a mistake. Weeks has more stick, but Kennedy has the experience the Nats needs…including two WS Rings.