Here's the latest out of Washington…
- Despite Chien-Ming Wang's hamstring injury, the Nationals would still consider trading John Lannan, a source tells MLB.com's Bill Ladson. The team "is not going to give Lannan away," however. The Red Sox and Tigers have been linked to Lannan, though trade speculation about the southpaw has quieted in the wake of Wang's injury. If Lannan is dealt, however, Washington still has Ross Detwiler to act as the fifth starter or as rotation depth if Wang is healthy.
- Stephen Strasburg is on a 160-inning cap this season, and Fangraphs' Paul Swydan looks at how the Nats can try can manage Strasburg's starts throughout a possible pennant race.
- If the Nationals leave Bryce Harper in the minors through July 1 and prevent him from obtaining Super Two status, ESPN's Dave Cameron (Insider subscription required) calculates the team could save as much as $14MM in future salary for the former #1 overall draft pick.
- GM Mike Rizzo tells ESPN's Jayson Stark that service time was "a piece of the equation" related to sending Harper to Triple-A but the move was made to help Harper's development. Rizzo pointed out that the Nationals aren't afraid to call up a young star if they need him, such as when Drew Storen was put in line to be a Super Two when he was called up in 2010, though Rizzo admitted Harper's and Storen's situations are quite different.
- In a separate piece from Stark, he talks to a scout who feels Harper should've started the season at Double-A, not Triple-A. "To be honest with you, if they sent him to Double-A, I actually think he'd be challenged there," said the scout. "Triple-A is filled with guys who have been in the big leagues and know how to pitch….So at this stage, it's not a slam dunk he'll go to Triple-A and tear it up. It'll be interesting to see how he does."
I really dont see us getting much of anything for Lannan. Maybe a B and C prospect and save the money
Harper didn’t exactly earn his promotion to AAA by tearing up AA last year either.
I know he’s young for the level (obviously) but I agree with Stark.
Exactly what I was thinking.
agreed, he did tear up the fall league, but i hope washington moves him along at the correct pace and not get caught up in the hype.
They have the best prospect that has come around for some time. All they need to do is not screw it up. If Harper spends ALL of 2012 at AAA, he will be 20 as a rookie and very well prepared. I am a Giants fan and I cant wait for this guy to dominate.
They have the best prospect that has come around for some time. All they need to do is not screw it up. If Harper spends ALL of 2012 at AAA, he will be 20 as a rookie and very well prepared. I am a Giants fan and I cant wait for this guy to dominate.
With so many injuries to the staff, this would be a perfect situation to go with a 6 man rotation. Strasburg, Gonzalez, Zimmerman, Jackson, Wang, Lannan would all benefit from this.
With so many injuries to the staff, this would be a perfect situation to go with a 6 man rotation. Strasburg, Gonzalez, Zimmerman, Jackson, Wang, Lannan would all benefit from this.
Theo would have given Lavarnway and Iglesias for Lannan. Fortunately, Ben Cherington seems to understand the value of prospects.
Theo would have given Lavarnway and Iglesias for Lannan. Fortunately, Ben Cherington seems to understand the value of prospects.
It’s definitely odd seeing “ESPN’s” Dave Cameron.
It’s definitely odd seeing “ESPN’s” Dave Cameron.
(Insider subscription required) …I’m good, no thanks.