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NL East Notes: Kintzler, Toussaint, Crawford, Arano

By Mark Polishuk | August 12, 2018 at 11:57am CDT

It seems as if some behind-the-scenes drama contributed to the Nationals’ decision to trade Brandon Kintzler to the Cubs, Fancred Sports’ Jon Heyman writes.  GM Mike Rizzo reportedly believed Kintzler was an unnamed source in two recent stories (by Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports and Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post) that detailed internal criticisms of the Nats’ clubhouse culture and Dave Martinez’s handling of pitchers.  Kintzler has vigorously denied these claims, saying as much to Rizzo personally.  Once word spread about the situation, Passan even contacted Cubs president of baseball ops Theo Epstein to state that he’d never been in contact with Kintzler and that the reliever wasn’t the one who provided the much-discussed quote about the Nationals’ clubhouse being “a mess.”  Furthermore, as Heyman notes, it seems odd that Rizzo would single Kintzler out for any role in Janes’ piece when several other Nats relievers were quoted by name.  Ken Rosenthal provided an alternate view on the Kintzler trade in a video for FOX Sports, saying that Washington’s primary reason for moving Kintzler may have been to escape his $5MM player option for the 2019 season.

Some more from the NL East…

  • The Braves plan to have right-hander Touki Toussaint make his Major League debut on Monday, manager Brian Snitker told Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Twitter link) and other reporters.  Toussaint would be making a spot start in one half of the Braves’ double-header against the Marlins.  Selected 16th overall by Arizona in the 2014 draft, Toussaint and Bronson Arroyo were dealt to the Braves in June 2015, with Atlanta taking Arroyo’s contract off the Diamondbacks’ hands in order to obtain the young righty.  A few middling seasons dropped Toussaint’s prospect stock, though he has gotten back on track with a combined 2.68 ERA, 10.7 K/9, and 2.84 K/BB rate over 86 Double-A innings and 31.1 Triple-A innings in 2018.  Fangraphs ranked Toussaint 51st in its midseason top-100 prospects list, while MLB.com ranks the 22-year-old 76th among all minor leaguers.
  • “It’s hard to see where [J.P.] Crawford fits into the future plans” of the Phillies following what “looks more and more like a lost season” for the infielder, The Athletic’s Matt Gelb writes (subscription required).  Due to both a forearm strain and a fractured hand, Crawford has been limited to just 34 games this season, and has thus been relegated to pinch-hit and utilityman duty behind third baseman Maikel Franco and newly-acquired shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera.  Franco has revived his stock with the club with a bounce-back season, and while Cabrera is a free agent after the year, the Phils also have Scott Kingery signed to an extension and in need of a regular spot on the diamond given the Phillies’ crowded outfield and the presence of Cesar Hernandez at second base.  Plus, there are the ever-present rumors that Philadelphia will soon push to acquire a major position player like Manny Machado.  It’s worth noting that Crawford is still just 23 and has only 199 MLB plate appearances to his name, so it’s far too early to write off a player who has been a consensus top prospect for the last four years.  Still, the Phillies could now consider Crawford as a trade chip rather than a future cornerstone, though it would be something of a sell-low scenario given Crawford’s rough 2018 season.
  • On the other side of the young talent equation, Gelb also writes about Victor Arano’s journey from trade afterthought to a major part of the Phillies bullpen.  Arano came to the organization as a player to be named later in the Roberto Hernandez trade with the Dodgers in August 2014, and he posted some good strikeout totals but overall only decent numbers as a minor leaguer.  Philadelphia promoted Arano from Double-A to the big leagues last year, and the right-hander has blossomed, with a 1.95 ERA, 9.9 K/9, and a 3.59 K/BB rate over 55 1/3 career innings.
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Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Philadelphia Phillies Washington Nationals Brandon Kintzler J.P. Crawford Touki Toussaint Victor Arano

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65 Comments

  1. stubby66

    7 years ago

    I personally think Rizzo is using the excuse against Kintzler just so he could get rid of him. Bottom line the Nationals have underachieved for years plain and simple. They are worse then the past Braves teams atleast they one world series. Rizzo is trying to save as much money as possible to resign Harper because if he leaves after this year the only thing they will say about him is he made Borus a hell of a lot of money and accomplished absolutely nothing!!

    5
    Reply
    • Paul Heyman

      7 years ago

      I agree with you stubby66.

      1
      Reply
    • jd396

      7 years ago

      They aren’t worse than the underachieving Braves by a long shot yet.

      Reply
      • advplee

        7 years ago

        Wrong. The Nats are far worse. At least the Braves made it to the World Series 5 times and won it once. Nats have never won a playoff series let alone a World Series.

        1
        Reply
      • natsgm

        7 years ago

        Yea, im glad we are comparing 14 straight division titles to a team that is in its 14th year of existence.

        Reply
        • JKB 2

          7 years ago

          Well how many years will the Nats have to be in existence before they get 14 division titles? Or win a playoff series?

          Reply
      • BravesCanada

        7 years ago

        Lol that’s hilarious. 14 division titles, 5 NL pennants, a WS title……vs….wait for it….zero playoff series victories

        2
        Reply
  2. Thomas Walker

    7 years ago

    Rizzo can’t make excuses for one of the more under achieving teams in recent memory. This team should have won the division by like 10 games. Your superstar is hitting 230ish and your pitchers haven’t stepped up.

    2
    Reply
    • Ruben_Tomorrow 2

      7 years ago

      Sorta disagree. Scherzer has won two Cy Young awards and is a serious consideration for another. They simply are a team that has done nothing but underachieved for years despite having a balanced roster and solid players. They are the great white hype.

      Reply
      • Philliesfan4life

        7 years ago

        I hope Aaron Nola wins it this year , but the writers will prolly give it to Scherzer.

        Reply
        • jdgoat

          7 years ago

          Why does Nola deserve it over Scherzer?

          Reply
        • petfoodfella

          7 years ago

          Honestly, Nola deserves it just as much as MS does, based on stats, as they’re essentially equal. You could make the case for either one, and Nola would get an extra nod for a playoff bound team.

          Reply
        • Ruben_Tomorrow 2

          7 years ago

          If deGrom finishes the season with at least 30 starts and a sub 2 ERA, I really don’t know how you can’t give it to him despite his record. That feat in and of itself is very hard to do.

          2
          Reply
        • Knowthemarket

          7 years ago

          I don’t know. When has a pitcher with a loosing record ever won the cy young? This will really test how important win/loss records and the playoffs really are. At this point I believe it should be deGrom.

          Reply
        • kleppy12

          7 years ago

          I would disagree with their stats being essentially equal, Max has much better stats.

          Reply
        • Ruben_Tomorrow 2

          7 years ago

          Agreed. As much as I would like to give it to deGrom, I think Scherzer has an edge. Leads in innings, K’s, whip, and has pitched a complete game shutout. Complete games should have higher value than ever with them being so rare in today’s game.

          Reply
        • TheMick

          7 years ago

          In 2010 Felix Hernandez won the Cy Young with a 13-12 record. David Price was 19-6 and CC Sabathia was 21-7. DeGrom is 7-7 with a 1.81 ERA in 24 starts..I could see him winning the Cy Young if he continues pitching this strong. SP’s records are much less of a factor in the pitch count era.

          Reply
  3. bravesfan

    7 years ago

    Ready to see what TT can do. Always felt he would end up being a bullpen guy, but if he can bring that electric stuff as a starter it’s definitely exciting

    Reply
  4. Jimcarlo Slaton

    7 years ago

    So that is why Soto was staring daggers and scowling at Kintzler during their matchup the other day.

    Reply
    • simschifan

      7 years ago

      Rookies should not be doing that to anybody. He’s lucky Lester didn’t plunk him since he was getting bashed around anyway.

      4
      Reply
      • petfoodfella

        7 years ago

        A HBP from Lester results in a 3b because noodle-arm is a sally when it comes to holding runners.

        Reply
        • davidcoonce74

          7 years ago

          Lester gives up no more stolen bases than any other pitcher with comparable innings.

          3
          Reply
        • kleppy12

          7 years ago

          Who cares about innings, it would be number of runners that matters.

          Reply
  5. its_happening

    7 years ago

    Using the former player as a scapegoat is the easy way out.

    3
    Reply
  6. thegreatcerealfamine

    7 years ago

    Do the Cardinals and Phillies matchup in a swap for Crawford?

    Reply
    • Philliesfan4life

      7 years ago

      I think the phillies do sign Machado in the offseason, so sombody is gonna have to be traded. It depends on who the cards would send back in return.

      Reply
    • K_Man915

      7 years ago

      Potentially… I’m not sure if it’s an ideal fit since the cards signed Dejong to that extension earlier this year, but maybe they move one of them to second. I suspect that Philly may be interested in working something out for some of the outfield surplus that St. Louis has at the moment.

      Reply
      • Philliesfan4life

        7 years ago

        Philly already has the same problem with too many outfielders, they need pitching depth and bullpen depth. They will run into the same problem next year if they do in fact sign machado.

        Reply
        • K_Man915

          7 years ago

          As far as Philly outfielders go the only ones who have cemented themselves going into next season are Hoskins and Herrera. Seems like I’ve seen multiple reports recently about how they may be looking for someone to take over right field since Altherr has been terrible with the bat and Williams has had major issues in the field.

          Reply
        • Steve Jeltz Gericurl

          7 years ago

          Williams has major issues in the field?

          Reply
  7. Matty C

    7 years ago

    Orioles could use a(lot) young SS with upside. Crawford definitely fits the bill. He could be a classic case of a young player who doesn’t live up to initial expectations (for whatever reason), but blossoms with a change of scenery; a chance to play and rebuild his confidence.

    Reply
  8. Jimcarlo Slaton

    7 years ago

    Phillies need a middle infielder or wouldn’t still be playing Kingary. He’s literally done nothing well.

    1
    Reply
    • Philliesfan4life

      7 years ago

      They should of sent him down instead of Eflin

      Reply
  9. imindless

    7 years ago

    I rememeber seeing and article about crawford being a star….lol called this a long time ago, not a very good ballplayer and neither is kingery. They need machado if they think they are gonna compete for a chip going forward.

    Reply
    • petfoodfella

      7 years ago

      Not to be a dink, but it’s ship, not chip. Chip just looks stupid.

      2
      Reply
      • amishthunderak

        7 years ago

        What is a ship? Who says that?

        Reply
        • lesterdnightfly

          7 years ago

          Sailors, for one.

          Reply
    • MiddleIn

      7 years ago

      Everyone always overvalues their own prospects. Blake Swihart was supposed to be Carlton Fisk etc etc.

      Reply
  10. philmccrevice

    7 years ago

    The Nats four time NL East champs are a bigger playoff disappointment than 14 straight division champs Braves who have one World Series Championship? Don’t see it!

    1
    Reply
    • whocaresaboutRBI

      7 years ago

      My guess is because they have yet to get out of the first round of the playoffs.

      Reply
      • natsgm

        7 years ago

        which has literally happened to a ton of teams over the years. I dont get peoples fixation on that.

        Reply
    • petfoodfella

      7 years ago

      1-14 is better than 0-4.

      Plus, as noted, not even OUT of the first round. Braves had to deal w/ the dynasty of the late 90’s Yankees as well. Not exactly pushovers.

      Reply
      • advplee

        7 years ago

        Braves were 1-4 in World Series. Nats can’t even get past the Divisional round. Nats suck.

        Reply
        • natsgm

          7 years ago

          Lets give the Nats 10 more playoff appearances and then compare. Honestly the wierdest comparison ive seen in a long time. Also, 2002 to 2005 braves lost four straight DS if we are going to compare.

          1
          Reply
        • Jon429

          7 years ago

          5 WS in 14 years. Yeah not that bad. I’d take it again even if I knew we’d only win 1.

          1
          Reply
        • chrisones

          7 years ago

          Or, let’s look at the first four from the Braves, then follow the nats for 14 years from their first appearance (2012).

          In the braves first 7 years, they had:
          ‘91 NL Pennant
          ‘92 NL

          Reply
  11. Yeti

    7 years ago

    Nats have fallen apart and all that’s left to be decided is who to blame it on. Nats FO just wants to make sure they aren’t blamed at the end of the day. But it seems relatively obvious now.

    1
    Reply
    • simschifan

      7 years ago

      I’m not believing they will not come back and take the division. Winning 2 of 3 from the Cubs could get them going. I don’t think the division is anywhere near locked up yet. Too much talent on that team.

      Reply
  12. philmccrevice

    7 years ago

    Their best hitters , Murphy and Eaton , were out most of the year. They were decimated by injuries. More so than any other MLB team. Pitching , with the exception of Scherzer has not been very good. I wouldn’t throw this all on the FO

    Reply
    • stubby66

      7 years ago

      All the teams are dealing with injuries it is the front office to make sure they have enough good players to get through period.

      Reply
    • K_Man915

      7 years ago

      I don’t know if I’d say more so than any other team… the angels come to mind as someone who you could make a case for. I know somewhere out there someone is keeping track of total DL days per team if someone feels like finding it.

      Reply
    • simschifan

      7 years ago

      Why is everyone counting the Nats out? Last I checked the season isn’t over

      Reply
      • Philliesfan4life

        7 years ago

        Im both an angels and phillies fan, But I think in the end, the phillies will be the team on top

        Reply
        • simschifan

          7 years ago

          I think the Braves will give them more of a run

          Reply
        • bravesfan88

          7 years ago

          It’s still anyone’s race, whether it is Philly, Atlanta, or even Washington..Either way though guys, it’s going to be one heck of a fun race!! Especially with the Braves and Phillies still having to play 7 games against each other practically at the very end of the season!!

          I just hope the Braves keep on adding pitching reinforcements from their talented group of youngsters..It seems like Sobotka could definitely play a solid role in their pen. Adding a new and electric arm like Sobotka’s always helps, especially this time of the year. Not to mention, it definitely helps having a fresh arm coming up during this ridiculous stretch of games for the Braves..

          Plus, now it is official, the Braves are going to bring up one of their best prospects in Touki Toussaint. This kid’s stuff is just flat out FILTHY!! Hopefully he can continue to build off his experience this season, and continue making strides at the ML level.

          The Braves are definitely going to need their new pen arms in Venters, Brach, Sobotka, and their new starters Touki and Gaus to provide them with some quality innings down the stretch..!! And maybe, just maybe Teheran has finally started to turn it around!!

          The one benefit that comes with their crazy schedule is the Braves will be abke to use a 6-man rotation. So, with Folty, Newk, Gausman, Sanchez, Teheran, and Touki holding down the fort, hopefully it’ll be enough to win them the race for the East!!

          1
          Reply
      • JKB 2

        7 years ago

        Probably since the Nats are not showing that they are turning it around. Plus last night. They their ace Scherzer on the mound mowing down the Cubs. The go to the ninth up 3-0 and lose. If they cant win that game why do you think they will bounce back?

        Reply
  13. philmccrevice

    7 years ago

    Look it up . MLB disabled list tracker 2018. Nats are #1. Angels 3rd.

    Reply
    • K_Man915

      7 years ago

      I was referring to total days spent on the DL by team… just checked looks like the Nationals are 5th behind the Rangers, Mets, Angels, and Dodgers in that order.

      2
      Reply
  14. bradthebluefish

    7 years ago

    Rizzo, fix the clubhouse and you wouldn’t have to fire and trade everybody. Red Sox got rid of Bobby Valentine after a year of complaints. And the Red Sox didn’t complain about John Farrell when he took over as manager.

    1
    Reply
    • jd396

      7 years ago

      Bobby Valentine. That was funny. I wonder if anyone seriously thought he was going to work out.

      1
      Reply
  15. realgone2

    7 years ago

    The Washington Whiners

    Reply
  16. jd396

    7 years ago

    I’m curious if this kind of stuff is why Dave Martinez went so long without getting a managerial job.

    Reply
    • JKB 2

      7 years ago

      No its not

      Reply
  17. Z-A 2

    7 years ago

    Kingery hasnt earned a spot on the diamond yet. Neither has JP.

    Reply
  18. ThatBallwasBryzzoed

    7 years ago

    They didnt want to pay him 5m $ that’s lazy. Daniel Murphy will ask for 20m aav for 5 years minimum. Theyll pay that. They would be better off trading for starlin castro. Get Castro and Realmuto in the same deal. They need a 2nd baseman after this year and realmuto is a major upgrade over matt wieters at catcher.

    I’m not even a Nats fan and I know this would be a great move.

    I’m shocked neither Castro and Realmuto were not traded.

    Reply

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