With center fielder Michael A. Taylor on the shelf for a while, the Nationals “appear to be at least considering outside alternatives” capable of playing the position, Jon Heyman of MLB Network tweets. Free agency’s not exactly rife with options at this juncture, though, with 30-somethings Denard Span (an ex-Nat), Austin Jackson and Chris Young as the only experienced center fielders on the market. But Span hasn’t played center since 2017, when was among the majors’ worst outfielders; Jackson was similarly poor there last season; and Young hasn’t seen a lot of action at the position in recent years. So, if the Nationals want a legit center fielder to help make up for Taylor’s absence, they may have to turn to the trade market or hope a capable player hits the waiver wire in the coming weeks.
- Even though he received a major league contract over the winter, Brewers infielder/outfielder Cory Spangenberg may open the season in the minors, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes. The Brewers are likely to opt for a four-man bench which would include Hernan Perez, Manny Pina, Eric Thames and Ben Gamel, leaving Spangenberg – who has a minor league option remaining – on the outside. Not long ago, the former Padre looked like a strong candidate to rack up playing time at second base this year in Milwaukee. Unfortunately for Spangenerg, the Brewers’ late-February re-signing of Mike Moustakas – who’s shifting from third to the keystone – put the kibosh on that.
- Right-hander Seth Lugo will work out of the bullpen again this season after emerging as one of the Mets’ best relievers in 2018, though the 29-year-old wants to return to a starting role at some point, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com writes. “I’m not content where I’m at, but I’m happy where I’m at, if that makes sense,” Lugo said. “Especially with the team we have now, I just want to be a part of it.” Lugo totaled 18 starts in 19 appearances back in 2017, but he functioned almost exclusively as a reliever last season, and that should be the case again this year.
- The Giants have named Rob Dean as their designated interim control person to Major League Baseball, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic tweets. Dean’s filling in for CEO Larry Baer, who’s on leave as MLB investigates a public altercation he had with his wife on March 1. Baer and the Giants haven’t been in contact during his absence, per Baggarly, who adds the club’s awaiting the league’s investigation before it takes any potential action with him.
Victor Robles is a national. I can’t imagine why he’s not the obvious choice to play CF.
He is. Problem is the depth after Taylor is woof.
Be a good time to still have Brian Goodwin around. I’m sure the Mets will cut one of Carlos Gomez or Rajai Davis and they can jump on him.
Y’all can have Maybin for a pack of skittles……I’ll let Farhan know to expect the call
Btw, we prefer sour skittles
What if all they have are tropical?
Farhan say “in”
Span was a fan favorite and as of last year was still an above average hitter. Would love to see the Nats bring him back on a 1 year deal.
I’m a fan but he is no CF at this point.
Not sure Span can throw a ball from the mound to the plate in the air
13.5 mil to sit on the bench most of the time. Genuis signing
I’m honestly not sure who the hell youre talking about from this article.
My gut says Eric Thames.
Thames got 16MM over 3 seasons so that’d be some funny math. Moose is closer to the 13.5 figure but he’s not quite there and is also going to be playing a lot. I remain baffled by the comment.
Is it “kuh-bosh” or “ky-bosh?”
The latter. kī-ˌbäsh
link to twitter.com
Nats can call Toronto about Pillar or Grichuk.
Nah, Pillar and Grichuk sound like hockey names.
How ’bout Morales?
Yes please.
Thames needs to go
No Seth Lugo, that makes zero sense.
Yes, it does. Like with anything in life, you can be happy but not content. Think about every job you’ve had. I’m sure for some of them, you were happy with your role, but were you content to stay in that role long term? Probably not.
Lugo is happy being a successful reliever, but is hungry to improve and get back in the rotation. It’s pretty simple.
Lugo is also happy that he is healthy in his youth. That is not something that many Mets pitchers can actually claim.
He’s also not a FA until 2023 so he doesn’t have much choice.
Did Larry Baher hit her or was it the other way around? Video just provides a sorta verbal altercation…
I think he was trying to get his phone back from her and she was sitting down. They struggled and that caused her to fall.
Honestly not sure what to think about the whole thing. It wasn’t like he hit her but still it didn’t look good.
Rob Dean is a great guy. Giants got this one right, and honestly Rob should just take over for Larry on a permanent basis.
Larry Bear? who dat?
Victor Robles was always going to be the starting CF anyway. Howie Kendrick will be back from his hamstring injury soon, and he can play corner OF (as well as Adams, though not ideal). All the Nats need is a backup CF for a month or so of the season. I don’t see why they wouldn’t give Stevenson a shot at it.