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you cant blame Aguila, that's ridiculous maybe not, but he locked like sh!t in critical at-bats. He looked like he had no chance while at the batter box and to me he was scared(IMO) I guess Jacobs didn't do much either but atleast he didn't look like Aguila. That K with 2 outs (3 pitches no less) I feel hurt us just as much as the 2 innings Moehler gave up in the 2 inning. Again all my opinion

Was Campusano moved to the OF by the organization or is that a typo?

To be honest except for starting pitching and defense on SS, 2B and 1B we are better in every other aspect than the 2004 team.

All I got to say is WOW!!!!!!!! This team played great today. Its really hard to blame a loss on a player or 2 for a loss but I think its safe to say Moehler and Aguila share the LVP for this game. The pitching was great with the exception of Moehler and so was the hitting. Sadly the Astros won the first 3 innnings of the game and that was enough for the W, but you got to believe as a ball club everyone got better today.

Old stuff I found on German: Franklyn German: Hitting German is the classic big, hard-throwing righthander. The ball looks small in his hand, and he constantly hits the mid-90s with his fastball. His fastball, however, is straight, and he tends to get it up in the strike zone. German commands his fastball poorly and constantly falls behind in the count. It's a shame, too, because he has an outstanding split-finger pitch. It would be a devastating offering if he were able to set it up with his fastball. He does not hold runners well and is an average fielder German, 22, is a Dominican version of all-time saves leader Lee Smith. He's 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds, and he regularly throws in the high 90s. He had a breakthrough winter in his native Dominican during the offseason, not allowing a run in 14 outings while fanning 23 in 16 innings and permitting just four hits. He has continued to blow the ball by hitters in Double-A this spring, whiffing 58 in 40 innings while going 1-1, 3.12 with 16 saves in 36 games. It's difficult to make solid contact off German, who has yet to allow a homer this season. His secondary pitches are a splitter and changeup. Background: Part of the Jeff Weaver trade with the Athletics and Yankees, German had 30 saves between three levels and two organizations in 2002. Signed as a 16-year-old out of the Dominican Republic, he made slow but consistent progress before a breakthrough in winter ball after the 2001 season. Strengths: German combines a 96 mph fastball with an excellent splitter. If he gets ahead in the count, hitters generally have no chance against the splitter. He averaged 12.2 strikeouts per nine innings and didn?t allow a homer in 2002. For a large pitcher, German?s mechanics are smooth and consistent. He?s athletic for his size. Weaknesses: German is a two-pitch pitcher without a good offspeed pitch, so he has to work as a short reliever. At times, he struggles to throw strikes. As for Carvajal: We should find out at around 12 - 4am if the Mariners traded him or another team claimed him. I like this guy more than Wellemeyer or German though at this point I don't think the FO will put a claim on him because they will have to release someone else from the 40 man roster(cough..cough Scott Tyler) and send another player down to the minor's. I guess will just have to wait.....

Ramp Posted Today, 08:50 PM love the move.... I had no problem with Bump though MarlinsLou Posted Today, 09:24 PM QUOTE(Ralph @ Apr 3 2006, 8:08 PM) Doesnt German walk alot hitters? Yes. He's a project, but he's got nasty stuff when he's on. I like him more then Wellemeyer fwiw. I agree with both of you. Scouts have always compared German to Armando Benitez. Though while I like the move I would much rather have this guy. Marcos Carvajal - Relief Pitcher Mariners designated RHP Marcos Carvajal for assignment. We're stunned. Carvajal, a 21-year-old reliever picked up from the Rockies for Yorvit Torrealba, has the potential to become an excellent reliever, and he has options remaining. Maybe a trade is on the way, because he was hardly the most expendable player on the Mariners' roster. rotoworld

According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Marlins will send Rule 5 pick Michael Megrew (shoulder) back to the Dodgers as soon as he's healthy enough to come off the DL. Yes, they really are that cheap. rotoworld :confused

Correct Move :thumbup Marlins placed LHP Michael Megrew on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 24, with a left shoulder injury. Megrew, a Rule 5 pick from the Dodgers. has been dealing with shoulder issues ever since returning from Tommy John surgery. He'll go on the lengthy rehab assignment once healthy, so it figures that his Marlins debut is months away. rotoworld.com

Eric Reed went 2-for-4 and stole his ninth and 10th bases of the spring on Friday. Unless the Marlins pick up an outfielder (Chip Ambres?), Reed appears set to win a reserve spot. He'd probably benefit more from playing regularly in Triple-A, especially since he's missed significant time the last two years, but it's not all that likely he'll become a quality regular anyway From rotoworld.com

GREENSBORO Chris Volstad Aaron Thompson Ryan Tucker Sean West Chris Leroux Closer - Blake Jones JUPITER Gaby Hernandez Jacob Marceaux Jose Garcia Jim Brauer Matt Goyen Closer - Harvey Garcia CAROLINA Adam Bostick Paul Mildren James Russ Annibal Sanchez Ben Julianel Closer - Chris Mobley Cant remember the AAA rotation, but I know it has Bump, Pinto and Ungs in it Did you find this on a site? or did you come up with this list yourself? because I got a couple of questions I attended every just about every minor league spring training game at RDS and am a Jupiter Hammerhead regular. I know a lot of people. GREENSBORO Chris Volstad Aaron Thompson Ryan Tucker Sean West Chris Leroux Closer - Blake Jones JUPITER Gaby Hernandez Jacob Marceaux Jose Garcia Jim Brauer Matt Goyen Closer - Harvey Garcia CAROLINA Adam Bostick Paul Mildren James Russ Annibal Sanchez Ben Julianel Closer - Chris Mobley Cant remember the AAA rotation, but I know it has Bump, Pinto and Ungs in it Did you find this on a site? or did you come up with this list yourself? because I got a couple of questions I attended every just about every minor league spring training game at RDS and am a Jupiter Hammerhead regular. I know a lot of people. K because I heard that Chris Leroux was still rehabbing from TJ and he was gonna pitch strictly out of the bullpen. I also heard that Jacob Marceaux was moved to the pen. Here are my questions: 1)Did Ronaldo Belisario by the club or is he still rehabbing? 2)Did Kyle Winters, Kenny Berkenbosch make the Greensboro roster? 3))Is Baxter gonna be used strictly as a reliver from now on? 4)Blake Jones the closer over Daniel Barone? How come 5)Did Davud Humen and Kurt Koehler make the Hammersheads roster? 6)How highly is the organization on Scott Nestor? are you high on him?

GREENSBORO Chris Volstad Aaron Thompson Ryan Tucker Sean West Chris Leroux Closer - Blake Jones JUPITER Gaby Hernandez Jacob Marceaux Jose Garcia Jim Brauer Matt Goyen Closer - Harvey Garcia CAROLINA Adam Bostick Paul Mildren James Russ Annibal Sanchez Ben Julianel Closer - Chris Mobley Cant remember the AAA rotation, but I know it has Bump, Pinto and Ungs in it Did you find this on a site? or did you come up with this list yourself? because I got a couple of questions

I personally think its sad that some of you are arguing over 325,000. No MLB ball club should have to worry about a player with that kind of salary. Imagine if the Twins and Pirates would have had that mind set that some of you have here :thumbdown If you want to look for a player that is a waste of money and roster spot look no further than Nate Bump.

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- Brandon Phillips slowly packed up his belongings and prepared to wave his final goodbye to the Chain of Lakes complex and the Indians organization. At this moment Wednesday, Phillips was still an Indian. But mere minutes earlier, he had been informed that he is being traded to another club. Which club? "I don't know nothing," Phillips said. The Indians weren't saying, either, and it appeared a definitive deal had not been worked out. What is definitive is that Phillips, who is out of options, won't be on the Tribe's Opening Day roster and he will either be traded or exposed to waivers Saturday, when the roster is set. "For the next three days, I'm still an Indian, in case somebody gets hurt," Phillips said. "You've got to take it how it is, you know?" Phillips, 24, will take it back home to Georgia. "I can't stay around here," he said. The irony of a day in which Grady Sizemore, another prospect brought to the Indians in the 2002 trade that sent Bartolo Colon to the Expos, received a six-year contract and Phillips got the boot was not lost on Phillips. "That should have been me," Phillips said, referring to Sizemore's deal. When the trade was made, Phillips was the can't-miss prospect who served as the Tribe's prized acquisition. Cocky and confident, he was expected to be the club's second baseman for years to come. He even showed up to Spring Training in 2003 wearing sneakers that advertised him as "The Franchise." That franchise, unfortunately, folded quickly. Phillips was the team's Opening Day second baseman in 2003, but a .210 average at the All-Star break bought him a ticket to Triple-A Buffalo. When the offseason rolled around, the Indians made signing a veteran to man second base a priority, and they brought in Ronnie Belliard. Phillips responded with a strong '04 season at Buffalo, batting .303 with eight homers and 50 RBIs. The Indians signed Belliard again. "I had one bad year in 2003," Phillips said. "In my eyes, I feel like I've been penalized for that one bad year. It's all about rebuilding, and I thought I was on the rebuilding thing. I struggled, and they signed Belliard. I had a good year at Triple-A, and they signed Belliard again." Dejected by the realities of baseball's business side, Phillips labored at the plate last season with a .256 average for the Bisons. He came into this camp hoping to land the utility infielder's job over Ramon Vazquez. The Indians were impressed with his disciplined demeanor on and off the field, and he put up good numbers -- a .316 average in 38 at-bats with three home runs, including a solo shot in Wednesday's win over the Astros. "I had a good spring," said Phillips, who missed 10 days with strep throat. "But that doesn't matter. I went out there and gave it my all, but they made their decision." Manager Eric Wedge wished Phillips the best. "His best days are definitely ahead of him," Wedge said. "Every career path is different. It's not always an easy path. There are bumps in the road. It didn't work out for him, initially. Some guys have passed him by, but that's not an indication of him so much as it is of the other players." Upon mention of his wayward career path, Phillips shrugged. "It wasn't how I planned it," he said. Though clearly disappointed, he didn't express any hard feelings for the organization. "I respect them for their decision," he said. "I tried to show the Indians I was ready to play, but they thought otherwise. You've got to take it how it is and move on." Phillips has no idea where he's moving to. And he seemed to take little solace in the fact that if he's traded, he'll have a big-league opportunity with another club. "It still hurts," he said. "I wanted to be an Indian. That dream is gone away."

I wouldn't trade for him. He's out of options. If he makes it to waivers, then go for it, but I wouldn't give up anything for him. If he makes it through waivers then the Indians don't trade him because he can be left in the minor's for the whole season and he will still be under their control. Since Loria and company drafted I believe they are probably high on him. IMO he is worth a Paul Mildren and Scott Nestor

Being rated tops in the system, doesn't mean you are any good. For all we know, the entire Nationals system could have defensive nightmares. I think it's fair to say, he can probably hold his own defensively, but he isn't going to confuse anyone for a premier defender. That was my point, he can more than hold his own defensively. Though if he is the best defense prospect in a organization he is also likely to be a better defender than Joey Gathright who baseball america has this to say about him: "His arm strength and accuracy are below average" So yea I would say he is better than Joey Gathright defensively though not a premium defender. Church arm strength is another plus he has on Gtahright. I could make the same argument for Gathright, it's all what you're looking for. You like to see more power, I think Gathright's OBP and SB abilities translate. We can preemptively agree to disagree on this. And in general, I'd be happy with either, for the right player/pitcher in trade. Which is the most important part. It's more important with what we give up to get them. I don't think you can honestly say that Gathright will put up a higher OBP than Church. In 2003 in 346 at bats Church walked 51 times and struck out 62(also hit .343) and even in spring training when he manage to hit only .200 he still walked more time sthan he struck out(10/7). Stats like this say he was more unlucky than bad in spring training. I believe you have said you project Gathright to have a OBP around .340. Last year Church put up a .353 OBP even though he was hurt and never got regular playing time. Power like the stolen bases are not even close. Note to the people not convince: Church can pup up a low to mid .800 OPS in 2006 with regular playing time. If we are talking OPS, Church has the better bat, but a lot of Gathright's value is derived from stealing bases. You hate these so I can plainly see why you like one over the other. It's just a stylistic thing in crafting a lineup here. I think Gathright will hit for a much higher average then Church, and while he won't walk at the same rate, it'll still be respectable enough where he will out OBP Church, which matters a lot to me. I make no arguments saying Gathright is better then anyone defensively. All I am saying is, reports have said he has improved level to level, and his range (speed) should somewhat make up for defiencies in arm strength. He's not as bad as advertised. That's all. No arguing here Joey Gathright main value is SB, but if Church has a higher OPS and OBP I think that means he is getting on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and across home as much if not more times than Gathright. Now one argue Gathright speed messes up the opposing pitcher concentration, while true it also effects the batters approach and concentration in the box. Minor League, Major League, and plate discipline averages suggest that if Gathright truely out hits Church when it comes to batting average it will only be by a couple of point (.1-.12 I'll say) and Church power more than makes up for the difference. See OBP on top. Why has Church's organization put him in AAA, where Gathright is starting in CF opening day for a franchise with much more outfield and offensive depth? It works both ways. I think the answers are Frank Robinson being the Nationals manager, Bowden Gm and his spring training numbers. As for Gathright in most Devil Rays message boards I have gone to they say he is likely going to the bench and if he happens to start in CF its because Rocco is DH because his hamstring is sore. Just my .02 cents, I don't want to start another argument here. I just want the readers to compare and see for themselves who is better or who would they rather have.

Did Church score a 45 on the wonderlic test also? Pecota rates him as a league average defender for a corner spot. Don't know why he is outstanding all of a sudden. Reed and Aguila would out field him. And if Church is so good, why isn't he playing in THE NATIONALS outfield? Not saying he wouldn't be a starter for us, but I don't want to give up any value for him. Pinto/Reed is fine if that is all you are thinking, but not worth one of the 6-7 SP. Church is not the next Jason Lane. http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/C/ryan-church.shtml http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/L/jason-lane.shtml Well if you look at minor league stats I would say they are very similar. I don't know about Pecota but baseball america rated him as the best defensive OF in the system in 2004 and they say he has a strong arm. (Though I wouldn't say outstanding but surely average to above average) Why isn't Church playing for the Nationals? I think its because Soriano, Guillen, and Watson who they believe steals bases and will be more productive.(They also have Bryd) I guess what determines what you be willing to give up is who you feel is the better player, which I feel is Church. So if it takes Olsen, Nolasco, or Johnson to acquire Gathright I would much rather offer the same deal to the Nationals for Church. Not trying to start another argument like the one in the Williangham thread but I strongly believe Church is the better player and I can defend that.

RYAN CHURCH, of Age: 26 B-T: L-L Ht: 6-1 Wt: 190 Drafted: Nevada, 2000 (14th round) Signed by: Paul Cogan (Indians) Background: Former Expos general manager Omar Minaya made one of his best trades when he acquired Church and infielder Maicer Izturis from Cleveland for lefthander Scott Stewart in January 2004. Like Admin Broadway, Church began his college career as a pitcher before hurting his arm. By learning to use the entire field and work counts better, he turned in his best offensive season in 2004. Strengths: In many ways, Church is similar to Brad Wilkerson. He has a quick, classic swing and makes consistent hard contact. Strong and athletic, he?s an average runner with a good arm. He could fill in as a center fielder in the majors but fits better in right. Weaknesses: Despite his 17 homers and .620 slugging percentage in Triple-A, Church might not have enough power to hit in the middle of the order in the majors. At 26 he?s not young for a prospect, and he didn?t exactly seize a big league job with his late-season performance. The Future: The Nationals? offseason trade for Jose Guillen decreases Church?s chances of winning a starting role. But if given the chance, he could develop into a .300 hitter with 20-25 homers a year The reasons I prefer Church over Gathright are the following: 1) Ryan Church is more of a sure thing than Joey Gathright. (Ryan Church is more or less a finished prospect already like Williangham with little room for improvement outside of defense) Like Williangham I expect Ryan Church to put up # like the following next season: Avg- .265 - .290 OBP- .340 - .370 OPS- low to mid 800's HR- 15 - 25 RB1'S - 65 - 85 2) Ryan Church gives us some pretty nasty line-up flexibility Church can bat 2,,4,5,6, or just about anywhere in the line-up because of his OBP and power ability. 3) Church is another tough out in the line-up to go along with (Hermida, Cabrera, Williangham) 4) Plays all 3 OF positions and has a strong arm. 5) Jim Bowden is friendly giving type of guy :angel cough...cough dumass . The cost of Church will be less than Gathright and he comes with a lesser risk. At the moment those are the first things that come to mind.

Thanks Juanky

If anybody wants to set up a poll be free to because I can't get a poll to work. Mod please delete this if someone sets up a poll

explain if you like please

Church among latest cuts Outfielder surprised by move; Watson wins center-field spot By Bill Ladson / MLB.com Ryan Church will begin the 2006 season in Triple-A New Orleans. (Lawrence Jackson/AP) Related Links VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals outfielder Ryan Church was stunned when he found out that he was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans on Tuesday afternoon. The Nationals also sent right-hander Jason Bergmann and infielder Brendan Harris to New Orleans, and left-hander Bill Bray was sent to Minor League camp. Two weeks ago, it appeared that Church was going to be the starting center fielder, but Brandon Watson outperformed him. Church was 11-for-55 (.200) with 10 walks, while Watson hit .311 (19-for-61) with seven stolen bases, nine runs scored and an on-base percentage of .368. Privately, the Nationals didn't like Church's body language on the field. As one person put it, "It's as if he's not even there on the field." The move means that Watson will be the starting center fielder and will face Mets left-hander Tom Glavine on April 3, while Marlon Byrd will be the backup. The right-handed-hitting Byrd will get some starts against left-handed pitching. "Pure and simple, Brandon beat Ryan out on the baseball field. You have to perform here. This is a good wakeup call for [Church]," general manager Jim Bowden said. "The reality is, on the field, Brandon Watson outplayed him, outhit him, got on base, stole bases, got a good percentage of stolen bases. He did the things that we asked him to do and he deserves that shot. You can't ask him to do anymore than he's done in this Spring Training." Church was given the news in a meeting with Bowden and manager Frank Robinson. Church told them that he would be back in the big leagues in two weeks. "Jim said Watson beat me out. I didn't think I was in a competition or anything like that. But they're going to use a platoon," Church said. "I feel stunned. But I'll keep my mouth shut, show up and do what I've got to do. Hopefully, I'll be up in a couple of weeks. "Everyone was positive, they're saying I've got a long career ahead of me. They want me to start hitting again, which I understand. I didn't get a lot of hits this spring. But it's just one of those things." About 30 minutes after Church was given the bad news, Robinson had a 20-minute closed-door meeting with Watson, who was informed that he made the team. After his meeting with Robinson, Watson's biggest supporter, Jose Cardenal, the special advisor to the general manager, approached the rookie and asked, "You already made it to the big leagues. The toughest part is what?" Watson replied, "Staying here." "That's right. So you have to work hard," Cardenal said. "I just came in and did what I could to help myself and the team," Watson said. "I did what they asked me to do, and you have the results." Robinson believes that Watson's promotion will send a message to the Minor Leaguers in the Nationals organization that they have a chance to make the ballclub. "I think it will show the people in this organization if they come to Spring Training and do a [good] job or make adjustments, they have a chance to make the club," Robinson said.

Umm I wonder who saw this coming 3-4 weeks ago :whistle yet so many here payed zero attention. Now all of you are on the Church bandwagon :confused

Both are old Todd Wellemeyer, rhp Age: 24. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 205. Drafted: Bellarmine (Ky.), 2000 (4th round). Signed by: Mark Adair. Background: Wellemeyer might not have played college baseball if Bellarmine hadn?t offered him a last-minute scholarship, and he didn?t get much exposure until he pitched in the Coastal Plain League in 1999. Though he was raw, the Cubs took him in the fourth round in 2000 and haven?t been disappointed. He has improved each year and was an Arizona Fall League all-star after last season. Strengths: Wellemeyer always has shown arm strength, and he pitches at 90-95 mph with his fastball. He upsets hitters? timing with a changeup that features splitter action. In 2002, he made significant strides with his command and his slider. One scout who saw him in the AFL compared him to Todd Stottlemyre, though not as athletic. Weaknesses: The biggest thing Wellemeyer needs to do is maintain the consistency he started to show with his control and breaking ball. He missed a month last summer with back problems. The Future: Wellemeyer likely will begin 2003 in Double-A, where he pitched better last year than his ERA would indicate. Because the Cubs have so many starters, his long-term role might be as a reliever. Lincoln Holdzkom, rhp Age: 22. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 240. Drafted: Arizona Western CC, 2001 (7th round). Signed by: David Finley. Background: Kicked off his Arizona Western CC team for insubordination, Holdzkom spent his first 2 1/2 pro seasons showing flashes of obstinacy. The turning point came in late June, when he and Greensboro manager Steve Phillips had a heated shouting match. Phillips challenged Holdzkom to start living up to his vast talent, which he soon began doing. Strengths: Holdzkom is physically imposing and can intimidate batters with his mere hulking appearance on the mound. He pitches in the mid-90s and has touched 97 mph with his fastball, which he complements with a hard-breaking curve. Weaknesses: While Holdzkom appears to have closer stuff, some in the system wonder whether he has the makeup to be anything more than a setup man. Command problems have been a much bigger issue when he's been asked to close out wins as opposed to pitching the seventh or eighth innings. He can be slow to the plate and needs to improve his pickoff move. He has shown little progress with a changeup. The Future: A late substitution for fellow hardhead Randall Messenger in the Arizona Fall League, Holdzkom is expected to be added to the 40-man roster for the first time. His career finally on the fast track, he could begin 2004 in Double-A with a good spring. I liked Holdzkom though Wellemeyer has about the same potential. I guess the FO probably think Holdzkom is never gonna get his old fastball back which is why they didn't add him to the 40 man roster. Anyways this trade basically was Lincoln Holdzkom for for Wellemeyer. Okay trade for the Marlins and Cubs

Julian Tavarez threw a punch at Joey Gathright during an incident in the top of the eighth on Monday's game between the Red Sox and Devil Rays. After apparently getting spiked at the plate while covering home, Tavarez connected with a right to Gathright's chin. Players rushed the field from there, but nothing further happened. Tavarez will likely face a suspension over the incident, perhaps a harsh one. Maybe that will clear a spot for Craig Hansen in the Boston bullpen.

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/03/27/Rays/Spe...es_a_slow.shtml WHAT'S THE DEAL: The Rays are still talking about outfielder Joey Gathright with several interested teams, including the Marlins, though no deal appears imminent. Even with Rocco Baldelli 's availability to play centerfield unclear, the Rays appear willing to deal Gathright for one premium pitching prospect. Though earlier talks seemed to focus on left-hander Scott Olsen , the Rays are said to have been impressed this spring by right-hander Ricky Nolasco , one of three pitchers the Marlins acquired from the Cubs for outfielder Juan Pierre . Joey Gathright - OF - Devil Rays The Devil Rays are reportedly still trying to deal Joey Gathright for "one premium pitching prospect." Well sure, why wouldn't they be? The Marlins still seem like the best fit and the two teams are said to still be talking about a potential trade involving Scott Olsen or Ricky Nolasco. Mar. 27 - 11:18 am et Source: St Petersburg Times Now thats more like it . If all it takes to get Joey Gathright is Ricky Nolasco then im okay with it. Now if it takes Olsen, Petit, Sanchez, or Johnson count me out :thumbdown P.S I still want Ryan Church on our team