All right, so it's "continuity" we get. Fine. No problem.
It would've been interesting if Tony LaRussa had thought about it.
Don Mattingly said "no" (to my dismay, as you all know...lol).
I wouldn't even have had a problem with Bobby Valentine, really.
Instead, as the Who famously put it: "Meet the New Boss...Same as the Old Boss".
That's right, gang. Jim Riggleman got the Nationals gig. No more "interim" to the name.
And I'm fine with that.
No, really.
After all, this team did respond better to him than they did to Manny Acta. And in the long run, I guess a sense of continuity was needed.
So he'll be managing to start the season. Whether he makes it to the end of the season, depends on what product gets put out on the field.
That's where the free agent market comes in. Because let's face it, this front office has no alternative but to bring in 1 or 2 big-name free agents to put butts in the seats. (Preferably pitching, IMO.)
I mean, the outfield's pretty much set. Josh Willingham in LF, Nyjer Morgan in CF, and (it seems) Elijah Dukes goes to RF. (Austin Kearns?? Thank you for playing our game. Unfortunately, we have no parting gifts for you.) And with Justin Maxwell, Willie Harris and (assuming he can come back from his leg injury) Roger Bernadina in the wings, looks like we're set there.
The only infield spot I see trouble with is 2B. Look, Ian Desmond proved he belongs with the big club--and he gets his chance at SS--so to me, it seems Cristian Guzman doesn't want to have the gun put to his head move to 2B. So what to do?? Also, I should add somebody's got to spell Adam Dunn @ 1B every so often. That's why there's spring training, I guess...lol
So it looks like Wil Nieves wins the backup role for Jesus Flores catching. (Josh Bard?? See Austin Kearns.) But what I'm waiting on, is Derek Norris...who I'm pretty damn sure will move through the farm system and be in Washington by September. HE'S the heir apparent to Flores. Take my word for it. A power-hitting catcher?? That, and more.
Yeah, I saved the worst for last. Pitching. Rotation or bullpen, either one bit the big one this season. This man's not available in 2010...
...so this one will fill in the rotation just fine.
(On the roster by Opening Day, NOT necessarily the Opening Day starter. Am I clear on this one, Shelley [Diamond Diva]?? God, I hope so...lol)
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I promised I wasn't going to write on this, but...oh, screw it, let me gloat!!!
Congratulations, Zimmy!!! Guess David Wright oughta get bopped upside the head more often!!! (I'm kidding, people!!! LMAO)
Seriously, it's great that Ryan has his Gold Glove. This should be an annual deal, but who am I kidding?? At least it'll give Nats and Mets fans something to re-enact the Rodney King beating about argue over who the better 3B in the NL is...
And finally, let me take a moment to thank the Diamond Diva herself, for listing this lil' ol' MLBlog of mine in her list of "Nationals Links". I'm trying not to let my inner Sally Field come out...you know:
"You like me, you really LIKE me!!!"
I think I'm getting through to these people...lol
But, no joke...thanks, Shelley. I appreciate it a lot.









