2012 MLB Regular Season Running Thread

How is Lombarozzi defensively? From what I've seen and read, Espinosa is supposed to be very good at second base. Maybe that is part of the issue?

Regarding Bourjos, he's only 25 and BYH's hero hasn't helped him out any this season. Tough to get going, especially for a younger player, without consistent at-bats.

 

I just think people who don't see Bernadina on a regular basis believe he's completely a fringe player. And he's got some real skills. His home run last night went 430. That doesn't just happen. That means he can obviously square up on a fastball and drive it.

Add that to big-time wheels, and I think this guy has to step up to the next level at some point.

Peter Bourjos, to me, is completely a fringe player. But I might be guilty on the other end of just what I'm talking about.

 

Lombo is an excellent defensive player. Was a superb fill-in for Zimmerman at 3B while he was on the DL. Made some outstanding plays. And he's versatile. Can play damn near anywhere. Espy's no slouch on defense either, but he's also not so much better than Lombo that it's a good reason to keep him in the lineup, either.

Ideally, they want Desmond-Espinosa at the top of the lineup. Well, that ain't working. Lombo, however, can make it work.

It just makes sense, but I guess I get where Davey is coming from. It's early and he wants to show his guys he still has faith in them. Eventually, though, shit's gotta come to a head.

Also, I worry way too fucking much about this shit. Slow Friday at work.

 

Honestly, I think that is exactly what you are doing. Bernadina strikes me as a nice fourth outfielder, a platoon guy at best. Maybe all he needs is a chance to play every day. Or maybe what little success he has had is because he wasn't exposed every day. I'm guessing the Nationals think it is the latter or they would have given him more of a shot by now.

Give me a choice between the two and there is no question I would rather have Bourjos. The issue is what he would cost.

 

You may very well be right. I just know I cut Bourjos after three weeks. (Ah, that's it!)

 

I wonder if some of the love for Lombardozzi is simply frustration with Espinosa. The sample size on him is fairly small and he doesn't have the same upside.

That said, it seems to me the Nationals should play Lombardozzi so they can send Espinosa to the minors to get straightened out.

 

I think Davey and Rizzo remain enamored with the upside power potential of Espinosa. They would gladly take a .230 hitter if he can put 30 of those hits over the wall.

Just from seeing plenty of both Espy and Lombardozzi in AA, I know they have a "feel" about them. They both give off the aura of being winners.

 

Nah. I don't think so. It'd be one thing if Lombo didn't produce, but he has. Hitting right at .300 with only 5 strikeouts in 61 at bats. Lombo is gonna be good. Real good. Not as much pop as Espy, obviously. And I haven't given up on him completely. He just needs some time to get right.

 

Ryan, if Rizzo and Davey WANT Desmond batting leadoff, they should both be fired immediately. I like the kid, but if he's not the worst leadoff hitter in baseball, he's on the short list.

I understand they don't have anybody better right now, but I'd rather see Werth (when healthy, obviously) batting leadoff than Desmond. At least Werth takes pitches and gets on base via the BB.

Desmond swings at the first pitch every time unless it's 10 feet over his head or bounces 10 feet in front of the plate.

 

Desmond does swing at the first pitch more often than you'd like. But he's the best option right now. He's not as shitty as you're making him out to be.

He's hitting .357 when he swings at the first pitch.

 

The Bourjos I watch every (other) game (or so, since Super Manager Mike alters his line-up like it's a Roto League) is a much better every-day player than the Ankiel I used to see with the Braves and occasionally see now with the Nats. Dude has some amazing speed, and a big upside.