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This article by Dave Sheinin in the Washington Post shows why it's easy to dislike Jim Bowden and the Washington Nationals.
As always, Bowden's predilection for two types of players -- "tools" players (those whom scouts grade highly in various athletic categories) and former Cincinnati Reds -- is in full effect this spring. Bowden's Cincinnati connections (he was general manager there from 1992 to 2003) led him this winter to former Reds such as [Michael] Tucker, [Ruben] Mateo and infielder Damian Jackson. Tucker and Jackson both have solid chances to make the team.Tools? Suffice it to say that if the Nationals fail to construct a solid bench out of their collection of reclamation projects, perhaps they could field an excellent football team. Outfielder Kenny Kelly was once the starting quarterback for the University of Miami. Outfielder Tyrell Godwin was a running back and kick returner for the University of North Carolina. Outfielder George Lombard was a Parade all-American wide receiver who turned down a scholarship to Georgia, choosing baseball instead.
The Nationals say their prolific, bottom-feeding approach to player acquisitions this winter -- which also netted them veteran shortstop Royce Clayton, reliever Kevin Gryboski and infielder Marlon Anderson -- was the best way for a small- to mid-revenue team to try to compete in this marketplace.
Yes, the similarities between teams like the Twins and the A's compared to the Nationals is striking isn't it?
Sammy of which year?
1. The Reds can shift Womack to LF to cover Wily Mo's departure, and play Sori at 2B.
2. Any right-thinking baseball person would KILL to have that kind of speed (Womack + Soriano) at the top of their lineup.
I heard Bowden on ESPN Radio Boston the other day, and I have to say, he's an incredibly articulate person, VERY well spoken. I was shocked, honestly, that this was the same guy who signed Cristian Guzman to a multi-year contract. My guess is sounding like he knows what he's doing is how he's kept his jobs through the years. His performance has rarely merited any kind of longevity.
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