This article is a collaboration between Don and Steve and was slated to be published a little over a week ago and then the Nathaniel Lowe signing happened. So we put it on the back burner. It is now time to publish it.
We have read the pulse of the TalkNats community, and we see what is on social media. Mike and Mark: You could respond in action since actions speak louder than words. Or at the very least, the fans would be happy to hear from you more often. Yes, general manager Mike Rizzo is set to give his annual Hot Stove “State of the Union” address to season ticket holders on Jan. 25. Until then, we have 23 days to see what happens in building the roster.
There are far too many folks who follow the Nats who don’t believe ownership cares about building a winner and/or that they have a plan. There are some of us who think differently, We know that Rizzo likes to be a stealth operator, and there are no rumors until all of a sudden the deal is done. Max Scherzer is a case in point back in 2015, and Jayson Werth in the offseason after the 2010 season.
Unfortunately, that leads to fans thinking Rizzo is sleeping and not doing anything. The reaction to the Christian Walker signing elsewhere was that the Nats never made an offer; likewise Carlos Santana. If Rizzo made an offer, it might have behooved him to leak it. The Lowe trade made a lot of sense in getting a younger player who has a World Series winning pedigree, a Silver Slugger and a Gold Glove.
Some fans want total transparency which is difficult. And the reason for that is not just because Rizzo owe us anything; it is because it is good for business — more butts in seats when you ratchet up the optimism and communication. Fans need to believe that the Nats are trying to build a much better team; and they need to see it and hear this; it is not something that is easy to take on faith.
Some friendly suggestions – in no particular order:
- Have some meetings with players and agents in public! Like your Fiola Mare dinner a few years ago with Patrick Corbin. There are any number of FAs out there that you could meet with. Start with an invitation to Bregman to dinner
- Send the message that you are looking at the Japanese market by expressing interest in Roki Sasaki. We have read a report that 20-22 teams had some packets to Sasaki. Were the Nationals one of those teams?
- Alex Bregman – is he the veteran leader that is your next Jayson Werth?
- And if Bregman is not an option given the depth in the minors at 3B, explain that.
And if so is someone like Jesse Winker your veteran leader?Is Josh Bell now that veteran leader? Or is Nathaniel Lowe? Corbin Burnes – aim high.Walker Buehler – aim at low but good.- Okay, you actually got Michael Soroka and Trevor Williams. Solid depth moves. Even Max Scherzer — he could be your veteran leader for the young pitching staff. the MLBTR projection is 1 year for $16M. The three of us don’t think he is worth that as a starter. But give him an incentives based contract that can come close. And include incentives for games started (since he still thinks he can be a starter) and games appeared in (which allows him to rationalize going to the bullpen.
- Make the fact that you made offers public. And if the player declines and goes elsewhere for the same or less dollars, leak that.
- Let the world know whether or not you are interested in
Teoscar Hernández andAnthony Santander. And why? Do you not like the idea of a player who is pretty much limited to be a DH? And if so, explain that.
The DC area after 20 years does have a lot of fans who are knowledgeable about baseball. Tell them what you think and many will accept your arguments. But many won’t. And that is OK. The problem now is you are providing lots of reasons/excuses for fans to be Nattering Nabobs of Negativism. That is on you; not them.
And oh yeah, while you can’t say it publicly, if the issue is the three siblings can’t agree on anything, including spending on a long-term contract or selling the team, we are pretty sure that Barry Svrluga would love to have that leaked to him. And if not Barry, willing to bet that Tom Boswell would come out of retirement to write that column. We would love for you to leak that to us, but we recognize that you probably think the WaPo is a better outlet. And if that is the case, what is being done to resolve that issue? Or is it just waiting for all the details about Ted’s estate are resolved.
There are lots of fans who love the Nats, including those that don’t think you care about building a better team and winning. And believe us, we know you care and probably assume just saying you do is enough. It is categorically not enough.
Sincerely,
Don and Steve.
And, P.S. while we are at it. Please do something about the awful ballpark experience that is in large part driven by the fact that it appears Levy Restaurants does not care. Please see what is working so well in Petco Park in San Diego. In Nationals Park, stands are regularly closed, or run out of food, or . . . . the list goes on. Missing an inning or more to just get a beer, a soft drink, or something to eat (something simple like a hot dog) is simply not a good way to encourage fans to come to the park on a regular basis. Hire someone like Delaware North who do a great job for the Padres as well as the Cardinals at Busch Stadium.
