The pool of pitchers shrinks in free agency while the lefty bats are still available

The free agent market for starting pitching has shrunk considerably in the past few weeks while the left-handed bats are all still available. Pitching is the need that every team has, and most cannot compete in the deep end of the swimming pool. That leads to more competition for the middle of the free agent market.

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UPDATED: Arbitration money day, and Nats ink all of their players to 2024 salaries!

(UPDATED at the bottom of the article) There are a quartet of Nats players who are arbitration-eligible and have not agreed to their 2024 salaries. Lane Thomas, Kyle Finnegan, Hunter Harvey, and Luis Garcia have until today at the 1 p.m. deadline to either agree to a salary or else they will have to submit salary demands by 8 p.m. tonight with the Major League Baseball office. After that, they will have a date scheduled for an arbitration hearing for sometime before training camp. Of course, the team and player have the ability to negotiate an amount until the start of an arbitration hearing.

We have MLB Trade Rumor estimates to give us some guidance on these players:

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Top Priorities revisited for the Nats

Screenshot modified from MLB Network

The offseason is ending in just a little over a month as Spring Training camp opens. For the Washington Nationals, the offseason has been quiet on the acquisition side of the roster. If not for Rule-5 pick Nasim Nuñez, and the free agent signings of Nick Senzel and Dylan Floro, we would have nothing so far. Just about $4.5 million in new money spent.

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The Role of Coaches in Shaping University Baseball Teams

The Role of Coaches in Shaping University Baseball Teams

Baseball is often defined as the national sport of the US. This game has deep roots in American history. It has gained popularity and become an important element of American cultural identity. Baseball games have become a symbol of summer and national holidays in the US. It has always been very popular at university colleges. University baseball teams not only compete for championships but also play an integral role in shaping the character of young players. This is always influenced by coaches, so this article analyzes the role of coaches in the creation and development of university baseball teams.

Sports and Learning: Is a Successful Combination Possible?

Before moving on to the key role of the coach for the team and each athlete, we note that an important aspect not related to baseball for student-athletes is the ability to solve various problems not only of a sporting nature. We mean academic performance and the ability to cope with academic tasks. In particular, writing essays and other papers. In modern university life, the requirements for studying are high, and training requires considerable energy. Thus, turning to a custom writing service can be not just useful but life-saving for athletes who want to do well in their intense sports schedule with training. Hence, by hiring a professional essay service, athletes can concentrate better on their training and their coach’s advice. At the same time, they can be assured that they will receive essays that meet all the requirements of academic writing and will be delivered on time.

Key Coach’s Role in Shaping the Whole Team

Who Should a Coach Be?

The process of college team building is an integral part of a successful university baseball program. A coach should take into account not only the players’ talents but also their character and potential for growth. Coaching leadership skills are crucial to the team’s success. A coach must be not only an expert in the game but also an excellent leader. The most crucial aspects of a coach’s success are the ability to:

  • motivate players,
  • focus their attention,
  • establish effective team relationships.

The university baseball program is a platform for those players who aspire to reach the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The coach has a huge responsibility in preparing players for the highest level of competition and NCAA player development. It is the effectiveness of the coach’s methods and individualized approach that will determine whether players will reach their potential and win their place in the NCAA.

Mastery of Techniques

A coach should have a deep understanding of the game, including the following basic baseball coaching techniques.

  • Hitting Technique. It includes:

– the correct grip of the baseball bat,

– correct body position,

– hitting technique to achieve maximum power and accuracy.

  • Throwing Technique. Mastering the correct mechanism of throwing the ball to ensure accuracy.
  • Catching Technique. Mastering the correct method of catching the ball with the use of a glove and the ability to securely grip the ball.
  • Running Technique. Development of speed and maneuverability in running on the field. Technique of running between the bases.
  • Defensive Techniques. Skills related to defending your side of the field – positioning, blocking the ball, and defense strategies.
  • Team Play Techniques. Development of interaction with teammates, including communication and understanding on the field.

Knowing the Specifics of Recruitment Strategies

Baseball recruitment strategies are a key step in team building. Effective recruiting ensures that the team is filled with a variety of talents and strong characters who can work together rather than compete with each other.

  • Analysis of team needs

The coach must identify the weaknesses of the players from the previous season. Then identify key positions that need to be strengthened.

  • Diversity of talent

 A balanced team can effectively counter different styles of play of opponents.

  • Consideration of players’ personalities

It is important to consider also the personal traits of the players. A successful team requires harmonious relationships. The coach must ensure the players work together in a coordinated manner.

  • Potential assessment

Coaches should know how to predict the development of players based on their potential. In addition to existing skills, it is key to assess a player’s willingness to learn and the ability to adapt.

  • Interaction with sports agents

Working with agents who specialize in identifying talented players can greatly facilitate the recruitment process.

The coach’s role in the formation of university baseball teams cannot be overstated. It is critical to the development and players’ success. So, coaches need to have a variety of specialized techniques and skills to be leaders who can inspire.  This is the way they can influence young athletes and prepare them for great achievements both in college and at the professional level. In this way, they become key figures in developing talent and shaping the future of baseball.

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Starting Pitcher FAs – Point-CounterPoint

So lets looks at some of the available starting pitchers who are Free Agents. Steve and I started with a short list and expanded it as described:

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Nats’ Strategy & Tech Group

Do you know those devices attached to tripods around the batting cages and pitcher’s mounds? Those are the tools that have transformed the game in what Jayson Werth once said was a sign that the “super nerds” were taking over. If Werth only knew how much nerdier baseball has become since he last played in the Majors in 2017. Baseball is still evolving with better technology. The Washington Nationals have all of the toys for what they hope will be one of the most advanced pitching and hitting labs in baseball.

The team just purchased the Force Plate system to add as another tool for their newly formed Strategy & Tech group. Force Plate measures the pitchers, hitters, baserunners, and fielders from their feet, legs and lower body, and is the first technology to do this. The Nationals also have their Trackman, Rapsodo, and Hawkeye systems to track everything else.

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LH Bat Options – Compare and Contrast – A Point-CounterPoint

It seems clear that the Nationals want a left-handed power bat this off-season. And probably preferably a DH, first basemen or corner outfielder or any combination of those positions. So Steve and I started discussing this via Twitter DMs and we decided to turn that back and forth conversation into a Point-CounterPoint article. So here goes.

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Happy New Year and much work ahead

Happy New Year, and we can finally say “last season” and “last year” when we refer to the 2023 season. In some aspects, it was a forgettable season for the Washington Nationals — and in others — there were positives to build on after beating all projections with a 71-win team last year. While nobody is thinking the Nats are a playoff contender for 2024, manager Dave Martinez made it clear that he wanted a chance to contend this season. Much of that is intertwined with the final roster he is given.

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Maybe tomorrow………

“Maybe Tomorrow” was a song in a movie, and when you cannot control a situation, you just hope that maybe tomorrow was worth the waiting for what you were waiting for. There was a riddle in the newest Mission Impossible sequel, “Always approaching but never arrives.” The answer was “tomorrow.” Washington Nationals fans hope for an arrival.

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Back to work at less than 50 days for Spring Training camp

The holidays have passed, and we are now talking about 2024, and the opening of Spring Training camps. There are still 79 free agent position players unsigned with positive WAR projections per FanGraphs. In addition, there are 86 free agent pitchers unsigned that FanGraphs has positive WAR projections. Certainly, the math has is clear that there are 5.50 free agents per team on average with positive WAR to sign — but some of them might go on minor league deals, others might retire, and top players are still being pursued.

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