Nats Notes (2/29)

Well, the nationals pulled out a 16-0 won yesterday. Impressive, well, it was against Georgetown University. But hey, it is very early in Camp and thats what it is all about. Plus it was Jason Bergmann’s opportunity to get some live game experience early. Not bad results either for Bergmann. In his first outing of Spring, Bergmann tossed two shutout innings giving up zero this, one walk, and three strikeouts, a satisfying performance for a locked in starter.
How ‘Bout the 19 Year Old … The Nats also had one of their first looks at 2007 late first round pick left Josh Smoker. Smoker also added two scoreless innings while striking out three and allowing two walks. Smoker was part fo the awesome 2007 draft class for the Nats in which they loaded up on superb pitching talent. In addition to Smoker, the Nats bolstered the pitching prospect ranks in 2007 with the 6th overall Pick Ross Detwiler, 2nd rounder Jordon Zimmerman, 5th rounder Bradley Meyers, 6th rounder and another impressive lefty John McGeary, and 8th round pick Adrian Alaniz. Each one, outside McGeary who signed late, put up some impressive numbers in Vermont and the Gulf Coast Rookie leagues last season. One thing is for sure, Smoker does understand his status.

Now he is 19, and he is the youngest player in this major league camp. His job consists, mainly, of shutting up, listening and not complaining when the veteran pitchers slap him upside the head, part of a game they play, one to which he is just learning the rules. … Smoker’s appearance with the major leaguers — one that likely won’t last more than another week or so — is so the organization can get a feel for one of its better prospects, and Smoker can get a feel for how major leaguers prepare themselves.

You’ll get their Joshua, you will.
Jon Rauch to busy again … Mark Zuckerman writes about the change in expectations that Jon Rauch had when he broke to the major to the present,. Rauch came into baseball as a starting pitcher, but with a shoulder injury shelving him, Rauch worked himself back as a reliever has never turned back. In particular, Rauch led the majors last year in appearance, appearing in 88 games. He likes that …

I just know I’m comfortable in [that role]. I know I like the possibility of being out there every day. That’s more enjoyable to me than being a starter and sitting down four out of five days. Whatever it is, I just seem more suited to this.”

Rauch also had some opportunities last season in the closing role when closer Chad Cordero attended a family funeral for a few games. Besides leading the team with 8 wins last season (yes, we know, we don’t like to brag that 8 wins led the team), Rauch garnered 4 saves during that period and ended the season with 71 strikeouts and a 3.61 ERA. Rauch, along with Cordero, give the nationals one of the most dominant 1-2 punches in the NL East and one of the top ones in the National League. DCPSR wishes to see you a bit less this year Jon. We hope to see significant increase in complete games on the starting rotation.
So it isn’t just about power … Bill Ladson reports on Manny Acta’s willingness to allow Lastings Milledge the freedom on the base paths. Speaking of Milledge, the Met’s aren’t happy with him. Big deal, go cry in New York, were not interested in DC.

“Enough is enough,” David Wright said yesterday. “You’re a Washington National now. Don’t worry about what happened last year or the year before that. Just go out there and try to help the Nationals win.

We agree David. He is a National now. So stop reading his comments.