Jim Bowden and the Nats

[Scrat1]

Is anyone else following the moves the Nationals are making? So far I've been pretty impressed with Bowden. No blockbuster moves, but lots of smart smaller moves (unless you're in the camp that thinks Dukes is going to murder somebody). Overall they've gotten better players while also cutting salary. Starting rotation still has a lot to be desired, but considering the solid foundation they're building I think they could surprise some people next season.

[Mad Mark]

The concern for them has to be how long the new stadium honeymoon period lasts. Washington is such a front-running town. If that team isn't contending by 2010, things could get very, very ugly down here.

[HeatherC12]

I'm amused that he keeps picking up old Reds players, LOL

[MikeAD]

I'll be there opening day, or extremely shortly thereafter.

But thats not because of the moves, I've just been planning to go see the new stadium, the improved team just makes it a more anticipated trip.

[Elbren]

Before this year, I thought that Bowden was a complete moron, but I have to admit. He's made some pretty good movies this offseason. He's added two potentially 5-tool, middle-of-the-order bats and he basically didn't give up anything for them.

[NewMarketSean]

Does the new stadium open this year or next year?

[Mad Mark]

Does the new stadium open this year or next year?

This year. IIRC, They'll have the Sunday night ESPN opener vs Atlanta.

(Then, as if they were opening in Japan or something, I believe they immediately go on the road! )

A friend of mine has Nationals season tickets. I'll go there to root for the Orioles in one interleague game, then probably never go back.

[NewMarketSean]

I'll probably check it out early on in the year and then go back when the Orioles are playing down there.

[howie14]

I'm amused that he keeps picking up old Reds players, LOL

Reds are to Nats as Cubs are to _______?

Actually, the Nats are doing a good job of assembling talent...IF they can control it. As Harper Gordek at "Oleanders and Morning Glories" said:

The whole point of taking on reclamation projects is to put them in a supportive environment, but take on too many and all of a sudden you no longer have a foster home, you have juvenile hall.

[Maverick2143]

Milledge= Good move- Low Risk/High Reward, He needs to grow up a little, but, he has shown signs of getting it.

Dukes=Bad Move I don't care if the Ray's gift wrapped him and put him under Bowden's Christmas Tree, the guy threatened repeatedly to kill his wife and her KIDS!!!!! Nats fans should be ashamed to have him representing their team. Sorry, but you gotta draw the line somewhere, (I personally would draw it alot further back) and threatening women & children just shows what type of person Dukes is.

[mikeygale]

I've been away for a while, so I don't know if this has been posted, but it seems tangentially related to this discussion.

Zimmerman's numbers are sure going to look tastier in the new digs.