Jayson Werth was not surprised when his bromantic partner Bryce Harper signed with the Phillies exactly a year ago yesterday, per Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia. After years of traveling together, yukking it up from stadium to stadium, Werth knew Harper’s feelings about the league about as well as could be expected, and given his own positive feelings about his time in Philly (he won a ring there in 2008), Harper taking a shine to his mentor’s former club definitely tracks. Werth impacted both franchises in their most recent championship endeavors, directly for the Phils as he hit .309/.387/.582 during their ’08 run. For the Nats, he provided legitimacy to the franchise at the outset of their current run of competency. The Nationals have posted a winning record in each of the last eight seasons back to 2012, Werth’s second year with the club. That’s enough reminiscing for today. Let’s stay in the NL East and check in on some spring training news…
- New York Mets prospect Andres Gimenez added a leg kick to his swing this winter in an effort to get more lift, per Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News. Gimenez will have to push the envelope to make his presence felt at the major league level this season, but he’s breathing down Amed Rosario’s neck. Robinson Cano is owed big money over the next four seasons, but there’s certainly the possibility that one of the Mets’ young shortstops could eventually move to the keystone. Despite some uncertainty regarding Rosario’s performance at the big league level, shortstop is a deep positional field for the Mets organizationally. Gimenez is the Mets’ 2nd-ranked prospect, per Fangraphs, behind only Ronny Mauricio, who trails Gimenez in timeline by roughly the same margin between Gimenez and Rosario. For now, Rosario, 24, will keep the position warm until Gimenez, 21, can take it. That is, until Mauricio, 19 in April, can get to it first.
- Jumping to the junior circuit, the Baltimore Orioles expect 2020 to be a development year for Richie Martin – out of the spotlight. With defensive wizard Jose Iglesias in-house to hold down shortstop – until July at least – Martin can make up for lost time in Triple-A. Last year’s Rule-5 selection from the A’s, Martin was pushed into a full season with the big league club last year, and his naïveté showed. Martin put up -0.6 rWAR and a 50 wRC+ in 2019 as their more-or-less everyday shortstop. Still, Martin isn’t giving up the possibility of winning a job at second base or in a utility role, per MASN’s Roch Kubatko. The team lacked middle infield depth last season, but they at least have more players vying for those roles this spring – likely leaving Martin on the outside looking in on opening day. Hanser Alberto has his name on one roster spot, while Andrew Velazquez and Ramon Urias are contenders for utility roles, while Stevie Wilkerson, Pat Valaika, Jose Rondon, and Dilson Herrera are all in camp as non-roster invitees.
I don’t know that Rosario “keeping the position warm” for Gimenez is a good read on the situation. Possibly, I guess, but Rosario’s second half last year was pretty promising.
Agreed. Gimenez has to prove he can hit at AAA first, let alone MLB, before he can be considered a serious threat to Rosario. Gimenez is much more highly regarded with the glove, though, so it’s feasible Rosario gets moved off SS in a season or 2, when Cano inevitably gets relegated to a bench role.
You mean to the DH role, because that is unfortunately coming whether we like it or not
I like it. Why the f are people so obsessed with pitchers hitting? I don’t wanna see that garbage.
For me, it’s less about pitchers hitting and more about mangerial strategy. When to pull a pitcher, double switches, do you pinch hit in a 1-run game if the pitcher is still pitching well…etc. These are things I love about baseball, but I completely understand the AL fans who love the DH. Baseball comes in multiple flavors and that’s fine.
But you are okay with fat guys that cannot even play catch at first base hitting?
It’s different, that’s why. There is a sense of novelty and excitement to see a pitcher connect on a pitch and help themselves. It also requires an added level of strategy by the manager… that is partly why the f people are obsessed with pitchers hitting
Spot on, Whynot. That’s why I don’t want a DH in the NL. Leave the game alone.
How would you feel a full time designated runner for slower players? Or what if basketball added a designated FT shooter? Or what if football added a designated tackler, so kickers didn’t have to defend?
Hitting is part of the game, and pitchers should do it. Some hit pretty well. I can’t understand why some ppl are so obsessed with the idea that because pitchers don’t hit 20 dingers or something we should just take the bat out of their hands.
prospect evaluators are too bullish on Mauricio and soured too quickly on Jimenez IMO.
That is based on what exactly?
*Gimenez has shown much better in the Minors so far. and jas already succeeded at higher levels.
DarkSide830 –
That’s not an accurate read on Mauricio whose talent and upside are huge, has superstar.potential and some experts view as eventual top of the line prospect as he moves through the minors. Scouts love this kid, a switch hitting, two-way player, a stud when his power emerges and he fills out.
This kid with his projectable frame, long legs, who’s picking up speed, could become a 4 or 5 tool big leaguer.
Gimenez is talented and faster, has quality future, but in different way.
I don’t think anyone has soured on Gimenez yet. He is only 21. People are excited about Mauricio because he is yet to turn 19 and completely well against competitors years older.
Bromantic partner? Is this MLB trade rumors or TMZ?
They were pretty open about being bros.
Agree
Referring to the Orioles as the junior circuit is bush league writing, IMO. Not what I expect from MLBTR. I better start to see a handful of other teams referred to this way, too.
the orioles are an American league team and the American league is referred to as the junior circuit
Never heard that one before.
osfandan – instead of being in a rush to complain about the writers and/or looking for something to be offended about perhaps you could take a minute and see if there is any legitimacy to your complaint. Also, anytime you use ” I better” you should include the ” or else” part
Cmon man. Just cmon
@O’s fan
you really thought he was just calling the O’s the junior circuit because they stink? haha.
As others have mentioned, the AL was being called “The Junior Circuit” for years before this website or even the internet existed. The NL is older..
By a few years. After a century the distinction is meaningless.
It doesn’t matter how long it has been, older is still older. As long as you both live, your older brother will be your older brother when you are age 6, 36, 66, and 96.
Are you being serious osfan? Or are you 15?
yep, 14 other junior circuit teams
The “junior circuit” is an offensive moniker to AL fans. It is ONLY used by NL fans and it is used intentionally as a derogatory term. It has been used for a century going back to its origins, which came from the fact that the AL started a few years after the NL. That distinction is now a century old and hardly relevant. The AL has long since established its credentials in both WS titles (66-49) and ASG victories. The junior circuit is antiquated, inaccurate and offensive, and is deliberately used by NL fans and writers to be offensive.
Triggered much?
Got nothing substantive to say? 66-49.
Real baseball is the National League where pitchers have to hit and run the bases.
Until the AL gets rid of the DH they will be the Junior Circuit.
You’ll be using the DH soon and then you can STFU. Most people want you to STFU anyway.
Lol, the NL will have the DH soon. No one cares about pitchers hitting other than clowns like you who just defend it at all costs, no matter how boring it is
Do real relievers and real closers hit and run the bases? So maybe half the pitchers do what you say and it is ugly. dH coming soon to a NL park near you.
ASG record is 45-43, AL. The NL wanted to return to a meaningless ASG with no WS home advantage to the team of the victorious league because they lost 16 games this century alone.
If either league should be called the senior circuit, it’s the AL.
Literally no one thinks it’s offensive. Full stop
Says the league confused Astros fan. It is ONLY used by NL fans. Wonder why?
You think I’m an Astros fan because… I don’t lie?
And anyways, you’re clearly in the minority. Don’t look for reasons to get upset. It’s only used by NL fans? Have you never listened to baseball game commentary before? It’s
Yes, it’s only used by NL fans, writers, and commentators. Only EVER. AL fans, writers, and commentators do not use it.
Since you’ve devoted yourself to defending the cheating Astros ad infinitum, forgive me if I’ve mistaken you for an Astros fan. Then you’re probably an NL fan.
Nope, I just don’t like when people lie and try and push it for facts. I hate the Astros. You can dislike both at once.
Well if I’ve mistaken you for an Astros supporter and you’re not, I apologize. I could have sworn we’ve argued about the Astros plenty. We’ve argued about so much. On the other topic, it’s not a lie: the ONLY people I’ve encountered in my life who use the phrases “senior circuit” or “junior circuit” are NL affiliated. You haven’t had my experience.
yea, he is trying to cover up the fact that he didn’t know what junior circuit means, as you can see by his initial post.
Were you this angry your third year of high school?
There’s nothing offensive about it. This is ridiculous.
And what team do you root for? It is ONLY used by NL fans. Wonder why?
Mo4ever you’re literally the biggest crybaby on these forums and that says a lot. It’s been called the jr circuit forever and you can’t handle a nickname?
Oh and go cubs go.
No I’m not a cubs fan I just love what a whiner you are. Mo would be embarrassed to know that his fans act like this.
the AL started 25 years after the NL. not quite “a few years”.
A grammatically incorrect and idiotic take.
Well done.
You took this particular comment, of all comments, perhaps the least offensive, to call out the grammar? Smh.
Not sure “well done” is a complete sentence. Pretty sure it’s not. Zing! If you’re going to call someone out on grammar, get it right.
Mo4ever………..
Can we call you out for stupidity?
“In all five of those seasons, Jackson was an AL All-Star and in 1980 he led the Junior Circuit with 41 bombs.” Quote provided by bronxpinstripes blog. It may just be me but I am pretty sure they aren’t NL fans.
bronxpinstripes.com/yankees-history/black-history-…
There are other examples that blow your ridiculous theory out of the water but I am sure you are not interested.
“
Fair enough. That’s the first non-NL reference I’ve seen. Thanks for the quote. Personally I’ve only ever seen NL-originated references, and I’ve had my eye out.
Senior and Junior Circuit has been used for a century plus by everyone including MLB itself. There is nothing derogatory except in some peoples minds it simply refers to age and which came first.
Using your it’s been a hundred years logic would mean that 80 year old John Doe Jr. should take offence that 100 year old John Doe Sr. still calls him Junior. Your perception is skewed.
National League – Senior Circuit
American League – Junior Circuit
Johnny Five – Short Circuit
a handful? how about the entire American League? Is that enough for ya?
“Senior Circuit” and “Junior Circuit” are terms that go way back… the original AL teams were founded in 1901 while the original NL teams had been playi—
—wait, why am I bothering with this guy…
Junior circuit is just a nickname for the American League.
be careful; we’ve got an easily-offended teenager who cries at the ‘derogatory” mention of junior circuit
I think he’s heard the word “junior” a little too much in the bedroom.
So the O’s wasted a roster space all year for a player they admit needs more minor league instructions. Martin has never hit very well in the minors unless they feel a miracle will happen he looks like another all defense not hitting SS that are all over the minors.
Yeah, but he will be great to have once there mlb follows the NFL’s lead and starts using different players for defense than offense. If you’re going to add the DH to the NL might as well make all of the hitters DHs.
He was a rule 5 pick. He HAD to have a roster spot on the big league club all season long…or else Baltimore had to give him back to the A’s.
A team in Baltimores position you might as well take a chance on a guy like martun. He wasn’t occupying a spot that could of gone to a guy that would make them a playoff contender.
My point is why take a chance on such a long shot player. Better to use the slot and get a waiver out of options player at the end of spring training. It doesn’t tie up your roster spot for the whole season.
He hit .300 in double A the year before the got him. And he’s fast.
Rosario was 5th in the league in hits..why is it mets fans want everyone traded?? Cant we keep a guy for his whole damn career??you ppl would never have allowed george brett,robin yount, cal ripken,stan musial bob feller and every other major star to stay a met forever…if i recall some of you wanted wright traded too and reyes.. which should have never happened in the 1st place
Rosario’s fine. He’s making strides. I’d rather they trade Gimenez or Mauricio.
can probably keep all three as Mauricio could probably be given a try in centerfield.
Agreed
Reyes leaving ( thats what should have never happened)
Reyes is a d bag and I was happy when he left. Then he went and made me look like I should know the lotto numbers by smacking his girl around.
That was yrs later…and play the IF game, if he was still a met, he could have not taken that trip….or is he a dirtbag for you before he was drunk?
“Provided legitimacy to the franchise…”
That’s a very kind way of saying he posted a line of .263/.355/.433 thru 7 seasons, without a GG,SS, or a top 20 mvp finish, while making more money than the Secretary of Treasury
He was the first move that signified that they were “going for it”. I think that’s what he represented.
Exactly right. The first big signing by the Nats. Without signing big FAs they do not when the World Series period. They spent a ton on Corbin and it paid off.
Walking in the park and reminiscing
Chicago?
I do that a lot at 35th & Shields.
It truly is a bromance between Werth & Harper. I remember Harper’s first Spring Training with the big club (2011?) and he was doing a photo shoot for Topps on a back field with Werth present. Nobody was around and I sat in the bleachers waiting for the shoot to end so I could snag an autograph or picture. When it concluded I went to approach Harper and Werth was like a rabid pitbull- “leave the kid alone!” and then offering me his autograph or picture as a consolation prize. I declined…
There’s similar “bromances” with Logan Morrison & Christian Yelich…and Ricky Nolasco & Giancarlo Stanton..
I have no idea why I typed all of this. My apologies in advance
No need to apologize. I’d rather read this than the trolls yelling at each other.
Agreed cool story. And the whining/yelling is getting old.
Fascinating story and I mean that without sarcasm. I was at the 2018 game where the Phillies clinched the NL East. As Geoff Jenkins was showering me and those fans sitting next to me in champagne, Werth was driving the Phanatics ATV into the outfield wall repeatedly. Loved him as a player, never booed ir judged him for taking the money and going to WSH, but definitely a unique personality.
The last sentences of each bullet point are problems. So many commas and instances of “while”
get a life
I feel like rosario is going to put up all star numbers this year. He obviously figured something out the last half of the year and his fielding improved tremendously. I fully 100% expect him to put up very good numbers. Gimenez could be a good trade chip, or 2b. I foresee rosario being the ss for the Mets for a while.
Nats should take it down again this year.
“bromantic partner”
srsly? gtfo
Rosario, offensively, ranked third. His defense was just fine. Leave the kid alone and let him play. Maybe if the Mets pitchers did a better job of hitting targets and working ahead in counts he wouldn’t have so many rockets hit his way? From watching games I felt most of his errors were due to funky shifts and bad pitch locations.
I do that a lot at 35th & Shields.