The Nationals have requested unconditional release waivers for Dee Strange-Gordon, per the team. The infielder/outfielder was designated for the assignment last week. This means two things: no team put a claim in on him, and Strange-Gordon did not want to accept an assignment to the minor leagues.
Given those two facts, it’s not easy to see where Strange-Gordon will find his way back to the Majors. That said, his speed is a truly exceptional talent, and there’s always room in the game for it on a limited basis. We have seen speedsters like Strange-Gordon used as playoff specialists in the past, so that’s a potential role for him down the line. For now, however, it would seem unlikely that he finds a long-term home.
Strange-Gordon was signed by the Nationals this winter on a non-guaranteed minor league deal. He went on to hit .305/.305/.356 in 59 plate appearances with three stolen bases in five attempts. For Strange-Gordon it was more of the same, with low walk rates and minimal power limiting his offensive utility. His speed is dynamic, and if he can get on base enough to utilize it, he has a weapon worth unleasing. Right now, however, the 34-year-old will have to wait and look for a new opportunity.
“He went on to hit .305/.305/.356 in 59 plate appearances with three stolen bases in five attempts.”
Poor guy. Anyone recall better #’s before getting released?
Nothing good about those numbers. Terrible slugging terrible obp
That’s who he’s always been. Nats knew what they were getting, and when he turned out to be himself, they pulled the chain.
If you think those numbers are good, you need to go back and look at some more numbers (which, as per your next comment, seems to be what you e done).
I think you both missed the point. He’s not a power hitter. But a .305 average with speed who can play the infield, is desirable on a few teams right now. A veteran who doesn’t make many errors. Who can help maybe clean up some infield defensive mishaps for a few teams. I think you both need to go look up some stuff on what makes a decent ballplayer.
YOU missed the point. A player who bats .305 with no walks is NOT valuable and the BA is unlikely to remain high. He is a NEGATIVE value as a hitter, don’t let .305 fool you, although it seems you already have. (Do yourself a favor and look into stats like OPS+, his bat is just terrible).
All of the capital words aside I can see your wrong. You missed half of my points and continued on your silly point about how negative he is with a bat. As a baseball fan, he passes the eye test. I’m ok on needing to look up your bat stats. All of the veteran leadership, his glove moving around the infield and the outfield. He doesn’t make many errors and can fix some teams and how they act. I’m gonna laugh when he finishes the season with a team while having a positive war for the season. Your a yankees fan aren’t you?
I agree Cosmo. That .305 BA came with a .353 BAbip. It’s probably not sustainable.
First of all, errors aren’t a good yardstick for defensive play. That said, you say he doesn’t make many errors, but is that true? This season he’s made 3 errors, 2 at SS in less than 12 games worth of innings, and 1 in the OF in less than 4 games worth of innings.
He has negative defensive numbers at SS, and there’s a clear history there, never having positive numbers over his entire career. Likewise at 2B, though not as bad. There aren’t enough innings in the OF to make a valid assessment.
The fact that the Nat’s couldn’t trade him, and every team passed on him isn’t a good sign that he’ll have much of an impact. Even if he does latch on to a team in need a pinch runner, the odds are he won’t play enough to finish with a positive WAR.
Drew, the fact that you are using the eye test says it all. This is a game of stats. His stats suck. Do you know what OPS+ is? You’ve nothing to back up what you’re saying. This player got released for a reason. Your eye test is unreliable and you are still kidding the point. I get what you are saying, you are evaluating the player incorrectly. Or did he get released cuz he’s actually good? You’re filled with old school misconceptions about “intangibles”, which are considered in WAR and his value is still negative.
The nats aren’t going any where. Would’ve been nice for Gordon to have at least 100 ab. Sometimes these veterans have to open their eyes though and be realistic with their situation like Cano.
Yeah, and if he goes 0-5 tomorrow, he’s hitting .277 with a .277 OBP.
Almost every power hitting shortstop who signed a massive deal this past winter has a batting average and OBP lower than .300.
Eye tests may be faulty, but so are analytics, the biggest problem with them being that everyone is going strictly by numbers now, thinking that somehow that excuses them from using their brains. That’s why we’ve had managers make some bizarre, head scratching decisions in recent years. For one think, way too much emphasis is being put on walks. There are guys on the Mariners who are obviously coming to the plate looking to get a walk, rather than looking for a pitch to hit. Ridiculous! Jesse Winker leads the league in walks. His job isn’t to walk, it’s to drive runs in.
I remember Felipe Alou managing the Expos. People thought he was a great manager but I thought he sucked. He played Wilton Guerrero instead of Rondell White. Wilton had a pretty good batting average but was a singles hitter who stole a base once in a while and walked once in a while. However, he was the brother of Vladimir and Vladimir had to be kept happy. Wilton was very similar to Dee Strange-Gordon.
Those numbers are terrible
I know he could learn to take a walk… & small sample size…
But BA above .300 means release if low OBP sucks? (.305) Someone help me out.
Just noticed he has the same BA as OBP… .305/.305
Not a good sign. Anyway, i wish him good luck!
Rather a hit than a BB
In the multiveese Dee Strange is a really good player
That’s how you know they are related. Doc and Dee. 3 letters, both start with a D. Old school parents. Legend has it that there is a Don Strange and Dax but they couldn’t be bothered to follow in the family footsteps. They went out west to open a Ski Resort, but ended up opening a biker bar in Arizona. Couldn’t believe it myself. Dumpster, you get in some pretty good comments. Keep on keeping on.
I don’t think Dax is that old, and even if he/she were I doubt the host would be from Earth.
Right back at cha!
Dee: “We’re not Gonna take it!”
Could be the end of the road baseball wise for Dee Gordon but he’s only 34 years old and a multi millionaire so I’m sure he’s enjoying life.
Maybe, maybe not. Wouldn’t be the first guy who has burned through everything he made.
Hope he finds a home.
I can see the Angels taking a flyer on him they need a second baseman that can play outfield and most of all makes CONTACT
Contact with no power isn’t all its cracked up to be
Time to hang up the cleats and go enjoy your family.
He just hasn’t been the same since brutally hitting Travis d’Arnaud with a pitch and almost ending his career.
Looks like he’s got his 10yrs…good for him. Shame players like him have and I know why, don’t have a role anymore…not shouting at clouds..I
Pardon?
Hate to say it, but my Padres might have to take a look with Manny out..That injury looked BAD..
They’re have GOT to be better options
Abrams at 2nd and hope Cronenworth can handle 3rd? Only other things I can think of are trade for Drury, or maybe try to snag Chavis? The Pads are THIN on depth as it is..
Maybe not, they were giving AB’s to Robinson Cano just a few weeks ago
What are you talking about? The Padres signed Cano. Gordon’s OPS+ is more than double that of Cano’s when they signed him.
Gordon 91
Cono 44
Strange-Gordon is a negative WAR. Just make a list of players with a positive WAR and you have your list.
Padres need a temporary infielder – Machado hurt.
I’d say he goes to the Padres for Machado
Who’s up next in Strange-Gordon’s attempt to be released by every team in baseball?
Can’t be worse than Nick Plummer on the Mets. Sign someone plz. Prefer Shogo Akiyama, but I will take any warm body…
The world champions have Phil Gosselin and Mike Ford on their active roster. I would call Dee Gordon an upgrade.