Weekend Roster Moves and My Thougts....

Analysis of this weekends roster moves.

Incoming: C Luke Montz, LHP Dave Williams and 3B Joel Guzman.

Outgoing: Jemel Spearman (disabled list), Adam Carr (extended spring training) and Javi Herrera (Vermont).

The additions
#1 question for most people is why is Luke Montz, who is on the 40-man roster, back in Harrisburg? It’s strickley a numbers game, to many catchers in AAA and the Nats wanted Montz to catch everyday.

This move will effect the playing time of Jonathan Solano, who through 11 games played is hitting .302.

Dave Williams is a journey man who has played in the following organizations, Pirates(98-05), Mets(2006), Reds(2006), Mets(2007) and now the Nationals. Williams served mostly as a starter in his 82 games in the majors combining for 22-31 record and a 4.83 ERA.

3B Joel Guzman is an interesting addition as he was a big prospect in the Dodgers and Rays organizations. He seems like he’s been around forever but is only 24 year old. Was once considered a power prospect but has never really hit for much power, best HR year was 23 in 2004. He has a minor league career average of .264 over 7 seasons. He has appeared in 24 major league games. Guzman got off to a good start in Harrisburg going 3/5 with 2 doubles and 3 RBI’s.

Say Good-Bye

I don’t know the extent of Jemel Spearman’s injury but he is currently on the 7-Day DL. He became expendable with the additions of Bynum and Guzman. The Senators were playing Leonard Davis at 3rd and they needed Spearman utility experience to fill-in in the outfield and infield.

Adam Carr’s move to extended spring training is not a real surprise. He has struggled in 8 appearances with the Senators allowing 16 hits, 10 runs in 10.1 Innings pitched. EL batters have a combined .372 average against him. Carr ERA has inflated to 8.71. This move will allow him to work on his mechanics. He will be able to iron out the issues and hopefully return soon.

Javi Herrera is another numbers game. With Solano playing well and the addition of Montz, there is no need to carry a 3rd cather. Montz will see most of the playing time with Solano filling in as needed. Herrera was officially moved to Vermont’s roster but was still here as of Saturday’s game.

My Thoughts
With the additions of Guzman, Williams and Montz gives the Senators a veteran presence. All three have played in the majors.

Starting line up could look like this:
C: Montz
1B: Rhinehart (has been hitting well lately).
2B: Mix between Ofilio Castro and Michael Martinez
SS: Freddy Bynum
3B: Joel Guzman (at times Castro)
OF: Edgardo Baez
OF: Mike Daniel
OF: Leonard Davis

The moves over the past week seem to make sense. It allows Davis to concentrate on the outfield, gives the Senators a true shortstop in Bynum (who made a great play on the second base side of the bag on Saturday) and gives the Senators a valuable option at middle reliever. I’ve followed Guzman since his days with the Dodgers and would really like to see him put things together in Harrisburg.

Ofilio Castro is now going to float between 2nd and 3rd. His best position is 3rd but I’m sure he’ll take playing time where ever he can get it. With inconsistent playing time it’s possible that his performance will continue to suffer.

Be prepared for more moves. I have a feeling that this roster isn’t set yet.