I haven't paid very close attention to the Washington Nationals in Spring Training this year, mostly due to the NHL being back as Winter turns to Spring. But it's also partly because this year's team is shaping up to be an absolute train wreck. And when you look to apportion blame, look no further than Nats GM, Jim Bowden, the proverbial man without a plan.
In today's Washington Post, Dave Shenin takes a closer look at the debacle that was the Alfonso Soriano for Brad Wilkerson trade. He uncovered the fact that even though the Texas Rangers refused to allow Bowden to speak directly with Soriano on whether he would be willing to move to the outfield from his preferred position at second base, the Nats GM went ahead with the deal anyway, leaving the responsibility for selling it to Soriano to Nats Manager Frank Robinson.
Here's the reaction from Nasty Nats:
Bowden deserves to be run out of town on a rail for failing to recognize the situation and gambling the team's season on making a big splash in order to garnish his reputation.
But I think we need to look at the bright side here. With Robinson's track record of "senior moments" last season, there's always the possibility that Frank will go "Junior Soprano" on Soriano without warning. Now that would be something to see.
For more on the impending disaster that is the 2006 season, visit Distinguished Senators, Ball Wonk, Oleanders and Morning Glories and Federal Baseball.
