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Initially, when hearing a productive and established player such as Jayson Werth signed with the Washington Nationals, it was bewildering.

The Nationals had stunk for years now with the only shining start, pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg already out for the entire 2011 season, as he needed Tommy John surgery. Not good news for any pitcher, especially a 21-year-old as the blame is on the organization. The Nationals’ meager fanbase turned up in droves for Strasburg, only to have him taken away—an all-too-common theme since settling in Washington five years ago.

Regardless, the Nats’ 2010 record speaks for itself, as it was the NL East’s worst finish with 69 wins and 93 losses. At home, they were above .500 closing out 41-40; but on the road, 28-53 is nauseating and not numbers that draw big stars.

Then consider facing the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, the unpredictable New York Mets and the up-and-coming Florida Marlins 18 games a season doesn’t help the Nationals’ cause either.

With crappy stats the only resolve is to go after a semi-star, like Werth, then pay up with a big contract. Werth is a star but he not the same level as Carl Crawford or Cliff Lee, making the dollars number so outrageous that the player will at least meet with you. The Nationals came with a plan, first by promising Werth that his money would not cap out the club, as the Nats pockets ran deeper to find him some more help.

That is still just talk about things that had not happened yet, and it is the Nationals making it easier said then done. What must have caught Werth’s attention was the Nationals farm system because this club is stacked for the next few seasons.

I guess sucking for so long does have its positives—just look at the Tampa Bay Rays, who made a 180 from bad right into the World Series in what seemed like nano-years.

Unlike down in Tampa Bay, the Nationals claim to have money to spend. So, presumably holes can be filled and if not by the green, then the Nats can head on down to the farm.

Remember that quality not quantity does apply here, meaning talent doesn’t come in numbers so it is taking a chance. Any club who wants to win now has to think like the Yankees or Red Sox. The one or two times trading works out has usually been the difference maker for a successful season.

So, who are these youngsters? Other than Strasburg, I watched the other three in the Arizona Fall League and each caught my eye.

Stephen Strasburg, SP 

The most hyped rookie in MLB history. Strasburg is an outstandingly talented pitcher that every baseball fan salivated over during his brief stint in 2010. This is a special kid, as he won games, is only 22-years old, sold 78,00 jerseys in June and literally filled an empty Nationals ballpark. In his first 68 innings pitched in the bigs, Strasburg finished with a 2.91 ERA and 92 strikeouts.

Bryce Harper, OF 

The 2010 No. 1 draft pick will be just 19 on his next birthday. Harper bats with plus-power, attacks pitches and can hit to the opposite field. He already possesses the ability to make changes at the plate and has an above-average throwing arm in the outfield. This kid will make his debut in 2011 and you can bet Harper will be a superstar.

Derek Norris, C

Norris is 21-years old, hits with power, has long at-bats and draws ample walks. Norris has a strong arm, but mechanics and technique need some improvement but experience can fix any slight flaws. Keeps getting better. 

Eury Perez, CF

Perez is the pest opposing teams dread because this kid can steal bases like you read about. Finishing with 64 steals, ranking second in the minors. Perez doesn’t hit home runs, but can get on base so fast, turning a single into a triple. Nice addition to break up any team’s batting order.

More young talent to look for in Washington…Pitchers: A.J. Cole, Sammy Solis, Robbie Ray and don’t forget 2009 rookie tandem of SS Ian Desmond and 2B Danny Espinosa, who showed serious potential in the infield.

This leaves the question, would it be a smart move to add some more experience for balance, at least mentally in the Nationals’ clubhouse? Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman will at least help, but he didn’t do much in 2010 motivation-wise.

It might sound crazy, but the Nats can learn from the Rays’ mistakes. Tampa possessed an exceptionally rare group of talent troubled by immaturity, particularly after losing the 2008 World Series and playing like sore losers in 2009. Veteran players can handle the pressure and leadership is essential in any sport.

Maybe Jayson Werth just got richer, but he could just be the smartest free agent this offseason.

Practice makes perfect, but it takes patience and looking forward the Nats could be the team to beat in the NL in 2012 season.

It looks like things are about to change in the Nation’s capital. Young, talented and hungry are a dangerous combination.

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It is no secret that the New York Yankees are winning the biggest losers contest by a landslide this offseason. 

As they cross their fingers hoping Andy Pettitte sends word he wants to play, the waiting is making things look less hopeful.

GM Brian Cashman made it clear:

“He’s not in it. He’s told me not to rely on him, so I’m focusing on what he’s told us.“

Not great news….but let’s look at the situation for what it really is, as the Yankees head  into the New Year:

Off-Season Pitchers Who Passed:

• Cliff Lee brought his talents back to the Phillies.
• Zach Greinke wasn’t worth the price, as the Royals taxed on serious demands.
• Veteran and member of the Yankee core four, Andy Pettitte has turned into as subtle version of Brett Favre.
• Felix Hernandez would rather stay on the Mariners than pitch in the Bronx, as the Yankees are in his no-trade list.
• Marlins Josh Johnson was a long shot, but worth a try.

Outlook Heading Into New Year
 
The Yankees are not accustomed to leaving gaping holes open via rejection.
 
So, don’t think for a minute this was Plan B, as Brain Cashman had one plan and it was Cliff Lee.
 
Now it is look internally or bust to complete the gaping hole in their starting rotation.
 
The Yankees farm has some serious arms, potentially on a track to becoming aces in the majors.
 
Now the managers and front office have to proceed with caution because the pressure is on again.
 
Many fans are worried because it seems like deja vu from back in the 2007-08 offseason, but that isn’t quite true. Keep in mind the first time it was by choice, currently the Yankees have no other choice but to look within.
 
If anything, the lesson has been learned that not only physically but also mentally these youngsters have to be treated as such.
 
Like the Washington Nationals did with phenom Stephen Strasburg, the Yankees need to hold a press conference stating what role along with an ideal innings limit for any prospects that will be on the roaster. This will keep the press from making harsh presumptions because they will have nothing to speculate.
 
Here are the Yankee prospects that look to be major league worthy are Dellin Betances, Manny Banuelos, Andrew Brackman and Hector Noesi.
 
Still, being valuable in the minors doesn’t remove the uncertainty that remains… are they major-league ready?
 
Who knows but from a logical perspective one will definitely be a solid starter; another one will flutter between good, greats and so-so; and the remaining two will be sent back down knowing where they need to improve.
 
Otherwise, GM Brian Cashman is banking on trading before the July deadline, eyeing teams who’s season might be tanking and would unload an ace for prospects and cash.
 
As of today, the rotation will be CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes, AJ Burnett, TBD and TBD figuring Pettitte isn’t an option. Not ideal, but the Yankee bats will have to carry the team while this all gets worked out.
 
As Vince Lombardi once said:
 
“Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

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Reliever Pedro Feliciano is staying put in New York, but he will be sporting a different uniform.

The life-long Met is leaving Queens to bring his talents to the Yankees. 

Feliciano is a 34-year-old lefty who inked an $8 million, two-year contract with an option for a third, to come over to the Bronx. Fans get the reassurance that GM Brian Cashman is doing his job, as this is a huge boost to counterpart Boone Logan in the bullpen.

Other than having a rubber arm (meaning it never tires), Feliciano satisfies a big hole in the Yankee bullpen against lefty hitters, an area the Red Sox loaded up on this offseason.

Over his eight years in the majors, Feliciano has a career ERA of 3.31. He set the Mets franchise record and led the NL for most relief appearances in a season, with 86 games in 2008, 88 games in 2009 and 92 games in 2010.

Last season, Feliciano pitched for 62.2 innings, allowing just one home run and striking out 56 of the 280 batters he faced. He kept lefties hitting just .211, which will make him a difference-maker in the seventh and eighth innings.

Nicknamed “Everyday Pedro,” as in 2010 he pitched back-to-back days 43 times without rest.

Feliciano was described by Mets Today writer Joe Janish as, “a valuable asset to a championship club in need of one final bullpen piece.”

I’ll take that; the Yankees will happily take that; and hopefully 2011 will be that year for Feliciano.

As to how Feliciano will handle playing in the Bronx?

Same lights, different borough…my bet is he will be just fine.

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The New York Yankees have to divert whatever attention is left from all the Cliff Lee drama, but there is no denying the painful disappointment still lingers.

Losing Kerry Wood to the Chicago Cubs was unexpected, but the signing of former Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Russell Martin gave the first ray of hope thus far in this offseason.

Why is signing Russell Martin such a positive? For two reasons:

1.   From veteran Jorge Posada to top prospects Austin Romaine and Jesus Montero, as well as current back-up Francisco Cervelli, Yankees have a plethora of uncertain players to fill the catcher position. In 2009, Posada, with 16 seasons and 39 years of age under his belt, had it all catch up to him. Cervelli was a productive hitter at the start of last season, but like Posada couldn’t hold runners on base, throwing out 14 percent of attempted basestealers. That’s only one percent difference from Posada, who never was known for his throwing arm, but who made up for it with his power bat. Martin brings a big upgrade defensively, throwing out potential basestealers at a 31 percent clip for his career, and 39 percent last season. Adding Martin to the mix gives the Yankees necessary breathing room to bring up the two up-and-comers, Romaine and Montero, at an acceptable pace.

2.   Russell provides General Manager Brian Cashman room to dangle Romaine and Montero as trade bait; with the hopes to fill the spot left open by Lee. It is no secret that the Yankees need to attain another starting pitcher to finalize the rotation. Word is that Andy Pettitte is actually going to return in 2011. Pettitte’s return brings reinforcement because the Yankees can afford to wait for the best trade before the season’s July 31st trading deadline. A retired Pettitte would leave another vacant spot that could be Sergio Mitre’s–God-forbid. No matter what, Martin gives the flexibility and Pettitte allows for patience. This could result in a better option down the road, as there are always teams that want to unload by the All-Star Break.

Martin doesn’t come without concern. Even as a two-time All-Star with the Dodgers who ranked atop all NL catchers in 2007, hitting .293 with 87 RBIs and 19 home-runs, there is cause for worry.

Martin’s production declined in 2008, followed by a season-ending hip injury in August of 2009. He does tend to draw a lot of walks at the plate.

Martin seems determined to get back to the hitter he was at 25, making him a young 27, which means Cashman is bringing a baby to the Bronx. Plenty of room to grow considering skipper Joe Girardi and bench coach Tony Pena were both successful catchers during their playing careers.

GM Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner know that many things have to happen before and during the 2011 season to keep the team on top.

Cashman has asked Yankee fans to remain patient, a tall tale to petition for of such an eager group.

I don’t think Yankee fans have a better option. Still, a lot of trust has been earned with the recent 2009 season, and the Yankee fans always believe their team is good to go. That is because the players won’t accept anything else.

In the words of new Yankee catcher Russell Martin:

“Talent doesn’t go away. I know that I can hit. I just want to get back to that consistency.”

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The New York Yankees are once again the center of the baseball world this off-season.

Drama tends to shadow any sports teams that exist in New York, but the Yankees manage to draw the most.

Blame it on the team’s history of success or the owner’s outlandishly deep pockets. Whatever the reasoning, it becomes irrelevant.

Fact is that people love to hear about what the Yankees are up to, lovers and haters alike. With emotions running so high whether you are playing or watching sports, untrue and over-exaggerated stories start to sound factual.

Here are a few off-season fictions and facts that New Yorkers are immersed in:

1. “And they just had him slip away in free agency despite outbidding the winning Phillies by about $50 million” – Joel Sherman, NY Post.

From my “non-sports fan” girlfriend, to my mom and even my doorman, all have stated that Cliff Lee taught the Yankees a lesson, as if the Universe should be very concerned for the future. Walking away from $30-50 million to NOT have to wear the pinstripes should speak volumes about the business approach the Yankees take.

Problem is this number was so overly exaggerated, as the Phillies will be paying Lee $18 million in 2011, $25 million for the next four and, if goals are fulfilled, Lee will pocket $27.5 million in 2016.

The Yankee offer was $138 for seven years. You do the math, because I can’t seem to find where the $30+ million dollars are hiding out?

THE FACT is Lee wanted to be a Philly, loves to hit and enjoys playing in the NL. The money had no weight because the offers were all in the same league. So, Yankee fans can stop worrying, but it is time for Philly fans to welcome their team into the “Evil Empire.”

1. “Brian Cashman may believe he has a championship-caliber team, but the oddsmakers no longer view the Yankees as World Series favorites.” – Mark Feinsand, New York Daily News

Not getting Lee has somehow made the 2011 Yankees into non-contenders. Words like “desperate”, “trouble” and “finished” have been the theme, along with the Red Sox making the World Series without question.

This theory is ludicrous, as the Yankees are still a competitive team.

Taking no credit away from Boston’s GM Theo Epstein, who did his job superbly this off-season by acquiring Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford. Boston also lost Adrian Beltre and Victor Martinez, who were the glue that held Boston together in 2010 when more starters were on the DL than on Coach Terry Francona’s roaster.

Yes, the Red Sox improved by getting faster on the bases, an area which was never strong to begin with, so it will make some difference.

This is a free country, and everyone is entitled to an opinion, but predicating unreasonably only makes the source lose complete creditability. For anyone to say the Yankees team is screwed next season is so off base it’s preposterous.

1. “While the New York Yankees’ 2010 season came to a disappointing close, it would still appear inevitable that the team will want to re-sign Derek Jeter, its franchise shortstop. But it appears just as inevitable that his on-field performance isn’t worth nearly as much as he will likely want to be paid.” – Tephen J. Dubner, New York Times.

The performance of Yankees shortstop, and Captain, Derek Jeter has always had its critics, but he continually proved them wrong up until 2010 when Jeter’s slump seemed to be never-ending and the media said he was finished.

Yes, Jeter is 36 and age does eventually catch up to everyone, but to say he will never see productive days again is just stupid.

One out of seventeen seasons is pretty good and surely gives creditability in Jeter’s favor that it was a fluke. To pounce on Jeter like wolves and state that a retirement home seems a better fit than Yankee Stadium is just pure jealousy rearing its ugly head.

Players like Jeter should be praised no matter what because the sports world is now filled with celebrities who take their talents for granted.

Athlete’s respect for the game, whether it is football, baseball or basketball is becoming extinct. It’s all about “getting mine”, and “what did I accomplish”.

Kids everywhere idolize athletes and to be so quick to dismiss a man like Jeter is embarrassing. I can promise you that Derek Jeter will have a great year next season, if only just to prove everyone wrong is good enough for me. Still, Jeter did win the Gold Glove again so that ship has not nearly sunk at all and who’s to say attitude is not valued even more than talent.

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The New York Yankees have an abundant amount of money to spend after losing out on signing Cliff Lee, who went to the Philadelphia Phillies.

All possible options will be tried, as cash is never short in New York and especially when the team is in need. Nobody puts Baby in the corner; not the Phillies, not Lee and certainly not a lack of free agents.

So, when the news came that the Yankees signed pitcher Mark Prior to a one-year minor league contract, the possibility of what Prior was and could be started to cause butterflies in my stomach.

Back in 2002, when Prior debuted with the Chicago Cubs, the level of excitement could only be compared to that of Washington Nationals phenom Steven Strasburg.

Yes, Prior was that good. At just 22 years old, he was joining team ace Kerry Wood, and in 2003 they made a tandem of the best one-two punch in the majors.

That season Sports Illustrated dubbed them the “Chicago Heat” and it was well deserved. Combined, Wood and Prior posted 522 strikeouts, seven complete games and three shutouts over a total of 422 innings in 2003.

Prior finished with a 2.43 ERA, was named to the All-Star team, finished third in the NL CY Young voting and ninth in the NL MVP. Wood posted a 3.20 ERA, leading the Cubs to 88 wins and a division title.

Cubs manager Dusty Baker was frivolous with his two stars, as fans voiced concerns about the constant high pitch counts. Prior was averaging 113+ pitches during that 2003 regular season, and the number jumped to 126 in September through the postseason.

Baker’s irresponsibility clearly was at fault and he is the reason for all the anal pitch counts across baseball with young prospects. After that 2003 season, neither half of the “Chicago Heat” did anything except be on the DL and Chicago fans were devastated but blamed it on the curse of the Cubs franchise.

Wood was about four years older then Prior, so he managed to hang out in the bullpen but Prior imploded by 2006 and hasn’t pitched in the majors since.

Yankee fans are familiar with Wood, after he joined the pinstripes post All-Star break last season and dominated as the team’s eighth inning pitcher.

For Cubs fans, it was déjà vu because Wood not only dominated, but also stayed healthy through the end of the 2010 season.

Yankee fans’ relationship with Wood was an immediate love affair and I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t want Wood back in 2011.

Presumably I expect to hear that Wood is back within days, confirmed the minute GM Brian Cashman announced the signing of Prior.

Cashman well knows that these two are not going be the “Chicago Heat” ever, but Cashman’s genesis behind it could be brilliant.

If Prior can be as good as Wood in the Yankees bullpen, the “New York Heat” could have a major impact in a huge way.

The humbled “Middle-Men,” also known as the bullpen or the set-up guys, hold such a critical role for every team across baseball. Being dominant in the seventh and eighth innings is without question a game-changer in any situation.

If this little experiment works out, Cashman would be deemed a literal genius. Even if it fails, Wood is still solid and Prior cost the Yankees under $1 million, which is literal pocket change.

This should give Yankee fans some comfort because Cashman is going to try any and every formula possible to make sure the 2011 team can win again.

It’s nice to know that hasn’t changed.

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Wondering where ace Cliff Lee will be bring his talents in 2011?

Here is the latest news.

Last night while attending a Christmas party, I happen to be introduced to a man who went to college with Lee’s Arkansas neighbor and happens to be one of his closet friends.

In asking what he had heard, the response was that Lee had not made a decision as of Friday afternoon.

He confirmed that Lee liked Texas but that he is afraid he will regret the opportunity to be a New York Yankee. The fact that old teammate CC Sabathia and good old boy AJ Burnett absolutely love playing in the Bronx is very significant for Lee.

The Rangers are playing up the small town and southern roots angle. Also, the Lee’s just moved into their new house in Little Rock so to up and move again is scary and will upset his kids.

Overall, this man had only heard a lot of the rumors from his buddy’s wife. The wife thinks Lee will stay in Texas, but his wife is only listening more because of Amber Sabathia who absolutely loves being in New York.

From what it sounded like, Lee will sign with the Rangers but remember if he was so happy in Arlington he would have signed by now.

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All the New York Yankee brass and fans can do is wait for ace Cliff Lee to make his decision.

The Yankees need Lee, and anyone who doesn’t think so is living in denial.

The recent acquisition of two lefties, Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez, by the Yankees rival in Boston, does make the Red Sox slightly better.

Here is why:

Crawford is a five-tool player who posted a .307 batting average last season. What makes him such a pain at the plate is he can turn a single into a triple if the ball is fielded with any imperfection.

Crawford was a Tampa Bay Ray for the last nine years, so all AL East teams are well aware of the damage he can do.

Gonzalez is one of the top first basemen coming from the National League. What he lacks in speed he brings in power with his bat, finishing with a .298 average last season.

Considering Gonzalez spent the last five years with the San Diego Padres, who play at pitching-friendly PETCO Park, his bat should only be better at his easier new home of Fenway.

Remember the Red Sox did lose Adrian Beltre and Victor Martinez, who had batting averages of .321 and .302 respectively.

Combined, Beltre and Martinez had 48 home runs, 181 RBI, only three steals and a total of 134 strikeouts in 2010.

The two new Red Sox together posted 50 home runs, 191 RBI, 47 stolen bases and struck out 218 times. All 47 steals were Crawford’s, as Gonzalez had zero, but first basemen are not known to ever be fast—just look at Mark Teixeira.

Obviously the speed is undeniably better, but the strikeout number is almost a hundred more on the season.

Where does Lee come into the picture?

Lee is a strikeout king because he doesn’t walk batters, as he posted just 18 walks in the 2010 regular season.

Lee has never given up a home run to a Red Sox over his career. Gonzalez has gone yard on Lee once, but Crawford has a .222 average when Lee is on the mound.

That is one reason the Yankees would like Lee, but there are numerous others too.

Lee would also benefit from playing in New York. For one, it is the greatest place on earth, and two because it’s the Yankees.

Lee is not a Carl Pavano or Javier Vazquez mentally, as he has been to the Bronx and has preformed numerous times as an ace against the Yankees.

The Yankees wanted him before and lost out, so the money he will make is no question going to be more.

If Lee succeeds, the endorsement deals are endless in the Big Apple, and his celebrity will surely grow to an extent where Arlington, TX is not even on the map.

This relationship, if formed, is a win/win all around.

Plus, how great to already have two buddies in pinstripes, as Lee is BFFs with CC Sabathia and good old boys with A.J. Burnett from Arkansas.

What if the Yankees don’t get Lee?

Better to cross that bridge only if and when we come to it.

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The city of Boston must be ecstatic tonight with the announcement of the signing Carl Crawford

Crawford’s home has been Tropicana Field for the last nine seasons, as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2010, Crawford’s batting average was .307, with 30 doubles, 13 triples, 19 home-runs, 90 RBIs and 47 stolen bases.

Add that to the other new Red Sox, 1B Adrian Gonzalez, who’s 2010 average at the plate was .298, with 31 home-runs, and 101 RBIs.

It would be hard to find anyone who doesn’t agree that the Red Sox are by far the AL East, if not baseball’s favorite heading into 2011.

The pressure is on like Donkey Kong for the New York Yankees to sign Cliff Lee. Maybe the new regime is fine with not being able to compete for a season, but that is just not going to fly.

You cannot forget the major backlash coming from Yankee fans if Lee is not in the Bronx come April. Especially with the Red Sox taking Crawford, who the Yankees were interested makes it a slap in the face.

The Texas Rangers clearly want Lee too; going as far as asking Lee’s camp what it will take to sign the Southpaw.

Lee has expressed how much he loved the Rangers clubhouse and it’s location to Arkansas where Lee lives.

GM Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner now have another reason to sign Lee.

First, the team is in desperate need to add to the starting rotation.

Second reason is pretty simply, the Yankees need to save some face considering it’s the first year the Boss is not in the background.

The rumor is that in two days, Lee will announce were he is bringing his talents in 2011, and my gut feeling is it’s not going to be to the Bronx.

Hopefully, I am dead wrong but Lee has not hinted or even given an inkling of a favorite.

This is why I believe Lee is waiting to give the Rangers a chance to match the Yankees, so he has reason to stay.

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Free-agent ace Cliff Lee is burning his talents right through the MLB winter meetings this week.

Just a week ago Lee was on his way to New York, unless the Rangers could convince the southpaw he had good reasons to stay in Texas.

Well things have certainly changed, as rumors that the Nationals, Angels, Phillies and two unknown suitors want a piece of Lee.

Is the New York motto, what the Yankees want, the Yankees usually can bankroll still in tact?

Yankee fans sure hope so, but the hourly Lee updates are starting to cause some concern.

Especially now with the Boston Red Sox, who finally acquired their version of Teixeira in Adrian Gonzalez.

Add that fact to the seeming retirement of Andy Pettitte and the possibility Carl Crawford heads west to the Halos.

Yankee Universe doesn’t just want Cliff Lee—they need him—at least for next season. That would be plenty enough if the Boss was still in charge.

Now, the question remains does GM Cashman and Baby Hal Steinbrenner want to win in 2011, enough so that Lee can stay six years after that?

Yankee fans sure hope things haven’t changed this much.

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