Washington Nationals news & notes: Talent evaluation; Do Lane Thomas & Joey Meneses fit?

After signing a multi-year extension in Washington, D.C., GM Mike Rizzo spoke on a Zoom call with reporters about how Nationals talent evaluators evaluate players within the organization at the minor league and major league levels. , spoke at length about deciding which one might end up in the end. He is part of the core of Washington’s upcoming championship roster.

How does Rizzo himself evaluate players who make it to the majors?

Does he look at the statistics? Overall play? What are the specific areas of their game?

“I think it’s a combination of all of those things,” he explained. “We all like statistical results that are very readable and easy to recognize. But I look at it more under a microscope. What is the preparation of the players? Are they major leaguers? Is there a routine like this?

“Are they becoming major leaguers before our eyes?” Are they too hostile at this level? What is the thought process and mindset of a player who hits 0 on 12?

“We all know the mentality of 4-for-10 players, but how do they deal with the ups and downs of a major league season?

“And how I judge it, I think the most important thing is how we get through the season.”

Seeing how young players and prospects handle the grueling schedule and day-to-day rigors of Major League Baseball during a 162-game season is a great way to evaluate players once they arrive in the majors. occupies a large portion. The club, which began its organizational reboot in 2021, has tried to be careful when incorporating young players into the major league mix.

“We have the following young pitchers.” [Josiah] gray and [MacKenzie] goa and [Jake] Irvin has really taken the pains and time with these guys to make sure we can get through the season with pitch counts and innings that we’re happy with,” Rizzo said.Just when you think it’s working, you’ll see players like [CJ] Abrams and [Keibert] With Mr. Lewis [Luis] Garcia never played in as many games on consecutive days as Lane Thomas did, but he made it through the season. So it’s important to get through the season healthy and successful, go into the offseason with a good mindset and mindset, and really put in the work and improve for next season. ”

One reporter pointed out that one of those players was different from the others.

Lane Thomas, 28, played in a career-high 156 games this season, setting career highs in doubles (36), home runs (28) and stolen bases (20), and hitting .268/batting average. Finished with 315/. He has 468 at-bats over 682 at-bats.

But, at 28 years old, does he have the same skills as Abrams (23), Lewis (25), Garcia (23), Gray (25), Gore (24), Irvin (26)?

How does Thomas fit into future plans? What about Joey Meneses, 31? Although both are old, they are still controllable and relatively affordable. So how do you fit into the core group?

“I think both of them will have a chance to adapt to it,” Rizzo said.

“Each player develops at their own rate and as long as they develop and get to the major leagues and perform at the major league level, that’s what it’s all about.

“To me, Lane Thomas is still a young man, 27 years old.” [who’s] It’s been a great season for us.he is a skillful player [who] He played at the major league level.

“He’s a player who has shown leadership in the clubhouse. He does a lot for you on the ballpark.

“And Joey Meneses is the classic guy who puts runners in scoring position and gets hits and makes the big shots,” Rizzo added, noting that Meneses’ batting average with runners in scoring position last season. He pointed to a line of .363/.396/.494.

“So both of these players may be a little bit older in terms of actual age than we’re looking for in our core group, but in terms of baseball, in terms of performance time in the major leagues, they both have a chance. I think it’s a good fit for us.

“That being said,” the GM acknowledged the qualification, “…we are one of the youngest teams in the major leagues this year, and we intend to — we have the ability to reach the big leagues. They’re going to be following in the footsteps of a lot of the big league players that are currently on the roster, so that’s what this is all about, the best. It’s a level competition.

“You bring the best 26” [players] I’m heading north to run one of the longest marathons of the season. ”

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