[Bodhizefa]

Is anyone else as excited as I am about Jon Rauch's transformation into the latest Scot Shields-like MR? The Nationals have shown they're very willing to use him for multiple inning stints, and he's risen to the challenge quite nicely. I think the nice part of the story is that Rauch, after being rushed by the White Sox bigtime, has finally found a niche for himself -- not to mention the fact that he's in a great flyball pitcher park. RFK Stadium -- where flyball pitchers can succeed just like everyone else. Here's hoping they don't build a new stadium there for a long long time, lol. Anyway, back on topic with Rauch. Small sample applies, of course, but this is just the type of switch that a pitcher with Rauch's statistical background and stuff could latch onto and use to transform his career into a very useful player. With his starting background and usage patterns thus far, it's not out of the question to project Rauch to get 90+ innings as a middle reliever. Fellas, that's some useful stuff as far as the MR plan goes.

[Young Guns]

Originally Posted by Bodhizefa

Is anyone else as excited as I am about Jon Rauch's transformation into the latest Scot Shields-like MR? The Nationals have shown they're very willing to use him for multiple inning stints, and he's risen to the challenge quite nicely. I think the nice part of the story is that Rauch, after being rushed by the White Sox bigtime, has finally found a niche for himself -- not to mention the fact that he's in a great flyball pitcher park. RFK Stadium -- where flyball pitchers can succeed just like everyone else. Here's hoping they don't build a new stadium there for a long long time, lol. Anyway, back on topic with Rauch. Small sample applies, of course, but this is just the type of switch that a pitcher with Rauch's statistical background and stuff could latch onto and use to transform his career into a very useful player. With his starting background and usage patterns thus far, it's not out of the question to project Rauch to get 90+ innings as a middle reliever. Fellas, that's some useful stuff as far as the MR plan goes.

Sure is.

[pjs24]

I own a $2 Rauch and I've been quite pleased to this point. Buy skills, not roles!

[revo]

Agreed, I love him. I have him on all 4 of my teams.

[Fletch]

Originally Posted by Bodhizefa

Is anyone else as excited as I am about Jon Rauch's transformation into the latest Scot Shields-like MR? The Nationals have shown they're very willing to use him for multiple inning stints, and he's risen to the challenge quite nicely. I think the nice part of the story is that Rauch, after being rushed by the White Sox bigtime, has finally found a niche for himself -- not to mention the fact that he's in a great flyball pitcher park. RFK Stadium -- where flyball pitchers can succeed just like everyone else. Here's hoping they don't build a new stadium there for a long long time, lol. Anyway, back on topic with Rauch. Small sample applies, of course, but this is just the type of switch that a pitcher with Rauch's statistical background and stuff could latch onto and use to transform his career into a very useful player. With his starting background and usage patterns thus far, it's not out of the question to project Rauch to get 90+ innings as a middle reliever. Fellas, that's some useful stuff as far as the MR plan goes.

Thank you for the "heads up" Bods - I originally had him targeted from your "Tiers 2006" analysis and had forgotten about him - just aquired him for Cotts.

I really appreciate your work, your passion for accurate and creative analysis and your sense of humor ( as misunderstood as it is by some) - your a real asset around here Bods - I always look forward to your postings.

[ShadeEagle]

I've been talking about this for a few weeks now; Ayala's loss is Rauch's gain. The Nats needed a guy in the bullpen who they could throw out there for 3-4 innings a week; Ayala was that guy previously. Now it's Rauch's job. As a converted starter, he can handle the workload, and from a functional standpoint, he can basically air it out whenever he pitches.

Honestly, because this entire thing happened because of Ayala's injury (in my eyes), I can't see Rauch as a super MR much past this year; you don't really need 2 super workhorses in the same bullpen, even if your staff is as bad as the Nats is.

[Pitbull]

I picked him up last week for a $1 and I totally agree that he could pitch 80+ innings with a good ERA, WHIP, Ks and hopefully vulture wins.

[james33]

Rauch could be a starter-in-waiting, depending upon Ramon Ortiz' outing tonight. No source for this info., just speculation.

[revo]

Originally Posted by james33

Rauch could be a starter-in-waiting, depending upon Ramon Ortiz' outing tonight. No source for this info., just speculation.

I was hoping he would step into the rotation when Drese (and Astacio before him) went down, but no such luck. Now I'll just have to wait for Armas' annual injury....

[augustwest]

i got nipped at the draft had 3$ left for 2 spots guy in 2 spots in front of me called him out at 2$. Big bummer then I missed out on Wise ended up with Kuo and John Rodriguez at the end instead

[Don Quixote]

I have him on reserve in one league, but haven't activated him. I seem to have gone overboard on good MRs and forgot about decent SPs. The SPs I have are in the habit of getting shelled so badly that the MRs can't cancel out the bad ERA/WHIP, either.

I'm waiting for Rauch to rejoin the rotation or for one of my alleged pitchers to go on the DL.

BTW, does anyone have info on the new ballpark in DC, assuming it ever gets built? Dimensions? Estimates of whether it'll be a hitters' park? pitchers'? neutral?

[Riddler]

1 IP, 4 K's today. Not bad!

[revo]

Looks like he might start tomorrow?

Washington Times:
"Tomorrow's starter, meanwhile, remains up in the air. Patterson was scheduled to pitch against the Cardinals in St. Louis, but he's now being shut down for three to five days with a strained right forearm. Rauch seems the most likely option, though general manager Jim Bowden could elect to promote another pitcher from the farm system. "

[Riddler]

He needed 31 pitches to get through that 1 inning today. Not sure if that completely eliminates the possibility of him starting tomorrow, but I'm guessing they're probably leaning towards someone else (?).