A Toast to Michael Morse (The 2011 Version)

Ben : January 9, 2013

Nationals fans: Say goodbye to helmet-slapping, hair-flapping home run trots. Say goodbye to Beast Mode and an eccentric post-game t-shirt collection. Say so long to “Take On Me.”

The Nationals reached terms with Adam LaRoche for 2 years, $24 million. In the blink of an eye, GM Mike Rizzo and the Nats announced the LaRoche deal and simultaneously draped a neon flashing “For Sale” sign around OF/1B Michael Morse. After four seasons as a Washington National, the 30-year-old is certain to anchor the middle of the order elsewhere in April.

Baseball doesn’t allow time for closure and sentiment. The Beast is dead, long live the Beast.

The move is bittersweet for Nats fans. LaRoche quietly carried the Nationals during much of 2012 with a career year, hitting 33 HRs / 100 RBIs. His glovework at first is unmatched by any other Nationals 1B (or anyone else in the NL last season). LaRoche earned the three-year deal he wanted and signing him for two is icing on the cake for the Nationals. That’s the sweet.

When Nats fans are real with themselves, LaRoche is a better baseball decision for Rizzo and company.

Morse was an essential component to the team’s nearly .500 season in 2011. The 2011 memory of Morse is why it’s bitter. He was a spark plug when the team faced hardships, including Jayson Werth’s arrival and subsequent bad year, Stephen Strasburg’s recovery from Tommy John, and the Jim Riggleman exodus (and drunken exploits).

In 2011, Michael Morse was a workhorse. He led the team in virtually every single offensive category. So instead of speculating about where Morse may land, or which LHP the Nationals bullpen may acquire, pause and remember the good times. Let’s raise our glasses to Michael Morse…the 2011 version.

The epic helmet-tossing first-pitch walk-off homer game.

Nearly hitting for the cycle.

Blowing up Miller Park.

Batting average (2011)