Nationals trade Nyjer Morgan to the Brewers

The trade comes just two days after Morgan said he felt like he did not fit anymore and would be traded before opening day.

At the time Nats Manager Jim Riggleman expressed publicly his disappointment in Morgan’s comments but has said they did not play a part in the decision to trade Nyjer. In return from the Brewers the Nationals will be receiving minor league prospect Cutter Dykstra as well as cash considerations.

Morgan was made dispensable by the acquisitions of Rick Ankiel and Jerry Hairston who will more than likely end up platooning at center field this season. As of now Ankiel is slated to be the opening day starter at center field.

Of the trade Nats GM Mike Rizzo said  “It wasn’t what Morgan didn’t show — it’s what Ankiel did show. Ankiel did show us that he could go get the ball in the outfield. His arm is really a weapon. When he is out there, there are very few players that are going from first to third, second to home. He can create a lot of damage with one swing of the bat. I focused more on what Ankiel did, not what Nyjer didn’t do.”

Morgan who was the Nationals primary leadoff hitter is coming off of a disappointing 2010 season where he batted .253 and posted a .319 on base percentage. He entered spring training as the most likely candidate to start the season at center field but has not shown the improvement in spring training that the Nationals were hoping for.

The newly acquired National Cutter Dykstra is only 21 and was a 2nd round pick by the Brewers in 2008. Dykstra had a rough 2009 season but bounced back last year at the plate putting up a .312 batting average and .416 on base percentage. Since being drafted Cutter has seen a significant amount of time in the outfield and could potentially play at a number of different positions in the Nats minor league system.

Of Cutter Dykstra the Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said “He has really good speed. He is a good offensive player, a high on-base-percentage guy. He works counts. He is the type of guy that could hit at the top of the lineup. He has a little pop and really commands the strike zone.”

Oh and for anyone wondering yes he is the son of former Phillie all star Lenny Dykstra.