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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER The Nats close out this series at Chase Field; don't worry, the roof will be closed. |
They leave the thing open all morning and early-afternoon, though, so the grass can get some sunlight and grow. And since it was still open when I got here today for Stephen Strasburg's simulated game, I wanted to take a photo and let everyone see how different the ballpark looks when the roof and the outfield panels are open.
As for tonight's game, Nyjer Morgan is not in the lineup again. We'll see what the update is on his injured right hip and whether yesterday's MRI revealed anything to be concerned about. Ian Desmond returns to start at shortstop. Ivan Rodriguez gets a standard night off, with Wil Nieves behind the plate.
Left-hander Ross Detwiler (who actually has the lowest ERA on the staff at 1.00 because of all the unearned runs he's allowed) starts for the Nats. Rookie right-hander Barry Enright starts for the Diamondbacks.
Check back throughout the evening for updates...
NATIONALS at DIAMONDBACKS
Where: Chase Field
Gametime: 9:40 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WFED-1500 AM, WWFD-820 AM
Weather: Sunny, 106 degrees outdoors (78 degrees indoors)
STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (48-60)
CF Roger Bernadina
2B Adam Kennedy
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam Dunn
LF Josh Willingham
RF Michael Morse
SS Ian Desmond
C Wil Nieves
P Ross Detwiler
DIAMONDBACKS (40-68)
CF Chris Young
2B Kelly Johnson
RF Justin Upton
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Rusty Ryal
3B Bobby Crosby
SS Stephen Drew
C John Hester
P Barry Enright
7:46 p.m. -- There's no official update on Nyjer Morgan yet. Jim Riggleman was waiting to get on a conference call with Mike Rizzo, trainer Lee Kuntz and team doctor Wiemi Douoguih (who was in surgery all day in D.C.) to discuss the results of Morgan's MRI, so the manager didn't want to say anything yet. The sense I'm getting, though, is that the MRI probably showed something significant. It's just going to be a question of whether Morgan can play through it or whether it's going to need immediate attention. For his part, Nyjer was in good spirits this afternoon and said he felt like he could play.
7:49 p.m. -- If you haven't seen the news on the homepage, Jason Marquis will start Sunday against the Dodgers. He'll be taking Scott Olsen's spot, but Riggleman said Olsen will remain in the rotation and start sometime after Tuesday (assuming Stephen Strasburg starts that game against the Marlins). Obviously, there are several rotation changes coming in the next few days.
9:09 p.m. -- Here's my full story on Strasburg's simulated game on CSNwashington.com.
9:40 p.m. -- This ballgame is underway. Barry Enright starts off Roger Bernadina with a fastball for ball one.
9:48 p.m. -- Nothing doin' for the Nats in the top of the first. Adam Kennedy drew a one-out walk but never advanced past first base. The red-hot Adam Dunn took a called third strike from Enright to end the inning.
9:50 p.m. -- Angel Hernandez umping at first base tonight with the left-handed Ross Detwiler on the mound. Over/under on balk calls in this game: 1.5. (You may remember Hernandez as the ump who sent Odalis Perez into an all-time rant back in 2008 when he twice called balks on the lefty.)
9:57 p.m. -- Whoa, Detwiler picked off Kelly Johnson to end the first, and Angel Hernandez just stood there and allowed it without raising a finger. Guess I should have taken the under. Nice start to the evening for Detwiler, who also struck out Chris Young and Justin Upton looking. We're scoreless heading to the second.
10:07 p.m. -- Big-time botched rally by the Nats in the second. They had runners on second and third with one out after Ian Desmond scorched a double to left-center. But when Wil Nieves hit a comebacker, Josh Willingham got caught in a rundown between third base and home plate. Worse, Willingham made the mistake of running all the back to third (which was already occupied by Desmond). Problem is, that meant Desmond was out for having "passed" Willingham. Even worse, Nieves ran straight through first base and never realized he should have continued around to second as the rundown was taking place. Detwiler then struck out to end the inning with nary a run placed on the scoreboard.
10:21 p.m. -- A botched grounder by Adam Dunn helped turn the bottom of the second into a nightmare for the Nats, who wound up allowing two runs. Detwiler, though, didn't help himself after the error, allowing a double to Bobby Crosby and walking Stephen Drew. The lefty did bounce back to strike out John Hester with a nice cureveball (of several he's thrown tonight). So the deficit is only 2-0 after two, with one of the runs unearned. Detwiler has now allowed eight runs this season, but only two of them earned.
10:31 p.m. -- Adam Kennedy puts the Nats on the board with a solo shot to right off Enright in the top of the third. But just when it looked like they might add to the rally, Willingham hit into an inning-ending, 5-4-3 double play. The Hammer has really cooled off over the last month-plus. What was shaping up to be a career year instead looks like it's going to be another, very solid (but unspectacular year) for him.
11:02 p.m. -- Make it 10 runs now allowed in 12 innings this season by Detwiler, only two of them earned. That said, he hasn't exactly shown an ability to overcome the errors and get batters out. As Enright came up to bat with two on in the fourth, Arizona Republic beat writer Nick Piecoro turned to me and said this guy's a pretty good hitter. Sure enough, Enright smacked a base hit up the middle to put the D'backs up 4-1 after four.
11:41 p.m. -- Just back from some time in the stands shooting photos and visiting family members who are taking in the game. Hoo-boy, this has not been a fine display of professional baseball tonight, has it? It's currently 7-2 D'backs in the sixth. Detwiler didn't make it through the fifth. His replacement, Collin Balester, hasn't helped clean up the mess. He managed to strike out Enright on a wild pitch that ultimately allowed a run to score and Enright to reach first. How often do you see that one? Barring some big-time rally from the Nats, this is going to be one to erase from the memory banks.
12:03 a.m. -- If you haven't seen it yet, I confirmed that Nyjer Morgan will be placed on the DL after the game. Full story available on the homepage.
12:09 a.m. -- I suppose the encouraging thing about this game -- the only encouraging thing -- is that the Nats have belted four home runs. Ryan Zimmerman has two of them, included a blast to left field just moments ago in the top of the eighth. Roger Bernadina has one, as does Adam Kennedy. The problem is that all four have been solo shots, which explains in part why they're currently losing 7-4.
12:32 a.m. -- That'll do it. Nats lose 8-4. The committed three errors and made several other lackadaisical plays in the field and on the bases. Kind of puts a damper on this series. What could have been a 3-1 series victory instead ends as a 2-2 series tie.
51 comments:
Diamondbacks starting pitcher Barry Enright looks exactly like the actor Simon Pegg. I posted photographic evidence at WNFF. http://www.wnff.net/index.php/topic,19544.msg611620.html#msg611620
What about the web report that Dunn has been claimed?
Jose Guillen DFA'd....and this one is real!
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5440414
There's a report out that -- shocker! -- some unnamed team has claimed Adam Dunn off waivers.
Wow, that IS mysterious. All the teams in MLB *have* names.
John Paul Moresi from FOXSports.com said the identity of the club isn't known and it's now less likely that Dunn will be dealt this month.
"If the Nationals wish to trade Dunn, they will have to do so while negotiating with only one club, between now and Monday afternoon. It will be difficult for the Nationals to get what they deem to be fair value in a one-on-one negotiation. They were unable to reach an agreement last month, when it was possible to talk with 29 other clubs.
"Had Dunn been unclaimed, the Nationals could have discussed trade proposals with the 29 other teams.
"Today’s development does not come as a surprise. Dunn, a prospective free agent, is due to earn roughly $4 million over the remainder of this season. It was highly likely that another team valued him at that dollar figure. The waiver claim is evidence of that.
"Trade waivers are procedural, so this in no way indicates that the Nationals are eager to move Dunn. He is still on the active roster."
Of importance my man Michael Morse is in the lineup, 2 days in a row sportsfans!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark, I know it must be hot as blazes there, but this ballpark looks so much nicer with the roof open. At least on TV, the place looks rather dank when the roof is closed. I was at Miller Park last year one day when the roof was closed and the place was rather stuffy and actually hot. Is Chase the same way? If you get the chance ...
Sunshine Bobby C: Agreed with you about how much better this place looks with the roof and panels open. That's why I wanted to post that photo, so everyone could see what a difference it makes. There's no issue with "stuffiness" or heat when the roof is closed, because they crank up the AC to 78 degrees.
But having grown up here and having attended and covered several games during the Diamondbacks' first season, I always hoped they'd be able to play more games with the roof open. The way it was initially presented to everyone, they'd be able to open the roof right before gametime and keep the cold air inside, even if it was 95 or 100 degrees outside. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case. They pretty much only play under an open roof in April, early-May and late-September.
That's very interesting, Mark, and thanks for the reply. I guess this tests the physics theory that hot air rises. That's interesting that they sold it one way, and the reality is slightly different. Just growing grass in these places is a chore. Remember, the old Astrodome originally was supposed to have natural grass, but that never happened because they had to darken the original roof panels because everybody was losing balls against the white roof. I think I'm in the Richie Allen category: if a cow can't eat it, I don't want to play on it. Thanks for the prompt reply, and travel safely.
4 in a row at 9:40: rough
Against the dbags: worth it
Great to see Marquis coming back. It'll be fun to see how the rotation pans out. The cavalry arrives!
Go nats
I still can't decide which is further proof of our Strasburg madness: That Mark completed a near pitch-by-pitch account of his simulated 2 innings, or I was excited to see it & read it with much anticipation?
Go Nats!!
I'm with you, Nats fan in NJ. There has got to be a 12-step program for this: "I am Sunshine Bobby, and I'm powerless over Jesus and his simulated games."
"Hello, Sunshine..."
I'm feeling better already.
Questions:
1) Is it possible for the Nats to play decent defense behind Detwiler?
2) Can Detwiler learn to put a botched defensive play behind him and continue to pitch without falling apart?
Keep those Strasburg dreams alive, Bobby, because while you're dreaming, Detwiler is turning the bases into a merry-go-round... Will next year's opening day rotation be all righties?
Answers to my questions above:
1) Seems not.
2) Not yet determined. He looked like he was about to fall apart, but in the end only yielded one additional run.
What is Nyjer's injury? Just turned on the game, and am not seeing anything here -- where I count on getting the newest Nat news! -- updating us about Nyjer. Maybe they don't bring up anyone in his place, and keep the extra spot for a pitcher.
Warming up to Kennedy. Anyone else feel the same way?
Announcers said he's headed to the dl. Didn't catch specific diagnosis but (the real) Bobby C said something like "with nyjer out for 2 weeks, Bernadine is gonna have to start hitting the ball"
I agree. Maybe we can get every position player to homer in the series. Lookin at you, hammer, berny and WHO?
I've never been too down on AK (though it makes me shudder to use those initials again). Not a fan of the 'not getting enough playing time' excuse, but the guy does seem like a pro. The way he carries himself. Maybe it's the dip or something.
But yeah, warming. I do think he'll continue to hit better
@Manassas I would love to know the batting stats as a group for nats pitchers, and opposing pitchers. I know we give up a lot more RBI to pitchers than we get.
@JaneB: Nyjer has some sort of hip flexor injury. He's going on the DL. Nats to call up a position player after this game. With J-Max already on his odd-numbered day to be with the Nats, I'm a little up in the air as to whom it would be. Is it time to play the Pete Orr card again?
At least with Stammen, there is a Good Stammen to occasionally counteract the Bad Stamman. Of course, Zim and Dunn seem to have it in for Detwiler tonight, but he's not doing all that much to help himself out, either!
Uh, that last comment was written before Zim's blast. Nice apology for your error, Ryan!
WARNING...WARNING...MAYDAY...MAYDAY...
Everybody strap on those helmets, here comes Bally Star!
Does he go for the trifecta tonight?
With Marquis and Strasburg both coming back, I would think Detwiler is already packing his bags to go back to Syracuse. Dang, this game is getting ugly fast in the fifth...
There's definitely some decisions to be made about the rotation, but not the good kind. More like which of the current starting 5 deserve to stay in the majors? I would be quite happy to see Detwiler, Lannan, Olsen and Stammen fighting it out for the fifth spot in the rotation in Syracuse. With the rest in AA ball. Detwiler doesn't deserve any benefit of the doubt for the errors, either. The baseball just kept bouncing out to right field over and over when the D'backs came to the plate. The only error that matters on those plays was to have the guy return to the mound in the 3rd. I prefer Batista to this.
Dbacks broadcasters when ballestar heads into the game: "watch out everybody here he comes"
@Brian: My guess: Marquis and Jesus coming up.
Det and Bally Star off to SYR
Detwiler, Balester, and on and on. Where do the Nats come up with these turkeys? It must be time to dust off Jason Bergmann. The sad truth is that the Nats have two reliable major league starters, Livan and Strasburg. The rest of them belong in the dumpster.
I hate series like this one against Arizona. The Nats seem incapable of winning two in a row against a bad team like Arizona. It reminds me of the Baltimore series. They will never be much of anything until they can win consistently against the weak sisters. This is hard to watch.
Stammen ought to buy Detwiler dinner tonight. Ross has self-identified as the pitcher to share a ride to AAA with Lannan.
Only we can find a way to turn an inning-ending strikeout into another run for the opposing team. Sheesh...
@Sunshine: I'd love to see Bally Star leave, but if we're keeping five starters, Detwiler and another current starter are both outta here (or maybe one takes Det's place in the 'pen)...
Oops...I meant to say someone takes BALLY'S place in the 'pen.
One thing about Bally Star tonight: He seems to be throwing a whole lot of breaking stuff low and away. I don't think he's thrown a high, hard one yet.
Which is probably for the best.
Keeps the litigation costs down.
All 7 runs charged to Detwiler. Ouch
I'm partial to the kid since I saw his 1st MLB inning in Atlanta in September 2008. I hope they let him stay in the rotation because his ceiling still seems higher than everybody but SS and J-Zim. Losing a game or 4 this year to get him some experience, though it pains me to say it, is not the worst thing in the world
I say Lannan & Balester should wear those awesome sky chief jerseys and Stammen should head to the pen
My least favorite part of the mlb.com team sites is how they sugar coat everything. Current example: the headline for tonight's game is "Zimmerman clubs 20th homer of season in fifth" with no mention of "Nationals currently being shelled by Dbacks" or "Detweiler ineffective; given early hook" or "Nats defense stinks it up; 2 errors already" all of which would be more appropriate headlines.
Nattaboy: The ceiling always looks higher when you're lying flat on the floor.
I am just glad Balestar shaved that 'stache!
I agree Detwiler has a promising future but he can learn in AAA and not have his confidence undermined by getting pounded up here. Frankly, I'm not super confident about Marquis in the near future either but given his track record and his salary, he's got to have the ball. Oddly enough, I have a better feeling about Jordan Zimmerman who'll return a little bit later in August.
I know the kid hasn't been fantastic. Or even close. But to me he's not like Chico, Stammen, Atilano, and (also pains me to say this) Lannan. Those guys are part of many many arms in the Nats organization that at best can be bottom of the rotation, and why not at this point in the season with so many guys to choose from, go with the guys that have higher potential?
Detwiler still looks like that kid wearing a pink backpack on his way to the bullpen. Also interestingly when dibble asked him about his hip he said "every day it gets better"
Also, post on nationals journal is up about nyjer and possible replacement. Kilgore teases us with the possibility that it's Ramos
Fantastic...our meager offense must have already left for LA as we face the worst bullpen in MLB. Why am I staying up to torture myself by watching this game??
@Manassas
Too many Hans Solo Home Runs. Lets get a couple more with 2 or3 on base.
I bet you our percentage of Hans Solos is higher than our opponents.
Last game for Syracuse is September 6th. It makes the rotation decisions even harder/more interesting that you can only say 'he can figure it out in the minors' for another month
Nattaboy: He can figure it out on his couch then. I seriously would prefer a 40-year old middle reliever on the mound than Detwiler. I'm thinking that if he gets demoted we find out that his hip hasn't fully healed anyway.
I'm in a bad mood.
So...will we have more solo HRs or GIDPs tonight?
@Manassas
Is that 11 DP's now for the series. Hitting with men on a serious issue all year.
nattaboy said...
Also, post on nationals journal is up about nyjer and possible replacement. Kilgore teases us with the possibility that it's Ramos
I wholeheartedly concur. Why not? As somebody once said around here, "The Future Is Now."
I'm with Ernie on the bad mood front. I'd just like to avoid another 100 loss season, thank you very much. If I see another youngster throw breaking stuff to the #8 hitter like he's Ty Cobb or walk the pitcher I think I'll scream. With the notable exception of SS ain't none of the youngsters currently on the roster arousing the fanboy in me.
Ernie, you feel the way about Detwiler the way I feel about Stammen. I know he won Wednesday night, but I'm tired of him taking 90 pitches to go five innings. My newly revised rotation for September:
1. Jesus, as long as he can last.
2. J-Zimm'nn.
3. Livo.
4. Maya.
5. Marquis.
Det/Stammen/Olsen/Lannan/Cast of Thousands can fight it out with Miss Iowa for long relief.
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