Friday, June 24, 2011

Series preview: Nats at White Sox

Friday, 8:10 p.m. -- RHP Jordan Zimmermann (5-6, 3.08) vs. RHP Edwin Jackson (4-6, 4.47)
TV: MASN Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM

Saturday, 4:10 p.m. -- LHP Tom Gorzelanny (2-5, 4.53) vs. LHP John Danks (3-8, 4.29)
TV: Fox Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM

Sunday, 2:10 p.m. -- RHP Livan Hernandez (4-8, 3.97) vs. RHP Philip Humber (7-3, 2.90)
TV: MASN, Ch. 50 Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM

WHITE SOX UPDATE
It's been a tumultuous season on the South Side, with a club that expected to contend for the AL Central title languishing in the bottom half of the division for nearly three months now. An 11-22 start actually left the White Sox in last place in early May, but they've managed to go 25-17 since and climb into third place (4 1/2 games behind the Indians).

One of (if not THE) biggest culprit in the club's woes so far has been Adam Dunn. After leaving D.C. for a four-year, $56 million contract over the winter, the big guy is slogging his way through his worst season to date in the big leagues. Dunn, who has served almost exclusively as DH, is hitting an abysmal .175 with seven homers, 29 RBI and an AL-leading 91 strikeouts.

After going 0-for-12 with seven strikeouts earlier this week, he was benched for Wednesday's game. And he continues to hear it from disgruntled fans. "I sort of can understand where they're coming from, but it doesn't make it easy," Dunn told Chicago reporters. "I know how frustrated they are. My family's frustrated. I don't even answer my phone anymore because I don't want to hear about what's wrong. I can't put it into words. I've never been through anything like this in my life. It is the most frustrating thing that ever has happened to me."

It's not all bad at U.S. Cellular Field, though. First baseman Paul Konerko has been one of the AL's most-productive hitters this season, sporting a .327 average, 21 homers, 59 RBI and a 1.009 OPS. Carlos Quentin has 17 homers. Philip Humber, who starts Sunday's series finale, has been a pleasant surprise.

WASHINGTON BATTERS VS. CHICAGO PITCHERS
Nats' best vs. Jackson -- Jayson Werth (3-for-4, 2 2B), Alex Cora (3-for-10, 2B, 2 RBI), Jerry Hairston (2-for-6, BB).
Nats' worst vs. Jackson -- Matt Stairs (3-for-20, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 4 K), Michael Morse (0-for-2, BB, K).
Nats' best vs. Danks -- Ivan Rodriguez (3-for-9, 3 2B), Jerry Hairston (1-for-2, RBI, BB).
Nats' worst vs. Danks -- Matt Stairs (0-for-3, BB, 2 K), Jayson Werth (0-for-2, K).
Nats' best vs. Humber -- None.
Nats' worst vs. Humber -- Ryan Zimmerman (0-for-2).

CHICAGO BATTERS VS. WASHINGTON PITCHERS
White Sox's best vs. Zimmermann -- Juan Pierre (1-for-2), Ramon Castro (1-for-3, 2B, K).
White Sox's worst vs. Zimmermann -- Alex Rios (0-for-3).
White Sox's best vs. Gorzelanny -- Brent Lillibridge (1-for-1, 2B), Gordon Beckham (1-for-3, HR, RBI).
White Sox's worst vs. Gorzelanny -- Alexei Ramirez (0-for-5, K), Juan Pierre (1-for-13, K), Omar Vizquel (1-for-9, RBI, K).
White Sox's best vs. Hernandez -- Omar Vizquel (13-for-31, 2B, HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB, 4 K), Ramon Castro (8-for-20, 2B, HR, 6 RBI, 4 K), Alex Rios (3-for-8, 2 2B, RBI, 2 BB, K), Juan Pierre (25-for-89, 2 2B, RBI, 3 BB, 9 K).
White Sox's worst vs. Hernandez -- Mark Teahen (2-for-8, BB), Adam Dunn (6-for-25, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB, 6 K), Carlos Quentin (2-for-9, 2B, HR, 4 RBI).

78 comments:

NatinBeantown said...

Never enough Zuckerman!

Go on Yacking Fanatic NatsInsider Groupies!

Jim Webster said...

Maybe Rggs shoulda gone to Chicago so he and Dunn could drown their sorrows together (Dunn would buy.)

Dave said...

Yeah, baby! New post!

natsfan1a said...

Good one, Beantown. I don't know when I've ever been so happy to see a series preview post.

I would think that Dunn had played in Chicago enough as a Red to know they'll get on you when you aren't going so well.

Dave said...

(Repost from previous thread:)

@Drew8: "In other words: The fundamentals are fine. Let's play two!"

I already have my tickets for July 2. I haven't been to a single-ticket doubleheader since about 1980, in Shea Stadium. I'm looking forward to watching the Nats play two.

TimDz said...

Posted this on the last thread, but it got lost in the R&R debate...

Dunn strikeout total for the series...
I'll set the over/under at 5...
I'll take the over...

natsfan1a said...

Would go to that one as well if I didn't already have P-Nats tix (with bobbleheads and fireworks in the offing). Oddly enough, the only true doubleheader I've attended was at the P-Nats (though they don't go a full nine).

spike94wl said...

Over easily. I would have taken the over at 7.

N. Cognito said...

I believe Saturday's game is on Fox.

N. Cognito said...

Doh! Mark has it.

Tcostant said...

If Matt Stairs starts either of these first two games at DH, with these stats vs. the starters; then the new manager is a fool.

P. Cole said...

It's hard to believe JZmnn is 5-6 and that John Danks has more wins than Gorzo.

UnkyD said...

(happy sigh....) a Baseball thread.....

I am SO ready for The Multiple Cracks of Nats Bats!!!

GYFNGOOOOO!!!!!

masnstinks said...

So nice to see a very normal, routine post. And it looks like the sense of humor is starting to return. Just hope Dunn's bat doesn't choose this series to wake up . Doesn't it seem like our former nats hurt us when we play them? Even Adam Kennedy is playing pretty well now.So - who do you think is DH tonight? - betting it's Stairs -ugh.

Bowdenball said...

TimDZ-

Don't take this this wrong way, but I don't think you get over/unders.

When you set the total, that means you think it's just as likely to be higher as lower. So when you "take" one side it kind of invalidates the over/under you just set.

Now that that's out of the way, I'll take the under. It doesn't look like he's been playing every day, plus we only have one strikeout pitcher going this weekend.

Boy those "worst vs. Hernandez" numbers are a little scary, no? Dunn and Quentin's lines against him look decent to me.

NatinBeantown said...

Finally talking baseball, I have a question/favor for the legions: I was a STH at RFK, but left town the winter before Nats Park opened. Other than going to a madhouse Cubs game that first spring, I haven't been to the Park. I'm making my glorious return on 6/3 (day game vs the Pirates) and bringing my 11th month old to her first Nats game. We'll be with a big group, and I'm assuming we'll just buy walk up tix.

VERY excited... I love Charlie and Dave, but it's been a long time since I could cheer along in person. Any advice appreciated.

N. Cognito said...

Tcostant said...
"If Matt Stairs starts either of these first two games at DH, with these stats vs. the starters; then the new manager is a fool."

0 for 3 against Danks is insignificant, as is 20 at bats against Jackson. So that would not make him a fool for starting Stairs at DH. What would make him a fool is even considering it in the first place.
But do not worry. I hear that Stairs is trying to meet with Rizzo to talk about a contract extension for next year.

NatinBeantown said...

Sorry, to be more specific, I mean, what section to sit (value), when to arrive, vendors to hit.
Thanks. GYFNG.

Scooter said...

Hey, everybody got so excited about that other news, I never got to share my joke from yesterday's game. So now I am forced to shoe-horn it in here.

After Pudge's attempted sacrifice (where the Mariners first baseman threw to third and failed to retire Bixler), my dad and I said, "Finally, Adam Kennedy got a man into scoring position for the Nats!"

Thank you; I'm here all week.

natsfan1a said...

Speaking of Chicago (though not the baddest part of town) and baseball, the AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring is screening a documentary about Bartman and the 2003 Cubs. Today's showing is at 4:30 p.m. and there's also one on Sunday at 9:15 a.m. (really). Bring your own goat.

http://silverdocs.slated.com/2011/films/catchinghell_alexgibney_silverdocs2011

N. Cognito said...

I believe you meant "7/3."
How much do you want to spend?
Do you want shade? I would get shade for an 11 month old - they can heat up pretty quickly. For shade, you'll need to be on the 3rd base side.

The mezzanines are nice but food options are scarce up there.
3rd Base Club would allow you to take your daughter into the AC of the Club Section. There are good food options there. If your group wants to go cheaper, you could buy one ticket for the Club section and take your daughter there as needed.
There are more food options are on the main concourse.

Nats Outsider said...

NatinBeantown--

My preferred seats are in the 200 level in the infield. But with a large group, that could get pretty expensive. I have sat in the Upper Infield (400 level), and those are surprisingly decent. The view from there is pretty much what Mark gets from the Press Box. It's high up, but it is not terrible there, and the price is right. If you can get a fairly low row (nearer to A the better), I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

You might want to check out the Washington Post's link to ticket re-sellers. You can often find a bargain there. Naturally, the prices tend to fall as you get closer to the game, but the number of available tickets also declines.
http://tickets.washingtonpost.com/teams/allteams/tickets/?BrandID=wapostIFrame&EventID=1107834409&PublisherID=30087&WidgetID=1326275173

There is plenty of parking in the area, but the lots charge extortionate prices on game day. Metro makes a better choice. If you are coming from the downtown area, get off at the Navy Yard stop, using the rear exit from the train. Good luck, and go Nats!!

Dave said...

Beantown, there truly are no bad seats in the park. But the Infield Gallery is, in my opinion, a very good buy. Go for sections on the 3rd-base side to avoid sun in eyes. That'd be about sections 309-314 or so. The line through the middle of home plate is the aisle-handrail between 313 and 314.

There's plenty of good food upstairs. The new Scoreboard Walk is also excellent, with the Shake Shack, the Taqueria, and Box Frites.

I was delighted to see an out-of-town commenter on some other blog thread talk about how great the ballpark is. It's true.

Anonymous said...

"Sorry, to be more specific, I mean, what section to sit (value), when to arrive, vendors to hit."

The vendors are surly enough as is. Don't hit them and p*ss them off even more.

natsfan1a said...

Beantown, if value's a concern with a family group you might look at the Family Fun Pack option for the game. $14 (upper right field terrace) or $25 (outfield reserved) gets you a ticket and a voucher for hot dog, chips, and coke or water.

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/ticketing/family_fun_days.jsp

natsfan1a said...

And it won't win you a steak, either. (Thank you and don't forget to tip your waiter.)

Anonymous said...

"Sorry, to be more specific, I mean, what section to sit (value), when to arrive, vendors to hit."

The vendors are surly enough as is. Don't hit them and p*ss them off even more.
June 24, 2011 2:24 PM

N. Cognito said...

Has anybody tried Das Bullpen?

NatinBeantown said...

Yes N. Cognito, 7/3, thanks. And now that we're pale New Englanders, shade is necessity. As is cheap, since you never know what will happen with an infant and your time outside.

natsfan1a said...

Nein, Herr Cognito.

I'll put in a good word for the upper deck. We like the section 405-409 area in particular.

Dave said...

I'm still trying to figure out what German word was translated to Bullpen to make it neuter. Why isn't it "Der Bullpen" or "Die Bullpen"?

The site dict.leo.org translates "bullpen" as "der Bereich, in dem sich die Pitcher einwerfen." So it oughta be "Der Bullpen."

Where do I lodge the complaint?

N. Cognito said...

Dave,
I like the way you showed tach in your post.

Dave said...

LOL, N. Cog!

TMTOMH (too much time on my hands)

GYFNG

N. Cognito said...

NatinBeantown said...
"And now that we're pale New Englanders, shade is necessity. As is cheap, since you never know what will happen with an infant and your time outside."

That will probably put you in the upper deck which would be Infield Gallery or Outfield Gallery. All or parts of the Outfield Gallery on first base side are also in shade and you might get a view of the Capitol.
http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/ticketing/seating_pricing.jsp

I rarely eat at the ballpark. I do like Ben's Half Smoke (all the way) and the Cuban sandwich at Taste of the Majors is okay. I liked El Varano Taqueria and the burgers at Shake Shack. I did not like the fries at Box Frites.

Tcostant said...

Riggs drowns his sorrows with some pretty girls -->

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/06/24/jim-riggleman-was-solving-the-worlds-problems-with-some-beautiful-young-ladies-last-night/

N. Cognito said...

Dave said...
"LOL, N. Cog!

TMTOMH (too much time on my hands)

GYFNG"

Changing the English language...one letter at a time.

Mrs. Z. said...

NatinBeanTown:
I, personally (being 6 months pregnant and a ballpark-seat-snob), am very partial to the 3rd Base Club. The AC is wonderful, as are the cleaner and nicer bathrooms. Plus, good "special Club Seats Only" nachos and carved beef sandwiches.
But, those can run you up to $65. I don't know what they go for on StubHub, but if you have a large group that might not be an option.
If you don't want to shell out lots of $$ (and that makes total sense not knowing if your baby will make it out of the 1st innning!), I enjoyed section 140 behind the bulllpen (don't know how it's classified) when my dog and I attended the Pups in the Park game (they wouldn't let him into the Club Seats). Nice and shady and you're kind of right in the middle of most of the vendors. Plus, it's right near the ONLY funnel cake stand so that was a big positive for me and my cravings.
Wherever you sit, you'll enjoy it!

NaterialGuy said...

I tried Das Bullpen and it was a waste! I had heard they were going to have sauge and such but it just had beer and in my opinion no better than what is available inside the park. And the park is much more enjoyable atmosphere wise. There were a lot of smokers in there too.
Ofcourse it is quite possible that I am too old and not the demographic they are targeting. But I love the Biergarten on H street SE

natsfan1a said...

Gosh, Dave, my brain is really gonna hurt if we get into the German language. On a somewhat related note, I will say that I'm in agreement with Mark Twain when he said that he'd rather decline two adult beverages than one German adjective (or something to that effect). :-)

Beantown, the Nats also advertise $10 seats with a view of the Capitol (I think they say "Capital" but let's not go there). Not sure exactly where they are but in the upper deck. Also, as you may know, one can bring food into the park, as well as one unopened bottle of water. Can't recall whether juice boxes are allowed as well. You can find details in the Fan A-Z guide on the team site.

natsfan1a said...

Hi Mrs. Z! (waves)

N. Cognito said...

From Hardball Talk:
"John Kiernan was also there and tweeted that Riggleman was “bashing” general manager Mike Rizzo, although that doesn’t appear to have been his primary activity."

Now he won't even be able to get an assistant coaching job at Richard Montgomery.

natsfan1a said...

Pardon my ignorance, but who is John Kiernan?

N. Cognito said...

Juice boxes also allowed, as is formula.

natsfan1a said...
"Pardon my ignorance, but who is John Kiernan?"

Some twitterer that was referenced in the article. The guy could be lying out his asp, but it's now on the Internet, so it's true.

Not Werth It said...

If you really want value, just buy the cheapest seats they have and then move down wherever you want. The ushers are super nice/trusting and we aren't philly fans so even if you end up in someone's seat everyone has been very nice about letting me just move to the nearest empty seats.

Also, if any of you are into this kinda thing, I wasted most of my day coming up with a ridiculous twitter campaign for the Nats to rehire Frank Robinson. Its at @BRINGFRANKBACK

natsfan1a said...

Thanks, NCog. I thought maybe Kiernan was some local celeb I didn't know about. Good one about being on the Internetz.

UnkyD said...

LOL!!! NCog!!!

This thread is good tonic... Thanks, everyone!!

(belated, @1A...... INCONCIEVABLE!!!...hehe)

DFL said...

Sometimes big guys lose it all at once. They just can't get around on fast balls. Perhaps that has happened to Dunn.

NatinBeantown BUT HEADED FOR NATS PARK! said...

Thanks all, especially Mrs. NI herself!

Go Nats!

A DC Wonk said...

From previous thread -- thanks for the info on Davey Johnson. The answered told us about his stint with the Mets -- but what about the Reds, Dodgers, and Orioles? All them finished 2d place almost every year and yet Davey only lasted 2-3 years at each place.

What gives? What's the scoop on that?

Thanks!

DFL said...

Regarding the Orioles, Peter Angelos didn't like Johnson so he canned him. The O's haven't won since. As for the Reds, Marge Schott didn't like that Johnson had a live-in girlfriend rather than a wife. It was a morals issue.

Grandstander said...

Love that Nix in the DH and not Stairs. Don't love that Zimmermann is batting 9th though. Also, can someone explain to me "hacking through the gorse"? I think I missed that one but it sounds cool.

For any Game of Thrones fans out there:

http://i.imgur.com/uxpj8.jpg

Grandstander said...

Misread the lineup, Zimmermann's not batting at all. Stupid AL lineups.

Wally said...

Grandstander - Cool.

At least it wasn't the dwarf.

Navy Nats Fan said...

Grandstander - you'll have to ask Unkyd how and why he started using it, but I think this thread is where it started.

Wally said...

Humor Part III from this whole episode (from an ESPN interview). Mark's right, it really is getting Charlie Sheen-like. WTF?

'And as for Thursday night at Caddies on Cordell?

“Man, I should never have done that,” he said with a laugh. “Hey, the manager needs love too, you know? You know, look, I’m a single man, and you’ve got to let them college girls get a look at you now and then, you know?”

And Friday night?

“No. I’m too old for Caddies,” Riggleman said. “Those girls in those pictures, their boyfriends are right there, they’re calling me daddy and all that stuff, so that’s not the spot for me.'

Alan_A said...

@DC Wonk -

After the Mets, Davey seems to have hard luck with ownership. Marge Schott and Peter Angelos - 'nuff said. Especially given that Davey wasn't the world's easiest guy himself.

But he had winning records with both clubs - his only losing record was with the Dodgers, if I remember correctly.

Tcostant said...

I will add to what DFL said...
The O's fired Davey when he was current Manager of the Year; the excused used was Davey was making fined players give the money to his wife (or girlfriend) charity. The real reason was Angelos didn't like that Davey was getting all the credit for the O's success and Angelos though he deserved it. The fact about the Reds is correct.
I was a Mets fane in NJ when Davey was there, I didn't always agree with all his moves, but he would go on the radio after game and explain why he did something; made you respect how smart he was.

P. Cole said...

"As for the Reds, Marge Schott didn't like that Johnson had a live-in girlfriend rather than a wife. It was a morals issue.

Marge Schott had such high morals. Racist, Nazi bitch.

Navy Nats Fan said...

Off-topic but worthy -

Nationals blood drive to be held this Saturday at the park - free LaRoche T-shirt and two tickets to a future game - read details here.

Due to my being stationed in Europe in the early 90s, the Red Cross thinks I'm a Mad Cow Disease carrier and won't let me give blood. But I can still publcize it in the hopes you will!

Actually, that Mad Cow thing might explain a lot...

Nats Outsider said...

Not Werth It said...
"If you really want value, just buy the cheapest seats they have and then move down wherever you want. The ushers are super nice/trusting and we aren't philly fans so even if you end up in someone's seat everyone has been very nice about letting me just move to the nearest empty seats."

N-Werth, is there a trick to doing that? I've had mixed luck with the ushers. One time, when the park seemed 3/4 empty, I asked the usher if I could take a seat in the section where she was on guard. She nicely but firmly directed us to the handicapped section near the vendors and behind the regular seats. Another time, an usher said to sit on an aisle and not step over any paying customers, which was very reasonable. On a third occasion, I was told to come back after the 6th inning (it was bottom of the 3rd).

So, are there any magic incantations to improve one's seat location?

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Guillen, yelling from natural gusto, grudgingly yelds first Nats game, giving yappy fans new grist.

Anonymous said...

Some twitterer that was referenced in the article. The guy could be lying out his asp, but it's now on the Internet, so it's true.

Friend of the sports junkies. What he "tweeted" was all true pretty much all admitted to by nascent DC rock-a-billy star Jimmy "Jams" Riggleman.

Verified by the SportsBog meister. And JR the second continues his Sheen-like rampage today!

Anonymous said...

Thanks, NCog. I thought maybe Kiernan was some local celeb I didn't know about. Good one about being on the Internetz.

You can believe Steinberg who is a reputable reporter WHO DOES verify his sources. That's who posted the blurb about Caddies.

And Wally's synopsis is dead on.

And since you love Mark Zuckerman, natsfan1a how about his tweet which pretty much sums up our days worth of Nats news?

So when does Riggleman go completely Charlie Sheen on us and announce his upcoming tour dates?

Or maybe Miss "Kathy" Chatter?

Riggleman is finally entertaining me!

Or NFA_Brian Brian Oliver?

Riggleman is cobbling out a personality (whether you like it or not). He now has something he didn't have before .... name recognition

Need anymore **proof** folks? Sheesh.

UnkyD said...

Hacking through the gorse... Blame it on the iPhone. As you'll see, below, I meant to type something else, 1A picked up on it, and away we go!

Unkyd said...
Gonat: before I "get over it", please to explain the advantage of having the not-hitting-at-all-and-always-has-trouble-with-lefties Mr. Ankiel hacking the gorse 2-3 times through, over having the HOT bat-over-the-last-few-weeks-always-has-trouble-with-lefties Mr. Nix... When the BP
Guy comes in, you still have Nix to bat. And, please stop implying that we're all idiots, when you're making about as much sense as rescuing Stairs from the jaws of the Nats Rapture Shark.....
June 5, 2011 12:43 PM
Unkyd said...
Hmmmm... That would be the First 2-3 times through....
June 5, 2011 12:46 PM
natsfan1a said...
Glad you clarified, Unk. I was just about to Google "hacking the gorse" as I figured it was some esoteric (perhaps golf- or skeet-related) expression I'd not yet come across. I do like the sound of it, "he really hacked the gorse that time." :-)

Re. the draft generally, I agree that it will be interesting, but I always thought one did not draft for need?
June 5, 2011 1:00 PM
Unkyd said...
Lol, 1A! I'm gonna have to work "hacking the gorse" into my daily usage, somehow!

The Pastor said...

Marge Schott (may she eventually R.I.P.) having a 'morals' issue with anybody is funny. I mean she has yet to escape Hades, on her way to redemption.

Probably the most evil bag to ever sit in stadium seat! She was obviously jealous of Davey's girlfriend.

erocks33 said...

@NatinBeantown --

regarding your visiting Nats Park on July 3rd, do keep in mind that since this is a Sunday day game, Nats Park is typically pretty well filled (usually with lots of kids), especially in the Upper $10-15 sections (Upper Infield/Outfield).

So, I would consider trying to secure tickets ahead of time because there's nothing worse than walking up to the ticket window before the game trying to get a bunch of "cheap" tickets then being told that all that's left are the $35+ tickets.

Just my two cents ...

FOTB said...

P. Cole ... Fanned and Faved.
Nothing good to say about that woman.

DFL said...

Rather than being a "racist" or a "Nazi", Marge Schott was an ignorant fool. Many half-educated people of her age thought of Hitler as some sort of economic miracle-man who became unhinged in the late 30s.

As for Johnson, had it worked out right, he would have been one of the great managers in baseball history. At 68, he's not going to manage except perhaps as interim manager for the rest of the Nats' season. The Nats will either hire a big name as manager now or wait until next season.

natsfan1a said...

Yes, Unkyd, and a special assist from Drew.

And Peric, I told you once before, but I'll tell you again, please leave me alone.

Drew8 said...

Hey Unkyd and 1A,

Morse hacked the gorse out of that one!

LaRoche .172 - 3 homers - 15 RBI

Dunn .179 - 5 homers - 23 RBI

Morse . 301 - 8 homers - 30 RBI

Just say Mo.
June 5, 2011 8:34 PM

MicheleS said...

Wow! I go out of tow for 1 day and all heck breaks out! Time to move on and hope the boys take this series.

JamesFan said...

Just a reminder, the Rizzo call on Dunn proved to be genius despite fan unhappiness. I think the call on Riggleman will be just as sound over time. So glad the Nats are playing the best player (Nix) tonight. Keep doing that McL and we will all be happy.

UnkyD said...

... Kinda miss that Rapture Shark....

Bowdenball said...

Nats Outsider-

The magic incantation is silence. Just don't say a word and walk down the aisle like you belong there. Very few ushers will stop you and ask for your ticket unless you're in the really really good seats.

TimDz said...

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110624&content_id=20934652&vkey=pr_was&fext=.jsp&c_id=was

This was posted about 3 PM on the Nats website. Does this mean McLaren is the manager for the rest of the season? I read it that way.

Mark? Any definitive word on this?

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

I don't read it that way myself, Tim, FWIW.

The Washington Nationals today announced that John McLaren will serve as the club's Interim Manager. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

McLaren's appointment begins effective today when Washington begins a three-game road series against the Chicago White Sox. The 59-year-old has served as Nationals' bench coach for the last two seasons (2010-11), after being named to the post on Nov. 20, 2009.

This is McLaren's second managerial appointment. Upon the resignation of Mike Hargrove, he skippered the Seattle Mariners for parts of two seasons from July 2, 2007 to June 19, 2008. McLaren was named the Mariners manager midway through the 2007 season and posted a 43-41 mark down the stretch en route to a second-place finish in the AL West. The Mariners went 68-88 (.436) during his tenure in Seattle.

McLaren possesses 23 seasons of experience as a big league manager or coach with Washington, Seattle (1993-2002, 2007-08), Tampa Bay (2003-05), Cincinnati (1992), Boston (1991) and Toronto (1986-90). He has coached teams to four division titles and five post-season berths, enjoying stewardships under Hargrove, Lou Piniella, Cito Gaston, Jimy Williams and Joe Morgan.

Including eight seasons as a skipper in the Blue Jays organization, this season marks McLaren's 41st in professional baseball. He played seven seasons of minor-league baseball as a catcher in the Astros organization, reaching the Triple-A level.

McLaren becomes the fourth manager of the Nationals, replacing Jim Riggleman who resigned from his post following Thursday's 1-0 win over Seattle.

Tcostant said...

I saw some comments about going to the game cheap, if you or anyone have a B-Day in the month your going get a free ticket voucher from the Nats here-->

https://secure.mlb.com/was/ticketing/birthday_form.jsp

N. Cognito said...

DFL said...
"Rather than being a "racist" or a "Nazi", Marge Schott was an ignorant fool."

Perhaps, but she does look like Hermann Goering.
Coincidence?

Feel Wood said...

"Why isn't it "Der Bullpen" or "Die Bullpen"?"

Maybe it's just me, but I'm not eating at any establishment with "Die" in its name.

Dave said...

You would be amazed at how many times high-school German students, trying to do work online through a school district network filter, get red-flagged for typing a feminine German noun. For that very reason.

But, yeah, I would probably steer clear of using the phrase "Die, Bullpen." Our bullpen is pretty good right now.

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