Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Nats vs. Mets - 3/28/12

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The Nats face the Mets once again at DigitalDomain Park.
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Upon signing Xavier Nady to a minor-league contract on March 18, general manager Mike Rizzo insisted the veteran outfielder/first baseman would not be appearing in a big-league game this spring. When asked again about the possibility last week, Rizzo had the same answer: Nady would not be seen in a big-league game this spring.

Well, check out who's starting at first base today in a big-league game against the Mets.

We'll see what the rationale for this was, but my hunch is that manager Davey Johnson (who has been preaching the idea of preparing for every contingency and trying out all sorts of different combinations) wanted to get one look at Nady before camp ended. And with first baseman Adam LaRoche potentially returning from a foot injury tomorrow, this may have represented the last opportunity to see Nady.

Jordan Zimmermann, meanwhile, makes his second-to-last start of the spring. You can watch the game live (and apparently for free) on MLB.tv, and you can also watch the game tape delayed on MLB Network at 4 p.m. You can also, of course, get plenty of updates and analysis right here...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS vs. NEW YORK METS
Where: DigitalDomain Park, Port St. Lucie
Gametime: 1:05 p.m.
TV: MLB.tv (live), MLB Network (tape delayed at 4 p.m.)
Radio: None
Weather: Partly cloudy, 79 degrees, Wind 14 mph RF to LF
STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
RF Jayson Werth
C Wilson Ramos
LF Jason Michaels
1B Xavier Nady
CF Brett Carroll
P Jordan Zimmermann

METS
CF Scott Hairston
2B Daniel Murphy
LF Jason Bay
1B Ike Davis
RF Lucas Duda
3B Justin Turner
SS Ruben Tejada
C Rob Johnson
P Jon Niese
1:10 p.m. -- We are underway with Ian Desmond fouling off Jon Niese's first pitch. I'll have a full story on Xavier Nady after the game, but here's the pertinent pregame quote from Davey Johnson: "He plays outfield and first base. Last I checked, I had some guys on injured reserve. So why not look at him?" Davey's mangling of baseball lingo notwithstanding -- last time I checked, it's called the disabled list, not injured reserve -- the rationale makes sense. Might as well get a look at Nady against big-league pitching today. I still don't believe he'll be a legitimate candidate to make the Opening Day roster, but you never know...

1:19 p.m. -- Well, here's a rarity: Both Desmond and Danny Espinosa reached to start the inning (both on choppers up the middle, though the latter was ruled an error on Ruben Tejada) ... and then the big guns in the middle of the lineup couldn't advance them. Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Werth each struck out looking (Zim at a curveball, Werth at a fastball), then Wilson Ramos chopped one back to the mound to end the inning.

1:25 p.m. -- Good stuff from Jordan Zimmermann in the bottom of the first. He needed only nine pitches (seven strikes) to retire the side. A couple of groundballs to the left side of the infield and a weak popup to second. Scoreless here after one.

1:30 p.m. -- Jon Niese appears to have his curveball working today. He's made several guys look silly already, including Xavier Nady, who in his first AB wearing a Nats uniform struck out swinging at an Uncle Charlie in the dirt. Niese retired the side in the top of the second, with an assist from second baseman Daniel Murphy, who made a nice lunging play over his shoulder to snag Jason Michaels' soft liner.

1:37 p.m. -- The Mets get a single in the bottom of the second as Werth can't quite make a sliding catch of Lucas Duda's sinking liner to right. But no worries, because Zimmerman, Espinosa and Nady turned a nice, clean, 5-4-3 double play to end the inning with the game still scoreless.

1:43 p.m. -- Wow, Desmond and Espinosa do it again, each singling in the third, with Desmond advancing to third base. That set the stage for Zimmerman's sac fly to center, bringing Desmond home with the first run. Espinosa, though, inexplicably tried to take second base on the deep fly ball, hesitating at first and then taking off. He was easily thrown out. Not a smart baserunning play from a guy who usually doesn't make that kind of mental mistake. Nats lead 1-0 heading to the bottom of the third.

1:48 p.m. -- Zimmermann looks really sharp here in the early going. He's faced the minimum through three innings, needing only 30 pitches (21 strikes) to do it.

1:55 p.m. -- Jayson Werth with another towering home run to left field. Crushed it. I can confirm this one did not hit his truck, which is safely parked behind the first-base clubhouse. I saw it this morning. How monster is it? Let's just say it could drive straight down the south face of the Grand Canyon and then back up the north face. Meanwhile, Nady struck out again, this time looking. It's 2-0 Nats in the middle of the fourth.

2:00 p.m. -- Zimmermann may have to go the distance today. He's only thrown 38 pitches (27 strikes) through four innings, and he's supposed to get up to 80-85 pitches by the end of the day. Just a model of efficiency so far.

2:08 p.m. -- How about that Ian Desmond? He's now 3-for-3 with two singles and a double. He's now 10 for his last 25, apparently peaking just in time for Opening Day. Still 2-0 as we got to the bottom of the fifth.

2:13 p.m. -- Zimmermann continues to pound the strike zone and baffle the Mets lineup. Another 1-2-3 inning, featuring a couple of groundballs (and a nice play at first base by Nady) and a strikeout of Justin Turner. Five scoreless innings in the books for Zimmermann, only 51 pitches (37 strikes). He'll become the first Nats starter to pitch into the sixth inning this spring.

2:31 p.m. -- Someone else finally got to Zimmermann, as Rob Johnson laces a double in the bottom of the sixth. But Jordan shook that off and closed out his day in fine fashion. His final line: 6 ip, 2 h, 0 r, 0 bb, 2 k, 68 pitches, 47 strikes. Fantastic stuff from him. It's still 2-0 after six.

2:44 p.m. -- The Mets get a run back off Tom Gorzelanny in the seventh, highlighted by Duda's RBI triple down the right-field line. Actually, it should only have been a double, because the ball got stuck in the Nats bullpen amid a see of relievers and BP pitchers. Somehow, the umps let the play continue as Corey Brown tried to find the ball. It's 2-1 after seven.

2:55 p.m. -- The Nats get the run right back in the eighth thanks to some shoddy defense from the Mets' backup second baseman. It's 3-1 heading to the bottom of the eighth. I've got to run down to the clubhouse to talk to Jordan Zimmermann and Xavier Nady, so I may not make it back up here before the game ends. Just in case you wonder why there are no more updates for a while...

148 comments:

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Thanks for the new post, Mark!

natscan reduxit said...

… as we get down to the short and curlies, I hope the sea of optimism we, as fans, have bathed in for the last month, isn't a mile wide and an inch deep.

… after all the great improvements the team has realised since last September, I hope the whole season isn't put in jeopardy by the evil DL before the first toss is pitched at Wrigley.

… am I coming across like the pessimist I am? Probably. Without much effort on my part, I see problems with the defence of the middle infield and in center. Inasmuch as I want to hide my eyes and whistle past the cemetery on plays to those areas, I know the jury is still out. Desi and Danny may sparkle together; Roger B might take off; Ankiel might have another good season in him. But I'm from Missouri (actually, I'm not) and I await the revelation of truth in the here and now.

… well now I'm ranting and running off at the mouth, so I'll stop, and simply say, Go Nats!!

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

I don't suppose there were contractual/financial reasons for keeping Nady out of MLB games, were there? No idea, seems unlikely, but why else insist, or even bring it up?

Steve M. said...

This will be an interesting game as Davey is loading the lineup with his RH batters against Jon Niese.

Wish we were seeing Michael Morse penciled in otherwise this could be very close to the RH lineup w/ a platoon in CF.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Metaphor Salad of the Day award to Natscan for that opening line!

PAY TO PLAY said...

Drew Storen is throwing pain free. That sounds encouraging. Lets hope to hear the same on Morse and LaRoche and this team can start clicking!

Anonymous said...

Mark do you know how Burnett is doing.

Adam Kilgore said...

Meanwhile, Michael Morse walked down the corridor from the Nationals’ clubhouse this morning with a glove on his left hand, bouncing a ball off the wall. He was headed out to the field to throw for the first time in two weeks, having been shut down following a platelet-rich plasma injection in his strained right lat.

Cease the Opportunity said...

thanks Mark for the fyi on MLB free bee...

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Speaking of minor league contracts and guys we weren't expecting, some rumor-mongering via MLB Trade Rumors:

Jack Cust To Sign With An NL Team
By Mike Axisa [March 27 at 8:15pm CST]

Jack Cust will sign a minor league contract with an NL team, reports Troy Renck of The Denver Post (on Twitter). That team is not the Rockies however, and we can also rule out the Astros since they released him this morning.

Cust, 33, signed a non-guaranteed Major League deal worth $600K with Houston in January. The one-year contract had also included a club option for 2013. Cust posted a .213/.344/.329 line with three home runs in 270 plate appearances for the Mariners in 2011, when he earned $2.5MM. However, the TWC Sports client averaged 28 homers and 103 walks with the A's from 2007-09.

Bowdenball said...

Storen to start the season on the DL. Davey says mid-April but acknowledges he may be overly optimistic. From all the beat writers, on Twitter.

Steve M. said...

Bowdenball, yep, just saw that and Morse will probably join him. Hopefully short stints and back the following week as you can go retroactive on the DL.

That means 2 players will get on the Opening Day roster to only be optioned or DFA'd shortly after. Possibly more depending on the health of LaRoche and Ankiel.

Ankiel is still an interesting case. He still isn't on the 40 man and can't stay healthy. His numbers have plummeted from his fast start.

Steve M. said...

Opening Day Roster predictions.

ROTATON
Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmermann, Edwin Jackson, John Lannan. This will get interesting when Wang is ready.

CATCHER
Wilson Ramos

INFIELDERS
Adam LaRoche, Danny Espinosa, Ian Desmond, Ryan Zimmerman. This assumes LaRoche is healthy.

OUTFIELDERS
Jayson Werth, Roger Bernadina and Rick Ankiel if he is healthy.

BULLPEN
Tyler Clippard, Brad Lidge, Sean Burnett, Henry Rodriguez, Ross Detwiler, Tom Gorzelanny and Craig Stammen and Ryan Mattheus will compete for the 7th spot and then be sent to AAA when Storen is activated.

DL
Wang, Storen, Morse

BENCH
Jesus Flores, Chad Tracy, Jason Michaels, Mark DeRosa, Steve Lombardozzi, Brett Carroll. 5 of these players make it. One goes now. Another goes when Morse comes off the DL

PAY TO PLAY said...

Steve, that bench and outfield alignment will also change when Bryce Harper is called up.

Outfield Bernadina, Ankiel, Werth
Bench: Flores, DeRosa, Lombardozzi, Carroll, TBD

Outfield Morse, Ankiel, Werth
Bench: Flores, DeRosa, Lombardozzi, Carroll, Bernadina

Outfield: Morse, Harper, Werth
Bench: Flores, DeRosa, Lombardozzi, Carroll, Bernadina, Ankiel (1 of them has to go)

Steady Eddie said...

P2P -- Bingo! You are likely correct, sir.

Answer to your final question likely to hinge on Ankiel's health condition and Carroll's performance in a platoon, if he gets the chance.

I wonder if Davey will be tempted to go with Tracy for his bat, but would hope not unless he can play anywhere but first, and he's barely minimally adequate at that.

edward said...

Free broadcast on MLB.tv-there goes any hope of getting work done this afternoon

Anonymous said...

got to love MLB TV at work. Just hope it doesn't crash the server here...

TimDz said...

Would be nice to see the Mets starter throw more than 9 pitches in the first inning...
Seeing eye single by Desmond to start the game...

MicheleS said...

Hmm.. You think they miss Jose Reyes? Is Tejada the every day SS?

Anonymous said...

High praise from Keith Hernandez to RZ "Best fielding 3B in the league"

Kirbs said...

Also before the tape delay at 4, MLB is reruning the 30 clubs with the nats at 3.

TimDz said...

At least Niece had to throw 19 pitches...

Alan_A said...

As a refugee New Yorker and ex-Mets fan, I have to say I've been enjoying Cohen/Hernandez/Darling calling the game. A lot more insightful about our guys than Bob and FP, and they're able to talk about OPS without going into a know-nothing, Beavis-and-Butthead routine (Bob: "What's this OPS thing? What's a good OPS number?" FP: "Hey, the only number that matters is you gotta get more runs than the other guy...") Sigh...

ehay2k said...

Waaah - I am stuck at an airport and I cannot get MLB.TV to work. No video or audio. Only the Game Summary "widget" works.

WAAAH!!!!!

TimDz said...

9 Pitch first inning for Zimmermann... Mets were swinging away there...92-93 on the fast ball.

Wally said...

I am only getting audio, for some reason, on MLB.tv. The Mets guys were saying that RZim was 'favoring his side' when throwing.

I assume that it was on his put out, but could anyone see anything on the field that was concerning?

PAY TO PLAY said...

The Xavier Nady era starts off with a ceremonious K

TimDz said...

Wally,
It looked more like a lazy throw to me. I'll watch when he gets another opportunity.

Alan_A said...

@Wally - only that Zim seems to be drifting back toward his sidearm throwing motion. Not clear if that's because of comfort or discomfort.

MicheleS said...

JZ is dealing today.. (to bad Niese is as well)

Cwj said...

Just for the record, I'm drinking the kool aid :-)
87-75, with a very similar record to both the Phillies and Braves.
I really don't by into the Marlins being that much improved, remember they lost 90 games last year. Maybe they go 82-80 this season.
The Mets, perhaps 72-90.

Phillies- 88-74
Nats- 87-75
Braves- 87-75
Marlins- 82-80
Mets- 72-90

TimDz said...

30 Pitches thru 3 innings for Zimmermann...
Hope the rest of the staff is watching. He looks sharp and is throwing free and easy.

Cwj said...

Jordan was one of the most efficient power pitchers last season (about 14 pitches/inning).
Remarkable control, and I think his strikeout numbers will return this season.
An ERA of 2.95 is my prediction. Very underrated by everyone except us Nats fans :-)

Alan_A said...

Ah, so that's not Cohen. Who's doing play by play?

MicheleS said...

Werth.. making it easier for me to wear my Jersey this year!

TimDz said...

WERTH Goes YARD!!!
Hope they didn't park the team bus out there...

Alan_A said...

Anyone else feeling cautiously optimistic about Werth?

MicheleS said...

Alan_A...

Raising my hand!!!!

Cwj said...

Alan- Yes!
I project Werth will have slash lines of- .265-25-80 :-)

Anonymous said...

The Mets are only going to be like 10 games under 500. They're not as bad as the world counts them to be. The Braves are going to struggle mightily to score, the Fish have health issues but they have speed and power like mad and enough pitching, and the Nats (still) have lack luster O, the Phils have the pitching and even with the injuries enough O, so I am venturing . . .

Phils 90-72
Fish 87-75
Nats 85-77
Braves 80-82
Mets 76-86

Cwj said...

Btw, I will buy a drink for anyone who can find my player projections from a previous post, about a week ago...
I used a calculator, pencil and piece of paper, but lost the paper :(

Cwj said...

Thanks for your NL east predictions Anon!
They are very reasonable. Though I really don't buy the Miami hype.

fpcsteve said...

Alan A., another hand up!

ehay2k said...

Cwj - beer me please!

Cwj said...

In no real order, here are my projections for the Nats hitters.
SS Desmond- .250-10-50
2B Espinosa- .245-25-70
3B Zimmerman- .300-30-100
LF Morse- .285-25-80
RF Werth- .270-25-80
1B Who knows, maybe Tracy to start?
C Ramos- .275-15-65
CF Ankiel/Bernadina and then....
HARPER- .255-15-60

MicheleS said...

Who is that leadoff hitter and what have you done to Ian? :-)

Cease the Opportunity said...

Desmond needs to save his OBP for the regular season...

ehay2k said...

@Cwj - I will be at the game on April 14 - Stras bobblehead day. You can beer me then. ;-)

Sunderland said...

I keep a cwj folder -

Cwj said...
In no real order, here are my projections for the Nats hitters.
SS Desmond- .250-10-50
2B Espinosa- .245-25-70
3B Zimmerman- .300-30-100
LF Morse- .285-25-80
RF Werth- .270-25-80
1B Who knows, maybe Tracy to start?
C Ramos- .275-15-65
CF Ankiel/Bernadina and then....
HARPER- .255-15-60

March 23, 2012 10:17 AM

Cwj said...

Awesome thanks so much Ehay2K!!!
What beer do you like? :-)

A T-Storm is brewing up here in the mountains...might have to log off in a minute.

ehay2k said...

Sunderland, you are too slow to the draw my friend! I have indexed every blog comment for instant retrieval. ;-)

Cwj said...

Sunderland- You get a drink of your choice as well :-)

ehay2k said...

@Cwj - let's see what's available, and also what the weather's like. Might go for a Guinness. :o)

MicheleS said...

Seinfeld in the house!

NatsNut said...

"Werth can't quite make a sliding catch of Lucas Duda's sinking liner to right."

Let me guess, it was an attempted "sliding catch" on his knee, wasn't it? Sigh.

NatsNut said...

(sorry, didn't mean to rain on the Werth parade)

MicheleS said...

All I have to say.. JZ = WOW!

ehay2k said...

Did he at least stop the ball, or did it get by him? I wish I could at least hear the game. I am overseas and it appears MLB is blacking out games on my IP address. Good to know, because I'd hate to have paid for MLB.TV and then find out I can't see the game!

Only 5 more hours until I can check in for my flight! :-O

MicheleS said...

NatsNut... not to worry, got Duda on a DP.. plus Werth hit the homer.

Cwj said...

Nasty storm here...gotta run.

Go Nats!

Alan_A said...

OK, Ron Burkhardt. Don't know him, but pretty decent on play-by-play.

Section 222 said...

I look forward to seeing the replay of Werth's attempted sliding catch to see if an attempted running catch might have been more successful.

Desmond shouldn't try to save his OBP for the regular season. Anything that gives him confidence as we approach Opening Day is a good thing since DJ is going to live and die with him as the leadoff hitter for awhile.

natsfan1a said...

On first reading, I thought the monster reference related to the dinger. :-)

1:55 p.m. -- Jayson Werth with another towering home run to left field. Crushed it. I can confirm this one did not hit his truck, which is safely parked behind the first-base clubhouse. I saw it this morning. How monster is it? Let's just say it could drive straight down the south face of the Grand Canyon and then back up the north face. Meanwhile, Nady struck out again, this time looking. It's 2-0 Nats in the middle of the fourth.

Cease the Opportunity said...

Section 222 said...

I agree. i was being stupid. Plus, it calms down the naysayers...

natsfan1a said...

Mark must have gone to the clubhouse to interview JZ.

In other news, way to horn in on my indexing specialty, ehay2k. (Just kidding. ;-))

ehay2k said...

Sunderland, you are too slow to the draw my friend! I have indexed every blog comment for instant retrieval. ;-)
March 28, 2012 2:08 PM

natsfan1a said...

Oh wait. GameDay sez JZ is still in. Nevermind.

MicheleS said...

Section 222.. Love the twitter comment to Rosenthal...

MicheleS said...

1A.. MLBTV is free today if you can get to it.

Bill in DC said...

regarding the BENCH (copied from SteveM above):

"Jesus Flores, Chad Tracy, Jason Michaels, Mark DeRosa, Steve Lombardozzi, Brett Carroll. 5 of these players make it. One goes now. Another goes when Morse comes off the DL"

My thoughts:

Flores (C), DeRosa (IF/OF) and Lombo (IF) are locks and will likely remain after Morse returns.

That leaves Tracy, Michaels and Carroll for two spots (and really only one after Morse's return).

IMO we should flush Tracy, who is a worse version of DeRosa and also a primary 3B, where we do not have any need with Zim, DeRosa and plus Lombo's ability to play there.

That leaves Michaels and Carroll who will both make the team but I hope Carroll will stick. Not much hitting there but far better defense and speed which, to me, sounds like just what you want in a 4th OF.

TimDz said...

2-0 still after six innings. Zimmermann has 70 (I think) pitches thru six innings and they showed Gorzo warming up, so that may be it for Znn.
Hairston ended the inning with a high pop up between the pitcher's mound and the batters box. 1st, 3rd, C and P all converged...it could have been ugly...Nady made the last second call to make the catch.

Section 222 said...

@MichelleS Rosenthal's article is a dumb puff piece. In short, Kasten showed how brilliant he is in Atlanta by spending big money for free agents, except when he couldn't spend quite enough to land A-Rod, which showed how brilliant he was for not going overboard. His failure with the Nats was just due to ownership not being willing to spend enough.

Oy.

Cwj said...

Back (weather cleared up, but more dark clouds are approaching).
Power flickered for a second.

Sounds like Zimmermann is in "mid-season form" :-)

natsfan1a said...

Thanks, MicheleS, I just have a GameDay audio subscription.

MicheleS said...

Section222.. I saw that piece. I don't understand the love. He must just feed the nationl press guys inside stuff (like he did with Boz) and that is why they love.

Anonymous said...

Desmond's peaking now? Kind of a backhanded compliment there, no?

MicheleS said...

1A.. I have the audio as well, but today's game is the Free Game that they let everyone watch on MLB.TV

natsfan1a said...

D'oh! Didn't realize that was the case, MicheleS. Thanks, will see if I can get it.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

222, on Werth's sliding non-catch, it looked like the only play for a catch, to me, tho he only missedit by a few inches.

Cwj said...

Ehay2k- Guinness it is. Good choice :-)
Have a safe flight.

Damn, gotta go again. Scary lightening nearby.

natsfan1a said...

Woohoo, I got it! Thanks, MicheleS. I owe you a bon-bon. And so ends my afternoon productivity. :-)

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

4 for 4

Cease the Opportunity said...

Ian showing off now...

TimDz said...

Guess there are no ground rule doubles for bullpen interference...
At least the Nats still have the lead 2-1 going into the 8th inning.
Then Desmond with a bunt single...4-4 now.

ehay2k said...

Find out what Desi's been drinking and bottle it NOW!

MicheleS said...

ehay2k.. I sent Ian some Koolaid...

Cwj said...

*lightening = lightning, btw :-)

Storms look to be heading out east to where most of you probably live.

Cease the Opportunity said...

New prediction, Ian Desmond first mortal to bat .400 since you know who, with OBP of exactly .400 and no walks for the season...

Section 222 said...

Sec3, I look forward to seeing it. My impression is that Werth almost always tries sliding catches even when a running catch is still possible. A sliding catch is the best option when you are near the foul line and a wall and need to stop to protect yourself after the catch. But your glove can't reach as far forward when you are coming in to the ball if you slide. A running catch and picking the ball off your shoetops (or diving) is probably a better play on many of his attempted sliding catches. Not that I want him to dive and hurt himself when another type of catch is possible, of course.

natsfan1a said...

Wookie sighting in the 'pen, sitting down?

Section 222 said...

Interesting that they shut Zimmermann down after 68 pitches. I guess they want to give other guys some work. Did Znn do more pitching in the bullpen to get to 80-85?

Znn could very well be the unsung hero of the Nats rotation. It's very exciting that he's our No. 3.

Dave Sheinin loves Stan Kasten too said...

And Kasten, as folks in Washington surely know, is the ultimate baseball-ownership insider, having served as president of the Atlanta Braves during their 1990s-2000s heyday and the Washington Nationals from 2006-10. In Washington, it was Kasten’s inclusion in the Ted Lerner ownership bid, at least as much as Lerner’s own deep pockets and local ties, that won that group the right to buy the Nationals.

And while Johnson will be the face of the new group and Walter will be the boss — assuming the purchase is approved — it is Kasten who will be its brains and its brawn. Sarcastic, extroverted and often confrontational with those who don’t share his agenda (yes, at times that includes the media), Kasten is also one of the smartest front-office men in baseball, if not all of sports. And despite the damage the McCourt regime inflicted upon the Dodgers brand, it would not be surprising if, given the franchise’s revenues (soon to be bolstered by a lucrative television deal) and deep-rooted fan base, the Dodgers experience a quick turnaround under their new owners.

ehay2k said...

Those storms need to travel over 5K miles from DC to get to me! Of course, what that really means is I will have the joy of flying through them on the way home.

**
Looking into my not-too-distant future:
[Sound of flight-attendant chime ringing] "Excuse me, but can I have 3 small bottles of scotch and a cup with 2 ice cubes? Thanks."
**

So, in advance of that, I must say Znn was looking like he was in the best shape of his life, and will certainly be one of the best 25 to go north. (Forthcoming Bang! Gulp!)

natsfan1a said...

Wait, is this NJ or NI?

Cease the Opportunity said...

Section 222 said...

i was being stupid. Plus, it calms down the naysayers...

natsfan1a said...

You appear to be in midseason form, eyah2k. :-)

Cwj said...

Ehay- Hahaha, :-) Nah, you'll arrive safely don't worry.

Jayson Werth said...

Since when does a barbershop quartet singer know anything about how to catch a fly ball?

Oh, and Section 222, you're flat.

MicheleS said...

Mark is out of the press box.. Now we can really party!

Best Shape of his life!
B25GN!
GYFNG!
It's a marathon, not a sprint!

(Bang! Gulp! Bang! Gulp! Bang! Gulp! Bang! Gulp! )

natsfan1a said...

Woooooooohoooooooooooo!! We'll be in midseason form before we know it!

Cwj said...

Yay party time :-)
Hopefully no one snitches on us to Mark Z.

Anonymous said...

So - Gorzelanny comes in and ruins JZNN shutout -- if he stays on this team you better get used to seeing that.

Cwj said...

I wont spoil it for those who haven't seen it yet, but MLB net's 30/30 on the Nats basically said: the best 25 will go north, they are in mid-season form and are in the best shape of their lives :-)

*shot of apple juice chased with a beer* :-D

Cwj said...

Anon 3:07- Don't make me say it...about ST stats
:-)

ehay2k said...

Uh-oh, it looks like a party pooper has joined us. Get that neganon a beverage and remind them that this is ST!

NatsNut said...

LOL MicheleS!

gonatsgo said...

You have to admit that Jordan has been snakebit with either a lack of run support or bullpen implosions. I sincerely hope that this season will be different for him - he is awesome!!!

Cease the Opportunity said...

gonatsgo said...

He's was a great basketball at one time too...

Cease the Opportunity said...

Cease the Opportunity said...

gonatsgo said...

He's was a great basketball player at one time too...

natsfan1a said...

Mets picked up a run in the bottom of the 8th, so it's 3-2 Nats going into the 9th.

Cease the Opportunity said...

Oh I do see Jerry...

natsfan1a said...

That was with Mattheus on the bump, btw. Sounds like H-Rod is up for the bottom of the 9th, but for now Carroll has a base hit.

natsfan1a said...

What do you do when you're stranded, and you know you're a Nat? Ask Mr. Carroll about that one. Still 3-2 Nats going to the bottom of the 9th.

TimDz said...

Who is McConnel (no. 1)? He just struck out to end the top of the ninth...

They had a close up of him...looked like it was "bring your kid to work" day. He looked to be maybe 14...

ehay2k said...

McConnell's hat, in the MLB Gameday pic, had a *blue* curly W!?!?! I thought he was a Marlin at first!

Go mpHRod!

gonatsgo said...

I thought he looked 12, actually. Did you hear the Mets broadcasters chuckling over HRod? His pitches were just not fair.

natsfan1a said...

mpH-Rod wows 'em in the bottom of the 9th and the good guys win, 3-2. Bonus: Henry, who reached 100, is named the Cholula flamethrower of the game. Nice graphic there. :-)

(Cue the Major League winning streak link.)

A DC Wonk said...

What's wrong with MPHRod? Three up three down, but no K's? Was he working on new stuff? ;-)

ehay2k said...

Put a blue curly W in the books!
Thanks so much all for helping me kill 2+ hours while "watching" the game. Only 24 hours until I get home!

GYFNG!

natsfan1a said...

He did kinda look like a bat boy up there.

TimDz said...

mpHRod made quick work of that inning...
99 mph heater followed by 83 mph filthy breaking ball.
He did get some help by Corey Brown, making a diving stab in shallow right field.

A DC Wonk said...

They had a close up of him...looked like it was "bring your kid to work" day. He looked to be maybe 14...

They get younger and younger looking every year? How does that happen? ;-)

Cwj said...

Can't wait to watch the game replay on MLB network.
So basically Rodriguez hits 100mph every time out?
Add his nasty "off-speed" stuff...wow!
Go Nats!

Section 222 said...

Jayson Werth said...

Since when does a barbershop quartet singer know anything about how to catch a fly ball?


I don't. But I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night...

sm13 said...

Henry's era is 10.13 points below Gorzo. Time to say goodbye to Tom.

Anonymous said...

Anybody know what number Nady was wearing this afternoon?

Does anybody know if tomorrow nights game vs the Tigers is televised?

natsfan1a said...

You never know. Some fellas are multi-talented.

Since when does a barbershop quartet singer know anything about how to catch a fly ball?

Cwj said...

Great news about Morse (Mark's Tweet).

Cwj said...

Sorry to hear about Bernadina losing his father :(
Best wishes to him and his family.

natsfan1a said...

That is sad. He lost a friend in the offseason as well (can't recall the name just now but the kid who was killed by his own brother).

Cwj said...

Guess whats on tv? The Nats vs Mets just started! I'll go out on a limb and predict a 3-2 Nats victory :-)

natsfan1a said...

Halman it was. Comak had a story earlier this month.

natsfan1a said...

You should definitely buy a lottery ticket, Cwj, given that prediction. ;-)

A DC Wonk said...

Hey, Natsfan1a, that must be some hot-selling CD you pointed us to! I see there are only two remaining in stock.

I also see (I'm not kidding) it's ranked #287,602 in Music!

Cwj said...

Natsfan- Thanks for the link. That is very sad :(

To Roger Bernadina- Take care of yourself and your family. My thoughts are with you. Don't worry about baseball. Family and friends first.

Natsfan- I'm also predicting that Werth will hit a homer and Zimmermann will pitch well :D

Steady Eddie said...

CWJ and NatsFan -- don't forget to predict that HRod's ERA will remain at 0.00 and that he notches another save.

Cwj said...

Steady Eddie- Now that's just crazy talk :-)
Next you'll be predicting that he'll hit 100mph yet again... :D

Cwj said...

It's kinda funny, my dad records every regular season Nats game (he lives in Colorado) but will only watch the wins :-)

Cwj said...

Now for the awkward time between Mark's game thread and waiting for his next topic...
:)

Cwj said...

Plus many insiders are no doubt preparing to head home from work, others are having their afternoon naps, etc.

Cwj said...

Sorry for 4 posts in a row :-)

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Oh, and Nady is wearing 22, to answer the question.


Stranded...marked with a "Left on Base"...
Chuck Connors, former Cub!

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

OK, the Werth sliding miss was just on. He did seem to be trying for a reaching-down catch, and slid to block the ball, and stop.

Cwj said...

Watching Zimmermann pitch, (btw I predict he'll only throw 68 pitches through 6 innings), the words "efficient" and "very good" come to mind.

No way I'm backing off my 2012 projection of a sub-3.00 ERA.

Also, I really don't mind these Mets broadcasters.
They are actually pretty good.

Cwj said...

Sec 3- Yeah I just saw that play. He was very close, and the ball didn't get far behind him at all.
Good effort. Hitter only got a single.

(I had to rewind the DVR because I was typing during the play :)

A DC Wonk said...

Also, I really don't mind these Mets broadcasters.
They are actually pretty good.


I haven't heard the TV guys -- but from XM I've heard their radio guy (Charlie Rose) -- he's terrifically awesome if you enjoy hearing about strategy (which I do).

Alan_A said...

What I like about the Mets broadcasters is their ability to provide good detailed insight and also let it loose a bit - gives you the impression of sitting behind a couple of really knowlegeable fans who take things just seriously enough, no more, no less.

Also, they know opposing teams well. Listening to a lot of broadcasts around the leagues, it amazes me how poor most broadcasters are on that score.

sjm308 said...

Great to watch this after reading all these comments!! You guys are fun. CWJ and eHay2k - If you can find a Guinness at Nationals Park please please please let me know! I have searched for years, missing major innings trudging up and down ramps. I knew exactly where the Guinness stand was at RFK and was quite upset to find it did not make the trip over to the Navy Yard. I have settled for Newcastle but its really not the same. I do like the 2nd bullpen that came in with a nice dark brown ale from Nova Scotia and also Justin's Cafe in the bottom of the Velocity Condos that rotate some nice craft beers but for a Guinness I have to walk all the way to 8th st.

Oh, was this a baseball blog? Sorry

Go Nats! I predict 3-2 nats

natsfan1a said...

Exactly.

Section 3, My Sofa said...


Stranded...marked with a "Left on Base"...
Chuck Connors, former Cub!
March 28, 2012 4:35 PM

natsfan1a said...

You're welcome, Cwj, and I second your thoughts on Bernadina's loss.

Cwj said...

Natsfan- Thanks for the link. That is very sad :(

To Roger Bernadina- Take care of yourself and your family. My thoughts are with you. Don't worry about baseball. Family and friends first.

Natsfan- I'm also predicting that Werth will hit a homer and Zimmermann will pitch well :D
March 28, 2012 4:13 PM

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