Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Ankiel's jaw-dropping throw

US Presswire photo
Rick Ankiel wowed everyone at Nationals Park last night with his sixth-inning throw.
In the five years since he successfully returned to the major leagues as a position player after seeing his pitching career come to a screeching halt, Rick Ankiel has dazzled onlookers plenty of times with remarkable throws from the outfield.

But Ankiel might have topped himself last night with a throw that won't soon be forgotten around the Nationals' clubhouse.

Even more remarkable, it didn't result in a baserunner getting thrown out or scoring.

The situation: With the bases loaded and nobody out in the top of the sixth, Astros cleanup hitter Carlos Lee sent a flyball to medium-deep center field. Standing on third base, Jordan Schafer tried to pretend he was going to tag up, but he knew better than to test the mighty Ankiel's left arm.

Good thing, too, because Ankiel promptly delivered a 300-foot laser that practically hit Wilson Ramos in the chest. The catcher never had to move.

"It was a perfect throw," Ramos said.

It was, and it earned Ankiel a standing ovation from the crowd of 16,245 at Nationals Park, not to mention plenty of replays on various highlight shows.

"That was a good one," the center fielder acknowledged. "I mean, it shows a lot of respect, those guys not going there. But yeah, it was good. It came out clean and it was right on the money."

Ankiel expected Schafer -- Houston's leadoff hitter -- to attempt to score.

"I was surprised," he said. "It's one of their fastest guys on their team. With the bases loaded, I thought for sure he was going. Ball was in the air, I'm like: 'He's gotta go.' But hey, it shows a lot of respect that they didn't. So, yeah, it makes me feel good."

After spending the season's first week on the disabled list with a quad strain, Ankiel is happy to be contributing to the Nationals' cause. He hasn't done much at the plate so far, going 2-for-12 with a double, but his defensive game has never been negatively affected by any offensive struggles.

And the Nationals understand just how valuable an arm like that can be in center field.

"When you have the pitching like we have, it's hard to string together base hit after base hit," third baseman Ryan Zimmerman said. "Any time you can have an outfield arm like that that practically shuts down the running game and makes the team get another hit, off the pitching that we have, it's not easy to do."

Ankiel did have a not-so-spectacular moment later in the game, when he misread Chris Johnson's line drive hit straight at him and helplessly watched as the ball sailed over his head for a triple.

"He hit the daylights out of it," Ankiel said. "He stayed inside of it, so it was actually curving back at me. So when I started to come in I realized, 'Oh, crap. This is going to be over my head, not in front of me.' When I tried to stop, it was almost already past me."

No worries, because the Nationals hung on to win 6-3. Besides, all anyone wanted to talk about afterward was the throw Ankiel did make, a throw so perfect it could have been mistaken for a pitch.

"I would have called it a strike," starter Stephen Strasburg said. "That's for sure."

130 comments:

UNTERP said...

Natitude...

Mark'd said...

This deserved a dedicated spot just for "The Throw"

Section 222 said...

If only Schafer had tried to score, we would have been looking at one of the plays of the year. My seats are right behind home plate in 314. That was a thing of beauty to watch. Worth the price of admission right there.

MicheleS said...

As soon as I saw the ball heading to CF, I was on my feet Yelling because I knew we were about to WITNESS THE ARM! That was such a beauty.

UNTERP said...

It was surreal kind of, silence for a click, then everyone erupted in applause...

MicheleS said...

Mark Z.

If you get a chance, last night Stras mentioned he thought he was tipping pitches because the Astros would get a guy on second and might have been relaying signs. Any more to this? Was he actually tipping or were the Stros just stealing signs?

Anonymous said...

Wow. Easily found online under "Ankiel's throw". The beauty of it is he played the natural curve on the throw to have it hit Ramos perfectly. That'll cause runners in the entire league, not just the Nats clubhouse, to take pause next time they think of running.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

"The Throw" is still Bo Jackson in 1989, nailing Harold Reynolds. But this was very good.

Davey was interesting in the postgame. He mentioned that SS thought he might be tipping pitches to the runner on second, and then Davey looked like he thought "Whoops. I should not have said that!" and added "...or maybe they were just guessing right."

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Indeed, 10:26. The fact that Shafer was obviously not interested in testing him just adds an exclamation point to a video every 3rd base coach in MLB has seen by now. Good stuff.

Anonymous said...

I was wondering the other night in that extra innings game against the Reds that had the Nats burning thru the bullpen...if the game went 15 or more innings, and ran out of pitchers and had to ask a position player to pitch (it happens), would Davey ask Ankiel to take the mound? And would Rick agree?

1st Base Coach

UNTERP said...

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

"The Throw" is still Bo Jackson in 1989, nailing Harold Reynolds. But this was very good.

You know, I kind of remember this...Bo Jackson if he stayed healthy could have been a HOF in two sports...

whatsanattau said...

Following up on some comments from previous posts, I'll weigh in with:
- my family likes the wave and I'm proud of it. (20,000 people working together to have some fun is not a bad thing)
- Terrance is awesome (Clint not so much) - not only does he help get the crowd going, he works very hard - commendable.
- I like the girl cheerleaders too. Lighten up.
- Ankiel's arm is only one of his remarkable tools. He's a pretty smart baserunner too.
- Lombardozzi deserves more playing time, but Espinosa is not (yet) deserving of less. Too much talent and nattitude to waste.
- Pretty cool when Strasburg can pitch a strong game and it's not the lead story. This is not a one trick pony. Lots of talent on this team.
That is all.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Bo could have been a HOF in as many sports as there are. A genius athlete.

Anonymous said...

I, too, sit in Section 314. When Ankiel unleashed 'the Throw', I couldn't figure out who he was throwing to. It was not to the cutoff man. It wasn't until it had crossed the pitcher's mound that I realized he had thrown a perfect strike home. Simply amazing!

NatsLady said...

1st base coach: No and No. Some things you just have to let go. Seriously, it would be PTS, if there is such a thing in sports.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Not a wave fan, but baseball isn't Wimbledon, either.

"Quiet, please; Mr. Strasburg is serving to Mr. Pujols."

PAY TO PLAY said...

MicheleS, I heard Stras's interview and thought he blamed himself for tipping pitches and went on to say that the batters looked comfortable with men on 2nd.

Did he actually say they were stealing signs or are you reading between the lines? I kind of thought the same thing but didn't want to say it.

UNTERP said...

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Not a wave fan, but baseball isn't Wimbledon, either.

Now, I would definitely be a fan of the wave at Wimbledon...

PAY TO PLAY said...

Clu Gulager said...
Perhaps Lombardozzi is the next Pete Rose. A second-baseman who became a star in left-field.

April 17, 2012 9:43 AM
-------

I don't think he is the next Pete Rose. Davey should really think about putting Lombo in LF against Wandy. While we are all thinking that, Nady probably gets 2 big hits for Davey.

I would expect Lombo getting more starts at 2nd against RH pitching.

NatsLady said...

Terrance is fine, and he thanks you personally for coming out to the game. There was only one serious wave that I noticed in the four opening games, and that was Saturday well into Jackson's start, and, really, the result was not in question. I won't say it was boring but...

SCNatsFan said...

1st base, I was thinking the same thing but only if, and only if, Ankiel wanted to do it. You have to think from time to time he airs it out in the pen; who wouldn't with that arm? Last thing you would want to do is mess with his head.

SCNatsFan said...

Oh and that sound you heard after Lombo's performance is Espi taking extra batting practice

Anonymous said...

I was at the game last night and actually witnessed Ankiel's remarkable "no-hop" throw home from center field. It was a "thing of beauty" and made me feel great that I witnessed it, in person!

UNTERP said...

Anonymous said...

I was at the game last night and actually witnessed Ankiel's remarkable "no-hop" throw home from center field. It was a "thing of beauty" and made me feel great that I witnessed it, in person!


Since you are Anonymous, it's like you weren't there...

Anonymous said...

Yea -- As if a name of UNTERP makes you less so.

Atlee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
UNTERP said...

Anonymous said...

Yea -- As if a name of UNTERP makes you less so.


Good come back, original...

Atlee said...

I sit in sec. 113, and Terrance gets old fast when he's prancing back and forth directly in front of you most of the game.

FS said...

this might anger some of us but I still like this better: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOaI2YOFTUI

Doc said...

Long before he was a Nat, I always admired Ankiel for the way he re-oriented his career, and overcame some of the issues he suffered growing up.

Ironic that Rick should have positon player recognition for the accuracy of his arm, given that control wasn't something that he was able to conquer as a pitcher.

Now if he could just start consistently hitting the ball for base hits.

PAY TO PLAY said...

MicheleS, here's a transcript of Strasburg's interview: "Just the way they were kind of checking on some pitches and stuff. Typically kind of the hitter does something a little different on some pitches, and when they know its coming they obviously look very comfortable in there. That’s something I’m going to have to look at on the film and if I am doing it, I know how to fix it. It was more when guys would get in scoring position that I felt like they definitely were kind of seeing pitches a little differently. I don’t think I was throwing any pitches worse or with different kind of movement, but they definitely seemed a little bit more comfortable with guys on second base."

UNTERP said...

Atlee said...

I sit in sec. 113, and Terrance gets old fast when he's prancing back and forth directly in front of you most of the game.

I shouldn't have gotten on Terrance. He threw me a t-shirt once. It's the only time I get new underwear...

NatsNut said...

I have to agree on this one. I'm sure he's a nice guy and he's nothing if not consistent. But Terrance can be a bit much, and that's coming from the 200s where we can't even hear him.

Atlee said...

I sit in sec. 113, and Terrance gets old fast when he's prancing back and forth directly in front of you most of the game.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your comeback, Anon 10:54, to that sarcastic troll UNTERP. I guess he thinks this is his private soapbox and he's the only one who deserves to be heard here. He should think again.

Feel Wood said...

- my family likes the wave and I'm proud of it. (20,000 people working together to have some fun is not a bad thing)

Fine. Do the wave between innings, not during play. The wave distracts people's attention from the game - spectators as well as players. There's nothing wrong with minor distractions taking place in the stands during play - it's not Wimbledon, after all, as someone said - but organized distractions involving thousands of people are inappropriate. It's the same reason they don't run the Presdidents Race or play any of Clint's stupid games during play.

- Terrance is awesome (Clint not so much) - not only does he help get the crowd going, he works very hard - commendable.

If he's really the one responsible for starting the wave during play - and not just during play, at critical moments during play - then it doesn't matter how hard he works. He's an idiot. He should be fired.

PAY TO PLAY said...

Not sure if it was mentioned yet, Nady made an over the shoulder catch running towards the wall in LF that was another key play.

Where Nady doesn't excel is the balls hit to his glove side toward left-center.

Leftfield is a premium offensive position. Morse won't be back for at least another 5 to 6 weeks. The Nats have to solve that hole. I am surprised Bernadina is back to a bench guy as he gives you more tools than Nady and DeRosa and is hitting better than DeRosa against RH pitching. The Shark still isn't the answer, just marginally better I think than the other 2 and yes, get Lombo some time in LF too while he is swinging the bat well.

NatsLady said...

Doc, I'm with you on this one. If Ankiel could bring his hitting up to league median for CF (.264) and keep from getting injured, he would be the everyday centerfielder. We need that more on this team than another LHP. He hit well in ST and his rehabs. Davey said he was more "relaxed" at the plate than he'd ever seen him. So just bring that hitting forward to the season, that would be great.


No, I don't think he's airing out that precious arm in the bullpen and risking injury. (I've never seen him there, but that's not conclusive.)

Also, I notice he hangs with the outfielders.

Section 222 said...

- my family likes the wave and I'm proud of it. (20,000 people working together to have some fun is not a bad thing)
- Terrance is awesome (Clint not so much) - not only does he help get the crowd going, he works very hard - commendable.
- I like the girl cheerleaders too. Lighten up.


Good for you. And lighten up is right. I don't much care for the wave myself (seems so 1990s, and looks alot better in oval football stadiums) but the amount of hate it inspires is ridiculous. I was particularly disappointed to see Zuck call out Terrance on Twitter last night for starting the wave. As if there's something wrong with the team cheerleader trying to encourage the crowd to have fun and enjoy themselves at the game. Sheesh.

UnkyD said...

Speaking of Bo......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHEdsonq6bI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

There are no words.....

A DC Wonk said...

Section 222 said...

If only Schafer had tried to score, we would have been looking at one of the plays of the year. My seats are right behind home plate in 314. That was a thing of beauty to watch. Worth the price of admission right there.


So now all you guys are saying what section you were sitting in? I was on a mission last night to meet some of us folks, and I only knew where sjm308 was sitting (I stopped by, and we had a fun meet-n-greet-n-chat). I was in 310.

As far as the wave goes, I'm not fond of it, but I realize it has it's purpose -- my 17 yr old daughter found it fun and entertaining, and anything that helps a non-baseball-expert enjoy her experience at the ballpark is useful. At the end of the game (in part because the Nats one *and* because she got a ball after she snuck down to the field level seats) she told us after the game that she had a really good time (yay), and that we should come again tonight (can't).

(Last year she attended about 5 Nats games, all of which the Nats lost)

NatsLady said...

FS, just looked at the video, that was a great throw by Ichiro, might have been better than Ankiel's throw to Bixler because Ankiel's had a little bounce, if I recall.

Bowdenball said...

You guys have completely changed my position on the wave. I hate it personally, but maybe I'm just being a grumpy old man who likes baseball a certain way. If the kids like it and they have fun and want to come back, that's the most important thing. Same thing applies to the President's Race, I guess. Now if we can just do something about the people standing in the aisles during pitches.

PAY TO PLAY said...

Just thinking Rizzo needs to upgrade as much as he can in LF until Morse is back, and yes, I would definitely consider Lombo get as much playing time between LF and 2nd base to show us all if he can be an everyday player. I agree that 1 game doesn't define a season but lets see what he can do playing nearly every day.

I think Lombo needs to take the bulk of the starts at 2nd against RH pitching, again to see if he is an upgrade over Espi.

When Espi tried to blame the batter's eye for his problem batting LH in Viera, that may have been partially to blame but the facts are LH this season his K% is 27.3% and he is batting .152 w/ a .293 OBP. Danny's small sample size on RH batting is great but only 3 ABs.

PAY TO PLAY said...

Someone mentioned on another blog that LaRoche should sit tonight in a Lefty/Lefty. LaRoche is 7 for 20 w/ 4 RBIs career vs Wandy Rodriguez. Thats a .350 batting average.

Mark'd said...

P2P, good stats. Since Mark doesn't do his series previews any more, I find that LaRoche stat to be very relevant.

Also agree now is the time to see if Lombo is a stud and play him everyday between 2nd and LF.

Espi's swing and miss in the 2 hole is a problem especially with Zim heating up and Desi en fuego.

NatsLady said...

Radio: I couldn't get any reception on 1580 last night in Fairfax County (Burke) all the way up 395 into the District. It was drowned out by a stronger signal from another station. I finally put on MLB audio on my cell, but that cuts out (routinely) around the Pentagon/Memorial bridge.

Is there another station in that long list that has some reception in Northern Virginia?

UNTERP said...

I don't really have a problem with the wave. And really, if people really like doing it, fine. But the wave started in the bottom of the six inning when Strasburg was in the mix of the most important part of the game and it was distracting...

As for my trolling, okay...

Candide said...

Just got back from the Potomac taking space shuttle photos and posting them on Facebook, so apologies for being late here.

But, Oh. My. God. I've never seen a throw like that in my life. When I saw the fly ball, I said a bad word to Cunegonde, followed by, "That brings a run in..." And then I realized it was Ankiel. From section 219, when the ball was at the top of its arc, you could see it was going to hit Ramos right in the chest.

It was the most perfect throw, ever.

Everyone around me was laughing out loud when it hit Ramos, because when you see something like that, utterly unbelievable and utterly unexpected and utterly delightful, all you can do is laugh for the sheer joy of having seen it.

"Have a good evening!" an usher commanded as we left. "Thanks, we already did!" I replied.

whatsanattau said...

I sit in 110 most games but rewards points and supplemental purchases take me all around. I've been directly in front of Terrance enough times that he might even recognize me on the street and I rather enjoy his work. I never noticed him starting the wave but if Mark says he did, then he did. I'm not big on that.

I do consider myself a serious baseball fan but I don't take myself or the game too seriously. I'm not unduly distracted by the wave for a few of rounds. I recommend you take a few minutes out from the game periodically to watch the faces of the kids, students, and parents anticipating the next wave - its pretty cool.

(Now on the other hand, the people who get up mid at bat and block everybody's view while cluelessly making their way to the concessions are pretty iritating.)

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

UN Terp's not anonymous, we know who he is. Lots of people in here know one another personally. It's a nickname. But there are some legit posters using anonymous.

Candide said...

UNTERP said...I shouldn't have gotten on Terrance. He threw me a t-shirt once. It's the only time I get new underwear...

You, sir, owe me a new keyboard. I'll never get all that coffee out.

fast eddie said...

Admittedly, a small sample size, but here are a couple of Nats' hitting stats through the first ten games:
On the plus side--
--2nd in MLB in walks (45)
--8th in MLB in OBP (.334)

The negative--
--1st in LOB (90, or 9 per game)
--4th in SO

Candide said...

I like the wave just fine - it's part of the silly happy that is a baseball game - but when it breaks up on the shoals when there are only about 10,000 people in the stands, it can be rather sad. Nats should institute a policy banning anyone from starting a wave until there's been an announcement that the paid attendance is over 25,000, on pain of having to catch a 310-foot Ankiel mortar shell barehanded.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Fast Eddie, is that 4th in strike outs per 9 innings, or overall? Because they've played a lot of innings.

MicheleS said...

On the wave.. It can get annoying when I can't see the game play, but for the most part, I ignore and quietly protest when other's start harrassing me for not participating.

Also agree on people getting up in the middle of play to go to the concessions... ugh.

NatsLady said...

Sofa, very true, I believe UNTerp explained his name a while back and shouldn't have to do so every day.

I don't mind the Anons, and I hope JayB is not gone for good. I regard JayB as "critical" rather than "negative" and he makes good points. Sorry if peric and Bold-Anon are the same person because I like them both. There is an anon who makes one-line posts (e.g., "Bernadina would have caught that double in the 11th.") Those really make me think and I'm glad for them.

As for people who think I post too much, well, it comes in spurts... I try to put up stats and links if I can because I know some people are following from work and don't have time to be chasing around.

PAY TO PLAY said...

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...
UN Terp's not anonymous, we know who he is. Lots of people in here know one another personally. It's a nickname. But there are some legit posters using anonymous.

April 17, 2012 11:47 AM

That's very true. We had a big get together of NI's in Spring Training this year. The only one close to Anonymous I ever met on here was Anonymous8 in Spring Training this year because he was sitting with NatsJack and introduced himself.

He doesn't post much as I don't either. At least we can identify him as A8. Its a handle. An identifier. For all we know there are 50 different Anonymous people posting. Some are kind enough to sign their names at the bottom like DFH21.

fast eddie said...

Soul Possession:
Good point.
It's 80 total SO for ten games, which includes several extra inning games (3-4?)

ExposedinDC said...

Nats lady don't change a thing

NatsLady said...

Baseball Reference after 11 games has the Nats 2nd in OBP in the NL at .344, 85 K's, tied with SD at 50 BB (1 intentional, so mostly they had to work for 'em).

By plate appearances (Nats at league-high 454) the Nats ratio of K/PA's is .187. The Giants have 52 K's over 386 PA's, so their ratio is .134. Definitely room for improvement.

BaseballReference 2012 NL Stats

http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2012.shtml

FS said...

Natslady, this one you meant? http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18547875&topic_id=&c_id=mlb&tcid=vpp_copy_18547875&v=3

I will give Rick credit for covering more ground but I have noticed Ichiro's throws seem more direct, not have as much flight as Ankiel's

NatsLady said...

Thanks, Expos. Not planning on it. You hang in there, too.

MicheleS said...

Boz is brining it in the WaPO Chat today:
I love the professional idiot comment.


Q:Strasburg
I love watching this guy pitch, am retired so was able to travel around and catch many of his minor league performances. However, it bothers me no end to hear Schilling and others say that it is "inevitable" his shoulder will break down sooner rather than later, unless he alters his pitching motion. He has to be aware of these comments. Has he discounted them or is he taking steps to allay these concerns?
– April 17, 2012 9:29 AM Permalink
A.
Thomas Boswell :
He's aware of it all. He thinks there is (a lot) more danger in changing the mechanics that have worked all your life.

On TV, Schilling is a professional idiot. These days, that's a lucrative and well-established career path and he's following it admirably. What annoys me is not their opinions; they may prove correct in this case. It's their fake certainty. And that's all it is __a sane but unprovable opinion that is amped up to fake certainty to get more attention.

NatsLady said...

FS, yes, that's the one I meant. Also watched the Bo video, truly amazing, and boy, I had forgotten the tight pants.

A DC Wonk said...

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Fast Eddie, is that 4th in strike outs per 9 innings, or overall? Because they've played a lot of innings.


Overall, the Nats are top in MLB in K's.

NatsNuts said...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/post/whats-gotten-into-craig-stammen/2012/04/17/gIQAhjt7MT_blog.html?wprss=rss_nationals-journal

All the others are so late to the game on Stammen. NatsInsiders recognized early in Spring Training that he looked different, was throwing different, and deserved a spot on the bullpen regardless of Minor League options.

Kudos to the person who pointed out early on in ST that Stammen looked beefed up and ready to make a run at it. I think the quote was "Larger in butt and legs"

Detwiler, clueless as usual, “I don’t know what’s got into Stammen,” Detwiler said. “He’s just striking everybody out.”

A DC Wonk said...

Kudos to the person who pointed out early on in ST that Stammen looked beefed up and ready to make a run at it. I think the quote was "Larger in butt and legs"

As Tom Seaver used to preach (and he taught it to Nolan Ryan) the secret to power is in the legs.

Bowdenball said...

Thanks for that, MicheleS.

Predicting with certainty that a certain event will occur at an unspecified time is the oldest commentary trick in the book. If you're right, you look like a genius. If you're wrong, you can just keep pointing out that it still might happen, and by the time the window has closed (in this case, Strasburg's career) too much time has passed and nobody cares enough to call you on it.

It's editorializing for people who don't have real opinions.

rogieshan said...

Would Espinosa consider giving up switch-hitting from the left side? I guess a decision like that always rests with the player. Didn't Nook Logan give it up at some point? (Not that it helped in any way.)

Gonat said...

A DC Wonk said...
Kudos to the person who pointed out early on in ST that Stammen looked beefed up and ready to make a run at it. I think the quote was "Larger in butt and legs"

As Tom Seaver used to preach (and he taught it to Nolan Ryan) the secret to power is in the legs.

April 17, 2012 12:43 PM
___________________________

You are correct and that is what Detwiler has to learn. The off-season is so important for getting some rest and then getting back on adding muscle. Same thing Lannan did before the 2011 season.

Billy Wagner is a small guy and he said that about himself that his power all comes from his lower body.

natsfan1a said...

Also the Masters. :-)

UNTERP said...

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Not a wave fan, but baseball isn't Wimbledon, either.

Now, I would definitely be a fan of the wave at Wimbledon...
April 17, 2012 10:44 AM

natsfan1a said...

UNTERP is en fuego. :-D

UNTERP said...

I shouldn't have gotten on Terrance. He threw me a t-shirt once. It's the only time I get new underwear...
April 17, 2012 10:59 AM

blovy8 said...

It was inevitable that a fat boy like Schilling would blow out a tendon supporting that weight. Sadly, he had a performance-enhancing physician staple his ankle back together without considering the benefits of also stapling his mouth.

Anonymous said...

Not only does natsfan1a post too much, natsfan1a needs to learn not to include the entirety of whatever post natsfan1a is commenting on every time natsfan1a posts. Which BTW is too much.

Alan_A said...

Count me against the wave (again). It's one thing in football, where there are plenty of moments of complete non-action. It's another thing during a key situation. I'm still wondering if Strasburg wasn't distracted by it - it happened during the first two at-bats in the sixth, when he gave up the no-out singles to Schafer and Lowrie.

I wasn't aware that Terrance started it (maybe I missed that - I was watching from my regular seat in 208) - but he sure was egging it on. To me, just one more part of the Nats' amateurish marketing - "Oh, we're so sorry that baseball is boring, we'd get rid of it completely if we weren't, you know, a baseball club, but we'll make sure you don't have to watch it or enjoy it or know anything about it..."

Getting off soapbox... but just for now...

natsfan1a said...

I'm with FeelWood on timing of the wave.

DC Wonk, fwiw, I seem to recall that sec 222 posted his location last night (it was in the 300s if memory serves), but it must have been after you signed off.

Last but not least, hope you got some good pics, Candide. I was going to park along the Potomac and watch for it, but got a late start because I misplaced my keys (I hate when that happens). Found another set and was heading north on Route 1 just a little before 10. I'm sitting at a red light and all of sudden I see the 747, shuttle, and escort jet overhead. I'm yelling OMG, that is [extremely] awesome. I look over the the guy in the car next to me is looking up and doing the same. Then we made eye contact and grinned. My husband drove over the the Udvar-Hazy (he works out that way) and evidently got lots of good pics.

Anonymous said...

http://www.bulletsforever.com/2012/4/17/2954996/john-wall-washington-wizards-charity-games

Gonat said...You are correct and that is what Detwiler has to learn. The off-season is so important for getting some rest and then getting back on adding muscle.
April 17, 2012 1:26 PM

Interesting point you brought up. This article on John Wall above questions playing basketball during the off-season vs. working out. I was concerned that HenRod, Ramos and Flores played too much during the off-season and had very little rest from the time Winter League ended to the time Pitchers & Catchers had to report.

natsfan1a said...

Oh, is it already time for my annual "leave me alone" post? Nah, probably not. :-)

Anonymous said...

Not only does natsfan1a post too much, natsfan1a needs to learn not to include the entirety of whatever post natsfan1a is commenting on every time natsfan1a posts. Which BTW is too much.
April 17, 2012 1:36 PM

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

It's a taste/style/culture thing, a perception. The casual fans don't see a baseball game like it's a movie, where standing up in front of someone is considered rude--it's more like a concert at a pop music club, where people get up and down and come and go all the time.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

And 1a is inimitable and irreplaceable, implacable and imperturbable.

NatsJack headin to the Tune Inn said...

Keep up the posts 1a. Love it when neganons get agravated with us regulars.

baseballswami said...

Back to talking about "the throw" and away from throwing stones at other posters ----- When you watch a replay of it, you don't even see the throw, the camera people were completely clueless and were actually covering home base waiting for the run and the play at home. It's only after you watch the that first replay that you start getting other angles and seeing it. Attention camera guys-- follow the game and if Ankiel is throwing - make sure you film it. Re: in-game entertainment - fun at minor league games. I don't particularly like it at NatsPark but realize that a lot of people are just there to hang out and it entertains them. I think the wave is annoying during the game because it blocks my view. I also don't like it when people try to pressure you to join in. I will let you amuse yourself if you let me watch the game. I have to realize I take the game more seriously than a lot of people do and we also want casual fans and kids to enjoy the experience. Can we co-exist? I think so.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Speaking of mastery, and lessons

Gonat said...

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa, its this new breed of bandwagon fans. Saturday's game was the largest walk-up crowd ever for a Nats game. The news reported 6.500 walk-up tickets but they actually sold 9,000 if you include the online purchases. Most of those fans were the bandwagon types.

Anonymous said...

It was a great throw. But, I am glad Zuckerman mentioned the mis-play - it was worse than the throw was great. Ankiel's great arm is a luxury. He needs to use his legs and his glove much more than he needs to show off his arm. I don't care what the official scorer called it this morning, it was a bad jump on a ball he needs to catch.

NatsJack in Alexandria said...

By the way.....the wave has no business in any sporting event attended by knowledgeable sport fans in any sport. It most definitely signafies a complete lack of interest in the product on the field.

Can you imagine a wave taking place at a St. Louis Cardinals game?

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Needs to catch, agree completely, as I'm sure he would. But that was a very hard hit ball, right at him. Lots of really good center fielders have misplayed those. He's actually in the worst seat in the house for seeing "how far is that one going?" As discussed previously. Tough play. Since he normally gets a pretty good jump, and it didn't cost a game, I'm inclined to overlook it this time. Which must make Rick feel so relieved.

sjm308 said...

Why can't we all just get along??

Can you imagine what this would be like if we were 3-8?

Like others, I miss JayB and I also enjoy Peric's baseball commentary. I don't always agree but both make you think and bring a lot. I can always do without the sarcasm/mean spirited stuff but that's just me. I am also in the camp that even though we will never meet 90% of the posters we still have an idea of who is saying what. I also realize anyone can post as anyone which would defeat that purpose as well but people, its a baseball blog! The anon camp is solidly behind not disclosing even a nickname and we will not change that but I still like knowing when its natsjack or unterp or sofa in his various new forms.

Erik, I understand that Ankiel's throw yesterday was classic. I just loved watching the entire play last year. Werth dove for the ball, missed, Ankiel was backing up and it had rolled all the way to the right-center fence. I believe it was Reyes but it certainly was someone fast and he had just cruised around 2nd and was easing into 3rd when BAM! there was the ball! I honestly think that throw was even farther then last night and we will just have to disagree on which is better but they certainly both were great.

Also thought he should have had an error on the linedrive but it was a tough play.

I now actually can recognize one member of NatsInsider (go Wonk) and I explained to my group that if they ever needed help with parabola's this was the man to see. I also let Wonk know that I actually pay these guys to sit with me.

Great fun last night and I can't wait for Thursday!!(20 game package is heavy on early season games)

Go Nats!

Mark'd said...

Gonat, from my vantage point early on Saturday, I wouldn't consider the middle aged guys grabbing bobbleheads bandwagon fans, more like scavengers. The 9,000 was more like 8,900 bandwagon + 100 scavengers.

Gonat said...

Anonymous said...
It was a great throw. But, I am glad Zuckerman mentioned the mis-play - it was worse than the throw was great. Ankiel's great arm is a luxury. He needs to use his legs and his glove much more than he needs to show off his arm. I don't care what the official scorer called it this morning, it was a bad jump on a ball he needs to catch.

April 17, 2012 1:55 PM
_________________________________

I agree with that, plus he sheepishly jogged after the ball after he missed it. Mattheus didn't deserve that Earned Run against his record.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Gonat, we're going to have to get used to it. We want the team to draw well, and to do that, they have to get new people who weren't coming before, and those people are going to be casual fans, if at all, of the game itself. That's just how it is. It takes a really long time, and probably some pretty specific conditions, to build a large, knowledgeable fan base, and even then, it's bound to be pretty diverse in opinions of how to watch a ball game. So we are going to have to get used to it, or else sit in front so they don't block the views.

Section 222 said...

I'd much prefer a packed stadium full of bandwagoners doing the wave and having a great time, then a game played in front of knowledgable, intimate crowd of the 9,000 of us who watched the games on MASN back in 2007. And if Strasburg was actually distracted by the wave, then .... Nah, no way he was distracted by the wave so I won't even say it.

At basketball games, people seated behind the baseline try to distract someone at the free throw line. Same with placekickers in football, and a very loud crowd can make it hard for the opposing team to hear the quarterback's count. But in baseball, what's the effect of crowd noise? We cheer and go crazy when Zim is up with the bases loaded in a tie game. And we cheer and go crazy when H-Rod has two strikes on someone in the bottom of the ninth. The Phans do the same in Philly when we're there. So is loud noise and people on their feet cheering and clapping good for the pitcher or the batter?? Hmmmmmm.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Quiet, please--Mr. Root is serving to Mr. Ruth.

A DC Wonk said...

Not only does natsfan1a post too much, natsfan1a needs to learn not to include the entirety of whatever post natsfan1a is commenting on every time natsfan1a posts. Which BTW is too much.


Speaking of too much . . . ahem. There are a lot of anonymous postings, no?

But, in any event, Mr (or Ms) Anonymous, let me introduce you to the down arrow on your keyboard, so you can skip the stuff you deem annoying. It's to the right of the letters.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Can you imagine what this would be like if we were 3-8?

Alas, we don't have to imagine. We already know very well.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

They're just trying to wind somebody up, Wonk. No use being rational when that's the case.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Hey, am I at my quota yet? I got other things to do...

UNTERP said...

I just want to make one last comment, since the ANON angst was pointed against me specifically. First thank all of you defenders of free speech and Mark for allowing me and we to post here.

The ANON is right, I am sarcastic, and I do use this as my soapbox. He or she is very perceptive and insightful. But more than anything I am sanctimonious and I definitely have an edge to my commentary. You are right.

At the same time, I am not always sarcastic but this is my general way of communicating. The ANON seems to think I came down on him or her and rightfully let me have it back. I was attempting to be humorous, and you know it, but as Feel Wood once corrected me you seized the opportunity (Cease the Opportunity=UNTERP) to attack me, good.

As for the Terrance comment, I really wasn't trying to be sarcastic about the underwear and him tossing me a t-shirt. If you saw my t-shirt drawer, I literally wouldn't have any new t-shirts if it wasn't for the giveaways, and I felt remorse for attacking Terrance. You don't bite the hand that feeds you. Enough said...

Section 222 said...

I believe it was Reyes but it certainly was someone fast and he had just cruised around 2nd and was easing into 3rd when BAM! there was the ball!

It was Reyes. One of my favorite plays of the year, mostly because Reyes went absolutely ballistic after being called out. Replays showed he was right, but it was still a great throw.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

I'm pretty sure it wasn't the same anon that fired back, CtO.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Oh, yeah! The Reyes play. I'd forgotten that one. Man, was he steamed! That was pretty funny.

You may be posting too much when said...

Your total number of comments in a thread is greater than all the Anonymous comments put together.

(Looking at you, NatsLady, natsfan1a and Sofa.)

FS said...

Which Reyes play, sec 3?

can we all agree to talk about each other's opinions, instead of each other, how everyone writes their posts, and their number of posts?

natsfan1a said...

Thanks, Sec3 and NatsJack. (Loved the video, very calming. One of my favorite songs and singers.)

On a baseball note, that was an awesome moment with Reyes. He was definitely not a happy camper. :-)

Feel Wood said...

My T shirt drawer is full of giveaway shirts, but none of them came from Terrance. So I certainly don't feel bad saying he should be fired for starting the wave during play. Perhaps he could become this year's version of that usher who used to do his interpretive dance to Sweet Caroline on top of the dugout, until enough fan outrage forced management to Patterson him.

blovy8 said...

Yes, but who is the Anonymoust?

sjm308 said...

FS - it was last year, don't have the exact date but Erik and I both love Ankiel's arm and were politely arguing about which throw was better. He liked last night, I liked last year. Neither of us disliked anything which is great. I think Sec 222 linked it, which of course I am incapable of doing until I meet with 1a. Problem is, she is always posting and probably won't have time for me. That was a joke people. I already am avoiding blatchebooing anon and the beer pouring and don't want any other negativity.

Go Nats!!

sjm308 said...

Is it incapable or uncapable?

You really need to find a hobby when said...

You are counting the number of comments by other posters.

sjm308 said...

I honestly hate posting so many times and thanks to Sec 222 but I just looked at that link and that is NOT the play I remember. It was to right center, Werth dove, missed the ball and Ankiel backing him up fired it from the fence all the way to 3rd in the air. We all know that I am suffering from o.l.d. but I am fairly positive this play did occur.

Gonat said...

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2012/04/17/sports/baseball/nationals-begin-to-see-their-moves-pay-off.xml

Nice Nats story all the way from the New York Times, say what?

MicheleS said...

SJM308.. Are you on the Teddy Plan?

JamesFan said...

All last year Ankiel saved a ton of runs just with the threat of throwing from center. Last night he demonstrated why they often don't even try to test him. I hope he stays the everyday guy in center until the prodigy arrives. He hits as well as Bernie, defends a little better (despite last night's error) and has the rifle arm that Bernie doesn't have.

Section 222 said...

sjm, perhaps you're thinking of this Ankiel throw on August 28 against the Red, which I agree was even better (and actually got the guy out). It wasn't Reyes running though.

Gonat said...

http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2012/04/17/Franchises/Nats.aspx

Mark Zuckerman is prominently quoted in the Sports Business Journal regarding the attendance last evening for Strasburg's start.

SFNats said...

Gonat said...
Soul Possession, PFB Sofa, its this new breed of bandwagon fans. Saturday's game was the largest walk-up crowd ever for a Nats game. The news reported 6.500 walk-up tickets but they actually sold 9,000 if you include the online purchases. Most of those fans were the bandwagon types.


Don't be too hard on the casual fans and the bandwagon fans. They pay the bills. You're never going to draw 30,000 hardcore baseball fans every night, but if the team's winning and the experience is fun, you can draw big crowds.

That said, anyone instigating a wave during a critical moment in the game should be shipped to Gitmo without possibility of parole.

Anonymous said...

Bandwagon fans are a downer for me. While I can appreciate they are helping the teams economy, the wave and other annoying clicky things.

I stopped attending Caps games because all of the bandwagon stupidity. They yell during the Star Spangled Banner "O" and "Red" which really ticks me off and the chants and horn blasts are just too rehearsed. It just reminds me too much of my days in a fraternity which was okay when I was 20. They don't know the red line from the blue line and really don't care. The money being flashed at Caps games blows away anything seen at any of the other local sporting events. $175 for a lower level seat vs. $40 for a corner lower level seat at Nats Park is much more enjoyable. No wave with my seat please. Down in front.

John C. said...

I was in Section 311 last night; great place to view Ankiel's throw. If you were there you probably heard me - I view baseball as a participatory sport. So I yell helpful suggestions or observations ("that was not a very good pitch" after the Astro starter bounced a pitch). Based on another web site's traditions, a mound visit from the Nationals' pitching coach is a "McChatty," and I announce it accordingly. No profanity or personal attacks - it's all in good fun :)

But for Ankiel's throw, I just cheered. No words were necessary!

baseballswami said...

Can we talk about the games, please - people sure are being testy! One thing I absolutely, positively cannot stand is people yelling O during the national anthem. This is NOT BalMer and it's disrespectful. I would not do a nats kind of thing in anyone else's park. By the way, had some relatives that are Phans down for a game. Apparently THEY don't have ANY of that GAUCHE kind of fan thing at THEIR ballpark. THEY take things much too SERIOUSLY for that. I really don't want to become like them....

Pot calling kettle black said...

Can we talk about the games, please - people sure are being testy! One thing I absolutely, positively cannot stand is people yelling O during the national anthem

Gonat said...

baseballswami said...
One thing I absolutely, positively cannot stand is people yelling O during the national anthem. This is NOT BalMer and it's disrespectful. I would not do a nats kind of thing in anyone else's park. April 17, 2012 3:31
_____________________________________

I think those are "O" from the Caps fans, not Whorioles fans, why would they be at a Nats game? I noticed it on Saturday for the 1st time in a long time. Luckily it was almost drowned out. I saw many Capitals caps at the game. Again, bandwagon fans.

Has anyone seen today's lineup? Seems that it should be online by now. Wonder if Davey is re-contemplating.

Candide said...

natsfan1a said...Last but not least, hope you got some good pics, Candide.

Click on my avatar, then click on "Nails on Blackboards" to get to my blog and the half-decent shots I got (I did not post the half-indecent ones). Warning: Blog contains snarky political/social/current events commentary at the approximate polar opposite of FergusonFoont's opinions on same (whose baseball opinions I respect nonetheless...).

Anonymous said...

There you go: Posted a minute ago by Mark Z.

Mark Zuckerman ‏ @MarkZuckerman
#FirstPlaceNats vs #Astros: Desmond 6, Espinosa 4, Zimmerman 5, Werth 8, LaRoche 3, DeRosa 9, Nady 7, Flores 2, Gonzalez 1.

Steady Eddie said...

While I doubt very much that the bandwagon fans have any part in this, one positive difference I've seen in the crowds this year is that many of them will join in and sustain the "let's go Nats!" cheer or rhythmic clapping at the right time (e.g. two strike pitches) without prompting from the PA.

Last year (except for a very few games like against the Cards in that great six run comeback in May) and before, people were either too busy texting or chatting with their friends to ever bother to cheer the team. The only people I could get to join me in a "let's go Nats" cheer were the little twin girls in the ST holder family in the row behind us.

Makes me feel we're starting to get a real fan base.

natsfan1a said...

LOL, I'll always have time for you, sjm. :-)

sjm308 said...

FS - it was last year, don't have the exact date but Erik and I both love Ankiel's arm and were politely arguing about which throw was better. He liked last night, I liked last year. Neither of us disliked anything which is great. I think Sec 222 linked it, which of course I am incapable of doing until I meet with 1a. Problem is, she is always posting and probably won't have time for me. That was a joke people. I already am avoiding blatchebooing anon and the beer pouring and don't want any other negativity.

Go Nats!!
April 17, 2012 2:42 PM

natsfan1a said...

sjm, was it Ankiel throwing out Bay?

natsfan1a said...

Thanks, Candide. I think the shots you got are very nice.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Your total number of comments in a thread is greater than all the Anonymous comments put together.

Why, thank you. I was beginning to think you were scrolling past me. I go to a lot of trouble to keep up the pace, and it's nice to see someone is noticing. Makes me warm in several places.

natsfan1a said...

Just remember re. the pace: marathon, sprint, yada yada yada. :-)

DHamm said...

I hate The Wave. I hate it at baseball, football, hockey and basketball games. I'm not going to participate in it, and I'm not going to pay attention to it.

But I respect the fact that others enjoy it. So be it.

However, the worst was the crowd getting a wave going at FedEx WHEN THE REDSKINS HAD THE BALL! Stupid.

So, if others want to do it, fine. Just try to do it when it will not hurt the home team? Please?

Post a Comment