Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Game 5: Nats at Mets

Associated Press photo
Ross Detwiler makes his season debut tonight at Citi Field.
They won two nailbiters, and now they've lost two nailbiters. Eventually, the Nationals will play a game that doesn't come down to the ninth inning, right? Right?

Perhaps that will happen tonight in the second of a three-game series against the Mets. Ross Detwiler becomes the final member of the rotation to make his season debut, and this will be the left-hander's first opportunity to justify the Nationals' last-minute decision to hand him the job over John Lannan. If he pitches the way he did last September and this spring, Detwiler should be just fine.

A couple of changes to Davey Johnson's lineup: Steve Lombardozzi and Xavier Nady each get the start. Lombardozzi, who has seen a little bit of time in left field so far, will start at second base. (Danny Espinosa, who got elbowed in the head in the ninth inning last night, gets the day off.) Nady, meanwhile, starts in left field, with Mark DeRosa (0-for-the-season) taking a seat.

As you know, I'm not in New York for this series. Enjoy the game and the conversation as always...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at NEW YORK METS
Where: Citi Field
Gametime: 7:10 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: WFED (1500 AM), WHFS (1580 AM), XM 183
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 58 degrees, Wind 13 mph out to RF
NATIONALS (2-2)
SS Ian Desmond
2B Steve Lombardozzi
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
RF Jayson Werth
LF Xavier Nady
CF Roger Bernadina
C Wilson Ramos
P Ross Detwiler

METS (4-0)
SS Ruben Tejada
2B Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
LF Jason Bay
RF Lucas Duda
1B Evan Turner
CF Scott Hairston
C Mike Nickeas
P Dillon Gee

UMPIRES
HP Brian Gorman, 1B Larry Vanover, 2B Tony Randazzo, 3B Todd Tichenor

240 comments:

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UNTERP said...

I'll have my Bourbon tonight...

Joe Seamhead said...

We should start a pool to bet which starting pitcher gets the first win. I've got Ross!

lesatcsc said...

Let's go Lombo! Let's start a second base controversy!

Steady Eddie said...

Hmmmm... so now the learner HP ump (who ejected 4 guys from a 2007 Twins-Bosox game as a MiLB callup) and the less-than-competent 2B ump get to blow calls at 3B and 1B, respectively.

Not respectfully.

And neither of these guys is Joe West.

Past time to have electronic sensors and computers call balls and strikes. Let the HP ump call fouls, HBPs, and safe/outs at home. That's enough damage.

baseballswami said...

What is the highest number of innings by RossD in the last year or so? I am thinking he is not so stretched out because he was expecting to be in the bullpen. I predict a Craig Stammen appearance. And - it is about time for one of our starters to be an actual W. Of the curly variety,please.

NatsLady said...

Off topic-- Detroit looks really good.

Just sayin' said...

NatsLady - you are absolutely 110% correct on that one. I've watched three of their games and they are the class of the AL, its seems.

Tcostant said...

I kind of like this lineup, I see 6 runs tonight...

jd said...

NatsLady,

I still think playing Miggi Cabrera at 3rd base and Fielder at 1st will bite them in the ass eventually.

UNTERP said...

jd said...

NatsLady,

I still think playing Miggi Cabrera at 3rd base and Fielder at 1st will bite them in the ass eventually.


Yeah, but we don't live in eventually...

Anonymous said...

I still think playing Miggi Cabrera at 3rd base and Fielder at 1st will bite them in the ass eventually.

That league has a DH where they can hide one or the other. The Tigers aren't worried.

Anonymous said...

Let's go Lombo! Let's start a second base controversy!

Precautionary move by Davey after Espinosa got smacked down at first.

NatsLady said...

Is Espi OK? Just getting a day off, I hope, and Lombo getting a start before he gets sent down?

Cwj said...

Swami- Detwiler's longest outing last year was also his best. 7.1 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO in a Nats win.
But he only went 6 innings or more in 5 of his 10 starts.
Not sure about the previous couple of seasons.

baseballswami said...

Miggi made a gold glove play at third -- Prince is picking it at first. Don't count them out. And then of course there is Verlander.......

FS said...

people forget about fister and porcello is only 22 or 23 years old. however I think Rays can be better than them.

Anonymous said...

Is Espi OK? Just getting a day off, I hope, and Lombo getting a start before he gets sent down?

Davey appears to be a lot more cautious when it comes to injuries as opposed to Riggleman. Watching Riggleman trot LaRoche out every night with the shoulder problem was beyond pathetic ... really pathetic. And I said as much. If it had that effect on me have to wonder if maybe Riggleman's inability to manage a major league ball club didn't have a bit of an effect on how this team is managed today where injuries are concerned.

baseballswami said...

CWJ - thanks -- I hope he has been eating lots of cookies! I would love to see him come out with some edge. He pitches better with some Natitude. Maybe winning this spot, even temporarily ( if it is) may give him a confidence boost. Does anybody actually think we will see Wang anytime soon?

NatsLady said...

Fister is on the DL.

DETROIT -- Detroit right-hander Doug Fister is headed to the disabled list after he left his first start of the season Saturday with a left-side injury.

The Tigers announced after their 10-0 victory over Boston that Fister will go on the 15-day DL on Sunday, and the team will recall RHP Brayan Villarreal from Triple-A Toledo prior to the game.

Cwj said...

Swami- No problem :)
It's fun to keep game logs for all the pitchers.
Mine are written in pencil on paper, but they can be found online as well.
I thought about tracking the hitters games, but that would be a little too tedious for me :-)

I'd like to see Wang back at some point. I thought he looked good in that ST game before he got injured. I was very impressed with all of his pitches.
But, I'm pessimistic that we'll ever see him pitch for the Nats for more than a couple games. He seems to be snake-bit, with all the weird injuries.

NatsJack in Florida said...

After seeing Chis Sale last night, Detwiler looks like Hulk Hogan compared to him.

Cwj said...

NatsLady- Seems like the DL's have been steadily filling up for all teams since March began, doesn't it?

Did anyone see Moore pitch for the Rays today?
I read that he was a bit wild.
Apparently he's considered to be a Strasburg type but without the pinpoint control of SS.

Anonymous said...

Wright is not playing tonight? Really ? Is that just a rumor?

TimDz said...

I'd like to see Wang back at some point. I thought he looked good in that ST game before he got injured. I was very impressed with all of his pitches.
But, I'm pessimistic that we'll ever see him pitch for the Nats for more than a couple games. He seems to be snake-bit, with all the weird injuries.
-------------------------

I just have this impression of CMW leaving the dugout to take the field, then tripping on the last step and doing a face-plant.
Dude needs Yoga...or ballet maybe...
(btw...I am not wanting this to happen...I'm merely commenting on the "snake bitten" aspect of his career...)

NatsLady said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
NatsLady said...

David Wright was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against the Nationals with a bruised right pinkie.
Wright feels pain in his right hand when swinging, but X-rays were negative on the pinkie and Mets manager Terry Collins told reporters that the 29-year-old third baseman should be ready to play Wednesday. Wright is 7-for-12 this season with a home run and four RBI. Ronny Cedeno is filling in at third base against the Nats.

jd said...

Swami,

Miggi was a butcher at 3rd base for the Marlins 5 years ago. Now he's older and slower. Neither he or Fielder is DHing. I predict that this won't end well for the Tigers.

Will said...

It's a bit odd that the players who fared best during Spring Training (Zimmerman, Werth and DeRosa) have been awful so far, while the guys who struggled (LaRoche and Desmond) have played the best.

Coincidence?

NatsLady said...

Now they are saying Friday for Wright's return to the line-up.

Wright scratched

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/7796994/new-york-mets-david-wright-scratched-due-bruised-pinkie

Fine with me.

Will said...

Hmm, looking at the final ST stats, I didn't realize how poorly Werth finished (Zimmerman too), and how strongly Desmond finished. I guess it's all about getting some momentum as the season begins.

Cwj said...

So Wright will get to hit against Strasburg tomorrow with a bruised finger?
I definitely don't envy him making any contact against 97mph bat-breaking fastballs inside!
Ouch! :-)

Cwj said...

NatsLady- Oh ok. Probably a wise decision by the Mets :-)

Anonymous said...

Looking at the advanced stats Werth wasn't bad ... just not even close to what you'd expect for the highest paid player on a team. He appears to clearly be in decline. Also, even with the strikeouts he and Espinosa didn't do that badly ... now Desmond on the other hand ... not so hot.

I'm more concerned about Desmond's trend ... again no walks, swing at everything from leadoff ... stark difference in yesterday's game. Lombardozzi as a PH leads off and works a walk ... Desmond follows and is unable to lay down a bunt to move him up. Speaks volumes at least to me. Desmond may be on his way out.

Jayson Werth 649 PA, .332 wOBA, 6.5 bRAA
Danny Espinosa 658 PA, .331 wOBA, 6.1 bRAA

Ian Desmond 639 PA, .310 wOBA, -5.4 bRAA

Anonymous said...

Werth is the highest paid per year and Jackson is third - ouch.

Anonymous said...

Is it too early to start beating up on Werth? He doesn't look any different than he did all last season. Taking a first pitch called strike, swinging at a ball at his ankles and grounding into a rally killing double play.

Anonymous said...

this is off topic but heres a link to a radio interview a mets cross checking scout did with dc 106.7 the fan about strasburg,zimmermann and pitching in general,it has some really interesting stuff,nats fans should listen to it

http://nyc.podcast.play.it/media/d0/d0/d0/dV/dG/dF/dJ/VGFJ_3.MP3

Wadlez said...

Morse shut down indefinately................................. horrible news

NG said...

Um, where does it say this guy is a Mets cross-checking scout? He describes himself as a "nobody."

NatsLady said...

Here is news on Morse.

Morse out indefinitely

http://dc.sbnation.com/washington-nationals/2012/4/10/2939481/michael-morse-will-not-play-in-washington-nationals-home-opener

I KNEW KNEW KNEW it. Storen and Morse.

NatsLady said...

Kilgore tweet:

Davey says Morse had trouble reaching the shortstop from left field and took himself out of the game in Hagerstown. "That stresses me.

MicheleS said...

Okay. Ross, have a big dinner and pitch 7 innings please!

Anonymous said...

Morse = pretty frickin un-bueno

Wadlez said...

And screwed.....

Anonymous said...

At least Werth is 100% healthy...

NatsLady said...

Tweet about yesterday's game, which was the first time Morse played the field. (Suspicious, to me).

"Didn't even attempt to throw out runner in 1st inning yesterday on a flyball in medium-shallow LF"

Anonymous said...

Any chance that Morse's issues are related to coming off steroids? He used to juice.

Mick said...

What the hell.... I can't believe this shit is happening, this is 1970 all over again. Storen, Morse, whats next??

Sam said...

Is Todd Tichenor the umpire who threw out Roy Oswalt a few years ago against us?

Anonymous said...

Any chance that Morse's issues are related to coming off steroids? He used to juice.

Nah, Roger Clemens lasted a long time didn't he? If anything using steroids helps ameliorate injuries incurred athletically.

Morse has had a history of injuries going quite a ways back. His most serious was to his shoulder after colliding with a wall while still with the Mariners. He missed the entire year due to surgery and ended up back in AAA afterward. He ended up as a bat (amazingly improved after the injury!) without a position as a result. It may be that same shoulder is still an issue?

Anonymous said...

Corey, Bryce and TMo had better step it up in Syracuse they might be needed.

Anonymous said...

Brace yourselves. This was the point last year that the Zimmerman hate started. Morse is about to become public enemy #1...

Theophilus said...

Steroids typically affect tendons and ligaments.

natsfan1a said...

Maybe when they flipped the switch some went to "on" and others to "off." Nah. :-)

Will said...

It's a bit odd that the players who fared best during Spring Training (Zimmerman, Werth and DeRosa) have been awful so far, while the guys who struggled (LaRoche and Desmond) have played the best.

Coincidence?
April 10, 2012 4:58 PM

natsfan1a said...

Dang, just scrolled through the rest of the comments and read about Morse.

natsfan1a said...

Maybe the scout posted the URL?

NG said...

Um, where does it say this guy is a Mets cross-checking scout? He describes himself as a "nobody."
April 10, 2012 5:44 PM

NatsJack in Florida said...

I have not commented on the Morse injury issue aside from noting it was a lat muscle on his right side and not a labrum issue like LaRoche. Now I'm not convinced it isn't more like the labrum issue especially since it is throwing that is most affected.

At any rate it isn't good so some young outfield guys need to turn it up pretty quick.

MicheleS said...

Yup.. it's time for some of the Baby Nats to step and become Nats. Tonight, it's Ross's turn to start showing why he was a first round pick. The guys down on the farm can work their way up with the Morse Injury. Would love to see Corey Brown get a shot, but it may be too soon. Also, hope that Nady/DeRo/Carroll can step up and produce from the bench.

On a brighter note, the Mets are without the services of Mr Wright for the next two nights. Let's hope that favors us.

Anonymous said...

At any rate it isn't good so some young outfield guys need to turn it up pretty quick.

Better resurrect the left-field work for T-Mo and his right-handed power bat. Still months away for Marerro. Destin Hood won't be ready. Kobernus and Perez are the only one's hitting in Harrisburg.

Brown and Harper are left-handed bats so they would theoretically replace a Tracy, Bernadina or Ankiel.

NatsLady said...

Here is where we will see the mettle of Davey as manager.

(And the loyalty of fans.)

sm13 said...

Whatever the details "indefinitely" is not o good prognosis for Morse. The over-under on when Bryce comes to DC may have just moved June15 to May 1.

Mick said...

If Werth was not WERTHLESS, this would not be so bad

UnkyD said...

Getting ready to see just how deep we are, huh?

I think we're pretty deep... I'm still thinking a game of two over .500, at ASB... Who wants some KookAid? ;-)

Anonymous said...

Can we declare a moratorium on the WERTHLESS comment. That horse has been dead and beaten hundreds of times.

Cwj said...

Say it ain't so!
Well, I guess a full season of LaRoche will at least partially cover the loss of Morse.
Other than that, bring up Harper soon.

Cwj said...

Unkyd- some heavily spiked KookAid would be nice about now :-)

NatsLady said...

Keith Law was saying that Charlie Manuel was a "great" manager when he had talent for five years, but now that the Phillies are old and injury-ridden he is making a ton of mistakes with lineups and bullpen management.

So now Davey is in somewhat of a situation. (As are Rizzo and the minor-league managers.)

Anonymous said...

Two years / $10 million. And with the contract signed, a debilitating physical problem is uncovered. Who am I?

MicheleS said...

Goon Squad: Hello Mr Gee.. My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die!

Anonymous said...

Time to bring up Brown and Harper(may). No shock about his injury. That is what our medical staff does.

MicheleS said...

DANG.. Ian hit that ball hard!

Anonymous said...

At least this will be the end of a bunch of no-nothings clamoring for Morse at First Base! A righty at first?

JaneB said...

Ian Desmond is our lead off hitter. Yes he is.

Cameron said...

Nats starting pitching has so much trouble holding leads. Everytime the nats score, the SP gives up runs in the next inning.

jd said...

oh boy. not liking Det so far.

Exposremains said...

Hopefully Detwiler gets out of this one but my first impression on the team:

Desmond is an excellent surprise but now that spring training is over Werth, Rodriguez and some others back to their old self

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

How you liking it now, jd?

Cameron said...

Disregard my prior comment.

MicheleS said...

Ross ate his Wheaties this morning!

jd said...

ok I take it back.

NatsJack in Florida said...

Liking Det a little better now?

jd said...

Won't last long throwing 25 pitches in the 1st inning.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Behind every silver lining, there's a dark cloud. Gonna one of THOSE nights, huh? OK.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

be

I was missing a be there.

MicheleS said...

That was a nice hit!

Joe Seamhead said...

Nary? Give me Corey Brown.

Joe Seamhead said...

Darn spellcheck. Nady. Give me Brown. He''s a better fielder,too.

JaneB said...

I just heard the Morse news from the TV... Then scrolled your comments. This is what I get for working right up to 7:07.

I hope they don't drag out whatever needs to be fixed till May, like they did with Zimm and ALR. I know he does, too.

Worried about Espi too, but Lombo is filling in well. I'm glad Werth got on base, even if he didn't make it home.

Joe Seamhead said...

Come on, fellows. We can't waste any lead-off extra base hits, especially from Jason Werth. Argggh

Exposremains said...

if the nats did the little things like scoring when they have chances they would be 4-0 and could be 5-0

jd said...

what a play by Desmond !!

how many short stops make that throw?

NatsJack in Florida said...

C'mon Desmond haters. Where are yoi

Joe Seamhead said...

Not many, jd. Super play!

Grandstander said...

Dare I say that play was, Jeter-esque?

JayB said...

This is really bad baseball....Johnson should have sent a message to the team......pull zimm for the night.....that is just bush league to assume an umpire's ball call as you run the bases.....costs runs and they can not hit anyway.....If I am Johnson I am really mad right now about how this team seems to be taking advantage of his good will and assumed professionalism he cut them all Spring.

Njack....he looks great so far....sample size?

Erik said...

Nationals are either liars or incompetent...I don't know which is worse. These injuries are getting ridiculous. Have to make a trade or something now or we are playing for 2013. Johnny Damon anyone??? Lombardozzi out with a broken kneecap...Wednesday's headline.

JayB said...

Ian D play was better than Jeter.....that is as good as it gets.....but I would rather he had picked up the relay in Chicago cleanly.....that was an easy play that would have won the game.

UnkyD said...

Wow, Erik. Really?

UnkyD said...

Gameday needs to post more vids of defensive gems. Would like to see the Desmond play...

Erik said...

Yes UnkyD...REALLY!!! That is unless of course you plan on the pitching staff keeping an ERA below 2.00. Damon is still a good player and I can't think of anybody that needs him more than we do right now.

Anonymous said...

RossD's hook is just ridiculous tonight!

Grandstander said...

Detwiler's curve is disgustingly good right now. If he can keep dropping it in there, this is going to be a long night for the Mets.

NatsJack on Florida said...

Current sample size......excellent..... JayB's historical dark cloud? ......Well how about past history.

UnkyD said...

So... Shark to LF, when Ankiel comes up?

JayB said...

The bumbling of injuries is a long term issue for the team. Nothing new there and something they have yet to address.....Rizzo and Johnson were a bit too arrogant all Spring with all the "I'm not concerned" and It is too early to care attitude....this is how seasons get flushed.......again

UnkyD said...

Erik, I was referencing the kneecap line....

Again. Really?

JayB said...

Njack....you know if SS make the routine plays...every time...you win more that SS that make amazing plays but miss just a few routine plays a month....just baseball but true.

NatsJack in Florida said...

In JayB's world any bad play made in the past far out weighs any good play today. This is what a 2 game losing streak brings us.....vintage JayB.

Anonymous said...

Nady really?? 2 terrible at bats and a bad play in the field. Please explain why he is here ahead of Corey Brown?

JayB said...

The Cub Game Cut off muff....that cost them the game....the web gem tonight....means nothing.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Damon is not still a good player.

NatsJack in Florida said...

Nobody in the history of baseball has made every play every time, routine or otherwise.

JayB said...

trust your heart just skipped...that is what I am talking about Njack...but you know this....you just do not like to admit it.

JayB said...

true....but i know you understand what we are discussing here.....

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

plays made today--good or bad--outweigh plays made in the past.

JayB said...

If Ian D has 12 or less errors.....he is an all star.....and a very valuable player.....He will have over 25 again

Erik said...

Look up his stats from last year Section 3. He would be our best outfielder!!! Do you actually watch other teams besides the Nationals...EVER???

bdrube said...

So what are the odds that the Nats finish the night with just the one run scored? 50-50 at least I'd say.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

I don't need no stats. I have opinions. That's the currency in here.

OK, I'm just messing with you. All the windging makes me cranky.

baseballswami said...

These one -run games - ugh - we just cannot expect our pitchers to keep it at zero every night. I miss Mikey!!!

UnkyD said...

Thank you, Jesus, for not making me somebody who can't enjoy Det's nasty hook, because I can't get last weeks error out of my head.... That's gotta suck.
Amen

UnkyD said...

Didja find the Evan, Unterp?

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Better leave the bottle, Unky D.

Wally said...

Morse looks to be repeating Zim's timeline from last year. I did think it odd that they were talking about bringing him up on Thursday when he had played the field so little.

If the Nats won't make a trade for an OF that can hit, I agree with the comments to give Moore and Brown some time. I also don't think keeping both Bernie and Ankiel makes sense, since they are essentially the same kind of player.

But man, we are being overwhelmed with injuries up and down the organization. Any more news on Goodwin?

Anonymous said...

Morse = da Meathook

Scott from Burke said...

When Werth was on third with one out they should have bunted...Detwiler could have stood there and watched 3 strikes go by. Only one game but looks like sending Lannan down was absolutley the right move. Zim getting thrown out at 2nd on the 'steal' was horrendous..then the announcer, after Zim hustles down the line his next at-bat, says "that tells you what you need to know about Ryan Zimmerman" or some such stupid comment...the team is in good shape..hopefully Morse is back in the next 3 weeks..but the tv play by play guy SUCKS

SpingfieldNatsFan1 said...

Looks like Det's coming out. Amazing job tonight. Hope the bullpen doesn't blow the win for him!

NatsJack in Florida said...

Salma Hayek gets my heart to skip a beat.....routine ground balls not so much.

Joe Seamhead said...

WOrth!

SpingfieldNatsFan1 said...

Only one start, but if Det keeps pitching like he has over his last 6 regular season starts, I don't know what they are going to do when CMW returns from the DL. But that's a problem I don't mind having....

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

NatsJack FTW

Erik said...

Freddy Garcia-5 WP's in 4 innings...has to be some sort of record.

UnkyD said...

SALMA!!!

Wally said...

I'll take that nubber for Werth.

The Nats do seem to have some odd things happening medically, though. I haven't looked at any stats, if there even are any, but we seem to have a lot of injury issues, and their public comments as things are unfolding do not give the impression that they have a good handle on things. Of course, they could just be offering standard GM-speak and offering the standard 'he'll be fine' until they know for sure what is involved. The one thing that makes me suspicious about that is that it isn't Davey's MO.

JaneB said...

I am glad Werth got his first RBI tonight. We need The Shark to get a hit tonight. Det pitched well, and I'm glad. My glass is more than half full tonight, that's all I'm saying.

Joe Seamhead said...

This is the guy we've been looking for. Way to play the game, Jason!

sm13 said...

Werth showing his worth with the bat, on the bases, and in the field. Optimism!

Wally said...

Camptown races all night long, Duda, Duda!

Joe Seamhead said...

Holy Smoking Duda, Batman!

jefwx said...

Now these are the Mets.
And we have the better pen.
And that's why when we'll have an awesome record when we're ahead.

Wally said...

Bad AB by Chad there. Needs to put the ball in play.

C'mon Desi, bring in those ducks.

Mr. Doggett said...

Not sure if too much has already been made about this on these postings, but can someone please explain F.P.'s man-crush on Werth?

SpingfieldNatsFan1 said...

Let's hope Stammen comes in and continues to shut down the Mets. No free passes. Keep the foot on their throats!

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Lookit that, willya? Coupla runs and the windges go all crickets...

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

That's been a strike all night. Might as well start swinging down there, guys, he's gonna call it.

MicheleS said...

That was a good inning

Wally said...

Does anyone know where the idea of referring to very fast pitches as 'the cheese' came from?

GoNats said...

so just to be clear, its going to be Clip 7 and 8?

Gumbo Jackson said...

I love seeing Werth having such a good game.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Mr. D, I'd say it's a combination of FP being an unrepentant homer, an announcer who's paid to be colorful and enthusiastic, and a former major league player who might just know what he's talking about.

Anonymous said...

I think FP has a man crush on the entire team.

Wally said...

Would have been fun to see Miggy handle that one.

djinFl. said...

Sorry you all did not hear the Mets announcers talking about overcoming injuries. How it is just part of the game and should not interfere with winning titles.
That was just before they found out Wright has a fracture and is out until he feels he is ready.

We are lucky that Cory Brown is nearly ready, not to mention others for various positions. We do not need anybody that teams much more needy than us have passed on.

That was what I expected from Det tonight.

Mr. Doggett said...

Ok this is all probably true...but anyway, Werth is the key to the season in my mind. We already know we have Laroche back, adds wins from last year, and we have Zim the whole year. The final X factor has to be Werth. He earns his money, is the tipping point...we are in the playoffs. Oh yeah.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Wally, fastballs are thrown hard. Some cheese is hard. So the "hard cheese" becomes just "cheese."

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

djinn, I'm sorry I missed that. I can just imagine.

UnkyD said...

Gonats: I'm thinking Stammen is the "long guy".... he goes in the 7th?

Wally said...

Sec 3 - ah, thanks. A little underwhelming knowing that answer, though. Was hoping for something a little more like 'back in the '20's, teamsters used to deliver cheese to store owners by flinging it at their heads without stopping the truck, and the shopkeepers would have to jump out of the way to avoid getting hit ....'

RickH said...

How 'bout that Jason Worth!

Wally said...

That was a Werth-rocket.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

This is a save situation for Stammen if he finishes. Couple more runs and Davey might even let him.

jeffwx said...

I apologize Jason for my lack of faith in you.

UnkyD said...

Wally: that's good enough for Wikipedia... Run with it!

dj inFl. said...

Looking good

Tcostant said...
I kind of like this lineup, I see 6 runs tonight...

SpingfieldNatsFan1 said...

Let's not waste Clip tonight. With Storen gone for the long term, I'd really like to protect Clip as much as possible.

Joe Seamhead said...

Can't resist: It's been Werthwhile watching the game tonight.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Wally, I can do better if you like.

The high fastballs are pretty scary up and in, and back in the early days of the game, catchers used to tease rookie hitters who looked scared after being knocked down, asking "Who cut the cheese!??", implying the hitter had soiled himself.

How's that?

JaneB said...

See those Mets fans doing the wave? They've given up on the game.

Mr. Doggett said...

We should beat up on these Mets all season. Let's start getting used to winning, people. Think about how much better it'll be once we figure out all their pitchers (who have "6" pitches in their repertoire.")

JaneB said...

I love that FP is smart about what he's seeing and that he loves this team. It makes it way more fun AND illuminating to watch.

Wally said...

Sec 3 - perfect, I am going with that one.

Ok, here is another one: 'chin music'. See if you can work Ty Cobb into it.

jeffwx said...

Dennis Eckersley is credited with the introduction of "cheese" into baseball as a description of his fastball. He was quoted as saying "cheese for your kitchen" as a way to describe a fastball that went up and in on the hitter.

Other theories trace the origin back to the 1800s when "cheese" was a term used to describe something that was the best of its kind.

A DC Wonk said...

JayB said...

This is really bad baseball....Johnson should have sent a message to the team......pull zimm for the night.....

Glad nega-JayB isn't the manager . . .

jeffwx said...

Also 'good cheese' or 'hard cheese'. Refers to a good fastball. We have been given a number of explanations as to origin. Contributor Whit Mcleod mentions Dave Draveckey's book "Called Up", pg. 107, which credits Dennis Eckersley with inventing the term. Here's a longer explanation from contributor Joe Hernandez: Although the term "cheese" is relatively new to baseball it does have an older origin. According to the London Guide (1818), it defined ""cheese" as standing for "the best thing of its kind." In many 19th century slang dictionaries you will find it to mean anything first rate in quality. Folks would say "that's the cheese" to express that the item is of good quality. It is believed to be traced to the word "chiz", which in Hindustani and Anglo-Indian means "thing", rather than the food. Also from Joe: A more contemporary term for cheese is cheddar. Lenny Dykstra is quoted in Newsday, 3/1/1988 stating, "Doc Gooden blew some big-league cheddar". In "Pure Baseball", Keith Hernandez discussed "the high, rising cheddar". Remember that according to Bill Lee ( The Wrong Stuff), 1984) Dennis Eckerley called himself the "Cheese Master" and talked about "cheese for your kitchen" to mean "a fastball up an in". In the St. Petersburg Times (3/5/1987), Wally Backman in describing a fastball by Nolan Ryan, wrote "threw some good hard cheese up there". In Spanish we also use the term high cheese as in "alto queso" to describe a fast ball high and in. Other terms use are "good cheese" to describe a blurring fastball. As a kid, growing up in Brooklyn, we use to talk about throwing the fastball to "his cheese" (his forehead) to mean high and in.

UnkyD said...

You rock, Burnie!! Clean this up!!!

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Oh, wait, you weren't making that up about Eckersley? I'm sort of disappointed.

Scott from Burke said...

JayB said...

This is really bad baseball....Johnson should have sent a message to the team......pull zimm for the night.....

right...it was abad play but hes the cornerstone of your franchise who just signed a huge contracy and generally hustles and works hard..it's not like he's bj upton or hanley ramirez

Wally said...

Jeff - good stuff. The 19th century has the right feel to me. Where'd you track it down?

C'mon Voldemort, one more out.

Wally said...

Yes! That was big.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Johnson should have sent a message to the team......pull zimm for the night.....


I'm just glad he got them in the right order.

UnkyD said...

Fireman!!! Whoopwhoop!!!

sm13 said...

So, are those soft, unhittale breaking balls that Sean just tossed called "cream cheese"? Great job!

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

So that would make what Livan throws ... Velveeta?

UnkyD said...

Livan just throws butter...

UnkyD said...

I'll bet the Guys are happy. Being on base is fun!!!

sm13 said...

I think Livo throws cheese whiz...

UnkyD said...

Did JayB have to work early....?

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

If Eck was the Cheesemaster, that would make Livo the Cheese Whiz. And he is smooth as butter.

A DC Wonk said...

Let's bask in Det's mini-gem some more (as he takes a swig of kookaid): no hits after the first two batters -- a 51 of 70 pitches were strikes; only 1 BB to go with his 6 K's in 5 IP.

Might we have the best #5 starter in the league?

UnkyD said...

Luv me some Desi.... jes' sayin'.....

Wally said...

Duda, Duda!

The Moose did not look ... graceful on that, but it looks good in the books.

A DC Wonk said...

Predictions from our non-negative folks earlier this thread:

baseballswami said...

What is the highest number of innings by RossD in the last year or so? I am thinking he is not so stretched out because he was expecting to be in the bullpen. I predict a Craig Stammen appearance. And - it is about time for one of our starters to be an actual W.


and

Tcostant said...

I kind of like this lineup, I see 6 runs tonight...


Nice jobs, guys.

Someone ought to have predicted Zimm's 500th RBI!

realdealnats said...

PFB Call TConstant. Now let's make a liar outta ya and tack on two more.

jeffwx said...

Got cheese and other fascinating facts from a google that led me to
http://www.webball.com/cms/page3205.cfm?presto_view=C

Time to fire up the fondue set.

realdealnats said...

What kind of cheese will Clip be delivering?

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Ramos kind of looked like Carlos Baerga there.

Wally said...

A DC Wonk said...
Might we have the best #5 starter in the league?


Great effort tonight, but I think that he needs to prove that he can handle three times through the order and pitch into the 7th before we can go there. That is his big hurdle.

A DC Wonk said...

Great effort tonight, but I think that he needs to prove that he can handle three times through the order and pitch into the 7th before we can go there. That is his big hurdle.

True. But I think he can. He's got good stuff, and he's putting it together well. I think all he needs is a bit of time to build up a bit of stamina. I think he'll get that.

sm13 said...

Nice recovety for Tyler. Kept his poise and mixed the hard cheese with the spreadable change ups.

NatsNut said...

I would give a kajillion dollars for a moratorium on the way-overused and tired pun on Werth's name.

Anonymous said...

trust your heart just skipped...that is what I am talking about Njack...but you know this....you just do not like to admit it.

Handling Injuries, the roster? Again JayB? Maybe you should go root for Riggleman's Wahoo's because he's the guy who likes to have pitchers like Vilone, Batista, Gaudin, Livo ... in case of injury? HOW DID that work out? Last I looked last place right?

The Nats aren't going to panic go out and hire some ancient cast-off to make you feel secure that they are handling injury possibilities.

Right now Jeff Kobernus and to a less extent Eury Perez are tearing up the Eastern League. Corey Brown has three times the number of walks to K's in the lead-off position as he only has 2 K's so far. He also has 2 triples. Rosenbaum is starting out great ... Hassan Pena has looked good so far ...

They are going to go as far as the prospects will carry them ... they aren't afraid. NO more Riggleman mode.

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