Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Storen has surgery to remove bone chip

Drew Storen had surgery today to remove a small bone chip from his right elbow, a procedure that is expected to sideline the Nationals' closer for most of the season's first half.

Surgery was performed by team doctor Wiemi Douoguih after orthopedist James Andrews yesterday examined an MRI of the 24-year-old reliever's elbow and confirmed the club's diagnosis of a bone chip, according to a source familiar with the procedure.

Recovery time could be anywhere from 2-3 months, which should have Storen back on the mound in the big leagues shortly before the July 9-12 All-Star break.

Today's surgery brings resolution for Storen, who had been experiencing elbow soreness since early-March but initially believed he'd be ready to open the season with his teammates. Even when he was placed on the 15-day disabled list at the end of spring training, the pitcher was hopeful he'd be able to return within 2-3 weeks.

But while throwing off a mound at the Nationals' extended spring training complex in Viera, Fla., earlier this week, Storen experienced a recurrence of the elbow pain. Team doctors had previously detected a possible bone chip via an enhanced MRI, so the club sent those images to Andrews to get a second opinion.

The procedure to remove the bone chip is considered a minor one, certainly not anywhere close to as invasive as Tommy John surgery (in which a patient's torn ulnar collateral ligament is replaced with a tendon from another part of his body). Ex-Nationals right-hander Jason Marquis had a similar surgery in 2010 and wound up missing almost three months.

With Storen sidelined, the Nationals have been using both veteran Brad Lidge and 25-year-old Henry Rodriguez in the closer's role. Each has recorded one save through the season's first week.

109 comments:

RickH said...

Could've been worse. Get well soon, Drew.

MicheleS said...

ugh.. that is all..

baseballswami said...

Dr. Andrews has thoroughly examined Drew's elbow and that is all he found. There has to be some relief in that. Get well soon, Drew - the Nats need you and the fans love you!!!

Nats in Athens said...

Thank Gd it was not something worse. Get well soon. I am sure he will be back and in the mean time glad Lidge is part of our club.
Just hope the medical staff shapes up as their batting average would not cut it on the '08 team...

Gonat said...

Probably the best news we could have expected. No multiple fragments and sounds like no fraying. Back to pitching (rehab) in 60 days +/- 15 days

baseballswami said...

Mark - any way for fans to send well-wishes to Drew? If you get the chance - pass along some good thoughts from the NI gang! To me there is no such thing as a "minor" surgery. When they cut into you , especially as a professional athlete - it's no joke. Waiting for the other shoe to drop - same fate awaiting Mikey?

Anonymous said...

Next: Morse? Any word?

Gonat said...

Joe Seamhead said...
Some have wanted to bring in another veteran OF'er, or trade some of our surplus pitching. One team that is desperate is the Twins,whose situation has gotten more dire with the news that Scot Baker is now down for about 6 months. Anyone still interested in Denard Span?

April 11, 2012 7:33 PM
_______________________________

So long as Denard Span doesn't get rocked in the head again, he has made a very good recovery and should hopefully have no reoccurences. I would take him for the right price. Heck the Twins have a bunch of Nats already. Lets give them another.

Anonymous said...

So long as Denard Span doesn't get rocked in the head again, he has made a very good recovery and should hopefully have no reoccurences. I would take him for the right price. Heck the Twins have a bunch of Nats already. Lets give them another.

He wouldn't be like Nady, Ankiel, or even DeRosa ... a one year rental. Where would you put him? Morse and Werth have two slots? Harper, Brown, Perez, etc. all have dibs on the other ... maybe he can DH?

Again silly post.

Anonymous said...

Look forward to Drew's return. There's no rush. The Nats' bullpen has been lights out, even without him. Take all the time needed to get whole.

Laddie_Blah_Blah

Anonymous said...

Now we need something on Morse. The one thing we never found out is how he got injured in the first place.

I have a theory on this that it was an off-season injury. Just a hunch. Not even sure how you injure a lat. Workout injury?

Anonymous said...

Now we need something on Morse. The one thing we never found out is how he got injured in the first place.

Initially? Purportedly swinging a bat in BP in early spring training. Lat pull is a pretty common injury that it is said to take some time to completely heal. Its the fact it affects his throwing now that concerns everyone because that sounds more like a labrum issue.

LoveDaNats said...

Best wishes to Drew for an easy and speedy recovery. Can't wait to have you back.

Marty said...

Posted this in the synopsis thread as well. Is Ankiel coming up for tomorrow?

Wally said...

I am very happy with the team so far. Pitching seems as we expected, which is above average. Based on history, it should hold and keep us in the hunt.

But I am in the camp of wanting another OF. A hitter, really, and that is the only place for one. With Philly's injuries, Marlins self destructing even quicker than I thought, and Atlanta struggling and somewhat hurt, there is an opening here, and I just can't see us getting it done with Derosa, Nady, and Bernie/Ankiel each getting close to 500 ABs. Those might be good bench/spot starter guys, and we could probably get by with 1 of them in a full time role, but Morse's injury and unknown recovery time really put us in a hole.

And it is far from certain that Corey Brown, Tyler Moore and Harper will hit when they make the jump (although I would promote some amount of them over Carroll and Bernie).

So a trade for a hitter makes sense to me, preferably a guy on the last year of his contract so it doesn't cost too much in terms of players. Not a lot available yet. I like Span but don't think it is worth the expected trade cost, especially with Harper still having a chance to play CF.

Maybe Torii Hunter, if they can work out the money? It is pretty crowded in LAA's OF.

Wally said...

Marty said...
Posted this in the synopsis thread as well. Is Ankiel coming up for tomorrow?

No, I think Saturday is the first day that he is eligible, and even then it is a maybe.

Marty said...

No, I think Saturday is the first day that he is eligible, and even then it is a maybe.
I see that now. Thanks for the speedy response.

Exposremains said...

I just finished watching the game and I'm sure some of you touch on it in previous threads but the Nats can't afford to keep stranding runners.

With a total of twice bases loaded with no outs and 1 bases loaded with one out, they scored one run. Against a good team, they lose this game. I'm glad they won but that only showed how bad the Mets are.
I see a lot of big swings with 2 strikes.

scott from burke said...

brad lidge for cy young

SCNatsFan said...

Just hope all goes well for the kid. Has to be scary so young in his career.

baseballswami said...

Drew is going to be fresh as a daisy for the post-season!

sm13 said...

Get well soon Druuuu. Can't wait to hear Bad Company again when they open the bullpen gate!

baseballswami said...

Drew just posted a tweet thanking everyone for their support. I miss seeing him and MM on the field and hearing their interviews. They both have great personalities.

Get Some Players said...

Storen Tweets: Appreciate all the support from everyone. Really means a lot. Ready to get better and back out there.

Also: Need offense? Corey Brown raking in AAA. Hope Davey is watching.

Candide said...

On the one hand, I think about Jason Marquis and how effective he was when he returned from his elbow bone chips surgery - 3.95 ERA, 1.417 WHIP.

On the other hand, I think about Jason Marquis and how he went to hell the minute the Nats traded him to the D-Backs - 9.53 ERA and 2.294 WHIP before he got his leg broken by a line drive. He signed with the Twins as a free agent in December, but is rehabbing right now - reason unclear.

baseballswami said...

I don't think Jason Marquis is actually rehabbing from an injury right now. His daughter had a serious injury from a bike accident and he was back home during spring training. He is probably just now starting to pitch again.

Anonymous said...

Marquis is rehabbing because he had to leave spring training to be with his daughter who suffered a terrible injury. Apparently, she is doing better now.

Anonymous said...

But I am in the camp of wanting another OF. A hitter, really, and that is the only place for one. Maybe Torii Hunter, if they can work out the money? It is pretty crowded in LAA's OF.

Let's play Jeopardy and the answer is Who is Xavier Nady?

This is exactly why Rizzo signed him and Davey brought him quite unexpectedly and early up to the major league ST. That's one They could probably use another hitter on the left-side. Right now that's Tracy Chapman. If Bernadina continues to slump I suspect Brown might be brought up. He is raking out of the lead-off position. Then Harper if he progresses as most expect him to. If Perez and Kobernus continue to demolish the Eastern League you might see them in Syracuse.

Bottom Line: NO and NO to any of these one time trades? The Nats main goal is to develop the prospects and let them show they are ready for these roles. The only way you might see something like you suggest happen is if its August or September and the Nats have a legitimate shot at the division title or wild card. Then Davey might consider it expedient to ask Rizzo for that sort of player if the price is right and Davey can use him.

Otherwise mortgaging any more of the future after the Gio Gonzalez trade is just flat-out insane. They are going to develop and use the prospects first. Get used to it.

Anonymous said...

Regarding the severity of Drew's surgery; it was minor surgery. By definition, major surgery is anything done to me; minor surgery is something done to someone else.

Anonymous said...

Chiefs Radio: Corey Brown is 3-for-3 tonight. 8-20 for the season. Five walks, two Ks. Nice.

Chiefs Radio: Bryce Harper Alert: He just lined an 0-2 pitch the other way for his first Triple-A triple. Chiefs are 2-2 in the 3rd.


There's your hitting Wally? The Nats version of Trout and Borjous. Both bat left handed which is what is the type of hitter they lack right now. Let the prospects prove they deserve a shot.

lls45 said...

Hope Drew's recovery goes well! I'll miss hearing Bad Company...

Wally said...

Anon @ 8:45 - I get your point, which you have consistently made (I think it has been the same poster), but I was suggesting something different: namely that an opening may be appearing to increase their odds of the playoffs this year, rather than "The Nats main goal is to develop the prospects and let them show they are ready for these roles. ". And I think that they can do it without mortgaging their future, if they are willing to take on some salary. I know that you are high on these kids, and you might be right in the end, but it seems unlikely that any of those kids will outperform a guy like Torii Hunter THIS YEAR, which is all that I am suggesting. Nady, Derosa, etc - all older guys who have missed extensive time the last few seasons. It doesn't seem realistic to expect them to play full time roles all of a sudden, which is what will happen unless Morse comes back soon.

And maybe there is no way the Nats do this, as you say, but I was saying what I think they should do, not trying to predict what they will do.

Some times circumstances change and it is the right thing to call an audible. Morse's injury plus what is happening in the division makes me think this is one of them.

Wally said...

Anon - I am thrilled that they are doing well. But it is a big jump to MLB, and those numbers rarely translate the same way.

Actually, let me try it one other way. When they were finalizing rosters, I posted that they should take Brown and Moore over Bernie, Michaels and Carroll.

Now they have lost Morse, and while they aren't saying much, it has the feel of an extended absence. I am saying that they should find a proven MLB hitter to fill in for Morse. The opportunity this year is too good to waste

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

FWIW, I wanted Torii back WHEN, when he said polite things about DC but was going to LA and that was that. Now, it's upscale Bowdenizing. No thanks.

SonnyG10 said...

Hope everything goes well, Drew.

Candide said...

baseballswami: I don't think Jason Marquis is actually rehabbing from an injury right now.

Yeah, thanks - read about his daughter a couple of minutes after posting.

Wally said...

Sec 3 - Hunter was just a name that came to mind, notate on him. Just want to see them add some hitting.

Wally said...

Notate = not set. Sheesh.

sm13 said...

Wally - I agree that Rizzo should explore the options for adding a bat. I wouldn't be surprise if he has checked with AZ on Parra and made a call to the Angels.

Mick said...

Good news on Drew, we can live wit that. This is an opportunity for others to step up. I really think Clip should be the closer for now. I hope Morse gets back soon as well. Now I wish we had signed Cecil or an Upton

Joe Seamhead said...

Hey, I wasn't advocating a trade for Span. There has been suggestions to sign Damon,which I thought was a bad idea. Then suggestions were for a trade with Boston. My post was just to mention that with Baker going down the Twins are now desperate for a starter, and desperate teams have to deal from a position of weakness. Span's name has been tossed around for about a year and supposedly Mike Rizzo was interested a while back. I was curious what you all thought. I've been an advocate to bring up Brown, still am, but if Span could be had for bargain, I'd think it would have to be a consideration. Of course, it's just conjecture on my part.
Godspeed on your recovery, Drew!

sjm308 said...

I appreciate just about everyone on this post. We are 4-2. We have won the first two series at visiting parks. We are in first place. Why are you all of a sudden so eager to add another piece. What is so wrong with what we have? and more important, have you guys seen what will be coming in the very very near future?? I really hope Rizzo is not looking to add anyone from another team to this roster. I love Damon, I love Hunter, I think Span and Parra and all the others are wonderful pieces but I am not in the camp of adding someone to a team whose chemistry at the moment is really jelling. these guys like each other, they play hard and so far we are winning. If we were 2-4 I would understand this a lot more but we are not. If we need to add someone, lets do it in the off season but right now, this is our group (major & minor league) and I think we have enough to get us to where we all want to be.

Anonymous said...

Wally - I agree that Rizzo should explore the options for adding a bat. I wouldn't be surprise if he has checked with AZ on Parra and made a call to the Angels.

Even if that were true it wouldt happen while Davey Johnson is manager and involved in FO decision making. Ain't NO WAY Davey is going to look past Corey Brown, Bryce Harper and now Tyler Moore with his 2nd home run. And then there's Destin Hood whose bat has awoken to go with Eury Perez AND Jeff Kobernus? Plus Brian Goodwin will undoubtedly be back and in Potomac this season.

Davey sent those guys down telling them to rake because he'd be needing them.

Why use these guys instead of the silly suggestions?

1. They would cost a prospect or two. Don't you think they gave up enough in the Gio Gonzalez trade? They aren't worth the price.

2. Rizzo has stated time and again he won't make a deal unless it both helps the team now and in the foreseeable future. He hasn't changed that stance last I looked? And Davey Johnson apparently violently agrees with that approach.

3. The Nats are short left-handed hitting. There really isn't any in the starting lineup other than LaRoche and Bernadina. Bernadina appears to be slumping off again. Ankiel is the starter is Parra better than Ankiel? Probably not. Is Parra better than the potentials of Corey Brown, Bryce Harper and Brian Goodwin? Definitely NOT. Parra is a left-fielder that's where he won his gold glove.

MinorLeagueBlog : #Nats Tyler Moore went 2-3, HR, RBI, 2BB for AAA Syracuse

Anonymous said...

Actually, let me try it one other way. When they were finalizing rosters, I posted that they should take Brown and Moore over Bernie, Michaels and Carroll.

That's probably because you are thinking short-term and short-sighted. Rizzo wants to develop young prospects to win not just this year but for the next five and beyond. That won't happen when you put potential starters on the bench and never use them. Its likely why Lombardozzi will be optioned when Ankiel returns because he too spec's out as a future starter and would play every day in Syracuse.

You don't put top prospects on the bench. You let them play.

The Nats have made their decision they are going with Nady and Chapman for bench bats. They aren't going to waste precious prospects trading for a one year rental. They wasted a good left-handed reliever named Manno on Jonny Gomes last year. I doubt they do that again.

sjm308 said...

Who is Chapman? Do you mean Tracy?

NatsBrat said...

Drew's still our man in the pen--get well soon Tinkerbell!!

Hey Nats' fans don't look now, but Cory Brown is raking in 'Cuse like we always wanted him to.
BA: .409, and OPS: 1.172. Doing more a 'Cuse than anyone on the current 25 man roster!

Can you say LF in the Nats' major league lineup??

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Off-topic Alumni Association news:

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jamey Carroll had his first two hits with Minnesota, including the go-ahead single in the seventh, and Josh Willingham hit a two-run homer to lift the Twins to their first victory of the season, 6-5 over the Los Angeles Angels

Erik said...

SJM and Anons-I was living in Chicago in 2003 during the Cubs run to what should have been the World Series and am starting to see a ton of similarities between these 2 teams. Both built teams around great starting pitching and a very good bullpen, both have/had a need for a true leadoff hitter, and both were a bit offensively challenged. The Cubs ended up with an 88-74 record in large part due to the additions of Aramis Ramirez and Kenny Lofton right before the trade deadline. These 2 guys put them over the top and should have sent them to the World Series if not for Bartman and the subsequent meltdown. The whole chemistry argument in baseball is way overblown and not even a minor factor in my opinion. I saw firsthand what those 2 guys added to that team. I am not saying we have to go out and make a trade for a 2 month rental, but don't be surprised if that happens if we are in position...and it should. Without Lofton and Ramirez, the Cubs don't even make the playoffs that year. The scary thing is that the Nats pitching staff and offense(potentially) could be even better than what the Cubs had that year, which is saying something. I realize we have young guys like Corey Brown that could step up, but we can't afford to have a bunch of platoon OF'ers all year long. I really don't think we should trade any more prospects, especially not right now, so I am guessing the roster stays the same. However, if Morse is out for a long time and we have the option to trade Lannan/Wang/Gorzo or even HRod for a long-term solution (Upton, Hunter, Span, etc.) or they think Damon can still play (my vote because we give up nothing), I think we have to make the move. I know you don't want to mortgage the future, but you also don't want to sacrifice the present either. Just look at the 2003 Cubs. They were building through youth just like we are and that turned out to be their only shot. It IS possible to do both!!!

Erik said...

Didn't mean Hunter for the long-term solution thing...sorry. Don't think they trade him anyways, as they are trying to win the World Series and would want way too much in return.

Whatsanattau said...

The team may yet trade Lannan for a position player. They said they will not but if Morse is out for a while they may have to reprioritze. There are plenty of options out there if they are willing to take a contract. I agree with those who say not to give up meaningful prospects, but there are also MLB outfielders who can be had for A couple of c level prospects. And the Nats have plenty of those as well. But even with those varied options, I think they can survive without a trade if they don't suffer another significant loss.

I like the idea of giving Brown a shot this year, but remember he has a history of needing transition time at each progressive level. It would be unrealistic to think he would hit well in his first few weeks. Patience will be needed.

Let Teddy Win said...

The Cubs and Mets gifted 28 walks to Nationals batters in just 6 games. It's wonderful to be in first, but let's not start booking our tickets to the postseason quite yet. The Nats are weak offensively, injured badly, and have one of the toughest schedules in baseball.

They do need offensive help, but not the kind of expensive emergency help where you give up long term prospects to make a short-term playoff run. This is not that year.

JaneB said...

I hope Drew recovers with grace and ease and minimal pain.im glad they figured out the problem and jumped all over solving it. Would they could do the same for Morse.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

the Twins are now desperate for a starter, and desperate teams have to deal from a position of weakness. Span's name has been tossed around for about a year and supposedly Mike Rizzo was interested a while back.... if Span could be had for bargain, I'd think it would have to be a consideration.

So I'm just curious, by "bargain" you mean Lannan for Span, even up? Detwiler?

JaneB said...

Let Teddy said:
The Cubs and Mets gifted 28 walks to Nationals batters in just 6 games. It's wonderful to be in first, but let's not start booking our tickets to the postseason quite yet. The Nats are weak offensively, injured badly, and have one of the toughest schedules in baseball.

Ummmm....our guys earned the walks. It's not a given that balls end up scored a BB. The batter needs to be patient and see the ball to make hay with that kind of pitching. I mean, I'm gkad those guys weren't throwing strikes, but it wasn't exactly a gift.

Cwj said...

Get healthy soon Drew!

4-2 and first place. Outscored opponents 25-15 so far. +10 runs after 6 games is a sign of a very good team.
After the first 6 games last year the Nats were 2-4, and were outscored 29-19, which is -10 runs.

Go Nats!

NatsJack in Florida said...

So NOW will you stop all the Damon foolishness? He's signing with Cleveland.

Joe Seamhead said...

Sec 3, ok, I considered it, and reconsidered it, and no I wouldn't make that trade.Then again, I doubt the Twins would either. I don't know for sure what I was thinking when I brought up Span. Sorry that I brought it up. Just (not) thinking out loud.

NatsJack in Florida said...

I watch at least 3 games and parts of several others every day and one thing I've noticed is it's just not our homeplate umpires that are very inconsistent.... they all seem to be all over the place when calling a game.

I'm not a conspiracy theorist but.... could the advent of expanded replay be at the root of this? Are the umpires expressing their displeasure by showing how "in control" of a game they can be?

Just a thought.

baseballswami said...

Home opener today and although I can't be there this year, I will be there in spirit - and on the computer, then on the radio, then on the tv!! I will be creatively trying to follow the game as well as possible on a weekday afternoon. My big question today is this -- will the Nats pr people ever stop the stupid Teddy losing Schtick or find some other cheesy gimmick this year? So glad to hear the park is sold out and I doubt that it will be full of Reds fans. All you NI folks that are going -- Represent! and cheer loudly and lustily for those of us who won't be there. Special loud-ness should be for Ramos! I know signal strength can be an issue but post from the game when possible.

FS said...

let's look at it this way. When Nationals are in postseason this year, their closer will not be as tired as other teams. :)

FS said...

NatsJack, what you said about all umpires being inconsistent might be true. But I think when you look at the wrong calls made against each team at the end of the season, it should equalize because these are honest mistakes.

I would love to see these numbers by team, maybe one of MLB Fancave's intern can do this job.

NatsJack in Florida said...

Calls on field plays do not concern me that much but inconsistent strike zones from one at bat to another do.

Hitters and pitchers know a plate umpires tendencies when establishing the strike zone but when it changes from at bat to at bat, well, that's a problem.

When the players and owners decided to adopt an expanded replay system without including the umpires, some major feather ruffling took place. Now, those changes are on hold until the umpires sign off. Hence, an establishment of "who's the boss?" could be in play.

FS said...

oh I see what you mean. I don't watch enough games to comment on that. I might be watching it all now that I bought MLB.TV (with my cousin) for 125 bucks.

MicheleS said...

Joe S..I have a feeling a trade with the Twins will be difficult. I always got the feeling that they felt fleeced when we did the Ramos/Capps trade (sour grapes when Mauer went down). Also, doesn anyone know if Rizzo has a history with the Astros Front office? It seems like they can't get deals done.

NatsLady said...

How am I gonna stop myself from leaving at 8 a.m., when the gates don't even open until 10:30? Color me excited!

Get well soon, Drew! Clip, giving up a run in a 6-1 game on the night before Drew's surgery--all is forgiven!! That's tough. Take care of our buddy, man!

To those who mourn the loss of two games. (1) Samardzija pitched a gem and Marmol didn't implode three days in a row. That happens. (2) Henry was bad Henry. That happens. We were not going 162-0. That doesn't happen.

GO NATS!!!

Theophilus said...

What annoys me most are the commentators who speak admiringly of "what a good job the umpires do overall." I think the real story is how lousy some of them are.

A few years ago there was a story about the umpires' complaints over MLB's efforts to electronically grade their performance. The gist of the story was that MLB's electronic ball/strike detector had around a 15 percent margin of error, i.e., only 85 percent of pitches recorded as strikes were actually in the strike zone. And the umpires were giving a passing grade for 85 percent accuracy. Meaning, an umpire "passed" if only 72 percent of his strike calls were accurate.

If 72 percent is the new standard for satisfactory performance, nobody would ever fail a driver's license exam.

The Magoo who blew the call on LaRoche @ 2B Monday night was calling balls/strikes last night with all the accuracy of a big sneeze. He should be in Double-AA this weekend.

A lawyer in the NFL's NY office once said the league tried to improve officiating by replacing as many as three percent of the officials every year. Whatever MLB's average, it's just as much of a big joke.

Gonat said...

From Nationals Prospects:

• Brown 4-5, 2B, R, SB, CS
• Solano 3-5, R, E
• Moore 2-3, R, HR, 2BB, RBI

The IronPigs scored in each of the first four innings off starter Tanner Roark, building a 6-2 lead. The Chiefs rallied for three in the 6th to pull within one at 6-5 but double plays in the 7th and 8th innings killed any chance of a comeback. Tyler Moore homered with one out in the 9th to answer Lehigh Valley’s big fly in the 8th, but Bryce Harper, who had tripled earlier in the contest, grounded out and Jhonatan Solano struck out to end the game. Corey Brown led the 13-hit attack with a 4-for-5 night, including a double, a stolen base, and a run scored.
________________________

Corey Brown is crushing it. If Rick Ankiel wasn't ready, it would great to go with the HOT bat!

natsfan1a said...

In other news, was watching MLB Network last night, and they picked up a 12th inning, bases-loaded at-bat for the Athletics. Who was up? Does (squeaky wheel noise) ring a bell? No? How about helmet waggling? Yeah, that's right, Mr. Jonny Gomes. He proceeded to win the game with a walk-off wild pitch. I think I've seen that somewhere before... :-)

On topic, also saw a baseline scroll during the at-bat, with news of Drew's surgery. As some have noted, sorry to see him have to go under the knife, but wishing him a full recovery and looking forward to seeing him at Nats Park sometime this summer.

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Off-topic Alumni Association news:

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jamey Carroll had his first two hits with Minnesota, including the go-ahead single in the seventh, and Josh Willingham hit a two-run homer to lift the Twins to their first victory of the season, 6-5 over the Los Angeles Angels
April 11, 2012 11:12 PM

sm13 said...

Going to the Park today for opening day. Makes me feel like a kid again when my parents let me skip school to go to Shea! Go Nats! Go Gio!

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

@Baseballswami: I will personally give Ramos an extended standing O for you, in absentia.

@NatsJackinFla.: Totally agree about bad strike calls endemic around the leagues.

@NatsLady: I'm making sandwiches right now to take to the park. I'm in Section 108. I'll be the tall guy with the Sam Snead straw hat. The only one with a Sam Snead straw hat.

@MichelleS: Your battle cry is apropos today: "WOO-HOO!!!"

Everybody, enjoy the game. "WOO-HOO!!!"
GO YOU FREAKING NATS GO!!!

Gonat said...

Manny Acta is getting his new OF, Johnny Damon.

Cross him off of your list but I wouldn't worry, this Corey Brown kid looked very good in Spring Training and AAA.

baseballswami said...

Re:- the umpiring -- I know they will blow some calls, especially on those crazy plays where the ball is flying around and people are sliding into bases, the dust is everywhere, it's loud. I also know they will miss some close balls and strikes. What I hate is when they get their ego involved and try to teach a pitcher a lesson or hold a comments against a hitter. That's just unprofessional and petty and it makes me crazy. NatsLady, et.al. -- maybe you better leave now - a full house means lots of craziness in DC today. There are also lots of folks still on spring break and being tourist-y in the city. Then tonight, after the Nats - the Caps in the play-offs. We will need plenty of bourbon and maalox today, folks!

sm13 said...

In addition to giving Wilson an extended standing O and a few woo-hoos, the Nats should give Wilson a Carlos Santana-like extension. He's earned it on the field and in our hearts.

Gonat said...

sm13 said...
In addition to giving Wilson an extended standing O and a few woo-hoos, the Nats should give Wilson a Carlos Santana-like extension. He's earned it on the field and in our hearts.

April 12, 2012 8:20 AM
_____________________________

Best suggestion of the day!

Rabbit said...

It would seem like with a little bit of "hitting", we can be successful until Storen returns and continue successfully from there. It was a horrible game yesterday, hitting wise, but our pitching is right there. It should be capable of hanging in through the season and support the rest of the weak hitting lineup. But I do expect our hitters to pick it up as we go along, especially Zim and the Werthless one (he's looking better!!).

natsfan1a said...

I won't be there today (I'm not big on crowds on opening day or otherwise, though I do realize I'll have to get over that as the bandwagon fills up). I'll actually be having lunch at the home of a non-baseball-obsessed friend. This date was picked because it's the only day another friend could make it, and I knew I wouldn't be going to the game, anyway, so I just said "okay" and planned to set the DVR. However, it just occurred to me that said friend does have cable tv, and we will be eating inside...hmmm... I may just have to suggest tuning in the game after we eat...hehe... we'll see. At any rate, will type at y'all later. Go, Wilson!! Go, NATS!! :-)

Anonymous said...

Wi-em-i a doctor? performed the surgery? I'm gonna wager Sotren's on the shelf for longer then the 2-3 months.

NatsLady said...

Haven't seen the lineup yet, but am wearing my Ramos jersey. Go Gio, Go Ramooooooooooose! Go Nats.

Yeah, 1A, the one downside of a good team is it's gonna get crowded on 1/2 street.

NatsLady said...

I'm in section 304... check for the fat lady with the Ramos jersey on. But I tend to wander around the park as much as I'm able so check for the fat lady with the Ramos jersey and the walking stick.

Joe Seamhead said...

How am I gonna stop myself from leaving at 8 a.m., when the gates don't even open until 10:30? Color me excited!

Me, too, NatsLady. All dressed and ready to go at 8:45.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Gates open at 10:30. I'm sitting here in my Vidro (#3) Opening Day already, just waiting...

Diz said...

I can't leave until 10:30...$#*!@*

On another topic, weren't we supposed to find out some more information about MM after the game yesterday? What happened to the update?

Anonymous said...

"However, it just occurred to me that said friend does have cable tv, and we will be eating inside...hmmm... I may just have to suggest tuning in the game after we eat...hehe... we'll see."

Game on volume off. It's better that way anyway.

MicheleS said...

Sec 3.. Where are you sitting? How will we recognize you. I am in Section 113 wearing the Werth Jersey and you will hear the WOOO HOOO!

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Osteochondritis Dissecans (Bone Chips) of the Elbow

while we're waiting...

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

Michele, I'll be in 111, in an Opening-Day José Vidro 3, or maybe a Nats jacket, depending. I'm the one one the right in the picture.

Soul Possession, PFB Sofa said...

1a, we will miss you here and there, both.

UnkyD said...

I'll keep up as best as I can... Represent, NI Peeps!!! Make sure Moose and Gio feel the Love.....

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Just walked outside to check the weather. Three words: "Pretty freaking bueno!"

JaneB said...

I'll look for you MichelleS and Sofa. I'm on the other side of the diamond, in 130. I'm making a sign that says "My Nats R PFB" -- can't figure out how cold it will be to know what jacket. I'll be there by 11:30. See you soon.

natsfan1a said...

Anonymous said...

Good idea. Thanks. :-)

"However, it just occurred to me that said friend does have cable tv, and we will be eating inside...hmmm... I may just have to suggest tuning in the game after we eat...hehe... we'll see."

Game on volume off. It's better that way anyway.
April 12, 2012 9:03 AM

natsfan1a said...

Thanks, will probably check in online later in the game. btw, I'll be wearing a red t-shirt with script Nationals logo and navy blue trim with jeans and a navy blue and white curly W jacket. Oh, wait. I guess it doesn't matter seeing as how I won't be there. But I will be representing to the outside world, so there's that. :-)

Section 3, My PFB Sofa said...

1a, we will miss you here and there, both.
April 12, 2012 9:13 AM

Mark'd said...

Sec3, my only thought and hope is that it was one bone chip and not numerous making it less evasive and less recovery time than Jason Marquis needed.

NatsLady said...

Ramos in the lineup, as expected. Should be nice and rested after two days off. Metro, here I come.

natsfan1a said...

Have fun, y'all!

MicheleS said...

We need a game thread!!!!

fast eddie said...

Can someone explain how you "develop" bone chips in your elbow? It seems to occur fairly often, and not limited to pitchers.

jd said...

Re Corrie Brown - I would like to see more sustainability than 1 week before I bring him up; he keeps this up until May 1st then we should bring him up and put him the every day lineup in CF and batting 1st or 2nd.

Re Ramos Extension - way too early. He is still a work in progress with his receiving skills and is still pretty raw at bat. Having said that I think he can be an all star for several years.

jeeves said...

Okay, I'm the one with jeans, orange striped Columbia shirt, and a Rusty Staub bobblehead. Oh, wait a second, I'm in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Going to have to rush to get to the park on time. Go Nats, and the rest of you lucky guys.

Anonymous said...

fast eddie said...
Can someone explain how you "develop" bone chips in your elbow? It seems to occur fairly often, and not limited to pitchers.


The same way you "develop" a broken arm. That's all bone chips are, pieces of bone that break off for one reason or another. Like getting hit by a pitch or a line drive. Running into a wall. Falling down on a sidewalk and breaking your fall with your arm. All kinds of reasons. You may even be carrying bone chips in your body right now and not know it. Storen may have had these bone chips in his elbow for some time and not realized it, until the repeated act of throwing a baseball caused them to migrate into a spot where they began causing pain.

The real question is how you "develop" rocks in your head.

UnkyD said...

jd: this is just me being anal (on opening day? Shame on me!!)... But, where, besides in your posts do you ever see Cory Brown's name spelled Corrie?

GYFNG!!!!!!!!!

Steady Eddie said...

jeeves -- Where in PEI? Had a great time for a week there with my spouse and younger daughter last summer (on Panmure Island and Charlottetown but roamed all over. Best mussels I've ever had, and the oysters were pretty fab too!)

I'll be in 135 with my 2010 Nats (not misspelled) Stras jersey and my genuwine Senators HOF cap (indistiguishable from the Nats', though).

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
"The real question is how you "develop" rocks in your head."

Hell, I'm still trying to figure out how people get their heads stuck in certain dark places.

jeeves said...

Steady Eddie, I live in Wood Islands, near the ferry that goes to Nova Scotia. Our grandchildren were life guards last year on Panmure Island. I'm a member of the Brudenell golf course, so if you're ever back and like to play the game, look me up.

Anonymous said...

Morse out 6 weeks

Anonymous said...

Anthony Rendon has a Fractured Ankel

Erocks33 said...

Just got to the Parking lot. Really amped up or this day!! I'll be roaming around the stadium wearing my #9 Lenny Harris jersey (yeah, that's right. I'm not ashamed to wear it). Let's go Gio!!

Anonymous said...

Morse back about Mid June

natsfan1a said...

Extra, read all about it in the new post(s).

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