Monday, May 7, 2012

Crushing injury disrupts emotional weekend

Associated Press photo
An injured Jayson Werth is escorted off the field by assistant trainer Mike McGowan.
This was the night they should have been talking about Bryce Harper's hustle, culminating in the first steal of home plate by a teenager in nearly five decades.

This was the night they should have been talking about Cole Hamels openly admitting he hit Harper with a first-inning fastball on purpose, and about Jordan Zimmermann later drilling his counterpart in the leg (though insisting afterward he didn't do it on purpose).

This was the night they should have been talking about a true rivalry developing between a Nationals franchise suddenly asserting itself as a force to be reckoned with and a Phillies franchise that suddenly realizes the former doormats of the NL East are a legit threat.

But at the end of the night, all of that -- not to mention the outcome of this game, a 9-3 Philadelphia rout -- was pushed into the shadows, overtaken by the grim sight of Jayson Werth walking off the field holding his broken left wrist in place, plus the realization the Nationals are going to have to overcome yet another major injury.

"All of a sudden, we seem to be getting a little more healthy," manager Davey Johnson said. "And then boom, one of our main guys goes down."

Werth's injury -- for now diagnosed as a broken wrist, requiring a minimum of six weeks' recovery time, with a more detailed examination by a specialist to take place Monday -- came a mere 48 hours before the Nationals expect to get both Ryan Zimmerman and Adam LaRoche back on the field. It throws a wrench into Johnson's long-term plans, and it leaves the Nationals trying to hang onto first place despite the fact they've yet to field their full projected lineup once this season.

"We were looking forward to this next series, this next week, and being together again," said LaRoche, who has missed four games with a sore oblique muscle. "Obviously we're short another big bat and big part of this team for a while. So, time for everybody to step it up and help make up for that as much as we can."

Werth, who hurt himself trying to make a sliding catch of Placido Polanco's sinking liner in the sixth inning, will likely be replaced in right field by Harper. With the 19-year-old phenom moving across the outfield, Johnson will probably turn to Roger Bernadina and Xavier Nady in left field.

It won't be as easy to replace Werth's clubhouse presence and leadership.

"I think Jayson's obviously a really good player, but the things he does day-in and day-out that you guys and the fans don't get to see is obviously just as important," said Zimmerman, who missed the last two weeks with shoulder inflammation. "It stinks."

Just one example of Werth's behind-the-scenes impact: He was the one who first pointed out Hamels' slow pickoff move to Harper, planting the seed in the rookie's mind that he might have an opportunity to steal home at some point.

"Me and Werth have gone in there and looked at some pitchers throughout this series and last series and L.A.," Harper said. "Having him teach me some things on the basepaths, and really take advantage of some things pitchers do, is really great."

Harper's surprise swipe of the plate in the bottom of the first -- shortly after Hamels drilled him in the back with a fastball, and shortly after Harper bolted from first to third base on a routine single to left -- made for an electric moment on a night already filled with electricity.

The crowd of 33,058 roared with approval as a national television audience learned what Washington fans have come to realize over the last week: Harper is so much more than a physically gifted power hitter; he excels at everything on the field, including the mental game.

"This kid proved everything he needed to prove to me tonight," shortstop Ian Desmond said.

That included maintaining his composure after the initial plunking, a pitch even Hamels acknowledged was thrown on purpose.

"I was trying to hit him. I'm not going to deny it," Hamels told reporters inside the Phillies clubhouse. "You know what, it's something that I grew up watching. That's what happened. So I'm just trying to continue the old baseball -- I think some people kind of get away from it."

Told what Hamels had said, Harper let out a small laugh and proceeded to compliment the veteran left-hander.

"He's a great guy, great pitcher and knows how to pitch," the rookie said. "He's an All-Star. It's all good."

Unlike his counterpart, Zimmermann didn't acknowledge any intent in his hitting of Hamels in the leg during a third-inning bunt attempt. The young right-hander insisted he was in no way retaliating, simply trying to prevent Hamels from getting the bunt down, and he didn't even realize plate umpire Andy Fletcher issued warnings to both benches until much later.

"I mean, he was bunting, and I'm going to take an out when I can get an out," Zimmermann said. "I was trying to go away and just cut a fastball really, really bad and unfortunately hit him in the knee."

All of this, of course, was lost in the shuffle by night's end, not to mention Zimmermann's fourth-inning hiccup when he served up a two-run homer to Hunter Pence, and not to mention Ryan Perry's complete meltdown during a six-run ninth inning that turned this game into a rout.

The Werth injury cast a pall over the entire game and left the Nationals clubhouse feeling like a morgue.

Once the initial sting, though, wore off, players began to realize the significance of this entire weekend. Despite the lopsided loss in the finale, the Nationals won the first two games in impressive fashion. And they know when they wake up Monday morning, they'll still be alone in first place in the NL East ... with the Phillies still alone in last place.

And they know they've still got (at least) 15 games to play against the five-time division champs, 15 games that should take on some added meaning given the events of this weekend.

"I was actually a little surprised," Desmond said. "Usually, it seems that the Phillies aren't that hyped up to come play us. I think they realized that they needed to step up a little bit, and that's nice. It's nice to have that feeling of: 'Hey, they're intense over there.' Usually when we play them, they're not. And I think they realize we've got a good ballclub, and they needed to kind of take it up a notch."

218 comments:

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SpingfieldNatsFan1 said...

Ouch! Werth has really stepped it up this series, this season. His leadership will be sorely missed by the Nats. Maybe by July we'll actually be able to field our "real" team....

Positively Half St. said...

We fans were just truly warming to Werth for the first time, with few comments here on his contract. We are well past the point at which we could really believe that Roger Bernadina is an adequate replacement. Let's hope that Zimmerman and LaRoche really are coming back with no relapses to their injuries.

I wonder if Harper's sunny response to Hamels's admission will make the Phillies hate him more.

+1/2St.

baseballswami said...

So glad they have today as I think the weekend may have been mentally tiring.

peric said...

I wonder if Harper's sunny response to Hamels's admission will make the Phillies hate him more.

If Davey doesn't get some bats in the lineup to protect him or bat him lead off he's going to be a target of chin music and semi-intentional walks. Otherwise lead-off might work ... no one is going to not pitch to the lead-off hitter.

Will said...

Wait, shouldn't Hamels get a suspension?

He just said he intentionally hit Harper with a pitch. That's illegal.

Ubaldo Jimenez received a 5 game suspension for hitting Tulowitzki (and for his post-pitch macho theatrics) in Spring Training. Hamels just hit Harper and admitted to it, something which Jimenez never did. Doesn't that make him even more guilty? He's openly talking to the press about how he hit Harper- something which is not allowed and supposed to be strictly enforced.

Why isn't there more outrage about this? It's like a pitcher admitting to scuffing a pitch or a runner admitting to tipping pitches! There's no way he should get away with that.

Dave said...

I for one am outraged. Harper had done nothing against the Phillies. He had a couple of good hits, but none of the theatrics that the national media have invented and assigned to Harper as a shortcut for actually reporting.

If Hamels isn't suspended, this rivalry (between both teams and fans) could get much uglier.

baseballswami said...

Agreed that his arrogant admission that he intentionally hit a batter, especially a rookie in the bigs for all of a week, should draw a suspension. What's to prevent every team from doing the same thing now? It's like the want to teach him a lesson that he's just a kid. Don't be a coward - throw him your best pitches and see if he can get on base honestly. I am guessing that in the class-less values of his phan base he is some kind of hero now. I do think Bryce answered in the very best way by scoring, though. He is dangerous everywhere on the field. I am finding that those 2 bad innings yesterday left a bad taste in my mouth and the Werth news is just depressing.

Larry Rutledge said...

This team defies gravity and will continue to find a way to win but I will miss watching the iconic Jayson Werth at bat and in the field a great deal. I wish him a speedy recovery

natsfan1a said...

D*mn. I was afraid of that. Looked bad when it happened, and he's a tough guy who doesn't leave the field easily. I also wish Jayson a speedy recovery.

m20832 said...

This just sucks. Just when the Nats were almost coming back to be a team again, this has to happen. Are our boys under a dark cloud or something?

Anonymous said...

Sorry Werth was hurt and I'd like to see him be playing. But, I really won't miss his bat.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Hopefully a simple break which he can recover in 6 weeks, and not one like in 2006 that had him miss the whole season.

What logical reason did Hamels have to throw at Harper? He has done nothing that would cause that yet. Analysts are de doing the talking about Harper, not Harper himself.

Tim said...

@ Will: surely MLB will issue a five-figure fine for it, but probably not a suspension. JZimm will get fined too, I'm sure.

I hope Werth remains in the dugout and travels with the team. He can still be a presence. I also hope it IS a broken wrist and not a reoccurance of his injury in '05 which was a ripped tendon in his wrist. That required a year and a half off.

JaneB said...

I was also thinking maybe he could stay in the dugout (Werth). And that Hamels need to be suspended, or Bryce will be plunked again and again

Joe Seamhead said...

Harper should have blown Hamels a kiss after he stole home. The league must send a message that this crap isn't going to be tolerated.
GYFNG!

LoveDaNats said...

OK, not growing up playing baseball (I played softball and we would apologize for hitting each other) someone please explain to me Hamels comments. He claims he hit Bryce intentionally because he was trying to be "old school". Was he trying to say "welcome to the bigs, punk"? Was he trying to establish dominance? Was he trying to hit him because of his aggressive and dominant play? What are the odds Hamels will get reprimanded? BTW, Harper showed class beyond his years with his response.

LoveDaNats said...

Also, wishing Jayson a speedy recovery. That just stinks.

Constant Reader said...

Still ruminating on the terrible news for Werth. Werth was an All-Star who earned MVP votes in a lineup with Rollins, Utley, Howard and Victorino. Last year, with Zim and ALR injured and Morse developing late, he was challenged to be THE MAN and struggled miserably (thought still not as bad as Dunn or Crawford). He got off to a nice start this year and was days away from playing with Harper, Zim and ALR and weeks away from Morse joining the lineup. We were so close to seeing how he would fare in a deep lineup. What a rotten, rotten turn of fate for Werth.

UnkyD said...

OL, here I am...

My comment re: Werth's injury was illl-considered and hasty, and borne of my frustration at another key injury. It was aslo ignorant, as I didn't see the play. I think I've mentioned that I listen to most of the games on my iPhone, as my TV options are limited. On the occasions when I have watched, it has always seemed to me that Jayson slides into many balls that other outfielders reach down for, at a full run, and I've been nervous about the chance of a spike catching and tearing a knee or ankle up. I tempt fate by saying that out loud, because, big honking contract or no

NatsLady said...

Too bad Perry and Gorz put the game out of reach, but we were losing it anyway. Hamels was dealing (he would have gone the complete game) and the team and the fans got a punch in the stomach when Werth went down. I know we'll recover (somehow) but...

There were a LOT of Werth jerseys at the park. Maybe partly in defiance towards the Fillies, but also because Jayson has done a good job end of last year and this year. Get well soon, man.

Here comes the test of Davey's creativity and the Nats' grit.

NatsLady said...

Jayson didn't "tempt fate." In fact, he is one of the more careful players about not getting injured, not running needlessly into walls, etc. (Remember was criticized last year for being wall-shy.)

He's done those sliding catches a thousand times, sometimes he gets the ball, sometimes not. Still can't believe he got up and threw the ball to the infield.

UnkyD said...

...I recognize and appreciate his influence, and believe he will factor in a great many wins, over the next few years.

I would have responded last night, but I tuned out shortly thereafter, to enjoy my lovely wife for a couple of hours, before bedtime.

I regret my little outburst, and I hope Joe Seamhead, and anyone else, whom I disappointed, won't hold it against me for very long...

Anyway... Great to win ANOTHER series, GREAT to see The Kid making the most of his opportunity, and I'm looking forward to another youngster getting an opportunity, with this regrettable circumstance. Heal fast, Jayson! There's post season

Marty said...

Ugh, that sucks. Guess Tuesday won't be "send Xavier Nady down day" after all.
Can't help but feel that next to Werth, Lombo is the biggest immediate loser from this (then Moore). If Werth doesn't get hurt, Zimm and Laroche return, then maybe Espinosa would actually get a few days off. Now I don't see it happening and as much as I love Lombo, LF is not the home for his arm.
However on a semi-bright side, I do think we are due for a couple of those games where Bernadina gets a couple of extra base hits and people start trying to talk themselves into Bernadina finally putting it together :)

So Zimm's space is taken care of with Werth to the DL, but probably Moore is the odd man for Laroche's spot?

UnkyD said...

....glory to be had!!!!!

GYFNG!!!!!

mick said...

I was at the game last night and I thought at first maybe Jayson just sprained the wrist. Watching Harper live was a treat and this young man is the REAL DEAL!

My only beef is why did Davey come in with Perry?? Why?? We were in the game, why not Clip, HRod, I know Matthues could not go because of his 2 innings on Sat. This Pery guy SUCKS and is not even a single A player. Sometimes, Davey just baffles me but I guess it is good to find out these things now than in July, please send him down today!

Also, when Zim comes back, Lombo should replace Espinoza at 2b, let Danny think about things. Lombo is a solid player.

So what to do about Werth, this is sureal. I hope Morse can come back and maybe now Corey Brown comes up, I dunno.

The park is great, the concession stands, while improved from 2011 are still operated by DIMWITS!! That is the only negative of the park which I give A-, overall a GREAT experience for all!

baseballswami said...

I hate to see Werth away from the team for many reasons, but one of them is that he seemed to have taken Bryce under his wing. Hopeful that Ankiel can be his outfield mentor and maybe LaRoche can help with the strategic part of hitting. I think Moore absolutely needs more playing time if he stays up. Trying to put the weekend in perspective - take back the park really worked - the dynamic seems reasonable now. The rivalry is definitely on and the Nats will not be pushovers. As for JZimm - what does it say about our pitching staff that a "quality start" seemed like a terrible night? He had one tough inning - Perry did most of the damage. Hamels is an elite pitcher - a coward, but a good pitcher. JZim, once again, got one run of support. Is it starting to wear on him? Maybe he's trying to pitch too perfectly? My Monday morning, although we won yet another series and the weekend generally went well, is characterized by sadness over Jayson's injury. Any way fans can send messages of support?

Joe Seamhead said...

All's cool, Unkyd. I've responded blindly ,too. The play happened right in front of where I was sitting, and then had a bunch of Philthies around me cheering because Werth got hurt. I was pretty sensitive about Werthless criticism.

UnkyD said...

Also... I meant to type that I *wouldn't * tempt fat by saying it aloud, BEFORE the fact.... I really should proof my longer screeds...

natsfan1a said...

Hey, Unk. Didn't see your comments at the time, as I don't tend to do in-game commenting. I did watch the whole game, but went to bed right after. (I wanted to check NI for an update on Werth, but my husband had to get up early and was imploring me to turn off the lights. He did ask me to go check on Werth as soon as we woke up this a.m., so there's that. But I digress.) Who hasn't said something that they later regretted? I sure have. You're a standup guy, and I have no beef with you. The Phillie Phans who cheered Werth's injury are another story. And nice work on the counter-cheers as reported in an earlier thread, JoeS.

Dave said...

I have high hopes that we see the solid performance of Jayson again mid-season. Thebroken wrist was terrible (and let's hope that's all it is), but this is a solid team with much depth. (Well, except for Nady...)

I've decided not to get really exercised about the plunking of Bryce. He handled it in absolutely the best way possible: he scored a run by stealing on Hamels and Nix. So NOW he has shown up the Phillies! (And thank you, Jordan, for allowing that pitch to Hamels to be cut "really bad.". I do expect Hamels to be suspended, and will be outraged if he isn't. But the MLB execs haven't even made it to the office yet today, so it'll probably on their to-do list for this morning.

blovy8 said...

Laughing at Hamels is the best thing to do. Admitting you hit a guy who then comes around to score by stealing home off you is ought to teach that jackass a lesson about "old school".

natscan reduxit said...

… okay, that's it! No more Sunday Night Baseball please. If ESPN calls, tell them you've got another engagement, tell them you have to wash your hair, or that you've been grounded for a week. Tell them anything but don't give in to the temptation of any more national Nationals broadcasts. We can't afford it.

… in the matter of J Werth (" … will likely be out, Manager Davey Johnson said, for a few months …") I broke my wrist a couple of years ago. In six weeks I was playing hockey again. Just saying.

… and oh yeah, let me the latest person to say it: if you want to keep Philly (or Mets, or Pitts, or Braves, or Fish, or any of a number of birds, or whomever) fans out of the seats, buy them yourself.

Go Nats Fans! Go Nats!!

mick said...

Hamels a punk just like these philly fans that booed the young man with Downs syn who was on the screen before the game. I know philly fans are the worst, but to actually see these slime balls boo that young man takes them down to a new all time level. Hamel and Charlie Manuel SUCK. I would love see some one hit Hamels in his crotch at 100 MPH

mick said...

BTW: Manuel needs a bath, he is one nasty looking mofo, lol

NatsLady said...

Let Hamels try to go another compete game and Henry will take care of that for ya, mick. Just maybe not on purpose.

mick said...

To top it off, last night on the metro there were drunk punk ass philly fans acting disorderly and worst of all, they were yelling out gay slurs and chanting Free Sandusky. Before I could go over and smack one of them, someone beat to it, grabbed one of the jack asses and told him he was going to throw him on the tracks if he did not STFU! The young punk and his crew were silent the rest of the ride.

mick said...

lol nats lady, I'm just blowing off steam right now

MicheleS said...

If they don't suspend Hamels, there will be bean ball wars at every Phillies game this year. Next year when Hamels is playing for the Dodgers, I expect there to be some retribution.

Perry needs to go, enough said on that topic.

Other than a some knuckleheads in the RF seats, the Phillie fans were very pleasant (there were a couple Nats fans that needed to behave as well)

On Jayson, I know that some have beefed about his lack of production and the $$$, but I felt that he brought so much more to the team. He took on so much last year when ALR and RZ got hurt. It was him and a bunch of unproven rookies and bench guys. And we have no idea what was going on in that club house last year before Davey got there. (it sounded just from some of the snippets that it was a soap opera with the previous manager)

I really felt that he was going to have a strong year this year. I hope for his sake that he heals quickly, there is no ligament damage and that he can play in a matter of weeks rather than months.
Get well Jayson!!!!

GYFNG! Take this out on the Pirates and make them walk the plank!

NatsLady said...

And please save me from these CLUELESS ESPN commentators! I had my radio headset on at the game and Dave predicted the steal of home, right after the first lob pickoff try. Yes, and Charlie was right with him on it. Then they--correctly--slammed Polanco for not calling time and warning Hamels how big a lead Bryce was taking.

Turns out Werth, Porter and Bryce were all on the same wavelength about a possible steal even before the game. Do these ESPN types even prep beforehand or do they just pat themselves on the back??? Boy, are we going to miss Werth.

RZ is the face of the franchise, and rightly so, but Werth is the enforcer. If not for him, we would still have Nyjer and Rigss. And you can bet he has coached Bryce on how to act.

That will be something, all lefties in the outfield with Bernadina playing. The Shark better step up, and Espi, too. I have been Danny's supporter, but he is just swinging at air.

NatsLady said...

Mick, I am SO glad I drove to the game! Have had the drunk Philthies on the Metro experience and it's not fun.

LoveDaNats said...

I was not impressed with the ESPN announcers. At one point, they were discussing irrelevant, inane crap and I wanted to shout "HELLO....game going on here. Pay attention!"

NatsFanGino said...

Hamels is garbage, just like 95% of their fans.

He is talking about old school. Please.. Old school is letting the play speak for itself and shuting your mouth.

Old school is the way harper plays the game, all out hustle every play.

The kid is paying for media overhype and being a cocky 16 year old with eye black. He was ONLY 16, just a kid!

He has done nothing but respect the game by playing hard since he was brought up.

UnkyD said...

I have to say, having skimmed everything this morning, that I didn't see even one "Werthless" comment! Nice! I know he still has his detractors, here, but the lack of untoward remarks speaks well of our classy little community...

mick said...

Werth has too much class to play for the Pilthies, glad he is a Nat

natsfan1a said...

So here's a cheery little story from the Philadelphia Inquirer. Well, unless you're a Phillies Phan.

natsfan1a said...

NJ, with all due respect, it's an off day after a bad loss (of a game and a player). I think it's a given that people are going to vent, especially those of us who didn't get our reactions in last night. Just scroll past it and we'll try to get it all out. :-)

NatsLady said...

Hamels pitched a good game, but what will be remembered is not two random relievers giving it up in the top of the ninth so it looked like a blowout.

What will be remembered is oh-ya-gonna-hit-me-are-ya-Harper stealing home. I think RZ will have to bat 4th and LaRoche 5th, or vice-versa. Gotta give Harper some protection or they will walk him every day of the week--though maybe not so much after watching the video. Speed, baby, speed. And he hasn't hit a home run yet. Not one. :) :) :)

NatsLady said...

NJ, understood that it was a sign of "respect." You didn't see them hitting TyMo, did ya? Just love the way Harper and Werth shoved the respect back in their faces.

NatsNut said...

Stammen is a stud.

Big time cringe on Jayson's wrist break. Looked just like Hideki Matsui's from a few years ago. Ugh. Heal quick, Jayson.

NatsLady said...

1a, read that story twice it was so enjoyable (didn't mention Werth). Thanks for the link.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Get well soon Jayson!

NatsLady said...

NatsNut said...
Stammen is a stud.


Looks like we got another Clippard in the bullpen... Sean Burnett did OK for himself also, once Davey got around to using him. (Did you read the story about Burnett spelling out his name in sunflower seeds on Davey's desk?)

If Henry can keep up the good work and Storen gets back to form, WOW.

UnkyD said...

NatsLady said:
"And he hasn't hit a home run yet. Not one. :) :) :)"
------------------
I was just thinking about that! I know he's come from the heels, a couple of times (so to speak), but can somebody who's seen more of his ABs than I tell me if he's basically swinging for contact? If so... What brilliant strategy, to start him out with!! Go with a shorter stroke, while learning to see, and recognize Big League pitching, and as he gets used to it, pich his spots to break out the Hero Swing? If sounding like an idiot, by all means point it out to me, but seeing as he obviously knows how to swing a stick, this seems to me to be an approach that would make him more comfortable, and more productive during that "break-in" period... Kinda like a brand new car....

Raleighnat said...

I don't understand "Old School". Seems to me the best way to send a message is to win. If putting on base runners is "old school" then "old school" is dumb.

Raleighnat said...

Werth injury was very depressing. I really want to see this line up just once: Desi, Harper, Zimm, Morse, LaRoche, Werth, Lombo/Desi, and Ramos. Maybe July?

NatsLady said...

Unkyd, agree. Also liked the drag-bunt. He's got the speed for it, now he just has to get the hang of how to position it. (Let him speak to Bernie on that.) Same with the caught-stealing. He's trying stuff out and Davey's giving him a long leash to experiment.

UnkyD said...

Hmmm.... On the subject of proof reading.... If I'd been religious about it, up til now, there'd be no Gorse Hackers, setting Unholy Tables.... I think I'll take my chances, and trust the Baseball Gods to allay any in intended scatological content...;-)

A DC Wonk said...

But, I really won't miss his bat.

Huh? Other than LaRoche, he'd been doing the best of all the starters.

===========

I was at the game last night. I went over to Sec 304 to visit NatsLady -- but, 304 is a big section, I couldn't find her. (But I tried!)

FWIW, I also saw the huge lead Bryce was taking off of 3rd in the 1st inning, and pointed that out to my wife -- telling her to keep an eye on him (the 3rd baseman was playing back). I wondered what the odds were of him stealing before the fact, too.

BTW, the play before was good, too, and hardly mentioned by anybody. When Bryce was on first, Werth hit a single to left, and Bryce took off having third base on his mind the whole way. He had no business getting to third on a short single to left -- I doubt that more than a few baserunners could have done that.

Another impression: you can't fully appreciate just how hard Bryce runs until you see it in person. You just can't get a good sense of it on TV. It blows you away.

And, finally, my heckling story of last night:

When Harper was hit, Nats fans starting booing loudly, and a Fillie fan behind us started yelling "take it like a man! take it like a man!"

When Harper stole home, I got up, turned around and started yelling "He took it like a man! He took it like a man!" My 17 year old daughter was embarrassed as heck (it was worth it!).

(No, matter -- halfway through the game my daughter and her friend left us (we were in Sec 309) and they went to left field so they could be as close to Harper as possible. She said it was pretty rowdy (and fun), and at one point they started yelling "Harper, we love you, will you marry me!"

(And, at that point, the realization hit me: wow, he's just two years old than my daughter!)

The kids had a lot of fun. It was the largest crowd they had seen there, and they could feel the electricity. They got into it.

Doing my part to raise the next generation of Nats fans! ;-)

NatsLady said...

NJ, speaking of AL baseball. Heard that "two position players" pitched in that 17-inning game Ballmer vs. Boston and one of them won it.

Then I found out they were both designated hitters. That's not a position!

NatsLady said...

Wonk, I'm down in the "handicap" part of 304...

A DC Wonk said...

but can somebody who's seen more of his ABs than I tell me if he's basically swinging for contact? If so...

No -- or, maybe sometimes -- but sometimes he's swinging pretty hard. Remember -- at least three of his doubles were hits off the wall. And two of them were high up on a 15 foot wall, and one of them was about a baseball-width away from being a home run. (It's possible that he's shortening his swing when he gets two strikes -- which, if true, puts him ahead of a whole lotta other hitters).

Tcostant said...

Monday's Random Thoughts.
Good for us successfully “Taking Back the Park”. I hope we do as well later in the year when their was no pre-sale blackout of no DC area fans. Great job by all the fans!
Werth injury hurts, but DJ has a next man up attitude. With Harper in RF, I would mix Lombardozzi and Tracy and play both while they are hot. I would keep Tyler Moore around as next guy up, if either falters. [No real roster move needed, Zimm comes off DL, Werth goes on DL].
Lombardozzi needs to play every day. When he is not starting in LF, I would play him at 2B. No reason the best man shouldn’t play there.
Zimmermann is becoming Sid Fernandez. As many of you know, I grew up a Mets fan, and I watched those DJ’s Mets and Davey has even made those comparisons [Strasburg = Gooden, Harper = Strawberry, etc). Well Sid was always talked about how he had the best stuff on the staff, but he would always have that one bad inning and loss. I don’t know what’s up with Zimmermann, but while he has great talent he isn’t at the Strasburg or Gio level, #3 is just about right.
Haper’s steal of Home, which I’ve never seen that before (on a throw to first) and his double on jam shot; showed the world, this guy isn’t just a power hitter. He is Pete Rose and Hank Aaron all rolled in to one. The next few years will be special to watch!
My wife thinks I’m watching to much baseball, to bad!

natsfan1a said...

Don't ever change, Unk. ;-)

Re. the Harper HBP, was reading comments in a few places this a.m. and someone made an interesting observation. Hamels alluded to the strike zone when he was a rookie in his comments about hitting Harper (see below). He also alluded to the league protecting "certain players." In the first game of the series, Manuel was ejected after arguing with the umps about a Harper check-swing on a 3-1 pitch, which led to a walk by the kid. Hamels wouldn't say exactly when he thought up the idea of plunking the kid, and Manuel says that the ball just got away from him. Yeah, right. Question is, was the message meant only for Harper or for a broader audience?

"That's something I grew up watching, that's kind of what happened. So I'm just trying to continue the old baseball because I think some people are kind of getting away from it. I remember when I was a rookie the strike zone was really, really small and you didn't say anything because that's the way baseball is," Hamels said.

"But I think unfortunately the league's protecting certain players and making it not that old-school, prestigious way of baseball," he said.

In other words, Hamels said, "It's just, `Welcome to the big leagues."'

A DC Wonk said...

Wonk, I'm down in the "handicap" part of 304...

Ahh, OK. Is that your usual spot? (So I know for next time). That's at the top of 304, right?

speaking of AL baseball....

Uggh. I still find it hard to believe that the DH exists at the pro level. What a farce.

Best line I've heard about that (decades ago):

The National League -- where "DH" stands for "doubleheader"

natsfan1a said...

Don't ever change, Unk. ;-)

Re. the Harper HBP, was reading comments in a few places this a.m. and someone made an interesting observation. Hamels alluded to the strike zone when he was a rookie in his comments about hitting Harper (see below). He also alluded to the league protecting "certain players." In the first game of the series, Manuel was ejected after arguing with the umps about a Harper check-swing on a 3-1 pitch, which led to a walk by the kid. Hamels wouldn't say exactly when he thought up the idea of plunking the kid, and Manuel says that the ball just got away from him. Yeah, right. Question is, was the message meant only for Harper or for a broader audience?

"That's something I grew up watching, that's kind of what happened. So I'm just trying to continue the old baseball because I think some people are kind of getting away from it. I remember when I was a rookie the strike zone was really, really small and you didn't say anything because that's the way baseball is," Hamels said.

"But I think unfortunately the league's protecting certain players and making it not that old-school, prestigious way of baseball," he said.

In other words, Hamels said, "It's just, `Welcome to the big leagues."'

A DC Wonk said...

He is Pete Rose and Hank Aaron all rolled in to one.

Interestingly, being a former Mets fan myself (and son of a NY Giants fan), the comparison I made to my wife was Willie Mays (as Harper and Mays were faster than Rose and Aaron). And, in any event, it was a small tribute to Mays' birthday yesterday.

BTW -- I keep hearing that Bryce was the first teenager to steal home since 1964. However the other guy (I looked it up last night, but forgot his name already) was about 10 days older than Harper.

So, what I want to know is: who is the last guy who was younger (if any) than Harper when he stole home?

NatsLady said...

Not sure where the rest of 304 is, but I know I don't have to climb any stairs to get to my seat.

But since it's only a partial season ticket sometimes I sit other places...One of the ushers is a fanatic Braves fan, he is actually flying to ATL when we play there. We have fun in our little corner of the park, plus a great view of the Capitol.

natsfan1a said...

Atta way, Wonk!

Constant Reader, the Take Back the Park sale included future series as well. I bought tix for an October game through it.

NN and NL, agree re. Stammen, and I was meaning to give Burnett some love this morning, too, so thanks for that. I did read the jersey/sunflower seed story. Funny.

A DC Wonk said...

And, finally, my heckling story of last night:

When Harper was hit, Nats fans starting booing loudly, and a Fillie fan behind us started yelling "take it like a man! take it like a man!"

When Harper stole home, I got up, turned around and started yelling "He took it like a man! He took it like a man!" My 17 year old daughter was embarrassed as heck (it was worth it!).

natsfan1a said...

Atta way, Wonk!

Constant Reader, the Take Back the Park sale included future series as well. I bought tix for an October game through it.

NN and NL, agree re. Stammen, and I was meaning to give Burnett some love this morning, too, so thanks for that. I did read the jersey/sunflower seed story. Funny.

A DC Wonk said...

And, finally, my heckling story of last night:

When Harper was hit, Nats fans starting booing loudly, and a Fillie fan behind us started yelling "take it like a man! take it like a man!"

When Harper stole home, I got up, turned around and started yelling "He took it like a man! He took it like a man!" My 17 year old daughter was embarrassed as heck (it was worth it!).

natsfan1a said...

Sorry about the dupe; have been getting a few 503 messages and some posting delays.

Navy Nats Fan said...

Here's a good excuse to try out Duffy's while the team is on the road this week:

Duffy's Groupon Link

Steady Eddie said...

Tconstant -- agree wholeheartedly re Take Back the Park, and I lauded Feffer for making this call before the series because it sent the signal of putting (and knowing what it takes to build) the home fan base over a few more dollars that demoralize what fan base there was (in the Kasten years). The Kasten approach was really penny wise and pound foolish when you look at it that way.

Plus the remaining two series against the Phils are both in the middle of the week (end of July, first of October), so much less chance of a large attempted invasion there.

Nats Lady and DCWonk -- I get the feeling from looking at each of his at-bats that most of Harp's swings and misses are attempted HR strokes, but that he's (1) a good enough hitter already to adjust his stroke to what he's given, and (2) a ferocious line drive hitter so ones that he crushes often don't get that far off the ground -- think not only his two doubles off the scoreboard but the one to the base of the CF fence in LA, and his line-drive out to second (that doubled Lombo off first) on Saturday. That one was hit so hard it might have made it most or all of the way to the out-of-town scoreboard if not caught, but it was basically going parallel to the ground.

This guy is just fascinating to watch in every dimension. Like I wrote during the DBacks series, he just makes you want to watch and ask "what amazing thing WILL he do next?" in every single dimension of his game. This is just me and personal, but I don't think it's sacrilege to say that his game as a whole reminds me most of the Say-Hey Kid's. What other great slugger (which of course he hasn't really become yet, but who has been at 19?) and phenomenal fielder (which, yeah, he's still in the process of becoming, but he'll get there) would have the balls and wheels to turn a Texas-Leaguer into a double?

sm13 said...

I like that Natitude, 1a!

I wonder if Davey will give some thought to giving Lombo-zim some time in left field. He added a spark to the lineup.

Gumbo in Gotham said...

My thoughts on the weekend (I was at the game Saturday and watched both the Friday and Sunday games):

Take Back the Park was a huge success. Before the series, I said I wanted to see at least two wins and 100,000 fans. Got both of them.

There were a fair number of Phillies fans on Saturday, but everyone seemed pretty well-behaved and it was obvious that it was a Nats game and they were the visitors. Cheers were heard when the Nats did something good, not the other way around.

Bryce can be a bit brash and a few of the things he said in the last couple of years didn't really endear him to me, but the kid is a joy to watch play. I love how even as a 19 year old he will take pitches and get on base via walk.

I just can't believe Werth's injury. Just terrible. I like Werth and hope he has a speedy recovery. Good on him for picking that ball up and throwing it to the infield with a broken wrist.

Amazing that the Nats are doing as well as they are, especially with the injuries. I really hope that the Zim and LaRoche injuries are minor and that they are back quickly as is projected.

Even with the injuries, this has been an amazing start to the season. I hope we are all this happy come the end of the season.

NatsLady said...

I'm not sure Lombo has the arm for LF. He did OK at third, but what helped him were a lot of quick steps that shortened the throws.

Steady Eddie said...

Actually his Saturday line drive out doubled Lombo off second, but you get the idea.

Though I do think the "settling into things" approach is a part of it. Partly because it is a matter of adjusting to what he's given to hit. If they give him the protection of hitting in front of RZim and LaRoche, and hopefully the Beast before too much longer, he'll see more fastballs.

A DC Wonk said...

This is just me and personal, but I don't think it's sacrilege to say that his game as a whole reminds me most of the Say-Hey Kid's. What other great slugger (which of course he hasn't really become yet, but who has been at 19?) and phenomenal fielder (which, yeah, he's still in the process of becoming, but he'll get there) would have the balls and wheels to turn a Texas-Leaguer into a double?

Me, too. (See above).

BTW, for those who didn't see it: this was not your run-of-the-mill texas league double. (A pop up which find a spot between fielders, giving the batter enough time to make it to second if he runs hard -- which lots of faster-than-average batters can do). This was more like a soft line drive that was just over the SS's leap. In a split second, Harper must have figured out that because it was so soft, and b/c the LF's arm was weak, he could make it to second.

Just as Harper had no business making it from 1st to 3rd in the first inning on Werth's hit, so too here he had no business making that a double.

The Kid goes all out, and yet completely stays within himself and is never reckless.

He really seems to be fulfilling the prophesies that he is a once-in-a-generation hitter, and, as others have said: you can't take your eyes off of him, because you never know what amazing eye-popping feat he will do next.

I had fairly high expectations of him: he's easily exceeded them (in the short run).

A DC Wonk said...

Bryce can be a bit brash and a few of the things he said in the last couple of years didn't really endear him to me

Agreed . . . but he was only 17 and 18 then. He seems to have matured a whole lot between 18 and 19. (As many of us thought/hoped he would).

His composure after getting hit -- and his comments after learning Hamels admitted it was on purpose -- are proof of his growth in maturity. In a big wway.

sm13 said...

Lombo's arm has to be better than Juan Pierre!

Tcostant said...

A DC Wonk said...

I was born in 1966, and I hear you point on Mays. But, what I remember watching Mays with the Mets and it wasn't pretty. I know we was way more than that, but it is hard to get that boyhood memory out of my thinking, because I lived though it.

natsfan1a said...

NJ, evidently Rizzo didn't get the memo re. dropping it on the Hamels/Harper HBP. Excerpt from a piece by Kilgore (tell us how you really feel, Mike :-)):

“He thinks he’s sending a message to us of being a tough guy. He’s sending the polar opposite message. He says he’s being honest, well, I’m being honest. It was a gutless chicken [bleep] [bleeping] act. That was a fake-tough act. No one has ever accused Cole Hamels of being old school.”

UnkyD said...

I know it's been said... But having just gotten a chance to see the replay, Jayson is a MAN. Reaching for, and throwing the ball after that injury... Leaves me (nearly) speechless...

mick said...

yes sir Mike... i love it. Werth is a man, couldn't agree more

Steady Eddie said...

DCWonk -- you're right on the "double", it actually didn't have the loft of a real Texas leaguer, so there shouldn't have been the time for him to get much past first, let alone safely to second.

Though I suspect Harp will get fewer of those opportunities as teams will begin to understand that they can't field anything with the usual, routine nonchalance when he's on the basepaths. You'll see a lot more hustle by ALL the fielders on opposing teams, which might actually lead to more errors as they rush to throw balls they haven't fully caught yet, out of fear that Harp is yet again about to take that extra base.

The other thing you wrote I agree with is the fact that he was 17 or so when he said most if not all of the things people have cited to suggest "brash". We should point out that he wasn't even in pro ball at the time, which means he was competing against older kids who were nonetheless nowhere near his level. Remember that he was national college player of the year (whatever that award is) at 17 after one year of JC ball. He has and I'm sure will continue to comport himself appropriately in the Show. He's clearly a VERY quick study of everything related to the game.

NatsLady said...

Actually, I wasn't commenting on Harper's swing, strategy or anything like that. I was commenting on how hyped we are over the kid and he hasn't done his oppo-boppo thing--YET. Can you imagine what a few dingers will do to this town?

mick said...

DC wonk, it was Eddie Fitzpatrick in 1964 who was 19 that stole home

Steady Eddie said...

natsfan1a -- good catch on Rizzo's comment. He's also sending a message between the lines to MLB executives, which is you'd better set a strong example against Hamels and ensure that the rest of the league doesn't feel they can throw at our budding superstar/ticket-seller/TV draw and not pay a steep price.

Pro sports (and college, but that's another matter) is at base all about sales. While other teams' executives may not want to see Harper help the Nats beat their teams, they really don't want to lose the ticket etc. sales and TV draw of having him on the DL because some team took hunting him to excess.

joe9 said...

Though I suspect Harp will get fewer of those opportunities as teams will begin to understand that they can't field anything with the usual, routine nonchalance when he's on the basepaths. You'll see a lot more hustle by ALL the fielders on opposing teams, which might actually lead to more errors as they rush to throw balls they haven't fully caught yet, out of fear that Harp is yet again about to take that extra base.

Steady: Harper's mad dash to first on that dribbler to the Arizona pitcher the other day did cause a throwing error. Harper took that extra base but, of course, the ump thought he missed the first one.

mick said...

Nats verse O's series is getting bigger by the day!!

natsfan1a said...

Agreed. In fact, was commenting in that vein to my husband this a.m., after learning the extent of the injury. Quite the stoic demeanor while exiting the game, too. Will be rooting for him to heal fully and relatively quickly.

UnkyD said...

I know it's been said... But having just gotten a chance to see the replay, Jayson is a MAN. Reaching for, and throwing the ball after that injury... Leaves me (nearly) speechless...
May 07, 2012 10:43 AM

Tcostant said...

Hey Natsfan1a -

You posted that the orginial pre-sale included other Philly series; I just don't see that. I purchased the Saturday game and don't rememeber seeing other Phils game, maybe you found under schedule option. Either way, the other series option was not avertised or hype, which is really my point.

Press release
http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120203&content_id=26559958&vkey=pr_was&c_id=was
Nationals Press Release
02/03/2012 7:56 AM EST

Nationals Take Back the Park
Washington-area fans are encouraged to show their Nationals pride by taking part in special presale for the first Phillies series of 2012
The Washington Nationals today launched Take Back the Park, an exciting initiative that encourages local Nationals fans to purchase tickets for the first three games against the Philadelphia Phillies before they go on sale to the general public.

Beginning today, single game tickets for the May 4-6 Nationals vs. Phillies series will only be available to season ticket holders and fans who reside in Washington, D.C., Maryland or Virginia. This exclusive presale will ensure that the team’s most loyal fans have the first opportunity to purchase tickets to cheer on the Nationals when they play their NL East rivals to the north.

As an added benefit, season ticket holders can apply their exclusive discount for single game tickets during this presale. All season ticket holders will receive an email with instructions on how to order tickets using the discounted rate.

To take advantage of this offer, Washington-area fans can visit nationals.com/ourpark starting today to register for the presale. Upon verification, they will receive a one-time-use password to complete the order. The Nationals will also verify matching registration and billing information so that tickets are only mailed to local addresses in D.C., Maryland or Virginia in March.

Fans may purchase a minimum of two tickets and up to eight tickets per game in one transaction, while supplies last. For more information on Take Back the Park or to purchase tickets, visit nationals.com/ourpark.

natsfan1a said...

Yes, I've had similar thoughts re. other teams and ticket sales for road games, Steady Eddie.

Steady Eddie said...

joe9 -- you are correct, sir. All I was saying was that right now he's getting extra bases mostly by catching fielders by surprise in pushing for that extra base that NO ONE else tries to take.

On a comebacker to the pitcher, it's hard for any fielder to miss seeing Harp rocketing down the first base line. So what we saw there with Saunders (I think) fumbling for the ball is more like what we'll see in the future with his other running plays than the kind of casualness that Jimmy Rollins showed in going after that soft liner last night after it fell in.

Scott from Burke said...

NatsLady said... Wonk, I'm down in the "handicap" part of 304...


This doesn't surprise me...watched the interview with Hamels in which he admitted....he was charming, honest and direct...and complimentary towards Harper and the Nats...free agent after this season....if he were a Nat a lot of you would find plenty of reasons to like him..and did he complain at all about getting hit? if so i havn't read or heard about it...shouldnt be an issue next time they meet

mick said...

The Say Key Kid by 1973 was more a clubhouse leader for the 83-79 Mets. That was one wild season and I remember it like yesterday, Yogi coaching his ass off after Gil Hodges sudden death, Rose - Buddy Harrleson fight, Mets' fans totally intimidating Rose who did not get a hit the rest of the series, Mets choking in game six verse A's and Tug McGraw's getting everyone jacked with his glove slapping on his thigh.

1973 still one of my favorite seasons

mick said...

and... the "You Gotta Believe" banners

natsfan1a said...

TCostant, nope, it was the same presale. See excerpt below, from an email I received from the Nats on 3/2, before single-game ticket sales opened to the general public.

Take Back the Park
Washington Nationals LogoAs a resident of the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia, the Nationals are pleased to offer you the opportunity, subject to availability, to purchase a minimum of two (2) and up to eight (8) tickets per game across all games vs. the Phillies at Nationals Park. This Take Back the Park presale is subject to ticket availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

Nationals vs. Phillies, Friday, May 4 at 7:05 p.m.
Nationals vs. Phillies, Saturday, May 5 at 1:05 p.m.
Nationals vs. Phillies, Sunday, May 6 at 8:05 p.m.
Nationals vs. Phillies, Tuesday, July 31 at 7:05 p.m.
Nationals vs. Phillies, Wednesday, August 1 at 7:05 p.m.
Nationals vs. Phillies, Thursday, August 2 at 7:05 p.m.
Nationals vs. Phillies, Monday, October 1 at 7:05 p.m.
Nationals vs. Phillies, Tuesday, October 2 at 7:05 p.m.
Nationals vs. Phillies, Wednesday, October 3 at 1:05 p.m.
Note that the credit card billing address used to purchase your tickets must match the address you used to register. To buy tickets, click the Take Back the Park button below and enter your one-time-use unique password provided here. Upon verification of your purchase, your tickets will be sent to you by mail in early March.

Your one-time-use password:
*******

*Note that to purchase tickets to multiple games you must click "Add Another Game" on the shopping cart page. Once you complete one order you will not be able to enter the same purchase flow to buy additional tickets.
Take Back the Park

IMPORTANT: THE BILLING ADDRESS FOR YOUR PAYMENT CARD THAT YOU USE DURING THIS TICKET PURCHASE MUST MATCH THE ADDRESS YOU USED TO REGISTER. BILLING ADDRESSES THAT DO NOT MATCH REGISTRATION ADDRESSES WILL BE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

sm13 said...
Lombo's arm has to be better than Juan Pierre!

May 07, 2012 10:33 AM


No doubt. Plus I just saw the team just to the North take their rookie 2nd baseman Ryan Flaherty and start him in LF as they are trying to get him ABs.

It seems they want to make this Flaherty kid into a super utility player. http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/flahery01.shtml

Davey and Rizzo have to find a way to get the right balance of defense and offense.

Espinosa got a few hits over the weekend but only 1 of them was a solid line drive shot. He was back to lost at the plate yesterday although most Nats were also.

Sanches in relief actually tempted Espi in a 2 strike count with a high fastball and luckily Danny laid off and maybe because it was at eye level.

I go with:

Desi SS
Lombo 2B
Harper RF
Zim 3B
LaRoche 1B
Moore/Bernadina LF
Ankiel CF
Ramos C

Tracy got hot over the weekend. Tracy played a lot of Outfield in 2005. That was a long time ago. Not sure how you get him some ABs.

NatsLady said...

Love Rizzo, including the language. And that "Harper] won’t be happy that I’m sticking up for him."

JZ a LOT smarter than Hamels, how you gonna prove he did it on purpose when he (a) denies it; (b) did it to the pitcher--who deserved it--and not to Victorino; (c) put a man in scoring position in a 1-run game (d) hit him on the leg like pitchers aim for when a guy's bunting...

mick said...

Mike Rizzo is Nats, jerky boys Frank Rizzo, "open yer fing ears jackass" LOL

NatsLady said...

Scott from Burke==> it won't be a problem if Hamels gets suspended and hit with a hefty fine. Braun was charming too, but he's still a cheater.

And no, Hamels will not be a Nat. Granted his pitching skills but Detwiler is younger and will be in the bullpen waiting his turn and he's shown he's worth it in 2013. Why go for a high-priced pitcher when we have other needs?

Scott from Burke said...

In the National League, the team that we are ready to get hitched to is the Washington Nationals (2012 World Series Odds – 20 to 1 at SportBet Sportsbook). We just look around at the rest of the National League right now and shake our head. We think that the Philadelphia Phillies are a bit of a farce, and there just aren’t any other teams in this league that we think are going to be absolute locks for the playoffs. Stephen Strasburg is pitching like a Cy Young Award winner, while Bryce Harper has already flashed some remarkable skills in the outfield and might be one of the best outfielders that baseball has to offer by the end of the year.

A DC Wonk said...

I was born in 1966

Too bad you missed his 1965 MVP year -- 52 HR to go along with his .317 BA, and 1.043 OPS. Even in 1971, at age 40, he stole 23 bases (in 26 attempts), led the league with over 100 BB's, and led the league in OBA .425

He had a drop off in 1972 when the Mets got him, but still had a major positive effect on the team (similar to Werth) with his hitting, attitude, hustle, and professionalism. (And hitting a HR on his first day as a Met!) For the Mets that year he hit .267 (and OBA of over .400) -- which was good enough to have the 3rd highest average on the team (!!). Remember, the Mets of those days were all about pitching (Seaver, Matlack, Gentry, Koosman) and not about hitting (Staub, Kranepool and Mays were the only three that hit above .250! -- and the first two were mostly platoon players!)

But, what I remember watching Mays with the Mets and it wasn't pretty.

Big dropoff his last year, 1973. That, really, was his only year it wasn't pretty. He did get two hits in the WS that year (in 7 AB), but then retired.

mick said...

DC Wonk remember Don Clendenon too

mick said...

anyone know why Davey went with Perry? I am still baffled by it.

Scott from Burke said...

Odds to win world series...league
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS 25/1 11/1
ATLANTA BRAVES 14/1 6/1
BALTIMORE ORIOLES 100/1 50/1
BOSTON RED SOX 16/1 8/1
CHICAGO CUBS 100/1 40/1
CHICAGO WHITE SOX 60/1 30/1
CINCINNATI REDS 16/1 7/1
CLEVELAND INDIANS 50/1 25/1
COLORADO ROCKIES 35/1 15/1
DETROIT TIGERS 6/1 3/1
HOUSTON ASTROS 100/1 50/1
KANSAS CITY ROYALS 100/1 50/1
LOS ANGELES ANGELS 9/1 9/2
LOS ANGELES DODGERS 16/1 7/1
MIAMI MARLINS 30/1 13/1
MILWAUKEE BREWERS 25/1 11/1
MINNESOTA TWINS 100/1 50/1
NEW YORK METS 80/1 30/1
NEW YORK YANKEES 6/1 3/1
OAKLAND ATHLETICS 100/1 50/1
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES 8/1 3/1
PITTSBURGH PIRATES 100/1 40/1
SAN DIEGO PADRES 100/1 50/1
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS 16/1 7/1
SEATTLE MARINERS 100/1 50/1
ST LOUIS CARDINALS 16/1 7/1
TAMPA BAY RAYS 16/1 8/1
TEXAS RANGERS 5/1 5/2
TORONTO BLUE JAYS 50/1 25/1
WASHINGTON NATIONALS 25/1 11/1

mick said...

I mean he could have pitched Clip or HRod in the 9th

mick said...

Monday is an off day so BPen would not have been stretched by going with either Clip or Hrod

mick said...

Scott... Nats are finally getting respect

Scott from Burke said...

lady: jackson and wang are signed to one year contracts...that makes 2 holes in the rotation next year barring injury..and 2/3 of the starters have had tj surgery..never too much pitching

cmon now

natsfan1a said...

Don't know, but did anybody else notice when Ramos went to the mound and had quite an animated conversation with him (before McCatty and the ump got there)? Maybe they were having trouble getting on the same page.

mick said...

anyone know why Davey went with Perry? I am still baffled by it.
May 07, 2012 11:12 AM

Scott from Burke said...

same as D Backs...if werth is out for year could slightly affect odds...i doubt it but...i love listening to those vegas guys who set the odds talk sports...no BS..and scouts...

NatsLady said...

Wilbon just compared Bryce to Lou Brock. Said he's a "dare-devil" and he's why you come to games--even better than Yu Darvish, which is saying a lot--every game you come to see what this kid is gonna do next.

peric said...

OK everybody. Drop the Hamels/Bryce HBP issue. If anything, it was a show of respect.

HUGE respect. And I suspect something more along the line of what Bryce Harper has been used to up to this point. It probably only served to put him into more of a comfort zone. Walking Harper or intentional hitting him isn't going to help his learning process or the Nats offense. They've got to get a better ensemble around him than they had. The fact that the Phillies preferred to pitch to Werth speaks volumes about that.

I feel bad for Jayson Werth, and I hope he has a speedy recovery, however, given his age its going to raise questions about his ability to manage through an entire season with a wrist that has been severely damaged twice.

It raises potential opportunity for some of the young prospects. In a sense losing Solis and Rendon was as a deep a cut. It might reopen the idea of trading for an Upton or a Borjous. Of course Upton is an FA after the season.

Scott from Burke said...

Nats lady said: it won't be a problem if Hamels gets suspended and hit with a hefty fine. Braun was charming too, but he's still a cheater

Hamels didnt cheat...he hit a batter who took his base..then ADMITTED it..that's th eopposite of cheating

peric said...

anyone know why Davey went with Perry? I am still baffled by it.

Its still very, very, very early!? The season ends on October 1st. Please count the number of days and games?

Davey is trying to preserve his bullpen. Ryan Perry is ostensibly Brad Lidge's replacement. They need to find out if they can count on him. They're going to need a couple of pitchers to step up in the bullpen until Storen and Lidge get back which could be a while.

Scott from Burke said...

Peric said: It probably only served to put him into more of a comfort zone

intersting..he must have known taking one was inevitble..got hit..no injury..then the ensuing 'mad dash'..would have felt better if it hit him a foot lower but didnt break a bone..and he got hit by a good pitcher

Davey Lopes said you aint nothing until you been struck out by Nolan Ryan

Tcostant said...

Tickets for a buck to open the series next week:

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

Good seats too. Section 225 and so on...

The Real Feel Wood. Accept no substitutes. said...

"Hey Natsfan1a -

You posted that the orginial pre-sale included other Philly series; I just don't see that. I purchased the Saturday game and don't rememeber seeing other Phils game, maybe you found under schedule option. Either way, the other series option was not avertised or hype, which is really my point."

When they initially announced the Take Back the Park initiative, it was just for the first series. But it was later expanded to include subsequent series.

peric said...

lady: jackson and wang are signed to one year contracts...that makes 2 holes in the rotation next year barring injury..and 2/3 of the starters have had tj surgery..never too much pitching ...

They could also go for Grienke who might be cheaper. Or they could just move Detwiler into the #4 slot and bring up Rosenbaum at #5. Would give them 3 left handed starters. Plus lefties Purke, Ray, Solis should be progressing next year. Meyer is starting to look like a right handed Randy Johnson in Hagerstown. His last start looked promising.

#4 said...

Amen to Mike Rizzo.

I find it the height of arrogance that Hamels admitted so brashly to drilling Harper. I have always found the idea of throwing at guys to be gutless, especially when a team is doing it to try and intimidate someone. If Harper had done something to break the unwritten code, I might understand it. That wasn't the case here. Hamels was simply trying to knock down a peg a player who he thought was playing with too much confidence.

Disgusting.

Joe Torre better suspend Hamels at least 5 games.

Scott from Burke said...

Good seats too. Section 225 and so on...

when i go to a nats game i can't sit anywhere i want...behind the plate and what not..but you can get close to the field with no problem...one advantage to having a team that doesnt draw well

NatsNut said...

I read that Werth's broken wrist is not the same wrist he had trouble with before.

jeffwx said...

Harper reminds me most of a young Mickey Mantle. He doesn't have Willy Mays glove, he wasn't brought up in the outfield. He has young Mantle's leg speed and bat speed and power plus a powerful arm. I'm not sure what the future holds for Bryce, but he won't have to worry about catching his cleat in the old Yankee Stadium field drains. It was the 51 series I believe when Mantle had to put the breaks on after DiMaggio called him off and got his leg all fouled up.

I'm still lamenting the painful night and the loss of Jason Werth when our hopes dimmed but maybe just for a moment.

#4 said...

On another note, it was very frustrating to watch the 9th inning. Nonetheless, you can't bury Davey for using Perry. If he's on the roster, he needs to be used. Down two runs in the 9th against a pitcher who is dealing is the place to use him - very low leverage. Running out HRod, Clippard, etc in this type of spot is exactly how you burn out relievers.

Scott from Burke said...

arrogant? well, i wouldnt argue with that..but to stand on a pitching mound with 40k people watching waiting for you to throw a baseball, you BETTER be arrogant

here's the interview...i think he comes across in a wonderful way...no edge or emotion..just calmly explaining why he did it..if you were a phillies fan you would dig it...

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7899287/philadelphia-phillies-cole-hamels-plunks-bryce-harper-admits-aiming-him

Scott from Burke said...

NatsNut said...I read that Werth's broken wrist is not the same wrist he had trouble with before.

NO! Its a different part of the same wrist

The Real Feel Wood. Accept no substitutes. said...

"I read that Werth's broken wrist is not the same wrist he had trouble with before."

Same wrist, different side.

Exposremains said...

since stammen is no longer the right-handed reliever and Perry is useless. They should send him back and have Maya be the long/mop-up man.

NatsLady said...

SfB, I didn't say Hamels was cheating.

I said being charming doesn't excuse what he did any more than being charming doesn't excuse what Braun did.

Hamels admitted, in fact bragged that he threw a major-league baseball at another player, deliberately--just like the bounty hunters in the NFL. In his defense, he was not trying to injure Bryce or "take him out." But what was he trying to do? Get Bryce to play less hard? Make him play scared (fat chance!) Get the Nats play scared and lose the division?

Personally, if it was "respect" it was respect born out of the desperation of a fading last-place team. If it was "welcome to the majors, kid" then, "thankyouverymuch, you can stuff your welcome right up your, er, leg."

Him admitting it doesn't make it right.

Exposremains said...

*stammen right-handed long man reliever

Anonymous said...

Scott from Burke-

I don't know what you find likeable about that. He claims he was "old school," but there's nothing old school about drilling someone who hasn't shown up anyone, and there's CERTAINLY nothing old school about bragging to the media later on about how old school you are for drilling a guy.

Guys who actually do play the game the right way don't have to tell everyone about how it.

mick said...

Nats have today off so how would you burn put the bull pen bt pitching Clip or HRod in 9th. I agree, Davey needs to find out now if Perry can do it. I think it is clear, he cannot.

Scott from Burke said...

nats lady..watch the interview or don't..but be smart...you ridiculed a trade I suggested by only mentioning 2 of the 3 players i named..don't comment on me and i'll leave you alone..maybe...i'm HORRIBLE at 'letting things go'

jeffwx said...

Steve Perry != Brad Lidge

sometimes, minor league performance is not an indicator of near term major league success.
We love our Chiefs and I respect that but most of their players are not a viable alternative.
Baseball is a real tough sport and it takes a lot of schooling to learn how to hit off-speed pitches...some can never get it...

AAA is full of promise and potential but it takes time, effort and expert guidance to translate that into the major leagues. That's why now more than ever the Nats need to strengthen their outfield bench for insurance at least. We already have 2 of our starting outfielders out with serious injuries...another loss would be devastating.

Scott from Burke said...

hasn't shown up anyone?..Cole Hamels can read and so can i..harpers reputation is a cocky braggard...and sprinting out comebackers..it's a lot of hustle and fun to watch, but some might call it showing the other team up...knocking his helmet off when he's running..all the eye black...taking every extra base on Pierre...that's all harper does is show people up..thats what makes him so much fun

natsfan1a said...

Sorry, who is Steve Perry? Did you perhaps mean Ryan?

Steve Perry != Brad Lidge

mick said...

Scott from Burke... are you serious. sprinting out comebackers, YES my friend that is old school and look what happen when Harper sprinted out a come backer a few nights ago, it caused and over throw by the pitcher. Hamels is a punk period!

jeffwx said...

Yeah, Scott, next time we see Kemp...let's just keep throwin at him...He's showin up too many teams with his arrogant hitting.

jeffwx said...

1a thanks for the correction....I'm a bit raw this morning after yesterday...painful game for me...worried about Werth

Anonymous said...

Scott, your 11:47 post has so much wrong in it I don't even know where to start.

jeffwx said...

1a...actually I meant Tyler Perry and his house of pain (as watching RP pitching last night).

natsfan1a said...

You're welcome, jeffwx. I hear you on the painful game and worries about Werth.

natsfan1a said...

Oh, good one. :-)

NatsLady said...

jeffwx-- I fear you are right, and at least one of our precious relievers will have to go to get some support in the outfield, and it's going to have to be one of the good ones because there's no market for the likes of Perry and Gorz. Say "good-bye" to Mattheus and, probably, Flores.

Was it just yesterday we thought we had too many outfielders?

Maybe Lombo's arm is better than Pierre's but that's barely a compliment. Why would you want a weak arm in the outfield when he's clearly an infielder? I'd rather platoon Moore and Nady with the Shark. And, much as I love Ankiel, it was not in the plan for him to play every day.

The kid manned up and played 3B, and everyone's glowing about his offense, but pitchers are going to figure him out. Trust me, Lombo will get more work at 3B, and he can spell Espi at second. Not saying Espi should go down, but he at least needs a few "mental" days off.

Scott from Burke said...

the eye black? i love that he sprints on comebackers..but it draws attention to himself...an espn that huy talked about how much he loved it..he's 19 and getting love from espn...cole hamels is sitting in his hotel room thinking "we've won this division for x straight years and they're talking all this smack about a 19 year old?"...and kemp has been doing it for years..he is established..try not to look at it as a sports fan..imagine you're george brett..what does he think of what hamels did? bob gibson? those guys are old school..you think they're calling Hamels a punk? because they're opinion holds a lot of weight..they ARE old school

jeffwx said...

From Federal Baseball...

Buried deep within his latest Sunday column, The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo suggests that the Nationals may still have some interest in Minnesota’s Denard Span – a player the team has been linked to since last summer:

mick said...

bowdenball, exactly. I can't believe Scott or anyone has a problem with a hitter sprinting to first on a come backer. In fact, the end result of was Harper got on first due to the pitcher panicking and over throwing. I was taught to run everything out, period and that is what we teach our players to do. if they do not, they sit next game

Scott from Burke said...

bowdenball said... Scott, your 11:47 post has so much wrong in it I don't even know where to start.

good..don't start...Harper had it right..didnt complain...complimentd Hamels..and moves on...do the same

NatsLady said...

Well, Minnesota isn't going anywhere. Maybe we can get Span for Mattheus and prospects because I would hate to give up Flores, despite what I wrote above. Ramos has gotta catch the ball and tag runners out, and 1 for 20 can't all be the pitchers' fault.

mick said...

in the infamous words of Rodney King, "can't we all just get along" lol

Scott from Burke said...

i LOVE the hustle..i wish every player did it..but they don't..in fact, who runs out stuff like Harper? anyone? but that shows people up..it's NOT AN INSULT to say he shows players up, but they're not gonna like it..if you were in class and someone answered EVRY QUESTION..and got them all right..he is doing the right thing..do you like him? isn't he showing up all the other students in class? OF COURSE!

Scott from Burke said...

i'm not hating..just explaining my pov...

mick said...

Scott.... you can make a point about Harper showing people up, but sprinting out a come backer is not a good case for that.

jeffwx said...

I'm with you Nats Lady...too many uncertainties now with both Werth/Morse out. If we get a real leadoff speedy high OBP outfielder to join Harper, our starters will appreciate it...We have two of our top relievers coming back in June, so agree to part with some in all bullpen plus Lannan...unless they know something about Wang's recovery that I don't.
I like Tyler Moore's potential but he needs to play more often to keep his eye sharp...I don't think we are doing him any favors keeping him in the PH role.

mick said...

jeffwx and natsladt:

Does Corey Brown come up?

Scott from Burke said...

i think my metaphor for the kid who answers every question in class is apt..that's as good as i can put it..if you're the kids fan YOU LOVE IT when he answers the questions..but other people in the class don't...Harper should run out comebackers the rest of his career right into Cooperstown..i will cheer him every step of the way..

mick said...

fair enough Scott

A DC Wonk said...

Ahh, yes, the 1973 Mets season. You're right, that's where the "Ya Gotta Believe" came from.

For a trip down memory lane:

Rose - Buddy Harrleson fight

Reds-Mets playoffs in 1973. The Mets won the East with a paltry 82-79 record, while the "Big Red Machine" (Rose, Bench, Morgan, Perez) was 99-63. The first two games were in Cincy, and they split.

The last three were at Shea.

Apparently, Harrleson's remarks after game two (those guys in the Big Red Machine are hitting like me) ticked off a couple of the Reds, and, apparently, Rose was using it in the clubhouse to help rally the guys.

In a Game 3 rout, the Mets won 9-2. In the 5th or so (after it was already a blow out) Rose singled, and Morgan hit into a DP. Rose went in really hard to Buddy Harrelson (at short) to break it up. "Words were exchanged" and then fists started flying. Harrelson was a very slight player (meaning: he was only 160 lbs). Buddy, however, was not only a gold glove SS, but he was a former "golden gloves" boxer! He held his own.

Harrleson was presented with a "superman" t-shirt before game 4, which he wore under his jersey.

In game four, Reds won. This was the only game of the three at Shea where the Mets lost. It was the only game of the three that I attended in person. What was _really_ frustrating, was that, much to everybody's chagrin, was that it was a 12-inning game, won by Rose's HR, a 2-1 game.

In game five, Mets won, and went on to the WS (where they lost in 7 games to the vaunted Oakland A's).

mick said...

DC Wonk... EXCELLENT summary of 1973, I forgot about Harrleson's quote, lol

Holden Baroque said...

Tcostant said...
Tickets for a buck to open the series next week



TCostant--thanks! We'll be in 416 for that bird's eye view.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

You know who Bryce Harper reminds me of? Bryce Harper. Let the kid be who he is.

I'm not sure if he is a #2 hitter, #3 or #5. What I do love is he gets on base and makes things happen.

What makes me nervous is that luck has been on his side so far and he is running singles into doubles and high school steals of home that have all worked. Baseball has a way of setting the ledger straight. Next time he tries to steal home while he's on 3rd and a runner on 1st, it could be one of those pitcher steps off the rubber to fake a throw and Bryce gets picked-off. Its a big risk and it worries me.

I'm glad so far Bryce's gambles have worked but how pi$$ed off what NatsTown be if the steal of home failed?

Scott from Burke said...

As the last out was made in the 73 series I was a 7 year old kid sitting on a couch in Flushing and my mom sat next to me and...cried...i loved that

those damn A's...

jeffwx said...

Good question Mick, I defer to our minor league experts on the post.
Would prefer a proven young center fielder...esp since we can afford to take a risk and trade from our strength (pitching) as we get closer to our closers returns.
So many teams are desperate for what we have in spades....(eg: Yanks lose Rivera...their starting pitching rotation hopes rely the return of Andy Pettite who hasn't pitched since 09. Or the Red Sox likely to send down Bucholz. Sox so desperate they are willing to sign Mark Prior who hasn't pitched since 2006.

Scott from Burke said...

Ghost Of Steve M. said... You know who Bryce Harper reminds me of? Bryce Harper.

Perfect!

Candide said...

So the argument is, essentially, that Harper got hit because he respects the game, as well as the people who pay to see him play, too much? He runs hard, keeps his brain fully engaged, looks for every tiny little advantage, obviously loves playing the game, says nothing bad about anyone (he's clearly been to Crash Davis's Cliche Academy), and he gets plunked because he wears too much eye black?

Sorry, that's a pretty pathetic excuse. I've seen him compared to Lou Brock and Mickey Mantle here; to me he looks like what you'd get if you could stuff Pete Rose and Jackie Robinson into one uniform (okay, not literally...). And people are upset with him because he doesn't mail it in? The only enemies he should have are the beer vendors because their sales probably tank while he's at bat or on the basepaths. He makes the game better whenever he's up, because if you lollygag after a grounder through the infield, he'll punish you for your lollygagging.

Yes, folks, that's the way the game SHOULD be played - but so rarely is.

NatsNut said...

I gotta admit, I'm almost giggling with glee at Rizzo's reaction.

jeffwx said...

Agreed, Ghost...I've read too many books about the last American boy anyway.

Scott from Burke said...

Buddy said I hit his fists with my face..as painful as the A's loss was beating those Reds must have been tasty.. Catfish..Seaver...Blue..Matlack...Fingers..McGraw

What pitching

jeffwx said...

I still have my Buddy Harrelson autographed pix from 1973. He wrote on it, Believe in yourself. The first time anyone remotely said anything so reassuring to that 12 year old.

MicheleS said...

An interesting comment from Boz in his chat today. Harper/Ty Cobb and some things that Hammels should think about.


Q:Rizzo going off
What do you think of Mike Rizzo laying into Cole Hamels for his "gutless, chicken s&*t act" last night? As a Nats fan, I thought it was amazing. Philly and the NL East should fear us.
– May 07, 2012 10:57 AM Permalink
A.
Thomas Boswell :
I haven't seen that. Love it! Rizzo should note that the human kidneys are located in the area where Harper got hit. There is no "safe" way to drill somebody at 93 mph.

If you want to know my definition of hot-dogging or showing off, I'd say it's Cole Hamels bragging about deliberately trying to hit a 19-year-old with his fastest pitch.

Folks missed one thing __Harper's only out of the night was on a drag bunt. After Ty Cobb got drilled, he'd sometimes drag a bunt toward 1st base where only the pitcher could field it, right beside the line, and, as the pitcher bent over, Cobb would bowl him over (legally) and (since this is Ty Cobb) presumably try to do him great bodily harm.

Was that what Harper was trying to do __but he just made a lousy bunt? Or was he just trying to drag it past Hamels for a hit, but no collision?

Next time they meet, will Hamels remember that bunt attempt. It's be on my mind.

NatsLady said...

They'd have to eat a large portion of Lannan's salary and Rizzo already said they won't do it. I think Lannan stays in 'Cuse unless some team is really desperate.

Detwiler will shore up the bullpen when CMW comes back, so they can spare a reliever, although it's not ideal to have three lefties in there.

Actually, as a teacher, I don't love it when one kid always answers the questions. Your analogy doesn't hold because the classroom, where students are trying to learn, is not the same as sports, where teams are trying to win. I don't think Harper's teammates resent him at all. They want him to keep the energy and lose the "mistakes" when they occur.

peric said...

Maybe we can get Span for Mattheus and prospects because I would hate to give up Flores, despite what I wrote above.

I believe Span's "replacement" was returned to AAA. The problem isn't lead off or having speed? The Nats have plenty of burner speed. Heck I still think they should put Harper at lead off like they did Bonds and other nascent power hitters.

No, where they need help is in the heart of the lineup. They don't need fly swatters? Lombardozzi looks like he could lead-off if you don't like Desmond (and many don't). Why would you waste prospects on Span when you have Lombo who could also play left-field? Putting Lombo, a switch hitter, in left makes an abundant amount of sense until Morse comes back and I suspect they'll end up doing that mostly ...

And then when Morse comes back what do you do? Do you replace Ankiel with Span? Why? He's ANOTHER FLY SWATTER when you need guys who can drive in runs and protect Harper? Just plain STOOPID! Harper is getting semi-intentionally walked and beaned because no one respects the bat of Jayson Werth? Sans Morse who else is in the lineup that can protect him?

They don't NEED Span. STOP. They have plenty of speed at the top of the lineup. A guy just stole home plate last night? How often do you see that? They need big bats like Moore's and surely he would be in the lineup were it not for his lack of experience in the outfield and LaRoche manning first base.

My Gawd, fly swatting Morgan clones like Span and Cocoa Crisp? Are you people watching the same games I'm watching or are you knitting in the bleachers instead? Davey is playing Desmond at lead off he wants him to succeed there otherwise, doubtless Lombo would have already been moved up.

mick said...

jeffwx, thanks, the Yankees situation I forgot about. The Nats can may be in position to dictate to the Yankees. The question is, who would we give up, how bout Wang, lol

Scott, thats a great memory

Scott from Burke said...

Yes, folks, that's the way the game SHOULD be played - but so rarely is.


I agree 100%..but the players who don't, and as you say they are in the vast majority, don't like it because it makes them look lazy..I'm not saying it's right..I'm saying it's the way it is

NatsLady said...

Good point from Boz on the bunt attempt. If he's right, Harper's even smarter than I already thought he was.

Scott from Burke said...

Nats lady you dope...there are difference between a classroom and a baseball field but the metaphor holds...try a warehouse where one person makes products twice as fast as everyone else in the warehouse..he's doing the right thing..how are the other workers gonna feel about him/

or Serpico? he did the right thing..and look what happened to him...no baseball in the back but a bullet in the face

NatsLady said...

Peric, if big bats were available, fine, trade for 'em. But they ain't. You need Span (or his equivalent) because you don't want Lombo in LF, trust me, you don't. You need three outfielders in the outfield.

Marty said...

@Mark - Any injury updates? I realize Morse is still in shutdown. Storen is just doing general PT, right? Anything new on Lidge/DeRosa/Marerro/Kimball?

MicheleS said...

Scott.. give it up and no NAME CALLING. Right now you are looking like the dope that you call Nats Lady.

As stated by many on this board, if you don't like the contribution of a certain poster, scroll past it.

Scott from Burke said...

didn't rizzo once get suspended for screaming at umpires? he needs to get hold of his emotions...leave that trash talk to the players..I respect Boswell enormously

jeffwx said...

You know what's stupid Peric...me actually reading your posts...I recommend you are stupid reading and responding to mine...Just ignore me next time. It's a win-win for all of us.

natsfan1a said...

Yes, I think it was after a game in New York. There were reports that a Nats player had been popping off after the game about the umpiring.

NatsLady said...

It depends. If I were in a warehouse (and I have worked and managed warehouses and other production facilities) and bonuses were dependent upon production as a team--which they often are--I'd be happy if a guy were getting our team over the top.

Scott from Burke said...

natslady.i can picture you in a warehouse environment not working hard and letting someone else get you 'over the top'

MicheleS said...

Cheap shot.

Scott from Burke said...

very cheap..i also agree

Ron In Reston said...

Man, I wish there were an "ignore" feature on this site.

jeffwx said...

Not cool, Scott

A DC Wonk said...

Scott wrote:

he [Rizzo] needs to get hold of his emotions...leave that trash talk to the players..

Unh Unh. Nope. Rizzo's playing a calculating game, and playing it well.

As noted by somebody else above: Rizzo is sending a message to MLB FO, in the hopes of getting Hamels suspended. (And, frankly, MLB really needs to do it -- once Hamels admitted it -- or else it's open season).

MicheleS said...

I am not sure how mentioned it yesterday, but the Olney interview with Bryce is great (so Thanks!)! Yup, every cliche in the book. I see Werth as the Crash Davis role in this one.

NatsLady said...

Well, I didn't actually work on the line. I managed those who did the slackers and the over-eager kids who didn't handle the machinery correctly and got injured.

One thing I learned in manufacturing is that it's not a zero sum game. Just because someone gets ahead doesn't mean the other person is a loser.

Unlike "arguments" with Scott from Burke, which are makin' me bored. When the ad hominem starts, I mean, it's just *yawn.*

peric said...

You need Span (or his equivalent) because you don't want Lombo in LF, trust me, you don't. You need three outfielders in the outfield.

TRUST ME YOU DON'T NEED a guy with a history of concussions PLUS additional injuries this season. JUST say NO. Absolutely positively NOT.

Upton is a big part of why the Rays are currently right at the top of the AL East ... but he'll be a free agent next season. That's where you go if you feel you need a true CF, and can't develop it from within. But Davey's going to argue with you about that Natslady ... BIG TIME.

And he's not going to agree with you if you tell him he needs to go outside to get help? He has plenty of help and to spare on the roster and in Syracuse. He's going to want to try Nady, Bernadina, and even Teahan and Brown first. Brown isn't doing badly as the Chief's lead-off hitter.

Finally, I suspect its safer putting Lombo in left than it is Tyler Moore if you want a bat out there.

Scott from Burke said...

he probably will be suspended..and it will have nothing to do with Rizzo's mouth

Hamels is a free agent after this year...if the owner says sign him and hamels say nah, not after what he said...is he still smart? cant be so shortsighted

Steady Eddie said...

Scott says Natslade I can picture you in a warehouse environment not working hard.

Please leave your uncalled for snottiness back in Flushing, this is a friendly board and Mark is trying to keep it that way.

NatsLady said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Scott from Burke said...

natslady..right, but last year when the fans started doing the wave and you started screaming and acting unbalanced i had to move and take the 2 kids i was chaperoning...

Scott from Burke said...

c'mon eddie..i wrote warehouse, not...

jeffwx said...

Span or his equivalent...Upton is good choice too.
Why did the Nats go out and sign Nady, Ankiel, Tracey when all the answer they needed were down in Syr-exCuse...

peric said...

Please leave your uncalled for snottiness back in Flushing, this is a friendly board and Mark is trying to keep it that way.

Mmmm I wouldn't go that far ... but its not like Redskins Insider that's for sure. Having been called out and called every name in the book?

I think Natslady can handle it. If she wants to outpost everyone on the blog its part and parcel of it just as getting hit by pitches is part and parcel in baseball.

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