Monday, May 28, 2012

Game 48: Nats at Marlins

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The Nats make their first appearance at Marlins Park this afternoon.
MIAMI -- Hello, for the first time, from Marlins Park, home of the bullpen bar with dancing girls, the lime green outfield fence, the fish tank in the backstop and the home run thingamajig. Photos truly cannot do this thing justice. It is massive.

Perhaps it's a good thing the Nationals are a bit loopy this morning after their short turnaround from last night's game in Atlanta. Said Davey Johnson: "I feel like I flew from Beijing to Miami." Guys are in a good mood, though, helped by the fact they just swept the Braves.

There's a new face in the clubhouse as well. Outfielder Corey Brown had his contract purchased from Class AAA Syracuse (where he led the team with 12 homers, five of them over his last five games). Chad Tracy, meanwhile, has been placed on the 15-day DL with a groin injury; he'll fly to Philadelphia tomorrow to be examined but could miss significant time. To make room on the 40-man roster for Brown, Jayson Werth has been transferred to the 60-day DL. Jesus Flores, meanwhile, says his right hamstring feels much better, and he hopes to be able to catch tomorrow night.

It's Jordan Zimmermann vs. Carlos Zambrano on this Memorial Day. Live updates and analysis to come...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at MIAMI MARLINS
Where: Marlins Park
Gametime: 1:10 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 186
Weather: Indoors
NATIONALS (29-18)
LF Steve Lombardozzi
RF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Rick Ankiel
C Carlos Maldonado
RHP Jordan Zimmermann

MARLINS (26-22)
SS Jose Reyes
2B Omar Infante
3B Hanley Ramirez
RF Giancarlo Stanton
1B Logan Morrison
CF Bryan Petersen
C John Buck
LF Chris Coghlan
RHP Carlos Zambrano

UMPIRES
HP Jim Reynolds, 1B Dan Iassogna, 2B James Hoye, 3B Jim Joyce (cc)

12:45 p.m. -- Plenty of pregame news and notes. Here's the article on Chad Tracy going on the DL and Corey Brown joining the roster. And here's the latest on Jesus Flores and Michael Morse.

1:10 p.m. -- And we are underway on Memorial Day from Miami. A very comfortable 78 degrees indoors, 86 degrees outside.

1:17 p.m. -- It should've been a 1-2-3 top of the first for Carlos Zambrano ... if not for Hanley Ramirez's hideous, two-base error on Ryan Zimmerman's routine grounder to third. And Ramirez just stood there with his hand on hip like it wasn't his fault. The Nats couldn't take advantage of the mistake, though, because Adam LaRoche grounded out to end the inning.

1:25 p.m. -- Jordan Zimmermann did allow a two-out single to Hanley, but can't find fault with anything else he did in the bottom of the first. Twelve of 13 pitches for strikes. That's efficiency.

1:41 p.m. -- A bit of a ragged bottom of the second for Zimmermann. He allowed a two-out single to John Buck (who had been hitless in his last 26 at-bats), then watched as Zimmerman booted Chris Coghlan's routine grounder to prolong the inning. But with the very dangerous Zambrano at the plate, Zimmermann induced a groundball to second, ending the inning. It remains scoreless through two.

1:52 p.m. -- So, you thought Stephen Strasburg had impressive power? How about Jordan Zimmermann! Put a 2-2 curveball into the Clevelander bar beyond the left-field fence. Hopefully he didn't take out any dancing girls. That's Zimmermann's first career homer, and it's the second homer by a Nats pitcher in eight days (following, of course, Strasburg's blast against the Orioles). The Nats take a 1-0 lead in the third.

2:11 p.m. -- A chance for some more damage in the top of the fourth after LaRoche drew a leadoff walk. But Desmond struck out, Espinosa grounded into a fielder's choice and then after Ankiel singled to put runners on the corners, Maldonado grounded out to third, with Hanley able to quintuple clutch and still throw out the slow-footed catcher by about three steps. Still 1-0 in the middle of the fourth.

2:17 p.m. -- Light that monstrosity up! Logan Morrison puts one into the right-field bleachers, and look at it go! We've got bright lights. We've got spinning dolphins. We've got shooting water. I think this also means Morrison just won a giant, stuffed animal. Anyways, it's now 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth.

2:32 p.m. -- You figured it would only be a matter of time before Ryan Zimmerman got hot at the plate. Sure enough, it's happening. With a two-run double off the left-center field fence, Zim put the Nats up 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth. And he's now hitting .326 with nine RBI over his last nine-plus games.

2:44 p.m. -- Wait, what the !&#@ was that just now? It kind of looked like the Presidents Race, except it was run by four giant sea creatures. There was an octopus, a sea horse, a shark and ... something else I can't remember. Anyways, it's still 3-1 in the sixth.

3:01 p.m. -- You know, there's nothing theoretically wrong with throwing a 3-1 slider to Giancarlo Stanton. But if you do, you might not want to hang it right over the heart of the strike zone like Zimmermann just did. Two-run bomb to left ties this game 3-3. And then it gets worse as Jordan gives up a double to Morrison and a single to Petersen. He almost got out of it, but Coghlan's line drive to left was able to score Morrison. That's the downside to playing Lombardozzi in left. He made a nice play on the ball, but he just doesn't have enough mustard in his arm to make that throw. The Marlins take a 4-3 lead as we go to the seventh.

3:23 p.m. -- Golden opportunity for the Nats to re-tie the game in the top of the seventh when Roger Bernadina walked and Lombardozzi singled to knock Zambrano out. But lefty Dan Jennings got Harper to loft a flyball down the left-field line, and Chris Coghlan ran a loooong way to track it down. Then right-hander Edward Mujica got Zimmerman to ground into a 6-4-3 double play on his first pitch. Rally killed. Inning over. The Nats still trail 4-3 at the stretch.

3:36 p.m. -- Make it 5-3 Marlins, and give all the credit to Jose Reyes. He turned a bloop single to center into a double. Then he took third base on a grounder to Zimmerman. Then he scored on a Ramirez's sac fly to shallow center field. It's rare that Ankiel doesn't at least try to throw out a runner at the plate, and it looked like he'd have a good shot there. But replays showed him struggling to get a grip on the ball as he pulled it out of the glove, so he never even bothered with the throw. Just like that, the Nats are down two and down to their last six outs.

3:43 p.m. -- And now they're down to their last three outs as Mujica retires the side in the eighth on a groundball and a pair of strikeouts. The Nats look a little sluggish out there. That short night might finally be catching up to them.

3:50 p.m. -- OK, last chance here. And heeeeere's Heath Bell out of the Miami bullpen. So, it's not over yet.

4:00 p.m. -- It's over. Marlins win 5-3.

242 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   1 – 200 of 242   Newer›   Newest»
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 242 Newer› Newest»
Steady Eddie said...

(1). All hail the new thread!

(2). Mark, does Werth being on the 60 day DL mean he can't be in the clubhouse? If so, That stinks.

JaneB said...

I was wondering about the clubhouse rule, too. Because that could really impact the Kid.

My personal hope is that Mark goes a looooooong time before he sees that homerun thingamajig do its dance.

I haven't been following the fish too carefully, but I hope Hanley is still off his game. And that Sanchez has whatever Halladay has.

TimDz said...

Off topic but topical at the same time:

Today, I slept in some. Later, I will fire up the grill, watch a baseball game and have a few cold beers. My friends will be doing similar things. While we are enjoying this day off, across the world, United States Marines and Army Soldiers will be standing a sentry post, Naval and Coast Guard personnel will be patrolling the waters and Air Force personnel will be patrolling the air. Many others have given the ultimate sacrifice that has enabled us to live our lives in peace.
Thank you to all our past and present Armed Forces and especially to those who gave all…
May everyone at nats Journal have a happy and safe Memorial day.

NatsLady said...

Eddie, I posed the same question to Mark on Twitter.

At least that photo minimizes The Thing.

UnkyD said...

GoGoGoGoGoYFNGoGoGoGoGo!!!!!

Welcome aboard, Corey! Long may you wave!!!
And...... Being a fan of tacky schmaltz, I like the thingamajig!!! Let's just keep it dormant, for the next 3 days, right?

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I thought a tropical storm was headed there, your picture looks too sunny.

Can someone with more brains than me expplain On base percentages.

bryce Harper has 101 AB, 14 walks and 1 HBP. (also a sacrafice fly that doesn;'t count I thought)

Wgeb U duvude 44 by 116 I get .379. When I divide 44 bt 117 I get .376. MLB gas him listed as.376. Did the sacrafice gly at bat count? It doesn't count on vatting average so that seems dumb.

Where might he have that extra at bat that seems to be counting if not the sacragice fly?

Thanks for helping me as this is one of those little things that bug me.

UnkyD said...

TinDz: Hear, Hear!!!

NatsLady said...

OK, here's my plan. The Nats get up by about 9-0. Giancarlo smashes one (solo) into The Thing and busts it to pieces and it dies, unmourned by anyone outside of Miami.

UnkyD said...

Mana: yes it counts. It's not dumb... The walks don't count on BA either. On the sac, he gets "on base", right?

NatsLady said...

Manassas--well, he didn't get on base with a sacfly, so I guess it makes some sort of sense. Try the same arithmetic for Gio and see what you come up with.

Steady Eddie said...

Mark, any indication from Davey yet about how he plans to use Brown? Totally unlike Moore, Brown isn't on the 25 man to play out of position; but even more than TMo -- and like most call ups -- Brown needs ABs to get acclimated to the Show (as he has at each level).

Does Davey think Ankiel is going on a hot streak again and wants to ride it before putting in Brown? No point in bringing Brown up to be a bat off the bench when Werth's absence gives the perfect opportunity for Brown to get his sea legs in the Show . Sure, he'd be going back to the bench when Werth returns, but they'd have a somewhat seasoned backup to give the starters a blow. And you always need depth with the injury bug about to strike.

LoveDaNats said...

Thanks, TimDz. Great reminder of the "reason for the season".
Go Nats! Keep this fairy tale season going!

hiramhover said...

Manassas

Treat the sac fly like a walk--it counts as a PA but not an AB.

wiki link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On-base_percentage

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I thought a tropical storm was coming, that looks sunny.

Can someone help me with a caculation that make no sense to me.

Harper has had 101 officalat bats. 29 hits 14 walks and 1 HBP.

In figuring his On base percentage I dividded 44 by 116 and got .379. MLB says it .376 That would mean 1 44 divided by 117. Does his plate appearance that was a sacrafice fly count against him in in base percentage, even though it doesn't count against him natting average?

Thanks for the help.

NatsLady said...

Re: catching situation. Amanda tweeted this

Amanda Comak ‏@acomak
Davey did say that with Jhonatan Solano off the minor league DL, if the worst case happens & they need someone, he's just a phone call away

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

orry for the duplication it never showed on my list the first time.

As for not not making base that is true, but it doesn't count against the batting average and you did make an an out, so it seems the two stats aren't consistent in how they come up with them. I concluded it had to count, just didn't know officially.

jeffwx said...

I wouldn't play Lombo...rather put him in the backup catcher role and use Brown in CF

Gonat said...

TimDz said...
Off topic but topical at the same time:
While we are enjoying this day off, across the world, United States Marines and Army Soldiers will be standing a sentry post, Naval and Coast Guard personnel will be patrolling the waters and Air Force personnel will be patrolling the air. Many others have given the ultimate sacrifice that has enabled us to live our lives in peace.
Thank you to all our past and present Armed Forces and especially to those who gave all…
May everyone at nats Journal have a happy and safe Memorial day.

May 28, 2012 11:33 AM
_______________________________

Well said Tim! Can't think it enough while we are enjoying the fruits of freedom!

NatsLady said...

Eddie, I would say Brown plays tomorrow (another righty--Sanchez). Give him a minute to get acclimatized to unfamiliar park. Let him shag flies, pinch hit, maybe come in late innings if it's lopsided.

Arm also unfamiliar with new park, but has a better chance of figuring it out on the first try. Just my opinion.

Mark Zuckerman said...

To answer the questions about Werth being allowed in the dugout now that he's on the 60-day DL ... I don't know of any rule that prevents it. He'll still be rehabbing at Nationals Park and be around as much as before. And Wilson Ramos has been in the dugout since suffering his injury.

Steady Eddie said...

TimDz, I want to fourth your timely comment. The servicemen and women who died sacrificed all they had, and their service in the face of that peril deserves our respect always.

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

(2). Mark, does Werth being on the 60 day DL mean he can't be in the clubhouse? If so, That stinks.

Of course he can be in the clubhouse. He can even be on the field before games and during BP. Hell, even the owner can do that. If anything, being on the 60-day DL might keep Werth out of the dugout during games. But that's not that big a deal.

jeffwx said...

cool NJ...wish I was there. Anyone up for becoming Nats Roadies....we used to do it for the Dead

Steady Eddie said...

Thanks, Mark -- that's great news for team chemistry and teaching the young 'uns.

Faraz Shaikh said...

let's score tons of runs again for JZ.

Unknown said...

I'm still trying to figure out how Harper was *blah* at Triple-A Syracuse but a stud in the majors:

Syracuse: 18/72, .250/.333/.375, 1 HR 3RBI,
Washington: 29/101, .287/.376/.525, 4 HR, 11 RBI

Maybe he was like the really smart kid in school who got really low grades but once he skipped a couple of grades, he was straight-A's because he was finally challenged.

I guess he was bored at Syracuse and didn't concentrate, but he's sure making it look easy right now.

Farid @ Idaho

NatsLady said...

A note from Kilgore's story:

The Nationals are not taking batting practice or fielding practice pregame, which may be difficult because no Nationals have ever played here before.

UnkyD said...

UnkyD said...
Mana: yes it counts. It's not dumb... The walks don't count on BA either. On the sac, he gets "on base", right?
--------------
What a stupid comment, by me....of course he's not "on base"! Just assume I don't know what I'm talking about.... At least 50/50 you won't go wrong...

Sorry, Manassas Nat's Fan!

Steady Eddie said...

Whatnot, I think the question we were all asking -- excuse the imprecision of my writing "clubhouse" -- was the one Mark answered, about his being in the dugout during games.

And yes, that is a huge deal. Werth's (and to a lesser extent Ramos, but he learned a lot from Pudge) ability to observe and figure out what other teams are doing helps Davey and the team figure out what approach to take in response at the plate, in pitching, on the base paths, in the field. It's like having another coach who's actually played against the opposition to refine the game plan on the fly.

jeffwx said...

Farid, there is a theory that in AAA, pitchers have less control and he gets less good pitches to hit as they try to carefully out pitch him. who knows.

NatsLady said...

Our NatGio, leading the NL in pitchers' WAR and a whole bunch of other stats, according to fangraphs. For your reading pleasure:

Fangraphs NL Pitching Leaders

http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=nl&qual=y&type=8&season=2012&month=0&season1=2012&ind=0&team=0&rost=&age=&players=

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

Mana: yes it counts. It's not dumb... The walks don't count on BA either. On the sac, he gets "on base", right?

Um, no. He doesn't get on base on a sac fly. And the guy who scores was already on base, so you can't give the batter credit for that.

Very simply, BA is based on official at bats. Walks, HBP and sacrifices aren't counted as official at bats. OBP is based on plate appearances. Walks, HBP and sacs count as plate appearances.

It's no surprise that these two stats aren't consistent. They were developed at different times for different purposes. BA has been around forever, while OBP was at the leading edge of sabermetrics.

Also, since OBP is based on PAs and BA is based on ABs, occasionally early in a season you'll see a guy who has no walks but some sacrifices have an OBP that is actually less than his BA.

jeffwx said...

well they arrived at 3 AM in Miami...ouch..
but I remember a post that the effects of sleep depravation doesn't kick in until the next game (tomorrow).
At least JZnn will be well rested. Of course, C Brown had a very long trip yesterday too.

Steady Eddie said...

Nats Lady at 11:50 -- agree, that's why I was asking Mark about the broader plan. You don't want anyone getting their first MLB start a few hours after stepping off an unexpected plane flight if you can avoid it. I would take a start in CF by Brown on Tuesday and Wednesday (both against RHPs) as evidence that Davey does want to give him a real chance.

Steady Eddie said...

NatsJack -- good point, but remember that for Harp, almost every road park they visit is new for him. As it is for Lombo. As it is for Gio, for that matter

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

A note from Kilgore's story:

The Nationals are not taking batting practice or fielding practice pregame, which may be difficult because no Nationals have ever played here before.


Kilgore is a terrible writer. Why is it difficult for them to not take batting practice if they've never been there before? They just don't take batting practice. How hard is that?

True, the lack of BP may lead to difficulties during the game. But he didn't say that. And on balance, if they take BP at the expense of two or three hours of sleep, that could lead to difficulties during the game too.

NatsLady said...

FYI, here is link on Tracy's injury, "adductor strain."

groin injury

http://www.drkelly.us/adductor%20strain.asp

hiramhover said...

there is a theory that in AAA, pitchers have less control and he gets less good pitches to hit as they try to carefully out pitch him.

I've heard that theory too, but it's never made sense to me - high school and juco pitchers are certainly not better than AAA pitchers, and Bryce didn't have a lot of trouble with them.

I think the lack of motivation theory makes more sense. Bryce knew what everyone else did - that his call up was only a matter of when, not if. He lacked the motivation that most guys have in AAA--they know still have something to prove if that want to make the majors. Bryce didn't.

MicheleS said...

TimDz.. well said.

NatsJack.. expect more reports of the new park. Tell us about the food, lines, etc.

NatsLady said...

Whatnot, I gave up a long time ago on Kilgore's prose--and his proof-reader, if there is one. Just trying to get information...

djinFl. said...

Storm came ashore between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. Rain bands in the northern half of the state only from the TS.

NatsLady said...

HH, agreed. Harp was just playing out the time in the 'Cuse and trying not to get injured.

hiramhover said...

@Mr Whatnot

It's not the height of English prose, but you might cut Kilgore some slack--remember, he probably didn't get any more sleep than the players did.

jeffwx said...

agreed hiramhoover. He may have treated this year's AAA stint as a tuneup to practice for the show

Steady Eddie said...

Hiramhover @ 12:12 -- You are correct, sir. He was most motivated to produce when he got where he had always wanted to be. He didn't do all the things he did earlier so he could get to AAA ball.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Just he old fart in me is wondering under all this logic, you make base an error,, that doesn't count for you, but you made base. Seems like that should count too.

Thanks for the help, I actually did answer my question once I thought about it.

Speaking of stats Harper is now in top 50 in runs scored. Not bad for playing about 60% of the games. Want to see him climb that list.

Steady Eddie said...

HH -- how did you like that little chorus?

jeffwx said...

Yes, NJ, more commentary on the park and how it plays as time permits. I'd love to be there. Will need to get a VW bus for the summer of Jeff touring all the ballparks...Been to the new new york stadiums, fenway, pittsburgh, houston, camden, nats park but that's about it.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Hiramhover, I don't know what it is and it really had me concerned that Bryce would struggle. He has blown away my expectations. Even his power numbers and clutch numbers have been impressive.

jeffwx said...

but this new marlins park looks very cool and different. Gotta go when the roof is off.

Maijo said...

Bryce had a lack of motivation in AAA? Bulloney. He is a human powder keg of motivation -- his entire life has been about going all-out as a ballplayer. At just about every level, he has started slowly. He makes adjustments and then he rakes. It's that simple.

MicheleS said...

MLB Network is replaying the OF ARM poll. Just about to reveal ANK as the #1 ARM!

Gonat said...

Social Media poll on best outfield arms:

1. Ankiel 12%
2tie Harper 7%
2tie Bruce 7%
4. Ichiro 5%

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

@Nats Jack (FYI we went to the same high school, I was there when Big Cat was there).

You ahve a cuty W hat on, what else so we can be looking for you on a foul over the dugout. or When MASN talks about nats fans around the country.

baseballswami said...

Via twitter - Bo Porter was on the field this morning hitting balls all around the field to no one to see how the field plays. At least some attempt to figure things out. ESPN talking heads made all kinds of excuses for Heyward last night for having problems in his own, home outfield. Sheesh. I would rather have them rested. At least it won't be hot. Have they played an indoor game yet this season? How many indoor stadiums are there now? Go Nats! We will miss you Chad - get well! Go Corey Brown - you have had some mighty supporters around here and I hope you prove them to be absolutely correct!

jeffwx said...

Harper will have one of the best arms as he learns game situation and what base to throw it to. I would not consider him in the top 5 at this time.

Steady Eddie said...

Wasn't last night a record for comments? (Don't remember going over 400 before.). They keep playing like this, and road games where Mark isn't with the team (so not a lot of other posts to spread our jabbering across) are gonna be like that.

Mark, is there any way to put a "top of page" button at the bottom of the comment thread so those of us posting on mobile devices don't have to scroll up endlessly to do a refresh on the thread? Don't want to sound unappreciative -- you're a fabulous host and guide to the best Nats fan hangout and go-to site around, especially for this year's trip to baseball nirvana!

jeffwx said...

All these freakin Nats being interviewed on MLB about Ankiel;s arms....unreal

jeffwx said...

Yes Nats fever is at an all time high in my head

NatsLady said...

The Arm threw one away last night but Stammen saved him from an error. He (Ankiel) looked sweaty and tired, and he still threw it further than most home runs--in reverse.

NatsLady said...

NJ, just curious, what is the flood plan? Is the stadium usable as a hurricane shelter (hopefully better than what happened in Katrina).

UnkyD said...

Eddie: on my iPhone, I just touch the very top of the screen, and it instantly scrolls all the way up... Dunno about other devices...

jeffwx said...

Would be difficult to use as a shelter...below sea level...too close to the water....winds in upper deck would be deadly if part of roof would fail

jeffwx said...

How quickly does Brian Goodwin advance...not as quickly as Harper of course, but I don't know much about his potential compared to other outfielders in minors.

NatsLady said...

I wasn't thinking of during a hurricane, but afterwards, that it should be stocked with supplies, etc., backup power, cots...

Gonat said...

The starting outfield for the Nats next week could be Beast, Brown, Bamm-Bamm

jeffwx said...

yes...if it survived a hurricane, that would make sense.
Does anyone know the papa johns promo code when the nats score 6 or more runs on the road ?

jeffwx said...

NL, in fact one of my favorite movies was on saturday night...Key Largo with Bogart, Becall, Barrymore and Robinson.
How they survived a hurricane in the keys.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Gonat, the new Killer B's sort of plus outfield coach Bo and backup Bernadina.

Steady Eddie said...

jeffwx -- I thought that was only for home wins when they score 5 or more.

Six is for Hard Times Cafe wings. Evidence of how well they're starting to rock the ball -- and without Beast and Werth! -- is that my 11 year old says she's starting to get tired of wings.

Gonat said...

Isn't Ank's nickname Bazooka Rick?

jeffwx said...

And Barrymore spooking Robinson remeniscing about the 1935 hurricane where they were picking out bodies out of the mangrove swamps for months after.
Actually true. That hurricane moved a train 400 feet killing all workers aboard

jeffwx said...

Thanks Steddie, i'll get off my butt and fire up up the Q.

NatsLady said...

You can get 50% off from Papa John's because we won yesterday with 6 runs, doesn't matter that it was not a home game.

Here is the diff between April and May. April, 2 runs in the first, I'm nervous. Now, I'm just in waiting mode. When Gio hit the sacfly to tie the game I said to myself, "OK, we got this."

jeffwx said...

Here it is:
All season long, use the Promo Code: NATS50 every day after the Nats win & score at least 5 Runs for 50% OFF regular menu price at PapaJohns.com!Papa John’s, Official Pizza of your Washington Nationals.
Use the promotion code NATS50 and you must order online!

Steady Eddie said...

MLB TV showing 10 greatest heaters of all time. They're down to 1, which is the Big Train, my HS alma mater!

Steady Eddie said...

Thanks, Jeff and NatsLady!

NatsLady said...

Nuggets from radio interview: Davey's Dad was a prisoner-of-war (Army), his grandpops was Navy. And he's tired... He got three hours sleep because he woke up with the sun... and he almost sent himself ahead along with Zimmermann... And he loves the Nats, really felt it when he said that.

Gonat said...

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7979946/philadelphia-phillies-sending-roy-halladay-doctor-tuesday

I guess Halladay's problems aren't "nothing". The Phillies are still deep in pitching and we all know they could get Oswalt if they spend the cash.

realdealnats said...

HiramHover et al--Plus it was cold up there in Syracuse that early in the season. Playing with the big boys is where he's always wanted to be and now it seems to be his perfect storm...

Scooter said...

For what it's worth, I'd like to request that each individual commenter limit himself to no more than 4 posts a week [kvetching] that Brown isn't playing enough. Reasonable?

Just trying to get out in front of it here.

Scooter said...

Also, gyfng. Naturally.

jeffwx said...

Big Train...the greatest pitcher of all time.
check out his 1913 season...pitching shutouts on both sides of the doubleheader. No one came close to his number of wins, ERAs, shut outs, strikeouts in his best year... A clear sign when someone is in a league of their own.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1913-pitching-leaders.shtml

realdealnats said...

Steady Eddie--I teach at your alma mater

Steady Eddie said...

Realdealnats -- that's cool! Actually, my wife was in the same class, tho we weren't a couple until we met in grad school.

But it was a LONG time ago -- we had our 40th reunion just last fall.

NatsLady said...

Don't want the Mets to win. Don't want Colbert to win. #Torn

JaneB said...

I'm rooting for everyone over Colbert. Even the Yankees. I'd root for the PHILLIES to best Colbert, except for the obvious fact he plays for them.

Now that we had those stats about Ankiel batting without RISP, I knew not to hold out too much hope.

Gonat said...

NatsLady said...
Don't want the Mets to win. Don't want Colbert to win. #Torn

May 28, 2012 1:25 PM
____________________________

Thinking the same thing. I hope it goes 18 innings each game.

NatsLady said...

Stras is actually cute when he laughs!! Wonder what he and Gio are saying to each other...

Gonat said...

Zim, come on man.

Mr. Doggett said...

I think Stras and Gio were making fun of that gaudy monstrosity at Marlins park..... and I don't mean Carlos Zambrano.

Gonat said...

This has been where the Nats have been great. No errors. Extra pitches now have to be thrown and the situation of starting the 3rd with Zambrano is opportunity missed in the small scheme of a game.

NatsLady said...

See now, RZ with a rare error, JZ just goes and gets the next guy. Maturity. I like that in a pitcher. Well, in a Nats pitcher.

Gonat said...

NatsLady said...
Stras is actually cute when he laughs!! Wonder what he and Gio are saying to each other...

May 28, 2012 1:38 PM
___________________________

My guess is what a joke Ozzie Guillen is.

Gonat said...

NatsLady said...
See now, RZ with a rare error, JZ just goes and gets the next guy. Maturity. I like that in a pitcher. Well, in a Nats pitcher.

May 28, 2012 1:43 PM
__________________________

Thinking the same thing. Not so sure last year he would have had the same mature result.

NatsLady said...

Zambrano hit .318 last year, Gonat. Not the worst hitter in the league.

MicheleS said...

Some comments on the field. It looks like there ares some brown spots on the OF grass, but it also looks like some of the infield looks really choppy (like it hasn't grown in all the way)/

MicheleS said...

JORDAN!!!!

NatsLady said...

Zimmermannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!! Ha, he asked the 2B ump if it went out! How you like that!

JaneB said...

Jordan! How about THAT?

Joe Seamhead said...

HELL YEAH! JZimm, you da man!

MicheleS said...

Ankiel must be in charge of the helmet removal now

MicheleS said...

Glad to hear the got the HR bal back!

Faraz Shaikh said...

MLB needs to do a story on our pitchers' hitting.

TimDz said...

Nice defense there...

JaneB said...

Nick Johnson and Austin Keatns had a collision like Espi and Desimjust had, only it didn't end so well.

Faraz Shaikh said...

Good to see that Stanton is contained so far.

Steady Eddie said...

Fortunately Desi and Espinoza are a little more acrobatic than Nick the stick and Austin.

NatsLady said...

Ex-Nats:
Jason Marquis is now a free agent after clearing release waivers.

UnkyD said...

Oh, how I wish they still made movies like "Key Largo"..... Only one Bogie, though.....

NatsLady said...

Boo. The Fillies got 2 runs for Colbert. OTOH, StL got 2 against the Braves.

MicheleS said...

Something must have happened in the Mets game. David Wright is now at Short.

Drew said...

Zambrano is up.to 69 pitches through four. Keep working the count like they did with Beachy.

mick said...

is the 60 day DL retroactive on Werth or does it begin from when Werth first went on DL?

how long is teacy out?

mick said...

Candy is a stiff

mick said...

darn it Jordan!

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

Do the Nats hats have stars inside the W, or is it cammo?

mick said...

when is Leon back?

NatsLady said...

Cammo, according to Charlie and Dave. Special design.

MicheleS said...

Mick.. Mark has a post on Tracy's status. I think it depends on whay they find tomorrow at the DR. Not sure about Werth, but don't think it matters with Werth.

Gonat said...

In the Bobblehead Museum is:

http://www.mlb.com/cutfour/article.jsp?content_id=32364234&partnerId=aw-5670456503600669114-996

Joe Seamhead said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mick said...

Thanks Michele, I read Mark's post but it did not answer the retroactive question

Swift Eagle said...

Marlins Park looks ok, but it reminds me why I like Nats Park so much, it's just a baseball park, no gimmicks, quirks, or crazy themes...Just wish it were in VA...

Gonat said...

mick said...
is the 60 day DL retroactive on Werth or does it begin from when Werth first went on DL?

how long is tracy out?

May 28, 2012 2:15 PM
________________________________

Werth's DL isn't an issue as it will be more than 60 days.

Tracy has to sit out a full 15 days.

Knoxville Nat said...

Way off topic but knowing that the Nationals played a late game the night before and have to travel afterwards, how does MLB allow the Marlins to schedule this game for a 1:10 start? That just doesn't seem right to me, game should not be allowed to start until at least 4:00 PM.

Gonat said...

Harper deserved that single. He's mashing the ball.

Gonat said...

Oh Zim! 2 needed RBIs!

Swift Eagle said...

Zimm absolutely crushed that

MicheleS said...

Zim is starting to heat up... got to love that.

Swift Eagle said...

Again a quick response to the opponent scoring...Trait of a good team

TimDz said...

HELL YA!!!
Maybe I should just give my neighbor a case of beer for the season ...

NatsLady said...

Knoxville, you are right, and that is in the CBA, but they make an exception for "broadcasts."

Drew said...

Zman!

What a huge difference it makes to have dynamic, high on-base guys at the top of the order.

NatsLady said...

The problem was not the 1:10 start in Miami, it was the 8 pm. start in Atlanta for ESPN.

peric said...

of course you realize NatsLady that the Nat's HITTING is dramatically IMPROVED since Werth left the lineup?

IMO they are far better off offensively with Werth safely ensconced on the bench and Harper in right field. You give Werth far too much credit ... he really hasn't been much more than a goo veteran bench bat. From the get-go.

Swift Eagle said...

Totally agree with Peric...THis lineup is better w/out Werth. Half of his hits came with nobody on base...He was not producing runs

Gonat said...

Mets tie it up against Philthie Colbert

NatsLady said...

Colbert with the death combo (walk and HR) so it's tied 2-2 in NY.

Wow, that is some graphic. Nats pitchers have held their opponents to under 10 hits since some date in 2011--longest streak since 1968 (something like that... pretty amazing).

NatsLady said...

peric, why you on my case? I didn't even mention Werth's name.

Swift Eagle said...

The beard makes Espi look like Peggy from the credit card commercials...

peric said...

Your avatar looks like his photo and you earlier said :

Eddie, I posed the same question to Mark on Twitter.

At least that photo minimizes The Thing.


Personally I think its a jinx given the deep slump they were in when he was in the line up.

peric said...

IMO Jayson Werth === Barry Zito. But I suppose every good team has to have at least one ...

NatsLady said...

FYI, from Twitter:

James Wagner ‏@JamesWagnerWP
Was curious, so I looked it up: Nationals pitchers lead the majors in batting average, slugging, doubles and home runs. These guys can hit.

NatsLady said...

peric, one time avatar for Memorial Day because of his hat. But yes, I don't mind Werth in the dugout. I'm a fan.

Faraz Shaikh said...

we stil need to improve our bottom half of lineup.

NatsLady said...

(Sigh) Tie game.

mick said...

g damn it Jordan!!!!

Gonat said...

JZim with a rare mistake.

baseballswami said...

Just wondering about Lombo and Miami Bryce. Have they played together much? They seem to talk a lot and have a good chemistry following each other. Is Lombo the nearest in age to Bryce. I know Bryce likes to chat with older guys to learn, but he needs buddies, too. I loved watching them both score. Oh, crap - Stanton strikes again.

mick said...

you finally get some help on offense and give up two dumb gopher pitches!

mick said...

glad Rizzo never made the trade for Adam Jones, Lombo is a beast and why the heck would you give up Storen and Lombo?

mick said...

there is a reason Jordan is 2-4, stats rarely never lie

Drew said...

You cannot let that guy beat you (or tie you).

Once again a starter gets a lead and gives it back.

mick said...

Drew, exactly!

Gonat said...

Jordan not getting his putaway pitch. He was unstoppable until the beginning of the 6th.

mick said...

Jordan, tale yourself out and apologize to your manager and team for being a loser today, your 2-4 record speaks for itself!

Joe Seamhead said...

"stats rarely never lie"?

Gonat said...

Is NatsJack doing the wave? LOL

NatsLady said...

Another Nats pitcher not good after 5 innings (except Gio and Ejax). OK, reached back and got a K. C'mon, man, get through this!

Gonat said...

mick said...
Jordan, tale yourself out and apologize to your manager and team for being a loser today, your 2-4 record speaks for itself!

May 28, 2012 2:55 PM
_____________________________

Take a chill pill. Do you think thats the 1st HR Stanton has ever hit?

NatsLady said...

I understand about the Stanton HR. But JZ is still in trouble. Need to get out of this.

mick said...

Gonat, no it is not his first HR, but its his 2nd off ZIM!!!

mick said...

this loss is on Jordan Zim period.

Gonat said...

Lombo has a weak arm. That ball had nothing on it.

mick said...

that's if we lose

mick said...

like I said what the heck was Rizzo thinking offering the best relief pitcher in the game and Lombo for one player? Now, if Storen is really hurt, then I giess a straight up Jones - Lombo trade would have made sense

Gonat said...

mick said...
Gonat, no it is not his first HR, but its his 2nd off ZIM!!!

May 28, 2012 3:00 PM
____________________________

Cole Hamels has given up 2 HRs today and 4 earned runs. Does he suck as a pitcher?

You are such a negative person. Give it a rest and try to be positive, it works wonders for the soul.

NatsLady said...

Not faulting Lombo but a better arm it might have been close. And then he makes a nice catch! Damage, but certainly not out of reach.

mick said...

not Lombo's fault at all!!!!

UnkyD said...

That seemed like a pretty noisy moment of silence, on the radio, anyway...

Drew said...

Jordan's due up. Corey Brown here?

mick said...

in fact, Lombo should be playing second in place of the king of the stiffs, Espinoza.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Well we know Colbert Hamels sux as a person.

NatsLady said...

Still wouldn't want him on my team. Have to assume Rizzo feels the same.
________________________________________________
Cole Hamels has given up 2 HRs today and 4 earned runs. Does he suck as a pitcher?

Joe Seamhead said...

That's why Lombo should, and should not be in L.F. all demonstrated in two pitches! An everyday outfielder guns the runner at the plate. The ball wasn't hit very deep. Then he makes a terrific backhanded catch on the very next play.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

NatsLady, that's what you call an accurate/weak throw.

mick said...

Gonat... I am mostly positive, and do not need a lecture from you. If you find anything positive about blowing a 2 run lead against a division opponent, please tell us what it is?

mick said...

Lombo should be at 2nd base

UnkyD said...

Let him be, Gonat... That's Mick, The Corona Killer, and it's waaaaay past noon, on a holiday......

baseballswami said...

In general I though JZim's stuff looked good today. It happens to the best of them. Not fair to criticize Lombo - he is doing really well at an un-natural position. We need his bat. Just because you go behind in a game doesn't mean that suddenly your pitcher or your whole team is terrible. More offense would certainly be nice, though, if they can just stay awake a little longer.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Mick, save it. Complain after the game.

baseballswami said...

The sky is falling, the sky is falling!

Gonat said...

baseballswami, Lombo has done a good job in LF. Its really the first time we have seen his arm out there and it is weak. That was the book on him and like Mick said, they won't let him play 2nd base any more.

Gonat said...

By the way, Bernadina with a really good at-bat and the same with Lombardozzi.

NatsLady said...

Unkyd, I thought the same on the Moment of Silence, and was ready to type--then thought maybe I was being overly critical of Marlins fans who are, after all, not used to being at a baseball park.

UnkyD said...

A Lady, indeed...(tips hat)

Swift Eagle said...

Just move the runners up Bam Bam, Zim or Adam will get them in

Gonat said...

Unreal. How the heck did Coglan catch that ball.

Drew said...

What is Bernadina doing? Tag up!

NatsLady said...

They showed the pitch sequence, Harper could have walked. That was the first pitch that was even close. Unlucky break Cog got to it.

Joe Seamhead said...

Atrocious Baserunning by Bernadina.

Swift Eagle said...

I don't think he could tag on that, runners at 1st and 2nd, he has to be half way in case it drops...tough play

NatsLady said...

And Ryan does his GIDP thing. Love the man, I do... but...

Gonat said...

No way. No way. What is it with Zim hitting with a man on 1st?

mick said...

Ryan hits in too many DP's!!!
swinging at first pitch is just crap!

NatsLady said...

OK, Henry. Try not to let this one get out of hand. That's your job, get three outs.

mick said...

why the first pitch??? why

«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 242 Newer› Newest» «Oldest ‹Older   1 – 200 of 242   Newer› Newest»

Post a Comment