Monday, May 14, 2012

Instant analysis: Nats 8, Padres 5

US Presswire photo
Bryce Harper gets a curtain call after hitting his first career homer.
Game in a nutshell: Bryce Harper's first career homer set the early tone for the night, but the Nationals were forced to rally after starter Ross Detwiler gave up five runs. Perhaps negatively affected by the loss of rookie catcher Sandy Leon to a scary-looking ankle injury, Detwiler put his teammates in a 5-4 hole. No problem, because Ian Desmond responded with a two-run double in the sixth, and Chad Tracy and Xavier Nady added solo homers in the ninth to provide some cushion for Henry Rodriguez. And the beleaguered closer needed it, because he walked the bases loaded with one out, forcing Davey Johnson to summon Sean Burnett to bail him out. Which Burnett did by inducing a game-ending, 1-2-3 double play.

Hitting highlight: It was bound to happen eventually, and it didn't disappoint when it did finally happen. With two outs and nobody on in the bottom of the third, Harper crushed a 2-1 breaking ball from Tim Stauffer over the center-field fence and well up the grass batter's eye for his first career home run. The 19-year-old became the youngest major leaguer to homer since Adrian Beltre in 1998 and got a curtain call from the announced crowd of 19,434.

Pitching highlight: After Detwiler labored through five innings, Johnson was forced to turn to his bullpen earlier than usual. No problem, because Craig Stammen came to the rescue yet again. The right-hander tossed two scoreless innings, striking out three in the process, to bridge the gap from Detwiler to setup man Tyler Clippard. Stammen now boasts a 1.29 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 21 innings out of the bullpen this season.

Key stat: This was only the fourth time in 35 games this season in which the Nationals' starting pitcher gave up more than three earned runs.

Up next: Stephen Strasburg finally gets a chance to face his hometown team when the Nationals host the Padres in the 1:05 p.m. finale of this very brief, two-game series. Right-hander Anthony Bass starts for San Diego.

65 comments:

terpman33 said...

Thank goodness Davey Johnson used common sense, and pulled Hrod. He has a major case of Competition Anxiety, no doubt about it. Glad to see Harper hit his first of many, many homeruns. A great overall game. GYFNG!

baseballswami said...

Everybody breathe!

MicheleS said...

WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

We are back in first place!

Hope Leon is okay and we can take the Pads with Stras tomorrow.

natsfan1a said...

I'll second that Wooooooooooo! And the Hooooooooooooo! What a game. Felt bad for Henry at being taken out, but I was also glad that Davey did so. Now he owes Sean a steak. Maybe a couple of them. Lucky crowd to see Bam-Bam's first dinger.

Was relieved to hear it wasn't worse than a sprain for Leon. Looked just horrible and I felt sad for him and his family. Jeez. Is this team cursed or what?

Okay, going to try to sleep now because my husband says I should. Also have to get up early and work some before heading out to the park. Have plans to take in the game with a friend. :-)

Anonymous said...

Byron Kerr ‏ @bkerr32

Davey said they put Leon on 60 day and called up Maldonado

Faraz Shaikh said...

it is sad to see fans being happy because they are right and take pleasure in one of our best relievers struggling.

sjm308 said...

Actually, the high ankle sprain can be worse than a break. He was put on the 60 day dl immediately which tells you how serious this is.

Natsfan1a - you know we love you but you felt bad for Henry?? Please, he needed to be taken out and thank god Davey sucked it up before we lost another heart breaker.

Back in first, 9 games over .500. If we just play .500 ball the rest of the year we will be in the wild card hunt and with this pitching staff I am pretty sure that is more then possible.

I had to go to the Irish Whiskey tonight which is really really a bad sign. Also got chastised from the spousal equivalent for inappropriate language. Have not gone on the game post but I am guessing that Mick and others have Henry down in Potomac or someplace lower.

How about Bernadina jumping on the opportunity given him? So happy for that and if Danny keeps hitting as well we really will be ok (in my opinion).

sjm308 said...

I am thinking about what Davey will do with HRod. It is probably something he has dealt with before and I am guessing he has already talked to him. I would think he gets a day off tomorrow no matter what. He has thrown a lot of pitches in the last 3 days (well, actually in the last two days, on the first day he was light out good Henry). We really do have a pen that can handle this. Tomorrow SS will shut them down and he can bring Gorzo in for at least two innings and still have Mattheus to close if needed.

People will be yelling about Davey bringing in Henry but he has managed this bullpen really well.
So glad he is our manager.

Drew said...

Gutsy win. My ulcer and I love this club.

Lou: You know what? You've got spunk.

Mary: Well, yes.

Lou: I HATE spunk!

baseballswami said...

Drew - good one! The quote I have been thinking about tonight - and I am sure this is not exactly correct, is this -- "He's got a million dollar arm and a ten cent head". The Nats are Must-See TV for sure.

sjm308 said...

Wow, just read that Rendon will not play again this season. Has any team had more injuries this year? I realize Rendon might not have been brought up until Sept. anyway but its still a blow. Lets hope this is not something that stays with him.

whatsanattau said...

Getting it all out at once:

Yikes. Sticking with HRod may be losing battle.

Perry has not pitched since he imploded against Philly.

And yet the bench keeps proving its a good bench.

Leon injury hurts on a personal level.

Flores rises to the occasion again.

SonnyG10 said...

sjm 308, Davey said in his post game interview that he has talked to HRod already and told him he's still his man. He said he would probably give Henry off tomorrow anyway. Sure glad he took Henry out though.

Ross Detwiler sure was off tonight. I hope he gets it back together before his next outing.

Funny thing. Right before Nady hit his dinger, I'm thinking to myself, "Why is this guy still on the team. He hasn't done anything since his wall scraper back in the beginning of the season." Next pitch...home run, Nady! Shows you what I know. :)

Section 222 said...

Just back the game. Seeing Bam Bam's first HR was a thrill, Leon's injury a heartbreaker, great power from the Goon Sand that ending. Wow. Fariz, I take no pleasure in H-Rod's struggles. I wanted him to have another outing like Saturday so badly. But Davey finally did the right thing. Hi Davey!! I know you read my comments earlier today and thought, "that Section 222 is right, I have to hook H-Rod before he loses another one." So thank you Davey.

Being serious for a moment, I don't know why he put H-Rod in in the first place today. Three days in a row is awfully tough, especially after 38 pitches last night, and his fastball was mostly at 95-96. I saw nothing over 97 mph. So maybe Davey really was on a NatsLady confidence building kick wanting to give him a shot to quickly erase yesterday's disaster. But to risk blowing a 3 run lead, that would truly have been managerial malpractice. I'm glad he saw the light.

All the guys were giving H-Rod encouraging back and butt pats after the game. He'll survive. I expect he'll get more chances to close, and I'm ok with that. But frankly, he's a lot better off having been pulled tonight than he would been if he blew another save.

Section 222 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Steve Walker said...

Looks like lots resolved tonight:

1. Harper hit first HR, can RELAX now, esp. in RF.
2. Burnett likely new closer until further notice, unless it becomes a Stammen/Sean committee
3. HRod needs to pitch in games where Nats are 4+ up or down to get his groove back. Davey won't say that -- too savvy.
4. With Detwiler's poor start, no big deal to move him back to long relief, so Wang can slide right in. Then, demote Perry or invent a 15-day DL injury to HRod so he can re-hab (has no options, so only way).

Constant Reader said...

Sandy Leon to the 60-day disabled after four innings of his major league debut. Can Maldonado refuse the call up? Jeez!

NatsLady said...

Congrats to Bam-Bam. I only bought two Get Well Cards today, for Ramos and Jayson. Have to get another one, I guess (sigh).

Glad to be back in first place, really missed it...

Felt Davey should not have gone with Henry at all. Should have told him, two in a row is fine, you get the next one. I thought maybe Clip would work 2 innings, since he is not a "closer" and his inning was pretty quick.

Henry could not handle the easiest possible closing situation, three-run lead, at home, bottom of the lineup coming up. I feel he will have to go back to middle-relief for at least a few weeks, maybe for the duration. It's sad, but his talent and his nerves just don't match up-- at least not at this point in his young life. I supported Davey in trying.

I'm not a big Detwiler fan, but he gets a pass from me on this one. Boy does that show you how grown-up JZ is that he didn't lose an iota of focus when Ramos went down.

peric said...

People will be yelling about Davey bringing in Henry but he has managed this bullpen really well.
So glad he is our manager.


Agreed, although all of these injuries ... my god! He has his work cut out for him to keep the clubhouse on an even keel. Something like this would have created the onus for a huge collapse just LAST YEAR. Here's where Davey earn's his pay.

Its just awful. Its not just veterans going down but prospects as well! It has to have an effect on the entire system not just the major league team.

hokiepokster92 said...

To those who are so quick to elevate Stammen to the closer role, who are you going to use in middle/llong relief in his place? Ryan Perry? That's what's great about Davey. He clearly defines everyone's roles and places in them in positions that suit their abilities. Obviously, the closer situation is shaky right now because of injuries to Storen and Lidge. Get well soon, boys!

NatsLady said...

Unknown-- more like Mattheus/Burnett combo. Stammen unbelievably valuable going 2-3 innings. Don't want to put him in for "only" one inning, even if it's the ninth.

Poor Flores, he must be exhausted, physically and emotionally. I'm sure he prepped Leon for the start, and was getting ready himself to catch our Ace tomorrow. Luckily Maldonado was at spring training and familiar with the staff.

Gonat said...

Since I have been out-spoken on HenRod most of last year and this year in a critical way, I just wish I was wrong about him.

The great closers fail in small percentages, just look at Mo Rivera's stats. Henry has never been a great closer. I don't even think he is a great reliever. He is another in the failed attempts to force a square peg in a round hole.

Tonight, his stats will say he got a Hold and gave up no Earned Runs. In actuality, it was a disaster in the making and Henry was saved this time by Burnett.

If only Davey did the same last night.

Davey finally put his ego in the back seat and got the win.

peric said...

3. HRod needs to pitch in games where Nats are 4+ up or down to get his groove back. Davey won't say that -- too savvy.

Strongly disagree. Just two nights ago he was beyond lights out. He was spectacular.

The answer is, as I've maintained, is to go back to the alternating closers originally set up after Storen's injury. Henry can't be relied on to pitch in close games every single night. He should be used once every 2 days preferably three at the most. That's when he's most effective. You won't help the team nor Henry by keeping him out of tight situations. He has to get in there and learn how to deal. However, it isn't requisite that he do it almost every night.

peric said...

Luckily Maldonado was at spring training and familiar with the staff.

I suppose its either Maldonado or Solano. Solano seems a very distant possibility. Or Pudge. I expect if they bring in Pudge it will be with a stipulation through Boras that he not harangue the manager about pinch hitting or getting frequent starts. Its hard to say no to a future hall of famer.

NatsLady said...

peric, yes. Need some stability in the clubhouse. Glad to see Jayson in the dugout, even if he did advise Bam-Bam to play shallower in RF. Not sure that was a good idea if Harper's not used to that positioning.

Section 222 said...

Davey said in the postgame that he would still use Henry as a closer, though he'll give him tomorrow off. I'm ok with that. Just have someone ready to replace him if Oh Henry shows up, just like he did tonight. Give him save opportunities, but bail him out before he has a chance to lose the game. It won't work all the time, but he should have done it last night, and I'm glad he did it tonight. We're back in first, H-Rod didn't blow the save, all is right in the world again.

sjm308 said...

I think Natslady and Peric have made it clear that the job both Clip and Stammen do in the 7th & 8th innings are both more important then closing and I agree. You can move Mattheus/Burnett into the closing roles until Henry figures it out but I would not switch Stammen or Clip out of the roles they are performing. I also think that Mattheus actually has the stuff to be a closer but thats just my opinion.

You still have Gorzo in long relief and I am not sure why Perry is still here if they are not going to use him.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I had a couple things I noticed.

it seems Ankiel and Detwoiler were not playing the batters the same. Detwiler's pitches all too often were high on the outer part for Right handers and number went to right Center. However Ankiel was either straight away or shaded toward left. tells me Detwiler either missed his spots or Ankiel missed the meeting on how they were going to pitch these guys, as if he had been shaded right he would ahve caught a couple of the doubles. My bet was on Detwiler missing. However that hasn't happened a lot so I wouldn't fret about that at this point.

Davey put Sean behind the 8 ball. he allowed HRod to walk three. At least he had the sense to go get him then. No way I could go past 2 walks, and really the first walk would be enough for me after 3 blown saves in 15 games.

Over the years only one pitcher reminded me of HRid, where his stuff was good enough for three walks or three K's every apprearance, and that Dave Stenhouse of the O's late 70;s early 80's. he was called "3 pack." Earl Weaver would smoke 3 packs a cigarettes every time he pitched. He didn't end up with a long career as he couldn't fuind the plate enough. Need to get HRod into a less stress spot and get some confidence, as he appears to be overthrowing everything.

Gonat said...

1) Gorzo long man
2) Perry mop up
3) Mattheus middle relief
4) HenRod middle relief
5) Clippard 8th inning
6) Burnett - LH closer
7) Stammen - RH closer

peric said...

Stammen is succeeding for the first time in how many years? He used to start of this team remember? And where did that get him? He started in Syracuse but didn't have the sterling stats he has now.

Stammen is in the perfect role, it suits him. Davey was masterful in making that determination. If it ain't broke don't fix it ... else the domino effect could occur and everything ends up broken. Leave Stammen alone.

RickH said...

Yes, there's a huge upside to Henry. If only we can live to see it.

peric said...

1 Mattheus Closer.
2. H-Rod Closer
3. Clippard Setup
Burnett LOOGY/Setup
Stammen RH middle/long relief spot starter
Gorzelanny LH middle/long relief spot starter

That's how it will likely be if you don't like it go root for the Angel'O's.

sjm308 said...

Peric is right about using Henry in the closer role but not each and every night. When is Lidge due back? I think having him out in the bullpen might also help keep people calm. We really do have some veteran presence and I love that Werth is in the dugout. I have an idea that this clubhouse is very very solid and the start they got this year is partly due to that. LaRoche is probably helping more then we know and I am sure Werth/Tracy/Nady are also settling influences. The other great thing is that Tracy and Nady seem to be fine with letting the youngsters get the majority of the playing time. I have not seen any sort of jealousy out there. I think DeRosa will be exactly the same. Who goes down when DeRosa comes back? That will be a tough call.

peric said...

Not sure that was a good idea if Harper's not used to that positioning.

As you've observed Harper doesn't get good routes to the ball. And going straight back on a ball is the hardest and he hasn't mastered that. We saw that tonight.

Harper is a work in progress in the outfield. Part and parcel of the growing pains. Others will be joining him sooner rather than later given the injury situation.

NatsLady said...

Perry isn't here. He's a ghost waiting for CMW to finish his rehab. He would only be used in a blowout or some extreme situation like a 15-inning game or an injury.

(The most time he was used, in the Philly game, honestly, we were losing that one anyway even though it was only 3-1 at the time. We had our fun winning the previous two games and in the first inning when Colbert hit Harper, etc. After Werth went down no one cared what happened in that game.)

NatsLady said...

Sorry, "the last time he was used..."

Gonat said...

NatsLady said...
Unknown-- more like Mattheus/Burnett combo. Stammen unbelievably valuable going 2-3 innings. Don't want to put him in for "only" one inning, even if it's the ninth.

May 14, 2012 11:18 PM
___________________________

I thought you were the big HenRod supporter? If so, surely Henry can go back to middle relief 1 inning at a time.

Numbers also say Stammen is perfect in his 1st inning of work. Not so great when he comes out for his 2nd inning w/ 3 Earned in 7 outings where he has gone more than 1 inning.

Also, not sure where you get 2 to 3 innings. Stammen's longest outing this year was 2.1 innings.

sjm308 said...

OK Insiders, I need suggestions. Starting tomorrow I will be out of the country for 2 weeks (Prague & then Danube River Cruise). We are supposed to have internet on the boat. I just bought an ipad and I think there is a great app available from MLB that would let me follow our lads. I could just try and read about games here but I am thinking the price is not bad and it is worth following them even closer. Let me know.

Gonat said...

sjm308 said...
Who goes down when DeRosa comes back? That will be a tough call.

May 14, 2012 11:29 PM
_____________________________

Nady was used again tonight. The guy being sent down is Tyler Moore. No doubt about it.

peric said...

Also, not sure where you get 2 to 3 innings. Stammen's longest outing this year was 2.1 innings.

When he gets to five he tends to get shelled. He's not a closer stop trying to set Stammen up for failure he's perfect right where he is.

peric said...

I could just try and read about games here but I am thinking the price is not bad and it is worth following them even closer.

It works if you have good Internet connection. Better with WiFi, less useable with 3G. Never tried with 4G.

sjm308 said...

Ouch, from what I hear the internet connection is just fair and all I have is 3g - oh well, at least I can come here for wrap ups. thanks

Gonat said...

peric said...
if you don't like it go root for the Angel'O's.

May 14, 2012 11:27 PM
__________________________

Is that your childish answer to anyone who disagrees with you?

Tell that to FP Santangelo.

NatsLady said...

I am a big Henry supporter, and I hope he comes back, but you have to be realistic. The last few weeks have been terrible for him. I said above that Henry should go back to middle relief, one inning at a time for a while. If he can pitch a few outings knee-buckling lights out--the kind that persuaded Davey to go with him as a closer in the first place--then he might, I say might get another chance, but I would wait until Storen gets back for that next chance.

Davey needs to make another plan for the bullpen that doesn't include Henry closing.

Excuse me, but didn't Stammen pitch two innings this very evening? As for the possible 3rd inning, true, he hasn't done three complete, but he probably could if necessary, but probably wouldn't as it would make him unavailable for 2 or 3 days.

It's a problem what to do with Henry. He can't pitch more than one inning (been tried), and, really, do you want him coming in with inherited runners? I hope Davey has a solution. I sure don't.

Unknown said...

I was lucky enough to be in the pre-game press conference and Davey said something like, "And yes, Henry is still my closer, so please don't ask me that question no more. Trust me, I'll volunteer the information if I change my mind."

You just have to wonder how many of these types of games in a row will make him volunteer that information.

I want him to succeed badly, but I'd hate to miss out on the playoffs by the number of blown saves HRod has above and beyond what is normal and expected.

And everyone who has said that the sound of the ball coming off of Harper's bat is different were right.

Gonat said...

NatsLady said...
I am a big Henry supporter, and I hope he comes back, but you have to be realistic. The last few weeks have been terrible for him. I said above that Henry should go back to middle relief, one inning at a time for a while. If he can pitch a few outings knee-buckling lights out--the kind that persuaded Davey to go with him as a closer in the first place--then he might, I say might get another chance, but I would wait until Storen gets back for that next chance.

Davey needs to make another plan for the bullpen that doesn't include Henry closing.

Excuse me, but didn't Stammen pitch two innings this very evening? As for the possible 3rd inning, true, he hasn't done three complete, but he probably could if necessary, but probably wouldn't as it would make him unavailable for 2 or 3 days.

It's a problem what to do with Henry. He can't pitch more than one inning (been tried), and, really, do you want him coming in with inherited runners? I hope Davey has a solution. I sure don't.

May 14, 2012 11:44 PM
___________________________

Henry needs your support and glad you are sticking by him and glad you are finally realistic that he is not a closer.

I agree, he has to go back to 1 inning stints of middle relief.

Stammen is perfect in his 1st inning of relief. In 3 of 7 appearances in his 2nd inning of work he has given up 1 run.

That's not horrible in mop-up and not bad overall either its just that he hasn't made it more than 2.1 innings in any game.

Eugene in Oregon said...

sjm308,

I think what you're talking about the app version of MLB.tv, which I use at home. Assuming it's the same thing, it's a fine way to watch most games. You also have the option of waiting until the game is over and watching the replay (I sometimes manage to do that without knowing the final score). That may work for you, given the time difference. I had the 'basic' version for the a couple of years, then switched to 'premium' so I could get the MASN announcers for away games. Assume it's the same with the app options. The only problem I have is when the Nats are playing at San Francisco (or, less often, Seattle or Oakland), as the MLB.tv package blacks out games within a designated 'sphere of influence' (Bay Area to Seattle for Oregon). Won't be a problem for you in Central Europe -- the Nats aren't likely to play the Bratislava Fighting Flies (real team; sounds more fearsome in Slovak). If you want to see Central European baseball in Prague, visit the fields at Krc. It's a very nice three-field complex; the level of play is roughly American Legion ball. You may even there for the Prague Post Heavy Hitters Softball Tournament, when teams from American embassies and companies from all over the region get together -- always fun, but probably more than you need to know. Enjoy Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava; wonderful cities all.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

"Is he still my closer? Yes, he's my closer," the Nationals manager said during his pregame media session, even though he wasn't directly asked the question. "He's been very successful at closing, in a job that's not that easy. As far as I'm concerned, he's been great. There's going to be a little growing pains."

On the verge of blowing 4 of his last 7 save attempts, Davey finally checked his ego so #4 didn't happen tonight so the record is 3 of 6. That stinks especially when you look at each situation.

That quote above is incredulous. He's been great? Check Davey's meds.

Section 222 said...

What a difference a day makes. Several commenters insisted just 24 hours ago that Davey did the right thing last night letting H-Rod pitch to Votto, who had already hit two homers in his bandbox of a home park, with the bases loaded and the Nats winning by a run. it was all part of building H-Rod's confidence. Couldn't be avoided. It's a long season. It will pay off in the long run. One day later, when H-Rod implodes again and has the bases loaded with a 3-run lead against a guy who has no homers in 100 plate appearances this year, and Davey pulls him, and the Nats win, all of a sudden some of those commenters are coronating Mattheus and Burnett as the new closer and banishing H-Rod to the 7th inning, or worse.

So what's the difference? It's ok to blow 3 saves, but not 4? There was 1 out instead of 2? Did it just take one more Oh Henry sighting to change you your mind? Sometimes I read this blog and just shake my head.

And Peric, thanks, but I'm a Nats fan, and nothing could make me root for the O's. So you'll just get have to get used to it that people can root for this team even if they think you are full of hooey at least half the time, and aren't afraid to say so.

Section 222 said...

Sjm - I use the MLB At Bat app on my iPhone, and I understand the app for the iPad is similar, but better because the screen is so great on the iPad. For the basic $14.95 price, you can see highlights, or the condensed games after the fact. Or you can listen to Charlie and Dave live. You can also pay alot more to be able to watch the games live.

All of this requires an internet connection, so no guarantees on that, but the apps are great. Well worth the money.

NatsLady said...

222, yes, it took one more. There is a point where you support the guy, and point where you say, he couldn't do it in the easiest possible situation.

As I said above, I would not have thrown him in tonight, I would have said, "Henry, you closed two nights in a row, and I have an informal policy of not going three in a row just to save wear and tear. You rest and watch and get the next one."

But once Davey did put him in there, I don't see what's weird about watching him and say, OK, that's enough. I watched Henry tonight, and, much as I respect his talent, "enough." It's not only that 4 is more than 3, it's that Henry was not in any kind of control and it was more than just a "bad night." Detwiler had a "bad night." Henry's not in the place he needs to be.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Section 222, most of those supporting Henry 24 hours ago were the same supporting him before and possibly not objective.

On another note, I also didn't think Detwiler was going to be an effective starter who could go 3rd time around the batting order. Very concerned.

Section 222 said...

NatsLady, it wasn't weird at all to reach that conclusion tonight. Just like it wasn't weird to reach it last night, particularly in the much more tense situation that faced us with Votto coming up and the tying run on 3rd. And Henry was not in any kind of control last night either -- or have you forgotten two walks and two near wild pitches saved by Flores?

All I'm suggesting is that you and others who defended Davey last night need to be a little less dismissive of people who see things a little differently than you do. Because if you could change your mind after just one more bad outing, then maybe those of us who thought Davey should have pulled Henry last night were right. Right?

Section 222 said...

And by the way, I wouldn't have sent him in tonight either. He needed a night off. Heck, with a three run lead, he could have given Perry a shot.

NatsLady said...

222, if I was "dismissive" I didn't mean to be. I had an opinion, which was that Henry should be given the strongest possible support. Your limits were less than mine, but, OK.

NatsLady said...

See, now, I'm not as willing to give Detwiler as much rope as Henry, so there you are... Just not a fan. I mean, I'm glad he did well, and I don't disagree with sending Lannan down so Det could have a chance (because I don't like Lannan either). But I thing Wang will be great for us, experienced and tough and smart, and Jeez, been through every kind of fire you can imagine, including his personal life all over the headlines, and he is still sinking that sinker.

Michael Dempsey said...

Gee Davey, did you finally figure out that HRod is NOT a closer? It's been pretty obvious to everyone else

JaneB said...

I think we all love, and are in awe of the Saturday night Henry. Ten pitches, three outs, killer stuff. I thi k we wouldn't have suffered the ninth innings the way we do now, a year ago. But now we expect to win. And for us to lose (or be on the verge of it) on nights when the guys have posted some runs, is excruciating.
These last two nights, I've been trying to follow the games on the MLB app on west coast time, at work. Tonight I truly thought I would not hold it together to watch the darn APP! I do not know how those guys can hold it together to do a thing out there.
That said, it's part of what they get paid to do. I am g,ad Davey stuck by Henry, and gladder still he brought in Sean. I feel terrible for Henry. I'm no mad at him. I know what he can be. We all do. I wish he could get out of his own way to be that more often.

baseballswami said...

Henry is our closer? Gee, I thought drew was our closer and anyone else was just a stopgap until he came back. I wonder how drew feels hearing that and watching the games. You think we need bourbon and maalox?

Joe Seamhead said...

Last year we all watched HRod lead the league in wild pitches. It was an adventure every time he came in. No one could dispute that the kid could throw, but only a minority thought that he could pitch. Then in September, McCatty and Johnson seemed to instill a bit of confidence in him. Then in a game against the Reds Henry struck Joey Votto out and Henry seemed to be about three feet off the ground when he left the field. From then to the Dodgers game a couple of weeks ago, we had pretty much Good Henry. His stuff was devastating. Then he lost his good ju-ju against the Dodgers and he's been scared to death of failing every since, with the one exception of his ten pitch, 3K game. Henry still has devastating stuff, but has lost all of his self confidence. The kid is terrified, but I wouldn't throw him under the bus yet.He needs a short break, then get in a couple of low pressure appearances. I think that he will still be a huge part of this team's success down the stretch.as to DJ's handling of him lately, it's easy to question why he can't see that we got 'Bad Henry' right away. Davey not only wants the kid to succeed, he needs him to.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Henry is a two edgeds sword for sure. When he is on, he is on, but once he gives up a walk (especially to start and ininning) he 180 degrees from good Henry.

Has tobe the approacch, he simply over throws the pitches once people are on, and that cuts into accuracy big time. Just relax and breath once people are on, and he would do fine. He just hasn't mastered that skill yet (though it would be nuce if he would).

Gonat said...

baseballswami said...
Henry is our closer? Gee, I thought drew was our closer and anyone else was just a stopgap until he came back. I wonder how drew feels hearing that and watching the games. You think we need bourbon and maalox?

May 15, 2012 6:00 AM
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Exactly. By the way, Drew was on the top rail watching and wincing. Has to be doubly tough for him.

natsfan1a said...

I understand that, and I did say I was glad that Davey took him out. I felt bad for Henry on a personal level, and I make no apologies for that. Whatever one thinks of his performance, he is a human being with feelings.

sjm308 said...


Natsfan1a - you know we love you but you felt bad for Henry?? Please, he needed to be taken out and thank god Davey sucked it up before we lost another heart breaker.


May 14, 2012 10:33 PM

Candide said...

Sjm, Cunegonde and I did a Danube river trip last year and we found that internet service was very slow and spotty at best. And it disappeared entirely when the boat went into any of the numerous concrete locks on the river - like descending into a concrete bunker. YMMV, but I wouldn't waste my money.

natsfan1a said...

I don't know from apps, but I'd definitely have some strudel if I were you, sjm. :-)

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