Thursday, June 7, 2012

Game 55: Mets at Nats

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The Nats go for a sweep of the Mets this afternoon at Nationals Park.
The Nationals have yet another opportunity to sweep a division rival, but the task today isn't an easy one. In knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, the Nats will be facing one of the NL's best pitchers this season, owner of an 8-1 record, 2.69 ERA and 70-to-17 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

So not only will the Nationals need to try to string some hits together against Dickey, but they'll also need a better start from Chien-Ming Wang than they got the last time he took the mound (four runs, seven hits, three walks in four-plus innings at Miami).

The only change to Davey Johnson's lineup today is a swap of catchers, with Jesus Flores getting a much-deserved breather and rookie Jhonatan Solano behind the plate for his second career start.

I'm off today in advance of this weekend's trip to Boston, but Rich Dubroff will have you covered on CSNwashington.com. Enjoy the game and the conversation...

NEW YORK METS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 184
Weather: Partly cloudy, 77 degrees, Wind 7 mph out to RF
NATIONALS (32-22)
LF Steve Lombardozzi
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
RF Michael Morse
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Jhonatan Solano
RHP Chien-Ming Wang

METS (31-26)
CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis
C Josh Thole
3B David Wright
RF Lucas Duda
2B Daniel Murphy
LF Jason Bay
1B Ike Davis
SS Omar Quintanilla
RHP R.A. Dickey

UMPIRES
HP Brian Knight, 1B Mike Winters (cc), 2B Mark Wegner, 3B Wally Bell

179 comments:

MicheleS said...

Wish i could go...

GYFNG! Beat the knuckleball!!

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

We got to Dickey last year in cooler weather. The fact that it is cooler with low humidity may play into our favor.

GYFNG!
PFB
Woooo Hooooo (copyright MicheleS 2012)

Doc said...

I'll bet that the Oppo Boppo Kid is going around the batting cage and club house, picking brains on how to hit Dickey's knuckleball.

By the third AB, he should have it figured out--maybe sooner.

Water23 said...

Any word on whether the Nats are going after Soler? I think bids are do soon and he is last of the international free agents not to count against Selig's Anti-Nats system.

Anonymous said...

Wang vs. Dickey. Beavis and Butthead would *love* this matchup. HEHHH HEHHH HEHHH

DannyEllinosa said...

Let's go Nuts! I mean Let's go Nads! Go Nats!

MicheleS said...

Some Links...

Rosenthal and his man-crush on Bryce

And some additional info on Metro

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

I will post the lesson of the day here, if its high let it fly and if its low, let it go.

Go Nats!!!!

Holden Baroque said...

Woooo Hooooo (copyright MicheleS 2012)

Technically, that should be trademarked (TM), not copyright (c).

That is all.

Holden Baroque said...

If it's at the hip, let 'er rip!

Gonat said...

peric said...
Maldonado isn't going anywhere not even to the DL until Sandy Leon is completely healthy and catching in Syracuse and Flores proves he is past this latest injury. Not to mention Solano's back issues with a recent visit to the DL in Syracuse.

Davey has to carry 3 catchers ... at least for now and he knows it.

June 02, 2012 12:43 AM
_____________________________

I guess Rizzo isn't consulting Peric as we fast forward to yesterday.

I couldn't find your other post where you basically told someone that they wouldn't send go to 2 catchers and the person who pondered the thought of playing with 2 catchers didn't know baseball.

peric said...

Maldonado isn't going anywhere not even to the DL until Sandy Leon is completely healthy and catching in Syracuse and Flores proves he is past this latest injury. Not to mention Solano's back issues with a recent visit to the DL in Syracuse.

NO and gee who did some catching with Bryce Harper and seemed very comfortable JUST 2 days ago? Doh? I think, well, yes it was Sandy Leon who is NOW PLAYING IN REAL GAMES in Florida? And Maldonado doesn't sound healthy enough to pinch hit much less catch ... and he joins Nieto who is now also on the DL. Doh.

Homer Gonat stop drinking all of that Duff beer. It gets in the way of your keeping up with what's going on now doesn't it? Doh!

peric said...

Any word on whether the Nats are going after Soler? I think bids are do soon and he is last of the international free agents not to count against Selig's Anti-Nats system.

I think it might next year ... when they include International signings into the draft process. But you are dead on Water ... it would be a way for Rizzo and the FO to make up for a sparse draft. I would expect even more activity on the International front this year in expectation of next year's (or the year after?) restrictions. Making JayB finally happy.

Gonat said...

Ghost Of Steve M. said...
Mark, good Q&A on Henry Rodriguez. I still.think they will get creative to avoid DFAing him.

June 07, 2012 10:53 AM
______________________________

Steve, did you know? I just heard HRod to the DL. I would agree. They couldn't trade him and won't DFA him.

Gonat said...

Peric, if you chilled down to maybe being a bit humble you may be more than a laugher. You blew it on Maldanado. Leon is not near ready to come back.

Gonat said...

NatsJack in Florida said...
Gonat....yep HRod to the DL and Lidge activated.

June 07, 2012 12:52 PM
______________________________

I assumed SteveM was saying this morning that being "creative" so they didn't DFA him could only mean he was going on the DL.

MicheleS said...

Just heard the DL stuff as well. Good for Henry.. Hopefully he can heal more than that finger!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Gonat, I stopped breaking news after catching gruff at the end of Spring Training. Glad you could read between the lines.

Agree with MicheleS. Also it becomes fairly obvious no teams are willing to give up prospects for Henry at this point in time.

NCNatsie said...

Does anybody else think that Moore's callup was timed to have him ready to DH in Boston & Toronto? Otherwise the presumed extra bat would be Bernandina (who might start in the OF instead of Lombo and therefore not actually the DH). But Davy might feel more comfortable with Moore than Bernie in the lineup, especially because of B.'s recent success in a PH role.

Positively Half St. said...

MicheleS-

That is what I was thinking, as well. It is not his right finger, but maybe the right side of his brain that needs to get better. Poor guy has shown flashes, but then he has an extended brain freeze.

+1/2St.

Sean Kelly said...

Best thing I've read all day:

from http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/Washington-Nationals-rookie-Bryce-Harper-continues-to-make-impression-on-teammates-060612

“I just try to come out here and play my game. Trout’s in the other league. I’m trying to play my game. He’s playing his game. Who knows? Maybe we’ll play together one day. Maybe he’ll come to DC.”

Harper smiles.

“I don’t want to leave here, I can tell you that.”

NCNatsie said...

I meant to also say , if there really is a feeling that ALR needs a rest (which may have been dispelled last night), then HE could be the DH and Moore could play first.

JD said...

Gonat,

Here's a bit of advice (it's free and you can do with it as you like) about debating anything with Peric.

'Never wrestle with a pig; you both get dirty but the pig likes it'.

Tcostant said...

I knew find a made up injury was the way to go with HRod! Great job Rizzo!

JD said...

NCNatsie,

It'l never happen. They may give ALR a couple of days but they won't purposely keep him out for 2 weeks.

JD said...

3 ground balls. Excellent.

Doc said...

For our MPHRod it's more the head, than the finger, or for that matter, the arm.

A good sports' psychologist for Henry, with Cat consulting on a daily basis.

DL which ever way you look at it. A long term answer should be pursued, so that his potential is finally realized.

Gonat said...

JD, trying to humble him if its possible. When you're wrong, say it and move on.

Like I said, I couldn't find the post (maybe deleted) when someone said they would go with 2 catchers that Peric said that person (I'll paraphrase) didn't know much about baseball.

Unfortunately, nobody really challenged him because who wants to be publicly humiliated. 4 days later, Maldanado to the DL. I recall Peric saying they would keep 3 catchers for the rest of the month. LMAO

JD said...

Steve,

I wish there was a way to send Henry down so he can work with our instructors without the MLB pressure. So much potential.

MicheleS said...

All on ALR.. Agree, he needs a rest and I hope with the DH they can get Moore on 1B and give ALR a break from at least the field.

Sean Kelly. I read that too and I hope it stays that way and he doesn't end up going to some other team up I-95 (NYY)

MicheleS said...

Gonat.. love ya for trying, but like the others have said in various forms.. scroll past. It's not worth it.

m20832 said...

So is the game on "the flagship" or not? 106.7thefan all I get is those stupid sports dummies from this morning.

Theophilus T. S. said...

If anyone was suggesting Moore should play LF in Boston, that way madness lies. It takes experienced players a whole season to learn to play The Wall. Moore should get close to the Wall only if playing racquetball. Having said that, there are no good options for the Nats out there -- not Harper, Morse or Lombardozzi. Maybe Nady, if Bosox pitch a LH.

m20832 said...

On my computer.

SCNatsFan said...

Trainer : Henry, you look like you hurt your finger.
HRod: Which finger?
Trainer: Exactly.

sm13 said...

JD - now that Henry is on the dl, he should be able to go on a rehab assignment before he returns. A week or two with Spin Williams might do him a world of good

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

JD, it will be interesting what they announce the reason for the DL. There have been players DL'd for Anxiety Disorder.

The guy is a talent and 4 years ago would have been a possible closer candidate here, come to think of it, he was a closer here, uh, 4 weeks ago....

A DC Wonk said...

So, the first part of my prediction/wish sorta came true. I wrote (in the last thread):

Perhaps Bryce can repeat his performance against "the ohter slowest pitcher" in the NL East.

He struck out on three swings first time he faced Livo. Then Harper hit a HR on the first pitch of his following at bat. He learned fast.

I guess I'd trade a 1st inning strike out for a 3rd or 4th inning HR . . .


So, he struck out in the first. Look for that HR in the 3rd or 4th?

A DC Wonk said...

he should be able to go on a rehab assignment before he returns.

Perfect! Just what the doctor ordered! ;-)

Gonat said...

Wow, Morse with a great running catch!

Gonat said...

A DC Wonk said...
he should be able to go on a rehab assignment before he returns.

Perfect! Just what the doctor ordered! ;-)

June 07, 2012 1:21 PM
_____________________________

Is it 30 days from the 1st day he appears in a team rehab assignment?

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Kilgore saying the DL is for the finger.

Gonat said...

Wang shaken, but doesn't break.

MicheleS said...

M20832.. You can only get it on Gameday on your computer (yell at Bud).

Good to see CMW work out of the jam, but really don't want him touching the ball other than to throw it over home plate. Do NOT get hurt!

Spin will take care of Henry!!! I know he gives us Ulcers (and bad livers) but I really want to see him do well

JD said...

Re Henry. Someone needs to get through to him that his slider doesn't have to be perfect. When you throw 99 MPH even a decent change and an average slider should get you by.

Henry also wilts under pressure. I am not sure there's coaching for that.

A DC Wonk said...

Gonat said...

Wang shaken, but doesn't break.

groan . . . ok, I'll give you credit for creativity. ;-) I hadn't heard that one before

m20832 said...

Thanks MicheleS. In my book, selig is as bad as angelos or snyder....

Go Wang! GYFNG!!!

A DC Wonk said...

Normally, I'd be happy that some guys are ringing up the pitch count on Dickey -- but for a knuckleballer, does that even matter?

m20832 said...

Yayy Ian!!!

m20832 said...

C'mon Espi...get a hit!

m20832 said...

Same ol' Espi...strike out...

m20832 said...

Espi is 0 for 11 against Dickey. Yeah....let's put him in....now I guess 0 for 12.

A DC Wonk said...

m20832 said...

Same ol' Espi...strike out...

To be fair, Harper and RZ struck out, too.

A DC Wonk said...

ok, now we need the DP pitch from Wang.

(written before I realized the double meaning)

Gonat said...

And this is how BABIP on a sinkerballer can get you as balls will find holes.

Gonat said...

m20832 said...
Espi is 0 for 11 against Dickey. Yeah....let's put him in....now I guess 0 for 12.

June 07, 2012 1:39 PM
____________________________________

You also risk messing up a guys swing who is already slumping.

m20832 said...

Two singles and a walk to load the bases with one out. Not looking good for the Wang.

A DC Wonk said...

And, at 1:47, a DP. Phew!

Gonat said...

Nice doubleplay....whew. Wang's fastball is severely tailing into the righty's batters box. He can use that to his advantage if he starts it further towards the other side of the plate.

baseballswami said...

CMW playing with fire today.

m20832 said...

Double play by Wang! Sweet!

JD said...

I don't know NatsJack,

Can't walk that tight rope all afternoon. Might be nice to have some clean innings.

m20832 said...

Mlb gamecast is kind of slow.

Section 222 said...

Thanks to peric for providing the videotape.

I can only conclude that Syracuse is now in FLORIDA.

Gonat said...

baseballswami said...
CMW playing with fire today.

June 07, 2012 1:48 PM
______________________________

Exactly what I was thinking. 2 innings in a row. At this pace, his pitch count will knock him out in the 5th and also will get guys like Wright up for additional at-bats.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I am at school teaching and was hoping to have updates from Mark. I see he is off.

Can someone at least update the score every half innings, so while my students are doing their finals I can click update and see what is happening and know the score too.

Thanks,

Gonat said...

O-0

m20832 said...

Wang probably needs the little blue pill. Would make him stronger and last longer!

Gonat said...

FP has to correct Carp that Lidge is not throwing a side session. How long has Carp been doing baseball?

A DC Wonk said...

Can someone at least update the score every half innings, so while my students are doing their finals I can click update and see what is happening and know the score too.

I"ll try a bit:

End of three:

Mets 0 3 0
Nats 0 1 0

Gonat said...

Elbow to LaRoche's head. Ouch.

Gonat said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
JD said...

Gonat,

CMW pitch count is actually low (51 after 4 innings).

A DC Wonk said...

Top of fourth:

Hairston flies out on second pitch.
Ike Davis grounds out on first pitch.
Quintanilla infield hit on second pitch.
Dickey grounds out on three pitches.

Decent inning: despite giving up a single, only 8 pitches!

0-0 middle of the fourth

JD said...

Middle of the 4th.

Gonat said...

JD, pitch count is low due to the 1st and 4th innings. The way he was going in the 2nd and 3rd it looked like a long day if that continued. Can have too many of those 20 pitch innings.

A DC Wonk said...

Bottom of 4th:

Harper grounds out on a 3-0 pitch (ouch)
RZ Grounds out.
LaRoche -- K on four pitches.

0-0 after four.

Random stat: league is hitting .199 off of Dickey in his first 45 pitches, .299 after that. He hit his 45th pitch this inning.

Ron In Reston said...

Speaking of pitch counts, just saw an interesting stat on MLB Gameday:

Dickey BAA pitches 1-45 .195
Dickey BAA after pitch 45 .299

He just passed pitch #45

Ron In Reston said...

Ok, so do I owe you a Coke, Wonk? :)

A DC Wonk said...

pitch count after four:

Dickey: 50
Wang: 51

A DC Wonk said...

Ron In Reston said...

Ok, so do I owe you a Coke, Wonk? :)

Yep. Them's the rules!

Are we both watching the game from work? ;-)

SCNatsFan said...

Good Ron because he is looking like Cy Young against us.

Gonat said...

Wang finally got burned NatsInsiders

A DC Wonk said...

Top of 5th:

Leadoff single by Niewenhuis (sp?), then Thole stuck out, fly out by Wright, and I'm feeling pretty good, then Duda hits a 2 run homer.

2-0 Mets.

Gonat said...

2-0 Mets on 3 hits

JD said...

Gonat,

Yeah, too many fly balls.

Ron In Reston said...

Got the MLB Gameday going, Wonk. Doing work simultaneously....sort of :)

SCNatsFan said...

Mets not having much difficulty figuring Wang out.

Gonat said...

With a hitless Murphy on-deck and 2 outs, Wang made a huge mistake. Then he lets Murphy take a walking lead to steal 2nd.

A DC Wonk said...

he is looking like Cy Young against us.

In all fairness, he's looked like Cy Young against a lot of teams this year. Last time out, against the league-leading-hitting Cards, he shut them out over 9 innings, with 9 K's and no walks. His two games before that he threw a combined 14.1 innings, 21 K's and only 1 run. He ain't 8-1 this year for nothin'!

A DC Wonk said...

Ron In Reston said...

Got the MLB Gameday going, Wonk. Doing work simultaneously....sort of :)

Yep -- same here. In fact, somebody else will need to take over play-by-play (or else at least half-inning-by-half-inning report) soon . . . .

SCNatsFan said...

I'm curious to whether Espi bunts or strikes out this inning

Gonat said...

SCNatsFan said...
Mets not having much difficulty figuring Wang out.

June 07, 2012 2:19 PM
__________________________

You switch from Detwiler to Wang and the #5 pitcher's spot on this team is pitching like the #5 spot.

Lidge has now been up twice in the bullpen. Still 4 innings to go.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

sinker ball pitcher should have few fly balls.

Tcostant said...

Wang is at 80 pitches after 5IP, do we risk another inning? The last two innings have not looked good. Wang hit 5th, I assume we pitch hit for him if we get that far and let him start the 6th if we don't.

phil dunton said...

Wang doesn't have it today. Doubt that he is the fix for the no. 5 starter void. Solano can't throw to second base. Too bad I-Rod retired. Dickey is the kind of pitcher that always gives the Nats hitters fits. I sniff a complete game shut out.

Gonat said...

Nats best opportunity of the day snuffed out by an Espi doubleplay.

Mets 2 - Nats 0

A DC Wonk said...

Morse single
Ian strikeout
Espi GIDP

2-0 Mets after 5 -- I have to relinquish my reporting for a while.

Ron In Reston said...

NJ, him striking out would have been better than the inning-ending first pitch double play he just grounded into :/

A DC Wonk said...

Phil -- do you only show up when the Nats are behind?

A DC Wonk said...

NatsJack -- I'll happily owe you a coke for that one!!

Gonat said...

phil, Solano can't throw? He had thrown out 2 runners in his 1st start. Those 2 steals were on Wang

TimDz said...

NatsJack in Florida said...
Actually Espinosa could strike out trying to bunt.
________________

I guess we forgot another possibility: GiDP

SCNatsFan said...

You are right Ron... Danny's got it going on when striking out is a move up for him.

Feel bad for the guy. Either his head is so screwd up or he is totally overmatched, neither good for a young player. My rants against him will continue until he is where he should be... and Lombo is where he should be.

Gonat said...

Mark is on ESPN980 radio

JD said...

Cannot give up any more runs here.

Gonat said...

Wang lucky to be leaving only in a 2-0 deficit. If he didn't field his own position so well today, I believe this game would have looked much worse.

baseballswami said...

Gonat - those steals were most definitely on Wang -- No doubt about it at all. You are correct as usual. Everyone has been wondering how the Mets are doing so well this year. RA Dickey and David Wright - both are performing at a very high level, even for them. When you have a guy that can do this every fifth day 9 times? I also think that facing him might throw the hitters off for the next game. Good thing the nats are playing a day game and then not until tomorrow night. In Fenway, though.

JD said...

Actually CMW's work for a 5th starter wasn't terrible. We have just gotten used to superlative pitching and Det was great in this role for a month.

phil dunton said...

Pease, not automatic strike out Ankiel.

Gonat said...

baseballswami, thanks

Tcostant said...

We can still come back, this game is in reach!

baseballswami said...

Tcostant - you know, it really is.

JD said...

NatsJack,

How soon do we see Espi to Syracuse; Lombo to 2nd and Brown to the outfield?

phil dunton said...

Gonat, Solano's two throws today were both 5-10 feet short of 2b.

Gonat said...

Mike Rizzo today on Henry Rodriguez. It seems like he is concerned a lot that HenRod would go somewhere else and become an elite closer. I would be concerned at winning now and let the chips fall where they may. Hanrahan needed a change of scenery just like Burnett did for the Pirates.

"No one expected Storen to go down and Lidge to go down. Our two closers that we felt very comfortable with before the season started. And all he did when he was thrown in quickly was 9 for 12 in save opportunities, then had some struggles for sure with his command, but you give up on these guys too quick and they turn out to be Joel Hanrahan on you and it makes you look pretty bad."

Ron In Reston said...

Ok, can someone explain Davey's thinking on Ankiel in CF and not just putting Bernie in left and leaving Harper and Morse where they were?

Gonat said...

phil dunton said...
Gonat, Solano's two throws today were both 5-10 feet short of 2b.

June 07, 2012 2:43 PM
_____________________________

Not sure if they were off by that much. I thought they were typical rushed throws when you have almost no shot to get the runner.

Both steals were "on" Wang.

Tcostant said...

I think Rizzo is a little more protective of HRod because he trade a productive player (Willingham) for him. I guess it help that Brown is doing a lot better this year. My two cents.

Ron In Reston said...

OMG, AnKiel took a walk!!

Gonat said...

JD said...
NatsJack,

How soon do we see Espi to Syracuse; Lombo to 2nd and Brown to the outfield?

June 07, 2012 2:43 PM
_____________________________

If I can chime in, should have happened weeks ago. Davey's insistence to have Espi work out of that mechanical funk he was in cost the Nats when he had Minor League options available.

Corey Brown should've been starting in front of Ankiel.

JD said...

Gonat,

One of Davey's character traits is that he sticks with his players way longer than we fans think he should and most of the time he is right and we are wrong but this has been going on for a third of the season not to mention the 2nd half of last season.

A DC Wonk said...

JD said...

Actually CMW's work for a 5th starter wasn't terrible.


Well, was kinda ugly, but, bottom line: 2 runs in 5.1 innings is not bad. A deficit of two runs is eminently doable -- if the Nats are able to hit Dickey!

JD said...

slipping away.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

is it still 2-0?

JaneB said...

Re: Rizzo's comments about giving up too early on Hanrahan: sometimes people ned a change of venue to be able to be their best. HRod has been PFB at times for us, but I think, as a player, he'd be better off with a new team and a new coach and a fresh, "we believe in you" start.

And agree that it's something when Wang makes us moan and complain that he's not up to the other guys. Which is exactly what I was doing a lot of.

SCNatsFan said...

RE: Espi to Syracuse

What chap me about Danny is in 2010 he struck out 27% of his plate appearances; last year it was 25%. This year it is up to 32%. Clearly he isn't learning how to hit MLB pitching at this level - why leave him here? I understand you don't want to wreck a young players confidence, but how confident can a guy be just becasue he is on the big club and he looks in the mirror and knows he is overmatched. And if he doesn't see that right now then he is deluded.

baseballswami said...

You know I didn't really think I would ever say this -- this is one boring game. A real snooze fest. Hoping that changes. Is it my imagination or is Gorzelanny pitching at a very slow rate of speed today - not velocity, just work rate? Ugly, ugly, ugly.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

JD, I agree with Gonat but they'd have to bring up a middle infielder from 'Cuse to ride the pine.

Swift Eagle said...

"Catching a knuckleball is easy, just wait for it to stop rolling and pick it up" Bob Uecker

A DC Wonk said...

wow -- ALR with 5 fouls in a row after reaching 3-2. Then walks on the 11th pitch.

Ron In Reston said...

Beautiful AB by LaRoche, 11 pitches for a walk. Fouled off 5 straight.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

JaneB, I concur with you on Henry. Clearly no team wants him in a trade that Rizzo will accept so the DL gets him away from the team for a while.

It's all best case situation under difficult circumstances.

Ron In Reston said...

Ok, that's TWO I owe ya, Wonk. I thought you had to work or something ;)

A DC Wonk said...

Ron, I think two cokes = one beer. (Or, if not, I just decided it ;-)

Next time we're both at the stadium . . . ;-)

SCNatsFan said...

Unbelievable. One of those games the Nats look like the old Nats. Hope to shake it off tomorrow.

Tcostant said...

Hard to get on Desi after Tuesday, but I hate double plays...

Ron In Reston said...

I'll be there on Father's Day, the 17th up in the 400s somewhere. Lemme know :)

A DC Wonk said...

One of those games the Nats look like the old Nats.

A good pitcher will make any team look like that. Dickey has been lights out for the three games prior to this one.

SCNatsFan said...

I posted a week ago about Henry going on the DL, it was just like his neck problem last year; something had to pop up. Let him rest for a week for 'treatment', get his some AA innings and see if he can relax his mind. The problem comes if 30 days isn't enough.

SCNatsFan said...

Dickey has been good but not 3 hitter good. This is a combination of a hot pitcher meeting a cold offense.

baseballswami said...

Glad we took the first two games. I am just hoping that facing this guy doesn't screw up everyone's timing and batting eye. Seems like there have been good crowds for this series. Lots of mets fans, but they seem to behave. The last two nights, it was very loud. Schools are only now ending, too, so hopefully it will pick up even more. I am going when we play the Rays. They are a very exciting young team - remind me of the Nats - and we will only get them here every 6 years. Unless we face them in the World Series of course :)

dhall88 said...

The Nats are absolutely terrified of series finales. I feel like they never have any interest in winning the last game of the series.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

NatsJack, I thought JJohnson was suspended.

baseballswami said...

And RA Dickey leaves the mound, quaking in terror at the very thought of facing Rick Ankiel. I mean - wouldn't you be terrified? All I can say is - don't let the clubhouse door hit you in the *&% on the way out.

SCNatsFan said...

Ankiel 2 walks! Amazed! Let's do something!!!

NatsJack in Florida said...

Yes. I forgot about that.

I just sent an e-mail to my buddy in NY to thank TC for me 'cause I felt our chances went from none to slim.

JaneB said...

So, maybe now we can get something going. Go Nats!

baseballswami said...

There's always the 9th inning. Zim, ALR, Morse - not too shabby right there. I would not have said that a week ago, though.

Ron In Reston said...

Apparently not :/

baseballswami said...

This guy is a little "busy" on the mound, isn't he?

NatsJack in Florida said...

Just got an answer back saying if he wanted to give us a real chance, he'd have TC put Valdespin at short.

Tcostant said...

I want Morse up with two guys on, that would be fun!

Gonat said...

As we say, its a brand new ballgame. Nats scored 2 runs in the 12th so lets go!!!! Kardiac Kids!

NatsJack in Florida said...

Yep.... That shoulder must still be hurt. That ball should have been 10 rows deeper ;)

Tcostant said...

Zimm just homered. 3-1 no outs.

Tcostant said...

Game over - Nats loss. Let go get Boston.

Gonat said...

Oh well. At least there was no shutout. If LaRoche beats out that grounder, this could have really put Frank Francisco in a chair throwing rage if you know what I mean. Protect your chair when he's on the mound.

Gonat said...

This could have been so much worse than a 3-1 loss.

Wang continues his mediocrity.

baseballswami said...

Zim hitting a home run really softened losing today. He has been looking better - is this a sign? He left us with hope at least. And prevented a shutout. Little things, people, little things.

Gonat said...

Ghost Of Steve M. said...
NatsJack, I thought JJohnson was suspended.

June 07, 2012 3:29 PM
_____________________________

SteveM, you are on a roll today. Syracuse infielder Josh Johnson violated the policy for a drug of abuse was admitted into MLB’s drug treatment program.

natscan reduxit said...

... Nats run into a knuckle sandwich, and take it on the Chien ... agin.

... nevertheless,

Go Nats!!

NatsJack in Florida said...

Gonat.... mediocre.... perfect description of a #5 starter.

Gonat said...

NatsJack in Florida said...
Gonat.... mediocre.... perfect description of a #5 starter.

June 07, 2012 4:05 PM
__________________________

Yep, I made that point earlier. Who gives you the best chance of winning + going deeper into the games from Wang, Detwiler, Lannan, and Maya

Right now its Wang. Just not sure how many more opportunities you give him. Sometimes you have to do what Colorado did with Moyer who was on a a 1 year deal, cut bait and let someone else pick him up.

Gonat said...

The Dodgers put a 4 spot on the Phillies in the 9th and sweep them in 4 games. Losing streak at 6 and Colbert takes the loss.

NatsJack in Florida said...

Like I said earlier. We are spoiled by 1 thru 4. Any one of the first 4 can throw a 3 hit shut out any time out. I want a 5 that can do the same thing.

JD said...

Silver lining people - It would have been hard to beat Dickey with any pitcher today; at least we didn't burn SS or GIO in a losing effort. Zim is starting to heat up, Morse isn't far off and Henry can't blow any games for a while.

JD said...

Judging by last year; Wang should get somewhat sharper in the next few starts. Given the current crop available for the 5th spot I still think Det has the best stuff; he did pitch great for about a month.

Tcostant said...

Drawing 32K for a weekday game is huge. It should be fun summer with packed houses...

JaneB said...

Gonat, I thought the chair throwing guy was Francisco Rodriquez, but maybe I was wrong.

Zimm hitting a dinger makes this game okay in my book.

NatsJack in Florida said...

I thought the same thing DJ. I wouldn't want Stras, Gio or Zimnn going against Dickey. I'd rather face Santana any day.

The jury is still out for me on Det. I like the thought of that power arm out of the bull pen for 2 or 3 innings.

NatsJack in Florida said...

Sorry JD.. My dyslexia kicked in there for a minute.

baseballswami said...

Running errands and listening to post game with Charlie,Dave and Phil Wood. One thing they were talking about was Wang not on the regular 5 days because of the off days. Apparently Sinker ball pitchers have a thing called " being too strong" and it screws them up - they have to be tired? I don't know anything about that but I think it's time to stop the pipe dream that he is going to be a superstar again. When he won 19 games ( raise your hand if you are very sick of hearing about that) he was with the Yankees and they were scoring 8 runs a game for him. There are pitchers in mlb right now with nice looking W-L records and era's anywhere from 4 - in the 6 plus range. I think we all have seen with this Nats team that the win/loss record is not always a reflection of a pitcher's ability. Just ask Cliff Lee about that. Will CMW stay our #5? Will it be Detweiler, Lannan, Maya? Will we need two of them in September? Who knows. Rizzo just might do some kind of deal by then if things are looking grim. Lots of baseball to be played before then. Hoping Bryce isn't lying through his teeth about his back.

mick said...

I see why this dude is 9-1. I thought wang pitched well and will get better. Smart to pitch Gorzo the rest of the way to save arms for Red Sox series.

Only critizsm is that in 4th inning when count was 3-0 on Bryce, he should have taken

mick said...

this why it was important to win the series, we were not going to beat the Met's beast. Glad Zim prevented the shutout

mick said...

let's give Wang a few more starts, I think he will be fine, if not we are F'd at the 5 spot, lol

Bigfish said...

Was at the game. My son went to Ben's Chili Bowl in the 5th inning to get a chili cheese dog. Ben's Chili Bowl was out of chili. He went to Ballpark Dogs (or whatever it's called)) They were out of hot dogs.

Tcostant said...

Bigfish - I do agree with you. Was there Sunday and Wednesday last week and line are getting longer. These stands were staffed for 18K a game and Lerner should be ramping up the staff and supplies for the coming weeks.

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