Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Game 102: Phillies at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The suddenly reconfigured Phillies open a series tonight at Nationals Park.
Well, the trade deadline has come and gone and the Nationals -- as expected -- stuck with what they already had, electing not to give up prospects for a veteran catcher, infielder or starting pitcher and perhaps disrupt the positive chemistry that has developed inside their clubhouse.

The team they play tonight, on the other hand, looks very different than it did when the day began. The Phillies traded Shane Victorino to the Dodgers and Hunter Pence to the Giants, leaving themselves with a decimated outfield for tonight's series opener at Nationals Park.

That lineup will have to take its chances with Stephen Strasburg, coming off one of his best starts of the season (Thursday in New York). The Nats also have pinch-hitter extraordinaire Chad Tracy back from the disabled list. They sent Corey Brown back to Syracuse to clear roster space.

On the other hand, the Nationals won't have a couple of significant lineup regulars: Ryan Zimmerman and Adam LaRoche are each dealing with back spasms. Davey Johnson doesn't believe either issue is serious, and he's hopeful both will be back tomorrow, but he's left with a ridiculously short bench tonight: Tracy, Sandy Leon and the two guys with back injuries.

Plenty of updates to come, so please check back...

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 183
Weather: Isolated storms, 85 degrees, Wind 4 mph RF to LF
NATIONALS (61-40)
2B Steve Lombardozzi
RF Bryce Harper
SS Danny Espinosa
LF Michael Morse
1B Tyler Moore
3B Mark DeRosa
C Jesus Flores
CF Roger Bernadina
RHP Stephen Strasburg

PHILLIES (45-57)
SS Jimmy Rollins
LF Juan Pierre
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
C Carlos Ruiz
RF Laynce Nix
CF John Mayberry
3B Kevin Frandsen
LHP Cliff Lee

UMPIRES
HP Tim McClelland (cc), 1B Ted Barrett, 2B Marvin Hudson, 3B Jordan Baker

7:07 p.m. -- Stephen Strasburg starts off Jimmy Rollins with a 95-mph fastball for strike one, and we are underway on a muggy, 82-degree evening in the nation's capital. Doesn't appear to be nearly as many Philly fans here as there have been in a past. I wonder why.

7:12 p.m. -- Wow, what a 4-6-3 double play from Steve Lombardozzi and Danny Espinosa to end the top of the first and get Strasburg out of a mini-jam. Lombo dove to his right to snag Ryan Howard's hard grounder, flipped the ball to Espinosa, who then made a fantastic turn to get Howard at first. It's remarkable how little the Nats are missing Ian Desmond right now. Scoreless as we go to the bottom of the first.

7:23 p.m. -- It's apparently "Get Every Out at Second Base Night" here. OK, not every single out, but there have already been four putouts at second base in one inning after the Nats hit into three consecutive fielder's choices in the bottom of the first. Still scoreless.

7:34 p.m. -- Kevin Frandsen tags a first-pitch, 95-mph fastball from Strasburg over the center field fence for a 2-run homer. Wait, who? Kevin Frandsen? The Kevin Frandsen whose last big-league homer came in 2007? Yes, naturally, THAT Kevin Frandsen. Yikes. The Phillies take a 2-0 lead as we go to the bottom of the second.

7:44 p.m. -- Stephen Strasburg has given up 16 home runs in his big-league career. Three of them were hit by Delwyn Young, James Darnell and Kevin Frandsen. Go figure.

7:54 p.m. -- Well, that wasn't good. Juan Pierre sends a one-out single up the middle, then steals second, then steals third, then scores when Jesus Flores' throw sails into left field. You can't really blame Flores for that, because Strasburg let Pierre get a huge jump. Still, the throw to third was a bad idea because Flores didn't have a good shot at retiring him. This has been a major problem all season for the Nats, and this one gives the Phillies a 3-0 lead in the third. Strasburg, meanwhile, has zero command of his changeup tonight. He's bounced just about every one of them short of the plate. Not sharp at all.

8:06 p.m. -- A golden opportunity for the Nats in the bottom of the third, with Strasburg igniting a rally with a leadoff single (he's now hitting .344) and Lombardozzi and Morse adding singles of their own to load the bases for Tyler Moore. Cliff Lee fell behind in the count 3-1, but Moore might have gotten a little over-aggressive there and grounded an inside fastball to third for the final out of the third. The Nats have four hits, but no runs yet and still trail 3-0 as we go to the fourth.

8:20 p.m. -- Wow, this thing turned ugly in a hurry. Just look at what happened in the top of the fourth. Cliff Lee -- yes, Cliff Lee -- roped a two-out, RBI single off Strasburg. Then Cliff Lee -- yes, Cliff Lee -- stole second off Strasburg and Flores. Oh, the humanity. But wait, it gets worse. Jimmy Rollins launched a ball off the right-field wall, with Bryce Harper tumbling to the ground and the ball just sitting there untouched as Rollins raced around the bases for an inside-the-park grand slam. Poor decision by Harper to dive into the wall when he didn't really have a chance. And really poor job by Roger Bernadina not backing up the play. Put it all together, and the Phillies now lead 6-0 in the fourth. Those six earned runs match the most ever allowed by Strasburg (he also gave up six to the Marlins on Aug. 10, 2010).

8:35 p.m. -- And Strasburg is DONE after only four innings as Tom Gorzelanny enters for the fifth. Wow. It's the third-shortest start of his career, and in each of those previous three-inning outings (Sept. 11, 2011 vs. Astros and June 30, 2012 at Braves) Strasburg was pulled early for health reasons. That game last September was still part of his rehab from Tommy John surgery. And the game in Atlanta last month, of course, ended with Strasburg suffering from heat exhaustion.

8:57 p.m. -- Not much to say about this one at this point. We're into the bottom of the sixth, the Phillies still leading 6-0, the Nats not doing much of anything at the plate against Lee. Just one of those nights.

9:01 p.m. -- Mark DeRosa, filling in at third base for Ryan Zimmerman tonight, is now 0-for-3 with three strikeouts. Somebody get that man a cortisone shot, stat!

9:20 p.m. -- Chad Tracy, fresh off the DL, makes his first appearance in two months. Tracy gave Lee a good ride, sending a flyball to deep right field, but not deep enough. So we head to the eighth, the Nats down 6-0 and Henry Rodriguez on the mound.

9:30 p.m. -- Hey, how about that? Henry pitched a scoreless inning of relief! (We'll ignore the part where he hit the backstop on the fly to Ryan Howard.)

9:56 p.m. -- Well, Davey tried to press his luck with Henry, and it didn't totally work out. He gave up two runs in the top of the ninth, though both runs were scored after Drew Storen took the mound. So it's now 8-0 as the Nats come to the plate for their final at-bat.

10:03 p.m. -- That'll do it. The Nats lose 8-0 and see their lead over the Phillies dwindle to only 15 1/2 games.

193 comments:

MicheleS said...

Don't get cute tonight Boys. Step on the Phillies throats!

GYFNG!

Anonymous said...

Espinosa 3rd? Not sure about that move. I think I'd put Moore 3rd, DeRosa 5th and Espinosa 6th, but (lol) what do I know.

peric said...

Speed in the first three slots and in the eighth. Good hitting pitcher @9.

And the RedSox trade Lars Andedrson to the Indians for Steven Wright a knuckeballer.

peric said...

In other words Davey is hedging his bets and thinking he may have to manufacture runs tonight.

Pilchard said...

Looks like the kind of line-up you would have seen in a B game in Spring Training.

Love the Nats, but if someone said that the Nats would be opening the series against the Phillies on July 31 without Ryan Zimmerman, Adam LaRoche, Jayson Werth and Wilson Ramos, the conventional wisdom that the Nats would be the team that would be 16 games out. Crazy season.

Faraz Shaikh said...

let's hope Danny continues to own Lee tonight.

baseballswami said...

Hope we don't need much in the way of pinch hitters tonight.Might have to have pitchers come in and hit. Who are these two teams by the way? If you had looked at these two line ups in the off season you might not have recognized the teams right away.

NatsJack in Florida said...

I thought Steven Wright was a dry humored comedian. You mean he throws a knuckleball, too?

Swift Eagle said...

Haha Jack, I remember that guy!! "I put instant coffee in my microwave and I went back in time" Comedians are like pitchers, all about the delivery...

ChiefWJ said...

Stras can hit for himself before he comes out. No double-switching tonite.

#4 said...

Rollins, Pierre, Utley, Howard, and Ruiz is still a pretty formidable top five.

Swift Eagle said...

Ironic that the commercial they keep showing during the Olympic coverage contains the Lou Gehrig Speech...considering the Olympics booted baseball in favor of "sports" like horseback riding, air rifle, and ballroom dance...

baseballswami said...

Agreed #4-- no major league team should ever be overlooked. They will have a huge chip on their shoulders, guys called up want to show they can play. No game is ever a sure thing . Ever, ever,ever.

natsfan1a said...

Just approach it as you would any other game vs. a division opponent. Go, SS! Go, NATS!!

MicheleS said...

Mark is sweating profusely on the field. Getting ready for a CSN spot.

peric said...

Just approach it as you would any other game vs. a division opponent. Go, SS! Go, NATS!!

They must all of those teams that improved themselves are right on their tails. They've got to nail down the coffin lid for the Phillies and the Fish or its won't be pretty.

Tegwar said...

Is Placido Polanco hurt or was he traded? Who is Kevin Frandsen?

JD said...

#4,

I agree completely. If SS is on I am pretty confident but of course Cliff Lee is capable of throwing a gem as well.

hiramhover said...

Fox

Polanco on DL, Frandsen was called up from AAA a few days ago.

And for my own part - can I just say how awesome it is to have the trade deadline passed, and an actual Nats game to discuss again!

Tegwar said...

Polanco on the DL, Frandsen is 30 and the Phillies brought him up on the 27th. He was an Iron Pig.

baseballswami said...

I actually hate all the stuff about this week will define our season, if we lose this series our season is over,this is a make or break road trip, etc. Been hearing it week after week and series after series. I hope the team continues with the same attitude that it's one game.I think it's part of what has worked for them. They don't panic, they forget losses and move on. What a crazy day it's been in the baseball world.

Tegwar said...

Thanks Hiramhover, just looked it up. Trying to remember who the regular back up was for them.

I would have to think most Philly fans would have to feel disheartened. Sure they new they were not going to compete but management, and maybe rightly so waved a white flag today that let everyone know the run is over.

I will have to give them credit they created there own market by selling two players to opposing team. So of like selling guns to both sides in a war.

Anonymous said...

Lots of other teams got better today just to see if they can beat the Nationals

MicheleS said...

Frediemac has the post of the day!

Tegwar said...

baseballswami I agree with you. None of these games are any more important then others. In fact you could argue beating good teams will give the players more confidence.

Only the games left with the Braves are MORE important because of the 2 game swing.

If I had to pick when the Nats get hot it would be the end of September/October not July.

ExposedinDC said...

Uh oh RZ plays unless he is injured and Davey and the boys are not always completely honest with the severity of injuries....hoping it's a one day rest thing but generally with Zim it's a 3 to 5 day thing

NatsJack in Florida said...

I'll wait to see how it all shakes out before declaring anybody improved themselves.

The Marlins "improved themselves" in the off season and how'd that work out?

JD said...

Fox,

It's really August already so I don't mind if we stay hot for a while longer.

#4 said...

For those worried about the catcher situation, below is a list of the WS winning catchers for the last 17 years (that's as far as I felt like going back). I have to say that every team had a pretty darn good catcher, certainly better than Flores. Even Damian Miller had a very good year in 2001.

2011 - Yadier Molina
2010 - Buster Posey
2009 - Posada/Molina, B,/ Cervelli
2008 - Carlos Ruiz
2007 - Jason Varitek
2006 - Yadier Molina
2005 - A. J. Pierzynski
2004 - Jason Varitek
2003 - Ivan Rodriquez
2002 - Bengie Molina
2001 - Damian Miller
2000 - Jorge Posada
1999 - Jorge Posada
1998 - Jorge Posada
1997 - Charles Johnson
1996 - Joe Girardi

baseballswami said...

Last year in August the Cardinals were nowhere in the discussion of post season. The Phil's were the juggernaut. It's just way too soon to know.60 games to go and that us a lot. I like how this team doesn't get ahead of itself. Wish I could be more like them, actually.

#4 said...

Sorry. Last 16 years.

waddu eye no said...

Looks good from sec 229

baseballswami said...

How does the ratio of curly W's to capital P's look?

MicheleS said...

Excellent Anthem tonight. The BrothersFlanagan did a great job

Tegwar said...

JD,

The Nats can stay hot for the rest of the year and I'll be fine with that. I do think if they play .600 ball they will win the East and for the last month they have played better then that. Factoring out injuries which can derail any team, I think this team gets better from here not worse. I sure hope I'm right.

natsfan1a said...

Maybe CSN needs to give him an IV before these games. :-)

MicheleS said...

Mark is sweating profusely on the field. Getting ready for a CSN spot.
July 31, 2012 6:17 PM

natsfan1a said...

Wait, is there an echo in here? :-)

natsfan1a said...

Seconded. Remember in the offseason, when the Marlins were spending like crazy and getting ready to open their stadium? Lots of folks thought they'd improved their team as well. How's that working out for them? hmmm...

MicheleS said...

Unknown, time will tell who improved their teams.
July 31, 2012 4:38 PM

NatsJack in Florida said...

I'll wait to see how it all shakes out before declaring anybody improved themselves.

The Marlins "improved themselves" in the off season and how'd that work out?
July 31, 2012 6:44 PM

Swift Eagle said...

1st place 4-6-3 right there WOW!!

JD said...

Nice play Lombo.

Swift Eagle said...

Whoa, a fist pump from Stras...almost a show of emotion from the Bad A**-Stras Lol

Secret wasian man said...

wow what an awful lineup. are we even trying tonight?

Schumatrix said...

Who is Kevin Frandsen??

JD said...

I don't know but why are we giving up runs with 1st base open and the pitcher on deck?

Schumatrix said...

JD, see my above comment...

Old Wino said...

Relax, there is a plan. I hope.

mick said...

Strass does have good stuff tonight. I really don't care for this lazy unpire

JD said...

Not sharp tonight.

mick said...

Lee can be hit tonight and I think we will hit him

peric said...

Lots of other teams got better today just to see if they can beat the Nationals.

True. But not just in games or series but organizationally. All seem to following the Rizzo/Clark/Minniti plan.

NatsLady said...

Gotta get another catcher.

mick said...

come on Jesus, I have been defending you and you make a throw like that...

peric said...

DeRosa not looking all that good at third base. Fortunately, there is Carlos Rivero in September. But shortstop is a bit scary right now.

Swift Eagle said...

Agree NL, bad throw on the 2nd one, but both steals are on Stras, Pierre had him timed perfectly...Of course, Pierre also was given a 4th strike by McClellan..

mick said...

natsjack... good point, you gotta at least let the base runner know you see him

JD said...

Peric,

You make it sound like rocket science. Teams which are out of it traded away pieces for prospects. This has been going on for eternity.

peric said...

Gotta get another catcher.

Unless its a prospect they seem to have all that they need once Solano recovers. And then ... there's Wilson Ramos next year hopefully.

Are you saying they need a new top prospect to replace him?

ExposedinDC said...

"we like who we are".............apparently so does opposing base runners

NatsLady said...

Agree the steals are on Stras. And glad Flo got a nice hit. But I worry that he is tired and hurting.

peric said...

Stras looks none too happy right now ...

mick said...

so have the Marlins decided to try to get the 1st draft pick next season, lol

mick said...

Is there an ax Ozzie watch in Miami.... lol

peric said...

Agree the steals are on Stras. And glad Flo got a nice hit. But I worry that he is tired and hurting.

He may need time on the DL. Doubt he'll go for it but it looks more and more like he is pretty beat up.

NatsLady said...

LOL, Stras baserunning!

peric said...

so have the Marlins decided to try to get the 1st draft pick next season, lol

Not so much that as getting a larger bonus pool to use to sign draft picks.

Swift Eagle said...

Honestly, the Braves are getting to be obnoxious...nobody's supposed to win every game!

Swift Eagle said...

McClellan's strike zone appears to be the size of a paper plate at this point....

NatsLady said...

Seems like we could still get Torrealba, right? Even if you want to bring up Hill, you need someone to replace him, and he gets used to our signs, system, etc.

Gonat said...

Just got that annoying MASN text seconds before Harper K'd.

Swift Eagle said...

Strasburg has deceptive speed...Even SLOWER than he looks..

JD said...

Dammit

mick said...

take that one Tyler... ouch!!!

mick said...

McClellan is another one of my favorites in blue, lol

mick said...

peric... does Ozzie survive the full season... i am wondering

ExposedinDC said...

Thought Harp might have laid down a bunt there against the lefty, would be 3-2 right now, sometimes he has to remember he is a 2 hole hitter

peric said...

Seems like we could still get Torrealba, right? Even if you want to bring up Hill, you need someone to replace him, and he gets used to our signs, system, etc.

They may pull him back and want to deal though ...

The thing about Hill is he is pure defense. Defensively he's Pudge. Just not a soon-to-be HOF or as old but his bat is just as anemic. Age isn't the reason its 2 or 3 fingers cut off and reattached. Not as good a grip as he'd like on the bat.


Question is would you rather have Pudge behind the plate managing those young pitchers or someone else?

Needless to say the lack of offense surely is a problem. But if you are looking for defense?

mick said...

good point Exposed... I thought a few times in the Brewer series when Espi was up and the 3rd baseman was almost on the grass that he should laid down a few

JD said...

OK,

What have they done to the real Strasburg?

Ratiocinational said...

MLB Gameday lists all 3 of Philadelphia's runs as earned. Why is that 3rd run earned? Didn't Pierre score on a throwing error?

mick said...

so can we assume that Maldadano (know I miss spelled it) is not even being discussed

peric said...

peric... does Ozzie survive the full season... i am wondering

I have no idea. The whole offseason started off as a circus. Their new stadium has a circus-like feel. This week they finally got down to doing some decent thinking about what their roster should look like instead of letting the owner go out any old big star to open his new ballpark.

peric said...

so can we assume that Maldadano (know I miss spelled it) is not even being discussed

He weighs in at around 300 pounds and is currently backing up Koyie HIll.

peric said...

Nats are getting smashed here ... this isn't good.

mick said...

I have not seen an inside the park in over 40 years, wow!

mick said...

I see peric

Gonat said...

I love Stras but a dead red fastball to Cliff Lee for an RBI just looked like Stras wasn't thinking and then the stolen base and then that Nyjer type inside-the-park HR.

Embarassing guys. How did it start? An RBI single to the pitcher.

peric said...

Forget Werth, bring up Hill. Oh man Harper is just about done too ... too many games too soon he has never played this many ...

peric said...

Right now they could use Corey Brown ... big mistake Davey.

Gonat said...

Like was said to Gio, you are pissed? Be pissed at yourself Stephen. That was just awful.

Secret wasian man said...

Go nat you beat me too it. Just embarrassing. Why are we fretting about stars getting shutdown? He is only the 3rd best pitcher on this team. Gross

mick said...

let the Phils gloat tonight... just one of those games. Wonder how many phils fans would like to trade records,lol lets get the next two

JD said...

Stras was just really off today. Time to get him outa here.

Swift Eagle said...

Didn't know Corey Brown could be a pitcher and a catcher at the same time....b/c that's been the problem tonight..

mick said...

good point that FP makes that Morse needed to back up Harp on that play. what it shows is that the guys are just a step slow tonight and seem a little tired.

ExposedinDC said...

Roger......Over and out

Major Jammage said...

I am a Bernadina fan, but FP is right. He needed to be there to back up Harper.

I'm not very optimistic that a team without LaRoche or Zimmerman can mount a comeback, but I'll be happy if they make it a game.

fresh2death1997 said...

Mick : it's Shark, not Morse.

joemktg said...

Damn good thing they traded Victorino and Pence.

Cardinal sin by Bernadina. That's a youth baseball mistake not getting over to RF...and the youth baseball CF would get an earful from Coach.

This may turn into a laugher, but I think we know better to call it just now.

mick said...

fresh.. I meant shark

mick said...

where was Pence traded?

Secret wasian man said...

With this lineup we couldn't have beaten levan Hernandez tonight. If these nagging injuries continue I fear for the worst for this team.

Gonat said...

Secret wasian man said...
Go nat you beat me too it. Just embarrassing. Why are we fretting about stars getting shutdown? He is only the 3rd best pitcher on this team. Gross

July 31, 2012 8:19 PM
_______________________________

Plus a 27 year old 3rd baseman who can't stay healthy.

Stras probably was pissed before the 1st pitch seeing the "B" lineup.

fresh2death1997 said...

Man,this is not a great night..

mick said...

Major Jammage just s few runs, no shutout

mick said...

Gonat


this what the Padres and Marlin fans see every night, lol

baseballswami said...

So - not near a tv - what the heck is going on up in Nats Park right now? Strassie serving up baseballs on silver platters? Our guys enjoy their off day too much? Hard to read from gameday why things are going south so fast but it looks like Strassie has been getting hit from the beginning.

mick said...

it seems like the Braves have a 10 game series with the Marlins

Secret wasian man said...

Go nat. If we were going to go with b lineup we should have also gone with b pitcher. Why waste a start. Although stras was horrible tonight. Braves rolling again. 2.5 games

peric said...

It's all Davey's fault. If only Corey Brown was here to save the day. Or Carlos Rivero. He'd show those mean old Phillies that they shouldn't have released him.

Oh MicheleS your obnoxious mean spirited ancient garden gnome is back please tether him. Thank you.

baseballswami said...

Mick- Pence to the Giants where he will be in a pennant race against Victorino who is with the Dodgers.

mick said...

baseballswami

well no Laroche and Zim tonight. The guys seem tired, I think they are still drained from the Brewers series

mick said...

swami.... are you serious... oh boy

Nats Fan in Brazil said...

Natsjack, no need To be mean To perícia, he only said that corey could help once harper got The worst of The wall. We are ali nats fans. No need of rudiness

ExposedinDC said...

3 rookies, Bryce and shark against a lefty, no Zim or ALR, Flores and Derosa in the lineup..all against Cliff Lee, thats asking a lot of Stras and the beast, EJax gets to play stopper again

Gonat said...

mick said...
Gonat


this what the Padres and Marlin fans see every night, lol

July 31, 2012 8:25 PM
_____________________________

Has to happen a lot. I'm sure its the same way the batters feel when their #5 is on the mound facing the other teams #1

baseballswami said...

Thanks, Mick - It's hard to tell what's actually going on. Strassie has ons and offs, like JZim did last year. Is his velocity down or is he not locating? Cliff Lee is still a fine Major League pitcher and our line up looks a bit anemic tonight. Oh, well - this is game one ZERO two not game one SIXTY two. Although, how many times have we given up on our team and then later.....Off days for us always seem to kill our momentum.

Gonat said...

Glad Davey pulled Stras. Save those innings. Just disappointing.

Tim said...

In my opinion, Strasburg really needs to mature. This was discussed yesterday when someone posted their preference of a starting pitcher for one must-win game, and in the majority's opinion, it wasn't Stephen but JZimm. Strasburg gets rattled easily, whether by weather, an umpire's strike zone or one bad call, or a poorly manicured pitcher's mound.

I've seen it before and I saw it tonight... Strasburg let his emotions get the best of him.

Secret wasian man said...

We were never going to win this with that lineup. But you gotta be concerned with how bad stras site looked. He is anything but automatic anymore. And why is degrosssssssa still on this team? He is awful

Gonat said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
peric said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Secret wasian man said...

Great point Tim. The cliff lee hit was just inexcusable though

Gonat said...

baseballswami, JZim was never off this bad last year. JZim's biggest problem last year was losing his mind with frustration.

Stras gave up a frustration single to Pierre. The 1st inning HR, the Cliff Lee hit were just bad pitches.

baseballswami said...

Not watching, but I can relate to what you are saying, Tim. He has so few major league innings and is learning here what a lot of guys learn in years in the minors. He has talent, but has to mature into a good major league pitcher. He is also in that witching year that JZim talked about where some days it's just not there. Plus, he doesn't have JZim's calm personality to deal with it. He is going to be great, but these things don't happen overnight. We have lost one game in the last about 8 days. It happens. Probably better to let it all go, save the innings, rest Zim and ALR and come back tomorrow. ALthough I must admit that I said those very same things on Sunday.

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

3 rookies, Bryce and shark against a lefty, no Zim or ALR, Flores and Derosa in the lineup..all against Cliff Lee, thats asking a lot of Stras and the beast, EJax gets to play stopper again

Davey is picking the old guys who can't field over those who can ... plus Werth. Goes against the Nats philosophy and plan that Rizzo touted and espoused when explaining his rationale for staying out of the draft.

DeRosa and Tracy are not long-term answers and not really good fielders. Plus an eight man bullpen. You can see why he doesn't want to lose the pitchers as they are all performing well ...

But his bench is looking very weak. Not sure about picking Harper or Bernadina over Brown in CF.

Major Jammage said...

Strasburg is more/less a rookie, and there will be nights like this. I wish this wasn't against the Phils.

baseballswami said...

Gonat - probably true - Stras, Det and sometimes Gio really fly off the handle and let it affect their pitching. So the Phils finally rack up some runs on the very night their fans stop showing up.

Gonat said...

I have to say to Danny, there is no 6 run HR. Get on base.

baseballswami said...

But I still think it's better to have a stinker game than push people back into service that are dinged up, risking further injury. On nights like this I just pray that everyone gets out of it healthy. Then we can come back tommorrow for another shot. 60 more times.

JD said...

Tim,

He was rattled by his inability to throw his curve or change for strikes.

Gonat said...

Remember when the Nats were winning 9-0 and blew it. Time for the Nats to start chipping away.

JD said...

Cliff Lee needs to get some chin music for that stolen base.

Cameron said...

Just keep saying, it's only one game, it's only one game. Still pissed. Davey put out the B squad today. Only reason Derosa is still on this team to be a backup MI.

Cameron said...

Gonat... This team has amazed us all, but does anyone honestly think with Zim and Larouche out that we are coming back? I guess we can still hope...

Swift Eagle said...

Down the stretch and in the playoffs, Davey wants experienced guys like DeRosa and Tracy on his bench...you Syracuse Chief fans will just have to deal with that, no matter what conclusions you've drawn by studying AAA stats..

Anonymous said...

Mark Zuckerman ‏@MarkZuckerman

Zimmermann's ERA pre/post '11 All-Star break: 2.66, 4.14. Strasburg's ERA pre/post '12 All-Star break: 2.82, 4.43. All part of TJ recovery.

JD said...

Philly traded 2 regulars today so their lineup was short as well. The difference is that Strasburg didn't have it today.

Swift Eagle said...

You could argue that tonight, the Nats do not have their best player (by position) in 7 of 8 spots

C Flores not Ramos
1B Moore not ALR
2B Lombo not Espi
SS Espi not Desi
3B DeRosa not Zimmerman
LF Morse
CF Bernadina not Harper
RF Harper not Werth

Gonat said...

Swifty, you are really stretching on that one. Bernadina is fine in CF and Harper in RF. DeRosa at 3rd is not. I'm okay with Moore at 1st.

Missing clutch hits except for Morse.

BigCat said...

Yes NatsJack.....no location from Stra.....you know why? He is weak as a kitten mentally. Everything bothers him...its too hot...too wet... I got a hangnail. Do you remember his rookie year when the Braves fans "chopped" him off the mound? Thats right, they did that stupid cheer where they chop their hands down. Our big boy urinated down his leg and had to be taken out. Stra is a guy who has gotten by with his stuff his whole life, just throwing strikes at 95-99 and loving life. He has probably had his pitches called for him his whole life and he has no idea about how to pitch. Every ball the Braves hit tonight was right down the middle, belt high. He never comes inside....lord, he crapped himself when he hit that guy in the helmet a couple weeks ago. Oh, forgot to mention that time. After he hit the guy he folded up the tent and went home. Bottom line....Sras is a pus......er....sissy. Lets not get to excited about when they shut him down. Cause he wilts under the bright lights. If I'm Riz, I shut him down now

JD said...

Gorzo is saving the pen. Henry next?

Secret wasian man said...

I assume the reason derosa is playing is because Stevie Wonder was unavailable?

JD said...

Whatever you say BigCat.

Secret wasian man said...

Big cat you are out of line. Yes stras is overrated but he is still young. Oh, by the way we are playing the phillies not braves. Pu.....y

baseballswami said...

If we can survive August then we can have the veterans and the rookies for a while. With all the hoopla about shutting strassie down, I think all of us fans that watch every game know that it will be time - maybe even before that. Tomorrow, tomorrow, there's always tomorrow......

BigCat said...

When things get tight for him on the mound and the camera zooms in on his eyes, that tells the story. The eyes don't lie

Tim said...

That Tweet from Mark by rdexposfan is REALLY telling about pre/post all-star break after TJ surgery. That may be the stat of the day.

Secret wasian man said...

I too am not overly impressed with stras. The cream the heat....rizzo has babied him and it shows. I certainly would not rush to the park to see him. I prefer jz or gio. It was a little humid tonight though.

Secret wasian man said...

Maybe dibble was right.

JD said...

Secret Wasian man and BigCat,

That's because neither one of you has a clue.

Major Jammage said...

Folks, I'm getting a bit tired of the personal attacks all around Nats Insider. Let's talk baseball. That's why we're all here.

And remember, if someone says something that seems way out of line, it's probably best to ignore it, and introduce other topics. Calling them out only means they will talk more about it.

Soooooo....this game is pretty much in the books. I'd like to see more out of the lineup, especially against an ailing Phils team. The Nats don't seem to have the spring in their step, and perhaps this night just ain't their night. Also, Cliff Lee seems to be on quite a roll.

mick said...

Cliff Lee is Phils best player

mick said...

one of the few times one can relax with Hrod, lol

mick said...

Henry is 6 balls 6 strikes so far

Secret wasian man said...

Tim has a right to his opinion. Whether you agree with someone or not that doesn't make them clueless. At least tim is discussing what he thinks the problem is and not insulting other bloggers. Jammage is correct.

mick said...
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mick said...

I was about to post let Henry finish, but Mlb scout points out...after 15 pitches Henry's hit percentage almost doubles

mick said...

we can't get shut out

Gonat said...

Henry given a low stress inning. Still couldn't go 1-2-3 and almost gave some guy behind homeplate a heart attack!

Secret wasian man said...

Anybody here what the word is on alr and Ryan Zimmerman? Sure could use those two.

mick said...

wasian.... back spasms for both

fresh2death1997 said...

Bryce Harper seriously needs to get going..

Secret wasian man said...

Will they play tomorrow or is that TBD

Gonat said...

At some point Bryce needs to sit against tough lefties as these O-fers in the 2 hole are hurting real bad

mick said...

I don't think you can play start Derosa when other starters are out, shall we say his down sides are more exposed when another starter is out. Derosa is perfect as a late inning defensive sub

mick said...

meaning 2 or more starters out of the line up

mick said...

Gonat said...
At some point Bryce needs to sit against tough lefties as these O-fers in the 2 hole are hurting real bad



that apeaasr to be the one thing Bryce will have to work on in 2013. Not sure he can overcome this now. Wondering if Davey would consider platooning him which would also help him keep his energy level high and prevent a late season burn out

mick said...

this is the kind of game where you throw the game film in the ocean and pretend it never happen, lol

zregime said...

Y'all, let's not go all freak. The Philly moves today shook up the clubhouse and got all of their players' attention. Of course they were gonna come out tonight like they were playin' for their jobs. They are. C'mon, mah fam...keep the faith. Oh, and let's show up when the Braves come to town again. NOW IS NOT THE THE TIME TO START GETTING ALL NEGATIVE ABOUT THIS TEAM! WE HAVE THE HORSES AND WE ARE GOING TO WIN.

It is gonna happen y'all.

Tom Petty's best album was entitled: Damn The Torpedoes. We're into the last 3rd of the season and I would advise everyone to follow Mr. Petty's advice.

Believe.

mick said...

what odds would get from vegas that the Marlins can come back and win tonight, lol

mick said...

Henry........

Gonat said...

Painful watching Henry. Nothings ever easy. The hits aren't his fault but the walks are. THROW STRIKES

mick said...

Gonat.... that is the $64,000 question on Henry, when will he figure it out?

fresh2death1997 said...

zregime - you're definitely right! we can't win every game.

Gonat said...
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Gonat said...

Can Henry throw a high "chase" strike? He had Ryan Howard in a 1-2 and missed his spot and lucky Howard got lousy wood on it for a groundout.

Just another in a long line of pathetic performances in an easy low leverage situation.

Yep, send Corey Brown down so Henry can keep his spot.

mick said...

Oh, Henry boy, the pipes,
the pipes are calling


lol,

peric said...

I wonder who gets bumped off of the 40-man roster ... the only choice looks like CM Wang or will they release Perry? But he is doing well as a starter in AA? Outside of those two its Yunesky Maya but the Nats would have to eat some money ...

It seems pretty clear that Tyler Moore gets optioned to Syracuse to join Corey Brown.

peric said...

Bryce Harper seriously needs to get going..

He's 19 and never played this many games before ... as a certain QB speculated maybe he is running on fumes mentally ... perhaps emotionally. Its a long grueling season.

I believe Harper has hit under .230 for July.

Nattering Nat said...

Thought I was going to see some serious, thoughtful discussion here tonight about why the entire team has fallen on its face tonight. zregime at least offers a partial explanation, but not on the Nats side. SInce everyone seems so gloomy and prickly, let me just add that the comments here tonight are not up to par, either.

To me it is a head-scratcher, even with Zim and LaRoche out, and with Stras showing even more of the inconsistency we had come to recognize recently. After a 6-1 road trip, and despite the Phillies having something left to prove, I didn't expect the Nats to be flat or for Lee to get his best outing of the year tonight, even if we do have a tendency to let struggling pitchers look great.

So the malaise seems to have affected everyone.

OK, tomorrow's another day, and the team is still one of the best in baseball, though we've still got two months to go, and they won't be easy!

mick said...

From glen to glen, and down the mountain side
The summer's gone, and all the flow'rs are dying
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide.

what the hell, one of those nights, lol

Gonat said...

I could see a future stacked RH outfield to face lefties with Moore, Werth, TyMo.

Harper just laying eggs against LH pitching after he started the season bashing Lefties.

Swift Eagle said...

Not trying to jynx, but AJ Burnett "pitching well" through 6 v the Cubs...

mick said...

I simply think the boys were tired both emotionally and physically, let's not read into it too much.

Gonat said...

mick, no excuses for the tired syndrome. They had a day off yesterday. Not buying that.

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

With apologies to MicheleS:

"BOOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

mick said...

Gonat, I understand what your saying, however, 2 things... its usually 48 hours that fatigue sets in after an emotional win and ... add the stress of young players not knowing if they were going to stay up or go back to Cuse.

Now, if they are flat tomorrow, then they need a good kick, they get a well deserved mulligan tonight.

Nattering Nat said...

Funny, look what the Angels are doing to the Rangers and what the Dodgers just did to the Giants, with both of the home teams looking horrendous. And that is with second place vs. first in the Division.

Maybe it's the time of year, that's as analytical as I am prepared to get--oh, and it's wearing to be in first the whole season, with everyone gunning for you, that I do believe, it probably does wear them down sometimes.

Gonat said...
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peric said...

Well given this performance you almost have to assume Davey activates Jayson Werth for tomorrow's game.

Someone has to hit the waiver wire to get Werth off the 60-day DL and onto the 40-man roster. Someone gets bumped from the active major league roster as well.

I guess most folks first choice is Henry Rodriguez killing two birds with one stone. Leaving Tyler Moore on the active roster.

After that its a choice between Yunesky Maya who is now 30 but is still owed just over 2 million, Ryan Perry who is still young and is experiencing a renaissance as a starter in AA Harrisburg, and CM Wang who has yet to really do anything useful at the major league level but also still has about 2 million left to go in his contract.

I'm not sure who they'll pick but it does boil down to releasing a pitcher I am guessing. Or replacing Werth with someone on the 60-day DL.

BigCat said...

I have said for a while that Harper is tired. Mentally more than physically. He is 19 years old....every game he is worked tough at the plate....every game the press are there hounding him. Every game its 95 degrees. But I don't worry about him cause he is a "competitor."

NatsFanJim said...

Interesting game. Did Davey and co. take the night off? Lineup was .. unwinnable.

Strasburg: I have to agree with many other posters here: Stras needs to mature, grow some nads. Who here wouldnt select super consistent and super cool, JZim, over Stras or walk prone gio to pitch any big big game?

I'm really disappointed with strasburg's 'tude and comportment. He looks like a baby, a-hole, prima donna, and sissy ALL AT ONCE

He's very weird.

Tom M said...

Can someone explain why the run that scored on Flores's throwing error in the 3rd is earned and not unearned?

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