Monday, July 23, 2012

Game 95: Nats at Mets

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
Jordan Zimmermann is on the mound tonight at rainy Citi Field.
NEW YORK -- Don't let the above photo fool you too much. Yes, the tarp is covering the infield here at Citi Field, and there's a threat of thunderstorms this afternoon. But the forecast looks pretty clear for the rest of the evening, so there doesn't appear to be much chance of any delay for tonight's series opener between the Nationals and Mets.

The Nats will be taking the field without their All-Star shortstop, Ian Desmond, who today was officially placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left oblique tear. Danny Espinosa, who has looked sharp at shortstop over the last week, takes over there for the next month or so, with Steve Lombardozzi at second base.

Corey Brown, meanwhile, has been recalled from Class AAA to take Desmond's roster spot. The 26-year-old outfielder has put up huge numbers in Syracuse (.300 average, 21 homers, 58 RBI, 14 stolen bases) but it'll be interesting to see if Davey Johnson sticks with red-hot Roger Bernadina in center field for now, with Brown coming off the bench.

Jordan Zimmermann (4-0, 0.84 ERA over his last five starts) gets the ball against Chris Young. Plenty of updates and analysis coming live from Flushing, so please check back...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at NEW YORK METS
Where: Citi Field
Gametime: 7:10 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 184
Weather: Isolated storms, 83 degrees, Wind 10 mph RF to LF
NATIONALS (55-39)
2B Steve Lombardozzi
RF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
LF Michael Morse
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Danny Espinosa
CF Roger Bernadina
C Sandy Leon
RHP Jordan Zimmermann

METS (47-48)
SS Ruben Tejada
RF Jordany Valdespin
3B David Wright
1B Ike Davis
2B Daniel Murphy
LF Jason Bay
CF Kirk Nieuwnenhuis
C Josh Thole
RHP Chris Young

UMPIRES
HP Alan Porter
1B David Rackley
2B Jim Wolf
3B Derryl Cousins

7:11 p.m. -- We are underway on an 80-degree night in Queens. And who did I make eye contact with outside the Mets clubhouse? Why, none other than Snooki! Guess I can cross that one off my bucket list.

7:24 p.m. -- Welcome back, Bryce Harper's power stroke. The kid launches a two-run bomb into the Mets bullpen in right-center. That's his first home run since June 28 in Colorado, a span of 81 at-bats. And it puts the Nats up 2-0. It very nearly was 4-0 when Danny Espinosa crushed another ball down the right-field line, over the foul pole. It wound up just a couple of feet foul, but man, what a shot from the red-hot Espinosa. He still wound up with a two-out single, but Roger Bernadina popped out to end the top of the first.

7:35 p.m. -- Jordan Zimmermann gives up a leadoff single to Ruben Tejada, but he bounces right back to get Nat-killer Jordany Valdespin to ground into a 6-4-3 double play. A popup from David Wright ends a 12-pitch bottom of the first for Zimmermann, with the Nats still on top 2-0.

7:51 p.m. -- Mr. Consistency is up to his old tricks. Zimmermann has thrown 23 of his first 31 pitches for strikes and is through two scoreless here. He just blew away Jason Bay -- I know, I know, that's not such a big deal anymore -- with a 94 mph heater to end the bottom of the second with the Nats still up 2-0.

8:09 p.m. -- Ho hum, just another 1-2-3 inning for Zimmermann. And another couple strikeouts, giving him four in his last six batters faced. Jordan, as always, is pounding the strike zone. This of course is nothing new. He entered tonight's game throwing 68 percent of his pitches for strikes. That's fourth-best in the majors, behind only Bartolo Colon (70 percent), R.A. Dickey (69 percent) and Cliff Lee (69 percent).

8:20 p.m. -- Well, there's a home run for David Wright at Citi Field that wouldn't have been a home run last year. The Mets' lone serious offensive threat deposits one over the shortened fence in left-center field, trimming the lead to 2-1 after four.

8:26 p.m. -- So, um, yeah, Chris Young's 84 mph fastball hasn't surrendered a hit to the Nationals since the top of the first inning. He's through the fifth now, having retired 13 of 14. The Nats still lead 2-1, but you get the sense they've been missing a golden opportunity here.

8:37 p.m. -- Make it 16 of 17 retired by Young as he cruises through the top of the sixth. Morse is 0-for-3 with three strikeouts. I'm really not sure how this is happening.

8:49 p.m. -- Man, what a play by Ryan Zimmerman to make a barehanded scoop of Jordany Valdespin's slow roller to third, then whip a sidearm strike to first for the final out of the sixth inning. That was an especially huge play because it prevented David Wright from stepping to the plate with two on and two out in a one-run game. Now, Wright will lead off the seventh.

8:57 p.m. -- Tough break for Davey Johnson and the Nats. After Sandy Leon walked with two outs in the top of the seventh, he really had no choice but to pinch-hit for Zimmermann with Tyler Moore. It didn't work out, because Moore struck out swinging at an 84 mph fastball at his eyelids, but Davey had to try for the insurance run there. So the Nats still don't have a hit since the first inning, but they still lead 2-1 at the stretch. Drew Storen entering from the bullpen for his third appearance of the season.

9:04 p.m. -- And Storen is out after facing only one batter: Wright, who lofted a deep flyout to center. In came Michael Gonzalez to face Ike Davis, and out went his very first pitch, crushed off the right-field foul pole. Very curious decision there by Davey, who has had some interesting ones over the last week. I know he wants to ease Storen in, but I'm not sure he's going to get much out of throwing only two pitches and then departing the game. It's now 2-2 as we go to the eighth.

9:21 p.m. -- Nothing happening in the top of the eighth as Josh Edgin and old pal Jon Rauch retire the side. The Nats still don't have a hit since the top of the first. That's not good.

9:30 p.m. -- Gonzalez and Ryan Mattheus navigate their way through the eighth, with Mattheus getting Valdespin to ground into a 6-4 force out to end the inning. So it's still 2-2 as we go to the ninth and the Nats seek their first hit since Espinosa's single in the top of the first.

9:38 p.m. -- Wait, was that really a base hit by a member of the Nationals? Indeed it was! LaRoche beats out a slow roller to the right side, taking advantage of the Mets' infield shift. Of course, it was immediately erased by Espinosa's 4-6-3 double play. So we go to the bottom of the ninth, and Mattheus is back out for his second inning of work.

9:49 p.m. -- More curious bullpen usage by Davey in the bottom of the ninth. After Mattheus retired Wright to begin the inning, he summoned Tom Gorzelanny to face Ike Davis, double-switching out Adam LaRoche for Mark DeRosa in the process. Obviously, Davey wants to have Gorzelanny available to pitch multiple innings. But why not Sean Burnett instead to get through the ninth, then save Gorzelanny in this thing really goes deep into the night? Whatever the case, Gorzo got through the inning, so we're heading to the 10th in a 2-2 game.

10:12 p.m. -- Bryce Harper to the rescue! Bases-loaded, RBI single to right for the rookie off a Pedro Beato curveball. Just crushed that hanging pitch. So the Nats take a 3-2 lead and get ready to hand the ball to Tyler Clipp... no, wait, Zimmerman destroys a Beato pitch to right-center and clears the bases with a double, making it 6-2. That should suffi... no, wait, Morse REALLY destroys a pitch to deep right-center for a 2-run homer. It's 8-2 and now Gorzelanny is hitting for himself because this isn't anywhere close to a save situation. Sweet Fancy Moses!

10:25 p.m. -- Ballgame. Nats win, 8-2 in 10 innings. Yes, 8-2 in 10 innings. Bizarre. Even better news: the Braves lost in Miami, so the Nationals now hold a 4 1/2-game lead in the NL East.

289 comments:

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PFB Balls of Fire said...

Why am I not quaking in my boots over the Dempster trade?

peric said...

Fangraphs idea for a thought provoking post

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/are-the-wild-cards-now-a-trap

Courtesy of @needham_chris on twitter.

Gonat said...

PFB, Dempster is saying he hasn't been traded per his official Twitter.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Is true Dempster will veto trade to Atlanta? Wants Washington or LA?

mick said...

So... what do Nats have to give up?

NatsLady said...

Congrats to RZ on this!!

MLB Public Relations ‏@MLB_PR
NL Player of the Week is @Nationals 3B Ryan Zimmerman, who hit .500 w/ 1.067 SLG & MLB-best 15 hits & 32 TB

natsfan1a said...

Awesome, NatsLady. Thanks for sharing the news. Figured it would be him or McCutchen.

NatsLady said...

Apparently Dempster has not (yet) waived his 10/5 rights and is in the clubhouse wearing his Cubs uni. Wants to go to the Dodgers or Nats. I would say we could get him for way less than Delgado--if we want him. I'm not sure we do, given what Lannan did Saturday.

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Good. Valdespin is in the starting lineup. That means he can't pinch-hit a three-run home run.

NatsLady said...

Sunshine. LOL. Good one.

mick said...

Could the Nats get Dempster just to ensure that Braves or Dodger, any NL contender do not?

#4 said...

How great is it that Dempster only wants that Nats or LA. Man this franchise has come a long way.

JD said...

Mick,

We don't have a Randal Delgado or Julio Tehran. Our best healthy pitching prospects are Meyer and Giolito and we ain't trading them for a rental.

mick said...

#4 and that is why signing Werth made the Nats legit in the baseball world. The fact that we are drawing 35,000 plus mid week should show all potential free agents that DC is a baseball town and once and for all makes anyone who said DC will not support baseball look foolish

Gonat said...

Funny, from Dempster's wife:

https://twitter.com/Jennaaay1017/status/227490535970074624

blovy8 said...

That is pretty surprising. It kind of screws the Cubs though. Who wouldn't want to pitch in LA? They can afford a real contract before he gets hurt or something. I don't see a deal for DC though, no way we give them something better than a comp pick would bring back.

mick said...

jD


agreed, I only make a deal if I get Dempster for free or a player to be named later

Gonat said...

NatsLady said...
Apparently Dempster has not (yet) waived his 10/5 rights and is in the clubhouse wearing his Cubs uni. Wants to go to the Dodgers or Nats. I would say we could get him for way less than Delgado--if we want him. I'm not sure we do, given what Lannan did Saturday.

July 23, 2012 3:56 PM
_______________________________

This is great. I would trade Lannan. I wouldn't trade Detwiler.

mick said...

Meyer and Giolito are the real deal... I see a young Tim Stoddard in Meyer and Gioloto I think could be something

agree JD

Gonat said...

This will get interesting with Dempster. Not the first time a Veteran has said "no" to a trade.

blovy8 said...

No one's going to want Lannan - he's going to get paid well in arbitration again next year, you probably can't offer less than 4 million.

NCNatsie said...

Maybe the way to get Dempster is to take Soriano (and his salary) too. The Cubs might take a bag of balls for that deal. Can S. still play 2b???

Holden Baroque said...

Seriously, how pissed must he be at Theo to not mention this already, and let the Cubs arrange a deal he must have known he was going to nix?

Holden Baroque said...

They don't need Dempster, but if he's that hot to be here now, they can have Cutter Dykstra. Honestly, what possible leverage did he leave the Cubs here? Two teams that have basically kicked the tires and then said, no thanks.

Holden Baroque said...

This will get interesting with Dempster. Not the first time a Veteran has said "no" to a trade.

Coincidentally, on the day after Ron Santo was inducted in the HOF, Dempster invokes the Santo Clause. Ronnie *was* the first player to enforce his 10/5 rights.

mick said...

I got it.. we will trade Hrod for Dempster, sounds fair to me, lol

peric said...

Could the Nats get Dempster just to ensure that Braves or Dodger, any NL contender do not?

I got it.. we will trade Hrod for Dempster, sounds fair to me, lol

My gawd people! If the Nats really wanted the guy they could have had him by now! 25 year old guy that throws 100 for a 35 year old guy who won't be here next season? Nope.

Even Fangraphs addressed the folly of "rental players". Is it worth losing a piece that could help the Nats win next year and the year after? H-Rod could be that piece. You just never know. Dempster absolutely will not be that piece.

Let Dempster go to Stan Kasten and LA.

Joe Seamhead said...

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...
Good. Valdespin is in the starting lineup. That means he can't pinch-hit a three-run home run.
July 23, 2012 3:56 PM
-------------------------------------
I wonder if Valdespin is better then Duda in the outfield? Can't possbly worse, can he?
So now we'll get to face Duda if the need arises for a pinch hitter for the Mets.
Camptown ladies sing this song, Duda, Duda.

mick said...

I really think Dempster ends up in LA

NatsLady said...

peric, we are kidding around. Nobody here seriously wants Dempster.

MicheleS said...

SJM308.. I was reading some of your comments over the weekend and I AM SHOCKED that you didn't think of the following names for the grandchild. If it's a BOY:

Steven/Stephen
Bryce
Ryan
Michael
Jayson (and if is is the son I met, he likes Jayson)
Adam
Daniel
Tyler
Drew
Roger
Jesus
Sandy
Wilson
Craig
Sean
Giovanny
Edwin
Ross
I could go on (just give him the first names of the 25 guys that are on the playoff roster)

If it's a girl: Jordan or Sandy

Holden Baroque said...

You *could* argue it's worth it if you think the Braves might catch up. That division title can get expensive, but the wild card is fool's gold.

No, I'm not the first one to say that.

mick said...

Michele:

Sandy could be for both a boy or girl

MicheleS said...

Mick.. same for Jordan...

Holden Baroque said...

So now we'll get to face Duda if the need arises for a pinch hitter for the Mets.

How is his nickname *not* "Zippity"?

mick said...

true Michele

Gonat said...

mick said...
I really think Dempster ends up in LA

July 23, 2012 4:25 PM
____________________________

So do I. They have the prospects to deal.

mick said...

sofa bada bing

MicheleS said...

NatsLady, I hope you have the @MLBFancave on your twitter feed... Lots of pics of the boys up there...

https://twitter.com/MLBFanCave

Joe Seamhead said...

Too funny on the Zippity Duda, Chill Mo!

peric said...

No one's going to want Lannan - he's going to get paid well in arbitration again next year, you probably can't offer less than 4 million.

If they do bring him back in September when Stras gets shut down and he does well ... well enough to make a playoff roster? Seems highly unlikely but then he would have some leverage in the negotiations.

At some point, if he raises his value, it would be better if the Nats traded him for prospects to make up for a less than bountiful 2012 draft.

Holden Baroque said...

If they don't bring him up until September, he won't make the playoff roster. Well, I suppose they could add him if there were an injury to another starter, but nobody uses five starters in the playoffs, and as we've discussed, he won't be much use in relief.

Holden Baroque said...

But you're right, he's unlikely to get a raise after spending most of the year in AAA, unless he throws a couple of no-hitters.

JD said...

Anthony Rendon hit his 1st home run of the year in the GCL and then came out of the game. I am hoping he wasn't hurt but instead is on his way to Potomac.

JaneB said...

Love that Dempster is saying "no trade unless to Dodgers or Nats." How long ago was it that people were saying, "No trade to the Nats"? But I say no Dempster. We stand pat for him, even in a two year deal. It wouldn't scare me for him to go to Atlanta.

Love the grandchild names, MichelleS.

I hope our guys support Jordan early and that we play thee next games like a team in first playing sub-.500 teams.

GYFNG!

natsfan1a said...

I always thought it was Camptown.

'Chili Mo' -- Section 3, My Sofa said...

So now we'll get to face Duda if the need arises for a pinch hitter for the Mets.

How is his nickname *not* "Zippity"?
July 23, 2012 4:29 PM

NatsLady said...

This is funny.

Question

https://twitter.com/FakeDanUggla/status/227502938690555905/photo/1

Holden Baroque said...

Where is the "LA or DC" thing from?

Holden Baroque said...

1a, I think you owe Joe a coke.

Holden Baroque said...

Anthony Rendon hit his 1st home run of the year in the GCL and then came out of the game. I am hoping he wasn't hurt but instead is on his way to Potomac.

OK, if this guy hurt himself on a home run trot, I am officially calling for trading him.

Laddie Blah Blah said...

"Who wouldn't want to pitch in LA?"

Anyone worried about state income taxes, real estate taxes, sales taxes. Taxes. I wonder if Albert would have made more by taking $2 mn/yr less and staying in Mizzou, than by taking the extra $2 mn to play in LA, after taxes.

Best thing for Lannen, and the Nats, would be a trade. The Nats win even if the return on the trade is zero, because they can use the $5 mn on something closer to real value - a FA pitcher, say. A utility IF would be nice. No one great, just someone who can come in and play decent D, if needed.

Detwiler is solid. He's a number 3. He reportedly worked out last winter to improve his strength and stamina, and it worked. Hits 95 on the gun now, and easily completed 7 innings against the Braves - something he was not able to do all last year, against anyone - using mainly that FB.

The Nats are set with SS, JZ, Gio, and Detwiler next year. With EJax $11 mn and Lannen's $5 mn next year, they could make some noise in the off-season if they wished. Or negotiate a much more reasonable long-term deal with EJax, instead, who is really a number 5 in that rotation.

Hard to see where Lannen fits in.

Gonat said...

•Rival executives know the Braves are looking for pitching, which means Atlanta is up against extra-high asking prices, according to Passan. The Braves will acquire Ryan Dempster from the Cubs for Randall Delgado if Dempster approves the trade.

Theophilus T. S. said...

Mick -- "A young Tim Stoddard" is nothing to wish for.

Re: Lannan in arbitration my understanding is that the team's offer may not be less than 80 percent of the previous year's salary. I.e., not less than $4MM. If the Nats were to offer arbitration, I could see some team trading for his rights if they genuinely saw him as a part of their rotation. If -- big if -- Lannan has reformed himself (AAA results notwithstanding), then I suppose it's worth it for the Nats to extend the offer, as a hedge against what Jackson does/what is available as an alternative to Jackson. Don't, however, see anyone offering to trade for him unless (A) he pitches lights out on 8/3 and (B) it's a waiver deadline deal. But, the closer it gets to September and the playoffs, he becomes more valuable (in theory) to the Nats.

Laddie Blah Blah said...

"Love that Dempster is saying "no trade unless to Dodgers or Nats." How long ago was it that people were saying, "No trade to the Nats"?"

Saw where MLB conducted a poll on which NL team would be the hardest to best in a 5-game post-season series. The Nats got about 60% of the vote, with the next team (the Braves, I think) lagging behind at about 20%.

Braves going for Dempster is desperation. They know they can't catch the Nats without getting better, but Dempster is not going to do it. He would be lucky to make our rotation. Who would Davey take out for him?

Holden Baroque said...

Hard to see where Lannen fits in.

Under Disability Insurance. This has been an unusual year so far, in that Wang is the only starter who's missed time, and they haven't really missed a step because of it. Can't count on that every year.

That said, he might still be better off elsewhere, and they might not need him.

Holden Baroque said...

"Love that Dempster is saying "no trade unless to Dodgers or Nats."


Where is this from? Has anybody seen any attribution for this?

peric said...

But, the closer it gets to September and the playoffs, he becomes more valuable (in theory) to the Nats.

Right now the 3 best young prospect starting pitchers (uninjured and available) would have to be Nate Karns, Jeff Mandel, and Dan Rosenbaum.
Put them together with Zach Duke, Yunesky Maya, and John Lannan and they have plenty of pitching depth with 2 bonafide major league left-handed starters plus a left-handed prospect.

Not sure you can do better than that by going outside at this point.

UNLESS its for someone long-term who is at the same #1/#2 top of the rotation level of Stras, Gio, JZimmnn, EJax, and now apparently Detwiler. With EJax likely on the way out that could make sense.

I wouldn't count on CM Wang down in Harrisburg ... have to wonder if he ends up in Potomac.

Candide said...

Don't know if this has been pointed out by others, but have a look at the Atlanta Journal Constitution's story for Atlanta's blogosphere's view of the Braves; the commenters there seem convinced the Braves are toast.

peric said...

@ThomasBoswellWP: Detwiler 85of98 fastballs on Sun/Avg93.1 mph. Top 8 lefty FBs: Price (95.5), Moore, Kershaw, Gio, Liriano, Lester, Doubront, Detwiler (92.4)

Det's in good company. Its why Lannan will be in Syracuse until September at least. And you can't find that outside without emptying the system of prospects. That's your #5 starter.

Holden Baroque said...

It doesn't matter whether he makes the Braves's rotation better than the Nationals (obviously not), but only whether he makes them better than they would be otherwise. I hope the Nats open up a good lead and hold it, but if they don't, the couple of wins he probably adds might be all they need. Now, if HE doesn't think they can catch the Nationals, that might affect outcomes.

NCNatsie said...

I was big on getting Dempster several weeks ago -- less so now, given Detwiler's emergence and Lannan's performance Saturday. I'm becoming more convinced we can get through the Strasburg interregnum with what we've got.

That said, I still think Dempster would be a great addition to any team's staff. He is a quality guy who is having a career year -- not surprisingly in a contract year.

I don't know if the Nats or Dodgers Only thing is true or not, but it makes sense. The one thing he needs for his resume is a post-season record, which, having been a Cubbie, he lacks. If he could get a couple of post-season wins, it would mean millions to him in his next contract.

And by far, the Dodgers and Nats are the best bets to win their divisions.

Holden Baroque said...

I wouldn't count the Giants out so fast. I mean, they are up by a game and a half at the moment.

Steady Eddie said...

peric -- agree that Det seems to have emerged finally as a reliable #5. Or 4.

What was most impressive to me about yesterday's start is that he went a full 7 under pretty complete command on the usual rotation 4 days' rest. Last year he did by far his best pitching in September on more rest than that, and his first game back against the Mets after the ASB was great but also on more than usual rest.

I'm still keeping my fingers crossed, but Det may finally have crossed that threshold into dependable starter status.

peric said...

Looks like the Marlins are throwing out the white flag. Infante and Anibal Sanchez -> Tigers.

Laddie Blah Blah said...

"Anthony Rendon hit his 1st home run of the year in the GCL and then came out of the game. I am hoping he wasn't hurt but instead is on his way to Potomac."

The Nats have been pulling him early in every game, so far. They are being extra careful to bring him up to speed slowly, to minimize any additional damage to that ankle. Pulling him early has been SOP for him. He's already hitting .333, and drew a walk in addition to the HR. The kid does not seem to have missed a beat.

MicheleS said...

Noted Nat Killer now out of the the NL..

Jon Morosi‏@jonmorosi

#Tigers acquire Infante and A Sanchez from Marlins

peric said...

There goes the Expos killer at it again. The new stadium is just a way to mask Loria a true MLB slum lord.

Laddie Blah Blah said...

"Under Disability Insurance."

You can get disability insurance for a lot less than $5 mn per year. That's why they converted Ryan Perry back to starter status. He's a lot cheaper than $5 mn, and is having a much better MiL year than Lannen.

Lannen does not have much trade value, but they need a backup utility IF. They should be able to get that for him, plus free up $5 mn for Rizzo to play with.

Grandstander said...

Thank goodness Anibal was kicked out of the division. Holy crap did that guy have our number.

MicheleS said...

Candide, read your link to the AJC blog. The comments look like ours from Friday night.

peric said...

Marlins get Jacob Turner ... #22 ranked starting pitching prospect and a first rounder. Right handed pitcher.

MicheleS said...

Here is more speculation on the Dempster hold up..

Rosenthal updates

MicheleS said...

Too funny:

Mark Zuckerman‏@MarkZuckerman

Just made eye contact with Snooki outside the #Mets clubhouse. Guess I can cross that one off the bucket list.

peric said...

Yankees get Ichiro Suzuki.

NatsLady said...

WOW. Ichiro to the Yankees?!!??? Does that mean we get to keep Ankiel?

peric said...

The Nats may need to pick up a shortstop to squirrel in AAA before the July 31st deadline ... just in case.

peric said...

WOW. Ichiro to the Yankees?!!??? Does that mean we get to keep Ankiel?

As a starter? You'd start that bat Natslady!? Sheesh NO BAT NEVER HAD.

You can be certain Ankiel might have asked to be released he doesn't like sitting on the bench. He gets pretty antsy. Hates it. Do you think starting instant strike out or a homer in 10 at bats helps the offense?

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Marlins throwing in the towel.

NatsLady said...

Ichiro no bat either. How will he feel about sitting on the bench? Anyway, I meant keep Ankiel in 'Cuse in case of injury.

Les_in_NC said...

I want to thank Sec 222 for the condensed game info! 'preciate it!

#4 said...

Regarding the Pujols salary comment. I believe players are assessed taxes based on their state of residence, not state of employment. It's why so many players live in FLA during the off-season. There may be a tax lawyer who can confirm that, but that's my understanding.

natsfan1a said...

Ah, yes. After looking over the thread, I see that I do. (I've actually been known to sing that when the guy's at-bat. I also now burst out laughing whenever I see Andres Torres on the screen, but that's another story.)

'Chili Mo' -- Section 3, My Sofa said...

1a, I think you owe Joe a coke.
July 23, 2012 5:04 PM

natsfan1a said...

Ah, yes. After looking over the thread, I see that I do. (I've actually been known to sing that when the guy's at-bat. I also now burst out laughing whenever I see Andres Torres on the screen, but that's another story.)

'Chili Mo' -- Section 3, My Sofa said...

1a, I think you owe Joe a coke.
July 23, 2012 5:04 PM

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

The Marlins did get Jacob Turner who was a Top Prospect plus Brantly and Flynn and PTBNL. I think the Marlins came out decent and future will tell the full story.

Will hate facing Anibel Sanchez in the World Series.

natsfan1a said...

In other news, for MicheleS and others with Cubs connections, did you see this video?

Gonat said...

Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeymanCBS
#marlins can sell with the best. deal is right. jacob turner-plus goes to #marlins, infante and anibal to tigers

peric said...

Ichiro no bat either. How will he feel about sitting on the bench? Anyway, I meant keep Ankiel in 'Cuse in case of injury.

Ankiel wants to start: IN the majors. Its why he signed with the Nats. Twice. Without that guarantee he goes elsewhere. He wants to start. Not ride the bench. Not go back to the minors.

Gonat said...

Ghost Of Steve M. said...
The Marlins did get Jacob Turner who was a Top Prospect plus Brantly and Flynn and PTBNL. I think the Marlins came out decent and future will tell the full story.

Will hate facing Anibel Sanchez in the World Series.

July 23, 2012 6:14 PM
______________________________

Love it! WSDCin12

Like Jon Heyman said, the Marlins can sell with the best!

NatsLady said...

peric, Ankiel can look at his own stats. If Yanks don't need him, neither does another contender, and non-contenders want youth. His best bet is to stay in our system and hope...

natsfan1a said...

No, I haven't, but I would be interested in seeing said attribution. (I thought about asking about it earlier, but I didn't ask about it, so I guess that means you were first. Dang. I hate not being first. ;-))

'Chili Mo' -- Section 3, My Sofa said...

"Love that Dempster is saying "no trade unless to Dodgers or Nats."


Where is this from? Has anybody seen any attribution for this?
July 23, 2012 5:18 PM

NatsLady said...

Or he could take his free agency and hope at home, like Lidge. And has Lidge gotten calls? I didn't think so.

peric said...

Ichiro no bat either. How will he feel about sitting on the bench? Anyway, I meant keep Ankiel in 'Cuse in case of injury.

Who are Corey Brown, Eury Perez, and just promoted to AA: Brian Goodwin.

PLENTY OF CF and batting LEFT! : Harper, Bernadina, Brown, Perez, and Goodwin.

#NO ROOM FOR Ankiel and he knows it.

peric said...

Or he could take his free agency and hope at home, like Lidge. And has Lidge gotten calls? I didn't think so.

Ankiel is healthy Lidge definitely is not. Ankiel has one problem: NO BAT.

Gonat said...

Ken Rosenthal on MLB Network is backtracking on the Braves. Says LA is his top choice.

peric said...

peric, Ankiel can look at his own stats. If Yanks don't need him, neither does another contender, and non-contenders want youth. His best bet is to stay in our system and hope...

See above post on outfield youth and depth. And the question is why did veteran Jason Michaels decided to retire and become a coach for Syracuse?

JD said...

Good deal for the Tigers (Sanchez is an upgrade over what they have), infante is a top notch extra player and for the fish (Turner is a top prospect).

Word is they are trying to peddle Josh Johnson as well with his $13 mil a year salary. Their season sure went to hell in a hand basket quickly. Wonder what Ozzie's over under is.

Steady Eddie said...

peric, I expect you're right that that's what Ankiel WANTS. But as we all agree, with that bat, in the real world, the best he can hope for is a bench role, and then likely only for a non-contender that wants a mentor for young players and a late-inning defensive replacement. What other market is there gonna be for the guy?

JD said...

In the meantime we will root for the Marlins against the Braves. No?

NatsLady said...

JD, great that they are televising the Marlins' soap opera, right? Their season became pointless when Hanley's hand got infected--totally out of control. Is Johnson a free agent? Or is he under control for any years?

NatsLady said...

JD, yes (sigh), we will root for the Muh-muh-marlins... choke.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Jacob Turner was the Baseball Americas #1 Tigers Prospect and #10 in all of baseball on Mayo's list.

Marlins are very seasoned sellers.

A DC Wonk said...

A question about Demptster -- everyone here is saying "just say no to a rental." But isn't it possible a deal can be worked out so as not to be rental? I.e., a sign-and-trade kind of thing? (Not that I expect that -- I doubt Rizzo signs a big $ contract to somebody Dempter's age)

NatsLady said...

Wonk, I think that's what either Dempster wants or the Braves want, and that may be the hold up.

NatsLady said...

The Atlanta blogs say Dempster would replace Jurrjens. But then, who would replace Delgado?

JD said...

NatsLady,

Johnson is signed through next year at $13,750 per year and he's having a bad year and he's an injury waiting to happen.

JD said...

NatsLady,

Delgado is in the minors right now. He was brought up for the double header just like Lannan.

JD said...

If the deal goes through their rotation would be:

Hudson,Hanson,Sheets,Minor and Dempster.

I'm not shaking in by boots.

Gonat said...

Mark, is there any plans for Ian Desmond to do the platelet rich “blood spinning” for his oblique?

NatsLady said...

JD, thanks, didn't realize that about Delgado. No idea we should look at Johnson, just trying to figure his status.

Gonat said...

JD, good point. Delgado was sent down before the All Star break.

MicheleS said...

BAM BAM!!!

ehay2k said...

Lombo got a good jump on that HR. You don't want Bryce to catch you in his "trot"

Gonat said...

So much for Bryce's XBH drought

Faraz Shaikh said...

Very sad to hear about Ichiro! It has been very difficult year and a half for Ichiro fans to see him struggle to hit .280, steal at will, and gun down runners at home plate. I cannot root for Yanks but hope Ichiro achieves success.

Candide said...

Got quiet in NYC pretty quick there...

Gonat said...

Who said they should rest Bryce? LOL

Candide said...

Love the guy in the stands trying to one-bare-hand Espi's monster foul ball.

ehay2k said...

LaRoche using his speed to go first to third. Nice!

Gonat said...

ehay2k, is that tongue in cheek? It was 3-2 and he was running on the pitch so I would hope so.

Candide said...

Don't recall seeing the words "speed" and "LaRoche" in the same sentence before.

NatsLady said...

Wow, Rizzo not on the phone. How often does that happen?

NatsLady said...

Just noticed Leon is catching. Flores really hurting? Any word?

MicheleS said...

NL. the Beats had on twitter that until Davey thinks he can catch 9 innings, Jesus will not play

Gonat said...

Love that upstairs pitch to Bay for a swinging strike 3.

NatsLady said...

Well, there goes part of the Fillies' sale.

DKnobler ‏@DKnobler
Victorino has a right elbow contusion, Phillies say. He was hit by pitch he swung at (while striking out)


Bonifacio hit a HR, it did leave the park according to Carp.

Holden Baroque said...

Regarding the Pujols salary comment. I believe players are assessed taxes based on their state of residence, not state of employment. It's why so many players live in FLA during the off-season. There may be a tax lawyer who can confirm that, but that's my understanding.

#4, IANAL, nor a tax expert, but I do happen to know that it varies by jurisdiction. Some tax income earned there, regardless.

MicheleS said...

From Dick Heller of the Times.

FP & Carp

I hope those two get extended. I know that some complain they are homers, but come on, I would rather have them as homers than say.. Hawk Harrelson. At least I learn something from FP and Carp is a pro (whether there is Jammage or not)

ehay2k said...

Gonat -I said LaRoche was using his speed. Can't get much more tongue in cheek than that. ;-)

Holden Baroque said...

Dempster is still in the blue PJs. Heyman says it's down to 50-50.

Gonat said...

ehay2k, I thought so!

ehay2k said...

I really like Akra over Taylor. Just a totally different perspective on the field.

Just another example of how far this team has come. :-)

waddu eye no said...

gonat "Mark, is there any plans for Ian Desmond to do the platelet rich “blood spinning” for his oblique?"

How much less blood, and fewer tears
Would have been spun for oblique tears?

and i knew about the "fewer." just making noise.
(a personal strength)

gyfng

ehay2k said...

Nice backhand toss by Lombo to start the DP!

A DC Wonk said...

Wow that Wright is good, and so on fire

Gonat said...

First JZim mistake in a long long time. In the old configuration, its just a double.

ehay2k said...

Some reason we don't walk Wright? Just saying.

MicheleS said...

Ehay2k.. Same with Kemp, Votto, McCutcheon..

Holden Baroque said...

ehay, I always wonder that after he hits a home run.

ehay2k said...

Yep - and Wright we see 18 times/year. Should have figured it out by now.

blovy8 said...

Dodger Stadium is a pretty good pitcher's park, that was my point. When you're becoming a free agent, keeping the era down, getting wins for a contender, that would kind of be a good thing.

djinFl. said...

Keith Hernandez just said he expects the Nats to be there at the end of the season. Said watching J.Zimm is all you need to see or say when it comes to shutting down Strass. Said Det may become our #3 for the playoffs but will have to see if he continues his improvement for the next little bit. No negatives!

blovy8 said...

Yeah, that's about as far away as I've seen a backhand throw from a 2B in a long time.

Anonymous said...

You don't walk a guy in the 4th inning with a 2 run lead. Unbelievable!!!

mick said...

Wright and McCutchen are the two best hitters in the NL.

Zim's on fire, tough break

MicheleS said...

djinfl.. good to hear the opposing teams perspective. How were the ATL guys? I have a feeling they were not as complimentary.

mick said...

I love Bobby C and FP

waddu eye no said...

if valdespin stays in, do we have a no duda day?

A DC Wonk said...

ehay2k said...

Yep - and Wright we see 18 times/year. Should have figured it out by now.

Figured what out? We already know he's a great hitter, he's on fire, and you can't make mistakes.

Walking him every time up, I presume, is saracasm, right? Yeah, we see him 18 times per year, so, what, walk him 72 times per year? Hogwash.

JZ is one of the top pitchers in baseball over the past month. A pitcher like that doesn't wave a white flag a walk _anybody_ when you have a two run lead and bases are empty.

Really, now . . .

mick said...

is this game moving fast or what

ehay2k said...

Um, you do if there are 2 outs all he does is kill you and a light-hitting guy is up next. Because, by not walking him (and I don't mean full intentional walk, just give him nothing to hit and walk him that way), you may give up a double or a HR. That is all Wright hits against us. A man on second with two outs is worse than a man on first with two outs. Believe it.

Joe Seamhead said...

Me,too,mick.

MicheleS said...

F&I.. some of us would rather give up the walk and face the crap in the rest of the line up than give up a dinger.

Holden Baroque said...

Excuse me, has anybody see the sense of humor in here? I know we had one someplace.

Geez, for a team in first place with a lead, this place gets cranky.

djinFl. said...

@MicheleS
MLB extra innings usually has the home team crew, so I didn't hear the Braves announcers.

Gonat said...

3rd time thru the lineup, the Nats should be killing Young right now.

waddu eye no said...

"Excuse me, has anybody see the sense of humor in here? I know we had one someplace. "

and it's gwine to run all night.

somebody bet on jason bay?

mick said...

it looks like Young has settled down

waddu eye no said...

yeah. i'm being a bob tailed nag

peric said...

Right now they could surely use slick fielding Alberto Gonzalez on the bench instead of Mark DeRosa. He got lucky and landed in Texas.

mick said...

like said... very fast moving game

Gonat said...

Even though the score is 2-1, I see the Nats hitters getting flat. Someone needs to light a fire under them. Young has thrown some very hittable pitches.

MicheleS said...

Mick.. this is why I love Jordan. Takes command, keeps the game flow fast. Let's hope it keeps up and Jordan can pitch thru 7 or 8

Anonymous said...

MichelleS and ehay2k-You clearly don't understand baseball if you think Zimmermann should have walked David Wright. Find me one person in the game who would have walked him right there...ONE...and I will be happy to eat some crow.

mick said...

what is Young's ERA?

mick said...

MicheleS

hopefully at least 7

peric said...

But isn't it possible a deal can be worked out so as not to be rental? I.e., a sign-and-trade kind of thing? (Not that I expect that

According to some speculation that's what the hold up is about on the trade. The Braves want Dempster long-term but he may want to wait for free agency. Depends on the # of years.

There is no way Rizzo would even considering the pitching he has in the pipeline. That's why anyone the Nats acquire has to be at the same level as what they have now. And that's very hard to come by.

mick said...

so e are Marlins fans the next 3 nights, lol go Ozzie

MicheleS said...

F&I.. just saying I don't like giving up dingers to the best hitters on the team we are playing seen that broken record too much this year - which is why I mentioned Votto, Kemp and McCutcheon.

and we call can express our opinions, you may not agree but that's okay, not everyone agrees with your opionions either.

mick said...

peric... exactly, with what Nats have in the minors, you do not need Dempster long term

mick said...

MLB scout says Zim has thrown 83 pitches but has plenty left in the tank, his fast ball is at 93mph

MicheleS said...

Peric, agree, sounds like Dempster wants to become a FA and also heard that he wants to do his Spring Training in AZ, so that kind of cancels out the Nats and the Braves. If he is truly a rental, he should be cheaper, but not saying that we need him.

mick said...

.... bet Dempster is thinking pinstripes in 2013, lol

ehay2k said...

F&I, I didn't say intentionally walk. But in that situation, with 2 outs, and Davis up, I bet there are a lot of people who would have considered pitching carefully and risk walking Wright. But I bet there are even more that that would say that in that situation, on a 1-2 count, you don't give him anything with velocity over the plate.

Baseball is more complex that I think you are capable of grasping. However, I do give you credit that you are very good at taking shots at people to try to prop yourself up.

Joe Seamhead said...

That Ryan Zimm sure can't throw anymore.

mick said...

ehay2k

I bet Zim will say that was not the pitch he wanted to throw on 0-2. He could have felt that he was in zone at the moment and thought maybe he could fool wright with a fastball

mick said...

Young era 3.98

#4 said...

That ball hit Valdespin in the foot. It should have been a dead ball and strike one.

mick said...

Young at 94 pitches, we got to get him now

A DC Wonk said...

ehay2k said...

F&I, I didn't say intentionally walk. But in that situation, with 2 outs, and Davis up, I bet there are a lot of people who would have considered pitching carefully


Well, duh. Do you think JZ wasn't trying to pitch him very carefully? He missed. He's not perfect.

Baseball is more complex that I think you are capable of grasping.

I know you weren't directing that at me, but, still, I say: when you're the best pitcher in the league over the past month, you go after batters, no matter who they are -- especially if you have a *two* run lead, and bases are empty.

So, should the Nats walk Wright to lead off the next inning? Put the lead-off guy on in a one run game?

Ridiculous!

mick said...

#4 ump called time

blovy8 said...

hate the dive into first

A DC Wonk said...

#4 said...

That ball hit Valdespin in the foot. It should have been a dead ball and strike one.


That's what I saw, too -- but I didn't hear anybody mention it!

Joe Seamhead said...

I thought it him him, too, 4. So did Jordan and Sandy.

ehay2k said...

Mick, I'm sure Zimm wants that pitch back. The problem is that we have not been able to "fool Wright with a fastball" all year. That approach is a hell of a lot riskier than pitching carefully and walking him.

ehay2k said...

Wonk, I never said walk him if he were leading off. There were two outs with no one on and Davis on deck. Give him nothing to hit and if he walks, he walks.

Livo understood who he wanted to pitch to and who he didn't

mick said...

ehay2k I agree

so Zim only going 6 tonight

A DC Wonk said...

So, help me out: why RH TyMo as a PH? Isn't that situation exactly why Corey Brown was brought up for?

MicheleS said...

Wonk.. I think some of us are having flash backs to the other homers that have been hit off of the SP's by the best hitters in the game. Just not something we want to relive.

Sigh, JZ is out after 6, got to be the rain or Davey was trying to go for more runs with Tyler.

mick said...

Wonk.... good question

mick said...

all right Drew

blovy8 said...

that was a LOUD friggin out

MicheleS said...

Snicker...

Jayson Stark‏@jaysonst

Hard not to notice that Roy Halladay's first 1-2-3 inning of the night came in the 6th inning -- against the 7-8-9 hitters.

MicheleS said...

Putting this question out there?

Why pull drew after 1 out and bring in Gonzales?

Gonat said...

Storen does his job* as a ROOGY.

*He got the out but considering the expletive that I heard him exclaim I believe he knew he was lucky on that pitch

Secret wasian man said...

Just don't get Tyler more. Neverwould have taken out zimm

MicheleS said...

OMG This just sucks!

Gonat said...

And there goes JZim's Win. Unreal.

MicheleS said...

Sorry about that, but wow, that was a cruddy home run and another wasted outing by Jordan

Gonat said...

Can I say it just isn't fair?

Joe Seamhead said...

Two pitches, one out for Drew. One pitch for Mike Gonzalez and no W for Jordan.
Stinks.

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