Friday, August 3, 2012

Game 105: Marlins at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
John Lannan faces Brad Hand in the opener of tonight's doubleheader.
If there's a doubleheader to be played at Nationals Park, that must mean John Lannan is going to be on the mound. Sure enough, the left-hander has been recalled from Class AAA Syracuse to start the first game of tonight's twi-night twinbill, the extra 26th man on the roster for the day.

Lannan pitched a gem against the Braves two weeks ago to get the teetering Nationals back on track. He went back to Syracuse and made one start earlier this week, getting roughed up for six runs and 13 hits in 3 1/3 innings. Given the manner in which he went from pitching the most significant game of his career to pitching one of the least significant games of his life, nobody with the Nationals sounds the least bit concerned. Provided, of course, he pitches well today.

The Marlins, who have been completely blown up by GM Larry Beinfest in the last couple of weeks, have their own Class AAA call-up lefty starting this game: Brad Hand. They also have a lineup that boasts old pal Austin Kearns in the 5-hole.

A reminder for those of you planning to attend: One ticket gets you into both games. The nightcap will begin at 7:05 p.m., or 25 minutes after the conclusion of Game 1 (whichever is later).

Twice the updates to come, so please check back early and often...

MIAMI MARLINS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS (Game 1)
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 4:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 183
Weather: Partly cloudy, 93 degrees, Wind 10 mph RF to LF
NATIONALS (62-42)
SS Danny Espinosa
2B Steve Lombardozzi
3B Ryan Zimmerman
CF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Tyler Moore
RF Mark DeRosa
C Jesus Flores
LHP John Lannan

MARLINS (48-57)
2B Emilio Bonifacio
LF Donovan Solano
SS Jose Reyes
1B Carlos Lee
RF Austin Kearns
3B Donnie Murphy
CF Gorkys Hernandez
C Brett Hayes
LHP Brad Hand

UMPIRES
HP Lance Barksdale
1B Tony Basner
2B Mike Muchlinski
3B Fieldin Culbreth (cc)

3:53 p.m. -- If you haven't heard yet, the Nationals acquired catcher Kurt Suzuki from the A's in a waiver deal, sending Class A catcher David Freitas to Oakland. More details in that full story.

4:06 p.m. -- We are underway in Game 1, with a sparse crowd on hand as John Lannan fires his first pitch. I'd imagine the crowd will progressively grow as the afternoon wears on.

4:15 p.m. -- Lannan had trouble in his first inning last time before settling down, and he had trouble in the first inning again today. We'll have to wait and see if he responds the same way. A leadoff walk to Emilio Bonifacio got things started, followed by a Donovan Solano single and a bunt base hit by Jose Reyes. With the bases loaded and nobody out, Lannan happily traded one run for a 6-4-3 double play. He then struck out old buddy Austin Kearns to end the inning with the Nats trailing 1-0.

4:36 p.m. -- Well, the Nats got that run back. And then added two more in the bottom of the first. All of it came with two outs, beginning with Ryan Zimmerman's double over Kearns' head. (By the way: John Lannan. Austin Kearns. Emilio Bonifacio. A small crowd in D.C. Did somebody set the Wayback Machine to 2008?) Jayson Werth drew a walk to bring Adam LaRoche to the plate, and the veteran first baseman did what he's been doing all year: Deliver a clutch hit. A base hit up the middle extended LaRoche's hitting streak to 11 games, gave him 65 RBI for the season and gave the Nats a 1-0 lead. But they weren't done. After Tyler Moore drew a walk, Mark DeRosa battled his way through an impressive at-bat to send a two-run single to left, increasing his season RBI total by 167 percent in the process (from three to five). Just like that, the Nats have given Lannan a 3-1 lead after one very long inning.

4:46 p.m. -- When LaRoche let Hand's popped-up bunt fall harmlessly to the ground just now, the crowd let out a groan. Don't worry, everyone: LaRoche knew exactly what he was doing. By letting the ball fall to the ground, he was able to pick it up and start a 3-5-6 double play to end the top of the second. Brilliant deke from the veteran first baseman.

5:01 p.m. -- A quick, 1-2-3 top of the third for Lannan, who like last time is getting better inning by inning. Still to early to call this a trend, but it's at least encouraging. Nats still lead 3-1.

5:07 p.m. -- Adam LaRoche, ladies and gentlemen! Home run No. 21, this one to straightaway center field. He's now driven in runs in four of his last six at-bats. And the Nats lead 4-1 after three.

5:42 p.m. -- Let's see, you could say the Marlins pitcher decided to Hand this game to the Nats. Or you could say the Fish have completely flopped. Whatever pun is your preference, this game is going entirely the Nats' way right now. They just added three more runs in the bottom of the fourth, with the following rally: intentional walk, walk, bases-loaded walk, infield single, bases-loaded walk. It's 7-1 after four.

5:54 p.m. -- And Lannan continues to look sharp. He's given up only one hit since the first inning and now takes the mound for the sixth holding a 7-1 lead.

6:00 p.m. -- Make it 13 of the last 14 batters retired by Lannan, who keeps getting better and more efficient as the game progresses. This is looking eerily similar to his last start here.

6:10 p.m. -- Is there anything Adam LaRoche can't do? He just added a bloop double in the sixth, making him 3-for-3 today with a single, a double, a homer and a walk. I wouldn't bank on him pulling off a triple before this game is over, though.

6:30 p.m. -- Well, Lannan put the first two batters on in the seventh, then fell behind 2-0 to Bryan Petersen, so Captain Hook decided to emerge from the dugout. Ryan Mattheus entered and allowed one inherited runner to score, so Lannan's final line is: 6 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 5 BB, 4 K. Combined with his 7-inning start two weeks ago, the Nats couldn't have asked for much more for these two fill-in outings. It's now 7-3 at the stretch.

7:05 p.m. -- And for the second straight inning, Captain Hook takes the ball from a pitcher in the middle of an at-bat. This time, he removed Drew Storen with the bases loaded, two outs and a 1-0 count on Bryan Petersen. In came Michael Gonzalez, who did his job by striking out Petersen and letting out a primal scream as the inning came to an end. The lefty has quietly done a really nice job since coming here. He could wind up recording some really big outs come September ... and perhaps beyond. Still 7-3 as we go to the bottom of the eighth.

7:21 p.m. -- Yep, Davey is using his closer in a game the Nats have controlled from the very beginning. But the tying run is now on-deck, so ... here comes Tyler Clippard.

7:33 p.m. -- That's your ballgame. Clippard lets an inherited runner score, but he still closes it out for his 22nd save and preserves a 7-4 victory. Lannan improves to 2-0. The Nationals are 21 games over .500 again, and they'll have a chance to get to 22 games over before the end of the night. First pitch for Game 2 is in approximately 25 minutes.

133 comments:

Anonymous said...

The nightcap will begin at 7:05 p.m., or 25 minutes after the conclusion of Game 1 (whichever is later).
------------

Darn, I wish it was "whichever is earlier". Now that could make for some exciting baseball!

GYFNG! x 2

MicheleS said...

Welcome Back John! Do exactly what you did against Atlanta or even better!

GYFNG>

Theophilus T. S. said...

The entire Marlins lineup except the pitcher will be batting right-handed so Lannan better keep everything low -- except maybe to Bonafacio. What I worry about is the Nats dismal track record against these Rookie League teams.

Section 222 said...

NL, Red Carpet Rewards has it's problems, but the interface is much improved over previous years. I would get on the phone with my STH rep right away. He or she might be able to leave a tkt at will call for you. Usually they need several days advance notice for RCR (technically they say seven days, but that deadline seems malleable), so you may be out of luck for today.

Section 222 said...

Lannan is lucky that the two most imposing and Nats-killing RH hitters from early in the season (Hanley and Giancarlo) are not in this lineup. When you have Austin Kearns batting fifth, you know your season is in the toilet. Time for a Friday fish fry.

NatsLady said...

Been on the phone twice with the regular number and left a message for the rep. Going to the park, and will untangle it later. Worst comes to worst, I guess I'm going to a ball game on October 3. :)

sm13 said...

Looking forward to good old fashioned doubleheader at the ballpark on a classic summer day ib DC. We really could use a series sweep this weekend to try to put some distance between us and the Braves.

Go Nats!

baseballswami said...

One of these days, the players that are left in the fish tank are going to get really, really annoyed and want to win a game. Atlanta got them at their most demoralized. I hope it takes them a little while to get things together before they start fighting back. We have never had an easy time with them. My son knows Brad Hand from when Brad was at AA, he has a lot of ability but has been jerked around by the organization a lot. There are a lot of parallels with Lannan - Hand was pretty much guaranteed a rotation spot this year and then they signed Buerhle and that didn't happen. He has a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. He pitched here against us last summer. Go Nats!

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Section 222 said, "When you have Austin Kearns batting fifth, you know your season is in the toilet."

I remember when we batted this slug cleanup. I cannot believe he's still in the bigs.

Still, he's the cause of one of Sunshine Bobby's most inane (after "major jammage") phrases: "Good take by Austin!!"

What a stiff. Thanks, JimBo.

baseballswami said...

He did always seems to be a good teammate and clubhouse guy, though. I remember going to the Great American Smallpark to a game right after the Kearns/Lopez trade. The fans there were really upset because they thought we robbed them blind. Interesting now.

Anonymous said...

Nats acquire C Kurt Suzuki for C David Freitas

Anonymous said...

- Wadlez ^^^

Coach Steve Roggie said...

I trust Davey. Hopefully, this is the day that he proves me wrong about DeRosa.

baseballswami said...

Well- there is the veteran catcher you all wanted. I am guessing that he is familiar with gio? Will he start in AAA or will Leon go down?

Anonymous said...

Zuckerman's tweet should answer that... "Davey calls him a #1 catcher"

- Wadlez

baseballswami said...

And Flores will be demoted to backup catcher after all he has done with our pitchers this year? Talk about messing with team chemistry. This guy has been in the al - he knows nothing about our pitchers or the nl hitters. That just seems odd.

Anonymous said...

Flores is a backup catcher unfortunately

Unknown said...

Nationals acquire catcher Kurt Suzuki from Oakland A's.

baseballswami said...

Once again - does Suzuki know one thing about our pitchers or the nl hitters? Seems like they should at least split or it should happen over time. How will this go over with our young pitching staff - they are all very tight and trust flores? I realize that gio probably knows Suzuki and can be the mediator, but , still - right now that could really make a mess. By the way - Morse caught Bryce's stomach virus.

baseballswami said...

I just went on wikipedia to see how old suzuki is -- his page says - Kurt Suzuki is a catcher for the Washington Nationals - that was fast. And he is 28

Cameron said...

Suziki's offensive numbers are not too special this year. Throws out 29% of runners stealing for his career and 38% this season though. I like those numbers. Let's see if the Nats pitchers lower that number.

Anonymous said...

Swami

Your definately looking way too into it.. Flores play has definately proven that we needed another option for the rest of this year.. I'm sure Kurt will learn quickly. Also, theyu will probably split time or so until one or the other proves they deserve to start. Flores has provided a good solid foundation for our young pitchin, but that does not give him a free pass for his horrible caught stealing %, although that is on the pitchers as well, and the fact that for 2 months he has been a black hole at the plate.

- Wadlez

baseballswami said...

So - how long ago did Davey express total confidence in Flo? The kiss of death.

Coach Steve Roggie said...

Jesus a non-tender candidate now? 2013 is his final year of arbitration eligibility. Leon and Solano show potential, Suzuki has 2 more years on his deal at $4M per, and Ramos is working his way back.

It seems that Jesus might be expendable.

That didn't sound right.

Cameron said...

Baseballswami, I think the pitchers will adjust and be ok with whoever is behind the plate. It's Rizzo and Davey's job to put the best talent on the field. I think they have done a great job of that, if you can ignore the fact that Derosa is starting again today.

baseballswami said...

Every time there is a big roster shake up around here the team shows it on the field. Hope not. He won't be here until tomorrow. Flores has been an absolute trooper. I do realize that he hasn't played a full season - it's not that he is the most fantastic catcher in the history of baseball. It's just one of those things where he has given his heart and soul to our staff and closeness of the pitcher/catcher relationship. And this will make six catchers this year. Will he be a one year rental? Ramos due back next season.

Section 222 said...

Since Freitas was a very well regarded "prospect," I can't wait to hear what peric thinks of this move. Someone please tell me at some point because I still don't read his posts. But apparently Koyie Hill wasn't quite the answer.

Marty said...

This move for Suzuki and his 49 OPS+ brought to you by Derek Norris.
Circle of life indeed...

Section 222 said...

So much for playing for 2013. Ramos will be back next year, so this move was completely about winning the pennant this year. Rizzo quietly goes out and fills what is clearly a weakness in our lineup. No muss, no fuss, prospects for the post season this year immediately improved. I like it!

PDowdy83 said...

For those saying Suzuki doesn't know our pitchers missed the fact that Gio worked with him for a couple years. I would imagine that has to play a part in the pick up. Flores has a very week throwing arm. I know the Nats pitchers don't help him out any but they need a guy who can help control the running game a bit better. As much as I love Flo I just think he is a part time catcher. Hopefully the Nats split them equal time and the extra bit of rest helps both guys.

ptindc said...

Can't believe he's under 30. Seems like he's been around for years.

baseballswami said...

I thought he would be older, too, that's why I checked. He is hitting .218, though. Ugh. Mark Derosa, but behind the plate.

Anonymous said...

Swami

Lets see what he can do with a change of scenery for a stretch before we make judgement.. He has been a very good player at his position prior to this year.

- Wadlez

baseballswami said...

mark just new posted about it

sjm308 said...

Hard to imagine that a guy that has been in consideration for the Gold Glove will have issues with our staff. He caught Gio for a few years and I bet they asked Gio about him as well.

He is not having a good offensive year but the backs of his baseball cards tell me he led the A's in rbi in 09 - he also seems very durable playing in 148, 147 and 131 games from 08 - 10.

Have to think he starts when he arrives.

We complain for not making moves and then complain more when moves are made. Its a great world in the land of blogs.

Go Nats!!

MicheleS said...

Davey had Suzuki on the US Team 4 years ago. That's good, so he knows Davey and Gio.

I think this is a good move. There was much griping about not making a move on 7/31, well a couple of days later we got one of the holes filled.

I like our baby nats catchers (so does billy beane) and JFlo, but JFlo has just been beaten to the ground. I hope they split the duties now. I am sure Kurt will catch Gio.

Leaving for the park soon, for the end of game 1 and all of game 2

JaneB said...

Davey says he asked Gio about him, and skippered him four years ago in a series against Cuba. But it doesn't seem right to demote Jesus. He has held the center for us for so long, and I love Leon. I trust Davey. I trust Davey. I trust Davey. I have to remember I trust Davey.

Meanwhile, GYFNG!

Tcostant said...

Did Davey pick this lineup out of a hat?

Swift Eagle said...

Actually it's a RH line-up (except ALR) to face a LHP in game 1 of a DH...Makes sense to me...

MicheleS said...

And Morse has a stomach virus (Great, Bryce infected the team). Bryce needs a day off too.

fresh2death1997 said...

Uh oh..

Tcostant said...

Wow - to get out of that inning with only one run was amazing!

baseballswami said...

Pitcher's best friends - the double play and Austin Kearns!

Section 222 said...

Bases loaded and nobody out. A DP and then a K and only one run scores. I'll take that.

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Complimentary scouting report on Austin Kearns for Davey. Hi Davey!:

First pitch: bust 'em inside (he'll raise his arms, but it'll be called a strike).
Second pitch: breaking pitch away (he'll swing and miss).
Third pitch: bust 'em inside (he'll raise his arms, but it'll be called a strike).

You won't need a fourth pitch.

Grandstander said...

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Lance Barksdale does not deserve to umpire major league games.

phil dunton said...

Why is Morse sitting against a lefty pitcher. Sometimes, DJ's moves make no sense.

A DC Wonk said...

Whatever we owe Flores, it doesn't have to be the starting lineup for the rest of the year. He batted .167 in July, and slugged .190.

Holden Baroque said...

Sometimes, DJ's moves make no sense.

That's because he knows things we don't.

Section 222 said...

Sunshine re: Kearns -- POTD.

Tcostant said...

Tie game with nobody on...

Holden Baroque said...

Whatever we owe Flores, it doesn't have to be the starting lineup for the rest of the year.

Has Flores said anything, or are we all speculating on empty? Maybe The Bruise That Walks Like A Man wouldn't mind a few days a week off, and an improved chance at the post-season. Maybe he loves this move. He certainly has a good future in the majors, regardless.

baseballswami said...

phil- Morse is sick with the same stomach virus that Bryce had.

Holden Baroque said...

What a coincidence--I'm not feeling so hot, myself.

Holden Baroque said...

Plus, it's 90-something degrees, and they're playing two games tonight.

Tcostant said...

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3-1

Flores now show us you can hit!

MicheleS said...

DeRosa!!!

Swift Eagle said...

"What's with this line-up?" "DeRosa stinks"...

It's good thing it's impossible to get fired as a NI poster, b/c a bunch of you would be Gone...

Thank goodness Rizzo and Davey are in charge and not the Legion of Doom peanut gallery on here! Lol

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

I don't want to be negative, but where are the folks at the ballpark? I know it's hot, I know it's an odd time, I know people work (well, some people work!), but this "crowd" looks like the gathering that the Nats-Marlins used to draw at Joe Robbie/SunLife/Big Orange Bowl in the Burbs Ballpark.

It's called a pennant race, people.

I'd go, but I have to work tonight. Honest. I do work. Sometimes. Well, a little bit. OK, it's a part-time gig.

Swift Eagle said...

Haha... Great Scout on Kearns Sunshine...

I remember a game at RFK where the opponents had to bring an infielder in to pitch b/c it was a blowout....Kearns got jammed and popped up....

MicheleS said...

Stuck in Tysons traffic or i would be there now

baseballswami said...

When it's a 2 for 1 double header, people arrive all throughout the first game, whenever they can get there with the traffic. It might be small now, but I can sure hear them!

Swift Eagle said...

ALR---Supra-Genius (just like the Coyote...)

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

NatsJack, et al: You're right. I forgot. We're Chavez Ravine East. Arrive late, leave early, tell everybody in the office the next day you were there.

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

@MicheleS: If you're caught in bumper-to-bumper traffic en route to a game, does that count as "Major Jammage" in Sunshine Bobby's lexicon?

Section 222 said...

It's all relative. The Fish announcers still have vivid memories of home games where the actual attendance barely broke a thousand.

Section 222 said...

The dropped bunt is one of my favorite plays in baseball. Can't wait to see the replay of that.

mick said...

I once owned a Suzuki, lol had to say it

mick said...

Its Friday... Nats are facing Mr Hand, next maybe Mr Garrison... yes I am south park fan

mick said...

bada bing LAROCHE!!!

Swift Eagle said...

Aloha, MR. Hand....Meet ALR

mick said...

lolololo

djinFl. said...

Four runs, one hour into Friday happy hour. This is shaping up to my kind of weekend.

fresh2death1997 said...

Okay, i think Laroche is gonna be at 1st next year.

mick said...

djinFl. said...
Four runs, one hour into Friday happy hour.
I'll drink to that, lol!

mick said...

actually, I'll drink to anything on Friday hee hee

Swift Eagle said...

John Lannan, master of the curveball that's so crappy, it's un-hittable...Keep it up John

hmm... said...

"mick said...
actually, I'll drink to anything on Friday hee hee"

so we've noticed.

Swift Eagle said...

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Holden Baroque said...

Cheeeezus. That was in the top deck, just foul.

mick said...

Mr Garrison is going to spank you Mr Hand, hee hee

Holden Baroque said...

What is that, Section 234, up there? Criminy.

Holden Baroque said...

That section in the top deck is 236--pretty good seats for the money, I think. Anyone hit one up there, yet? It's a small target, but right down the line.

djinFl. said...

I think this is called an implosion.

Swift Eagle said...

Man it really gets quiet around here when the good guys are up 7-1...

Guess the Legion of Doom is somewhere complaining about the Olympic TV coverage, or more likely, the Redskins....Is it true they have a new QB? I've heard so little about them via the local media...

waddu eye no said...

Man it really gets quiet around here when the good guys are up 7-1..."

but it's a nice kind of quiet

Nats Fan in Brazil said...

Natsjack Nothing against u, u look like a pretty cool guy, but it is amazing how much u like To talk trash about peric, even when u dont say his name!
And.... I am The only thinking complete game for lannan?

hiramhover said...

the second he realizes this is actually a AAA lineup he's facing, he'll probably get shelled

Wait a minute - half of it is a AAA line up, isn't it?

Go Johnny go.

Nats Fan in Brazil said...

Taking lannan out of The game righ now is a big scar from The atlanta game! No lead is big enough

Holden Baroque said...

Nice non-play by Mattheus to stay out of that one and let the infielders do their jobs.

Holden Baroque said...

Like that Ridiculous Bazooka Arm at short...

Holden Baroque said...

They don't have any more doubleheaders scheduled. This may have been Longball's Last Start, for the Nationals. Good Luck, John.

Holden Baroque said...

Is it me, or is Bob having an even worse time than usual this season, judging fly balls?

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Hey whats up, all?

Suzuki is a good pickup -- agreed.
What is not so cool is declaring him the #1 catcher from the jump. That's a uncalled for slight on Jflo -- and I think classless on the part of Rizzo.

Otherwise, we are looking good so far.

Last note: What is more likely to happen. RZim;s bat wins the world series or will his arm (or lack of one) cost us a World Series?

NatsFanSinceStart said...

More on Flo: He had all the chances in the world to hit: he didn't. Too bad. But his handling of this staff was and still is excellent!

To obtain a catcher who isn't any offense threat but is lauded for his ability to handle a staff ... I say I don't get it. But that isn't the big quandary. The confusing thing is that he was declared the Starting catcher. I very much understand coming in to spell JFlo, or even to split the catching -- fair enough. But to relegate JFlo to the bench because Suzuki is better defensively? Nope, not buying it.

Swift Eagle said...

Dodgers got Blanton from Phila for a player to be named later...Fox Sports also says the Dodgers claimed Cliff Lee....

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Storen needs more work.

Swift Eagle said...

WTF?? Throw a fastball! We're up 4!

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Clippard and Storen BOTH seem afraid of their fastballs.

This is not good.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Amen, Swifty

Swift Eagle said...

He's working slow, fidgeting, afraid to throw a fastball strike...What the heck is wrong? Just make a pitch and let the boys roll a pair...

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Hey hey a 94 #1 in for a strike,

You need the pitching coach to make a trip to tell you that, Storen?

Like little league --

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Storen's release point is waaay off. Ball in dirt=--

I have the quick Hook -- enter Gonzalez.

Swift Eagle said...

That was hanger...the guy just missed it

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Storen and Clip are turning into "junkballers?"

Can't be .. but that's what they both are showing us.

meanwhile Wild pitch on Storen -- caroming back.

Wow

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Davey has finally seen enough. So have I.

Swift Eagle said...

Wow...some of these guys need a shrink or something...that's the worst I've ever seen Storen look...Hope he can get straightened out b/c that was scary...

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Gonzalez often gives a hit right off the bat (excuse the pun) and then settles down.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

I agree Swift -- never seen him worse. You know that going to cause him no sleep tonight.

MicheleS said...

Koyie hill got released

Swift Eagle said...

Gonzalez is a nutcase!...He makes coffee nervous...but he cleaned up the mess..Phew

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Looks like most of the forum posters are at the games.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

haha

A DC Wonk said...

Easy guys, Storen doesn't need a shrink. He needs work. This is still spring training for him, no?

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Michelle: aren't you going to the second game?

NatsFanSinceStart said...

DC Wonk: Yeah, I said that. Storen "needs work."

Nevertheless, he has indeed never looked worse -- regardless of the reason. It is what it is.

Swift Eagle said...

Very true Wonk... and I saw him in Spring Training 2011 when he was getting bombed, he came back and had a great year...But I've never seen him look so unsure of himself as today...Usually he's a "here it is, hit it" kind of guy, especially w/a 4 run lead

Anonymous said...

That has got to be demoralizing for the Fish, not to get more. Hope it carries over.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Gorzo for the 9th. er ... we better score a couple insurance runs right here; right now.

rogieshan said...

Re: Werth. So nice to finally have someone with plate discipline in the lineup again.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Yeah, I think Werth only swings at one pitch per AB -- twice on a good day.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Game Ain't Over

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Can Mike Gonzo do it? I don't think so.

Crystal ball says he can't finish out.

Swift Eagle said...

NatsJack in Florida said...
Koyie Hill got released you say? I'm shocked.
August 03, 2012 7:12 PM

_____________________________

LOL! It appears the Nats brass did NOT think he was "Pudge-Like" on defense as has been suggested a few dozen times on here...

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Wow two fine pitches to Dobbs

NatsFanSinceStart said...

0-2 fastball -- basehit: LF

I hate to give my crystal ball credit, but it nailed it.

Clippard? Crystal Ball says he absolutely Implodes here -- and blows the save.

This ought to be interesting. Prove my crystal ball wrong, Clip.

SCNatsFan said...

Using up too many arms in this game. I know a W is a curly W but 5 guys?

Swift Eagle said...

There is a story about former Boston Braves Manager George Stallings included in Ken Burns Baseball miniseries.

While on his deathbed, a visitor asked Stallings, “George, what’s killing you?”

Stallings answered—“Bases on balls…”

SCNatsFan said...

Swift Eagle, from your keyboard to the bullpen intercom. Relievers are letting way to many players get the free base.

MicheleS said...

I am at the games! WOOOOOO HOOOOOO!

Swift Eagle said...

Great game by ALR...ANother Curly W in the books...Very nice!

SCNatsFan said...

That's one. Step on their throats now.

Swift Eagle said...

Jack, sounds great!

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