Sunday, August 26, 2012

Game 127: Nats at Phillies

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The Nationals try to avoid a sweep today at Citizens Bank Park.
PHILADELPHIA -- Good morning from the City of Brotherly Love, where the Nationals today need a victory to avoid a series sweep at the hands of the Phillies. They talked last night about their ability to avoid long losing streaks all season, citing the depth of their rotation as a major reason why they don't worry about falling into a prolonged funk.

So the pressure's on Jordan Zimmermann today to come up big as he has so many times already this season. The right-hander is coming off perhaps his worst start of the year (lasting only five innings against the Braves) so perhaps he'll have a little extra incentive when he takes the mound this afternoon.

Cliff Lee, always a challenge, starts for the Phillies, and he'll once again be facing a lineup without Michael Morse or Ian Desmond. Morse tested out his bruised right hand this morning, playing some light catch for the first time since getting hit by a pitch Friday night. He looked awfully tentative doing it. Desmond continues to rest a mild hamstring strain.

Lots of updates to come live from the ballpark, so please check back...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Where: Citizens Bank Park
Gametime: 1:35 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, Ch. 50, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 189
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 81 degrees, Wind 9 mph out to LF
NATIONALS (77-49)
SS Danny Espinosa
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Tyler Moore
C Jesus Flores
2B Steve Lombardozzi
RHP Jordan Zimmermann

PHILLIES (60-67)
SS Jimmy Rollins
LF Juan Pierre
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
CF John Mayberry Jr.
RF Laynce Nix
3B Kevin Frandsen
C Erik Kratz
LHP Cliff Lee

UMPIRES
HP Lance Barksdale
1B Gerry Davis (cc)
2B Phil Cuzzi
3B Manny Gonzalez

1:38 p.m. -- And we're underway with a strike from Cliff Lee to Danny Espinosa. 81 degrees and mostly clear skies here this afternoon.

1:45 p.m. -- Pretty quick top of the first from Lee. He struck out Espinosa on three pitches and got Bryce Harper to ground out to short on two pitches. Ryan Zimmerman did manage a base hit to center, but Jayson Werth (hitting cleanup today with Michael Morse sidelined) popped out to end the inning on 14 pitches (11 strikes).

1:55 p.m. -- Good stuff from Jordan Zimmermann in the bottom of the first. He struck out both Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard on nasty curveballs down in the zone. He did walk Chase Utley with two outs, but there was a borderline pitch or two during that at-bat that could've altered the outcome. Scoreless after one.

2:17 p.m. -- Lee is shattering bats today like it's his life mission. Destroyed Zimmermann's hardware, then did the same to Espinosa to end the third. He's thrown 31 of 39 pitches for strikes and has held the Nats scoreless through three.

2:27 p.m. -- Well, that was a strange bottom of the third. First, Flores was practically knocked over by Zimmermann's pitch to Utley, which he obviously wasn't ready for. Think they must've gotten crossed up there. Then moments later, Utley sends a routine fly ball to shallow right, which glanced off Werth's glove and landed directly in his bare hand. Wow, giving new meaning to the age-old reminder: "Always use two hands when catching the ball!" Scoreless through three.

2:39 p.m. -- We've got ourselves an old-fashioned pitchers' duel here today, folks. Both Lee and Zimmermann cruising along through four scoreless innings. Lee has thrown 40 of 49 pitches for strikes. Combined with Roy Halladay last night, Phillies starters have thrown a total of 28 balls in their last 11 innings. That's like one inning for Henry Rodriguez! Not to be outdone, Zimmermann has allowed only one hit so far and has thrown a respectable 40 of 60 pitches for strikes. Onto the fifth.

2:47 p.m. -- Whoa, double for Tyler Moore. First man from either team to reach second base today. Maybe the Nats have a rally in th... or not. Lee strikes out Flores and gets Lombardozzi to ground out to end the top of the fifth, still zeroes on the scoreboard for both teams.

3:09 p.m. -- That turned ugly in a hurry, huh? In a game in which nobody on either side had been making solid contact, of course Cliff Lee ropes an RBI double to deep center, scoring the afternoon's first run. Then Zimmermann melted down. Served up a two-run homer to Rollins on a 3-1 fastball down the heart of the plate. Walked Pierre. Gave up a stolen base without a throw. And now he's being pinch-hit for to open the sixth. Jordan's final line: 5 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 1 HR, 94 pitches, 57 strikes. What looked like a fantastic outing won't even be a quality start. Nats trail 3-0.

3:29 p.m. -- And Tom Gorzelanny is immediately greeted by old pal Laynce Nix with a leadoff homer in the sixth on an 0-2 pitches. That's Nix's first home run off a left-hander since ... wait for it ... 2004. It's 4-0 heading to the seventh. Oh, and Bryce Harper was pulled as part of a double-switch. He slipped crossing first base in the top of the inning. Not sure if it's related to that or merely Davey Johnson's strategic decision, but Harper is done for the day.

3:49 p.m. -- Wow, what a fiasco for the Nats in the top of the seventh. With Werth standing on second and nobody out, LaRoche launched what everyone in a Nats uniform assumed was a two-run homer to right. Except first-base ump Gerry Davis ruled the ball in play. Except Werth and LaRoche coasted around the bases assuming it was a homer. Which led to LaRoche getting caught in a rundown between second and third and Werth stranded at third base, advancing only 90 feet on a double. The umps convened and went to watch replay, which clearly showed the ball striking the top of a metal rail beyond the fence and then bouncing back into play. According to locals, the ground rule here is that the ball must clear that rail to be a homer. And that's what the umps ruled after watching the replay. Making matters worse, Tyler Moore followed with a double to left, scoring Werth (and would have scored LaRoche had he been on second base). So at the end of all that, the Nats trail 4-1 in the seventh, but if LaRoche and Werth were paying attention, would only be trailing 4-2 (or perhaps even less). Not good.

3:55 p.m. -- Meanwhile, the gal who sang God Bless America clearly had crib notes on her left hand ... yet still got a word wrong. Nicely done.

4:05 p.m. -- The Nats had a chance in the eighth, and Davey sent up Ian Desmond to pinch-hit for Gorzelanny, a surprise. Except it was probably just a bluff to get Charlie Manuel to bring in right-hander Josh Lindblom, which he did. Except the move backfired, because Chad Tracy (hitting for Desmond) grounded out on the first pitch he saw and Zimmerman struck out on three pitches. The Nats are down to their last three outs, still trailing 4-1.

4:20 p.m. -- Ballgame. Nats lose 4-1. They get swept, have lost four in a row and have seen their lead over the Braves drop to 5 games, with Atlanta playing later tonight in San Francisco.

162 comments:

DWS said...

Hoping for a good day. Come on Nats. Hoping Moore's bat is in there.

natsfan1a said...

Thanks, Mark. Also hoping for a good day. Will likely be out and about during the game so hope to read a happy recap later going into the off day. :-)

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

The Nats have been a thorn in the Philthies side the last 2 year's. Seems that since the Philthies raised the white flag they are playing loose and easy.



Doc said...

Good to see that JFlo will be taking his rightful spot behind HP for to-day's game.

It was only his last game that he hit a 3 run dinger!

KSuzk is now well below Mendoza since having the Nats pay his $4mm check. Billy Beane must buy a new car after every deal with Rizzo!

GoooooooooooooooFlo!!!! GooooooooooooNats!!!!!

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

New day time for a win.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Today really hurts vs lefty that Morse and Desi are out.

SonnyG10 said...

Time to crank up the offense and let Jordan and the BP shut down the Philthies.

SonnyG10 said...

Ghost, yes it hurts missing Morse and Desi, but we've been overcoming injuries all year. No time to stop now.

peric said...

Moore should be at first base and Bernadina in the outfield. Davey needs to reconsider platooning LaRoche as he said he would at the beginning of the season.

DWS said...

Pretty thin bench, a little jolt in a few days will help. Layoff the outside crap Bryce.

MicheleS said...

GYFNG! Go Jordan!

DWS said...

Agree peric, a day off might help. Plus not a bad threat on the bench.

Swift Eagle said...

No doubt ALR has been struggling, but I wouldn't want to see Roger trying to bat against Lee...no chance there...ALR may need a day off, but not today with Morse and Desi already out

davecydell said...

Let's go MTM,
Seize the moment

NatsLady said...

If I recall, JZ and Suzuki were "not on the same page" last go round. It will be interesting to see if Z'nn seems more comfortable with JFlo. We are not that great against lefties. Honestly, I will not panic if we lose this one. No matter what, we would have a 4-game lead into Miami (indoors for Stras!) with some rest and with Desi and Morse back in.

Still, I think it would make an excellent "statement" if Lombo, Moore and JFlo--and company--can win one for the Davey.

Laddie Blah Blah said...

Be very interesting to see if Flo can call a better game with JZ than Zuke did the last time JZ started.

Laddie Blah Blah said...

NatsLady

"If I recall, JZ and Suzuki were "not on the same page" last go round. It will be interesting to see if Z'nn seems more comfortable with JFlo."

Laddie_Blah_Blah

"Be very interesting to see if Flo can call a better game with JZ than Zuke did the last time JZ started."

That is scary.

sjm308 said...

I agree with Peric IF we had Morse. I do think AL needs more days off and Moore would be the obvious choice. Bottom line is, we are two men short for this series and that is hurting us more then I thought it would.

Doc, please tell me you honestly think that Beane got the best of Rizzo on the Gio deal? If so, we will agree to disagree. NONE of those four would have done anything to help us reach the position we are in now. Milone is a LannEn clone, Norris is hitting .206 and would still be in the minors, and the other two pitchers who do have promise are in the low minors. Gio is one of the top pitchers in the major leagues, a two time all-star and has brought life and personality to a first place team. It's Rizzo who should be out buying a car and again, the Suzuki trade showed the players that he would not sit back and wait for next year. He is trying to win NOW. Suzuki has not played well but I am fine with the trade.

Go Nats!!

DWS said...

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but don't a catcher and pitcher get together pre=game to go through signs, game management, etc.
I think JZ realized his "stuff" wasn't working that day.

Swift Eagle said...

Pitchers and catchers do have a pregame meeting, but things often change when the game starts.

I think in JZ's last start, his fastball command was off. When that happens, there's 2 ways to proceed: 1. use your other pitches to get back in the zone, or 2. stay with the fastball until you find the groove.

I think Kurt wanted option 1 and JZ wanted option 2...Very normal when guys are new to each other

NatsLady said...

Regarding Suzuki's salary--Didn't Billy Beane send us money? I'm still not sure how that happened...

Also, the point was made are we better off with Suzuki+Flo than with Flo+AAA catcher. Exactly. Flo ("the human bruise") was wearing down catching 75% of games.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Lets have 3 4 5 do the job.

NatsLady said...

Laddie--great minds....

Anonymous said...

Show me de bats boss, de bats. It's great to see Moore and Lombo in the lineup. When Desmond gets back, rest Zimmerman and/or Espinosa. Wow, five out of six strikeouts in our last six at bats!! See, I've been right all along. I may be the rabbit, but I'm a realist.

Swift Eagle said...

Great point NatsLady..Flores is much better playing 3-4 days a week instead of 6 (and so is Lombo)...Davey knows exactly how to use these guys...

Laddie Blah Blah said...

"Laddie--great minds...."

You took the words right out of my mouth, AGAIN.

Doc said...



I agree with pretty much all that you are saying sjm308. Gio was an appropriate deal, and I don't disagree that he should have gone out a gotten an experienced C like KSuzk.

I just don't think that Suzuki is a better catcher than JFlo---and for sure not $4mm/yr. better!

I'd be happy if they alternated JFlo and Suzuki more frequently. I think that both are mostly equal at handling pitchers, with the edge to JFlo with the bat.

We can minimize what a C has to do with a bat in his hands, as opposed to a cather's mit, but the time has passed when all a catcher has to do is show steady work behind the plate.



DWS said...

Seconded Manassas. The 3 4 5 hitters are absent this series. All begins with the FOF. C'mon Ryan.

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

According to Charlie and Dave, Davey called all the relievers into his office on the stolen base issue. Chase Utley manufactured the insurance run two games in a row. Personally, I say if he wants to get HBP, we should at least make sure it's a 96MPH fastball.

The Nats don't believe in pitchouts (interesting!) because they put the pitcher in a hole, but you can vary your speed, check runners, etc.--in other words, don't be predictable and let the runner time you.

DWS said...

Good for you stirring the pot Doc, but you can't deny that Suzuki is a good catcher from stats alone, never mind years behind the plate.
Rabbit what team do you follow?

Old Wino said...

Nats = Bats

sjm308 said...

Doc - we do agree! I like using the hot catcher 4 of the 7 days and right now, that would be Flores. I also agree that Suzuki has a big contract and is not earning it but that is the way of baseball in this day and age. I was amazed how many people were more upset at Werth because of his contract instead of how he was playing. He did not play well last year but how much money he is making is not my concern. I just our lads to win, just like you do. I am not so sure about Rabbit, I think he just wants to be proven correct about his gloom and doom. If we go on a 5 game winning streak you will not see him on here.

Go Nats!!

sjm308 said...

I just "want"

Swift Eagle said...

Baseball is the perfect sport for those who want to predict Gloom and Doom...Even Babe Ruth "failed" 65% of the time, predict failure in baseball and you'll usually be right...doesn't make you smart though...

djinFl. said...

Right on spot Swift!

Anonymous said...

Don't worry SJM, I'll be around...win or lose. I'm a big Nats fan, live in the area, and go to many games. They just can be so frustrating. I really hope we make it to the finish line. Doom and gloom? Someone has to offset you guys!

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Zim 21 pitches in first. Lee 22 pitches through 2

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

After 3 innings pitchers dominate. Zim 48 pitches Lee 39 pitches.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Eck take day off again. They are pitching us to outside. Drive it the other way.

NatsLady said...

Nice jump play, Lombo! Cool to watch.

Oh, MLB.tv = $10 for the rest of the regular season... I think you have to buy it today... if anyone cares...

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Hitters what are we waiting for? You got my permission to score

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Get Moore in.

Anonymous said...

Maybe the Phillies will let us play Coach-Pitch rules the rest of the game.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Flores looked way over matched.

djinFl. said...

Don't say that with Doc around Manassas.

NatsLady said...

Flo passed ball. WOW, those shoes!!! Is this the All-Star Game or something?

Swift Eagle said...

The passed ball was the only pitch in this AB that was not in the strike zone, per Pitch F/X...JZ getting squeezed in this AB...

NatsLady said...

oooooooh, Bryce!!!!! Nice run, nice catch.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Flores also over matched with Zimmerman'd ball to. Good catch. Harper

NatsLady said...

Youch! Just when I was thinking, JZ don't relax.

DWS said...

Good point. Our 4 million dollar catcher might have caught that.

ehay2k said...

JZ left the pitch outside. Our inability to get the opposing pitchers out is another area where we really need to improve.

NatsLady said...

Come on, Jordan. Get your focus back, slow down the game.

Swift Eagle said...

JZ should throw to 2nd a few times, make Lee slide back, or at least expend some energy here...

Swift Eagle said...

Rollins has always been a Nats killer...he never has those mental lapses against us...

NatsLady said...

Why didn't Cat come out? Where was Desi??? Oh, right.

Grandstander said...

At least they lost this one in the 5th so my whole afternoon is wasted.

mick said...

this is getting old

ehay2k said...

Flores called that right into Rollins' power zone.

NatsLady said...

This is what JZ did too many times last year. I was hoping he was past it. Settle down, my man. Game isn't over.

mick said...

day off tomorrow, you think maybe Cat ought to go to the bull pen??

mick said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Swift Eagle said...

Up in the zone a lot this inning, this is not the Last Place Phillies anymore...starting to see why they are going to bring everybody back for another run next year. When healthy, they're still very good

mick said...

Wilson Ramos can't come back fattts enough next season

Anonymous said...

Funny...haven't seen any tick-tock tick-tock posts this weekend.

mick said...

Phillies are very good, I wonder if they could make wild card run still?

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Flores pass ball started this non focus. Is had this b
ad focus some last year. I thought he matured passed this. Obviously I am wrong

Swift Eagle said...

I've never heard of a catcher coming back from an ACL...at least not as a catcher...

mick said...

Swift... i hope you are wrong

mick said...

If ramos can not come back, then I hope Leon and solano are our catchers

Swift Eagle said...

Haha..Carp and FP don;t even say "there goes the runner" when guys steal now...even the announcers don;t pay attention to runners!

NatsLady said...

Pierre wasted his time stealing... Jordan, just get the 3rd out. Just get it!

NatsLady said...

Yeah, for FP and Carp, it wasn't IF he was going to steal, it was WHEN...

OK, guys, now step up! Let's spit on those three runs, just spit on 'em.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Passed ball leads to a big inning.

blovy8 said...

Need something to mess with Lee's pattern. Beautiful bunt

Swift Eagle said...

Don't get picked off Roger...

NatsLady said...

Pierre stealing with two out doesn't bother me too much, because all JZ has to do is get the 3rd out. It's when the leadoff guy gets on and steals, that's what you don't like. Unless it's Bernie, of course.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

BAll pitched great for 4 innings, but needed more than that. 35 pitches in the 5 th. Total non focus after the pass ball. Flores didn't even bother to go to the mound

blovy8 said...

rooting for a K instead of a DP here.

blovy8 said...

a good lead is enough, Harper will need the hole on the right side the way he's hitting...

Swift Eagle said...

I don't think the Nats can concede a steal of 2B with 2 outs like that...a base hit from Howard would have scored another run...They need to get the running game under control

blovy8 said...

That shot of Harper on his ass is going to be the shot with Kilgore's article.

blovy8 said...

time to get a meaningless run that will keep them from being shut out

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Here is the deal. When we score first we win a high percent. Starters thus only One mission. Do not give up the first run. Last 4 games they failed their mission.

NatsLady said...

Or that look on RZ's face, like, what? That stayed in?

NatsLady said...

That was a terrible pitch Bryce swung at, mighta gone over the catcher's head.

NatsLady said...

Well, Gorzy sure didn't waste any time giving up his run.

mick said...

at least Gorzo is consistent giving up a run

mick said...

nothing positive today... play is down and coaching is as well

Anonymous said...

Sorry folks, it's not the Nats the Phillies have to be concerned with.....it's the Braves. Boy, do we need bats.

Swift Eagle said...

Haha, Yeah NL, that was one of the worst pitches we've seen all year! Just a team-wide funk right now...

Gorzo's pitch to Kemp in April may have been worse, but this was a close 2nd

NatsLady said...

All right, time to turn this around. Putting on my Clip jersey. Ha ha.

mick said...

we just need to leave Philly and win the Marlin series

mick said...

How mnay times to Braves and Phillies play each other... I could see Philly making this interesting for a wild card

NatsNutty said...

If you listen to Carp and Tangelos, the Nats 3-game (soon to be 4-game) losing streak is due solely to Morse's and Desmond's injuries. If that's really the case, one more injury to a Nats starter and the Nats may not win another game!

DWS said...

F+I you're on the wrong blog. Don't understand how you got a P and W mixed up.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

My nickname for Gorzy is White Flag so I'm not surprised. Our pitchers are not pitching was well as opponent's pitchers. Bullpen has given up run each of la
st 4 games.

peric said...

Yeah, hes just another AAAA player like Morse right NatsJack? Morons who never played this game never cease to amaze me.

ehay2k said...

F&I, the tick tock comments stopped once the Phillies were 15 games back because the claim was self-evident. The fact that they are playing us well in one series, with three of our starters out, does not make them less creaky.

mick said...

natsnutty.... Desi and Morse have nothing to do with a lack of hitting or Flores pass ball.. i love Bobbby C and FP, but they are wrong

DJB said...

I see this season unraveling fast. It was always going to be about our bats. Zimmerman and LaRoche are too streaky Will they be able to come back next season? Rizzo will have some explaining if they don't continue to improve next year.

Secret wasian man said...

Last three this year against the Phils. Sure hope we have it locked up by then. Bad Weekend. looking forward to tuesday. Need to take 2 from the communist sympathizer.

Secret wasian man said...

Careful with the negativity DJB only happy thoughts and EXCUSES allowed here.

peric said...

The fact that they are playing us well in one series, with three of our starters out, does not make them less creaky.

Well there is still significance in this for the Phillies. The last series of the season is against the Nats. The Nats had better hope they have clinched the playoffs and/or division by then or that the Phillies shut down their main top of the rotation guys and come in with prospects. The Nats won't have their top pitcher at that point.

NatsLady said...

Ryan Howard==> what is that ball doing here?

ehay2k said...

Good point peric about the final series. But why will Gio be out? :-)

DJB said...

Should have said "can see..." I'm not there yet, and this team has proven me wrong many times, but I have a bad feeling about this slump given that its almost September.

mick said...

let me tell you this umpiring crew SUCKS!!!!

mick said...

irresponsible... lazy ass umpire needs to make a call

Anonymous said...

Nice veteran leadership from Werth. YOU SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU PLAYED HERE AND DON'T KNOW THE RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go back to PHILLY!!!!

mick said...

Where is Earl weaver when you need him, I wish Davey would kick dirt on that slob of an umpire!

Secret wasian man said...

DJB I agree with you. Things look bad right now. But I get the feeling that most people here have already ordered playoff tickets. I truly truly hope they get to use them.

peric said...

I see this season unraveling fast. It was always going to be about our bats. Zimmerman and LaRoche are too streaky Will they be able to come back next season? Rizzo will have some explaining if they don't continue to improve next year.

That's to be expected when your offense is made up of mostly young prospects or barely former prospects. Zimmerman has the shoulder that likely won't heal until next season.

You're going to just have to get used to it dude. Because Rizzo is going to bring in even MORE young players like Harper, Desmond, Espinosa, Ramos, Flores, Lombardozzi, and Moore. Rendon is likely next on your score card.
Learn to deal.

mick said...

Fear and Ignorance

that si on the lazy ass umpire... not werth, umpire made zero call, his job is to either signal a HR or in play... i would fire that sorry slob on the spot if i was head of umpiring

ehay2k said...

Why did Werth stop running? No reason at all for that.

DJB said...

To do list for next year:

(1) Trade for a legitimate bat at first base. Adrian Gonzalez would have been a perfect fit. Good job Dodgers.

(2) Trade or acquire a legitimate offensive threat at catcher.

(3) More experienced bat in the outfield. Bourn is available I believe.

(4) I've never been a Ryan Zimmerman fan, even though I almost caught one of his home runs. I dislike streaky hitters. We need to make a splash for a proven hitter and move Zimmerman to first if necessary.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Run until you know it is homer. that is not bad luck. th
at is not knowing the ground rules. unfexcus
able. cost us
at least 1 run maybe more

Swift Eagle said...

But why was Werth going back to 3rd??? There's no ump's call that would require him to do that...I don't get that one

Secret wasian man said...

nothing will be done to these umps. remember angel hernandez and bryce.

NatsLady said...

Not sure why Werth stopped running, because they didn't show the full picture--drives me crazy. I assume he stopped because he thought he would be put out at home. But if he recognized it wasn't a HR, why didn't he put the stop sign on for LaRoche?

mick said...

I think the umpires are 100% responsible on that... pathetic and Davey should use this game to fire up his team and get tossed, i would kick dirt on the slob behind the late

ehay2k said...

Looking at the play, I think Werth went back as the throw came in. ALR wasn't paying attention. Still think the ump needs to make a call there. I also believe if the ball hits to top of the rail, then the glass BEHIND the rail, it should be a HR.

mick said...

maybe Werth stop running because one ump said HR and the other said in play

Swift Eagle said...

I couldn't tell if the umps did anything wrong, but there's no scenario that should have caused Werth to be at 3rd...If it's a HR or ground rule double, he scores. If it's caught, he should be at 2nd...he was returning from home to 3rd....I must have missed something

Secret wasian man said...

Not blaming anybody for this weekend except the nats. Just a gutless, heartless series. Hopefully heads will roll and we will wake up.

DWS said...

If Werth had gone home he'd be out at third as well wouldn't he?

mick said...

Secret wasian man this is where Davey should hold a team meeting and then Werth and Zim hold plaers meeting an air it out before the FL series

NatsLady said...

Doesn't matter because Gorzy is going to be Gorzy. Grrrrrrrrrr!

mick said...

Natslady... agreed and the thought of him pitching in post season gives me Henryitus, lol

Swift Eagle said...

Why would he be out at 3rd? It was ruled in-play, off the wall...he's safe at home

DWS said...

Regardless if the Umps don't know the ground rules who does? Neganons your thoughts?

mick said...

Swift Eagle exactly... this is why it is on the umpires

Secret wasian man said...

Mick lets hope that is true. I will say despite there current record Phils are good. Now, if this continues in Miami we truly have issues.

DWS said...

Anybody got the rule book?

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I am the first to jump on the umps, but that ball hit fence at the top doesn't go out why worry about ump. the ball is in play. LaRache should stop at second. Werth scores

Swift Eagle said...

Yeah, total brain cramp, b/c even if a throw came in, what would make him think he was safe at 3rd? The ball was never caught, run home

NatsLady said...

Agree. The Fils are still good. They were decimated by injuries, it's really hard to go from 102 games to maybe if they are lucky 81. They are playing well without Victorino and Pence, why--PITCHING. Even Bastardo somehow learned to pitch.

peric said...

To do list for next year:

DJB perhaps you should consider following another team.

1. Ryan Zimmerman will likely be moving to first base if Morse doesn't. Why? Since you haven't been paying attention you might not have heard that the Nats drafted the top college hitter in over a decade named Anthony Rendon who projects as a gold glove third baseman.

2. They are going with Ramos, Suzuki and Flores at catcher. They already traded for that offensive threat at catcher and his name is Wilson Ramos.

3. They are not going to get Bourn. You're like all of the fans here who castigated Rizzo for NOT signing Carl Crawford to play left field. How does Rizzo look now? They aren't going for Bourn. If anything it will be someone young, with a high ceiling with years of team control say like Peter Borjous. It won't be over 30 Bourn.

4. Zimmerman IS THEIR best hitter and advanced stats clearly show that! The problem is he has been injured and so not in the lineup consistently over the last three years. That's why he is moving to first base.

Swift Eagle said...

Go Roger go

ehay2k said...

Shark needs to be in CF in Miami. Bryce can play left.

peric said...

And if Zimmerman doesn't move to first base ... it seems more likely that we'll see some combination of Tyler Moore, Michael Morse, and Chris Marerro. The Nats are gong young not old.

NatsLady said...

To do list for THIS YEAR: try to remember the Nats are a first place team, the WORST they will have after tonight is a 4.5 lead in the division and looks like the Cards will take care of them having the best record in MLB.

Can't believe people give up on this team so easily. IF IF IF it happens this would be the first sweep since the Yankees in June. Repeat after me, this is the first sweep since June.

OK, Desi, hit one outta here, really outta here, and DON'T HURT YOURSELF.

peric said...

I am the first to jump on the umps, but that ball hit fence at the top doesn't go out why worry about ump. the ball is in play. LaRache should stop at second. Werth scores

If that was Harper instead of Werth and LaRoche what do you think would have happened? Its why he stays in the lineup and hopefully inspires the other young guys to do what he does. Doesn't appear to be working with the "veterans" like Werth.

Swift Eagle said...

Chollie been managing these games like the play-offs...I hope he does that when they play the Braves, too!

NatsLady said...

Good, Davey. Better idea. Let Tracey PH. Don't like the idea of Desi on the bases.

Swift Eagle said...

Amen, NatsLady!

NatsLady said...

Suddenly the Fillies have a good bullpen. I mean, other than Papelbon.

DJB said...

Rendon is injury prone. He hasn't played a complete season in the minors. Zimmerman has had a good streak since the All-Star break, but he does not have a career OPS that would justify him being the building block for this team. He is also injury prone. There is no position player with a sufficiently high career OPS, that's the problem. Moving Zimmerman to first is the plan, I'm aware, but Rendon is not the solution for the hole at third. Wright may be someone to consider. Ramos is not certain to return. As someone mentioned earlier, ACL's are hard for catcher's to recover from. Most of the steals are on the pitchers this year, but offensively catcher has been a black hole. Bourn is probably not the best solution in the outfield, but the team could use an experienced bat there. Morse is not athetic enough for outfield. His natural position is DH in the American League or first base. He does not have the experience and OPS for the latter.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Two leadoff doubles followed by worthless at bats. Still ticked we gave away at least 1 run. We are not scoring enough to give outs away.

NatsLady said...

I would go for one of the Upton brothers (probably BJ) over Bourn. Just a feeling. BJ has not live d up to his potential. Something strange is going on with Justin in Arizona.

NatsLady said...

Storen! Great! We really need him. Excellent.

ehay2k said...

Agreed Natsjack. That is the Storen of old. And he will be the fresh arm in the bullpen.

DJB said...

By the way, I would take a David Wright/Ryan Zimmerman trade straight-up. Is he locked down for next year? Career OPS of 891 versus injury-prone OPS of 830 for Zimmerman. Wright's OPS is projected to break 900. We need, absolutely must, have experienced bats next year. I don't believe this team has anyone with a career OPS above 900.

NatsLady said...

How are the White Sox playing and the Cubs are still in a rain delay? (Both in Chicago). Weird.

NatsLady said...

Our 8 hits were 1 run. Their 8 hits were 4 runs. OK. Rest up and go down to Miami.

mick said...

First time all season i now question the effort... very poor series, veteran leadership was not there and that may be the story.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

When you score 6 runs in 4 games you usually lose. My advise to the starters do not give up the first run of the game.

what bothers me more. Off is the first timeslot season we have seen poor effort. Some Lugar are were poor.

mick said...

Storen and shark played well...

peric said...

Tyler Moore again played well making the first base decision for next season all that much harder.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Peric: Our best 1b after Laroche is Morse. next year which do you prefer, a lousy leftfielder (morse) and a lousy 1B (Moore). Or an excellent firstbasemen (morse) and teach Moore to play left?

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Observations

Harper has to sit against Left handers: end of story.

Somebody needs to straighten that kid out -- how dare he react to a doubleswitch by Davey by destroying helmets in the tunnel. He needs his ass kicked.

Lastly, Bo Porter has got to go. Mistake after mistake after mistake, it was Bo that would have sent Werth home and yelled and screamed LaRoche back to second. He just stood there, clueless -- get him outta there.

And very Lastly, It looks to me as if Zimm is slipping back to where he was before his shot -- he's slow to the ball again -- He needs another shot.

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