Monday, September 24, 2012

Game 153: Brewers at Nats

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The Nats a win today to salvage a series split with the Brewers.
Their lead in the NL East is down to 4 1/2 games, so should the Nationals be worried? Well, much as they'd like to still lead the Braves by 7 or 8 games, they're still in a commanding position heading down the stretch. If the Nats merely go 5-5 the rest of the way, Atlanta would have to go 9-0 just to force a one-game tiebreaker for the division title. Even if the Nats completely fall apart and go 3-7, the Braves would need to go 7-2 to force that extra game. Still seems unlikely.

The Nationals, of course, do need to win a few more games to wrap this thing up, and they'd certainly love to move step closer today with a victory in their series finale against the Brewers (who are trying to hang on in the Wild Card race but still trail the Cardinals by 2 1/2 games for that final postseason berth).

Wisconsin native Jordan Zimmermann is the starter for this Monday matinee. He'll face a former National in Marco Estrada, who in case anyone forgot posted a 7.20 ERA in 15 appearances (all but one out of the bullpen) for Washington in 2008 and 2009 but has since become a legitimate big-league starter for Milwaukee.

I've got today off, possibly my last day off until the Nationals' season ends (whenever that is). Chase Hughes is covering on my behalf, though, so look for his game updates here and the day's other news on the homepage. I'll talk to you all tomorrow from Philadelphia...

MILWAUKEE BREWERS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 183
Weather: Sunny, 65 degrees, Wind 8 mph LF to RF
NATIONALS (92-60)
RF Jayson Werth
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche

SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
LF Roger Bernadina
C Kurt Suzuki
RHP Jordan Zimmermann

BREWERS (79-73)
RF Norichika Aoki
2B Rickie Weeks
LF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
1B Corey Hart
C Jonathan Lucroy
CF Carlos Gomez
SS Jean Segura
RHP Marco Estrada

UMPIRES
HP Marvin Hudson
1B Tim McClelland (cc)
2B D.J. Reyburn
3B Ted Barrett

1:13 p.m. -- Jordan Zimmermann got out of the first after walking the second batter, Rickie Weeks. The second and third outs both came on fly balls to center field with the second tracked down by Bryce Harper at the wall. He crashed into the wall and tumbled, but had slowed his momentum enough to avoid a big impact. Zimmermann is at 14 pitches (9 strikes) through the first.

1:27 p.m. -- Harper got on with one out on a chopper to third that dribbled down the line like a perfectly placed bunt. He was then moved to second when Zimmerman walked. Harper came home to score two batters later on an errant throw to third when the Nats tried a double steal. Ramirez was far off the bag at third and Lucroy's throw went way over his head. 1-0 Nats.

1:30 p.m. -- And with the first pitch of the second inning Corey Hart takes Zimmermann yard for his 28th home run of the year, this a shot to right-center field. 1-1 here at Nats Park.

1:39 p.m. -- The Brewers got another man on with a two-out triple by Segura. Zimmermann then struck out Estrada to end the frame. On to the bottom of the second in a 1-1 game. Zimm'n has thrown 36 (24) through two.

1:47 p.m. -- No one gets on for the Nats in the second. Espinosa flew out to shallow center, Bernadina was then out at first on a bunt attempt (*UPDATE: Bernadina was called out because his bat hit the ball when he dropped it), and Suzuki then flew out to deep center field. Estrada is at 35 pitches through two with 21 of them strikes.

2:07 p.m. -- No score through the third as the Nationals left a few stranded. Jordan Zimmermann got them started with a single to left and Jayson Werth joined him on base with another one. A Harper flyout, Zimmerman strikeout, and LaRoche popout left them without something to show for it as it remains 1-1 going into the fourth inning. Estrada is at 50 (29).

2:32 p.m. -- Two out hitting, two out hitting. First Bernadina got on first thanks to a fielder's choice. He was then moved to second by a Suzuki single. Zimmermann then punched his second single of the day and scored Bernadina. Then, both Zuke and the Shark came home on a high fly ball to center by Werth. Gomez lost the ball in the sun, ironically a hit by Werth this time, and the Nats were up 4-1. Then Harper walked before Ryan Zimmerman hit a three-run homer to make it 7-1. It was his 24th of the season, he now has 92 RBI.

3:08 p.m. -- The Nationals added two more runs in the fifth off an two-RBI double by Kurt Suzuki. It is now 9-1 Nats heading into the 6th inning with Zimmermann back on the mound having thrown 82 pitches so far.

3:32 p.m. -- Zimmermann retires the first two batters in the 7th before being hooked for Sean Burnett. Zimm'n had thrown 106 pitches for the day, got a big ovation as he walked to the dugout.

3:47 p.m. -- Tyler Clippard comes in to pitch the 8th inning with the Brewers at the top of their lineup. Still 9-1 Nats.

4:02 p.m. -- Clippard was one pitch away from getting out of the inning unscathed until Ryan Braun blooped  a single into right field. Ramirez then smashed a double to center to score the Brewers' second run of the game. 9-2 Nats as we head to the bottom of the eighth.

4:22 p.m. -- The Nats added three more in the eighth inning on a two-RBI double by Ryan Zimmerman and a fielder's choice that sent Zimmerman home. Batted home by Zimm were Mark DeRosa who walked and Eury Perez who got his first major league hit by legging out an infield single. Zimmmerman then scored from third on a double play attempt that Espinosa avoided by beating out the throw to first. 12-2 Nats with Drew Storen coming in to pitch the ninth.

4:32 p.m. -- Storen lets two batters on but gets out of it thanks to a double play and a ground out. 12-2 is the final score as the Nats get number 93.

186 comments:

MicheleS said...

Cough, Cough, Cough.. Sorry boss, not feeling well at all, I think I am going to go home...(Actually, he knows I will be at the game today.)

GO JORDAN! GYFNG! Get some runs.. Clouds over the sun only when the Nats are in the field.

Is there anyway we can summon an eclipse?

LoveDaNats said...

Getting ready to leave for the stadium with 3 of my girlfriends. Girls day at Nats Park! OK, closer to middle-aged ladies day, but whatever. Go Nats! Jordan, throw the game of your life and Estrada.......throw like your old Nat self.

JaneB said...

Enjoy the day off, Mark.

Please, Nats bats, be alive today. Pleasepleaseplease. ANd may Jordan pitch a spelndid game, long into things, so we rest the bullpen. GYFNG!

natsfan1a said...

Don't worry, Mark. We promise to behave while you're off today. (Okay, who's bringing the boombox? Yes, I did just show my age.) :-)

Have fun at the park, ladies! Will be finishing up my work early so as to watch on tv.

Go, JZ! Go, NATS BATS! Go, BLUE BLOCKERS!! Go behind the clouds, SUN!! (Well, at least in the top half of the inning.)

Anonymous said...

The baseball gods have been very kind to us this year. They must have all gotten drunk Saturday night and had a hangover yesterday--they were sure in a foul mood. Orioles have the bases loaded with one out in the ninth and can't score. Dodgers finally look like a team when it's probably too late. And then there's that playing around with the clouds in DC. Etc. etc.

Whatever happens, we have had a hell of a run.

natsfan1a said...

Oldguy, I did wonder whether they'd gone out and celebrated Gio's 20th win. ;-)

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

I just wanted to give you all some recent history for those complaining about the Nats.

The 2006 World Series Champs were the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals finished the 2006 regular season with a 3-9 record and 83-78 to win the NL Central.

Great managers seem to get the most of their teams in the post-season and sometimes the end of the regular season focus changes. No matter what happens, the Nats are in the post-season. Yes, we would all like to see the Nats win the next 6 games and secure the Division quickly.

natsfan1a said...

Haven't read comments for several days but expressing concern isn't the same as complaining, imho.

natsfan1a said...

And thanks for history lesson, but I'm aware of what the Cards did in 2006. Not that I expect it, but I'm also aware of what the Phillies did last season. ;-)

Doc said...

So Marco Estrada, eh.

Is Mike Rizzo starting to supply MLB with used Nats' pitchers? More to come, no doubt.

Only native Cheese Head in the game is pitchin' for us!

GoooooooooJZim!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GoooooooooNats!!!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

MicheleS said...
Cough, Cough, Cough.. Sorry boss, not feeling well at all, I think I am going to go home...(Actually, he knows I will be at the game today.)

GO JORDAN! GYFNG! Get some runs.. Clouds over the sun only when the Nats are in the field.

Is there anyway we can summon an eclipse?

September 24, 2012 10:03 AM


I heard I missed a heck of a party in RF with the Legion of BOOM! You and NatsJack, Swift, Gonat, Andrew, Joe S. and others!

My guess is you were the best baseball mind of the bunch!

Melissa Rabey said...

I'm off to the ballpark shortly to take in the game--my last one at Nats Park this year. So I'm hoping for a win today from Jordan!

Go Nats!!!!

The Real Feel Wood. Accept no substitutes. said...

If the Nats merely go 5-5 the rest of the way that would make them 12-12, a .500 team, since Strasburg was shut down. Just sayin'.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

NatsJack in Florida said...
Ghost....Swift wanted to be there but wasn't. But it s was still a heckuva party.


Swift is the leader of the Legion of BOOM!

Are you traveling to Washington for any of the playoffs or just the WS?

RickH said...

We're having a company outing at the game today, with some of our clients. Let's have a win!!!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

NatsJack, I hear you. Hard to do right now when the game dates aren't set yet. I'm in the same boat. Easier to travel to SFG or StL.

peric said...

Its still basically about getting the bullpen set up since there will only be 4 starters according to Davey.

I don't know if he's eligible but I think Zach Duke would make a nice addition. Seems like he has almost replaced Gorzo of late? Garcia gets H-Rod's 60-day DL slot ... they need to figure out what's up with Clippard and Burnett before October.

It looks like Ghost was right about Lannan ... except not in the playoffs against Atlanta. Looks like he'll be pressed into service against the Phillies twice and will bypass the Cardinals. CMW will pitch one of those along with EJax and JZimnn.

mick said...

May have to take off work and hit the ball park.... time for my Fred G Sanford excuse #116

"You see, I can’t work today, on account of my Arthritis"

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

I see Morse is out today.

JD said...


No chance Lannan is on the playoff roster; zero.
it'l probably be Gio, Zim and Det in the 1st 3 games regardless who we play.

JaneB said...

It'll be good to rest Morse and his wrists, and give Bernie some at bats.

smurff said...

Hanging in left field watching BP before heading up to Sec 209. First time in the Club level. Go Nats!!

smurff said...

Hanging in left field watching BP before heading up to Sec 209. First time in the Club level. Go Nats!!

MicheleS said...

So according to Chase's twitter Garcia will be converted to starter next year!

MicheleS said...

Davey is also going for it in Philly. Det LannEn Gio to start

BigCat said...

Need a Zim shutout today to ease everybody's mind

peric said...

I'll wait for verification from Davey and the other beat reporters on Garcia converting to a starter. Makes no sense given the dearth of relievers.

PChuck said...

Garcia has already had TWO Tommy John surgeries. Trying to make him a starter is a TERRIBLE idea!

If these are the kind of ideas that Davey's coming up with, hopefully he's not here next season.

Theophilus T. S. said...

See via MLBTradeRumors that Jake Peavy likely to be a FA this year. That's a pickup I would endorse.

hiramhover said...

Re: Garcia

This is more Rizzo's call than Davey's, and it's not one he's going to make now.

So I humbly suggest that we postpone worrying about next year until next year. Or at least until the off season.

GYFNG!

natsfan1a said...

You have my vote on that, hhover. :-)

"So I humbly suggest that we postpone worrying about next year until next year. Or at least until the off season."

MicheleS said...

Peric. Kolko's twitter had it about Garcia as well

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Best I can see on the Garcia talk is that its a possibility of making him into a starter.

Theophilus T. S. said...

Sorry to disagree w/ Peric (and it's sometimes dangerous) but I think there's a dearth of starters, not relievers. No Jackson next year, most of you think Lannan is gone, and no one behind them -- with the possible exception of Perry -- to ascend to the No. 5 role. If in fact they want to make Garcia a starter, my guess is he would start the season in Syracuse or H'burg, get acclimated to the job, and come up as a mid-season/injury replacement. Garcia in my mind has more potential than Perry. Two TJs is not a disqualifier. Capuano has had two, and doesn't have nearly as live an arm as Garcia. Jose Rijo, I heard, had five. Maybe what Garcia needs to do is cut down on the number of sliders. If he didn't take to starting, they could always move him back to the pen.

I'm not saying I endorse this idea but it shouldn't be ruled out.

Because I think each of us, right now, could name at least eight guys (including Garcia and five other right-handers -- unfortunately, H. Rodriguez is one) who have earned or are guaranteed spots in next year's BP.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Chase just wrote a new post which covers Garcia who also hurt his bicep pitching Saturday.

MicheleS said...

I have got to stop going into the team store. Its bad for my wallet!

Jane i was able to get a few pictures of Livo, Gio and Stras. Will post later.

NatsLady said...

Michele, don't carry cash. I got bit for a jacket on Half-Street yesterday. Well, gonna need that jacket, right?

JaneB said...

Hurrah MichelleS! I can't wait to see them. How do I find you on twitter?

I'm better off if I take cash to the stadium. They take a card everywhere except in the seats. And once I make it to the seats, I rarely leave.

GO NATS!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

MicheleS, where do you post your pix

MicheleS said...

I took them with the regular camera. Will post link tonight.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Please stop swinging at 3-0 pitches.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

According to FP 68-19 when Nats score first.

MicheleS said...

Umm. Ball is flying today.

Gonat said...

JZim lately seems to be going with almost all fastballs.

MicheleS said...

How bad is the stike zone today. Both dugouts are chirping

A DC Wonk said...

If the Nats merely go 5-5 the rest of the way that would make them 12-12, a .500 team, since Strasburg was shut down. Just sayin'.

Just sayin' what?

Nats were 1-2 (.333) over the last three games Strasburg pitched. Stasburg had an ERA of 6.43 in his last three starts.

Just sayin' ;-)

Gonat said...

Strike zone is for cr-p for both teams but worse for JZim.

A DC Wonk said...

PChuck said...

If these are the kind of ideas that Davey's coming up with, hopefully he's not here next season.

Yep -- Davey's got quite a track record. Consider: he stuck with Desi and Espi during their slumps. Morse, too.

How'd that turn out? Oh, wait -- tied for the best record in baseball so far?

OK, well, what about Davey's past? At (or 2d) highest winning PCT of any active manager?

Clearly -- you must be a fan of a team that competes against the Nats, and you fear Davey's return! ;-)

A DC Wonk said...

Well, what do you expect with replacement umps? Oh, wait, that was that other sport.

Hey, what's going on here! ;-)

Gonat said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Joe Seamhead said...

Thanks,Wonk. You pretty much posted what I was thinking.

MicheleS said...

Thanks gonat.

Can't get a read on it down the 3b line.

Gonat said...

Marvin Hudson is so bad that the 2-0 pitch to Werth was many inches off the zone and called a strike.

This guy needs to go to AAA.

Steady Eddie said...

Michele, from what you can tell on Gameday (I know, not accurate, but at least the locations should be relatively consistent among themselves. I hope), it's not only bad but inconsistent. Outside corner strike by JZimm to Weeks in the third called a ball at the exact same outside placement (just a little lower down) that two pitches earlier was called a strike. Then a makeup call on a pitch just outside the zone called a strike.

No wonder JZimm threw only one pitch to the outside corner to Braun.

(Of course that could be his hot zone to keep away from, though McCatty said they don't look at that so much but pitch to their own strengths. Of course, that may be half BS, at least with Braun. Of course, Braun's hot zone may be anywhere he can reach right now.)

Also, he was throwing mostly four seamers in the first inning but by the third he was favoring the slider (high 80s) much more, and going to the heater only maybe a third of the time or less. Looks like he's searching for a rhythm.

Gonat said...

Ghost Of Steve M. said...
Please stop swinging at 3-0 pitches.

September 24, 2012 1:26 PM
______________________________

That's twice for LaRoche and 2 popups.

Joe Seamhead said...


Brewers manager Ron Roenicke on Jayson Werth as a leadoff hitter:

“You look at their lineup, you look at what Werth is doing. I know he’s a scary hitter because he can drive the ball, but he’s got like a .395 on-base percentage. If you go through the league and look at lead-off men, there aren’t that many guys that can do that. He’s doing that and driving the ball with power. That’s really good.”

Gee, other team's manager sees what some of NIers can't see. A good example of a reason why some of our bloggers aren't managers.

Gonat said...

2:07 p.m. -- No score through the third as the Nationals left a few stranded. Jordan Zimmermann got them started with a single to left and Jayson Werth joined him on base with another one. A Harper flyout, Zimmerman strikeout, and LaRoche popout left them without something to show for it as it remains 1-1 going into the fourth inning. Estrada is at 50 (29).
___________________________________

Better check again, its a 1-1 game.

Gonat said...

Joe Seamhead said...

Brewers manager Ron Roenicke on Jayson Werth as a leadoff hitter:

“You look at their lineup, you look at what Werth is doing. I know he’s a scary hitter because he can drive the ball, but he’s got like a .395 on-base percentage. If you go through the league and look at lead-off men, there aren’t that many guys that can do that. He’s doing that and driving the ball with power. That’s really good.”

Gee, other team's manager sees what some of NIers can't see. A good example of a reason why some of our bloggers aren't managers.

September 24, 2012 2:09 PM
______________________________________

Some idiot on here over the weekend was crowing that Werth had no power. They will complain about anything.

Section 222 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Section 222 said...

Took lunch a little late and listened to an hour of Charlie and Dave. Sounds like Marvin Hudson is continuing his audition to be an NFL replacement ref. Ugh. I'd love for a reporter to really dig into how MLB evaluates its umps and uses that information.

Once again, Harper's hustle leads to a run. In the off season, I think I'll take a look at all of his runs scored and try to assess how many of them resulted from his hustle. That wouldn't include runs scored by others where he kept the inning alive by beating out an infield hit. He just seems to have an uncanny ability to take advantage of any opponent's weakness to score. So much fun to watch.

JZnn hasn't been great, but he's allowed only a run in four innings. Keep it up guy. We need you to be strong in the postseason.

Gonat said...

Getting hard to buy a run here.

Steady Eddie said...

For those watching on TV or at the game, is Estrada getting a lot of late movement on his pitches? Because, boy, a lot of swings on pitches nowhere near the plate.

Also, did Danny just make a bad decision on the Shark grounder or Hart make a good play? Or both?
Lousy trade of a runner on third for one on first, though a ball hit to the right side should get a runner home.

Swift Eagle said...

Contact play was on, most managers would do that in the 4th inning, an aggressive play, but probably the correct one...

But Jordan just picked up another RBI!!

A DC Wonk said...

JZ: if the rest of you guys can't drive in runs, I'll have to do it myself! ;-)

Gonat said...

Sad that the first RBI for the Nats today is from the pitcher.

Gonat said...

Swift Eagle said...
Contact play was on, most managers would do that in the 4th inning, an aggressive play, but probably the correct one...

But Jordan just picked up another RBI!!

September 24, 2012 2:25 PM
____________________________________

Its the right play but poor situational contact once again.

Bernadina got himself in a 0-2 hole quickly.

Swift Eagle said...

KARMA!!!

Gonat said...

Oh my, the Nats finally get a break.

MicheleS said...

The sun finally pays us back!!!!!

Swift Eagle said...

At long last, the bright star that is the center of our Solar System has decided to torture another team's outfield instead of the Nats...

Steady Eddie said...

Gonat, didn't they score all three runs against the Dodgers in JZimm's last game without an RBI hit? They all count the same no matter how they came in.

JZimm might not be a bad extra inning PH in the playoffs the game after he's pitched...

So now you don't have to feel so sad with Werth bringing in two more.

Gonat said...

Estrada is rattled.

A DC Wonk said...

You always hope that "lost in the sun" will even itself in the long run.

It's to see it happen in the short run!!

Steady Eddie said...

Sounds like karma paying Werth back after yesterday.

Swift Eagle said...

If they want free Oakley's, FP and Ray Knight better not hold their breath...

Gonat said...

Steady Eddie, you take 'em as you can get 'em as they say but the fact is that LaRoche has had 2 opportunities with men on and swung at two 3-0 counts and popped them up.

Swift Eagle said...

BOOM!!! Ryan makes it 7-1!!

Gonat said...

Gonat said...
Estrada is rattled.

September 24, 2012 2:30 PM
__________________________________

TOLD YOU

Swift Eagle said...

Since the cortisone shot, Ryan has been the best player in the NL...Look it up

MicheleS said...

Another ex Nats pitcher helping us out! ZIM GOES BOOM!

Faraz Shaikh said...

Gonat, are you really complaining about the guy who leads the team in RBIs? And you know why he does, probably by swinging away in favorable counts.

blovy8 said...

The Nats right handed starters are all good hitters. Even Stammen has good atbats.

Section 222 said...

Oh baby!

Gonat said...

The Legion of BOOM

Swift Eagle said...

Gonat, I didn't like the results either, but the two 3-0 swings by LaRoche were great pitches to hit...The way he's been swinging, I like him going after those...

A DC Wonk said...

wow . . . so how many runs did the sun end up costing 'em? how many runs did we get with two outs this inning!

wow.

karma indeed!

I can exhale for a bit!

Smatt1001 said...

Zim's second three-run homer in three days!! And ALR's popup prevents a repeat of Saturday

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Holy spit!!!!

A DC Wonk said...

Gonat -- I know that LaRoche has at least one home run this year swinging on a 3-0 count.

Typically, the guy who bats clean up, and a guy with 30+ home runs is exactly one of the few guys who gets a green light on 3-0, no?

natsfan1a said...

How awesome is it that they got the convertible park sunshield designed, built, and set up before the game?

Faraz Shaikh said...

Zimm has 24 HR and 92 RBIs on the year. Had he not missed time and played hurt for some games, I think he would be a better MVP candidate than ALR at least.

Gonat said...

Wassup with Adam LaRoche today? Back shoulder dropping again.

Swift Eagle said...

Honestly, Nats Park appears to be the worst Sun/Shadow ballpark I've ever seen...How did that happen?

The poor outfielders appear to be totally helpless on these flyballs

Joe Seamhead said...

Werth just did a smart thing in RF the way he stepped to his left to make the play in the sun. In other words he had his left shoulder pointed slightly towards home. It helps to see the ball in the sun as you're not looking directly into it.

natsfan1a said...

Keep your foot on their throats, boys, because these guys can score runs. (Well, maybe you can let up a bit if Livo comes in and gives up a few. Love you, Livo. :-))

natsfan1a said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Swift Eagle said...

You're right Joe, but Werth was still fighting the sun until the last moment...It looks miserable for OFs out there

Swift Eagle said...

Not joking, I really think Lombo lost a GROUND BALL in the shadows yesterday!

Late in the game yesterday, there were approx. 20 different shadows in the infield from the stands, lights, poles, etc...Total nightmare

natsfan1a said...

Excuse me. Evidently my laptop has the hiccups.

Swift Eagle said...

A steal up 6? I love it, but somewhere Jamie Quirk is probably upset

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Just hand Desi the Silver Slugger now!

Swift Eagle said...

Wow...did I just see Danny cut down his swing and take an outside pitch the opposite way for a base hit?

Don't give up on him yet...

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Marvin Hudson SUCKS

Swift Eagle said...

Bob U on the radio call for Mil thinks Ian was safe too!

Swift Eagle said...

The rout is ON

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

You can't do that Marvin. it really wasn't that close on Desi

Swift Eagle said...

Wow, may need to go to the pen to replace Bo Porter, his arm must be tired after waving all these guys in...

natsfan1a said...

I was tempted to start a "We went Livo" chant when MIL went to the 'pen yesterday, but didn't. It could work here. :-)

MicheleS said...

1A. Has your computer been drinking the Nats koolaid?

natsfan1a said...

Uh, we "want."

Joe Seamhead said...

Some serious " Jamm- age" by Suzuki. As in his walk up song, Bob Marly's Jammin'

natsfan1a said...

I only spilled the teensiest bit on it, Michele. Heh.

Faraz Shaikh said...

NatsJack, there is a Suzuki you don't like?

natsfan1a said...

They were playing a Marley CD at the pet store the other day before the game. Maybe it was a sign, just a day early.

Swift Eagle said...

Marely at a Pet Store! Now that's cool...

natsfan1a said...

The rastah hounds like it. :-)

Faraz Shaikh said...

does not sound fun, NatsJack. :)

Nats only lead by eight, thanks to HP umpire.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Jamie Quirk is still yelling at his TV.

Section 222 said...

Jamie Q. can go F. himself. Until that magic number is 0, it's pedal to the metal, boots on their throats, playing 110%, and every other cliche' you can think of. This team didn't endure 100 loss seasons and league-wide ridicule to be satisfied with Ms. Congeniality awards.

natsfan1a said...

As noted, I'm behind in comment reading. Why do we care what Jamie Quirk thinks?

Faraz Shaikh said...

I believe Jamie is the coach who took objection to Nats stealing when they were up by five or six runs in 6th inning of a Nats-Cubs game.

Section 222 said...

As the Nats pile it on, Ghost was cleverly invoking Jamie Quirk, who was the Cards coach who went after Bo Porter for Werth swinging away on a 3-0 pitch. Bo said, among the things that could be quoted on a family blog, "That's the way we play" -- which I still would love to see on a T-Shirt.

natsfan1a said...

Thanks, guys. I was out of town from that game through the last FLA series here and didn't see the games (probably just as well on the FLA series).

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

The Quirk will forever be a part of he Nats 2012 history and get the 1-Tool award for being the biggest tool.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

JZim gets to start the 7th. Curious move.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

What a great start by JZim!!! I like where Davey yanked him with Nyjer steppin in.

Swift Eagle said...

Nice start from Jordan...Won't it be great in a couple years when no of us will know or care about the pitch count/innings count for Jordan and Stephen??

Can't wait to just watch them pitch...

Steady Eddie said...

Ghost -- yeah, LOVED that Davey chased Nyjer out of the game without his having really entered it by bringing in Burny.

Swift Eagle said...

I've posted this before, but I think playoff Games 1 and 2 are actually going to help the Nats.

The first playoff game in DC is going to be surrounded by a lot of hoopla and distractions, which would be even worse if it were Game 1...That would be a tough one to win...Often the home team in Game 1 "tries to do too much" which Davey says has been a problem all year..

Can you imagine how many swings for the fences the Nats would take in a home Game 1?

Section 222 said...

Swift, I only hope the Nats don't come back from SF trailing 2-0, adding immeasurably to the pressure of that first playoff game in DC.

Secret wasian man said...

Just got home. WHoo Hoo go Nats. Good point Swift. But Bud Selig is a Moron with this playoff setup.

Swift Eagle said...

Agree Sec 222...Which is why they really need to get the Z and avoid a first round v. San Fran..

Cain and Bumgartner in Games 1 and 2 at that ballpark? Yeah, that would be tough

SFNats said...

Bud Selig is a moron regardless of the playoff setup.

Swift Eagle said...

Yes, SWM, this year's setup is stupid...

But I remember many home Game 1s that the Caps lost b/c they were trying to make the spectacular play to excite the fabulous crowd, while the visitors just played playoff hockey...

I could see the young Nats being similar

Joe Seamhead said...

We will not be denied in the first round. Period. Call in the dogs, sell the farm, go to your bookie, and put it all inthe Nats.

Theophilus T. S. said...

Clippard in the 8th; this'll be interestin'.

Theophilus T. S. said...

Moore looking competent on another fly ball. So much improvement this summer.

Joe Seamhead said...

And put it all on the Nats

Theophilus T. S. said...

High and tight FB is back.

Section 222 said...

JoeS, I've already sold the farm for all those playoff tickets I bought!

SCNatsFan said...

God I wish Clip would throw more first pitch strikes.

Good effort from the boys today.

Gonat said...

Clip looking comfortable out there. McCatty had interesting comments about Clip in the pre-game to Charlie & Dave.

Gonat said...

Section 222 said...
JoeS, I've already sold the farm for all those playoff tickets I bought!

September 24, 2012 3:56 PM
_____________________________

I got more tickets today in a non-descript envelope address fro Texarcana (sp?)

Gonat said...

OK, a blooper and then a Aramis liner. That stinks.

natsfan1a said...

I've really come to dislike that particular ditty on the organ. :-)

natsfan1a said...

(The mound visit vamp.)

Theophilus T. S. said...

Still can't find the plate.

natsfan1a said...

That dude with the bills stuck all over him is creepy.

Gonat said...

Here we go in the Eury Perez era! Go Eury!

Gonat said...

That better be a hit because that's what speed does for you! Batting 1.000

Gonat said...

Take that Nyjer Morgan!

Joe Seamhead said...

That was a good move by Johnson to put Clippard in. Let him work on getting rid of some ghosts.
Hey, Mark DeRosa can still dive back. Congrats to Perez. That's a hit. Bad call by the official scorer. Did you all see Perez fly?

natsfan1a said...

True on the other commercial, NatsJack.

What? Not a hit?

natsfan1a said...

Maybe the sun was in his eyes.

natsfan1a said...

Okay, they changed it.

Joe Seamhead said...

Nats Jack, he's not " bad." He's in a slump. he'll be finek.
Again, did you see Perez fly around the bases? Wow!

JaneB said...

I'm especially happy for Eury. Wish that ump had let you have your moment. And that Dude with the bills on him IS creepy, He means well but he is majorly creepy. He is near our section often.

May the Sun Monster whack the Phillies Thursday afternoon. Far as I am concerned, he still got more bites out of our guys than he got out of our opponents.

natsfan1a said...

Kid getting some love on the bench. That's nice.

Gonat said...

NatsJack in Florida said...
I hate to say it but relievers who need 28 pitches to get through an inning are usually called "bad".

September 24, 2012 4:08 PM
__________________________________

He's typically 17 to 22 a good inning. That doinker by Ryan Braun is played shallower against any other oppo hitter and caught by the RF.

Gonat said...

NatsJack in Florida said...
The Nats official scorer is as bad as Marvin Hudson.

September 24, 2012 4:11 PM
_______________________________

LMAO. You knew that one was changing. SPEED KILLS

Joe Seamhead said...

Damn iPad. He'll be fine,Jack.
I'd like to figure a way to get Perez more playing time.

Gonat said...

93 RBIs for RZim and counting. That needs a Cortisone shot for everyone!

Ian Desmond with 5 walks in 4 games. Who woulda thunk that?

Gonat said...

NatsJack in Florida said...
I know Gonat. The 17 - 22 number for a good inning is playing with fire, though.

September 24, 2012 4:16 PM
______________________________________

It is like an inning and a 1/2 when you look at arm stress so his innings count is misleading though McCatty said that isn't the case.

natsfan1a said...

Livo sighting.

JaneB said...

Plus I'm happy for Desi being a 20/20 guy, which I think I heard Dave and Charlie say had happened today.

natsfan1a said...

I noticed at the weekend games that Livo didn't head into the 'pen until the third inning or so. Was wondering whether he might be doing some throwing inside before heading out there, as much as he threw before games as a starter. He didn't seem to throw many in the 'pen before coming in on Saturday. (I was fine with the results, of course. Love ya, Livo. :-))

MicheleS said...

Phone is dying someone take over for Me. Tou know what to do ;-)

natsfan1a said...

I'm on it, Michele. :-)

Joe Seamhead said...

Okay, Drew, let you imagination go wild. It's a 2-1 game in the 9th. Put 'em down!

natsfan1a said...

Desi wants to see Chad's Gio impression. :-)

natsfan1a said...

Druuuu

Joe Seamhead said...

A Des-Pinosa double play!

Joe Seamhead said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
natsfan1a said...

Per Michele's request, a nice, big Magic Number-reducing Woo hoo!

JaneB said...

I love Clipp. I totally am in the tank for him. AND I want Drew to close. He's back, and I'm thrilled.
5! 5! 5! 5! Lots of cookies for the dogs! I hear you from here, MichelleS!

GYFNG!!!!!!

Joe Seamhead said...

GYFNG!!!

natsfan1a said...

Wow, that was fast on the counter!

JaneB said...

I know! I've been wondering about the counter! Is it on automatic, or dose a human change it?

SFNats said...

Clinching the division for the first time ever: Good

Clinching the division in Philly: Even better

JaneB said...

I have to agree with you, SFNats.

Section 222 said...

It would be quite a feat to design a Magic Number that automatically changes when the Nats win or the Braves lose.

natsfan1a said...

Not to blow my own horn or claim my own first-dom, but I made a similar observation on September 11. Not an easy task, but it would be sweet to clinch there. :-)

Mark Zuckerman said...

Natsfan1a, JaneB and Section 222: I wish I knew how to design an automated Magic Number counter. I could probably make a pretty penny off such an app!

In the meantime, I just stand by the ready and change the number manually as soon as the game ends. :)

natsfan1a said...

Thanks, Mark, and on your off day, even. :-)

Scooter said...

I know nobody's here any more, but: here's a Magic Number widget.

You seem to be okay for this year, but keep this in mind for the future. (I don't think this site uses Word Press, but maybe there's one out there for what you do use.)

Just a thought.

Scooter said...

Gah! Made it go to a second page!

hangs head in shame

Post a Comment