Monday, April 29, 2013

Game 26: Nats at Braves

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The Nats open a four-game series at Turner Field tonight.
ATLANTA — Only a couple of days ago, the Nationals looked at this week's trip to Atlanta potentially as a make-or-break early series against their division rivals, who held a 5-game lead and looked unstoppable. How quickly things change. All of a sudden, it's the Nats who feel good about themselves (after taking three of four from the Reds over the weekend) and the Braves who are in panic-mode (having lost seven of 10 and seen their NL East lead dwindle to 2 1/2 games).

This does still remain an important series for the Nationals, who certainly want to avenge their earlier sweep at the hands of the Braves in D.C. And it's an important start tonight for Stephen Strasburg, who is mired in a four-game losing streak for the first time in his career even though he's pitched fairly well during that stretch.

As expected, Wilson Ramos has been activated off the 15-day disabled list, with Jhonatan Solano optioned back to Class AAA Syracuse. Ramos, though, is surprisingly not in the lineup tonight. Kurt Suzuki will be behind the plate working with Strasburg. Anthony Rendon also has the night off, with Chad Tracy starting at third base against Atlanta right-hander Julio Teheran.

Updates to come...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at ATLANTA BRAVES
Where: Turner Field
Gametime: 7:10 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, ESPN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 188
Weather: Partly cloudy, 74 degrees, Wind 4 mph out to CF
NATIONALS (13-12)
CF Denard Span
2B Danny Espinosa
LF Bryce Harper
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
3B Chad Tracy
C Kurt Suzuki
RHP Stephen Strasburg

BRAVES (15-9)
RF Jordan Schafer
SS Andrelton Simmons
LF Justin Upton
1B Freddie Freeman
3B Chris Johnson
2B Dan Uggla
CF B.J. Upton
C Gerald Laird
RHP Julio Teheran

UMPIRES
HP Laz Diaz
1B Tim Timmons
2B Mike Winters (cc)
3B Mark Wegner

7:11 p.m. — And we're underway. Julio Teheran starts Denard Span off with a fastball for ball one.

7:21 p.m. — Well, that proved to be a wasted opportunity for the Nats. Span had a great at-bat to get the game started, working the count full and then singling up the middle. But Danny Espinosa followed by striking out on three pitches, the last one over his head. And then Span was picked off first base. That really proved costly moments later when Bryce Harper roped a double down the right-field line. It might've scored Span ... had he still been on base. So the Nats fail to score despite recording a couple of hits. Here's Stephen Strasburg for a very important bottom of the first.

7:34 p.m. — Uh-oh, the First Inning Monster has returned for Strasburg. He fell behind 3-0 to Jordan Schafer, then ultimately walked the Braves leadoff man. Though he proceeded to strike out Andrelton Simmons, Schafer stole second on the pitch. That proved significant, because Justin Upton singled to right, driving the run home. Things might have been much worse, but the Nats caught a huge break when Freddie Freeman was caught straying too far off first base on his single to left (though replays showed him clearly safe). So even though Strasburg gave up two hard hits and a walk, he escaped allowing only one run. Still, the first inning continues to plague the right-hander. His first inning ERA this season is now 10.50. In every other inning, his ERA is 1.85. Braves up 1-0 after one.

7:50 p.m. — The good news: The Nats have taken the lead, thanks to four straight base hits to begin the second inning, including one from ... wait for it ... Adam LaRoche! Yes, the 0-for-26 nightmare is officially over, and for that, LaRoche can thank his buddy Chipper Jones (who offered some hitting advice earlier today). LaRoche's base hit to left was followed by singles from Ian Desmond, Chad Tracy and Kurt Suzuki, bringing home two runs. The bad news: The Nats squandered a great chance to really take it to Teheran. It began with Strasburg failing on three attempts to get a bunt down, the last of which he completely whiffed. That hung Tracy out to dry at second base, picked off for a bad doublt play. Span then struck out, so despite having racked up six hits already, the Nats lead only 2-1.

7:58 p.m. — Another wild inning in a game that's already featured plenty of wild stuff. Strasburg gave up a leadoff single, but he battled back to get out of the inning without any more damage. Well, except to Espinosa, who took Dan Uggla's knee off his own in a big collision at second base. Espinosa (who dropped the ball trying to make the turn on a 6-4-3 double play) was limping around afterward but stayed in. He's leading off the top of the the third, so we'll see how he's feeling. Still 2-1 Nats.

8:12 p.m. — Strasburg is overthrowing like crazy out there. He keeps losing his balance on his follow-through. But he's getting by, thanks in no small part to his defense in the bottom of the third. Span made a nice catch at the wall on Simmons' deep drive to center. Tracy and Espinosa then pulled off a nice 5-4-3 double play to end the inning and erase another leadoff walk to Schafer. So it remains 2-1 Nats after three, with Strasburg at 43 pitches (25 strikes).

8:21 p.m. — The Nats already have nine hits in four innings off Teheran, but they only have the two runs to show for it. Some missed opportunities, obviously.

8:32 p.m. — Strasburg continues to labor, but he's not being punished as much for it as he could be. He issued another leadoff walk (his third in four innings) and then a couple of singles, the last of which brought Freeman home from second. Fortunately, Span made a nice throw to third base to get the trailing runner, Uggla, to end the inning. So it's now 2-2 after four as Strasburg tries to shake whatever it is that's plaguing him right now.

8:50 p.m. — Stat of the night: Strasburg has pitched out of the windup to only five of the 22 batters he's faced tonight: The leadoff hitter in each inning. They've all reached, forcing him to pitch out of the stretch and really battle throughout. It has definitely been a battle, yet he's somehow made it through five innings allowing only two runs. For that, he can thank himself for blowing a 96 mph, 3-2 fastball past Justin Upton and then Tracy for making a nice snag of Freeman's roped liner to end the fifth. Strasburg has put 10 men on base so far, but this remains a 2-2 game heading to the sixth.

9:08 p.m. — How much do the Nats feel like they've let the Braves pitching staff off the hook so far tonight? A lot. Though they knocked Teheran out after 5 1/3 laborious innings, they managed to score only two runs off him. Then reliever Jordan Walden entered in a jam in the sixth and got out of it with ease. The Nats have 10 hits and a walk through six innings, but they've stranded six men on base and had two others thrown out on the bases. It's still 2-2, but they'll feel like they should be comfortably ahead right now.

9:18 p.m. — Well, at least Strasburg finished on a high note. He struck out the side in the sixth, finally getting Uggla (on a changeup) and also getting Johnson and B.J. Upton. His final line: 6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 8 K, 93 pitches, 53 strikes. You know, as much agonizing as there's been over him, Strasburg still sports a 3.13 ERA, 36 strikeouts and 12 walks in 37 1/3 innings this season. Obviously, the bar has been set extraordinarily high for him. Still 2-2 heading to the seventh.

9:37 p.m. — The leadoff walk gets the Nats yet again. Tyler Clippard put No. 8 hitter Gerald Laird on to open the bottom of the seventh and paid the price for it. Laird ultimately scored on Andrelton Simmons' sac fly to right, though a good throw from Werth would've had him. The throw was well wide of the plate. All three Braves' runs tonight have been scored by guys who reached base on leadoff walks. So the Nats now trail 3-2 and are down to their last six outs, facing a very tough Atlanta bullpen.

9:49 p.m. — Nothin' doin' against Eric O'Flaherty in the top of the eighth. Werth was in agony after fouling a ball off his left ankle/foot and could barely muster a swing after that in striking out. He's now been replaced in right field by Roger Bernadina as we move to the bottom of the eighth, the Nats needing to hold the Braves and then hope to mount a rally against Craig Kimbrel in the ninth.

9:55 p.m. — Dominant eighth inning from Drew Storen, who struck out both Johnson and Uggla. So it's onto the ninth, with Desmond, Tracy and Suzuki due up against Kimbrel.

10:03 p.m. — It's over. Nats lose 3-2, a game in which they'll feel like they should've taken a larger lead early. They've now dropped eight straight to the Braves, dating back to last season, and they trail the NL East by 3 1/2 games.

230 comments:

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UNTERP said...

I don't want Stras pitching to contact. I want Stras putting the whip to everyone. Be who you are, not who someone (McCatty) else wants you to be...

MickMcD said...

Mark, game is on ESPN in DC and Atlanta - it's a full national broadcast.

Doc said...

Tracy deserves to be in there.

So does Ramos, and TyMo at 1B.

Jeezus Davey, wad ya waitin' for????

Riggleitis must have taken hold. Better see the trainer for some meds!

natsfan1a said...

Go, Stephen! Go, NATS!!

Secret wasian man said...

ALR in the line up. It's ok against a righty. But not lefties.

baseballswami said...

Ok everyone, now breathe. It's one game, one series. HOpefully Adam and Stras will both be on tonight. Hate Danny in the two hole....

natsfan1a said...

Maybe we'll some see Gackitude from the Barves, who seem to have cooled off a bit. Hey, it could happen. Also won't mind if our guys don't give their fans much cause for any Hatchet Hackitude (yuck).

NatsLady said...

Guys, hit it to RF, nobody's playing there. :)

EmDash said...

For Teheran, you do probably want as man lefties as possible in your line-up - they're hitting .415/.479/.829 against him with more walks than strikeouts. I'm surprised Tracy isn't starting at third for that exact reason.

NatsLady said...

Does that mean Ramos will catch Gio tomorrow?

Cwj said...

Another reason why w-l records mean nothing for a pitcher: Strasburg 2.37 ERA in last 3 starts with 20/4 so/bb over 19 innings.

Go Nats!

natsfan1a said...

MASN update from the Bos chat:

A. Thomas Boswell:

BTW, apparently the Nats-MASN dispute has now gone to "the commissioner's office" for the next stage of Whatever-It-Is. Commissioner's Office = Bud. He was presiding when this mess happened. He needs to man up and get a resolution before he leaves at the end of 2014. If it's a good deal, then both sides will hate it.

John C. said...

April 29, 2013 3:52 PM
EmDash said...
For Teheran, you do probably want as man lefties as possible in your line-up - they're hitting .415/.479/.829 against him with more walks than strikeouts. I'm surprised Tracy isn't starting at third for that exact reason.


Um, EmDash ... Tracey IS starting at 3b :D

A DC Wonk said...

Maybe we'll some see Gackitude from the Barves

One of the all-time classic NI statements. Thanks for the chuckle!

Also won't mind if our guys don't give their fans much cause for any Hatchet Hackitude

And a nice follow-up, too!

Unknown said...

Davey, You need to give Henry some more rope. We haven't seen enough of him over the past three seasons.

Dave said...

This evening's game is on MASN, MickMcD. The Nats vs. Braves game on Wednesday is this week's ESPN Wednesday night game.

And of course, the MASN deal remains unresolved. So if it's resolved by the end of 2014, it'll just be over two full years late.

Shameful. Shame on MLB, shame on Angelos.

Eric said...

"Hate Danny in the two hole...."

That's what she said!

Sorry, sorry.

Seriously though, I don't know what it is, but I think he could be great there if he can keep hitting.

Dave said...

Oh yeah, and speaking of 'tude, maybe Gattitude is a thing of a past. Gattis went 2-for-Detroit and is currently batting .236.

EmDash said...

You are correct, John C! I saw a different line-up on Twitter earlier and probably should've looked closer at this post before I commented...

Eric said...

If we do well in Atlanta (3/4 or a sweep), particularly if Gattis remains quiet while we're there, I think the Gattitude thing will come to live in infamy down in Atlanta. Never define yourself on the basis of your opponent! ;)

Eric said...

Wait, wait, wait, I didn't even notice that Gattis is out of the line up tonight...hilarious!

Nats106 said...

This game is the must win game of this series. Our Ace and their rookie #5. Despite Teheran pitching well last time out, he has been hit, even by us. Let's get this team while they are down and tired after a late night in Detroit. Hopefully it sets the stage for a good series.

Need some solid defense from the infield. Can't have Strasburg get down if the defense isn't working for him.

Go Nats.

Les_in_NC said...

IMO, I would like to see more of Espi batting 2nd. Forcing pitchers to give him something close in an attempt to not get to Bryce. Now if he would just cut that big loop out of his swing.....

Section 222 said...

Oh no. Ramos isn't back in the lineup to catch Stras?! Maybe he's on to catch Gio tomorrow? What a catastrophe!

Seems like Davey's not buying into the preferred catcher stuff.

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

I think that only the Saturday Fox games and Sunday ESPN games pre-empt the local broadcasts. Tonight's and Wednesday's games will be national broadcasts blacked out in the two cities, just like games on MLB Network.

pwilly said...

I don't know about a "must win" but I'd just like to see a crisp, clean game. Enough with the physical and mental errors. Biggest difference between last year and this year, so far.

Gonat said...

Zuk did a great job with JZim and the pace of the game and I just hope he can be in step with Stras. I'm more worried about Zuk's over-use which is a bigger reason to get Ramos back in there.

Gonat said...

Starting lineup with LaRoche, Espi, and Tracy. 3 guys batting under .179 and the pitcher has a better BA than all 3, heck he has a better BA than Suzuki also.

When was the last time 30 days into the season did a pitcher have a better BA than 50% of his position players?

Anonymous said...

Position in the batting order is over-rated according to some of the sabremetric guys. I'm ok with Danny batting 2nd. He is much improved in k's from last year. I don't know why people jump all over him all the time, its like the Werth thing from a couple of years ago, and honestly its getting old.

Gonat said...

Freddi benched BJ Upton yesterday and today moved him way down in the order to #7. At least their manager is thinking outside the box. Our manager has LaRoche back in the #5 and Espi in the #2.

Mark - Freddi is thinking so far out of the box he has 2 Centerfielders.

BRAVES (15-9)
CF Jordan Schafer
SS Andrelton Simmons
LF Justin Upton
1B Freddie Freeman
3B Chris Johnson
2B Dan Uggla
CF B.J. Upton
C Gerald Laird
RHP Julio Teheran

Old Wino said...

Time to win another series. Be patient. Trust in Davey.

All is well in Nat world.

My wish is a 123 first inning for Stras!

:)

Anonymous said...

I'm liking zooki more and more for his calls behind the plate.

Ramos, Lombo, Tmo will all see plenty of ab's as the season goes on, I'm not worried.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I checked the crystal ball. Nats 5 Braves 2.

ALR gets a hit today.

I am with old Stras comes to pitch and 11 K. Screw pitching to contact.

Harper 1 for 2 with 2 BB.

Gonat said...

We all like Zook and that playing everyday thing has taken its toll on his offensive production. On April 17th he was batting .360 and today he's .241 That's a sizeable drop.

Yesterday was actually Suzuki's 1st XBH since April 17th.

Sure, Trust In Davey.

Grandstander said...

When was the last time 30 days into the season did a pitcher have a better BA than 50% of his position players?

Last year, Strasburg finished his season with a .277 average, which was enough to best every player on the roster save Zim, Desi, Morse, ALR and Bernadina. And that includes Harper, who batted .270 last year.

Candide said...

johnny nats said...I'm ok with Danny batting 2nd. He is much improved in k's from last year. I don't know why people jump all over him all the time...

Let me explain it to you: .178/.221/.356/.577

Sam said...

I think Harper should just bat 9 times. All in favor, say, "Aye!"

Holden Baroque said...

Happy anniversary (well, probably not) to Lee Elia; timeless, and more than a little reminiscent of ... um, some other places.

NSFW, even if it wasn't you that said it, transcript only.

Holden Baroque said...

Maybe we'll some see Gackitude from the Barves

Excellent, Smithers!

Please tell me that's your coinage?

Gonat said...

Adam LaRoche got some tips from Chipper Jones this afternoon.

I expect LaRoche to bat switch-hitting and hit 2 bombs!

MicheleS said...

GO STRAS! GYFNG! LaRoche got batting tips from his other batting coach - Chipper! Hey, whatever it takes!

Gonat said...

Candide said...
johnny nats said...I'm ok with Danny batting 2nd. He is much improved in k's from last year. I don't know why people jump all over him all the time...

Let me explain it to you: .178/.221/.356/.577

April 29, 2013 5:35 PM
___________________________________

I fell out of my chair laughing! I don't think Danny earned the honor of batting 2nd but it's an unbelievable opportunity to bat in front of Bryce Harper.

Let's just hope Espinosa can adjust his approach to take advantage of it.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Yep, LaRoche is getting 2 hits tonight!

Anonymous said...

.178/.221/.356/.577

Small sample size. Hey, smack down whoever you want, but Espi isn't the one with the huge contract. For me, I'm not ready for unconditional release just yet.

Don said...

Espi batting 2 again? Man oh man. Davey's pushing a square peg into a round hole.

Gonat said...

Don, statistically Espi will see the best pitches in that spot. They don't want to walk him.

It's all in the approach.

NatsLady said...

P-Nats rained out, double-header tomorrow. I don't expect Ryan will play both games.

Don said...

Gonat -- Espi is not a good contact hitter and his pitch regonition is not good either. There is not much reason to throw him strikes in bunches as he's not taking walks wherever he bats in the order. Choosing him to get extra ABs in front of the run producers is a risky play by Davey.

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

MickMcD said...
Mark, game is on ESPN in DC and Atlanta - it's a full national broadcast.

April 29, 2013 3:37 PM
_____________________________

I'm watching on MASN

Gonat said...

Don, I was trying to do my reverse positivity. Well there is your swing and miss with his eyes closed by Espi on 2 straight ABs.

Unknown said...

Wtf is Danny batting 2nd!!! Ugh!

Gonat said...

Denard picked off again. I thought he learned from Spring Training.

How do you take yourself off the basepaths with the #1 guy in Majors.

Section 222 said...

If Espi is going to swing at pitches like that, batting in front of Harper isn't going to help him a bit.

Nice interview of Harper by FP. Actual questions unlike what our sideline reporters come up with. Almost succeeded in getting actual answers from Harper too!

Span was safe.

Gonat said...

2 mental mistakes already. Danny swinging at balls at his eyeballs and Denard picked-off.

Brilliant!

Unknown said...

Unreal. Danny's SO had all kinds of repercussions...all bad. Span call was wring. TV shows safe

Don said...

Espi's pitch RECOGNITION is better than my typing, without question.

Section 222 said...

The game is on both ESPN and MASN in DC.

Gonat said...

Section 222 said...

Span was safe.

April 29, 2013 7:18 PM
_______________________________

While replay showed he was safe by an eyelash, the ump has the call and unless Span was stealing it was just dumb.

Section 222 said...

With ALR due up next, Werth probably won't see anything to hit.

Gonat said...

Werth was just served a meatball and couldn't drive it far enough.

smh

Section 222 said...

While replay showed he was safe by an eyelash, the ump has the call and unless Span was stealing it was just dumb.

Of course the ump has the call, but if he actually got back, he had it timed right. I'm not going to blame him for letting it get too close. That's not fair at all. Under that theory, he shouldn't take any lead because you can never predict how bad the call will be.

Gonat said...

Section 222 said...
With ALR due up next, Werth probably won't see anything to hit.

April 29, 2013 7:21 PM
________________________________

You would think put Teheran heard that Chipper Jones was giving LaRoche hitting advice which shifted his strategy.

Chipper to LaRoche "I suggest you hit with your eyes open". ;)

Section 222 said...

I'm watching ESPN, seeing how much love the Nats will get. Looks like ESPN has a one hour special tonight on Bryce's first year!! It's called "Bryce Begins".

SCNatsFan said...

At least moving Danny up will give him a chance at 4 strikeouts.

And Stras up to his usual antics.

Joe Seamhead said...

It's in the book that he was picked off, and it hurt, but he was safe. The only thing that looked dumb to me was Espy's AB.

Strasburg is a mess.

Secret wasian man said...

Truly disgusted with the bone headed moves this team constantly makes. Lead off hit followed by Stevie Wonder (danny) A pick off then a double. Very important lead run is wasted. I am sick of this crappy team. And even more sick of all the excuses.

Exposremains said...

Espinosa needs to sit. Strasburg, I don't get it.

Alphabet Soup Erik said...

This is already painful to watch.

Gonat said...

Secret, I'm fairly sure Span isn't stealing 2nd with Harper batting so why did he lean which caused the pickoff?

SCNatsFan said...

Welcome to your 2013 Nats. Nothing changes.

Gonat said...

This is all on Strasburg. Can't blame this on the defense in this start.

Candide said...

I'm wondering why Davey has Henry as his starting pitcher tonight.

Exposremains said...

That's what happen when you strike out on 3 pitches then get picked off and your ace can't throw can't get his head straight in the 1st inning. Your down 1-0 instead of up 1-0

Gonat said...

Justin Upton pulled a Bryce Harper. Wake up boys. Luckily Desi was awake. Nice play Desi.

Candide said...

Freeman out at 1B = Span out at 1B.

Gonat said...

Werth yesterday slept while a Reds took an extra base and Bryce went AWOL and Upton took one on him.

These mental errors are mounting by everyone now.

Gonat said...

I agree with FP on both those plays at 1st base.

Gonat said...

That Chipper Jones is a genius!

Candide said...

Thank you, Chipper.

RickH said...

ALR! The long national(s) nightmare is over!!!

Gonat said...

That is a weight lifted. Good job Adam LaRoche. Get another hit!

Section 222 said...

Bad calls kind of evened out, costing each time a run.

And hey, what do you know, ALR got a hit!

Candide said...

What kind of drink do you want, Gonat?

Section 222 said...

ESPN announcers going on and on about how bad Stras is in the first inning and great after that. Sorry I didn't catch who the color guy is, but he's a former pitcher who says he used to pitch a full first inning in the bullpen at 100% speed and effort with batters standing there when he was having trouble with the 1st.

Gonat said...

Candide, nothing special. I won't cost you a penny. Just a virtual drink in a tall beer glass! LOL

Gonat said...

LaRoche is so slow that it was almost close at the plate.

Nice smash by Tracy!

Candide said...

Your virtual drink is virtually waiting for you in cell J4.

Joe Seamhead said...

The idea of Teheren is making all those throws to the bases means he's worrying more about the runners then he is the batter. Rattle, rattle, rattle!

Candide said...

Gonat said...

LaRoche is so slow that it was almost close at the plate.
Is that his naturally slow speed, or is this just more evidence that his back is barking at him?

Candide said...

#$%^%#$%$^%###!!! TRACY!!! #$%%^^%$%$%^e&y&

Gonat said...

FP, Tracy is so slow what do you expect? Unreal. Doubleplay.

Joe Seamhead said...

Gonat, Span is supposed to rattle pitchers when he's on base. Of course he isn't supposed to get picked

That was bad Tracy. Good grief, can't anybody here play this game?

Unknown said...

What a boneheaded play that was. That sums up this season for us so far.

Gonat said...

Candide, that drink is good. I'm having a Bud Light in honor of you!

SCNatsFan said...

This team gives outs away both in the field and on the bases. No team has enough talent to overcome that. Sorry but the lack of mental focus is on Davey that is his job.

Candide said...

Two runs in, first and second, no outs. This should have been a MUCH bigger inning.

Exposremains said...

I figured what's going on, the Nats were told they were so good before the season that they decided to give way outs and give extra outs to other team to make it more interesting.

Gonat said...

Dan Strong said...
What a boneheaded play that was. That sums up this season for us so far.

April 29, 2013 7:48 PM
___________________________________

Keep track. I count 5 so far and 1 heads up by Desi.

1) Espi swinging through 3 pitches with 2 at his eyeballs

2) Span picked off

3) Bryce momentarily looking down so Upton takes 3rd base (good play hitting the cutoff)

4) Strasburg making no contact on a bunt play

5) Tracy picked off

Exposremains said...

Seriously, how many dumb play can you make? They need to relax.

Joe Seamhead said...

I'm happy for ALR breaking his hitless streak, but when he's on he almost never hits to left field. Sign of his swing being late.

Gonat said...

Candide said...
Two runs in, first and second, no outs. This should have been a MUCH bigger inning.

April 29, 2013 7:50 PM
______________________________

Strasburg pulled a Lannan and couldn't get a bunt down.

He has to pull hit head out of his backside.

Exposremains said...

I'm sick of Contact Strasburg. I want K-Strasburg. Thanks FP for saying it.

Exposremains said...

And Espi does it again. add that to your list Gonat

Gonat said...

Joe Seamhead said...
I'm happy for ALR breaking his hitless streak, but when he's on he almost never hits to left field. Sign of his swing being late.

April 29, 2013 7:53 PM
________________________________

It's great news he found grass. That 2nd swing he pulled his head off. I really thought it wasn't going to be pretty. He actually went up to get that ball.

Unknown said...

3rd time Danny dropped a ball transferring...

#lombo

Exposremains said...

I hope that one time before Zim comes back we see Lombo and Rendon in the same lineup with no Espi.

Gonat said...

Exposremains said...
And Espi does it again. add that to your list Gonat

April 29, 2013 7:57 PM
_______________________________

Someone said the Nats are 4th in the Majors turning doubleplays and you can't believe it given how many they've botched.

With Laird running, that was an easy play if he catches the ball and clears.

1) Espi swinging through 3 pitches with 2 at his eyeballs

2) Span picked off

3) Bryce momentarily looking down so Upton takes 3rd base (good play hitting the cutoff)

4) Strasburg making no contact on a bunt play

5) Tracy picked off

6) Espinosa doesn't hang on to relay throw to turn a doubleplay

Exposremains said...

If Espi could always hit like that he would be much more sucessful than his over swinging for the fences swing.

Gonat said...

What a stretch by Freeman.

Joe Seamhead said...

Great play by Freeman.

Unknown said...

These walks.....

SCNatsFan said...

Really Stras?

Exposremains said...

Why Strasburg keeps falling off the mound?

Joe Seamhead said...

That was textbook perfect on the 5-4-3 DP!

Exposremains said...

All over the place

Unknown said...

Yet another lead off walk...

Joe Seamhead said...

Another lead off walk.Come on Stras!

Gonat said...

Stras, come on. Concentrate. Get your head in the game!!!

A DC Wonk said...

In the that's why the play the game department:


Gonat said...

Starting lineup with LaRoche, Espi, and Tracy. 3 guys batting under .179 and the pitcher has a better BA than all 3, heck he has a better BA than Suzuki also.

When was the last time 30 days into the season did a pitcher have a better BA than 50% of his position players?


So by the fourth inning, Strasburg is 0-for-2, but LaRoche, Espi, Tracy, and Suz each have a hit, (Tracy has two) -- and Tracy and Suz have the two RBI's thus far.

You just can't predict baseball . . .

Candide said...

Fastball is all over the place, but the hook is deadly.

Candide said...

Lots of TOOTBLAN tonight.

Gonat said...

Strasburg's leadoff walks have cost him 2 runs so far and lots of extra pitches.

Exposremains said...

walk comes in to score again

Unknown said...

And the walk comes back to hurt AGAIN.

SCNatsFan said...

Leadoff walks killing Stras. He is a better pitcher then that. At least he used to be.

Exposremains said...

he's not fooling anyone with that 95 fastball. The 98-99 did.

Joe Seamhead said...

Should've walked him.

Unknown said...

Stras's velocity seems waaayy down. 93-94? A lead off double to the opposing pitcher?

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Nothing comes easy for Stras.

phil dunton said...

Strasburg is no mystery to opposing hitters anymore.

Alphabet Soup Erik said...

Strasburg and "bust" are going to be used in the same sentence from here on out. I think Carlos Zambrano might be his ceiling...and that is being optimistic.

Joe Seamhead said...

Hanging tough, Jack.

EmDash said...

Not at his sharpest this evening, though the strike zone seems really uneven.

The baserunning is a major, major concern at this point. I wish one of the beats would ask about that. We have to have given away close to a full game's worth of outs at this point, and no offense can overcome that.

Faraz Shaikh said...

'mechanically messed up'? any truth to it, insiders?

mick said...

I am so sick of being disappointed. I will call this now, Nats will win 85 and miss playoffs, we can only hope that Rizzo regroups in 2014 the way the Braves did this season. There is enough talent to rebound, but gang, Stras may be one of the most over rated athletes in DC sports. I will continue to support my Nats and there will be some positive surprises this season that will go into 2014. Stras i really do not see as along term player in DC. Look at what Zim did after TJ surgery and compare it to Stras, that is all one needs to do to prove my point.

mick said...

if it is not Stras' fault, then what accountability goes on McCatty?????

Alphabet Soup Erik said...

My name is Ian Desmond and swing at everything. I like to let struggling pitchers off the hook. That is why I am a player and you are a fan.

mick said...

This is take one step back in 2013 and then maybe 2 steps u in 2014. Nats are not the first team that this happens too. It is just tough for us DC fans who only see losing most of the time

SCNatsFan said...

Braves #5 matches our #1

EmDash said...

Baseball's a game of disappointments, though. Surely we all knew that nothing was guaranteed going in...

Candide said...

Faraz Shaikh said...'mechanically messed up'? any truth to it, insiders?

Tonight for sure. He looks like Henry out there.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

SCNatsfan, not so fast!

SCNatsFan said...

You are right ghost the #5 could still out duel him

EmDash said...

I just don't see getting too concerned about the standings this early. No one except Bryce is playing to potential, but that's unlikely to last forever.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Teheran off the hook.

Eric said...

Man... This sport will drive you batty. Find that fastball and keep it Stras...damn!

Amr Khani said...

No plate discipline. Espy, Desmond, Tracy. Continually bailing out pitchers, not running up their pitch count. Laz Diaz has been a disaster tonight. Allowed non-run to count, called a strike on Suzuki that was almost in the dirt, called a ball on Stras curve right down the middle against Uggla. The guy is just bad.

Eric said...

Like that. JUST like that. Now GYFB(ats)G!

EmDash said...

Strike-out pitcher Strasburg is way better than that other guy.

Unknown said...

Now that's the Stras I know.

Section 222 said...

Stras gets through 6 innings, with only 2 runs scoring, and one of those actually didn't score if Laz Diaz had been paying attention. Not a great outing, but it's a quality start and he has given us a chance to win. Would you rather we had Livo on the mound?

Candide said...

Exposremains said...I'm sick of Contact Strasburg. I want K-Strasburg. Thanks FP for saying it.

All you had to do was ask.

Candide said...

Lombo hitting. Dang, SS just found his groove; looked like he could easily go another couple of innings.

Joe Seamhead said...

You were saying? Strasburg doesn't have his "A" game tonight, but he sure dug down in the bottom of the 6th.

SCNatsFan said...

Sec222 no way you can fault the ump on the second run that's a millisecond call from 100 feet away

mick said...

The one thing I am at ease about is Stras not pitching in post season, he would have done about as well as Ejac in game 3. I am convinced, he is a head case. Overall, the Nats are not doing much well at all, Harper the exception. The coaching is awful as well. Team misses Bo Porter,clearly. Davey is not managing well and this is reminding more and more of the Senators from 1969-1970. The difference is the Nats will win about 85 this year and miss post season

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Desi I believe has similar stats to many (though I know only Desi's number)

Desi's average thriugh 6th. with RISP 1 for 17 .958 Without RISP 29 for 82 .366

That tells you why we are 13-12. I suspect many just like him.

realdealnats said...

Taking out Stras when he finds his rhythm and is dealing? I don't get it.

Eric said...

How about STARTING like that going forward Stras?

Alphabet Soup Erik said...

Tomorrow's Headline: Strasburg to DL with Shoulder Soreness-Will Visit Dr. Andrews

SCNatsFan said...

Why in God's name would anyone ever throw Espinosa a strike he swings at anything

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Walden just making those lefties look stupid. If it's outside to you it's most likely his changeup. Only Span adjusted.

mick said...

Alphabet Soup Erik said...
Tomorrow's Headline: Strasburg to DL with Shoulder Soreness-Will Visit Dr. Andrews

let me tell you something... if that happens I put this on Cat and Davey and I show both of them the door!!

ehay2k said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Joe Seamhead said...

Find me a general manager in MLB that wouldn't do almost anything to sign Strasburg. Listen to yourselves.

jeffwx said...

I think the tomahawk chant is getting to the blog.

SCNatsFan said...

You have to be kidding me with these lead off walks

ehay2k said...

Wait - Stras is reading this blog WHILE he pitches? Daaaaaang! ;-)

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

another typical game. Hitters take night off after the 5th.

Agree would never throw Espi a strike. He will swing at 2/3 of balls thrown.

Clippard pisses me off all the tme. He walks as many strikes out. That is simply unacceptable except Davey accepts it.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Freddi is willing to play small ball.

Unknown said...

These lead off walks are really getting old.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Clippard to me is not much different then HROD

EmDash said...

Maybe Strasburg needs to throw more pitches in the bullpen before the game to wear himself out a little? He's getting better as games go on, which seems like it should be a preparation issue.

Walks are the difference in this game. Too much nibbling.

mick said...

jeffwx said...
I think the tomahawk chant is getting to the blog.


more like poor played baseball from a team about to go 13-13 that was picked to at least make post season!

EmDash said...

Mick, Erik, geez. Why are you scare-mongering about a so-called injury we have no reason to believe exists?

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

FP called that pitch and Clippard threw it and Schaefer gets a hit.

Clippard makes me nervous all the time. HROD doesnt

Secret wasian man said...

What a boring baseball team. This team has underachieved so much it makes me sick. Nick is right they are poor. Poorly coached also. .500 with 4 losses to the Braves.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Tigers strike our 39 Braves in 3 games

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Leadoff walks

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Clippard. needd to go I am tired of his act.

Exposremains said...

and another walk comes in to score.

Exposremains said...

so many chances missed and you knew the Braves with keep this game tie until the 7 or 8th and then score a run. they've been doing that since the 90's.

phil dunton said...

Nats bullpen no longer reliable.

EmDash said...

Still just one game. If the team has to take a one-game-at-a-time approach, so do we as fans.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Where is Clips elevated fastball with 2 strikes. He has Shafer set up.

Secret wasian man said...

Clippard is a joke. Game over. Season over. Lets go caps. Only team in red with any heart.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

All 3 runs lead off walks. Definitely an approach problems.

I always blame the coach first for not stressing this. With Clippard has been a problem a long tme. For Stras it is just this year. Obviously they are not riding these guys.

Then Clippard strikes out the last. Why not strike he 2nd out not the third.

Definitely poor execution.

Grandstander said...

I've never felt so hopeless being only a run down. I mean, it honestly feels like the Braves have already won.

jeffwx said...

This team may lose tonight but I think it is still a playoff caliber club. They will make adjustments to the bullpen, but otherwise, this will be a great team in the long run... The starters are among the best, ALR will start to hit along with Desi, Zimm, Ramos, Span, Werth,Harper because they are all proven players.

Section 222 said...

H-Rod doesn't make you nervous MNF? What are you, a Zen master? :-)

Nats Fan in Brazil said...

Season over? You guys are a Joke, is not even may, look to the gians last year! Did they start hot? No! Just watch the game and stop complaining about everything!

SCNatsFan said...

Don't agree emdash. If we want to be a .500 team then we keep doing what we are doing but how long do we stick with the nonproductive guys. How long do we keep hoping Harper will win every game for us?

jeffwx said...

I meant the starting pitchers. They'll be the best staff in the league by the end of the year.

Secret wasian man said...

Emdash its not one game. Its 4 straight losses to your division rivals. 26 games with poor timely hitting. Bad base running. And a crap load od errors and strikeouts. Its a bad team.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I assume we will win every game until some one decides that they will not do their job.

jeffwx said...

ok Peric, who do we bring up for Jason...now's your chance.

EmDash said...

Oh Werth. Jeez, hope he's okay. What is it we both these Braves series?

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I had the Desi stats. Could find someone find team average with RISP and sverage without RISP. We choke with RISP more than most teams I think.

SCNatsFan said...

Nats have the look of defeat in the dugout. Heads hanging low.

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