Friday, May 24, 2013

Zim's "Night at the Park" raises $300,000



After a grueling, 10-day road trip to the West Coast that featured plenty more lows than highs and a red-eye flight home from San Francisco, the Nationals would have been excused had they simply wanted to take Thursday off and rejuvenate themselves.

How, then, do you explain more than a dozen members of the roster and coaching staff showing up at Nationals Park for Ryan Zimmerman's annual "Night at the Park" charity event?

"It means a lot," Zimmerman said. "We're obviously teammates, and on the field we're fighting for the same thing. But for them to take time out of their off-day — which we don't get many — and getting home at 3:30 or 4:00 in the morning from the West Coast, for so many of them to come out and support me and buy things and drive up prices on the auction ... I think it just shows you not only what kind of players, but what kind of organization we have. It's always kind of been the 'Nationals Way' to be a good person. You can be a great baseball player, but we're more than just guys who play on the field."

Support wasn't limited to the Nationals franchise. Several pro athletes from Washington's other clubs also attended, including the Capitals' Brooks Laich and the Redskins' Ryan Kerrigan. Third Eye Blind performed a concert to close out the night.

This was the fourth year for the event, which raises money for Zimmerman's ziMS Foundation, and it was far and away the largest and most profitable held to date.

The full allotment of 1,850 tickets was sold out, with plenty more seeking tickets but shut out, and the event raised more than $300,000 for multiple sclerosis research. Since creating the foundation in 2006, Zimmerman has raised more than $1 million, the majority of which has gone directly to the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at the University of Virginia, which seeks to find a cure for the disease that has plagued Zimmerman's mother, Cheryl, since 1995.

"To be able to raise that much money, and more importantly, give back that much money in that short of a period of time, we're very proud of that," Zimmerman said. "They've come a long way in the last five years. And hopefully in the future we won't have any more of these, because they'll find a cure and we won't have to do these anymore."

85 comments:

Doc said...

I guess it's called perspective, and how, when it's all said and done, the most important thing that we can do in life is finding ways of supporting each other in the human condition.

MS is a pernicious disease of which we are making reserch progress every day.

Thank you Zim for doing your part.

Section 222 said...

Did the players outbid everyone for the auction items as has happened in the past?

baseballswami said...

Come home, relax, think about people who are much, much worse off than you, do a good deed, listen to some good music, mingle with true blue fans-- and then hit the reset button. Our starters era's are low. We are scoring less than three runs a game. We don't need to score five more a game. In some cases one, maybe two. How many times have we had bases loaded or risp and not scored them? Seems like a ton. So maybe we just start scoring one or two of them instead of none. We start squeaking out some wins in those close games. We are not miles away. In some cases we are inches away- one hit, one pitch, one catch.

Cwj said...

Well said Swami :-)
Go Nats!

On another topic, the last thread probably set the record for armchair GMing. Its nice to see a new thread open up without 7 people debating the merits of Owings/Moore/Espinosa/Rendon etc.

Until further notice, the best 25 are here.

Section 222 said...

Just wait Cwj, it's a long day ahead. :-)

I agree though that we are not far away from breaking out. Wins are what matter, and with our strong pitching, a few key hits or key plays in the field will do the trick. I'm looking forward to getting back out to Nats Park and I'll bet our guys are too. 10 games on the west coast was tough on all of us.

natsfan1a said...

Well said, Doc.

And now for something completely different. You got your pies in the face, your Gatorade showers. What-ever. The Cincinnati Bearcats, on the other hand, took postgame interview hijinks to a whole. new. level. (Hat tip to Intentional Talk.)

(And adding my thanks to 3on for the shoutout some threads back.)

Theophilus T. S. said...

Before the road trip I was concerned -- might even have commented on it -- that ten games in three pitchers' parks (two of them quirky pitchers' parks) would throw them into a funk that would take weeks to cure. Unfortunately they were already in a funk (last two Pirates games) when they went out there and it got worse. Hopefully this is not the moment for a Filthies resurgence and they will rebound in an honest ballpark.

NatsLady said...

Armchair GMing not my usual thing, but some of the suggestions were pretty ridiculous. At this point Rizzo is not going to blow up the team, trade ALR, etc. The most you can expect right now is some tweaking of the bench and bullpen.

HOWEVAH--you can bet he has his eye on some of the teams that are sinking fast, especially the AL teams that he has traded with in the past. (M's and Twins come to mind, maybe the White Sox?)

Going over the box office later this morning to get tickets for the weekend. So much better seein' the boys with my own eyes and not a TV camera's.

NatsLady said...

Try that link again 1a, if you have time.

natsfan1a said...

Oops, the video disappeared. Try this link instead.

Speaking of weekend games, not many Insiders show up on the NIDO who's going roster the the long weekend. We have Monday's game, fwiw.

Joe Seamhead said...

Regarding the armchair GM-ing, I 'm bringing this over from the last thread:

Joe Seamhead said...
Trade ALR, put Ryan at first this year and watch this team go below the Phillies and Mets in the standings. You underestimate the importance of Adam's defense.Zimmerman has never played even one inning at first in an exhibition game. You want to kill your pitcher's morale? Go ahead, put a rookie at third,who hasn't played anything close to a complete season at any level, and then put a guy at first who has never even taken reps there in a practice. Sounds like something you'd see done in Little League, not on a contending ML team.
May 24, 2013 3:24 AM

NatsLady said...
Yeah, I don't understand how in one breath you say "defense" and in the next "trade LaRoche." Ain't happening, people.
May 24, 2013 6:43 AM

Joe Seamhead said...
And in the past couple of threads it has been written by some that we should bring up Chris Marrero and Rendon, maybe play either of them in the outfield.I said this a couple of threads ago,but it was the last post and doubt anybody saw it, but Chris Marrero was drafted as a third baseman out of high school. His way was blocked at 3rd by Ryan Zimmerman so they tried to turn him into an outfielder.That plan failed miserably, as he had no aptitude for it. Next they moved him to first where he has developed into an often injured journeyman AAA first baseman that still makes way too many errors. As to bringing Rendon up to play a position that he has played less than a dozen games as a minor leaguer,2B, is reckless, but to ask him to play the OF is laughable.Why do so many people think that just anybody can play the outfield? Man, this team doesn't need wholesale panic moves. You all need to relax. We got this.
May 24, 2013 7:45 AM

SCNatsFan said...

But, seamhead, they did ask Danny to play 2B after only playing a handful of games at that position in the minors and, at least defensively, that has worked out OK. I don't think you can just throw anyone in the OF and make it work but I would think with a little work he would be about the same level as Moore - poor.

And great work by Ryan with MS awareness.

Joe Seamhead said...

SCNatsFan, I see your point regarding Danny, except for one thing, that being that he at least had played steady for a while in the minors before they made a change with him. I'm not saying Rendon can't change to 2B, just that if it's to happen, the parent club is not the place to learn how, anymore then it's the right place for Moore to learn basic outfielding.

I think the whole thing about Ryan's Night at the Park is very cool, and very admirable. It seems like it could be done to host a larger, even more financially successful event when Mark says it was sold out with many more trying to acquire admission. It does my heart good when I see entertainers doing good things with their name recognition, and of course in Ryan's case, it's personal. My hat's off to young Mr. Zimmerman!

Holden Baroque said...

That Bearcats video is EPIC!!

And Chase Utley is NOT on the NIDO "Who's Going?" list for this series, he's been D-Listed.

Joe Seamhead said...

NatsLady, I'll bet with the chilly night that you would do good on StubHub if you shop around. I remember you saying that you have reservations about StubHub, but I gotta tell you that we use it regularly with great results.

Joe Seamhead said...

And Sofa, not only Utley, but Ruiz is on the DL, and Howard is day to day, for Philly. We really need to kick 'em while they're down!

Tcostant said...

Stubhub is great. A few weeks back I saw Gio pitch a gem. I was in DC for meeting that ended at 4:30pm, so I purchased a clun seat for $22 instead and stay in DC.

Stubhub is the greatest!

BTW - I'm glad Zimmerman got it written into his contract that he gets the ballpark one nioght a year for this event. Smart!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Glad to hear Ryan's MS charity is flourishing with the support of NatsTown and the Nats ownership and teammates.

Also glad they did this on a day-off where the next game is a night game.

Tcostant said...

I agree with 222 I think a move gets made tonight. I'm guessing aya goes down for a position player.

I'm hoping the position player they bring up is Jeff Kobernus. He is not on the 40 man roster, but they can move Christian Garcia to the 60 day DL to make room. I hope they send Maya down, bring up Kobernus and give him some chances at 2B.

SCNatsFan said...

I don't think Espi played more then 8 games at 2B in the minors; don't remember where I reaad that this week or I'd link it.

SCNatsFan said...

I thought Garcia was on his way to AA, if so how can he placed on the 60 day DL?

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

SCNatsFan, Garcia is considered on rehab once he is assigned to AA and can stay on the DL.

Anonymous said...

That's correct, SCNatsFan. 7 games at 2B. For future reference, a players' Baseball Reference page has their minor league fielding numbers available so you can see where they played.

But FWIW, moving from SS to 2B is nothing like moving from 3B to 2B or 3B or OF or pretty much any other move. SS is the hardest defensive position on the field other than catcher and maybe CF. Guys move from SS to lesser positions with ease, especially 2B, where the skills are similar. 3B is another story. There's a reason the Orioles moved Cal Ripkin from SS to 3B as he got older and his skills diminished.

Back on topic- I LOVE reading about the growth of Zim's Night at the Park. It's so great to see the guys coming together like that and the team and the community collaborating to raise money. It's really great being a fan of this team.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Also on the question of Micah Owings, his MLB service time is 5.035 years which complicates his situation further if he was called up and then DFA'd as he has the Veteran's Consent clause to become a Free Agent even if he cleared waivers.

skidge said...

I'm not able to go to a whole lot of games, but I'd like to add my name to the Who's Going list, if that's OK. Could someone tell me how to do it? I don't know anything about using Excel.

NatsLady said...

I don't know how StubHub handles ADA so I prefer to go to the box office. Also I like the drive, it's very pretty.

NatsLady said...

BTW, this is kind of cool on Bryce Harper's double.

Power double

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/another-sort-of-first-for-bryce-harper/

SCNatsFan said...

Thanks Ghost I didn't know you could be on rehab and we transferred between 15 and larger DLs

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

NatsLady, thanks for the link. Did you see where Pence was playing Harper near "triples alley".

Get Your Re(n)d On said...

Typically, players are put on the 60 day DL when they are out for the season, not when they are beginning rehab assignments like Garcia is now.

Eric said...

Fantastic. Kudos and congrats, RZim!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

SCNatsFan, since Garcia has MiLB options its not as big of a deal but compare that to Henry last year when the team kept him on the DL to rehab in AAA.

The other note is Rizzo never put Garcia on the 60 day DL because the Nats had an opening on the 40 man which precluded him from moving to the 60 day DL.

Because of that Garcia could be taken off the DL at any time and simply optioned to AA since he is still on the 40 man roster.

Hopefully I explained all of that well.

Holden Baroque said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tcostant said...

1. I don't know how StubHub handles ADA so I prefer to go to the box office. Also I like the drive, it's very pretty.

Me: You can search for that on stubhub.

2. Typically, players are put on the 60 day DL when they are out for the season, not when they are beginning rehab assignments like Garcia is now.

Me: Not true at all. It used to open 40 man roster spots and to manage the limit on 15 day spots all the time. Maybe that is true in August, but not May.

Holden Baroque said...

Try that again
Those seven games Danny played at 2nd at Harrisburg in 2010, on B-R.com

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Dominats Vobiscum said...
Typically, players are put on the 60 day DL when they are out for the season, not when they are beginning rehab assignments like Garcia is now.

May 24, 2013 10:00 AM


You can't do that if you have 39 players or less on the 40 man roster and that was the case with the Nats at the time.

When the Nats added Abad it moved them to 40. They could've switched Garcia to the 60 day if they didn't expect him back to free up a spot but as we now know Garcia is getting ready.

Any further moves to free up room on the 40 man will need a 60 day DL, a trade, or a DFA. Now is when it will get complicated.

Tcostant said...

NatsLady you can search for ADA setas at stubhub under "seat features":

https://www.stubhub.com/washington-nationals-tickets/nationals-vs-phillies-5-24-2013-4169418/

LoveDaNats said...

Zims event last night was very crowded compared to previous years. It was great seeing how much it has grown and how successful it has become. Ryan is a classy guy and his teammates who showed couldn't have been more welcoming. Gio charmed everyone, of course. He had a crowd wherever he went. However, I realized while listening to Third Eye Blind that I am officially "old". And get off my lawn.

Tcostant said...

I wonder how many of the crowd purchase the living social deal that was out there for about a month or so...

NatsLady said...

Thanks, Tcostant! You are contributing TO MY LAZINESS...

Actually, I want to posts ready for Pettibone and Guazman, two rookie pitchers we haven't seen. Going to be a busy weekend as I have to work most of the day Saturday, and also Sunday morning.

NatsLady said...

Ok, I tried the ADA thing on Stubhub. You have to buy two seats, as it assumes you need someone to assist you, which is not my case (though I do sometimes get a chair at the park).

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

NatsLady, I don't want to see a repeat of the Nats making pitchers like Stults and EJax look good.

EJax is 1-7 and we know who the 1 win was against. He gave up 4 runs in 3 innings yesterday against the Pirates.

It's all about having batters prepped with a plan and the approach at the plate.

NatsLady said...

Ghost, I do my best. I put the pitchers' profiles, stats, and repertoire out there, but I'm not the one swinging (or not swinging) at the pitches... :)

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

I got a kick out of Rizzos quote from Amanada's piece "We felt that in Spring Training, we felt that in the winter, and I still have all the confidence in the world that this is the team that’s going to play deep into the season.”

Hell, the Nats might even play all 162 games!

Joe Seamhead said...

NL, the link for the doubles was pretty cool.Thanks.

Theophilus T. S. said...

Pitching-wise, the Nats are set up to win at least two of three (against PPs). Two RHs to start the series should be good for Span, Harper, LaRoche. The rookie's minor league record doesn't sound like he's invincible. So it's all on the Nats' hitters. Win or die with the offense. Unfortunately, the LH-hitting platoon crew (OK, the RH-hitting platooners, too) doesn't inspire any confidence. At a minimum, Werth, Ramos need to be healthy. Ideally, Rizzo will make a move to bring up a LH hitter, if only for this series.

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

Not an Excel guru myself but I think I just added you. You can click on the box for the date you want to input and commence typing.

skidge said...

I'm not able to go to a whole lot of games, but I'd like to add my name to the Who's Going list, if that's OK. Could someone tell me how to do it? I don't know anything about using Excel.

peric said...

In the end if you want to improve the W/L record its pitching and defense first. Because that is how Rizzo decided to design this team. Unlike say, a Detroit.

Zimmerman may no longer be a viable third baseman. That's where most of the defensive gaffes are occurring at this point. They are losing games the Nats should win. It shows in the fact that they are close to dead last defensively.

Add in a struggling bullpen and Haren looking like the twin image of Chris Young in AAA Syracuse? And the pitching isn't doing well either.

Part of the solution may have been addressed with Abad. Haren and Zach Duke may be next. And there's Henry who has been doing well but only in low pressure situations.

Defensively, the best thing can do is to move Zimmerman to first and either trade or move LaRoche to the bench. That is just the way it is. Because Rendon is the best third baseman they have after Zimmerman. Defensively. And his offense should eventually develop as he adjusts to major league pitching.

Moving LaRoche is no different than DFA'ing Rick Ankiel or losing Mark DeRosa (which may have hurt more team chemistry wise). LaRoche probably isn't going to hit above .250. He looks primed to lead the team in strikeouts. And his walks to strikeout ratio started to improve and now its going back. He looks worse than he did his final year in Arizona.

No, they won't go to the basement Seamhead Joe. Far from it. They may not win the division but toward the end as Rendon adjusts to major league pitching they might challenge. He's ready defensively to play the spot its the offense that would have to come around.

Joe Seamhead said...

SCNatsFans, Though Danny only played 7 games at 2B before the Nats put him there, as was said by bowdenball, the switch to 2B from SS is easier then from 3B to 2B, but that wasn't the point that I didn't make very clear. Danny had at least played 2 years, getting accustomed to playing some pro ball. I have little doubt that Anthony Rendon could play 2B, but get some reps, preferably the better part of a years worth, playing ball in the minors. At this point, the Nats are still obviously still seeing him as a 3rd baseman, at least by how they are playing him. One big thing going for him as far as being called back up is the fact that he is on the 40 man roster.

I wouldn't want to have to be a GM for this team. I see Espy, Moore,Tracy, Maya, Duke, and H-Rod as all being questionable, at best, with the AAA and AA offering pretty limited options for replacement of any of them. [note, I didn't say say "no" replacements]. The thought of a trade involving Chris Marrero appeals to me, but I still say, let Rizzo do his job.

peric said...

Or just leave it the way it is and give Rendon a chance to get some minor league seasoning. And just accept that this will not be the Nats year. That in the end Davey will have to eat those words: World Series or Bust. Just as they did last year when they shut Strasburg down they will again have to wait to repair the defense next season where you can bet your bottom dollar Zim will be at first base and Rendon at third. And Danny will still likely be patrolling second unless he gets the surgery.

NatsLady said...

Just take 2 of 3 from the Fillies, and split or better vs. the O's (four games). Don't pay ANY attention to the Barves, they are in a cushy part of their schedule, and could pile on wins. (Mets, then Blue Jays--although both on the road). Let's just mind our own business, our turn will come, Werth will be back, the weather will heat up.

skidge said...

Thanks, 1a! Only two games in there for me so far, but I hope there will be more.

natsfan1a said...

You're welcome.

Sounds good to me, NL.

Joe Seamhead said...

Well, as is often the case, peric, we have to agree to disagree. I think putting anybody they have at first other then ALR is a huge mistake. Put a Zimmerman, who has never played even one inning at first base, even in an practice as far as any of us know, is throwing in the towel. Honestly, I think that is a sheer panic move that guarantees losing the year.

Joe Seamhead said...

Also, I think we still win the division with the gist of who we have, and where we have them. A tweak here and there, no a panic attack. And get Werth back. I wish that he was sitting on the bench for his influence if for no other reason, though I'm sure there is a reason that he isn't.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

I agree Joe Seamhead and that would be like you said "Honestly, I think that is a sheer panic move that guarantees losing the year."

NatsLady said...

I'm with you, Seamhead. ALR saved the game on Wednesday with quick thinking and a nice grabe. Not saying RZ wouldn't have done the same at 1B, but Rendon is unproven. The game moves fast, quick decisions needed and it's not called the "HOT" corner for nothing.

We got Mets and Twins in early June, plus seven games against the Rockies, who are, I believe, playing over their heads. We should be able to make up some ground.

NatsLady said...

Seamhead, I can understand why Werth wouldn't go West, but won't he be at the Park for this series and the O's? Or did I miss an update?

peric said...

And get Werth back. I wish that he was sitting on the bench for his influence if for no other reason, though I'm sure there is a reason that he isn't.

You're thinking of DeRosa. And that's why he travelled with the team. Werth isn't the same type of person that DeRosa is. DeRosa is likely a future major league manager.

Werth is ineffective offensively. He's not the guy he was with the Phillies and as time moves forward he moves further and further from that. His most effective role was lead-off last season. His defense and his veteran savvy working the pitchers setting up Harper, Zim et al after him is what pushed them past the Braves last season along with the pitching and defense.

Werth's glove will be valuable in right but he is definitely NOT a heart of the batting order hitter. Not even close. He needs to lead-off perhaps with Span in the #2 hole. But I think they should leave Harper there and move Span down to 7th or so. Why? Its what worked for them last season. That's when a previously weak offense became strong.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

peric said...
In the end if you want to improve the W/L record its pitching and defense first. Because that is how Rizzo decided to design this team. Unlike say, a Detroit.


28th in the Majors in Runs Scored. 3.38 runs per game is awful.

Teams need balance. The Nats scored 4.70 runs per game last year with equally good pitching. Yes, there have been more unearned runs which has probably caused the Nats 3 losses but the fact is the Nats are scoring 1 1/3 runs less per game on average and that has cost them much more than 3 losses.

Joe Seamhead said...

I don't know where to find the answer to that NL. I hope he'll be on the bench for the home stand, at least.

Tcostant said...

Easlier in the week (Monday or Tuesday) they said that Werth is taking longer than expect and he is likely out three more weeks.

Section 222 said...

In that Fangraphs piece about Harper's double that NL posted, there are some other great links, including this one, comparing Harper's first 162 games with other players' stats for the same period. Ranked by WAR, he's one of the top 10 players in the game, up there with Trout, Posey, Braun, Cano, McCutcheon, and Cabrera.

Wow.

peric said...

I agree Joe Seamhead and that would be like you said "Honestly, I think that is a sheer panic move that guarantees losing the year."

Not even close to the panic move y'all are suggesting throwing Rendon at second to sink or swim? A guy who has yet to play a full year as a professional? A guy who hasn't finished a year healthy in 2 or 3? He isn't the same caliber athlete that Espinosa is. But in general your shortstops should be your best athletes. Rendon is not a major league shortstop.

If you want to fix the defense and that and the pitching are the truly serious problems because the Nats have been in these games ... you move Zim and his shoulder off of third base and you put Rendon there. At least its a position he is extremely familiar with. And you hope his bat comes around.

It probably won't happen until they are certain they are out of things. If they are out of things expect that to happen sometime in late July or August. Why put off now what you can start today?

SCNatsFan said...

Peric ALR was not just resigned to put him on the bench no matter how many times you write it - it just isn't going to happen. Not. Going. To. Happen. I know you dream of Rendon at third and Ryan at first, then using bold face type to say 'told you so' but that isn't happening anytime soon.

peric said...

Teams need balance. The Nats scored 4.70 runs per game last year with equally good pitching. Yes, there have been more unearned runs which has probably caused the Nats 3 losses but the fact is the Nats are scoring 1 1/3 runs less per game on average and that has cost them much more than 3 losses.

Until they got Werth and Zim back (cortisone shot, wrist surgery) in the lineup one at lead-off the other no longer the gigantic hole in the 3-hole they were definitely scuffling offensively last season remember?

its defense and pitching first. That's what Rizzo did. Otherwise? He would have kept Morse and left Harper in CF. And many of us believe that was the right thing. Of course Natslady hated that. ~smiles~

Well, Rizzo decided otherwise. This is who they are: pitching and defense first and maybe some offense.

Joe Seamhead said...

peric said:
If you want to fix the defense and that and the pitching are the truly serious problems because the Nats have been in these games ... you move Zim and his shoulder off of third base and you put Rendon there. At least its a position he is extremely familiar with. And you hope his bat comes around.
----------------------------------------------
All that does is weaken two positions defensively, imho. I wouldn't like pitching with that infield given the choice.

peric said...

I know you dream of Rendon at third and Ryan at first, then using bold face type to say 'told you so'

It **IS** going to happen. Sooner not later.

peric said...

All that does is weaken two positions defensively, imho. I wouldn't like pitching with that infield given the choice.

Right now Rendon is the better at the hot corner than Zim. Way better. It all starts with your basic ordinary outs. With Zim these are never ordinary and never a sure bet. He is olaying at balls he used to dive for favoring the shoulders. His throwing is erratic.

At first he would have greater range than LaRoche and doubtless he could learn the position rapidly just as his college teammate Mark Reynolds did. I think it would be far easier for Zim to learn to play first quickly than for Rendon to play second at this juncture.

Joe Seamhead said...

And for the record, I'm not against Rendon getting reps at 2nd, - in Harrisburg, or Syracuse. I am not advocating it to happen in MLB first. Also, if it's determined that Zimmerman can't play 3B this year, which has not been determined, then sit him down and bring Rendon up, but only as a last resort on Zimm, but to heck with moving him into ALR's spot.
End of conversation for me on this.

peric said...

Zimmerman can't play 3B this year, which has not been determined, then sit him down and bring Rendon up, but only as a last resort on Zimm, but to heck with moving him into ALR's spot.

If he stays healthy Zim is going to hit .300 ... again. And the power is coming around as he gets further from the should surgery. What part about that doesn't make sense to you?

LaRoche NOT ESPINOSA is going to lead the team in strike outs and he might not hit above .250. In fact it might be a challenge for him to hit above .230? Is that what you want for a 4-hole hitter? If it is then you must like ending up in the cellar.

peric said...

And so now Seamhead Joe you decide to "end the conversation" when you had to bring your long rant from the other blog posting and add it into this one? What were you looking for when you did that?

Petulant child is back.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Anyone who suggested a sink or swim for Rendon at 2nd base is ridiculous and for the record, I never saw anyone mention that Peric.

I think he needs 2 weeks of every day work at 2nd base but from what I'm seeing it's barking up a tree as Rizzo doesn't look like he has any intention of moving Espinosa off of his perch by the 2nd base bag.

All this talk is probably a waste of time.

Section 222 said...

ALR saved the game on Wednesday with quick thinking and a nice grabe. Not saying RZ wouldn't have done the same at 1B...

Ok, I'll say it. Zim probably wouldn't have made the stop -- he's not that good going to his right, and he's RH, making the play even more difficult. And I'm afraid there's only a 50/50 chance he would have made an accurate throw to second.

I raised the possibility of Zim being our 1B of the future years ago when his throwing problems started. But it's not happening this year, it's not happening next year, and it's not happening in the middle of any year.

I'm so tired of this discussion that I will make the following proposal. peric, if you will agree not to mention this topic again until next spring training, I will pay you $100 if Zim plays even a single inning at 1B for the Nats this year. There are lots of witnesses here who know I'm a man of my word. Maybe some will even join me and sweeten the pot. What do you say?

Joe Seamhead said...

peric, I said "end of the conversation for me" because I said what I had to say.Repeating it would be redundant,

NatsLady said...

All this talk is probably a waste of time.

True. But wasting time is what we do best.

Don said...

Zim playing 1B this year is very unlikely, but you never know. IF ALR went down with an injury, it could happen.

Anyway, not sure Zim will fix the throwing any time soon, but he can still rake. They need to keep him in the lineup, so if 3B is at some point no longer viable, then LF has got to be an option. Easiest position on the field but for 1B, they need ALR in the lineup and he's a Gold Glover, they move Harper to RF and Werth to the bench.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

NatsLady, so true. Every once in a while you hear FP pick up on a discussion we've had here or even a tactical change. Could be coincidental. ;)

SCNatsFan said...

sec222 I'm in for $50 of that. In return I'd like a bold face "I was wrong" if he doesn't.

Section 222 said...

So that's $150 on the table. Pretty soon we might have to start a sheet on the NIDO spreadsheet to record all the offers. :-) And just to be clear, my offer covers a single inning at 1B for whatever reason, whether required by injury or just Davey deciding to mess with us. It doesn't require a bolded "I was wrong". It does require no more posts on this topic until Spring Training in 2014, with one exception -- if Zim does play that inning, further posts and crowing, in bold or otherwise, are obviously permitted.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Section222, I needed a good laugh!

Peric never confirmed last week if PeriC is also PietoB on the MASN site.

Just make the check out to CASH when you send it to the PO Box.

JD said...


The other issue with Zim at 1st and Rendon at 3rd is that it makes our lineup very right handed. That's one of the main reasons Rizzo and Davie picked LaRoche over Morse.

I don't know how this washes out but I don't think Peric's solution is a given.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

JD, find me 8 guys who can hit and let the opposing manager worry about how to get them out. Yes, there is an advantage of LH/RH balance moreso on your bench for those key matchups late in the game. Look what the Mets did last year with Hairston (R) and Valdespin (L).

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