Monday, June 10, 2013

Nats double up vs. Twins

Photo by the Associated Press
The Nats entered Sunday two games under .500, fresh off an extra innings loss, after seven consecutive games where they had scored three runs or less. With a day-night doubleheader against the Twins in store, there was an unusual opportunity in their sights. They could gain some traction and do it quick.

Manager Davey Johnson took stock of the situation and called a team meeting in the morning. It was short and simple, a story from his playing days. But the message resonated and, judging by the outcome, must have worked.

The Nats scored a total of 12 runs on the day, which was more than all their previous games in June combined. The first win, a 7-0 drubbing of Minnesota, was a complete beatdown. The fifth inning alone brought five runs across, more than they had scored in an entire game since May 29.

Davey downplayed the move after the blowout, but will take the result.


“I’ll have one every day if we get 14 hits and seven runs,” he said. “It wasn’t much of a meeting. Just about three minutes. Just cheered ‘em up.”

Though Davey was modest about its impact, the message and intention was not lost among the players.

“I mean they don’t just give the Manager of the Year award away,” Ian Desmond said. “Davey’s got a pretty good eye on what’s going on in here and sometimes you just need that freedom from your manager to say, ‘Hey, just go up there, be aggressive and don’t hold anything back.’ He really freed us up today and you can give credit to him, too.”

The Nationals took advantage of the two-game set and broke even at 31-31 on the season, just in time for a day off before a long road trip. Instead of ending their homestand on a poor note, the Nats got a double dose of positive momentum.

“It was huge,” Desmond said “I don’t know if we’ve ever played a doubleheader where you pretty much had to win both. It’s not easy to take two in a doubleheader. We went into extra innings yesterday. We saw their bullpen, they saw ours. It’s just a long day.”

Desmond had three hits, two runs, and two RBI in the first game of the day and batted in the go-ahead run in the Nats’ second win. He scored Adam LaRoche on a seventh inning double that put the Nats up 5-4 and completed their first big comeback of the season. Washington had yet to rally from three runs down to pull out a victory.

Former Twins player Denard Span, who happened to tie the game in the sixth with an RBI triple, didn’t hold back when asked about the game’s potential meaning for the rest of the season.

“This was probably our best ballgame,” he said. “Normally early on in the season when we would get behind we would just fold and give away at-bats. We just kept fighting and having good at-bats.”

To get the two wins, the Nationals needed two very different performances from their pitching staff. In the first game, Jordan Zimmermann gave another spectacular outing. He went seven scoreless innings with just two hits allowed and eight strikeouts to secure his ninth win of the year. He now holds a 2.00 ERA on the season.

In the second game, the Nats had to overcome a shaky start by rookie Nathan Karns. Karns lasted only three innings after giving up four earned runs off five hits and three walks. It took six different members of Washington’s bullpen to patch together the final six innings, keeping the Nats in the game and in position to win.

Craig Stammen took over in the fourth inning to pitch two perfect innings. He was followed by Erik Davis and Fernando Abad who tag teamed the sixth. Tyler Clippard, Drew Storen, and Rafael Soriano then took an inning each to polish off the win.

The Nats fell down 4-1 in the fourth inning in the second win and didn’t stage the comeback all at once. They scored a run in the third to cut the lead to two, and runs in the fifth, sixth, and seventh to put them over the top. They were patient and chipped away slowly at a lead, eventually overcoming the Twins’ bullpen as theirs remained airtight.

Adam LaRoche described the team’s mindset when down on Sunday as more stable than they had usually been in other games this season. He said timely hitting and taking advantage of runners in scoring position early in the game, helped restore their confidence even when trailing.

“We just got some timely hits, which we haven't got,” he said. “When you don't get them you look flat. Team looks dead. Guys look like they're not into it out there when you're not hitting and not pitching. You do that and stuff just starts to come to life.”

“You've got more energy on the bench, you do this a few times and you get comfortable when you're down in a game. If you're down a couple runs in the fourth, fifth inning, you get the feeling that 'Chances are we're going to come back,' instead of 'here we go again.'”

The Nats got a blowout win to start the day and a comeback thriller to end it, about as good a result as they could have hoped for. But this team has been here before this season, feeling the high of a good day at the park and hoping it can carry over into the next.

Washington has a day off on Monday before they head to Colorado to play the Rockies. When asked if these games are enough to get the team back on track, back to playing as well as the 98-win club everyone saw last season, the veteran LaRoche was non-committal.

“We'll see Tuesday. We'll find out,” he said.

62 comments:

SonnyG10 said...

Yes, we'll see, Adam.

Holden Baroque said...

Correct me if I'm wrong, this is their first win where they were down by 3.

And I'm sure Davey's speech was a fine one, but I'm more inclined to attribute the first game to Jordan Zimmermann, and the second to the respective bullpens, mainly. And some better at-bats.

Secret wasian man said...

Nice to see the guys fight back. Seem to be hitting better too. That is promising. smart by Davey to get Karns out. The kid is not ready for the bigs.

Laddie Blah Blah said...

The Nats are a better team than they were before Rizzo brought up Rendon, Kobernus, Krol, Abad, and the rest.

Just read last night's discussion of who gets sent back down (besides Moore), and no one thinks Rendon should be sent back down when Danny comes off the DL. Rizzo should have made that move much sooner. The game comes so easily for Anthony, while every AB seems to be an ordeal for Espinosa.

It's a small sample, maybe just nerves, but Karns was not ready for the majors. He either could not get the ball over, or else grooved his fast ball. Davis has been a disappointment, as well. Krol and Kobernus were the pleasant surprises, for me. They both look like they belong. Abad was impressive all year long and was the easiest call after Duke's big fail.

Sending Moore down is the right move, and was made by many on this blog. Being sent down will make him tougher, smarter, more determined, and will get him the reps he needs to get his timing and rhythm back.

Kobernus is a much better OFer than Moore, and gives the Nats another OBP leadoff guy who can spell Span in CF and pinch run off the bench. Not so sure they send him back down when Harp returns. With Marrero backing 1b, they can use Jeff as a super-sub for 3rd base and the middle IF. That all makes him more versatile and more valuable than Tracy.

They don't need Cedeno with Abad and Krol, and Davis doesn't seem ready. Davey makes that call. My guess is Davis sticks, for now.

A bench of Lombo, Bernie, Kobernus and Marrero gives Davey a LH speedster (Bernie) and a RHer (Kobernus), with a RH power bat (Marrero). Lombo and Kobernus provide depth in the IF as well as the OF, but there is no lefty power bat off the bench. You could argue that Tracy is not a LH power bat, either, this year.

If Rizzo wants to get creative, he could bring up Brown as his power lefty guy on the bench, replacing either Lombo or Kobernus. He is a better 4th OFer than anyone else on the big team. Brown has the added plus of speed, as well, and has improved his base stealing skills this year at Syracuse.

When Moore is ready, he changes places with Marrero, unless Chris exceeds expectations.

That would mean that either Rendon or Kobernus (or Lombo in lieu of Tracy) could back up 3rd base. If its Rendon, then Kobernus (or Lombo) covers 2nd base. Rizzo would swap Brown's power for Lombo's (or Kobernus') versatility.

I find a way to keep Kobernus and bring up Brown, if I am Rizzo. Tracy, Danny, and Moore have not been doing the job, and Lombo has not hit, and is not as good an athlete as Kobernus or Brown, and does not have Brown's power. Of course, I'm not Rizzo. If I were, Rendon would have been at 2nd, long ago.

And I'm sorry, but I would not bring Danny back this year, if ever.

Holden Baroque said...

Rendon doesn't go back -- WADR: Ya think??

Of course, Danny's first three months looked pretty good, too. So there's that.

Karns may be a little green, but almost everybody is, when they first come up--there is no higher league than this one; you can't practice that. Maybe he'll stick and maybe he won't, but it's not all about him--it's about Helping The Big Club. He gave them a start, and they did win that game. That much is fact. Wasn't a good start, but it didn't need to be.

Holden Baroque said...

So, if they rip off the next 19 in a row (don't look at me like that--it's been done), they'll be 50-31.

Nothing is over.

Candide said...

It wasn't over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor.

NewbieNatsFan said...

I have to think the new chemistry and attitude had a lot to do with the new guys. Rendon is an absolute star, not just because of his glove, and hitting, but because of his attitude. His humor and ease set a tone that made a difference.

The most encouraging sign for me was the way the team didn't panic and fold after Karns. It's one thing to win a blow out. Another thing entirely to battle back.

Hope it continues.

jeeves said...

I would really like to see Taylor Jordan have a start ahead of any other minor league pitchers. It doesn't seem to matter what level he pitches. He gets the job done. And consistently. Unlike Karns who has been erratic this year.

jeeves said...

Umm, 'pitcher'

BigCat said...

Its good to have Werth back. Now, if Harper can get back, and Stra....hmmmm.

Whats up with Garcia? Man, he was nasty last year.

A DC Wonk said...

A pic of the Wonkling

Context: the Wonkling arrived to the stadium with her friend in the second inning, immediately sized up the situation (very low attendance) and (despite our tix in sec 310) immediately headed to section 119, and sat four rows behind the Nats dugout.

In the ninth inning she went to the first row and was working on JZimm to give her the ball he was holding. (You can see the ball in the pic -- you can also see that this was when there were two out in the ninth and one guy on base for the Twins). JZimm was kinda focused on the game, but she was working him. (That's when I took the pic). Two batters later, the last out was made, JZ turned around, my daughter held up her hand and gave him an expectant look, and he tossed her the ball.

She and her friend had a great time. She got a ball, caught a shirt, and watched the Nats come from behind.

A DC Wonk said...

(err, I think it was Sec 129)

MicheleS said...

Aww.. Wonk.. good for the Wonkling.. learning to work the players over!!! My dad used to do that with me and my sisters.

BigCat said...

Pretty cool Wonk. Thats Nats Jack area isn't it? Down there in the front row I mean.

baseballswami said...

I don't know if you all read a lot of the stuff out there about the team-- there has been a lot about Tyler and how he is handling things. Very classy kid. Adam also made a nice speech about Tyler and how much the clubhouse values him. You could tell from the things Davey said about him how much they care about him. This option has quite a different feel than the last one. I personally like the very obvious connection that the AAA team has with the Nats. I think they use it in the right way. Guys know it's not Siberia, there is movement between the two teams. And when you go there it is not a punishment but a place to get out of the spotlight and work on things. You are not ignored while you are there but just roster numbers 26,27,28, etc. Even though our manager is not my favorite guy, I highly respect the way he handles situations like this so positively and compassionately. I hope we see Tyler again soon- he seems like a great kid and I loved watching him hit when he was in the groove.

MicheleS said...

Big Cat.. NatsJack preferred seat at Nats Park is Section 235 Right Field, by the foul pole. He loves the view from up there.

Swam.. saw the Tyler quotes and comments, he is handling the move to Cuse perfectly.. take your time, get some ab's get comfortable and get in a groove, He will be back.

Joe Seamhead said...

Laddie, I agree with most of your assessment with the exception of Kobernus being a good outfielder. Not true, at least not yet. He's an OF work in progress, started by the Tigers and made necessary by his mediocre skills at 2B,and the fact that he can get on base. "better OFer than Moore" isn't saying much. In spite of the guffaw yesterday, he is a good base runner.
Speaking of mediocrity in the OF, Davey said something that he might give Marrero some time in the outfield. That's a very bad idea. He played a year of outfield in the minors and in a word, he sucked.
Last night we all saw the classic case of no matter how many reps some guys get, they'll never be a good outfielder with Josh Willingham's play last night. He's a good athlete that has never been, and will never be a good outfielder.
Though sparse, it was a great, supportive crowd last night. We had a blast!
GYFNG!!!

baseballswami said...

Wonk - great story!! Tell her she might have gotten the ball sooner had she been wearing a shirt with more letters- starting with Z and ending with two N's.

natsfan1a said...

Thanks for sharing the story and pic, Wonk. Before looking at the pic, I was thinking you were talking about game one (cute, but might need to work on situational awareness there - oh wait, it was game two? Nevermind, as you were, Wonkling. :-))

natsfan1a said...

Ohnevermind again. He wasn't in that game in the 9th, anyway. Um, coffee? Yeah.

Unknown said...

Enjoyed your analysis Laddie - I think you're spot on!

baseballswami said...

MLB featured ZNN in their " who owned the night" and Rendon in premiere plays. It's nice to see those things again. Seriously, guys, Jordan. What can you say. Stud.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

For anyone thinking the Twins are a bad team, after Friday they were 4 games under .500 and the Nats were 2 games under .500. The Twins have a better record today then the LA Angels.

Joe Seamhead said...

"It's not just the view......it's the close proximity of beer, restrooms, more beer and food, in that order"

Cracked me up!

baseballswami said...

And I just want to say this -- not trying to be snarky or mean. Lots of people have said that we had to keep Espi for his incredible defense. Yesterday, Rendon really clanked a couple. Each one cost the pitcher an out, a base. They were recovered from. But the offense , especially in the second game, helped us win the game. Once a game we handled the miscue, but many times a game we needed the bat. I think Rendon will learn to play clean defense. The bat is there. Those of you who were at the afternoon game-- how about the four year old announcer who introduced the game?? It was so awesome!! Don't know if it could be heard on TV, but it was fantastic.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Swami, I was waiting for someone to make a comparison and normally I would pounce. Yes on the botched grounder but losing a ball to the sun monster is not bad defense. If it doesn't touch his glove its probably scored a hit.

Make sure you give him credit for the Web Gem and saving a run on Carroll's high liner plus all of his clutch hits.

Jimmy said...

Sec. 3, My Sofa took the words right out of my mouth: Danny was pretty stellar his first three months as well. We have to wait and see how the league adjusts to Rendon, and more important, how Rendon re-adjusts to that. My money is that he takes it well. The kid seems to know how to handle the bat. You can also tell he brings a little bit of that Fun Boy, Morse attitude to the field and clubhouse (how about the bow he took after catching that second pop fly?). A young team like this needs that sort of thing to cope with the pressure. Good to see it out there again.

baseballswami said...

I could not believe how this kid navigated the lineup! People in my section were all just grinning. He had the the pronunciations all nailed, and with energy and expression. It was priceless.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Espi 1st 3 months? Try this, a magical 1st week of September 2010 and April 2011.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Im so sleepy... I watched the come from behind win again last night...

Yesterday was just a good day of baseball... I mean solid and timely hits, good pitching from Jordan and props to the BP for holding the Twins scoreless although Cedeno gave me a few scares....

I predicted a 17 - 10 record this month... Its doable...

Now another long road trip... *sigh* Lets take it 1 game at a time and keep going in the right/winning direction....

ehay2k said...

Swami, I see your point about Espi's defense. However, remember that this was the Twins, so Rendon's miscues were not as damaging as they might be against a good team that takes advantage. Rendon needs to improve to keep from being a defensive liability. We also have yet to see how he will perform as the season grinds on. Espis defense never dropped off to my knowledge.

Now, it is definitely true that it is early, so we don't know if he will continue to hit at this rate. But we do know that Rendon has a sweet swing. Does anyone see a hole? Seems Espi was always noted for his loopy swing, even in the early days when he was hitting well. And once everyone (with the possible exceptions of Espi and of course Eck) figured out that he couldn't lay off the high cheese, his hitting game crumbled like a cheap cracker.

At least things are getting interesting again, in a good way!

baseballswami said...

Ghost - trying very hard not to be unfair. But seeing Rendon's approach to the game right now, and seeing how Tyler is handling his own issues, it's hard not to notices differences in how a player CAN control certain aspects of how things play out. There are choices of how any person responds to adversity.

MrsB loves the Nats said...

I expect we see a few more guffaws from Rendon as he learns the 2nd base position...

Good to see Roger B getting better at the plate... Yesterday, was probably his best day at the plate yesterday...

Yesterday was also the first time this season that when they went up 4-1, I didnt think the game was over... I knew we were going to come back and win...

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Swami - I also think when people talked about Espi's D, they were moreso discussing the vaunted Lombo vs Espi discussion... Its no question that Espi is a better defender than Lombo...

Rendon's leaping catch (which saved at least 1 run) was spectacular... No doubt about it... But Rendon will have to work on his throws to 1st a little more too...

A DC Wonk said...

Let's heap some kudos on ALR's defense in the second game. As we had moved up to right behind the Nats dugout, we got an up-close-and-personal view of at least three sparkling plays. (a) he caught a line drive and casually stepped on first for a double play; (b) he scooped a smash of the ground on the short hop and casually stepped on first for the out; and, late in the game, (c) he went to his left to stop a smash down the line, and from his knees threw to the pitcher for the 3-1 out at first.

He may have been even more valuable than anyone else in that game for the Nats.

DaveB said...

I haven't seen any discussion of the fact that the Nats were on their 8th (final) reliever yesterday with Soriano. How do folks think they would have played it if the Twins tied it up there in the 9th? Also, I was really surprised that they brought up Marrero as the 26th man, rather than a pitcher, knowing that they used so many the night before, and had Karns who hadn't made it past 4. (Although not really any good options that were on the 40 man ... maybe Kimball?)

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Also the move to send Tyler Moore down is one I am glad that Nats finally did... I wont harp on them for the timing as I agree with the timing... Both Werth and Harp were out... Needed the back up as he is/was the primary one (besides Roger) and you want to give a guy chances to work thru the funks and get going...

Tyler needs to play everyday. He has the power and needs to brush up on the D but he will be more valuable after his stint in the 'Cuse...

A DC Wonk said...

Now another long road trip... *sigh* Lets take it 1 game at a time and keep going in the right/winning direction....

Even better: let's hope that, as last year, a trip to Coors field gets the offense on track (which, last season, lasted the entire year after that trip....)

MrsB loves the Nats said...

Funny, how after the 2 wins and being back to 500, folks who last week, Friday even, that said the season was over and writing the Nats off, are all now flipping the script and 'believing' in the team and retracting the season is over comments...

People really make me laugh....

Knoxville Nat said...

"....it's the close proximity of beer, restrooms, more beer and food, in that order"

NatsJack, I'm glad to see your priorities are in the correct order!

natsfan1a said...

Didn't read the game thread and don't know whether this Tweeter was already mentioned but, if so, it's worth repeating. :-)

@ZuckermanCSN

Rain delay in the nightcap of a doubleheader? Somebody picked the right weekend to have surgery. #VeteranMove

MicheleS said...

NatsJack.. I didn't want to give away those secrets about Beer, Food, Restroom, Beer... :-)

TimDz said...

To those wanting the Nats to trade for Willingham's bat this trade deadline:

If you saw the Willingham play in game two (completely misplaying Desmonds ball hit to left center), that is the exact reason he was traded and the exact reason we shouldn't trade for him. He is a defensive liability in a big way...

CN said...

Last night's start may have been Karns last one for the Nats for the time being. He now knows what he needs to work on, getting movement on his fastball, locating his pitches, and keeping down his walks, among other things. Good for him to get the experience, and given his situation, a Double-A pitcher that was the #5 prospect in the org, he did a decent job.

I think the rotation for the next 6 is:
Haren (Tue)
Ohlendorf? (Wed)
Detwiler (Thu)
Gio (Fri)
Zimmermann (Sat)
Strasburg (Sun)

So, Ohlendorf, or the mystery starter will probably take Cedeno's place, then Det will take that person's spot. Karns can serve has the long relief man for the next few days, if necessary.

Whack-a-Mule said...


Mule Notes:

Yesterday brought faint glimmers of what this team was once, and what it needs to be every day.
With the Braves on a pace to win 100 games this season, they cannot be caught unless they falter badly and we continue to play at > .630 clip (i.e. we need to win at least 63 of the remaining 100 games to garner 94 wins, while hoping the Braves lose a few more along the way.)
Possibly just a pipe dream, but pray that the Nats at least keep trying.

The replacement of Espinosa with Rendon must be permanent; the job should now be Rendon's to keep (or lose) based upon his play in future.
Espinosa's offensive production was inadequate in 2012 (.230 BA, 175 K's etc.), when he was "healthy". He is a liability in 2013 and mustn't be considered for re-instatement until shoulder and hand are fixed/recovered and he can prove the ability to hit >.275 with fewer than 12 K's per 100 ABs (i.e. <75/season).

Mule is completely baffled by the E5 situation (with 2 more this weekend). Even hitting >.400 with RISP, Zimmerman's overall offensive production does not offset his defensive liability. If Zimmerman's defensive skills cannot be re-established , perhaps he follows in the footsteps of Michael Morse (D.H. in A.L.).

A DC Wonk said...

Oddities of the day:

- Andy Pettitte's son was drafted by the Yankees the day he won his 250th career game

- Cards win in extra innings. By seven.

- Marlins are 18-44. 8 wins against the Mets, 10 wins against the rest of MLB. (I guess the Mets are doing what they can to hold on to their worst ever season (1962, 40-120) by getting swept _twice_ against the Marlins this year).

- From that 20 inning game (which was only the Mets 4th longest game!)):
-- Shaun Marcum threw over 100 pitches in 8 innings -- his longest outing of the year. He did this as a relief pitcher, entering in the 13th inning. And allowed one run and lost.
-- Matt Harvey over his last nine starts dating back to April 19 has an ERA of 2.66. He has only one decision to go with that. (At least it's a win!)
-- The Mets went 0-19 with RISP (!!). The Marlins had only four at bats with RISP, got two hits, and won.

- Angels Joe Blanton has started 13 games for the Angels this year. He's 1-10 with a WHIP of 1.630

- Brewers' Kyle Lohse allowed three hits and no runs in the first inning -- the Phillies didn’t get another hit until the eighth

- Yaiel Puig got 4 HR in this first 5 games of his career, incluyding a grand slam, and tied the MLB record for most RBI in the first five games -- with 10. Anyone remember who else shares that record?

A DC Wonk said...

NatsJack in Florida said...

As for those writing off the season, the Nats needto get to August first within sight of the Braves. And in order to do that, the need to hold their own on this toad trip, get everyone healthy, then attack July with a vengeance.

In July, the Nats play 26 games with 17 at home and only 6 on the road with 3 of those against the Marlins. That sets up well.

But in the meantime, one game at a time and let's watch it play out.

Yep -- as a few of us have been saying: we are at the beginning of a 100-game stretch where the schedule is fairly soft. If the Nats just take care of business during this stretch, we'll be in fine shape for a run at the Braves.

But it starts with beating up on the weaker teams. Gotta keep taking 2-of-3 against all those guys.

CN said...

DaveB,
The team had at Krol and Cedeno (perhaps others?) at their disposal. Even tho they pitched in Gm 1, they each had a no-stress inning, so I imagine that they would have been available for Gm 2.

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

"If Zimmerman's defensive skills cannot be re-established , perhaps he follows in the footsteps of Michael Morse (D.H. in A.L.)."

Zimmerman's defensive skills are fine, with the exception of the throws. He'll likely end up at first base as many have predicted. No way he goes to the AL, except perhaps when his contract is up in 2020 or whenever.

Theophilus T. S. said...

Missed the weekend for daughter's wedding in TN so also missed everything post-Thursday. All I care is that Nats now have 140 more BA points @ 2B. From the box scores, it looks like The Kid Vers. 2.0 had a couple of doubles which is always a good sign.

My fear is that Rizzo's moves came too late to salvage the season -- and some of them, e.g., Marrero, smack of WDEE (We've Done Everything Else) -- but at least they will probably be more watchable.

Eric said...

"Rendon needs to improve to keep from being a defensive liability."

I agree. So far, his fielding at 2B is 10 points below RZim at 3B (.909 vs. .920), and is .896 in the MLB overall. I know it's a small sample in the majors, but it is exactly in line with his MiLB numbers.

Still not entirely comfortable with the situation. If we were playing, say, the Cards last night, I have little doubt they would've eaten us alive after Rendon booted the grounder with 2 outs.

Eric said...

Oh! But, let me backtrack. I missed the whole weekend of baseball except last night as I was out of town where there was little to no cell service and no TV.

Last night was an AWESOME game. I wish I could've seen the 7 - 0 drubbing; however, I had to choose between the two games yesterday, I would've picked last night. that's the kind of win that gets my half-sleeping, depleted self up into a sitting position and fills my heart with hope for the future :).

Whack-a-Mule said...

Mule agrees that Zimmerman could perhaps be converted to a first baseman. Throwing requirements are fewer at that position. He would have the finest of instructors in Adam LaRoche, exceptional and truly gifted at the position. A project for 2014 Spring Training perhaps, but not a mid-season undertaking (unless/until the season is written off). LaRoche is irreplaceable as long as we are in contention.
So:
What is to be done? Z's throwing has not improved with sustained every-day playing time. A 3rd-sacker who commits errors at the rate of 1 per 4 games played? Nevermore.

Eric said...

Mule, I just don't understand how in the last thread you call for entrenching Rendon at 2B but then call for doing something to deal with the RZim situation. Rendon's fielding is worse than RZim's both in the MiLB and now the MLB.

What makes the one tenable and the other not?

Eric said...

To be clear, I'm not calling for giving up on Rendon. If anything, I'm calling for giving RZim the same amount of slack. It's not like he's coming off of a normal off season.

But, mostly I'm just curious why folks have more patience for this sort of thing with Rendon...

mick said...

I lucked out and was able to get a 2 tickets to the second game...made it in time to see Rendon's Dr J leap..This kid is going to be something... and I compare him to a young
Dave Concepción

TimDz said...

Mule: I like your insights, but the referring to yourself in the third person is a bit off-putting to me...

Just thought I'd toss that out there...

Holden Baroque said...

Joe Morgan refers to himself in the 3rd person. So does Rickey Henderson. Sofa would never do that.

A DC Wonk said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
TimDz said...

Sofa: well played....

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

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