Saturday, August 17, 2013

Game 122: Nats at Braves

Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
ATLANTA — It's another cold, rainy day here at Turner Field, and this time it could prevent baseball from being played. At the very least, it's supposed to drizzle all evening. At worst, it could be heavy enough to cause a delay or even postponement. We'll see.

If they do get started, all eyes will be on Stephen Strasburg as he takes the mound in the wake of Bryce Harper's three plunkings by Braves pitchers over the last 11 days. Will Strasburg retaliate, and if so, who gets to wear one of his fastballs? The safest bet would probably be Justin Upton, batting second tonight for Atlanta. But much could depend on how the umpires handle this, whether they issue warnings to both dugouts before the game even begins, which would lead to automatic ejections and future suspensions.

In other news, the Nationals just announced they've placed Taylor Jordan on the 15-day DL with a lower back strain and recalled Tyler Moore from Class AAA. Reading between the lines, this would suggest the Nats have decided to shut down Jordan after 142 innings. Ross Ohlendorf will be ready to return in four days and take his rotation spot. Until then, they'll have an extra position player in Moore, who had been raking at Syracuse. (Over his last 28 games, he was hitting .371 with seven homers and 31 RBI.)

Stay tuned for updates...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at ATLANTA BRAVES
Where: Turner Field
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, Ch. 9, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500), XM 183
Weather: Showers, 68 degrees, Wind 10 mph in from RF
NATIONALS (59-62)
CF Bryce Harper Denard Span
2B Anthony Rendon
3B Ryan Zimmerman
RF Jayson Werth
SS Ian Desmond
C Wilson Ramos
1B Tyler Moore
LF Scott Hairston
RHP Stephen Strasburg

BRAVES (75-47)
RF Jason Heyward
LF Justin Upton
1B Freddie Freeman
C Brian McCann
3B Chris Johnson
CF Jordan Schafer
SS Andrelton Simmons
2B Paul Janish
LHP Mike Minor

UMPIRES
HP Marvin Hudson
1B Wally Bell (cc)
2B Jordan Baker
3B Marty Foster

4:30 p.m. — Bryce Harper has been scratched from the lineup. He was initially going to lead off and play center field, but he met with Davey Johnson and head trainer Lee Kuntz for a few minutes earlier and has now been scratched. Denard Span will start in Harper's place.

5:25 p.m. — Harper was scratched with a bruised upper left arm, in the triceps area, which is where he was plunked by Luis Avilan last night. He tried to take batting practice in the cage this afternoon but told Davey he couldn't do it. The Nats don't believe it's anything serious, but it is enough to keep him out of the lineup, and that's particularly frustrating to a Nationals clubhouse that sounds like it plans to exact some revenge tonight.

6:42 p.m. — The tarp is off the field and the grounds crew is working on things, but it looks like the start of this game might be delayed just a couple of minutes.

7:20 p.m. — And we're underway after a delay of 10 minutes. Mike Minor delivers strike one to Denard Span. Didn't appear umpires issued preemptive warnings to the benches before this one.

7:39 p.m. — Man, the Nats made Minor work in the top of the first. He needed 28 pitches to the first four batters alone. It looked like they might not get anything out of the inning, but Wilson Ramos delivered a clutch, 2-out, 2-run single, giving the Nats a 2-0 lead as Stephen Strasburg takes the mound. I wouldn't turn away right now, probably worth watching this half-inning.

7:50 p.m. — Well, we got our fireworks in the bottom of the first, though perhaps not everything you wanted. Jason Heyward led off the game by crushing a 3-2 fastball from Strasburg over the right-center field fence for a leadoff home run. But then Justin Upton dug in and Strasburg immediately plunked him in the left hip with a 97 mph fastball. The crowd got all riled up, but Upton took his base without saying anything and plate ump Marvin Hudson issued warnings to everyone. Strasburg induced a double play to get out of the inning, then got fist bumps from everyone in the dugout. So that should be the end of that ... unless the Braves want to continue it. It's 2-1 Nats after one.

8:19 p.m. — Jayson Werth: Sweet Fancy Moses! He just delivered yet another big hit: a two-out, two-run single that knocked Minor out of the game and gave the Nats a 4-1 lead in the second. Werth is now hitting .522 (24-for-46) in August, this after winning NL Player of the Month honors in July. For the season, he's now batting .334, which is only .001 behind Chris Johnson for the NL batting lead. Werth still needs another week or so of plate appearances to qualify for the leaderboard, but he's going to challenge for the batting title by season's end. Pretty remarkable.

8:30 p.m. — Sweet Fancy Moses again, but not in a good way. Stephen Strasburg just threw three consecutive wild pitches to Andrelton Simmons, the last two of which sailed way behind Simmons' back and allowed a run to score. Marvin Hudson had no choice but to eject Strasburg (and, by rule, Davey too) even though I honestly don't believe there was any intent there. Strasburg just completely lost his command. He threw seven pitches in the inning, all of them balls. But he's gone, as is Davey. Tanner Roark in to pitch what is now a 4-2 Nats lead, with a whole lotta baseball still left.

8:56 p.m. — Meanwhile, we've completed three innings here. It's still 4-2 as Roark and Varvaro try to settle things down.

9:09 p.m. — The Nats still are struggling to produce in clutch situations. They put two on in the fourth against Varvaro and watched as Zimmerman and Werth struck out and Desmond grounded out. They're now 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position tonight, though they still lead 4-2.

9:16 p.m. — Tanner Roark, ladies and gentlemen. He's got three scoreless innings under his belt now tonight, giving him this total pitching line since he made his debut: 9 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K. Not bad. Not bad at all. Still 4-2 Nats through four.

9:23 p.m. — Oh man, Roark just missed earning his first career Sweet Fancy Moses. But he missed hitting a home run by a couple of feet, so it's just a run-of-the-mill, RBI double for the rookie pitcher. Not that he needs to be ashamed of that. Wow, what a strange game tonight. Nats now lead 5-2 in the middle of the fifth.

9:35 p.m. — Another scoreless inning of relief for Roark, who has six strikeouts in four innings here. Still 5-2 Nats after five.

9:44 p.m. — Ho-hum, just another double for Werth (now hitting .335 for the season) followed by an RBI single for Desmond. It's 6-2 as we go to the bottom of the sixth. Fernando Abad in from the bullpen, as Roark's fantastic night comes to an end.

9:50 p.m. — And Abad immediately gives up two runs, allowing a leadoff single to Freeman and then a towering, two-run homer to McCann. All of a sudden, the Nats' lead is down to 6-4.

10:15 p.m. — Welcome back, Drew Storen. Mercy. He just struck out the side in the bottom of the seventh, getting Joey Terdoslavich on a fastball, Heyward on a devastating slider and Upton on a fastball. Storen has now faced seven batters since returning from Syracuse, and he has struck out five of them. Impressive. Still 6-4 as we go to the eighth.

10:30 p.m. — Ryan Zimmerman destroys a 2-1 pitch from Jordan Walden and sends it over the fence in right-center for his 14th homer. Jayson Werth, meanwhile, draws another walk, the fourth time he's reached base tonight. His season OBP is now .409, which would rank third in the NL if he qualified. We go to the bottom of the eighth, the Nats now up 7-4. Tyler Clippard on the mound, Roger Bernadina replaces Werth in right field and Adam LaRoche replaces Moore at first base.

10:37 p.m. — Yikes, Freeman clobbers a 2-1 pitch from Clippard over the center-field fence to lead off the bottom of the eighth. But Clippard settled down after that. So it's 7-5 Nats as we go to the ninth and Rafael Soriano begins to loosen in the pen.

10:45 p.m. — Now Hairston gets ejected arguing a called third strike in the top of the ninth. Which means Bryce Harper is going to have to play left field the rest of this game. The only other players on the Nats bench right now are Chad Tracy and Kurt Suzuki, and I seriously doubt either of them would be taking over left field in the ninth inning of a 7-5 game.

11:01 p.m. — Oh, my. Jason Heyward ties this game with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, taking Soriano deep. It's Soriano's second straight blown save. It would've been his third if not for Denard Span's catch against the Giants the other night. Extra innings ahead. Oh, my.

11:07 p.m. — The Nats go down in order in the top of the 10th against Craig Kimbrel. So now it'll be Ian Krol in the bottom of the inning against Freeman, McCann and Johnson.

11:14 p.m. — Krol made them sweat a bit, but he gets through the bottom of the 10th unscathed. So we go to the 11th, and now Bryce Harper (who wasn't even supposed to play tonight) will lead off against Luis Avilan. Wow.

11:20 p.m. — No drama in the top of the 11th. Harper grounded out to second. Desmond flied out to right. Ramos struck out. Since Zimmerman's homer in the eighth, the Nats are 0-for-11. So we move to the bottom of the 11th, Krol still on the mound. Craig Stammen is the only one left in the bullpen.

11:30 p.m. — Another scoreless inning for Krol. Onto the 12th. Avilan is back on the mound, the final man in the Braves pen. Craig Stammen still remains for the Nats.

11:39 p.m. — And the Nats go down in order again in the 12th. They're 0-for-14 since Zimmerman's homer. Stammen in for the bottom of the 12th.

11:45 p.m. — Onto the 13th! And now the Braves are going with Kris Medlen, who was scheduled to start Tuesday but has been forced into emergency relief in what is still a 7-7 game.

11:55 p.m. — The good news: the Nats got a hit in the 13th. Zimmerman singled with two outs, giving him the Nats' only two hits since the sixth. The bad news: Harper struck out to end the inning. So Stammen is back out for the bottom of the 13th.

12:09 a.m. — To the 14th. Hey, remember when Stephen Strasburg and Davey Johnson were ejected from this game? Yeah, that happened FOUR hours ago.

12:17 a.m. — Stammen had a chance to be the hero in the bottom of the 14th, stepping to the plate with two on and one out. But Simmons made a fantastic play on a grounder up the middle, turning a 6-3 double play. So we go to the bottom of the 14th. Oh yeah, and it's starting to rain now. Of course.

12:29 a.m. — Ladies and gentlemen, we are witnessing history tonight: Only the second 15-inning game in Nats history. They also did it on the final day of the 2009 season, right here in Atlanta. I should remember: I covered it.

12:40 a.m. — Adam LaRoche to the rescue! Solo homer off Medlen to lead off the top of the 15th. So the Nats have taken an 8-7 lead, and now Dan Haren will seek the first save of his career. Wow.

12:49 a.m. — And Haren does it. Nats win 8-7 in a mere 5 hours and 29 minutes.

603 comments:

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baseballswami said...

I seriously hope he does not sit the bench for days on end and get cold. Let's use that hot bat!!!!!

Nats Fan 204 said...

I think it was Mike Wallace, on Nat's Talk this morning who made the point that Gio should have plunked one of the Braves players the very next inning after Julio T. plunked Harper.
A few years ago, wasn't there a pitcher on the Texas Rangers who consistently came up and in and hit opposing players? Didn't his own teammates get him to stop because they were tired of being plunked as a result of his tactics?
Tonight will be interesting for SS. He says he wants to be seen as a mule. He doesn't like to being taken out of games when he has an ache. He didn't like Davey telling the press about the "icy hot" problem he experienced during a game. I hope that SS understands the situation facing him tonight.
I also hope that MLB doesn't tell the umps to issue warnings before the game starts, as I am sure the Atlanta front office is lobbying for right now.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Play Lombo in keft harper center and Moire 1b today please.

NatsLady said...

All righties except Harper (lead-off) in the line-up. Seriously. Guess Davey gave up on the L/R/L/R thing for later in the game and decided it would be good to score runs early.

SonnyG10 said...

Hmmmmm, rainy day? Let's play ball anyway. Plausable deniability. Opps, ump, the ball slipped out of my hand.

NatsLady said...

Look at Mark's tweet. Says Harper could be scratched.

NatsLady said...

Because what's to stop them from plunking Harper first, getting warnings, and then inserting a RHP? Or even switching up now, before it's official. They have an off-day Monday (I know, I'm getting paranoid...).

David Proctor said...

Apparently Harper was wearing a patch on his shoulder from where he got HBP and was in some pain. If that injured him, I'm going to be absolutely livid.

That's probably not what it is, but...

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

My diabotical mibd was thibking the same thing.

NatsLady said...

If he is hurt from the HBP I hope there is WAR and I don't care if 25 guys get suspended. Then let the Atlanta scum throw trash on the field and forfeit the game.

ptindc said...

Mine too!

NatsLady said...

James Wagner ‏@JamesWagnerWP 6m
Fredi Gonzalez doubles down. Says there was nothing intentional against Bryce Harper. "It's unfortunate. I love the way he plays the game."

Yeah, right. And what about Teheran?

baseballswami said...

This situation is so disgusting. Fredi Gonzalez is issuing denials. How about play the game the right way? I wish the umps would eject the fans. But when they come back here, I don't want our fans to act like them.

Unknown said...

This will lead to warnings before the game, you watch and that will really tick me off. It's just one of those years.

David Proctor said...

If warnings are issued before the game, maybe Strasburg can miss and hit the Home Plate Umpire...

I'm not being serious. But warnings issued before the game would be completely ridiculous.

David Proctor said...

Harper's scratched.

Unknown said...

You can be assured the Braves brass is lobbying for it.

Just hope they get the game in given the weather.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

That takes a lot of drama out of things.

To be 20 again.

baseballswami said...

Maybe the rain will keep some of the evil ones away.

Unknown said...

Bad news re. Harper, he must be really hurt because I am sure he wanted some revenge the right way, between the lines.

baseballswami said...

I wonder if there was concern that " fans" might throw things from the stands. Let things simmer down tonight? I want Stras to pitch his butt off tonight.

Section 222 said...

Warnings before the game would be absolutely appropriate. Everyone knows tempers are running hot and escalation is possible, especially with Harper knocked out of this game. It would be irresponsible not to try to deter further injuries.

Harper's injury shows the stupidity and danger of plunking wars. And anyone who thinks this wouldn't have happened if only Gio had hit someone in retaliation the day Teheran first hit Harper (getting himself and Davey ejected and probably causing a melee with uncertain and possibly catastrophic results) you're living in a dream world.

MLB needs to step in and stop this stuff. The teams and players can't effectively police themselves. The unwritten rules and the "code" aren't working. Enough is enough.

David Proctor said...

I guess according to Section 222, we should just continue to allow our star player to be plunked and injured. I'm sure he really appreciates that sentiment. I agreed with you at first Sec 222, but enough is enough. They keep hitting him. The Nationals have to stand up for their player. Sometimes you have to fight back, even if it's not ideal.

UnkyD said...

Disagree, Deuces... Pre game warning effectively takes "high and tight" away from our power pitcher, which would STINK. Let 'em play!

Unknown said...

222, you are entitled to your opinion & you have repeated it a few times but most here disagree with you.

I hope the warning comes after Justin Upton takes a 97mph heater to the ribs from SS in the first inning and then Teheran gets his tomorrow. Would never advocate for what their guy did yesterday when he threw at Harper's head but the back, legs, ribs, absolutely, and it's coming.

David Proctor said...

Mark Zuckerman ‏@ZuckermanCSN 14s
Davey says Harper scratched with bruised upper R arm. It's where he was plunked last night.

Unbelievable

baseballswami said...

I know I am being a total wussy chicken, but I am kind of relieved that Bryce will be safe in the dugout. I think rain will wreak havoc with the game and attendance. Tonight needs to be a step back from the cliff. Emotionally I want revenge, in reality I want our guys to win the game - just no shenanigans please.

pwilly said...

Nats pitchers haven't done anything to warrant a warning. The umps know what the score is and won't throw Stras out when he smokes J Upton.

Unknown said...

DP, have a hard time believing an arm bruise is keeping Harp out of this one. Hope it is just a bruise but he has played through worse injuries but maybe its some type of deep bone bruise, the guy did throw it 91-92+.

Selig won't, but should do something here...3 times in 11 days is egregious.

baseballswami said...

Trying so hard to be reasonable- just want to punch someone in the face. Wonder what the mood is on the team

Unknown said...

swami, don't punch a locker or if you do, don't use your pitching hand!!!

baseballswami said...

I kind of hope Tyler Moore takes out an infielder.

SonnyG10 said...

Would never advocate for what their guy did yesterday when he threw at Harper's head but the back, legs, ribs, absolutely, and it's coming.

Paul, I agree except, if legs, stay well above knee.

David Proctor said...

James Wagner
‏@JamesWagnerWP
Bryce Harper initially wanted to play but back of his arm, where he was hit yesterday, hurt while swinging in the cages.

Apparently he couldn't get it loose.

Davey implied that retribution would be coming, but it wouldn't be on his orders. "We have a way of protecting our own."

baseballswami said...

Haha-- I won't go all Mattheus!! Maybe a pillow.

Unknown said...

Sonny, totally agree meant to include "but not the knees"...good point.

baseballswami said...

Someone just tweeted that we will know something is up when Tyler Moore takes the mound as the starting pitcher!!! Anyone think we might just get rained out?

Unknown said...

DP, thanks, makes sense.

Maybe he van PH late if needed??

SonnyG10 said...

Davey implied that retribution would be coming, but it wouldn't be on his orders. "We have a way of protecting our own."


Thanks for that tidbit David. I feel better now. I was afraid they were not going to protect Bryce.

Section 222 said...

I guess according to Section 222, we should just continue to allow our star player to be plunked and injured. I'm sure he really appreciates that sentiment.

DP, I'm surprised at you since you showed some restraint at first. Neither you nor anyone else has explained how plunking and perhaps injuring another player will "protect" ours. It's just pure retribution at this point and it's pointless, dangerous and wrong. Maybe Harper has bought into this code stuff or maybe he hasn't. I hope not. He's better than that.

pb, you're right I've expressed my position a few times. I hope you're not suggesting that i should stop, since all the folks on the other side, including you, have expressed yours way more often. I'm disappointed that so many people who I respect and like are in favor of violent retribution. You might think that Harper having to miss this game would impress upon them how wrong throwing at people under any circumstances is. But no, everyone seems even more bloodthirsty. As if it would be some kind of justice to knock Justin Upton out for a few games. That's just mindboggling. You'd be all over Phillies or Braves fans if they were suggesting the same thing in an analogous situation.

With all the ink spilled over this in the past 18 hours, no one has made any kind of convincing case that retaliation and escalation would prevent further attacks on our players. That's the problem with your view. This "code" that everyone keeps talking about with such reverence and insisting must be invoked just satisfies your lowest instincts. It didn't protect Harper at the beginning of the month and it didn't protect him last night.

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

They don't have to knock Upton out for a few games. They just have to plunk him. He takes his base and it's over, unless the Braves choose to escalate things. That's how it worked with Hamels, that's how it's worked from the beginning in baseball. It's the umpires mucking things up by issuing warnings too soon that has caused all these problems.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Why cant we have both?

NatsLady said...

Patricia Francis ‏@Oceans1156 8m
@NatsLady Actually on Sirius MLB show today, Kevin Kennedy suggested that as a calculated strategy. Hit him rather giving him a shot at a HR

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

If Span is playing why is he leading off? Bat him 8th against a lefty on the road.

Nats Fan 204 said...

From an article in Red Fever Jan. 2013

Remember Vicente Padilla?.


Padilla was hated by many of his own teammates and famously has continued feuds with many of his former Rangers teammates, most notably Mark Teixeira, who he plunked this past season as a member of the Boston Red Sox and set the New York Yankees first baseman off. Many of his former teammates accused of him getting them hit by opposing pitchers as payback for Padilla hitting batters.

Padilla is taking his talents to Japan, where he has signed a one-year deal worth a reported $3.25 million to pitch for the SoftBank Hawks.

Section 222 said...

You never know when a plunking will end up injuring the hitter -- Harper being out of the lineup tonight shows that better than anything else. Or it starts a bench clearing brawl where the pitcher ends up with a broken collarbone. Have we learned nothing since the stone ages?

JZnn retaliated against Hamels for throwing at Harper, and yet Teheran threw at Harper. What? Does the code not work? The threat of retaliation didn't deter him? How could that be?

I'm glad the umps issue warnings. That's the only thing that seems to affect behavior.

David Proctor said...

JZimm threw at Hamels and the Phillies didn't throw at Harper anymore. It was over. It did work.

NatsLady said...

Huh? No Phillie has thrown at Harper since the Hamels incident, that I know of. Different team. Different pitcher. Different season. 222, you are making very little sense.

Unknown said...

pb, you're right I've expressed my position a few times. I hope you're not suggesting that i should stop...

222, absolutely not, I would never suggest anyone stop expressing their opinion on this or any other issue especially you who I enjoy reading and generally agree with.

in your last sentence of the post you talked of the "code" and "It didn't protect Harper at the beginning of the month and it didn't protect him last night.

the reason is because we didn't do anything about it!!! Had we done so, it would have been over by now and last night does not happen.

Just like when Hamels hit Bryce as a stupid welcome to the MLB gesture and 20 minutes later Jzimnn hit Hamels, it ended right there...someone else made that excellent point earlier today. The fact that we let it go on this long without retaliation is the problem, we should have taken care of it 11 days ago.

Its not "bloodthirsty" as this has been going on in baseball for 100 or so years and its always worked itself out among the players.

If you do nothing like we have done, it will continue to happen to Harper.

All of MLB wants us to take care of business and we will, the fact that we haven't yet is disturbing but we will, that I can guarantee.

We can agree to disagree, 222 but keep on posting, you bring great insight.

Hope this game is over by the 6th round, I mean inning.

Nats 128 said...

"David Proctor said...
JZimm threw at Hamels and the Phillies didn't throw at Harper anymore. It was over. It did work."

At least 100 posts on plunkings. 222 has to repeat himself a dozen times. Heard it. Thanks.

The Braves are playing bullies. Its gone much to far. Time to drill one of the Barves hard. If a warning has been issued, it cant be Strasburg and needs to be someone like Abad who is expendeble.

Unknown said...

not to change the subject but it makes me ill to watch A-Rod continue to play baseball, take your punishment so we don't have to watch you for 200 or so games.

Unknown said...

128, bring up Bryce's brother Bryan to start the game, he will take care of business.

Nats 128 said...

"Reading between the lines, this would suggest the Nats have decided to shut down Jordan after 142 innings."

Wasn't there a shutdown pool going. 142 innings appears to be the winner.

Section 222 said...

For the record Nats128, I expressed my anti-retaliation views last night in the Instant Analysis post once. That post had 125 comments, not all about plunking of course. In this morning's post, which had 99 comments, most of which were about plunking and vengeance, I commented twice. And I've made three comments out of the 50 so far in this post.

But don't let the facts get in the way of your personal attacks.

Nats 128 said...

"paul brandt said...
128, bring up Bryce's brother Bryan to start the game, he will take care of business."

That will be the only way he makes the Majors unless he bro comps him for box seats.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

You dont get hurt if hit correctly.

Nats 128 said...

222, cut your whining. There was no personal attack. You are wrong on the subject. The Braves are pushing it and its unfortunate. The Nats only have one choice. You dont understand that. What can I say.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I had 146 so i didnt win.

Nats 128 said...

MNF, good guess. I had 120.

Anonymous said...

paul brandt - I actually love to see A-Fraud playing and hope he never serves his suspension--since every game he does plays costs the Yankees about $154,000.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

There is a plan

Knoxville Nat said...

222,

I respect your thoughts and your posts here but you really are over reacting to 128's comments. I read nothing in his posts that smacks of a personal attack towards you or anyone else here.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I like that nickname A-fraud.

I see Tajada got a 105 game suspensiob for taken a substance that he had a waiver to take, that he forgot to get an extension for.

Section 222 said...

Sorry you have to read comments with which you disagree 128. I'm not sure it's not first time though. You'll get over it I'm sure. And I'll keep posting whenever I feel like it.

baseballswami said...

A one day call up of Bryan Harper. Hmmmm. No command, no problem. We have beat this into the ground. It remains to be seen how things will go from here. From the over the top stuff on twitter, I don't think I would go to Turner Field or encourage any one else to go there. I will be glad to see the Nats at Wrigley.

Section 222 said...

Thanks Knoxville. He said this: "At least 100 posts on plunkings. 222 has to repeat himself a dozen times. Heard it. Thanks." That seemed unfair as well as factually inaccurate. Whether it was a personal attack or not, it was certainly a suggestion that he felt I was posting too much on this topic. Maybe it was just his way of saying he's not interested in hearing an opposing view. But it's a free country.

Unknown said...

karlkolchak said...
paul brandt - I actually love to see A-Fraud playing and hope he never serves his suspension--since every game he does plays costs the Yankees about $154,000.

great point k-chack, I stand corrected!

I have heard some other nicknames for him that also start with A but don't end in "fraud" but rather something you dig.

JD said...

222 and swami

If the Bats pitchers don't take a stand 2 things will happen:

1) Harper will charge the mound and that's when bad things can really happen.

2) Harper will lose respect for his teammates and that will be hard to repair.

If Stars plunks Upton Fredi will end it because he won't want to risk serious injury to his stars going into the playoffs.

Sorry guys.that's how it works.

Nats 128 said...

"Knoxville Nat said...
222,

I respect your thoughts and your posts here but you really are over reacting to 128's comments. I read nothing in his posts that smacks of a personal attack towards you or anyone else here."

I appriciate that. Some people like playing the martyr.

The Braves have gone way to far and now Bryce is hurt. I would go in on the hands of a Brave star and if it breaks a bone it goes back to playground rules "You hit me and I will hit you harder". They started this fight and it should have ended 2 weeks ago. Now they have continued it.

Its not going to be pretty and glad Tyler Moore is here has the Nats could use an extra big man.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Seen Nats once @ Wriggley. Brian Schneider hit a game winning homer in the 12th

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

It works that over 100 years

Nats 128 said...

JD, there you go. Thats how bad its got to.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I am not for injuring anyone, but all for messae sending.

oldthirdsacker said...

Good thing I'm not managing....I'd start someone else until McCann came up and he'd get a fastball in the ribs. He's the one that called for the first hit. Then bring in Stras.

Nats 128 said...

"Manassas Nats' Fan said...
I am not for injuring anyone,"

Im not for head hunting however I have no problem coming in on the hands. If it breaks a wrist thats the risk Freddi and his Braves put themselves in. Throwing 95 up behind Bryce could have hit him in the neck and it didnt miss by much.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I am for 98 in the ribs to Upton

JD said...

BTW

I firmly believe that Harper got hit twice last night because the Bats didn't end it 2 weeks ago.I am not sure why a team which is leading its division by 15 games is escalating this fight but they certainly are.

If they happen to lose Upton for a long period it will be on Fredi.

Nats 128 said...

"Manassas Nats' Fan said...
I am for 98 in the ribs to Upton"

You realize calling for a rib shot can catch a arm or wrist and break a bone.

djinFl. said...

Seems to me if a Brave is hit tonight a number of posters will cheer the way the fans in Atlanta did last night.
Remember how much we liked that.
Just start beating these guys.

Nats 128 said...

"JD said...
If they happen to lose Upton for a long period it will be on Fredi."

Thats what Ive been sayin.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Then blame Avlian and Tehran.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I will not cheer, but will feel satisfied they are protecting Bryce.

There is a difference.

Nats Fan 204 said...

About 30 minutes ago, the radio host Mark Gray on 106.7fm just told an interesting story. According to Mr. Gray, back in the early 1990's as Atlanta was moving from the doormat of the NL west to a powerhouse in the NL East, John Schuerholz, the new GM of the Atlanta Braves signed free agent Terry Pendelton formerly of the the St. Louis Cardinals. During one of his early years with the Braves, one of the Braves hitters was drilled by the opposing pitcher. Terry Pendelton was playing third base at the time. When his teammate/pitcher did not immediately take care of the situation/retaliate, Terry Pendelton left the field of play. Bobby Cox, had to put in a substitute.
Perhaps his fiery attitude played a part in turning the Braves attitude around. Perhaps he is playing a part in giving the Braves' players their edge now. Perhaps Mr. Rizzo should consider someone of Mr. Pendelton's ilk such as Matt Williams or even Mr. Pendelton himself to interview for the job of manager of the Nats.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

FYI despite tge early hour Davey has already screwed up. Spa should be batting 7th or 8th.

Section 222 said...

If they happen to lose Upton for a long period

Listen to yourselves. Thanks for the dose of sanity djinFL

Nats 128 said...

222, none of us will be cheering a plunking. Thats the differerence. Its simple baseball retribution.

UnkyD said...

Hyperbole doesn't necessarily = personal attack. In fact, there's really very little on this site, day to day, that needs to be taken personally. I really appreciate the restraint, in general, that we have shown each other, in this very disappointing, frustrating season... I still read most posts and comments, but I'm not inclined to "mix it up" in my frustration (or rather, I AM so inclined, but would rather not be that guy!).
I'm just glad I'm not an Atlanta fan....

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

We need to get off to a fast start, slow starts against the Braves has not worked out well.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

That is an interesting comnentary from FP.

Nats 128 said...

222, I hope you are listening to FP

Nats 128 said...

FP "rubbing your nose in it". Exactly FP.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Athletes think one way . You must show no fear.

Knoxville Nat said...

Sec 222 said:

Thanks Knoxville. He said this: "At least 100 posts on plunkings. 222 has to repeat himself a dozen times. Heard it. Thanks." That seemed unfair as well as factually inaccurate. Whether it was a personal attack or not, it was certainly a suggestion that he felt I was posting too much on this topic. Maybe it was just his way of saying he's not interested in hearing an opposing view. But it's a free country.

Unfair? I just think 128 was trying to use some hyperbole to suggest that, in his opinion anyway, that maybe there were enough posts on this topic. I don't happen to agree with him but I could understand where he was coming from. And you may be correct in saying "....he's not interested in hearing an opposing view."

If he is not interested he should do as I do with certain posters, just skip over them. Nothing wrong with that approach.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Tim NcCarver saud Bob Gibson always had teammates back.

baseballswami said...

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. 25 guys on that roster know the unwritten " rules" and they also know the consequences. They live and work together. Whatever they decide to do or not do, it's up to them.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Delaywd 10 minutes

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

As I said we need a Jason Marquis type tonight who has his teammate's back.

Knoxville Nat said...

Didn't get to hear FP's comments as I am blacked out from MASN. Braves announcers seem to think something will happen tonight but remind their viewers that the two teams still play each other in September.

I can't stand Chip Carey or the other guy (name unknown), Tom Glavine is meh.

Nats 128 said...

KNoxville, FP went on a rant that he couldnt believe whats going on and the Nats still hadnt plunked a Brave. FP got many random messages and one of the more intersting ones was from a guy who asked if the Nats werent retaliating becuz they didnt like Bryce. That is sad.

baseballswami said...

I think Minor hits someone first so that warnings are issued before Stras gets up.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Basically said friends from around the league wondered if Nats players didnt like Harper as none of the pitchers have defended Harper.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I told Big Cat that on my pre gane conference call.

David Proctor said...

Span beat something out!

Nats 128 said...

Span needed that. He hasnt beat out many of those lately.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Simmons took his time. His tgrow was great, but to slow to set up. Thanks.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Span moved on that. RISP time. 14 for 90 for the year vs. Braves. .155

Nats 128 said...

Nats with a big chance to get on the Braves early

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Ump making up calls now, ball way inside a strike?

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Then a k on a ball way low.

Nats 128 said...

Ryan had 2 things he had to do there and couldnt do either. Thats where a strikeout is a bad out. Didnt move the runners up with no outs.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

With a man on second less than 2 outs all k are bad

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Three 3-2 counts and Zim should have had a 3-2 count. Ian patiebce

baseballswami said...

Zim may be done for the night. Hope he has ice on that leg.

Joe Seamhead said...

Way to start Denard! Great AB.

The ump is awful so far!

Deuces, I just want you to know that overall I agree with your sentiments. That said, when I played men's fastpitch, where the ball is thrown faster, and harder,from 12 feet closer,retaliation was part of the game. I hated it as a player, especially when I got hit, and I hate it as a fan. But I about guarantee you there will be some form of retaliation. It is a matter of pride and sending a message.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

How in the hell span out

baseballswami said...

Bad execution.

Jane Elizabeth said...

Span with the speed....

David Proctor said...

Buffalo!

baseballswami said...

Better execution!!!!

Knoxville Nat said...

128/MNF.....that is something I had never considered. I can't begin to think that his teammates don't like him.

On the other hand ever since A-Fraud came back I have been thinking that someone would plunk him just because. Sort of their way to punish him for his continued PED use. I also wonder if his teammates would back him or do they hate him as much as many others do?

Nats 128 said...

Span had a small lead at 3rd and hesitated on contact. Bad running play. Seen that to many times from him.

Nice job by Ramos. Picks up Ryan Z and Span.

Joe Seamhead said...

Way to go Ramos! Not bashing Desmond, but that was an awful at bat by Ian.

jeffwx said...

Buffalo

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Ian crappy hit. Buffalo solid hit.

Tyler first chabce back and a lazy fly, but then again ALR would probably not done better.

baseballswami said...

Game on.

jeffwx said...

There should be consequences for wrongful actions.
Let's see what happens.

Joe Seamhead said...

You all blame Span, who I agree had a hesitation, but seriously, we're lucky that Desmond's weak contact wasn't an inning ending double play.

jeffwx said...

or do you trust in a just universe

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Hairston slowed up way too early.

Jane Elizabeth said...

Span is not as fast as he used to be. With his playing style, that is a big issue offensively....

Joe Seamhead said...

Wow! Hairston stopped. What was that about?

Nats 128 said...

Hairston cant get the foul ball and there you go with 2nd chances.

jeffwx said...

don't give a hot team too many chances.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Thanks Hairston. Lackof conviction on the catch

jeffwx said...

Intentional ?

Nats 128 said...

There you go. Upton got it. Thanks Stephen.

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

That's what I'm talking about!

Thank you, Jesus.

Joe Seamhead said...

Well, now, helluva shot by Heyward. Put that one on Hairston.

Everybody happy now?

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Issue the warnings.

Nats 128 said...

jeffwx, no, the ball slipped.

jeffwx said...

Why are the Tomahawks booing...what a bad baaseball town

JaneB said...

THANK YOU STRAS! Thank you.

jeffwx said...

Exactly, 128
I was using sarcasm that doesn't work well in blog world.

Better way to get even is to get even and win

Nats 128 said...

Strasburg hit Upton in a fair place. I like how he did it on the 1st pitch as to not get his pitch count up.

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

@jeffwx: Atlanta is not just a bad baseball town. It is a terrible sports city, and terrible city period. Old South that never really got it. Just a sprawling Gary, Ind., with humidity, if you ask my opinion. With 1,506 streets named Peachtree.

Unknown said...

nice job SS, you just matured beyond your years & earned a ton of respect with that one throw...now, end of story!!

move on and win the game!!!!!

Unknown said...

well done!!!!!!!!!!!!

jeffwx said...

Will Fredie move on ?

Jane Elizabeth said...

Jesus says don't blame that on him....

Dave said...

97 MPH two-seam fastball to Upton. All done now. Good job, Stras.

Joe Seamhead said...

Unlike Northern VA, Sunshine, where there must be Another 1506 variations of Glebe Rd.

mick said...

excellent Stras!!! well done...I get a kick at how the red neck fan trash in Atlanta has the NERVE to boo...i will never understand inbred life in the South

lol

Joe Seamhead said...

Hairston really pi$$ed me off on the play in left. Make up for it,will you Scott?

waddu eye no said...

Just a sprawling Gary, Ind., with humidity,

love it.

gyfng

mick said...

and by the way braves fans....General Sherman is my hero ha ha ha

Dave said...

@jeffwx, if Fredi doesn't move on, he's ejected from the game. The warnings were given.

mick said...

hope the Nats stomp these clowns tonight

Unknown said...

paul brandt said...

I hope the warning comes after Justin Upton takes a 97mph heater to the ribs from SS in the first inning and then Teheran gets his tomorrow. Would never advocate for what their guy did yesterday when he threw at Harper's head but the back, legs, ribs, absolutely, and it's coming.
August 17, 2013 4:59 PM

ok, i am not about tooting my own horn but...not sure if i got the velocity right tho...haha.

jeffwx said...

A most arrogant bunch of fatheads full of entitlement and anti-American(Native) sentiment.

mick said...

jeffwx


well said!!!

Section 222 said...

Darn, why didn't he hit Heyward instead?

Ok, now that everyone has that out of their system, can we actually win a baseball game against the Braves tonight? It's been way too long.

jeffwx said...

agreed Dave, just wonder if he'll wait till the next series.
I'm starting a protest...Stop the Tomahawk.
But it looks like someone beat me to it

http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2013/5/1/4292152/yeah-the-tomahawk-chop-bugs-me-heres-why

Joe Seamhead said...

I'm not sure, but I think Span has had a total of 18 pitches in his two AB's.

jeffwx said...

Rendon really on the plate.
Watch out

Nats 128 said...

Suprizing. Nats get a call and Rendon takes the base.

Joe Seamhead said...

And who are your three starters, Jack. I disagree before you even answer.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Still not pleased with Hairston. He gave up on the foul before Hayward homered.

Joe Seamhead said...

To my way of thinking Bernadina is the only other quality outfielder on the team and he doesn't hit any better then Span. Moore and Lombo don't belong in a ML outfield, period.

David Proctor said...

Werth!

Unknown said...

Werth for prez!

Nats 128 said...

Werth it!

Joe Seamhead said...

Jayson Werth!

jeffwx said...

Werth While!

Knoxville Nat said...

Best way to shut up those clowns in the stands. Hope Desi can get a hit here and keep the line moving.

jeffwx said...

Werth While Werewolf of Washington!

Unknown said...

not Werthless!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Net Werth!

Unknown said...

jeffwx said...
Werth While Werewolf of Washington!
August 17, 2013 8:14 PM

jeff wins!

Knoxville Nat said...

And JoeS, I agree with your assessment on our OF situation. If not Span, then who? We don't have any real good alternatives on the 25 man roster and I don't see anyone in the minors ready to step up.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Rminer's pitch not bad but Wert hit better.

Nats 128 said...

"NatsJack in Florida said...
I am officially in the "Span as a 4th outfielder" camp."

Just curious. Why.

Knoxville Nat said...

Choo? How much do you think it would cost to sign him and how many years? I don't know Jack, he's what 33 or 34 already?

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Werth appeared to be adjusting a small brace under his pants on the knee

Unknown said...

Manassas Nats' Fan said...
Werth appeared to be adjusting a small brace under his pants on the knee
August 17, 2013 8:18 PM

hope he keeps doing it b/c its working.

David Proctor said...

It's not a brace, but I believe Werth has been wearing a kneepad ever since his knee bruise.

BigCat said...

They hit Harper twice intentionally and put him out. I'd get upton again....upper back. He was smiling going to first after stra grazed him. Either that or the little Latin pitcher that started all this

Unknown said...

4 pitch walk?

come on SS and now a WP?!

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Choo is 31

Amr Khani said...

Carpenter with some amazing analysis. Desmond has most of his RBI when he gets hits with runners in scoring position!

David Proctor said...

What in the world?

TexNat said...

Agree, NatsJack. That or they have to move Laroche to make room for another bat in the infield (or both). It will be easier to find an outfield bat than an infield one.

Joe Seamhead said...

What's up with Strasburg?

Knoxville Nat said...

Are you kidding me?

Jane Elizabeth said...

Marvin Hudson is from Atlanta.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Those werent imtentional, if so ge did a bad job. Just hit him.

TexNat said...

Following on gamecast, somebody tell me what in the world just happened? Did Stras throw behind the guy or something?

Nats 128 said...

A bullpen that sure cant afford to pitch like this. What the ****?

Nats 128 said...

TexNat, 3 wild pitches. 1 in the LH batters box and 2 way behind Simmons. Not close to hitting him.

TexNat said...

Sending a message or just totally lost his release point or something?

Unknown said...

Let's hope Roark can eat up about 4 innings.

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