tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post1687689685757743878..comments2024-02-15T05:42:18.307-05:00Comments on Nats Insider: Just one loss, but a recurring themeMark Zuckermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525315258889435961noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-7031497262260142462010-06-17T15:56:44.392-04:002010-06-17T15:56:44.392-04:00You're welcome, 222. Glad you enjoyed it.You're welcome, 222. Glad you enjoyed it.natsfan1anoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-64348438789999080832010-06-17T13:47:50.033-04:002010-06-17T13:47:50.033-04:00Great link 1a! Thanks!Great link 1a! Thanks!Section 222https://www.blogger.com/profile/17106128453333996193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-12368352574345143192010-06-17T13:45:46.559-04:002010-06-17T13:45:46.559-04:00natsfan1a:
I was careful not to "equate a pe...natsfan1a:<br /><br />I was careful not to "equate a person with feces." If you look at the jokes, it was his ABs, not him.<br /><br />Anon 11:35:<br /><br />You have no idea what you're talking about. The Lerners don't pay his salary. They've been making a profit on this team since Day 1, and everything they've done with the team is paid out of that. And to top it off, I'm also a <br /><br />I'm a patron of this professional team. I think that gives me the right to complain when I don't feel I'm getting my money's worth. You can disagree on that general principle of our society if you want, but I think you'd be in the minority. If you don't like people making fun of players, perhaps you should stick to amateur athletics.Bowdenballnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-37613820534579593822010-06-17T12:16:05.420-04:002010-06-17T12:16:05.420-04:00Re. Zimm's stance, see the following. Coincide...Re. Zimm's stance, see the following. Coincidence? hmmm... You be the judge... :-D<br /><br />http://www.battingstanceguy.com/2010/05/26/bsg-interviews-ryan-zimmermannatsfan1anoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-19000042694710576462010-06-17T12:08:08.604-04:002010-06-17T12:08:08.604-04:00Anon 11:05:
I was thinking the same thing about Zi...Anon 11:05:<br />I was thinking the same thing about Zimm's batting stance. It looks to me like he's circling the bat over his head a la Kevin Youkilis (minus the squatting and bouncing), then stops and swings when the pitch is thrown.Bonnie Romneynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-89483111222190964052010-06-17T11:35:45.042-04:002010-06-17T11:35:45.042-04:00bowdenball, now there's an entitled attitude f...bowdenball, now there's an entitled attitude for you! I'm pretty sure it's actually the lerners who pay his salary...if you don't give them/the team a cent next year, they owe willie harris regardless. YOU don't pay his salary and YOU are not entitled to "let him know about it" when YOU don't think he's earning his salary. Gimme a break!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-33192507896980307622010-06-17T11:00:54.286-04:002010-06-17T11:00:54.286-04:00is it my imagination or does Zimmerman have more o...is it my imagination or does Zimmerman have more of an open batting stance now? also, id like to see Bernadina adopt a more open "Dunnn-like stance" as well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-86375852559650409212010-06-17T10:56:38.885-04:002010-06-17T10:56:38.885-04:00Bowdenball, I don't mind constructive criticis...Bowdenball, I don't mind constructive criticism, it's just that I'm not a fan of ad hominem attacks (and imo equating a person with feces qualifies in that regard). I've spent my share of money on the Nats since 2005, but perhaps not enough to entitle me to do that. How much money does it take to qualify, btw? ;-) (That's a joke, fwiw. As noted previously, it's just my own preference, and the mileage of others may vary.)natsfan1anoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-75024978987552385362010-06-17T09:50:11.871-04:002010-06-17T09:50:11.871-04:00natsfan1a-
I was just trying to lighten the mood ...natsfan1a-<br /><br />I was just trying to lighten the mood a bit since we're all a little grumpy this morning. <br /><br />I was careful to focus only on Willie's ABs this year, which I think he even would agree have been absolutely putrid, and it is inexcusable for a professional making millions of dollars to perform that horribly. Nothing against the man, who seems like a class act and is certanly an above-average defensive outfielder. <br /><br />But he should not be batting for a major league ballclub. There's zero reason for it at this point. As I've said before, I give thousands of dollars to this team every year to watch them play. That means I help pay Willie's salary. So when he's not earning the salary I help pay, I have no problem letting him know about it.<br /><br />I would be happy to delete the joke about career advice from Haynesworth because that went beyond his ABs this year.Bowdenballnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-21531105628684595412010-06-17T09:34:11.890-04:002010-06-17T09:34:11.890-04:00I agree with a number of commenters that the Nats ...I agree with a number of commenters that the Nats have a few great and some more promising pieces but not consistent strength across the board (or the 25 man roster). We can pick apart the individual losses, but frankly shouldn't be surprised by the overall number of them, or the problems that have brought them about.<br /><br />Starting pitching has proved to be a problem, but a foreseeable one. Livo was never going to get thru the season with an ERA in the 2.00 neighborhood--he'll eat innings but expect him to regress to his 4+ career ERA over the summer. The return of various starters from the DL offers some hope, but not for a month or more.<br /><br />A lot of commenters have been bashing Nyjer and Willie, and how Riggs has chosen to play them. I'm not happy with them either, but realize that Riggs doesn't have a lot of OF options on the 25 man roster or many good ones down in the minors. People like Morse right now for his hot bat. But if you look over his career he has limited experience in the OF, and I would suspect the more he plays there the more his limitations there will become obvious, which folks will be less willing to excuse when he (inevitably) cools at the plate. I still think Riggs probably ought to have played him more over the last week, but I don't see Morse as a long-term solution. Again, you can look to the future, but don't expect to see Bryce Harper out there regularly til 2012.<br /><br />The Nats are what they are--a work in progress, better than last year but still at least a season away from a .500+ team. Knowing that in theory doesn't make the individual losses easier to bear in practice. But at least thru August, at least we have every 5th day to look forward to.HHovernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-61006738011013452812010-06-17T09:30:42.313-04:002010-06-17T09:30:42.313-04:00DC Wonk said it better than I could re. Rizzo, and...DC Wonk said it better than I could re. Rizzo, and Big Fish had already made the spelling point for me. Let's see, other than to say that jumping ship is not an option for me, either, I got nothing. Not a fan of the individual player bashing jokes, for Willie or anybody else on the team, but your mileage may vary.natsfan1anoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-60325052859557113942010-06-17T09:15:36.809-04:002010-06-17T09:15:36.809-04:0011-20 over the last 31 games against weak competit...11-20 over the last 31 games against weak competition is not "just a little slump". That's heading south rapidly. The starting pitching, except for Strasburg, is a disaster.phil dunnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-60520869602244380182010-06-17T09:07:33.944-04:002010-06-17T09:07:33.944-04:00actually, above i meant *MAXWELL* had an OBP 40 pt...actually, above i meant *MAXWELL* had an OBP 40 pts higher, although bernadina is 30 pts higher, too.greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13848419973469239512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-8083396013390190202010-06-17T09:06:08.110-04:002010-06-17T09:06:08.110-04:00"and bat Goozie first and maybe move Bernie u..."and bat Goozie first and maybe move Bernie up to the second spot."<br /><br />what is the fascination (both with some fans and with management) with putting guzman at leadoff?<br /><br />the guy is terrible at getting on base (even bernadina had an OBP 30pts higher) and he's not a speed guy (he hasn't been over 66% successful in steals since 2001 nor stolen 10+ bases since 2004). he doesn't take a lot of pitches (one of the worst in the league in that respect). he doesn't have a single quality that would make him a good leadoff hitter, and yet people view him that way. <br /><br />he's a 7/8 hitter, who doesn't have a sucky batting average (although slumping heavily lately), but also has no other peripheral strengths offensively. <br /><br />i'd much rather see bernadina lead off. or even irod.greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13848419973469239512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-7756424570007827092010-06-17T09:01:58.400-04:002010-06-17T09:01:58.400-04:00No way I am blaming Rizzo. He has done far more go...No way I am blaming Rizzo. He has done far more good for this franchise than bad. I am surprised we made this much progress. We are playing for next year and that is fine. <br /><br />This year the Nationals are getting good reviews for the draft and we are relatively competitive, when not slumping. <br />In Rizzo we trust.hleeo3noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-78457786104137720122010-06-17T08:46:43.185-04:002010-06-17T08:46:43.185-04:00And once they improve their grammer (sic), maybe ...And once they improve their grammer (sic), maybe they could improve their spelling ;-)Arlington Big Fishnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-87602256131440172292010-06-17T08:40:49.789-04:002010-06-17T08:40:49.789-04:00What we need now is a bunch of Willie Harris jokes...What we need now is a bunch of Willie Harris jokes to lighten the mood.<br /><br /><br />My neighbor needs to curb his dog. Our block is covered with piles of Willie Harris at-bats.<br /><br />What do Willie Harris at the plate and Albert Haynesworth have in common? They both have an inexplicable love for the 4-3.<br /><br />Speaking of Albert, any chance he can give Willie Harris career advice?<br /><br />What's the difference between a Willie Harris at-bat and a bucket of manure? The bucket!<br /><br />What do a Willie Harris at-bat and the sitcom Ellen have in common? They both guarantee outs.<br /><br /><br />Thank you, thank you. I'll be here all week. Don't forget to tip your waitresses.Bowdenballnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-28271888115706097062010-06-17T08:38:17.517-04:002010-06-17T08:38:17.517-04:00Possiby if they shifted from aiming to "play ...Possiby if they shifted from aiming to "play good" to aiming to "play well" the improvement in grammer might make them feel smarter and play even "gooder"!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-3907805976539965002010-06-17T08:30:03.367-04:002010-06-17T08:30:03.367-04:00I agree Riggleman needs to make some positive adju...I agree Riggleman needs to make some positive adjustments. That is his primary role as manager. <br /><br />Rizzo has been great so far but he hasn't made a trade in an extremely long time despite all the chatter. One good move could be huge. For example, back when the Mets traded mid-season for Mike Piazza they were an improving, but average meddling team. By the next year, contenders.<br /><br />Also, Rizzo should read the SI article about pitchers and luck and realize the Craig Stammen should probably still be in the rotation.pauloydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00469957447701035905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-58091476922714911182010-06-17T08:22:33.697-04:002010-06-17T08:22:33.697-04:00Right now, Desmond, Bernadina, Morse and Strasburg...Right now, Desmond, Bernadina, Morse and Strasburg are gaining valuable experience. Nyjer has got to improve in all aspects, we hope he has it in him. Pudge, Zimmerman are great on defense & holding their own on offense. Dunn and Willingham have improved on defense & streaky to good on offense. Bench is adequate. Pitching is where we can and should improve with people getting healthy. No, jumping ship is not an option for me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-78952495574608303442010-06-17T08:16:00.258-04:002010-06-17T08:16:00.258-04:00Actually I don't know if it's my imaginati...Actually I don't know if it's my imagination, but Zim looks different at the plate this year....even the way he's holding his bat. Anyone else think so?LoveDaNatsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-11141326018892182062010-06-17T08:09:34.083-04:002010-06-17T08:09:34.083-04:00There's lots to believe in with this team. The...There's lots to believe in with this team. They've lost starting pitching to the DL, which they counldn't afford to do. Once Jimmy Riggs figures out that Morgan isn't the CF/basestealer/hitter that we all hoped that he would be we can get a competitve lineup out there, with RB in CF and Morse in RF. <br /><br />It's also time that we gave Gonzo another chance at 2nd base--neither Guzman, nor Kennedy are his fielding equal there. Guzman's hitting, while that's debatable, from many different statistical angles.<br /><br />Managers that don't adapt to on-going changes on the field, are usually managers that get fired. Rizzo, is doing/has done a very credible job in most areas.Dochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17614998804163989623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-19272799273295322972010-06-17T07:59:51.157-04:002010-06-17T07:59:51.157-04:00Nice post ADCW. Total agreement. I have a question...Nice post ADCW. Total agreement. I have a question though and it might seem trite, but why are several of our hitters setting up so far off the plate? Zimm and Desmond in particular, I realize that we have a great hitting coach and all, but ALL pitchers go outside to Zimm, and he can't reach the black from where he sets up....It frustrates me, but then again I'm just a fan.320R2S15https://www.blogger.com/profile/10072406797380875600noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-57410848899381794232010-06-17T07:38:53.141-04:002010-06-17T07:38:53.141-04:00... as the man says: you're never as good as i...... as the man says: you're never as good as it looks like when you're on a hot streak, and you're never as bad as it seems when you're on a cold streak.<br /><br />Another way to look at it: when you go from two-time worst team in baseball to making the postseason, you have to pass through "average" and "inconsistent".<br /><br />As for the complaining about Rizzo, I have two comments:<br /><br />1. Rizzo had a complete mess on his plate when he took over. In short order he cleaned up the Dominican Republic mess, successfully negotiated with Boras over Strasburg's contract, revamped the _entire_ bullpen, acquired Pudge. Folks -- he can't do _everything_ in one year. The Nats don't have a lot to offer other team except prospects, and their philosophy at this time (and I agree) is not to give up prospects.<br /><br />2. We have a strong nucleus, most of which are age 25 or less: (Zim, Dunn, Hammer, Desmond, Strasburg, Storen, Clippard) and a bunch of _potential_ pitchers, only a few of which have to pan out in order to make some significant improvements on the team (Zimm, Wang, Olson, Detwiler, Marquis, etc.) Rizzo deserves credit for many of those pitchers, too.<br /><br />As for the running on fumes comment -- I think that's exactly why Riggs is trying to give playing time all around . . . so that when August/Sept roll around, we'll be fresher than other teams.<br /><br />Yes, yes, it's frustrating . . . but we're nowhere near the Orioles in terms of suckitude this year (as we were last year, and the year before). And I strongly suspect that we'll shake out of these doldrums soon.A DC Wonknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-51609041674823695422010-06-17T07:30:59.764-04:002010-06-17T07:30:59.764-04:00It's been a painful stretch of games... the st...It's been a painful stretch of games... the starters were keeping us in every game for awhile, but now that's not happenin'. We're finding ways to lose (like the ole' days).<br /><br />As far as Rizzo not doing anything to bolster the starters, he already has... they're in rehab: Zimmermann, Wang, Olsen, Marquis. I'm not sure Lannan even makes the starting rotation when everyone is healthy (IF everyone is healthy).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com