tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post2301546792142709421..comments2024-02-15T05:42:18.307-05:00Comments on Nats Insider: "Under-the-radar" Espinosa turning headsMark Zuckermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525315258889435961noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-62110077133259060552011-06-01T12:38:25.543-04:002011-06-01T12:38:25.543-04:00YAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!! Back on the Board!!!! blogge...YAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!! Back on the Board!!!! blogger wouldn't let me post, since LAST Tuesday..... Can you say jonesin'?! I so wanted to help back everyone from the ledge, against the Pads, and make a Joyful Noise, as we showed up, against two arch nemisis Aces, the last two nights. <br /><br />Now.... To get the freaking monkey off Lannan's back..... GO NATS!!!UnkyDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10427401050130317607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-89848373619578691462011-06-01T11:30:41.725-04:002011-06-01T11:30:41.725-04:00Steve,
I remember the steal but that came at a ti...Steve,<br /><br />I remember the steal but that came at a time when additional runs were necessary if I recall. I'm not so sure Desi would have cruised in as you suggested so perhaps Porter held him up thinking why chance risking further injury to his leg with an 8 run lead?Knoxville Natnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-87448937119413529522011-06-01T11:22:56.803-04:002011-06-01T11:22:56.803-04:00Knoxville Nat said... Steve M,
I also noticed Por...<i> Knoxville Nat said... Steve M,<br /><br />I also noticed Porter held up Desmond but if I'm not mistaken doesn't Desmond have a slight injury to one of his legs? Something like a thigh or calf muscle? I could easily be mistaken but I do know he was held out of one game against the Padres for aches and pains of some sort.<br /><br />June 1, 2011 11:04 AM</i><br /><br />I thought about the leg problem but he looked fine last night and stole a base last night. <br /><br />I am thinking Porter didn't want to run up the score or thought he didn't want to risk a potential play at the plate although I think Desmond would have cruised in. <br /><br />On another note, as I look at the game log, Desi drew 2 walks which raises his OBP to .270. Like Espinosa, Desmond's clutch numbers with RISP exceed his regular stats which is certainly a good thing.Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-68138105997800203192011-06-01T11:11:53.136-04:002011-06-01T11:11:53.136-04:00Kavorka, he did bring up some good points when he ...Kavorka, he did bring up some good points when he wrote it and Danny has made some adjustments from the left side. What a difference going from May 15th at his bottom to last night.<br /><br />His clutch numbers are fantastic now and are in the tops of the league. Danny leads the Nats in HRs, RBIs, and 1 behind Werth for runs scored.<br /><br />So much weighting is put on BA/OBP as you have to move runners up, but you have to consider that it really is all about run producing and Espy is accomplishing that!!!!Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-41223969228303616902011-06-01T11:09:19.640-04:002011-06-01T11:09:19.640-04:00I still think Espy needs to emulate Placido Polanc...I still think Espy needs to emulate Placido Polanco's approach at the plate (more so when Espy bats left-handed): choke up on the bat and just try and make contact. Don't try to hit a homer with each swing. <br /><br />Polanco is a pure joy to watch at the plate (even when it's against the Nats). His numbers are staggering with 2 outs and RISP (.393/.452/.429!) and even with 2 strikes on him he's up there battling (.274/.330/.345).<br /><br />This is the way young hitters should be approaching the dish ...erocks33noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-27163350977205383562011-06-01T11:04:43.345-04:002011-06-01T11:04:43.345-04:00Steve M,
I also noticed Porter held up Desmond bu...Steve M,<br /><br />I also noticed Porter held up Desmond but if I'm not mistaken doesn't Desmond have a slight injury to one of his legs? Something like a thigh or calf muscle? I could easily be mistaken but I do know he was held out of one game against the Padres for aches and pains of some sort.<br /><br />BTW...did anyone besides me think that the Phillies pitcher Zagurski has a striking resemblence to John Kruk?Knoxville Natnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-52526977997033677082011-06-01T11:00:24.405-04:002011-06-01T11:00:24.405-04:00Here you go Big VCat
Left handed
24 for 130 .185...Here you go Big VCat<br /><br />Left handed <br />24 for 130 .185 1 2b, 4 3B 6 HR 23 RBI<br /><br />Right Handed<br />15 for 50 .300 5 2B 0 3B 4 HR 10 RBI<br /><br />I gave you bad info last night Going into last night he had 6 homers lefty two right. I thought it was reversed.Manassas Nats Fannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-24020993195166182542011-06-01T10:58:54.199-04:002011-06-01T10:58:54.199-04:00JayB said...
Steve, We can all agree on what play...JayB said... <br /><i>Steve, We can all agree on what players should do.....this is a new age of players and it is all we got.....What Werth is saying is....we all know Riggs is toast so get us the real manager we are going to war with...not this guy who keeps bringing in H Rod and Bixler. <br /><br />June 1, 2011 10:31 AM </i><br /><br />JayB, I think you were addressing the other Steve and I will chime in that here's the thing, none of us know what Werth was saying and Riggleman is not toast. I'm not sure Werth even knew what he was saying except clearly he is agitated by Teddy not winning and hope he takes it into his own hands to get Teddy to win! <br /><br />Personally, I take Bixler over Stairs any day of the week for this particular team. He is fast, can bunt, play some defense, and fits into "small ball" mentality and last night was an example of that. Bixler's perfect bunt single that started the big 5 run 3rd inning. Don't let the little things elude the bigger picture. If Bixler makes an out and Marquis makes an out, Cliff Lee gives up ZERO as Werth's flyout wouldn't have been a Sac Fly RBI.<br /><br />Bunt hits drive opposing teams crazy. Fast runners on 1st base drive opposing teams crazy. I think Bixler needs to be more of a pest when he gets on base. <br /><br />Honorable mention to Clippard for good relief and Morse/Hairston for that WebGem double-play.<br /><br />Now for Danny Espinosa who all of a sudden is becoming Mr. Clutch. The turn-around in his stats are amazing over the last 2 weeks. His BA with RISP is now .355 and his OBP with RISP is now .452 with a .903 Slugging %.<br /><br /><i>Anonymous8 said... <br />MLB Network reported that Danny Espinosa set the MLB Rookie record for 2nd basemen in HRs thru May 31st at 10 HRs.</i><br /><br />Espy's RH BA is now at .300 with a .357 OBP. The only unfortunate part is most of his at-bats are lefthanded where he is batting only .185 overall.Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-62975753973833748182011-06-01T10:37:58.808-04:002011-06-01T10:37:58.808-04:00This person is not surprisingly quiet today after ...This person is not surprisingly quiet today after saying this about the player mentioned in this article...<br /><br />UNTERP.NAT said...<br />"Okay, I'm on board as saying Espinosa has no business in the ML right now as a hitter. In my eyes he has the worst swing for his size I have seen. If he doesn't cut down on that swing and began taking pitches where the pitcher locates them and chokes up on that bat, he will not survive. He is heading to sub .150 and that is not acceptable. He needs to change his entire approach at the plate or start a family. If he doesn't have a wife, he needs to get one and start making babies. Desmond needs to get going again, too..."<br /><br />ESPLOSION!Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09888338294064027528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-84343496423276108842011-06-01T10:34:35.166-04:002011-06-01T10:34:35.166-04:00Knoxville Nat, you beat me to it after I read JayB...Knoxville Nat, you beat me to it after I read JayB's response. Clearly JayB is off his meds.<br /><br />Great game last night and a few un-clutch plays like Marquis's push bunt back to Cliff Lee in this case didn't cost the Nats. Now Bixler's bunt was a thing of beauty and very surprised Bernie didn't bunt at all and a drag bunt against the LH pitcher would have worked as I saw Utley playing back.<br /><br />What I liked about last night's game is in typical Nats fashion that 5-0 score was going to be eroded by generally no un-answered runs until the lead had evaporated and in a rare game (hopefully many more to follow) the offense got Marquis some more runs so that 5-2 lead grew.<br /><br />Did anybody see the play in the 8th inning when Bronco Zagurski gave up the double to Jayson Werth and Kimball scored easily and Bo Porter held up Ian Desmond at 3rd when he easily could have scored. Kimball gave the Nats a 10-2 lead. Would the 11th run been piling on? It cost Werth a much needed RBI so I wonder what he thought about it?Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-74762735325889462972011-06-01T10:32:52.293-04:002011-06-01T10:32:52.293-04:00And I see a team that maintains a solid competiven...And I see a team that maintains a solid competiveness considering the loss of Zimm, an unhealthy LaRoche, and a developing Espi and Ramos. <br /><br />All in all, Riggs has done a good job.NatsJack in Floridanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-31706958914607744482011-06-01T10:31:32.543-04:002011-06-01T10:31:32.543-04:00Steve, We can all agree on what players should do....Steve, We can all agree on what players should do.....this is a new age of players and it is all we got.....What Werth is saying is....we all know Riggs is toast so get us the real manager we are going to war with...not this guy who keeps bringing in H Rod and Bixler.JayBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11448827055342357809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-2510421352742289612011-06-01T10:24:54.904-04:002011-06-01T10:24:54.904-04:00JayB,I respect your opinion but respectfully disag...JayB,I respect your opinion but respectfully disagree. If the players are giving less than their best because they think Riggleman will be fired, then they are a large part of the problem. Being professional means giving your best every day no matter what your job is or who your supervisor is. I want Riggleman's best effort. Ditto for Eckstein, et. al. But I want the players' best effort, too. That is what rubs me wrong about Werth. I want his best effort and example on the field, not cryptic comments to the press. Just a few thoughts...fpcstevenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-56183525486377090992011-06-01T10:24:07.033-04:002011-06-01T10:24:07.033-04:00we can both name lost of talented teams that under...we can both name lost of talented teams that under achieved, failed then cashed and burned. It is the culture with Talent that produces winning....not just talent.JayBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11448827055342357809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-69097843776961967862011-06-01T10:15:54.157-04:002011-06-01T10:15:54.157-04:00All those teams became very successful as they imp...All those teams became very successful as they improved talent......in my view because of the culture of accountability those managers put in place. What legacy will almost 3 years of Riggs leave this team?JayBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11448827055342357809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-74161727441499919232011-06-01T10:13:52.138-04:002011-06-01T10:13:52.138-04:00JayB...If that were the case, Torre would have bee...JayB...If that were the case, Torre would have been successful in Atlanta, Showalter in Texas, and Pinella in Tampa.NatsJack in Floridanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-14225010321841841732011-06-01T10:03:56.057-04:002011-06-01T10:03:56.057-04:00Agreed on Riggs but not managers in general. I th...Agreed on Riggs but not managers in general. I think they have a great deal to do with creating a winning culture of player accountability. The sooner they fire Riggs the better on that score. The Vets know he is toast as do you. It rubs off on the whole organization when you live a lie.JayBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11448827055342357809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-57729229367379117092011-06-01T09:57:11.344-04:002011-06-01T09:57:11.344-04:00JayB.... I'm from the school that believes a m...JayB.... I'm from the school that believes a manager is only as good as the players on his roster. I'm more into the overall organizalization approach and and I like what I've seen from the overall organization.<br /><br />While I agree that Riggleman will need to be replaced at some point, his style and demeanor is sufficient to handle this roster as made up by Rizzo. <br /><br />I firmly believe he will not be tendered the option that the team holds and is a dead man walking and will be replaced in the off season.NatsJack in Floridanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-24069682510802792872011-06-01T09:55:28.952-04:002011-06-01T09:55:28.952-04:00Riggleman's "Rapture Day" is upon us...Riggleman's "Rapture Day" is upon us, or perhaps Harold Camping and JayB are one and the same???????????Knoxville Natnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-29790114197554403312011-06-01T09:42:13.489-04:002011-06-01T09:42:13.489-04:00Been swamped but got a chance to go to Hagerstown ...Been swamped but got a chance to go to Hagerstown for the Saturday double header (rainout makeup). I saw Harper play and now I see what Rizzo is talking about when he says he needs seasoning. <br /><br />In the OF, He had nice plays but then be out of position or make a bone-headed play. As to the plate, He did hit the fastball but had trouble it with some breaking balls. <br /><br />As the season progresses, he should get a better feel for everything.Water23noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-82952174579192989642011-06-01T09:40:56.679-04:002011-06-01T09:40:56.679-04:00I watched Porter in spring training and like him a...I watched Porter in spring training and like him a lot. He's a leader. <br /><br />PS on Morse. His defense has been excellent. Right now, LaRoche should get his shoulder fixed and let's see how MM holds up at first over time. Hitting .300 and excellent D at 1st makes MM a great replacement for Dunn.JamesFannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-8834372766874621302011-06-01T09:36:25.918-04:002011-06-01T09:36:25.918-04:00Porter and Knorr are the cheapest options....I sai...Porter and Knorr are the cheapest options....I said should the Lerners get the best manager, we know they always hire the cheapest.JayBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11448827055342357809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-5091841398458787462011-06-01T09:35:58.423-04:002011-06-01T09:35:58.423-04:00The Riggleman-Morse thing is puzzling. If you wat...The Riggleman-Morse thing is puzzling. If you watch the Nats closely for the past two years, it is clear that Riggs does not promote or support Morse. He is one of those players who we will let go in a trade and he will be tearing up baseball long after Riggleman is gone from here. Morse's hit last night to keep the inning going and set the table for DE's shot was absolutely critical and probably the most important hit of the game.JamesFannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-11693439395697985422011-06-01T09:31:28.002-04:002011-06-01T09:31:28.002-04:00Not if anyone is going to insist that Porter and/o...Not if anyone is going to insist that Porter and/or Knorr are the best prospects available. Fact is, the coaching staff didn't change last night, just the results. The season is a marathon, not a sprint. Let them play the games and see what happens. Who knows, getting Zimmerman back might help. And what if Morse stays hot? And what if Nix is the real deal and the steal of the off season? And what if Espinosa just took off? Lots of "what if's". That is what makes it fun. Just a couple of thoughts...fpcstevenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-61140769037945039682011-06-01T09:27:38.525-04:002011-06-01T09:27:38.525-04:001a.....you are also correct....it will be interest...1a.....you are also correct....it will be interesting to see what happens the rest of the way in Cleveland. Expectations are high and as we know from Nats Acta...after a strong start things went south very fast.JayBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11448827055342357809noreply@blogger.com