tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post2820073722678045265..comments2024-02-15T05:42:18.307-05:00Comments on Nats Insider: Ready for more interleague play?Mark Zuckermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525315258889435961noreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-46006550680670893812012-06-08T16:40:23.253-04:002012-06-08T16:40:23.253-04:00I do not like interleague play. It feels gimmicky ...I do not like interleague play. It feels gimmicky and like some non-baseball fan marketeer's creation. That said, it's here to stay.<br /><br />I would not match division vs. division - I'd like to see it done like the NFL does inter-conference play -- A 3-year rotation where, for example, NL East plays AL East, next year AL Central, next year, AL West. With 15 teams in each league, you get 5 times per division, so it matches up. 15 games, get rid of the "rivalry" games, play 147 others in league as balanced as you can - since 14/147 doesn't work -- or play 10 vs. other in league (140) + 15 IL games -- 155-game schedule, season ends at a sane time.<br /><br />I also agree with everyone who says to get rid of the DH, but I actually think the Union will push it the other way and owners will use as a bargaining chip. What I'd like to see instead is a 26-man roster, so the DH guys now keep their jobs as key PH's and can play the field part-time.Steve Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17655507539507628825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-48921528620342599242012-06-08T16:33:14.092-04:002012-06-08T16:33:14.092-04:00Nonetheless, there are still 10 "starters&quo...<i>Nonetheless, there are still 10 "starters" every night in an AL game. This means 10 starter salaries. There is no way the players' union will allow the DH to be eliminated.</i><br /><br />Sure there is. Expand the roster size to 26 or even 27. That trades off one or two new jobs for the loss of the one DH job. That would actually be a net plus for the union, at not much (if any) extra cost to the owners. It also gives managers added roster complexity to offset the loss of the DH in the lineup.pRAAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01215206128485764090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-20819723356109609242012-06-08T16:01:03.455-04:002012-06-08T16:01:03.455-04:00I vehemently dislike interleague play. It cheapens...I vehemently dislike interleague play. It cheapens both the all-star game and the World Series. I also dislike the DH.<br /><br />Having said that, it's inevitable with the new interleague schedule next year that before long the leagues will come into alignment on the DH, and I'm betting that the DH will be introduced into the NL. My reasoning is that the first time a team has to play a crucial late season series using the rules its roster is not built to play with, the team will cry foul and that will force Selig to change (not right away of course, but for the following year). Additionally I believe that the NL is the only league in the world - professional or amateur - that does not employ the DH.<br /><br />I hear those that say that AL teams are rarely using a full-time DH these days. I believe they think that having a slow-footed player who can only hit restricts their roster too much. Nonetheless, there are still 10 "starters" every night in an AL game. This means 10 starter salaries. There is no way the players' union will allow the DH to be eliminated.<br /><br />Lastly for the poster who said that he does not like to see pitchers hit or quarterbacks play defense... football was a better game when there was one platoon.#4https://www.blogger.com/profile/03100452642306906218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-63858993877157277792012-06-08T15:42:11.441-04:002012-06-08T15:42:11.441-04:00Ghost.. Who are the introverts? I mean RZ admits ...Ghost.. Who are the introverts? I mean RZ admits he is boring (but I see that as a Cal Ripken trait) Stras is trying to come out of his shell, Werth may not talk to the press alot, but from all reports when out in public is quite friendly. I guess maybe Jordan?<br /><br />And yes, it is really nice to have guys on the team that are quality people.MicheleShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04972863154063796569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-75668587753297112842012-06-08T15:36:30.303-04:002012-06-08T15:36:30.303-04:00Ghost, I hear you. I wonder if any of the other g...Ghost, I hear you. I wonder if any of the other guys in the press box stare daggers at him each time after Stras gives up his first hit. Like Boz gives him a rabbit punch in the kidney on the way past him to the bathroom or something.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-37482790947019172352012-06-08T15:36:28.369-04:002012-06-08T15:36:28.369-04:00bowdenball,
And you don't see the arbitrator...bowdenball,<br /><br /> And you don't see the arbitrators giving the big 3 salaries like $17 - $20 mil?<br /><br /> Flexibility is one thing but you have to balance the high priced young vets with some cheaper talent. Unless you are the Yankees you can't sustain a payroll over $150 mil and if you manage the team smartly you don't have to.JDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10464376699196421043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-41897052378275507792012-06-08T15:36:09.949-04:002012-06-08T15:36:09.949-04:00baseballswami, well said. There are a lot of guys...baseballswami, well said. There are a lot of guys who are down to the core nice people.<br /><br />There are a few introverts on the team that get a bad rap as being unfriendly. They just aren't real socialable types. Luckily Michael Morse and Gio and Desi make up for the shy guys.Ghost Of Steve M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05745394350047225996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-85438555354066796872012-06-08T15:31:15.815-04:002012-06-08T15:31:15.815-04:00runyetirun, Ladson is like Peric, keep making craz...runyetirun, Ladson is like Peric, keep making crazy predictions and maybe you will be right by sheer luck.<br /><br />I would be happy with a Stras 3 hitter thru 7 innings.Ghost Of Steve M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05745394350047225996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-40357122362070376522012-06-08T15:26:15.352-04:002012-06-08T15:26:15.352-04:00Just saw Desi interviewed on mlb the rundown. He w...Just saw Desi interviewed on mlb the rundown. He was wonderful. Do the Nats have someone in charge of "players saying all the right things"? I am excited that my team is winning. But I am also proud to be a fan of this team because of the players that are part of it. Top to bottom they just seem like good people. I think Rizzo values character and it shows. No embarrassing "tri-polar" guys right now or guys with recurring legal issues. Some of them might seem down right boring at times, but I'll take it. They seem humble, hard working and team-oriented - so nice.baseballswamihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03473384422940931212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-47689476355669029142012-06-08T15:23:12.306-04:002012-06-08T15:23:12.306-04:00This is off topic, but does anyone else get incred...This is off topic, but does anyone else get incredibly irritated by Ladsen tweeting before every single Strasburg start "This is the one, I feel it. No hitter"<br /><br />It's douchey beyond belief, and I stopped following him because of it.<br /><br />Sorry, I know this was a random drop in, but it was bugging me and I didn't know where else I could gripe.<br /><br />Carry on.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-31203316915802084982012-06-08T15:22:56.678-04:002012-06-08T15:22:56.678-04:00Mick, if Henry could be traded for a decent return...Mick, if Henry could be traded for a decent return, he'd be gone. The problem is Henry has no Minor League options which is why Oakland traded him. Any team that takes him will need to put him in their bullpen. Maybe after the All Star break a struggling team will take a chance on him.Ghost Of Steve M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05745394350047225996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-5576548302414537842012-06-08T15:22:49.138-04:002012-06-08T15:22:49.138-04:00Of the comments that were made in Boz's articl...Of the comments that were made in Boz's article, my favorite was Gio, that he wants to be good so Stras doesn't feel the weight of the world on his shoulders.<br /><br />You know who misses Jayson? Rick Ankiel.<br /><br />Up to (and including) May 6 = BA = .288 (61 PA).<br /><br />Post May 6 BA = .169 (80 PA).<br /><br />I'm not kidding, I think it's a factor.NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-23502408142343358452012-06-08T15:18:18.169-04:002012-06-08T15:18:18.169-04:00I have a theory on Wang... i think he may get bet...I have a theory on Wang... i think he may get better and better by each outing. We all have forgotten that back in March, Davey said before Wang's injury that he was pitching as well as a number 2 pitcher on the staff!. If Wang progresses as he did in spring training, the Nats would have the best staff in all of baseball heading into the Fall. This is of course with an assumption that everyone else stays healthy. Then, the Strassburg shutdown issue may not be as controversial, or would it? lolmickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11829941762393424812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-47515681313552674982012-06-08T15:18:08.981-04:002012-06-08T15:18:08.981-04:00Espi leading offEspi leading offGhost Of Steve M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05745394350047225996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-6943006474188958062012-06-08T15:16:57.385-04:002012-06-08T15:16:57.385-04:00Moore will start in LF against the leftie. Nady i...Moore will start in LF against the leftie. Nady in RF.Ghost Of Steve M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05745394350047225996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-59258094066043281942012-06-08T15:14:31.636-04:002012-06-08T15:14:31.636-04:00DC wonk I agree with about 99% of your post which ...DC wonk I agree with about 99% of your post which is excellent. As far as Espi goes, I am fine with it until Werth comes back. If Espi is still dismal as a left handed batter in August, he needs to be a back up plain and simple, if Lombo is still hitting as he has. <br /><br />Ankiel, Nady and LaRosa I realize are here until others come up and then I think one says good bye to him<br /><br />As far as HRod goes... I only see him as early relief, and I am being nice. In fact, HRod is the most controversial question on the team. If Storen comes back 100% and the fact that the Nats have some young arms in the minors, why not deal off HRod in a package deal?mickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11829941762393424812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-20588557342468914662012-06-08T15:05:18.198-04:002012-06-08T15:05:18.198-04:00It's OK by me to post the odds on the bulletin...It's OK by me to post the odds on the bulletin board for Stras to see, though, because if he strikes out 21 in 7 innings we won't have to worry about the outfielders (I'm guessing Burnett and Clip) can do the same.NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-66044070358052250252012-06-08T15:04:44.706-04:002012-06-08T15:04:44.706-04:00John C. Not near my stats but LaRoche was hitting ...John C. Not near my stats but LaRoche was hitting Lefties very well. Davey may not sit him at all this weekend.Ghost Of Steve M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05745394350047225996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-70135263765770351432012-06-08T15:03:22.361-04:002012-06-08T15:03:22.361-04:00During this last week every single game with us an...During this last week every single game with us and the Mets, the Fish and the Braves made a huge difference in the standings. Now - all five could win , all five could lose - just a different dynamic than when we are playing in our division. Should be an interesting measuring stick.baseballswamihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03473384422940931212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-45170432573966183172012-06-08T15:01:55.094-04:002012-06-08T15:01:55.094-04:00DC Wonk, I don't see that anywhere. According...DC Wonk, I don't see that anywhere. According to USA Today the line opened with the Red Sox at +103 and they're currently between -105 and -110.<br /><br />Translated to English, that means the Nats were favored by a slim but distinct margin when the first came out with the lines but now the two teams are virtually even.<br /><br />It makes sense. Doubront is a passable starter with a K/BB ratio over 2.5/1, the Sox and Nats are virtually even in run differential, and the Sox have a greater than normal home advantage given the nature of their park and the fact that most of the Nats outfielders have never played there, and certainly none of them play there regularly like the AL outfielders do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-70233160992520679152012-06-08T15:00:40.351-04:002012-06-08T15:00:40.351-04:00I am using the vegas insider website, which has bo...I am using the vegas insider website, which has both teams at -105 to -115 at various casinos, so apparently no one wins this game (I think you might have to give runs),<br /><br /><a href="http://www.vegasinsider.com/mlb/odds/las-vegas/" rel="nofollow">www.vegasinsider.com/mlb/odds/las-vegas/</a><br /><br />http://www.vegasinsider.com/mlb/odds/las-vegas/NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-43821019562510498562012-06-08T14:57:41.513-04:002012-06-08T14:57:41.513-04:00Very important comment, for understanding Davey, f...Very important comment, for understanding Davey, from The Fox:<br /><br /><i>Davey is building a team and in the past when he has created a team they almost always out perform their run differential, pythagorean equation, especially in the building stages.<br /><br />People (not you), many times overlook how important it is for players to understanding that they have a role on the team. If you have been watching the interviews lately watch how many times the interviewed player brings up his role and the role of his teammates. ALR brought it up, he said he felt bad when he was in the slump because he was letting his teammates down. EJax said he knew he had to battle and pitch as many of the inning he could because of the work of the bullpen the night before....</i><br /><br />Yep. When you have a team where all the guys will "leave it all out on the field" or "take a bullet" or [insert metaphor here] for each of their teammates and for their manager . . . that's a team that over achieves. (or, at least achieves their maximum potential)<br /><br />I think this is a good lesson, and a good response, to all the times people moan and groan about Davey's loyalty to Espi, HRod, and others. Sometimes the guys pan out (Ian worked out well, perhaps ALR and RZ are out of their slumps, etc.). Sometimes <i>in the short run</i> it doesn't work out (see, Espi, silver metal in strike outs tied with Ankiel).<br /><br />*But*, and here's the key I think, even for the minority of times where it doesn't work out, the team still gets a benefit, because the players know that Davey has their back, that he respects them, and that he will give them a lot of leeway. That comes back in the form of players willing to give-it-all for the team.<br /><br />I can't help but think that this is one of the ingredients to Davey's success -- part of why he's been a winner everywhere he's managed.A DC Wonkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09732615221598098540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-3772492053898342642012-06-08T14:57:04.316-04:002012-06-08T14:57:04.316-04:00Calling up Moore is a function of the Nats With th...Calling up Moore is a function of the Nats With the Nats getting two LHP this weekend, with the Nats having struggled against lefties. My guess is that LaRoche will get one day off this weekend, probably Sunday against Lester, with Moore playing first base that day. Moore may play LF tonight with Morse in RF. If so that's dangerous, because there's a lot of room in right center that Harper would have to cover.John C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00177992237175546115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-71326319192442690462012-06-08T14:50:55.971-04:002012-06-08T14:50:55.971-04:00OK, so since someone asked, here is how the oddsma...<i>OK, so since someone asked, here is how the oddsmakers are rating NL vs. AL</i><br /><br />On my ESPN app right now, it says for odds:<br /><br />BOS -115<br /><br />Red Sox are favored even though Stras is pitching?<br /><br />I hope someone posts that on the bulletin board for Stras to see!A DC Wonkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09732615221598098540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-65727737386361057512012-06-08T14:50:10.545-04:002012-06-08T14:50:10.545-04:00JD said...
"Wait until SS,JZim,Gio,Harper a...JD said... <br /><br />"Wait until SS,JZim,Gio,Harper and even Ramos, Desmond, Espinosa and Morse get close to free agency. We will get to $150 mil faster than you can imagine"<br /><br />Free agency is a LONG way off for all of those players- the Nats can keep all but Morse through at least 2015 simply by paying their arb salaries. Also, I really don't think the Nats will re-sign Morse after 2013. He'll turn 32 before the start of the 2014 season. It will be time for him to go to the AL to DH, and for Nats fans to wish him well and give him a long standing ovation when interleague play brings him back to DC (another great reason to support interleague play, by the way).<br /><br /><br />We'll get to $150 million before Gio's deal runs out for sure, but we have plenty of financial flexibility, far more than most teams. If the front office wants they can certainly extend Jackson AND sign Michael Bourn AND still stay in the middle tier of MLB payrolls for the next several years. The Nats are about as well-positioned as you can possibly be from a financial perspective.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com