tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post3976656747011228012..comments2024-02-15T05:42:18.307-05:00Comments on Nats Insider: Setting up for a strong finishMark Zuckermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525315258889435961noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-31678802340626794942011-08-17T15:54:45.401-04:002011-08-17T15:54:45.401-04:00Gorzelanny has a tendency to give up the long ball...Gorzelanny has a tendency to give up the long ball, which makes him the wrong guy to bring in with two men on base in a 6-3 game. Burnett, same deal. Rodriguez is as likely to throw a couple of wild pitches that end up scoring runs as he is to strike out the side. Indeed, he could easily do both. Coffey, Detwiler, Mattheus are also inconsistent.<br /><br />When the game is on the line, you bring in your best reliever. Doesn't matter what inning it is. Could be the 7th, could be the 8th. Could even be the 6th. You hope it's later, but if it's not then you deal with it by bringing in your best reliever and moving on from there.<br /><br />Bringing in Clippard last night when Wang faltered was a no-brainer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-74931422900979366912011-08-17T15:22:14.227-04:002011-08-17T15:22:14.227-04:00I just love watching Clip blow people away with th...I just love watching Clip blow people away with that wicked rising fastball. The hitter has got to know it's coming but it must look like a fastball coming right in over the plate. Whatever it is that he does - it works. We are going to need other people to step up some, though. On the one hand - if the offense could get a little further ahead ( most of the time) then the others would have wiggle room. But - when the bullpen is well rested and it's not a tied or even a 1 run game, Burnett and Coffey probably get a shot - they have both not been bad all the time.Clip was already not going to get a clean inning. Mattheus and HRod have their moments. Last night I would have preferred to see Wang out after six and then Burnett or Coffey in the 7th. Had Wang not stayed in it would have been 6 -3 I believe? Theoretically, of course - just my feeling.So = are we saving Gorzelanny for situations where Wang or Detweiler can't finish?baseballswaminoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-37189225266338842962011-08-17T15:09:13.426-04:002011-08-17T15:09:13.426-04:00Oh, I saw what it was, jd. And it was swell. I jus...Oh, I saw what it was, jd. And it was swell. I just poked around to the WPA cuz I thought it would be interesting. And then I thought you'd like to see the result, so I shared it.Scooternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-40117250266051491872011-08-17T14:03:49.158-04:002011-08-17T14:03:49.158-04:00Scooter,
It was sorted by WAR. To me the knocks ...Scooter,<br /><br /> It was sorted by WAR. To me the knocks against Clip are that he gives up too many home runs (Storen too) and his BABIP is .193 and that's not sustainable.<br /><br /> Having said that I will take Clip every day of the week and twice on Sunday. I suspect the pen will be reconstructed although I can't see us giving up on HRod and his electric arm quite yet and I really miss Kimball; I though he was a keeper.jdnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-88554022843015405682011-08-17T13:49:18.381-04:002011-08-17T13:49:18.381-04:00I can't tell you much about Lombardozzi, eithe...I can't tell you much about Lombardozzi, either. I watched his dad play for the old Orlando Twins and he was a gamer with lots of hustle and a little talent. Seems like his son can hit minor league pitching better than he could, though.<br /><br />Oh... and I'm all for banning American League baseball, too.NatsJack in Floridanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-46359441920557645172011-08-17T13:46:18.520-04:002011-08-17T13:46:18.520-04:00Scooter, here you go! Exactly, #1 Tyler Clippard ...Scooter, here you go! Exactly, #1 Tyler Clippard and the worst (drumroll) Sean Burnett. Also look at innings pitched, leverage, ERA, inherited runners for why Clippard is tops. Venters hasn't had to put out as many fires.<br /><br />http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=rel&lg=all&qual=y&type=3&season=2011&month=0&season1=2011&ind=0Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-8811593343264914412011-08-17T13:39:01.231-04:002011-08-17T13:39:01.231-04:00Anonymous said...
@jd
Personally, I don't see...<i>Anonymous said... <br />@jd<br />Personally, I don't see a need for the American League at all. <br /><br />August 17, 2011 1:19 PM </i><br /><br />So true. It is called attendence = MONEY is why they do interleague. <br /><br />I don't like it although the interleague rival is a lot of fun.Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-76186648691620282432011-08-17T13:35:39.602-04:002011-08-17T13:35:39.602-04:00jd, that's a good list, and I suspect you have...jd, that's a good list, and I suspect you have a good point. I'll leave to one side the question of who's the "best" reliever this year.<br /><br />Now, did you go to the "Win Probability" tab there? Sorting by WPA (win probability added) or SD (shutdowns) shows why we fans <i>feel</i> so strongly that Clippard is the awesome. (Sorry, I can't figure how to link directly to those sorts.)<br /><br />(It's also instructive to look at the number of MD -- meltdowns -- he had last year, but that's not my point. I came here not to harsh mellows to be embiggen them.)Scooternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-90919157187993285542011-08-17T13:33:37.685-04:002011-08-17T13:33:37.685-04:00fpcsteve said...
Nats Jack and/or Steve M., I wou...<i>fpcsteve said... <br />Nats Jack and/or Steve M., I would be interested in your take on all the time Lombardozzi has been logging at SS lately in Syracuse. When he comes up, is that where he will be playing? If so (and he does OK to well), what does that mean for the Nats' MI next year? <br /><br />August 17, 2011 1:09 PM </i><br /><br />I haven't seen Lombo play SS. I have seen him play 2nd for a few games. I am sure Davey will have him play both as you never know if they see him as a future starter or bench role player like Cora. Think how his value enhances if he can play both positions well enough.<br /><br />The Nats are going to have to reconstruct a bench next year as we discussed and Lombo can be a part of it or a starter as almost the entire bench and current Outfield except for Bixler/Flores are Free Agents including Ankiel, Gomes, Cora, and Nix.<br /><br />This is going to be another interesting September to remember.Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-19154151176371533722011-08-17T13:19:06.149-04:002011-08-17T13:19:06.149-04:00@jd
Personally, I don't see a need for the Ame...@jd<br />Personally, I don't see a need for the American League at all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-59244436713628523352011-08-17T13:17:01.527-04:002011-08-17T13:17:01.527-04:00Steve M.
The reason we played fewer games again...Steve M. <br /><br /> The reason we played fewer games against the AL this year is because there are more NL teams than AL teams so every year a couple of NL teams play each other in the usual interleague slot. This year was our turn (I think we played the Pirates an extra series and maybe someone else I can't think of).<br /><br /> I personally detest inteleague play and don't really see a need for it.jdnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-49011207232247059932011-08-17T13:11:55.055-04:002011-08-17T13:11:55.055-04:00I love Clippard but he's far from the best rel...I love Clippard but he's far from the best reliever or even the reliever who is pitching the best this year:<br /><br /> Check this out:<br /><br />http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=rel&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2011&month=0&season1=2011&ind=0jdnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-82525322058671598702011-08-17T13:09:46.350-04:002011-08-17T13:09:46.350-04:00Nats Jack and/or Steve M., I would be interested i...Nats Jack and/or Steve M., I would be interested in your take on all the time Lombardozzi has been logging at SS lately in Syracuse. When he comes up, is that where he will be playing? If so (and he does OK to well), what does that mean for the Nats' MI next year?fpcstevenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-18191939134950339752011-08-17T12:50:20.573-04:002011-08-17T12:50:20.573-04:00I was at the game last night, and this time had a ...I was at the game last night, and this time had a close-up seat. I agree totally with Mark's observations in the previous thread regarding Davy's decision-making re leaving Wang in. "What the heck is he thinking/doing?" I said when Wang batted in the 6th and came out to pitch in the 7th. It sounds noble to say that "we needed to see if he could go one more". But, there will be many more opportunities to see that before the season ends.<br />Meanwhile, this recklessness could have easily cost this game, once again trying the morale of the team and the long-suffering fan base. I don't think that it's entirely a coincidence that the team has not been as sharp since that 10-9 debacle with the Cubs.Slidellnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-3655140038017911892011-08-17T12:48:30.345-04:002011-08-17T12:48:30.345-04:00"Because the Orioles are part of the Nats reg..."Because the Orioles are part of the Nats regional interleague rivalry, it has almost assured the Nats that they get every 3 years all 4 of the other teams in the AL East. Every 6 years, the Nats get the Yankees and Rays in Washington DC and 3 years after that the Red Sox and Blue Jays.<br /><br />Things changed this year as the Nats only had 3 interleague non-rivals and 2 were AL West in the Angels and Mariners and the White Sox in the AL Central.<br /><br />Not sure how that happened in scheduling and the Yankees and Rays in June should be a lock for 2012."<br /><br />Thanks, but I am fully aware of all that and that, except for one of the interleague rival series, interleague play occurs in mid to late June (since 2007 - in 2006 we played TB in late June/early July).<br />I was wondering, since early bird schedules will come out in a little over a month (means they might be being worked now) and since your posts indicate some inside connection to the Nats (real or not - I don't know) you might have some early insight into the schedule.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-61974520720512945602011-08-17T12:38:03.275-04:002011-08-17T12:38:03.275-04:00June is when they have inter league play (except f...June is when they have inter league play (except for rivals).<br /><br />Again, not to hard to figure.NatsJack in Floridanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-70031973292733976272011-08-17T12:37:43.660-04:002011-08-17T12:37:43.660-04:00Anonymous said...
NatsJack in Florida said...
&q...<i>Anonymous said... <br />NatsJack in Florida said... <br />"Every three years the Nats play the AL East and two years ago we played the Yankees and the Rays in their parks. Next year, we play them in our park. <br /><br />Not too hard to figure."<br /><br />No it's not, and I was already aware of that. It's the 3 games in June part that is hard to figure. <br /><br />August 17, 2011 12:25 PM </i><br /><br />It has been that you play 1 series in May against your interleague rival and June is reserved for all other inter-league games. So I am assuming that around the 3rd week of June 2012 the Yankees will be here.<br /><br />I also think that if Strasburg pitches in the Yankees series, it will be the largest attendence in Nats Park history.Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-71553279322893773132011-08-17T12:34:18.299-04:002011-08-17T12:34:18.299-04:00Anonymous said...
Steve M. said...
"Keep in...<i>Anonymous said... <br />Steve M. said... <br />"Keep in mind that the 2012 schedule has 3 guaranteed sell-outs in the Yankees coming to town in June."<br /><br />Do you have access to a preliminary schedule? Any possibilities of sharing it with us? <br /><br />August 17, 2011 11:46 AM </i><br /><br />Because the Orioles are part of the Nats regional interleague rivalry, it has almost assured the Nats that they get every 3 years all 4 of the other teams in the AL East. Every 6 years, the Nats get the Yankees and Rays in Washington DC and 3 years after that the Red Sox and Blue Jays.<br /><br />Things changed this year as the Nats only had 3 interleague non-rivals and 2 were AL West in the Angels and Mariners and the White Sox in the AL Central.<br /><br />Not sure how that happened in scheduling and the Yankees and Rays in June should be a lock for 2012.Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-46222443849863249772011-08-17T12:25:50.176-04:002011-08-17T12:25:50.176-04:00NatsJack in Florida said...
"Every three yea...NatsJack in Florida said... <br />"Every three years the Nats play the AL East and two years ago we played the Yankees and the Rays in their parks. Next year, we play them in our park. <br /><br />Not too hard to figure."<br /><br />No it's not, and I was already aware of that. It's the 3 games in June part that is hard to figure.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-90449832055916587102011-08-17T12:23:48.217-04:002011-08-17T12:23:48.217-04:00NatsJack in Florida said...
Steve M.... T Clip ha...<i>NatsJack in Florida said... <br />Steve M.... T Clip has given up 3 hits in the last 55 AT BATS WITH RUNNERS IN SCORING POSITION!!! That is SICK!!! <br /><br />August 17, 2011 11:36 AM </i><br /><br />I don't see a better reliever in baseball right now given that stat. 1.60 ERA and stopper/shutdown ability.<br /><br />Remember when he came into the game in Colorado with bases loaded to clean up Henry Rodriguez's mess?<br /><br />Last night his 1st batter to face was Joey Votto and got that cue shot to 2nd. Votto was totally fooled.<br /><br />One thing I will say about Davey is he knows where his bread is buttered and it is Tyler Clippard with the game on the line.<br /><br />His fastball low in the zone sizzles at 95 and there haven't been many that can get good wood on it. That herky jerky delivery just has a split second effect on that sizzler that makes it seem like 100mph. Then he throws the high heat or locks 'em up with the 83 changeup.Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-42994913548576675852011-08-17T12:07:33.739-04:002011-08-17T12:07:33.739-04:00Agreed with above posters that TClip is awesome!!!...Agreed with above posters that TClip is awesome!!! He does seem to pitch well when he is in the games regularly, though. Drew was throwing absolute nastiness last night. Also - to clarify comments about the manager - not saying he does everything wrong or is a terrible manager. Just saying there are areas in which he is really bad. Bringing in Bixler - good move. Talking about Zim's HR prediction - not a good move. Those kind of things can get a player some retaliation. DJ was a very arrogant, mouthy player in his time - "Gentleman Zim" is not. He(manager) does not think before he speaks very often. Not quite as bad as the fish manager calling the giants pitcher "volkswagon", though.baseballswaminoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-33449343418706145972011-08-17T12:01:48.907-04:002011-08-17T12:01:48.907-04:00Hyenaman - I am really hoping that by Sept 20 the ...Hyenaman - I am really hoping that by Sept 20 the Phils will be resting some regulars for the post season or letting them heal up their dings. No matter what - we have to beat up on them before the end of the season. I have been waiting all season for Jayson Werth to really hurt them - something he can carry into the off-season. I also hope we spoil someone - maybe the Braves? along the way. I know it's petty - but fun.gonatsgonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-50434190443246871862011-08-17T12:00:16.468-04:002011-08-17T12:00:16.468-04:00Finishing .500 is important but not so important w...Finishing .500 is important but not so important we overuse an arm on a Storen or Clippard to get there. We need to save our bullets for when we are in an actual gunfight. If you are going to wear someone out right now do it to a Coffey or Gorzo who appear to have not much of an impact on our future.SCNatsFannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-186689275772267332011-08-17T11:58:20.552-04:002011-08-17T11:58:20.552-04:00Every three years the Nats play the AL East and tw...Every three years the Nats play the AL East and two years ago we played the Yankees and the Rays in their parks. Next year, we play them in our park. <br /><br />Not too hard to figure.NatsJack in Floridanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-76960347587945663992011-08-17T11:50:59.238-04:002011-08-17T11:50:59.238-04:00LoveDaNats said...
"Davey's comments abo...LoveDaNats said... <br />"Davey's comments about Zim calling his own home run were unusual. Didn't it break some kind of unwritten code of "what happens in the clubhouse, stays in the clubhouse"? I think Zim was a little embarrassed when that story got out."<br /><br />I would bet such proclamations occur on an occasional basis in all dugouts. They just usually don't come true.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com