tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post65368523805108431..comments2024-02-15T05:42:18.307-05:00Comments on Nats Insider: Carrying the load, and comfortable doing itMark Zuckermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525315258889435961noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-28125772396851349972011-04-13T12:03:56.252-04:002011-04-13T12:03:56.252-04:00JD.... and it takes care of the lead off problem w...JD.... and it takes care of the lead off problem with Espinosa batting second, both switch hitters.NatsJack in Floridanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-45904642104276602732011-04-13T11:41:05.743-04:002011-04-13T11:41:05.743-04:00NatsJack,
Reyes is an intriguing thought; he is ...NatsJack,<br /><br /> Reyes is an intriguing thought; he is scheduled to hit the FA market this off season and if he remains healthy he will earn mega bucks and I am pretty sure the Mets won't be in play. Alderson won't lose him for nothing so there's a pretty good chance he will be in play as soon as the Mets fall off; Alderson can't give up on the season too soon because no one will show up at City field.<br /><br /> Should we give up an attractive package for a rental when we are not ready to compete for the play offs? only if we get assurances that he will sign a long term extension with us.<br /><br /> I do love concept of Zim, Reyes and Espinosa in our infield for 10 years. Figure something out Rizzo.JDnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-16758057940049970012011-04-13T10:41:32.395-04:002011-04-13T10:41:32.395-04:00@ fpcsteve - Pitchers are feeding him nothing but ...@ fpcsteve - Pitchers are feeding him nothing but stuff away and he keeps trying to pull it. He'll occasionally yank one of those for a double or homerun, but what we'll most likely see is what we saw last night - ground outs to the left side of the infield.<br />He might bounce around a bit, even get a shot at a starting job here and there, but even if he hangs around the majors another 10 years, it will probably be as a part-time player.<br />He shows me nothing positive.N. Cognitonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-60830516720559348112011-04-13T10:31:23.607-04:002011-04-13T10:31:23.607-04:00JD,
I agree with you in wishing Riggleman would s...JD,<br /><br />I agree with you in wishing Riggleman would stay with the starters longer but on the flip side the starters have to earn that. Last night I thought Jim made the right call to pull Livo when he did but in most cases with our starters they have to show that unlike last year or prior years, they can go deeper into the game without losing effectiveness. I would suggest that the history of our starting pitching is that they are mainly 6-7 inning pitchers at best. I'm one of those people who say pull the starter too soon instead of too late and trust the BP to do their job.<br /><br />As for over use of the BP that is a concern. Last night I was a bit surprised when Clippard came out to pitch the 8th because he seemed to have sat for a long time in the bottom of the 7th when the Nats scored again. With a 6-1 lead at the time I was thinking Coffey or someone other than Clip, Storen and Brunett would be on to pitch hopefully the last two innings. With the way Clippard seemed to lose his control that inning maybe the waiting was too long and too cold for him.Knoxville Natnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-56339970349460577332011-04-13T10:27:00.385-04:002011-04-13T10:27:00.385-04:00fpcsteve... I agree on your Desmond take.... He wo...fpcsteve... I agree on your Desmond take.... He would be part of any significant trade we make although the trading partners are going be clammering for Espinosa over Desmond in every dialogue.<br /><br />It would probably take Desmond, a couple of significant arms and Flores to pry away someone like Reyes from the Mets but it could happen.NatsJack in Floridanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-86685620939837917682011-04-13T10:21:18.635-04:002011-04-13T10:21:18.635-04:00I wonder how long it is before Riggs realizes that...I wonder how long it is before Riggs realizes that perhaps a guy with a career walk rate of 4.8% probably won't cut it as the lead off guy. Imagine what it would be like for there to be runners on when Werth and Zimm hit all their HRs...<br /><br />It's especially frustrating when we have a guy batting 7th, who's currently walking in 20% of his plate appearances. That's unsustainable, but Espinosa is a <i>much</i> better batter and fit in the lead off spot.Willnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-69811576165453728242011-04-13T10:20:49.609-04:002011-04-13T10:20:49.609-04:00Desmond should remain a Nat. He's a lifelong ...Desmond should remain a Nat. He's a lifelong Nat, plays hard, and bleeds red. The Nats should develop an esprit d'corps the way the Flyers do in hockey. Build loyalty and tradition like the old Packers.DFLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-50779375478129556692011-04-13T10:16:53.802-04:002011-04-13T10:16:53.802-04:00Anybody else noticed how many more batters the pit...Anybody else noticed how many more batters the pitching staff is striking out this year? The team as a whole is averaging just over 7 K/9 thus far this year. They also aren't walking as many people as they used to. The teams BB/9 is roughly 3. A K/BB ratio of more than 2/1 for the entire team is pretty solid I think.<br /><br />The starters are doing a pretty solid job with their ratios so far. They were almost at the bottom of the league if not in last place last season and that was including Strasburg's ridiculous rate. This year they are sitting at 6.6 K/9 and a 2.6 BB/9 ratio. The most impressive part is Zimmerman has the lowest K rate of the rotation and he is the only true strikeout pitcher of the group.<br /><br />Go nats!PDowdy83https://www.blogger.com/profile/11914833357697907700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-3682776057327721382011-04-13T10:09:34.021-04:002011-04-13T10:09:34.021-04:00N. Cognito,
I'm not sure about a short career,...N. Cognito,<br />I'm not sure about a short career, but because of Espimosa I think Desmond's stay in DC will be short. I can see him being part of a significant trade package. They won't deal him just to get rid of him, but he has enough talent for someone to think they can change him and have him become a difference-maker. The change part is where my doubts come in. Desmond looks like the kind of guy who is going to do things his way no matter what. It will be interesting to see what happens with him around July 31 or this offseason. What do you think?fpcstevenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-9011884993962175432011-04-13T09:52:31.967-04:002011-04-13T09:52:31.967-04:00NatsJack,
Desmond is just not suited for the lea...NatsJack,<br /><br /> Desmond is just not suited for the lead off spot at all; he is too aggressive by nature; he won't work the count and he won't get on base via walk; for that matter he is also a poor fit to hit 2nd. I think 7th sounds about right. I would try Espinosa at Lead off but I think that the jury is still out as to whether he can maintain a high enough OBP.<br /><br /> As far as Riggleman is concerned; he has had a very good week where most of the in game decisions have been solid and have worked. I would like to see him go with the starters a bit longer when they are effective and I am very concerned about Clippard overuse.<br /><br /> Finally; I like the positivity and the optimism of the thread but let's keep some perspective; last year's team went 20 - 15 before finishing 69 - 93. Having said that I feel much better about our starting pitchers this year game in game out.JDnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-5629176488834257242011-04-13T09:50:28.207-04:002011-04-13T09:50:28.207-04:00NatsJack @ 7:15 you got it right.
Jim has a team ...NatsJack @ 7:15 you got it right.<br /><br />Jim has a team of professionals now. Lets see how it plays out.<br /><br />Good call NatsJack.Tedv15 2https://www.blogger.com/profile/08266691054823883198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-3055556571814670812011-04-13T09:46:35.152-04:002011-04-13T09:46:35.152-04:00With his approach at the plate, Desmond will never...With his approach at the plate, Desmond will never hit. He tried to pull everything last year, too. The pitchers have caught on. He doesn't appear to be adjusting.<br />He is headed for a very short MLB career.N. Cognitonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-87310406772298155932011-04-13T09:33:17.172-04:002011-04-13T09:33:17.172-04:00Livan was living on the edge. He was the recipien...Livan was living on the edge. He was the recipient of a Glavine-esque strike zone: http://www.brooksbaseball.net/pfxVB/cache/location.php-pitchSel=115817&game=gid_2011_04_12_phimlb_wasmlb_1&batterX=0&innings=yyyyyyyyy&sp_type=1&s_type=1.gifAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-27432893784509750902011-04-13T09:24:16.351-04:002011-04-13T09:24:16.351-04:00fpcsteve.... I'm all for Espinosa in the lead ...fpcsteve.... I'm all for Espinosa in the lead off spot. I've always been a fan of having a switch hitter in that spot. <br /><br />Desmond can bat second or 7th depending on the starter that day. <br /><br />And once Zim gets healthy Riggleman will have all kinds of options but Espinosa in the leadoff spot should remain.NatsJack in Floridanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-58488596493335371402011-04-13T09:22:46.715-04:002011-04-13T09:22:46.715-04:00At least twice, Espinosa messed up the front end o...At least twice, Espinosa messed up the front end of potential plays because he appeared to be rushing it. Not sure what is going on there, since he has previously had such soft hands. Stuff like that can get into someone's head.<br /><br />Desmond clearly is pressing. He may just need some reassurance. A timely hit last night could have sealed the deal and given the Clippard/Burnett duo a rest with what would have been an 8-1 lead.<br /><br />Still, a nice win. The crowd was poor but given the weather totally understandable. The Philly people had bought their tickets in advance, so of course they were going to show. Thursday looks like it will be the nicest day of the three and I am planning to be there.Billnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-73277904414417420562011-04-13T09:22:26.354-04:002011-04-13T09:22:26.354-04:00Livo. What can you say? I remember when the Nats a...Livo. What can you say? I remember when the Nats acquired Livo in 2009 and he pitched well in September of that year, really one of the few Nats pitchers who did. At the time some enemy blogger on another site (Nats Insider didn't exist yet) ridiculed the acquistion, scoffing that Livo was over the hill, a garage acquisition, etc.. Boy, was that wrong! To his great credit, Rizzo had/has a different opinion of Livo ... I hope Rizzo continues to let the results on the field dictate Livo's future with the Nats.Richardnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-16950884276688594602011-04-13T09:18:15.947-04:002011-04-13T09:18:15.947-04:00That was SUCH a good game last night. One of the ...That was SUCH a good game last night. One of the first things I check nowadays on the box scores is the E column and it's looking much, much better these days.NatsNutnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-72661195646296905332011-04-13T09:15:56.827-04:002011-04-13T09:15:56.827-04:00@ NatsJack: Who do you like leading off and why? I...@ NatsJack: Who do you like leading off and why? I wonder if Desmond is suited for that spot. It seems to me that it is still way early, and the Nats have a chance to arrange and rearrange the batting order and clarify roles. What do you think?fpcstevenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-89984476017077037482011-04-13T08:46:49.550-04:002011-04-13T08:46:49.550-04:00Doc,
I believe bringing in Pudge late in the game...Doc,<br /><br />I believe bringing in Pudge late in the game was a double switch move since Ramos had made either the last out or next to last out in the previous inning. If I recall correctly the pitcher's spot was due up second in the lineup in our next at bat.Knoxville Natnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-32124946519826471002011-04-13T08:40:57.235-04:002011-04-13T08:40:57.235-04:00Much credit goes to Livo. When he set down the Phi...Much credit goes to Livo. When he set down the Phillies in the first inning,I just knew everything would be OK. That bunt was awesome. No disgrace in giving up a solo homer to one of the NL's best sluggers. <br /><br />Love Ramos and Espinosa. Both will be in the running for ROY. Overall hitting is still troubling and the defense was sloppy at times. They were lucky that the botched double plays were not more damaging.<br /><br />Desmond was dreadful again as the lead-off hitter. How many chances does this guy get?<br /><br />Crowd was very disappointing.<br /><br />Go Nats!carolynchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09647344058146608862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-79789399806231779162011-04-13T08:35:22.698-04:002011-04-13T08:35:22.698-04:00This is a VERY different team from last year. I w...This is a VERY different team from last year. I was waiting for the 8th or 9th inning melt down from our pitchers. With the bases loaded it started to get my heart thumping and then they got out of both innings with no runs. <br /><br />If they keep playing this clean and get healthy I see this team potentially breaking .500<br /><br />We may also attract some real big name free agents next off season and then next year this team will look even more different then this year.MGGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16581106754276546456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-26579176503036083672011-04-13T08:35:13.214-04:002011-04-13T08:35:13.214-04:00Jus' wonderin' why Ramos, and his lethal b...Jus' wonderin' why Ramos, and his lethal bat was switched out for IRod, late in the game?<br /><br />I was thinking that Riggs maybe wanted the experienced Pudge handling the relievers.<br /><br />Any thoughts?Dochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17614998804163989623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-91161179855799217542011-04-13T08:34:59.873-04:002011-04-13T08:34:59.873-04:00Hey, if they beat us, they beat us, but bring on H...Hey, if they beat us, they beat us, but bring on Halliday and Lee. Best case senereo we beat them. Worst case they beat us, but whoever the Brewers throw at us should look emminately more hittable.<br />I sure hope it was a long rainy ride back to Philly for the invaders that came to our house to boo. <br />I can't make it tonight, but tomorrow I've got a couple more folks going with me that normally wouldn't be going. Folks that say that they don't like to go when the Phills come to town because of their fans, well, if all of us started going and bringing others with us, then we can tip the scales.I sure hope that the club starts winning consistently to make ending this crap from Philly end soon! I also hope, that like the team itself, that our fans start developing a bit of an attitude, and personality.Joe Seamheadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17000259234420985114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-47198495567716537462011-04-13T08:24:18.180-04:002011-04-13T08:24:18.180-04:00Another early positive is except for one sloppy ga...Another early positive is except for one sloppy game, we have really played fairly clean ball. Baserunning as well as fielding is way ahead of last year. I can't remember one double steal last year and we already have two. Porter has had a couple of muffs but we are aggressive and you have to love that. Like the fact that Livan bunted on his own(over on NJ) and that Nix was quick enough to break and so there was no real play at home. We are not a finished product but our middle infield just has to keep getting better and I think they will. Love Ankiel vs. Morgan so far and Morse and Nix look to be an improvement on Willingham in the field. If the pitching keeps up we will be a nice surprise.<br /><br />Go Nats!!sjm308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-62122772807622781472011-04-13T08:18:22.757-04:002011-04-13T08:18:22.757-04:00WINNING CURES ALL ILLS!WINNING CURES ALL ILLS!oldguyjimnoreply@blogger.com