tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post8662570108675697547..comments2024-02-15T05:42:18.307-05:00Comments on Nats Insider: Why did this happen? Because.Mark Zuckermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525315258889435961noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-76634652293583591512010-08-28T23:51:30.548-04:002010-08-28T23:51:30.548-04:00JayB is a moron indeed. He posts on the National...JayB is a moron indeed. He posts on the Nationals website under the moniker "MysteryMan", and he posts bizzare gibberish there as well. Best to just ignore him - he's got issues.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-51443565209496832752010-08-28T18:06:00.457-04:002010-08-28T18:06:00.457-04:00why did this happen...poor mechanics and previousl...why did this happen...poor mechanics and previously undetected injuries which Stephen pitched through in college. As I said the other day BFD if he does not pitch until 2012, this team is horrible and next year's team was not going to be much better with Stephen.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-13221344535128849812010-08-28T16:54:16.437-04:002010-08-28T16:54:16.437-04:00Mark,
I totally agree with every positive post abo...Mark,<br />I totally agree with every positive post about your writing. Really a pleasure to read. It was a shock about Stras but our distress as fans is nothing compared to what he and his family are about to go through. I wish him well and can't wait to see him back on the mound.LoveDaNatsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-56249033606494680952010-08-28T15:39:19.854-04:002010-08-28T15:39:19.854-04:00Mark: First of all, thank you for the well thought...Mark: First of all, thank you for the well thought-out post; Your response here reads much more like a column, rather than the typical blog post, driven by reason & insight rather than reaction. Trying to talk the majority of the five-year-olds off the ledge in their terms (WHY? - Because) was appreciated. <br /><br />Again, Thank you for bearing up & giving consistent quality in your posts, while mostly working without a net (supporting publication).BinMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-52398897488008586612010-08-28T13:41:45.870-04:002010-08-28T13:41:45.870-04:00JayB = Moron
His takes are so idiotic they are re...JayB = Moron<br /><br />His takes are so idiotic they are really not even worth responding to.Ericnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-47629803056314417932010-08-28T12:41:03.331-04:002010-08-28T12:41:03.331-04:00Speaking of sucking it and moving on, is Double Dr...Speaking of sucking it and moving on, is Double Dribble do back on the air tonight? Or is he continuing his "vacation" to hop on those late-summer sales at Nordstrom Rack?Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_for_Menoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-85389835591154563162010-08-28T11:55:18.881-04:002010-08-28T11:55:18.881-04:00It's a tough blow, but I don't fault the N...It's a tough blow, but I don't fault the Nats in anyway for this. It sucks for Stephen Strasburg and all Nats fans, but that is life! Time to suck it up and move on!Beltwayboy7https://www.blogger.com/profile/08504547863327175597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-885853628184867132010-08-28T11:29:40.209-04:002010-08-28T11:29:40.209-04:00If Cliff Lee was here, JayB would find a way to co...If Cliff Lee was here, JayB would find a way to complain about him. JayB is nothing but a whiner. Ignore him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-45418313184903200422010-08-28T11:29:13.086-04:002010-08-28T11:29:13.086-04:00If Cliff Lee was here, JayB would find a way to co...If Cliff Lee was here, JayB would find a way to complain about him. JayB is nothing but a whiner. Ignore him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-82811304427614655112010-08-28T11:26:20.347-04:002010-08-28T11:26:20.347-04:00Strasburg is a pitcher. Pitchers get hurt.
Actual...<i>Strasburg is a pitcher. Pitchers get hurt.</i><br /><br />Actually, I think this quote should be attributed to Posnaski during his interview during Federal Baseball on the ongoing Stras injury saga.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-45105403342519850612010-08-28T11:24:11.264-04:002010-08-28T11:24:11.264-04:00Few pitchers have as much vested interest in the s...Few pitchers have as much vested interest in the status of their pitching arm than does Stephen Strasburg. <br /><br />Given Stephen's interest in physical fitness, and natural intelligence, I think that over the next few months he'll be considering the ideas of Mike Marshall, Don Cooper, and Rick Peterson.<br /><br />If pitching is 80% of successful baseball, then its time that coaches and executive personnel start considering a more sophisticated approach to managing the physical status of their pitchers.Dochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17614998804163989623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-87059404560997679262010-08-28T11:20:45.738-04:002010-08-28T11:20:45.738-04:00They should have spent on proven 28-32 year old ar...<i>They should have spent on proven 28-32 year old arms to lead the say in 2008-2011. Nats plan was too high risk and they are paying the price for it now and for two years to come. </i><br /><br />Now JayB,<br /><br />You mean like Randy Wolf? <br /><br />They did go out and get a proven 28 year old Cuban named Yunieski Maya didn't they? He just threw 90 pitches for Syracuse last night. Say, weren't you the one all hot and bothered about International Signings? Well they made one! And he is at least one proven veteran to put into the rotation. Livan is still here and he has been pitching well ... they also signed Marquis ... although we'll have to see how he pitches next year.<br /><br />Unless its Cliff Lee you are going to find few top of the rotation starters worth throwing money at. Many probably wouldn't even want to come to the Nats. So, a more likely scenario is going to be that pitching talent will be acquired through trades. <br /><br />They did manage to sign all of their top talent pitchers in the draft. Many are now in the pipeline ... so that's something accomplished.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-58118537356858968342010-08-28T11:15:47.664-04:002010-08-28T11:15:47.664-04:00exactly....exactly right Sunshine Bobby...."S...exactly....exactly right Sunshine Bobby...."StanK's so-called plan actually calls for delusional optimism"JayBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11448827055342357809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-52068302556189778052010-08-28T11:02:26.781-04:002010-08-28T11:02:26.781-04:00I think Green Armadillo is right. Three-hundred lo...I think Green Armadillo is right. Three-hundred losses in three years is right on target. But whether it's 299 or 301 or whatever, the larger issue is player development. Basically, the Nats' cupboard was bare when they arrived here -- remember, their top organizational prospect was Kory Casto, now demoted to AA, and going nowhere. Basically, in six years here, they've developed Zimmerman, Zimmermann, Storen, Desmond, Bernadina and maybe one or two other legitimate big leaguers. Rizzo has helped with a few trades, namely Wilson Ramos. Harper, of course, looks good on paper. Actually, he looks pretty good in person. So there's a nucleus of maybe 10 legitimate big leaguers, or close to big leaguers. That's two players a year, more or less, that they've developed, or drafted.<br /><br />The FO cannot continue on this pace. It has got to start spending money. Its business plan is a lot closer to the Pittsburgh Pirates than it is to the Yankees or Phillies. Yet, they certainly are charging big-market prices and finished third in operating profit ($43 million) two years ago behind the Marlins and Red Sox, according to the Forbes rankings.<br /><br />I've softened my Lerners-are-cheep stance in light of the money they've spent on SS, Harper and a couple other draft picks. But their biggest FA acquistion last year was Jason Marquis, and we see how well that's worked out.<br /><br />StanK talks about this glorious plan, but it's basically a one- or two-year shot at 2012 and 2013 when (hopefully) SS is healthy again, Zimm'nn, Zimm, Desmond and (maybe) Harper are still on the roster. If it doesn't click by 2013, these guys will be migrating away.<br /><br />It's very difficult to improve 10 wins a year for three years, yet that is what the Nats' plan for 2013 requires (assuming they win about 62-64 games this year).<br /><br />I love optimism. But StanK's so-called plan actually calls for delusional optimism, of which I'm not a big fan.Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_for_Menoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-10922992260737130442010-08-28T10:34:13.628-04:002010-08-28T10:34:13.628-04:00Read the post N. Cognito and expand your closed m...Read the post N. Cognito and expand your closed mind.....It says they needed to sign good proven FA pitching in 2008-2011.....get a clue definition of Dolt.JayBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11448827055342357809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-16275717146839171232010-08-28T10:10:36.634-04:002010-08-28T10:10:36.634-04:00Quoth Anon: "Also, the Nats are currently 54-...Quoth Anon: "Also, the Nats are currently 54-75, which is .418 ball. There are 33 games left in the season. They need to lose 25 of them to arrive at 100 losses, which is about .270 ball. Sure, the franchise is snakebit, but it's within the realm of possibility that they'll do better than that."<br /><br />The number that I suggested was in reach was 300 losses in 3 years. We have a five game head start on that mark for losing 102 in '08 and 103 in '09, and would need to win 14 of the last 33 (0.424 ball assuming no rainouts that don't get played, better than their current season mark) to avoid the requisite 20 more losses. <br /><br />Also, remember that the 0.418 mark is padded out by the strong start from the early weeks of the season. We'll play September without Capps, Willingham, Guzman, and Strasburg (our second best starter, behind Livan only because of the late start), and those 33 games include 12 against the pennant racing Braves and Phillies. <br /><br />All of this is what it is at this point. I'm just saying that we opened the year hoping that at least we might be respectable next year. If the less-solid rotation is the deciding factor in cutting Dunn loose, we could be looking at years before we can field a winning club.Green Armadillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15564045048380177626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-57591302129687318842010-08-28T10:02:35.636-04:002010-08-28T10:02:35.636-04:00This post represents your finest hour Mark. You t...This post represents your finest hour Mark. You touched on all the points related to the Strasburg matter perfectly.NatsFanTomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-46214377147116598952010-08-28T09:38:46.841-04:002010-08-28T09:38:46.841-04:00This may sound stupid, but it seems most young pit...This may sound stupid, but it seems most young pitchers are heading for Tommy John surgery. They seem to heal fast when they are young, so why not have that operation before it happens. You won't tear your tendon but you will even have a stronger new one (from the leg) with the normal tendon.Mr Baseballhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05982448067300955065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-41393559242344082792010-08-28T09:30:45.355-04:002010-08-28T09:30:45.355-04:00Equating Strasburg to "all their eggs in one ...Equating Strasburg to "all their eggs in one basket" is one of the most idiotic posts I've read here and proof that certain "fans" are nothing but whiners and complainers.<br /><br />The Nats have been drafting pitchers out their you-know-what in an effort to construct a home grown quality rotation. One can make an argument that the Nats should be supplementing that effort with a quality free agent signing or two (and when to do that is another argument), but anyone thinking the Nats are pinning all their hopes on Strasburg is a dolt.N. Cognitonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-91237194648355053112010-08-28T09:07:30.356-04:002010-08-28T09:07:30.356-04:00"Why did this happen? Because it did. There&#..."Why did this happen? Because it did. There's no reason to delve deeper than that."<br /><br />Actually, there is a reason to delve deeper than that. One of the best relievers in baseball history, the 1974 Cy Young winner, and the holder of many pitching endurance records, Mike Marshall, holds a PhD in exercise physiology and has an entirely different approach to pitching, one he claims eliminates pitching injuries.<br /><br />I'm not a Marshall partisan -- I don't have an independent view of whether his approach works. But there is evidence to suggest that Marshall may be to pitching what Bill James was to sabermetrics -- a visionary with a radically different approach that could revolutionize the game, but who was dismissed by the entire baseball establishment, all of whom had a vested interest in the status quo. Many of those who have worked with Marshall are effusive in their praise, and Marshall's own remarkable record of endurance is pretty good evidence that there's something to it.<br /><br />Sabermetrics existed for decades before one exceptional person in professional baseball establishment (Billy Beane) was willing to risk trying it, defying virtually the entire baseball establishment in the process. It's very plausible that Marshall's insights are comparably valuable, but that nobody's willing to take a similar risk.<br /><br />Not to pick on the Nationals, but does Steve McCatty or anyone of the Nats staff even begin to understand anything about Marshall's theories? Have they looked into it in a serious way? I'm willing to bet they haven't, and that they simply lack the understanding of physiology to even begin to evaluate Marshall's perspective. <br /><br />It's not unusual for true innovators to be unable to win support for radical new approaches in any field. Sometimes, it takes something dramatic to break through. Perhaps if Strasburg is unable to return to form, his injury could provide a catalyst for more people to rethink pitching mechanics. Meanwhile, Mark, Marshall's is a fascinating story waiting to be told (again).<br /><br />For those interested in exploring Marshall's theories, check out his website at: http://www.drmikemarshall.com/.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-47067186323589978322010-08-28T09:06:19.489-04:002010-08-28T09:06:19.489-04:00Mark,
This piece is why you are my favorite write...Mark,<br /><br />This piece is why you are my favorite writer in DC. Well thought out and credits Strasburg for his maturity and class after terrible news. I only wish I could do the same.<br /><br />There will be naysayers, but the Nationals organization under Mike Rizzo is professional and competent. My more optimistic friends are bullish on the Nats future because of this.<br /><br />And kudos to the Nats last night. I was there and they played with effort and guts and were a few inches shy of likely winning the game. There only flaw was that they tried TOO hard. The errors and the pick-off and the poor clutch hitting were from that. This team is not mailing it in, they are just short-changed on talent and experience and knowledge of how to win in the majors. All that will come in time.SJ_Writerhttp://www.moomstruckoverwashington.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-7356152180597861372010-08-28T08:27:10.000-04:002010-08-28T08:27:10.000-04:00Two points -- no, this isn't good news. But I...Two points -- no, this isn't good news. But I'd much rather see it now before the Nats are in contention for a post season spot than when they're chasing a wild card berth, or worse, actually in the post season. <br /><br />Also, the Nats are currently 54-75, which is .418 ball. There are 33 games left in the season. They need to lose 25 of them to arrive at 100 losses, which is about .270 ball. Sure, the franchise is snakebit, but it's within the realm of possibility that they'll do better than that. <br /><br />Sure, it slows down the climb to respectability, but, realistically, don't we need to find other pieces of the puzzle? The outfield is still in flux, especially at right field, and I'm not sure we have the long term answer at either second or first. We're probably okay at catcher, but Ramos could still use some experience. <br /><br />At this point, I don't like the news that Strasburg is injured, but at least Albert Haynesworth has been upstaged. This is neither here nor there, but I think part of the reason behind his behavior is that the press has been hanging on to his every word. If nothing else, we're seeing an example of maturity and professionalism in handling a setback. I hope Mr. Haynesworth and the Redskins are taking notes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-5421894721864366722010-08-28T08:04:05.430-04:002010-08-28T08:04:05.430-04:00Yup they are heading to 100 loses this year and ne...Yup they are heading to 100 loses this year and next---unless they fire Riggs and move to a proven winning attitude manager or take the out the wallet and spend on hitting, defense and starting pitching. Choice is theirs but doing the same thing this winter, that is looking for cheap talent with issues is going to produce the same results the past 3 seasons have.JayBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11448827055342357809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-26324202300388543602010-08-28T07:36:15.668-04:002010-08-28T07:36:15.668-04:00First I must admit, I was very disheartened to hea...First I must admit, I was very disheartened to hear this news. I was avoiding any news from Nationals for a whole day. Usually I am on my computer 24/7, checking up on any updates in Natstown. (yeah I know I have no life but one love). After reading SS's take on this issue, I am somewhat calm now. I went and checked the wiki article on the surgery, and also the players that have gone through this surgery. There have been lot of pitchers who had a successful one such as Tommy John himself, Josh Johnson, Tim Hudson, Chris Carpenter, etc. These are not some random pitchers but aces on their respective pitching staffs. All is not lost because SS will lose this and the next season. We have hopes of him not just coming back, but coming back stronger than before. Does this affect our starting rotation big time? I wouldn't say so. I might even consider this a blessing in disguise for two reasons. One for it happened now than later in his career. And second, we have a reason to retain Livan now. Marquis, Lannan, JZ, Maya, Livan. Otherwise we do have choices such as RD, Stammen, etc. Our offseason needs still haven't changed though. We still need the best defensive 2B we can find and a solid RF, while resigning Dunn. It is a great loss but all is not lost. Wish SS a speedy recovery. We all still love you SS.Faraz Shaikhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00633161449674428190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-62385630289949246622010-08-28T07:02:32.318-04:002010-08-28T07:02:32.318-04:00Very well said. I have a lot of respect for a 22 ...Very well said. I have a lot of respect for a 22 year-old who exhibits the sort of perspective Strasburg did yesterday.<br /><br />Here's my question: can the front office really afford to see this development as simply "pushing back" their plan for a year? If they didn't really think contention was possible until 2012, this means that it won't happen until 2013, when Strasburg, assuming he's healthy by this time next year, will be cleared to pitch around 200 innings. 2013 is the last year of Zimmerman's contract.<br /><br />The way I see it, this very sad development with Strasburg has to put a big question mark in the team's mind about his future contribution. The front office has worked hard to build a roster that can contend in 2012 and 2013, but if they don't have a number one starter, it isn't going to happen. So for me, the message here is that the Nats should make a serious effort to sign Cliff Lee this offseason. He's the only insurance policy they can buy on Strasburg, but such a policy is really insurance that all their other investments in 2012 and 2013 pay off.jcj5ynoreply@blogger.com