tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post9007250450278752355..comments2024-02-15T05:42:18.307-05:00Comments on Nats Insider: Game 131: Nats at RedsMark Zuckermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525315258889435961noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-14555966253368226832011-08-28T11:46:41.122-04:002011-08-28T11:46:41.122-04:00Nix at first instead of Morse? I don't get it....Nix at first instead of Morse? I don't get it. Put Nix in the outfield where he has LOTS more experience. I know they are holding first for Marrero/LaRoche and so want to keep Morse in left to "remember" how to play there. But I want to win at least one darn game. And I think Morse at first gives us a getter chance...even if he is low in tne rankings at first.JaneBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04882101532666365432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-29743178985256879642011-08-28T11:22:51.950-04:002011-08-28T11:22:51.950-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-63133196469263962982011-08-28T11:07:51.112-04:002011-08-28T11:07:51.112-04:008/28 lineup:
Desmond SS,
Werth RF,
Ankiel CF,
...8/28 lineup: <br />Desmond SS, <br />Werth RF, <br />Ankiel CF, <br />Morse LF, <br />Espinosa 2B, <br />Nix 1B, <br />Flores C, <br />Cora 3B, <br />Zimmermann P<br /><br />Chris Marrero doesn't get to start against Johnny Cueto.Gonatnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-66842237745231686082011-08-28T10:45:39.646-04:002011-08-28T10:45:39.646-04:00In today's baseball, the GM defines the team a...In today's baseball, the GM defines the team and it is the Managers job to win with what you have. Not even the Yankees have a perfect team. The Nationals lack balance. They are close, yet far. The strength has been in the starting pitching who have had to work on low run support, lack of clutch hitting and a poor bullpen behind the starters. These are areas that have to improve for 2012.<br /><br />Joe Posnanski described Sparky Anderson and his other nickname of "Captain Hook" for his history of relying on a strong bullpen. Posnanski writes that Sparky felt pitchers were disposable, that if they weren’t getting outs, then it was his job as manager to find someone who would. In 1975, he went 45 straight games without allowing a pitcher to complete a game, a record in those days — the nightly hooks were so shocking that people in Cincinnati booed Sparky even though the Reds were leading the division by 10 games. “If you want to stay in the game, it’s like dance steps, boys,” Sparky would say. “You need to play the song in your head like a waltz — one-two-three, one-two-three, one-two-three. Play it like that, and I’ll just sit right here in the dugout and enjoy it. But you start going one-two-three … four … five … well, we’ll see you later.”<br /><br />Davey can't be "Captain Hook" because the bullpen is so poor, Davey has stuck with his starters longer which hasn't worked either. You're damned if you do, you're damned if you don't.Gonatnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-3168158715969984342011-08-28T10:03:08.465-04:002011-08-28T10:03:08.465-04:00Here is a long article on one-run games with lots ...Here is a long article on one-run games with lots of links.<br /><br />http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/ten-things-about-one-run-games/<br /><br />Here are the 2011 one-run game winners (you can have a lot of fun on fangraphs and baseball reference when it's raining.)<br /><br />http://www.baseball-reference.com/games/situational.cgi?from=2011&to=2011&0=2&1=3&rsgtlt=gt&rs=5&ragtlt=gt&ra=5&2=6&trgtlt=lt&tr=100&3=9&mvgtlt=eq&mv=1&4=10&owlsgtlt=gt&owls=.500&sortby=WP&teams=team&years=each&submit=Run+SituationNatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-56253846735021573072011-08-28T09:55:47.792-04:002011-08-28T09:55:47.792-04:00Yes, and I would have used UZR but they don't ...Yes, and I would have used UZR but they don't have splits for it, and the question was regarding whether the Nats' defense had deteriorated from earlier in the year.NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-72568163223189914642011-08-28T09:54:52.483-04:002011-08-28T09:54:52.483-04:00NatsLady said...
Gonat-- I'm not sure what yo...NatsLady said... <br />Gonat-- I'm not sure what you mean by shutting down the "aggressive" game. I'm seeing bunts and attempted steals, it's just not working. He put Desi in the leadoff slot exactly so Desi could get on base and use his speed. <br /><br />August 28, 2011 9:44 AM <br />_____________________________<br /><br />Steals are way down, thats a fact. Bunt hits, suicide squeezes, hit & runs, going 1st to 3rd on hits. We all know how Riggles hated his commercial Small Ball/Smart Ball but that is what worked with this team. When Riggleman left team pythagorean also matched to the team W/L so it wasn't like there was an excess of luck.<br /><br />Davey has certainly had some bad luck.Gonatnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-68642571180301363282011-08-28T09:49:32.907-04:002011-08-28T09:49:32.907-04:00NatsLady said...
I'm not that fond of fieldin...NatsLady said... <br />I'm not that fond of fielding percentage as a defensive metric because it doesn't measure range. In other words, a fielder like Desi or RZimm gets to more balls, and therefore has more chances (and more chances to make errors) than some other fielders. This is not to excuse Desi, of course. <br /><br />August 28, 2011 9:38 AM <br />___________________________<br /><br />Agreed. I think team UZR is a better metric and if there is a ERC (Component ERA) for starters that would be another good metric, and then team OBP and team clutch for the offense.<br /><br />The good news is over an entire season you begin to pinpoint your weaknesses.Gonatnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-48870643743585546512011-08-28T09:44:28.354-04:002011-08-28T09:44:28.354-04:00Gonat-- I'm not sure what you mean by shutting...Gonat-- I'm not sure what you mean by shutting down the "aggressive" game. I'm seeing bunts and attempted steals, it's just not working. He put Desi in the leadoff slot exactly so Desi could get on base and use his speed.NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-433724914249798522011-08-28T09:41:33.077-04:002011-08-28T09:41:33.077-04:00baseballswami said...
Gonat -- would rather have ...baseballswami said... <br />Gonat -- would rather have you be right. It's hard to feel positive after these last 5 games. <br /><br />August 27, 2011 11:43 PM <br />____________________________<br /><br />I know. You figure you have to go 3-2 in those games. Bad time for Ryan Zimmerman to go ICE COLD and Davey needs to subscribe to the Sparky Anderson theory on pulling pitchers.<br /><br />Look, Riggleman wasn't perfect on yanking his starters either but Riggleman was better at winning the 1 run games. Davey has shut down the aggressive play of the team. He said it himself when he first got here and did a "rare" suicide squeeze. Riggleman would play for the "one" run so in the Thursday game if you got that 1 run and a 4-3 lead you then bring in Storen and close out that game.<br /><br />Hindsight is great so Tuesday and Wednesday you think you have a shot if you pull your starters a batter earlier or an inning earlier that you could win those games.Gonatnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-60754390403228045062011-08-28T09:38:15.824-04:002011-08-28T09:38:15.824-04:00I'm not that fond of fielding percentage as a ...I'm not that fond of fielding percentage as a defensive metric because it doesn't measure range. In other words, a fielder like Desi or RZimm gets to more balls, and therefore has more chances (and more chances to make errors) than some other fielders. This is not to excuse Desi, of course.NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-64032331246968911172011-08-28T09:32:01.008-04:002011-08-28T09:32:01.008-04:00Drew8 said...
The good news is that the Nats have...Drew8 said... <br />The good news is that the Nats have now scored 500 runs.<br /><br />The bad news is that ranks 27th out of 30 teams.<br /><br />The Nats' fielding percentage of .982 ranks 20th out of the 30 teams.<br /><br />All of which is a shame, because their 3.67 ERA ranks 8th out of 30 teams.<br /><br />If they could hit it and catch it they wouldn't be 62-69. <br /><br />August 28, 2011 7:49 AM <br />_______________________________<br /><br /><br />We were having a similar discussion yesterday in comparison to the Braves. <br /><br />Team ERA isn't a great indicator when you have such a poor bullpen and you are trying to evaluate your starters.<br /><br />If somehow you can pull starter ERA and neutralize seperately the Earned Runs scored from Inherited runners you will find the Nats starters I think are #3 only behind Philadelphia and the San Fran Giants.<br /><br />Unfortunately runs scored by the offense can't be sugar coated nor can the defense.<br /><br />My only thoughts on the offense is fairly obvious, not enough clutch hits and the #1 and #2 batters don't get on base at a high enough % to give the #3 and #4 enough legitimate RBI opportunities.Gonatnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-45661376423849058522011-08-28T09:23:38.711-04:002011-08-28T09:23:38.711-04:00@Gonat: in summary, yes, the Nats were playing (m...@Gonat: in summary, yes, the Nats were playing (marginally) better defensive ball when Riggs was here. Probably because we had better corner infielders. Hairston and Cora are fine fielders but they are not RZimm. And Morse is NOT Adam LaRoche.NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-71640866447012903272011-08-28T09:18:57.831-04:002011-08-28T09:18:57.831-04:00The thing is, Morse doesn't make errors, but h...The thing is, Morse doesn't make errors, but he doesn't get to balls either. <br /><br />Charlie and Dave, in their comments on the bunt yesterday that Espi ended up fielding at first (very close call but out), Morse doesn't charge balls, he stays near the base. So when Marrero charged the bunt, it took the other fielders by surprise. <br /><br />IMO, that's a good type of surprise. I'm sorry if Morse is upset at not playing first base. But he was going to the outfield when LaRoche came back anyway. I hope he will be a "pro" and still give his best.NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-28953407913618225672011-08-28T09:13:27.089-04:002011-08-28T09:13:27.089-04:00The stats show that Michael Morse is the worst fie...The stats show that Michael Morse is the worst fielding 1st baseman in MLB, he ranks below Adam Dunn.<br /><br />Fielding for qualified 1b (37 people):<br /><br />http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=1b&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2011&month=0&season1=2011&ind=0<br /><br />On the other hand, for the limited time he played, Adam LaRoche is ranked 10th of all 72 first baseman (a much larger group, obviously).<br /><br />You'll find Morse ranked 3rd from last, above only poor Chris Marrero and someone named John Bowker of the Pirates (who played 19 games.) <br /><br />http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=1b&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=n&type=8&season=2011&month=0&season1=2011&ind=0NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-13764939880343377842011-08-28T09:02:32.943-04:002011-08-28T09:02:32.943-04:00http://www.masnsports.com/byron_kerr/2011/08/peaco...http://www.masnsports.com/byron_kerr/2011/08/peacock-singled-out-by-the-sporting-news-as-next-in-line.html<br /><br />Good article on Brad Peacock. Heck, we need some good news today.Gonatnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-24813396825162867792011-08-28T08:53:04.166-04:002011-08-28T08:53:04.166-04:00Nationals fielding and rank in MLB
March/April 2...Nationals fielding and rank in MLB <br /><br />March/April 2.3 9th<br />May 0.0 13th<br />June -3.0 21st<br />July -2.6 21st<br />August -0.3 18th<br /><br />Full Season -3.6 17th <br /><br />(from Fangraphs.com)<br />http://www.fangraphs.com/teams.aspx?pos=all&lg=all&stats=bat&type=8&season=2011&month=0&season1=<br /><br />It seems to me had reasonable fielding when LaRoche and RZimm were here. With Zimm back and in good form (August) fielding is improved. Still the Nats were never tops or close to it in fielding, the Diamondbacks and Red Sox are the top teams consistently.NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-7483782024619668452011-08-28T07:49:32.876-04:002011-08-28T07:49:32.876-04:00The good news is that the Nats have now scored 500...The good news is that the Nats have now scored 500 runs.<br /><br />The bad news is that ranks 27th out of 30 teams.<br /><br />The Nats' fielding percentage of .982 ranks 20th out of the 30 teams.<br /><br />All of which is a shame, because their 3.67 ERA ranks 8th out of 30 teams.<br /><br />If they could hit it and catch it they wouldn't be 62-69.Drew8noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-50699284429671785782011-08-28T07:37:34.046-04:002011-08-28T07:37:34.046-04:00I am buying what Anom 10:36 is saying. They stink...I am buying what Anom 10:36 is saying. They stink on ice.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-39289881524257627912011-08-28T07:00:40.203-04:002011-08-28T07:00:40.203-04:00Defensively, Marrero had a good spring--actually v...Defensively, Marrero had a good spring--actually very good. He had a good year at triple A. I think the kid should be given the benefit of the doubt, not judged by the first ball hit to him in the big leagues. Heck, it wasn't so long ago that Morris made two errors in one game, and he hardly ever makes an error.<br />Good and fair analysis of Desi, Natslady. I'm a big fan, but he's got a couple of issues to deal with. Regarding Reyes--obviously he is terrific this year, but as I have him on two of my fantasy teams, that darn hammy is killing me. And I wonder what Reyes stats were in his second year in the Bigs. (I'll look them up in a second). I believe he played second his first year and was mediocre at best.Jeevesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-80906453785286980922011-08-28T05:16:42.548-04:002011-08-28T05:16:42.548-04:00Counting the cost : Michael Morse looked angry. ...Counting the cost : Michael Morse looked angry. All he's done is provide plus defense and contend for the NL batting title, and now he's been moved away from 1st, a position he clearly enjoyed and that satisfied his shortstop's need to be in every play. Eckstein was shown giving him a pep talk in the dugout - something he's never needed before. [A shout-out to the superb MASN production crew that has never misses this stuff-remember Manny and Elijah Dukes just about coming to blows for all to see?] He responded with a titanic upper deck blast in the 8th off LeCure, who had struck out Cora, Desmond (7th) Werth and Zimm (8th).<br /><br />Marrero's errors led to 3 unearned runs, but the booted double play in the 4th cost two outs that would've prevented a 4th run. So the final score is 6-3. Take away these 4 runs and Nats Win!!! <br /><br />Middle fielders (catcher, ss, 2d, center) hate to be moved from their natural positions because they want to be in on every play. The move to first worked for Morse because it satisfied his shortstop's desire to be in on every play and let him use his fielding skills. He's 4th in the running for the batting crown, and management has just crushed him. Yes, he homered, but it was out of anger. That happy, boyish natural is gone, and has been ever since he was told of the move. That's a shame.flynniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05231503307377716238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-25366885142074798062011-08-27T23:43:55.182-04:002011-08-27T23:43:55.182-04:00Gonat -- would rather have you be right. It's...Gonat -- would rather have you be right. It's hard to feel positive after these last 5 games.baseballswaminoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-62779794516373911402011-08-27T23:02:57.583-04:002011-08-27T23:02:57.583-04:00JaneB said...
Love Reyes, and I don't think h...JaneB said... <br />Love Reyes, and I don't think he is a solution for us.<br /><br />I'm not blaming Davey, but we WERE playing better ball, defensively, under Riggleman. Sounds like the guys weren't happy in the clubhouse, with Riggs, but the results were better. Davey is stressing different things. MacLaren is gone, too. I disagree with Boswell that we should keep Davey. I want someone younger, and more in touch with baseball today. <br /><br />August 27, 2011 10:18 PM <br /><br />______________________________<br /><br />Riggleman didn't have a healthy Zim and was stuck with a healthy lousy Matt Stairs.<br /><br />Here is the BIG difference I see, Davey doesn't play aggressive which gets these guys into the game and the adrenalaine flowing. The other observation is Davey has left his starters in 1 pitch too many, too many times.<br /><br />By the way Baseballswami, I'm not buying what Anon @10:36 is selling.Gonatnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-16303425223257446712011-08-27T22:40:23.277-04:002011-08-27T22:40:23.277-04:00Anon 10:36 - I am so afraid that you are right. I ...Anon 10:36 - I am so afraid that you are right. I had such high hopes for this season and there have been times where I really thought we could do .500 and 3rd or 4th place. Maybe we can get on another better streak but the last month looks tough.We definitely need to get off of this bad streak and turn things around.baseballswaminoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-92187743808364834802011-08-27T22:36:02.015-04:002011-08-27T22:36:02.015-04:00This team is simply a joke. Headed back for LAST P...This team is simply a joke. Headed back for LAST PLACE AGAIN!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com