tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post9043636041998235805..comments2024-02-15T05:42:18.307-05:00Comments on Nats Insider: Learning when to get away from it allMark Zuckermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525315258889435961noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-68717680160405868662012-02-29T20:50:05.677-05:002012-02-29T20:50:05.677-05:00@Section 222 I'm a Nats fan, but the bastardiz...@Section 222 I'm a Nats fan, but the bastardization of the history of this franchise by the organization sickens me. Trying to link this team to the Homestead Grays and the two previous Senators teams while largely ignoring the Expos is ridiculous. <br /><br />Generally, I have been complacent regarding this lack of focus. But the death of Gary Carter and lack of a Memorial Patch by the Nats organization is a slap in the face to the entire history of this franchise. For a guy who was largely the face of the franchise for many, many years and a fan favourite to boot, to receive a MLB written article on the Nats site and that's it is a sad state of affairs.<br /><br />One only has to look at the new Winnipeg Jets, for the way to honour their franchise's history. Thumb through their media guide and there is no section about the first Jets who moved to Phoenix, no Winnipeg hockey history records section, nothing. There may not be as many of us as there used to be, but there are many Expos fans still around. The Nats should remember that the Senators history belongs to the Twins and then the Rangers and not the Nationals.Rob Tnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-66915282945002888422012-02-29T16:15:47.070-05:002012-02-29T16:15:47.070-05:00Oops. Wrong thread.Oops. Wrong thread.Another_Samnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-9714221623649129272012-02-29T16:12:42.106-05:002012-02-29T16:12:42.106-05:00Two thoughts on the line of discussion early in th...Two thoughts on the line of discussion early in this thread:<br />- I unfollowed Bryce a couple of weeks ago, after following him for about a day. He was tweeting every 20 minutes or so, trying to get to 20K followers.<br />- Regarding being on board early: I too recall the bank accounts. As for this club, I saw 'em before they ever hit DC; I went for that first spring in Viera. Great fun.Another_Samnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-41361364175979929742012-02-29T13:26:59.535-05:002012-02-29T13:26:59.535-05:00Rob T said...
@Whynat I consider anyone who w...<i> Rob T said...<br /><br /> @Whynat I consider anyone who wasn't an Expos fan to be a bandwagoner. If you didn't suffer through the 1994 Strike ripping this franchise's best chance at a World Series away, you are not a true fan of this franchise.</i><br /><br />Not Phil Wood said...<br /><br />I consider anyone who wasn't a Senators fan, and I'm talking about the team that moved to Minnesota, not the one that moved to Texas, to be a bandwagoner. If you didn't attend a game in Griffith Stadium you aren't a true fan of this team and its history. Or something. Oh, and get off my lawn!Section 222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-22853019576428521702012-02-29T12:27:43.939-05:002012-02-29T12:27:43.939-05:00My first game was in May 1954, Virgil Trucks (Whit...My first game was in May 1954, Virgil Trucks (White Sox) versus the Senator's Camilio Pascual. Alas, we lost.Slidellnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-35711064421460137162012-02-29T11:50:22.754-05:002012-02-29T11:50:22.754-05:00I love this time of year. Optimism runs rampant. A...I love this time of year. Optimism runs rampant. Any and all issues from last yaer are last year's problems, to be cured with one elixir or another. Edwin Jackson had a funky windup/stretch split? He was tipping his pitches? Werth underperform - he let the contract get to him and had trouble adjusting to his new digs. Desmond couldnt get on base? He figured it out in the last 2-3 weeks of 2011! Espinosa had a rough 2nd half? He was overanalyzing everything!<br /><br />It would be refresing to read a post or three about who is looking lost out there this spring.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-79258008727975462912012-02-29T10:56:23.630-05:002012-02-29T10:56:23.630-05:00@Whynat I consider anyone who wasn't an Expos ...@Whynat I consider anyone who wasn't an Expos fan to be a bandwagoner. If you didn't suffer through the 1994 Strike ripping this franchise's best chance at a World Series away, you are not a true fan of this franchise.Rob Tnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-43349650745991202792012-02-29T10:51:11.829-05:002012-02-29T10:51:11.829-05:00Umm, that should be "team moved FROM Montreal...Umm, that should be "team moved FROM Montreal." Apologies.The Retired Journalistnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-79286548751652410092012-02-29T10:47:04.504-05:002012-02-29T10:47:04.504-05:00I guess I count as a veteran since I bought my sea...I guess I count as a veteran since I bought my season tickets about thirty seconds after they went on sale when the team moved to Montreal. As for clothing to wear to games, I have a number of shirts but only two jerseys: a red Curly W without a name on it, and an Andre Dawson Expos jersey that I found last month at a farmers' market in Australia. (There's a long story there, but a good one.)The Retired Journalistnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-41277795861126259352012-02-29T09:58:17.189-05:002012-02-29T09:58:17.189-05:00Fast Eddie: I really wanted to hit the field that...Fast Eddie: I really wanted to hit the field that day but I was actually upset that we ended up losing the damn game against the damn Yankees because of the forfeit. <br /><br /> In my teens, I didn't think anything about seeing Mantle, Berra, Ford, Ted Williams, Al Kaline etc. I just knew they were better than our guys. Sort of like how I feel now when SS is pitching or RZ is hitting a walk-off.sjm308https://www.blogger.com/profile/01236550495879254916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-55252832337223058362012-02-29T09:53:49.548-05:002012-02-29T09:53:49.548-05:00Sofa & Beantown- just another reason this is t...Sofa & Beantown- just another reason this is the first place I head early in the morning! Thanks for the kind words. Sofa, I am questioned daily for many, many things but NOT my love of baseball. My logic may be flawed but my passion is not.<br /><br />Go Natssjm308https://www.blogger.com/profile/01236550495879254916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-35129817855271215222012-02-29T09:50:01.769-05:002012-02-29T09:50:01.769-05:00Drew, from what I read the thought is Rendon arm i...Drew, from what I read the thought is Rendon arm is likely not good emough for SS on a full time basis.<br /><br />In one respect, I like the idea of moving him to 2B now, but this is his first pro AB's and you want him to have at least some confort. Also, Zimm needs to prove his arm is back this year or his future may be at 1B with Rendon at 3B. Zimm aknowledged as much saying him give up 3B when someone is better than him in the field.Tcostantnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-26843016573084909442012-02-29T09:46:16.126-05:002012-02-29T09:46:16.126-05:00I think Neyer isn't familiar enough with the t...I think Neyer isn't familiar enough with the team to know that Espy has already shown he's a good defensive shortstop previously. Even if Rendon's arm isn't up to snuff, I bet his bat would be OK at first like Olerud - if he has the other infielder qualities, he'd likely add defensive value that way too. If his arm is ok, is there any reason not to try him in center a bit? I guess there's a logjam of projects out there.blovy8https://www.blogger.com/profile/06888192019412533415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-26859880271595577722012-02-29T09:44:50.377-05:002012-02-29T09:44:50.377-05:00This will be a breakout season for Desmond, Espino...This will be a breakout season for Desmond, Espinoza or both and that will clarify a lot for the future. On Espi's swing, to me the key is putting the ball in play. He struck out a ton last year, and we don't need a 100 strikeout second baseman. DJ's advice is great. Hope he listens and discovers that we need hits; nobody expects him to be Dan Uggla II.JamesFannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-69679593877963915342012-02-29T09:33:48.262-05:002012-02-29T09:33:48.262-05:00Sorry, vestigial 8 got away from me.Sorry, vestigial 8 got away from me.Drewnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-38705250364034557712012-02-29T09:32:28.439-05:002012-02-29T09:32:28.439-05:00Rob Neyer on making way for Anthony Rendon:
"...Rob Neyer on making way for Anthony Rendon:<br /><br />"Ultimately, you simply want Rendon in the lineup and you want the best defense you can put on the field. But it seems to me that if second base is in Rendon's future, you might as well begin that transition soon, because you might want him in the lineup as soon as 2013, when by most accounts this team should be ready to compete for a playoff spot.<br /><br />"Just one little problem, though ... The Nationals already have a second baseman and he's pretty good. Danny Espinosa does strike out a ton and he's hardly a Gold Glover, but he's still young and he'll probably be a better baseball player than Rendon in 2013.<br /><br />"Ian Desmond, on the other hand ... I think you can make a pretty good case that Rendon should be playing a lot of shortstop this spring, and perhaps into the summer. Because if the Nationals have one obvious hole, both now and down the road a few years, it's there. If Rendon can play a passable shortstop, this could be a pretty scary lineup in a year or two.<br /><br />"Assuming, of course, that everyone's dreams haven't deceived them. Anthony Rendon hasn't yet played a single inning in a professional baseball game."Drew8noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-23793266679888316862012-02-29T09:29:31.833-05:002012-02-29T09:29:31.833-05:00I thought Espi was totally going to be ROY before ...I thought Espi was totally going to be ROY before the All Star Break. It was painful to watch his struggles after that. He so clearly wanted to do well. I hope he can take Davey to heart and relax.<br /><br />As for Davey, I thought he was a stop-gap measure when Riggs left town. I thought that perhaps his best coaching days were behind him. I have been proven wrong and am very impressed by his enthusiasm for the team and the obvious respect the guys have for him. I have done a complete 180 on Davey.<br /><br />I watched the Nats first game on tv while in Philly in 2005. I fell in love that day and was a devoted fan from then on, even during those frustrating first years when games were televised MAYBE twice a week. I got to know Charlie and Dave very well. (Shea and Jaggler)<br /><br />I found this blog when I read in WAPO about Mark and his ambitious trek to spring training and was happy to help fund the expedition. I was reluctant to post at first since I'm not stats savvy and sometimes the finer nuances of baseball go over my head. But that's the deal with love. Unexplainable.LoveDaNatshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15862413868566964245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-87035610413523953242012-02-29T09:19:23.148-05:002012-02-29T09:19:23.148-05:00Anon,
I don't have a Beast Mode shirt ... alth...Anon,<br />I don't have a Beast Mode shirt ... although I did get a Michael Morse BP jersey last year during spring training. A BM shirt is a good idea.<br /><br />On my closet, it does have a special Nats section, but it's less extensive than you might think. I buy one or two things a year just to keep things fresh. And some stuff, like my Brian Schneider jersey, gets retired for all practical purposes. I do hang all of my Nats stuff on red hangers. :) <br /><br />And you wondered about shoes? The closet is relatively bare when it comes to shoes. So sad.Jenn Jensonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17459409814615775648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-32675362220010893652012-02-29T09:17:46.781-05:002012-02-29T09:17:46.781-05:00I would think that if Espy can get comfortable eno...I would think that if Espy can get comfortable enough to hit 20-25 points higher, his OBP would be close to .350 which is fine for the #2 guy especially since he's got some speed. It worries me that he gets hit so much though. Between that and his awkward DP pivot, it's a good thing they'll have a backup IF and DeRosa. It actually makes sense to hit him up there if they can, there are guys with a little better batting averages following him that way. He and Werth are the only ones who profile at the top of the order among starters.blovy8https://www.blogger.com/profile/06888192019412533415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-9370674587051817872012-02-29T09:14:57.239-05:002012-02-29T09:14:57.239-05:00Jason Reid baseball columns come in two flavors.
...Jason Reid baseball columns come in two flavors.<br /><br />(A)<br />I've been in a big league clubhouse<br />But still don't have a clue.<br />Ain't no way that is stoppin' me<br />From telling you what to do!<br /><br />(B)<br />Well, duh.<br /><br />Today's example is one from Column B.Feel Woodnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-87095671685203726552012-02-29T09:04:46.561-05:002012-02-29T09:04:46.561-05:00Loved reading the article and these posts.
Articl...Loved reading the article and these posts.<br /><br />Article comment, I wonder if Desi works this hard, maybe Espinosa and Desi can meet somewhere in the middle; where Desi looks at more film asd Espinosa less...<br /><br />On the Comments: Love the old memmories. I moved to this area in 1997; you guy brought back memmories for me of the April 1999 Crads - Expos games played at RFK (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/news/1999/04/01/baseball_dc/) I was there for one of them on a perfect day for baseball and I knew then that DC need a team. Later got envolved with "Virginians For Baseball" and was so happy when baseball got here. I'm truely a Nationals fan now (took me about two years at RFK to stop routing for the Mets). This team reminds me a lot of the Mets "Rising Stars" team of 1985.<br /><br />Can wait for the season, thank to all for bring back these memmories!Tcostantnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-54562202634982110892012-02-29T09:03:20.281-05:002012-02-29T09:03:20.281-05:00To sym308:
I also attended the last game at RFK (9...To sym308:<br />I also attended the last game at RFK (9/30/71). Frank Howard fouled off several BP fastballs, then scorched a homer off the green wall in left off Mike Kekich (remember him--famous for "family-swapping" with Fritz Peterson of the Yankees??). With the Senators leading 7-5 in the ninth, the fans stormed the field and it went down as a forfeit.fast eddienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-5557366922871054522012-02-29T08:51:00.514-05:002012-02-29T08:51:00.514-05:00The Nats can do well with one or two guys with a f...The Nats can do well with one or two guys with a fairly low OBP, most teams do, but they can't have the entire middle of the defense with a low OBP.<br />Something will have to change before next season if the are to seriously compete for a ring.N. Cognitonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-91650501244612225402012-02-29T08:49:12.709-05:002012-02-29T08:49:12.709-05:00Kilgore also has some interesting/funny stuff from...Kilgore also has some interesting/funny stuff from Davey on the blog. Can't post the link. Computer is having issues...MicheleSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-39644015354879707252012-02-29T08:36:22.466-05:002012-02-29T08:36:22.466-05:00Sec222, I don't rag on the columnists / writer...Sec222, I don't rag on the columnists / writers for style and grammar and such, but when I read Reid this morning, I thought that article was something a high school sophmore could have produced with a 40 minute homework assignment. That column was just a bunch of nothing, poorly constructed.Sunderlandnoreply@blogger.com