Saturday, July 23, 2011

Game 100: Nats at Dodgers

US Presswire file photo
Tom Gorzelanny faces Ted Lilly tonight at Dodger Stadium.
Behind a couple of surprising home runs (John Lannan's two-run shot, Jerry Hairston's grand slam) and some impressive pitching from Lannan, Sean Burnett, Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen, the Nationals won last night's series opener against the Dodgers, 7-2. In order to make it two in a row tonight, they'll need a similarly strong performance from starter Tom Gorzelanny, who has plenty of incentive when he takes the mound tonight.

Gorzelanny had to depart his last start in Atlanta in the third inning after spraining his ankle in a collision at the plate with Braves catcher Brian McCann. Whether there's any lingering effect remains to be seen. The left-hander also has some pressure on him to perform given the likely addition of Chien-Ming Wang to the Nats' rotation in the next week. If another starter (ie. Jason Marquis) is traded, Wang could take over that spot in the rotation. If not, someone is going to have to get bumped, and Gorzelanny would be a candidate for demotion to the bullpen.

Fellow lefty Ted Lilly starts tonight for the Dodgers, facing a Nationals lineup that has struggled against southpaws this season. They're hitting just .219 with a .651 OPS against lefties, as opposed to .242 and .691 against righties.

I'm going to be out most of the evening, but I'll try to insert the lineups here once they're posted. Enjoy the game and the conversation...

NATIONALS at DODGERS
Where: Dodger Stadium
Gametime: 10:10 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 189
Weather: Clear, 69 degrees, Wind 7 mph out to RF
STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (49-50)
LF Jerry Hairston
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse
RF Jayson Werth
C Wilson Ramos
CF Rick Ankiel
SS Ian Desmond
P Tom Gorzelanny

DODGERS (43-56)
SS Rafael Furcal
2B Aaron Miles
RF Andre Ethier
CF Matt Kemp
LF Juan Rivera
1B James Loney
3B Juan Uribe
C Dioner Navarro
P Ted Lilly

218 comments:

  1. Tom,

    I challenge you to knock one out of Dodger Stadium!

    John

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  2. Mark Z., thanks so much for staying up last night, blogging the game developments from home, and answering questions. I get it now about Stairs. Well, I DON'T get it, but I am done calling for his head, or for an explanation.

    I knew I had an early morning and a long drive this morning, so I kept the TV on to doze to after fifth inning. Thank goodness my husband woke me up when Jerry Jr. was at the plate, so I heard the grand slam, saw the replay, thought about how happy all the Insiders would be, smiled, and went back to sleep.

    I love that Livo got Lannan to take batting practice seriously. And I hope Tom is solid and ready to pitch tonight,

    GYFNG!

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  3. MZ
    You worked a double shift yesterday. Enjoy the nite off. Ignore us completely.
    GYZFG
    ( go you zuckerman family go)

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  4. Nix and Bernadina on the bench - Hairston leading off with Ankiel in CF.

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  5. Hairston LF,
    Espinosa 2B,
    Zimmerman 3B,
    Morse 1B,
    Werth RF,
    Ramos C,
    Ankiel CF,
    Desmond SS,
    Gorzelanny P

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  6. Dods lineup doesn't seem to be up yet.
    www.rotoworld.com/nationals

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  7. OK Insiders - off to battle the beltway
    lets all play nice and root our boys to another win

    Go Nats

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  8. Even though I'll gladly take home runs from improbable sources, that formula is not sustainable.
    Now that the pitching and fielding have regressed slightly towards the norm, wouldn't it be nice for the hitting to do likewise? Here's hoping.
    I know that game 100 is no different statistically from game 99, but there's something about that number that seems to make it appear more important.

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  9. Go, JerHair! Go, NATS!! Time to make like Joey Chestnut and pound some Dodger Dogs! (Oh no, I didn't! FP made me say it. :-))

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  10. Go Ry Ston Jr.. Go IONAL.

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  11. Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_MeJuly 23, 2011 8:40 PM

    Uncle Davey, going with the hot hand at the top of the lineup. Kudos to Hairston, a pro's pro. Never embarrasses us, or himself. As Mark says, pressure on Gorzy tonight. I recall Lilly giving us a tough time when he was with the Cubs. I think Soriano touched him for a grand slam one game here. But he can be tough.

    Nats, in a laugher, 3-1.

    GYFNG!

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  12. Not sure what to do. HATE THE FISH, but I guess I want them to beat the Mets.

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  13. who do you guys see and/or want to get a september callup. i see syracuse has recently been playing Antonelli in the outfield. prep for possible september callup?

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  14. The Brewers got Nyjer Morgan for peanuts but they paid dearly for Zach Greinke who is middle of their rotation. Greinke is a Free Agent after 2012 so if they can't get to the World Series this year or next you have to wonder if the trade was worth it.

    The Nats Nation should be thanking their lucky stars that Rizzo's proposed trade wasn't accepted.

    Here is a good article on ESPN:

    http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/story?id=6795599&_slug_=mlb-zack-greinke-hurt-poor-infield-defense&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fmlb%2fstory%3fid%3d6795599%26_slug_%3dmlb-zack-greinke-hurt-poor-infield-defense

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  15. Well. I was not in favor of BJ Upton. But RZimm likes him. So I will keep an open mind.

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  16. The Great UnwashedJuly 23, 2011 10:05 PM

    Can someone please explain to me why Werth continues to hit 5th? (We've been told not to ask why Stairs is still on the roster so I'm starting a new question).

    Oh, and no to BJ Upton. We've got plenty of low average hitters already, thank you very much.

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  17. The Great Unwashed said...
    Can someone please explain to me why Werth continues to hit 5th? (We've been told not to ask why Stairs is still on the roster so I'm starting a new question).

    Oh, and no to BJ Upton. We've got plenty of low average hitters already, thank you very much.

    July 23, 2011 10:05 PM
    ________________________________

    I don't get it although tonight without Nix it is understandable vs the Leftie.

    At some point to you pinch hit for him?

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  18. Lots of empty seats.

    Nice hit, Danny.

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  19. Listening to Bin Scully tonight, who points out this bizarre (and disconcerting fact): Nats are 13-11 against lefties, but the home/road splits are crazy. 10-2 at NP, 3-9 on the road. Nuts.

    He's saying a lot of positive things about the franchise as Morsel tries to cash in on this early rally.

    GYFNG!

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  20. Nice! Score in the first inning on the road.

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  21. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzJuly 23, 2011 10:22 PM

    Can someone please explain to me why Werth continues to hit 5th?

    If they were to do so, would you quit asking? Even if you don't like the explanation?

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  22. Great start! There's your three.

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  23. Maybe they should've had Werth's bobblehead night back in April..

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  24. I'm buying Werth in the second half.

    And obviously I meant Vin above, referring to St Scully. #%&@ING autocorrect...

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  25. Gorzy, don't give it back, now.

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  26. He rises! Nice hit and two RBIs. Werth is now something like 6 for 13. Now we need Tom to be on it.

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  27. Guess we can't bring Clipp in to clean this up yet.

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  28. Morse! Nice doubleplay. Zimm's mistake only cost 1 run.

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  29. Zim is still struggling throwing the ball. That was like a soft toss to 2nd. To not call that an error is a joke. I know you can't assume a double play and that was a double play ball!

    Great play Morse to turn the double play!

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  30. I'm worried about Zim, how can you go from the best to average? I hope its part of the rehab process

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  31. What exactly happened on Miles' at-bat? ESPN says "A Miles grounded into fielder's choice to third, R Furcal to second."

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  32. Exposremains, abdominal surgery is a huge big deal. And it's the core set of muscles for everything he does. He will get getter, every day, as he keeps healing.

    Anyone know who #4 is, dor the number all the Dodders are wearing? If they said on TV, I missed it.

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  33. Zim double clutched, so he was late throwing to 2nd. Should have thrown to 1st once there was no chance for a doubleplay. Not sure why that wasn't an error.

    He didn't really make a bad throw, he was just late.

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  34. Sheesh! DodGers. I wasn't trying to make up some new mean name.

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  35. Exposremains, sadly I think Ryan's throwing issues are in his head. That is why some people have suggested 1st base IF he can't fix himself. I hear this Rendon kid is a good 3rd baseman.

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  37. NatsLady, Zim double clutched and soft tossed it to Espy at 2nd. If he threw it with more velocity he may have thrown him out.

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  38. @Mark'd: yes. He had some kind of mental blip there, Dave thought he maybe didn't realize Danny was ready on 2nd.

    Don't see him on 1st, though, with LaRoche hopefully coming back. He will just have to relearn his on position.

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  39. The only thing I can think of, for Zimm's non-error, is that the Official Scorer thought he was just being indecisive, not fumble-fingered. Oddly enough, that's no error, by rule.

    We couldn't see the whole play on TV, so I have no idea how far up the line Miles had gotten. Maybe when Zimm didn't get a quick throw off, and looked at first, he saw he had no play there, either, by that time. Not much, just the only reason I can come up with. Looked like an E-5 to me.

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  40. I really wish the WB Mason commercials would die a quick death...

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  41. Gorzelanny not looking brilliantly sharp tonight. That wild pitch with no outs was unfortunate.

    Those West Coast games are sooooo late. And my wife just pointed out that it could take the better part of an hour to get through these first two innings.

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  42. @TimDz, I'm with you about those commercials. They are bringing back nightmare memories of 1-800-DENTIST. Remember that one? Josie?

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  43. Oh, sheesh, comedy of errors, here. Gorzy not good, and RZimm and Ramos NOT helping him.

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  45. Whats wrong with Ramos mitt?

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  46. Good summation NatsLady except Ramos gave a swipe tag hard that jarred the ball loose. Should have had him and Unfortunate it happened.

    Zim and the Ram owe Gorzelanny some hits here!

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  47. Nationals7 - no no no - #4 was the great Duke Snider, recently passed this year. Please don't post something you know nothing about.

    Zimm has cost us both runs and they are both earned which is a shame.

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  48. Well, Gorzy got the strikeout.

    Ramos has GOT to improve with runners at the plate.

    Zimm, another mental error, did not hold the runner, just threw to 1st base. Still could have gotten the double play, except Ramos bobbled the ball and then didn't tag the runner.

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  49. Now what? Really hard to follow without TV or radio - ESPN says "T Lilly sacrificed to third, J Loney scored, D Navarro to second, D Navarro to third advancing on throw." Sounds like a suicide or safety squeez with an error on the throw?

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  50. Thanks nationals7.

    Tom Tom Tom.

    Wilson Wilson Wilson.

    WB Mason is helping keep the game on TV, so I don't dislike them, just their ad agency. I've never seen one anywhere, so I'm not likely to shop in one either.

    We need to get a bunch more runs to stay ahead of Tom tonight. GYFNG!

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  51. nationals7 said...
    Charlie & Dave are very concerned about ZImmn's play.

    July 23, 2011 10:57 PM
    ____________________________

    Not listening to the radio. What did they say?

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  52. As the Nats help the Dodgers back into the game...

    We lucked out in Richmond tonight. The Nats sat both Harper and Norris for the nightcap, so we bagged it and went to see the last Harry Potter flick.

    Then the game was rained out, so the tickets will be good for tomorrow night, anyway.

    Like a lot of the Washington-area expatriates here, from Idaho to Oregon, South Carolina to Beantown, I miss my Washington-area home.

    But there's something to be said for living in a 10-minute town -- 10 minutes from work, 10 minutes from the movies, 10 minutes from the ballpark.

    But I digress. GYFNG!

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  53. For somebody that doesn't exactly have Sandy Koufax's stuff tonight, Gorzelanny is pitching pretty well. Both runs should have been unearned. But his defense is making him throw a lot of pitches so far, with a day game tomorrow, so the bullpen will be taxed if they come in early here.

    So let's hope for some runs! GYFNG.

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  54. Apparently the runner still had not touched home plate, so Ramos had a second chance (per Charlie and Dave). I was watching but missed that part.

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  55. 11:00, it was basically a safety squeeze. Runners at 1st and 3rd, a decent bunt went down. They got the batter at first, then Espinosa (covering first on the bunt) threw it home. A good throw, and Ramos got a tag on the runner, but the ball got knocked loose from his mitt and he bobbled it, so the runner was safe at home.

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  56. Sofa, Gorzy also has a wild pitch and a HBP. He's not exactly on top of his game.

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  57. @NatsLady said... Zimm, another mental error, did not hold the runner, just threw to 1st base. July 23, 2011 11:00 PM

    Great point, needed to look the runner back and again didn't throw real hard.

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  59. I disagree with C&D about that play at home. Looked to me like he was just juggling that ball for a couple seconds. The ump was ready to call the runner out, then called him safe on the extended ball-bobble.

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  60. As I said, he doesn't have good stuff, but with normal luck, they don't score. That's doing his job. He's grinding.

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  61. Duke Snider - my mom's favorite national league player - elected to the Hall of Fame in 1980
    played 18 seasons the first 16 with the Dodgers (both Brooklyn and LA) was part of the great trio of New York Centerfielders, Mickey, Willie and the Duke.

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  62. If Lilly would get that big curve to fall int he strike zone, it would be dangerous. He got a bad call on one of those in the first inning.

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  63. JaneB - don't thank Nationals 7 for wrong information!!

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  64. Wow, an intentional walk to Jayson Werth. Ramos needs to make them pay.

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  65. Koufax wore #32, I believe--same as Chad Cordero.

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  66. Please don't post something you know nothing about.

    But this is a BLOG! Now you're saying we have to know what we're talking about?? Next thing, you'll expect us to spell right.

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  67. #32, like Gorzelanny, in fact.

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  68. Sandy Kofax wore #32

    Guess I should let all that go but I am a purist and hate when people post stuff that is just plain incorrect, and then get thanked for it.

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  69. "I’m always on the lookout for terrible intentional walks because I think ALL intentional walks are terrible."

    Joe Posnanski

    May they pay for walking Werth.

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  70. Dave said...
    I disagree with C&D about that play at home. Looked to me like he was just juggling that ball for a couple seconds. The ump was ready to call the runner out, then called him safe on the extended ball-bobble.


    I didn't hear them, but that is what happened--the runner's foot on the tag jarred the ball loose. It looked to me like maybe he started with a bit of a sno-cone on the catch as he was blocking the plate.

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  71. Yeah! Walk Werth again, Donnie Baseball!

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  72. spelling is optional and opinions of all kinds are obviously enjoyed and allowed but lets try and get facts right people - this is baseball!!

    only negative about the Senators in the 50's & 60's was we didn't get to see Snider, Mays, Clemente, Campanella etc. but I did get my fill of Mantle, Williams, Kaline, Berra etal.

    How about Werth getting intentionally walked and then coming around to score. Mattingly is not having a great series so far.

    go nats!

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  73. Still trying to understand the rules of the boardJuly 23, 2011 11:15 PM

    Hey, nationals 7 and JaneB, don't feel bad. It's just your turn...

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  74. Rick Ankiel bangs it! Love the add-on runs!!!!
    Shows how big it was fouling off that curve ball and then Ankiel goes 2nd to home on an infield chopper.

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  75. Lilly hangs one of those curves, and Ankiel hits a 2-RBI double. Nice job, Ricky!

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  76. Love Sunny Bob's call of Desmond's infield hit scoring Ankiel from 2d. "Now THAT's exciting baseball!"

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  77. Wow, Gonat, you are fast on those posts! You had that Ankiel run up before I saw it on my FiOS HD box! (Probably also tells me how much delay there is on my DVR box.)

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  78. Folks, I.made an error. Completely unintended. I have really enjoyed sharing the games. Such a nice group of folks & respectful of one another.

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  79. sjm308 said...
    How about Werth getting intentionally walked and then coming around to score. Mattingly is not having a great series so far.

    go nats!

    July 23, 2011 11:15 PM
    _____________________________

    Sure, Werth is heating up but why don't you intentionally walk Morse who is en fuego! Ok, no outs vs. 1 out, the whole thing is a head scratcher. I don't get it and I am sure the LA Press will be asking for an explanation.

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  80. More Posnanski is apt here:I’m always on the lookout for terrible intentional walks because I think ALL intentional walks are terrible. I would love to be the Carrie Nation of the intentional walk. In any case, Rich found a beauty …

    On Tuesday, the Rockies were playing the Braves and they were leading the game 7-2 when Ian Stewart came up with a man on third and two outs. I’m going to repeat the situation: Man on third base … two outs … Braves trailing by FIVE RUNS. If there was an intentional walk chart, then this situation would be on there with the phrase: “You’re joking, right?”

    Here’s the wonderful kicker: Ian Stewart is hitting .143 this year.

    Yes, the Braves intentionally walked him.

    Legendary. Absolutely legendary. I’m proud and happy to say that this completely blew up on the Braves — a walk followed, then a three-run triple, then another walk, then a hit-by-pitch. But to me that’s not enough. I’m not saying that intentionally walking Ian Stewart in that situation — in ANY situation, but especially in that one — should lead to jail time. But at least community service.

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  81. Glad the Nats are winning but this is gonna be another long game...

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  82. Hey, nationals7, don't go away. I think the only person really, truly upset with you is sjm308.

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  83. Have to love the game Bo Porter has coached at 3rd.

    Quick observation was the hustle of Morse trailing the play behind Kemp and almost had a play there on that double.

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  84. Yeah, Gorzy is trying to give it back again.

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  85. Ankiel must feel like he's running suicide sprints.

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  86. /teacher mode on/
    sjm308, it was excellent to correct bad information. Not excellent to slam the person who innocently accepted said bad information.
    /teacher mode off/

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  87. Well, I'm glad to know who they #4 is for, even if it wasn't for Sandy Kofax. It takes a village, people, which is why I like being part of this particular .village.

    Meanwhile, it's looking like, out in LA, these Dodgers are seeing the ball pretty good out of Tom's hand. The bat giveth, and then the bat taketh away.

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  88. Nationals7 - I am an idiot so please forgive me if I was a little harsh but again "The Duke" was revered by my mom as I was growing up and since she just celebrated her 88th birthday he is a special player to me. I will be taking her to the game on the 27th for her birthday game and the dirty little secret is that she now likes the Orioles but at 88 she is allowed to like pretty much what she wants.

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  89. Did it look like Gorzo was sort of limping around the mound just then?

    Wonder how deep he's going in this game tonight?

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  90. And I am still glad that Nationals7 answered what he thought was correct. Shoot. We all get stuff wrong. Mattingly and Davey, too.

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  91. natslady: agreed and as an ex teacher I will take a C- or worse.

    Agreed that this is going to be a long evening.
    How long will Davey stay with Tom. I think Detwiler can go long here. Once again, no one warming in the bullpen.

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  92. A wild pitch, and now an intentional walk, -- speaking of.

    Davey looks a little frustrated.

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  93. Gorzy is DETERMINED to give it all back. He almost balked, and now a double.

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  94. Ross is up. Good. Needs to get in there fast. Ugh.

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  95. Well, that big lead went away right quick, didn't it?

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  96. Gorzo, awful.

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  97. Scully- listened last more while watching. All the positive comments from someone w 60 years of credibility was nice. And my 17 yr daughter was impressed to learn that hrs the guy her grandparent listened to in bklyn.

    Mason - I'd be happy to nevuh, evuh EVUH see her or that guy with the cardboard mustache again.

    Gorzy- Wang is in dc packing your locker

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  98. Oh, Detwiler exists??? Nice to know.

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  99. I always had my doubts about Gorzo, he's not helping me change my mind

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  100. It's amazing how quick pitchers are to feign injury when they are playing poorly. If Gorzy was actually still hurt, he should have told Johnson and not wasted the entire team's time.

    Now I understand how Davey wants Ross to pitch from the bullpen on a starter's schedule...just line him up with Gorzy.

    I still think we'll win...but darn it.

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  101. So, yeah, turns out I had somehow rewound my DVR about a half minute, so I was seeing the whole durn game delayed. You all looked like clairvoyants to me. Now I'm closer to real time.

    It'll be a real shame if they take a 6-2 lead and blow it completely. 6-5 now going into the fourth.

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  102. Every year the Nats play the Dodgers I watch the Dodgers Broadcast. Scully makes every game a novel.

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  103. I think that's it for Gorzo as we will see Det next inning.

    6-2 lead becomes 6-5 with a lefty on lefty to the pitcher. That's when you know your pitcher is toast.

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  104. Good one!


    DaveAtl said...
    Now I understand how Davey wants Ross to pitch from the bullpen on a starter's schedule...just line him up with Gorzy.

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  105. Flynnie - you called it earlier and here it jumps up and bites us as well.

    Hard to understand why Davey is so late in getting his bullpen ready. I guess that is another part of managing that I just don't get. I can see a problem with getting a guy up several times and not using him but it looks to me like Gorzo does not have his good stuff tonight and I can only hope we score about 10 runs. Looks like Detwiler will get that chance for long relief. Wonder what that will do when Wang is called up in a couple days? Maybe TG will develop a mysterious injury and go on the DL.

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  106. Grandpa Johnson clearly has a glaring weakness of leaving starting pitchers in too long when they clearly don't have it. He is blowing another game.

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  107. You want to cool off a Nats hitter? Put him at leadoff.

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  108. This is only the 4th inning? This game could last until 3 a.m. in regulation.

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  109. Yes, this is an incredibly slow game for only having a rather moderate number of runs on the board.

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  110. Might be interesting to see what they do if Dewiler looks very sharp tonight and gets to the 8th with no more damage. Detwiler is the one with options, but if Davey is serious about keeping him as a long guy (but only two days a week), they'll have to come up with something.

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  111. This is only the 4th inning? This game could last until 3 a.m. in regulation.

    and that's local time.

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  112. Nice to see a well pitched inning! Good job Detwiler through the strength of their lineup.

    Funny thing is Carp and FP talk about Kemp and I think right now Morse is the hotter hitter.

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  113. If Gorzy had any trade value it just went out the window. I'm betting he goes on the DL. His line for tonight is laughable.

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  114. In case you missed it from Kilgore, this is interesting about Rizzo on Desmond:

    >>> The Nationals have received several inquiries about shortstop Ian Desmond, but they are hesitant to trade the 25-year-old. Desmond is hitting .228/.276/.314 this season. Rizzo considers Desmond part of the Nationals’ future core group, and “we’ve made it pretty clear we’re not moving core pieces,” Rizzo said.

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  115. It's a day game tomorrow for the bullpen, too, so if they can get the Dodgers to use up a few guys tonight, that may help tomorrow. Likewise, if Detwiler can hold this one at 5, for our guys to stay fresh.

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  116. Ok, Werth just struck out. But he looked different doing it. I can take that kind of strike out.

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  117. I'm getting sleeeeeeeepy. My eyes are getting heeeeeaavvvvy.

    I may have to see the result of this on my MASN text message in the morning.

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  118. Wow, I'm glad nobody is commenting on me at my job when I have a bad day.

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  119. Dave, the game may be in the 8th inning when you get up.

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  120. I'll give the Dodgers one more team at-bat, then I'm out of here.

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  121. NatsLady - I had not seen Gorzy's name mentioned as possible trade material but you are absolutely correct. I can't see anyone wanting him with the kind of year he has put together.

    Ouch, Desmond throws another one away. This team drives me nuts.

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  122. Another error for Desi. Wonder if the Official Scorer was considering the actors when he gave an error to Des and not one for RZimm.

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  123. Any theories on why errors were lower under Riggleman than Johnson? I don't think I'm nuts about that, but I don't know how to look up that stat. At any rate,is it the wear and tear of the season? Something else? Something FIXABLE else?

    Like natsfan1a, I have a special place in my heart for Jamey Carroll. But I am glad he didn't have a good at bat now.

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  124. Big Ross D gets out of a jam. You all make the Nats win. I'm going to bed.

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  125. NatsLady, that is probably the first bouncer Morse didn't get. Not one of those stupid errors like he had yesterday.

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  126. Gonat - agreed - also think LaRoche might have made that play but no sense worrying about something that can't be changed and thank goodness Ross pitched his way out. Lets knock the bullpen around a little to set things up for tomorrow!!

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  127. Gonat -- yes. That's why I was not sure an error should have been charged.

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  128. Okay, Dave. But it's on you if they go down.

    See you tomorrow.

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  129. ha! Our pitchers are hitting!!

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  130. Is Ross taking batting practice, too?

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  132. NatsLady said...
    Gonat -- yes. That's why I was not sure an error should have been charged.

    July 24, 2011 12:12 AM
    __________________________

    If Rivera made the play closer, it would have been a hit. Desmond had more time to make the throw as Rivera is slow.

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  133. 10 errors on this road trip alone - that kind of play will start to remind me of last year - I think that Sec 3 is correct. Defense is all about focus. Most of Zimms errors are when he has all the time in the world to make the throw, when its a bang/bang play he is usually solid. Desmond's errors are for a variety of reasons and lack of focus is probably at the top of the list for most.

    Big inning for Detwiler, would love to see Kemp leading off the 7th instead of batting with a runner on in the 6th.

    go nats!

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  134. Carp and FP opening up their jaws to quick. Great outing by Detwiler. Good move by Davey.

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  135. Boy, Ross is a long noodle. He was mad at himself for not getting that ball, but smiling on the way out, did a good job.

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  136. Anybody going to Duffy's for tomorrow's day game is probably not up watching this, I guess, but maybe they'll see it tomorrow?

    Is anybody going? (link at the top right on the page: Werth not hitting? Drink up!)

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  137. This will be one of the key matchups for tonight. Their best hitter up in a one run game. This is when you bring in Tyler Clippard. This is the game, right here. Clippard for one out, then bring in HRod for the 7th, Mattheus for the 8th and Storen for the close. You can also use Burnett for a lefty matchup if needed.

    This managing thing is a snap.

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  138. Goodnight all - can only hope this ends well but I am not putting myself through anymore. Fickle fan signing off - did I mention this team drives me nuts

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  139. Kardiac Kids............woooooo

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  140. HRod gets out of it somehow...

    Burnett NOT in the game.

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  141. And the brilliant part, sjm, is that when we lay it out in our heads, it *always* works! : )

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  142. Sofa, what time is the game? I'm having brunch with a friend at 11, could go later.

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  143. Eugene in OregonJuly 24, 2011 12:39 AM

    Just now able to really start watching the game and trying to figure out what's happened -- nice to see Werth with a couple of RBIs.

    When I first turned on, Vin Scully offered a nice bit of trivia: What do Sandy Koufax and John Lannan have in common?

    Answer: Both got their first HR while sporting career BAs below .100. Of course, as Scully would know and report, Koufax's came off another future Hall of Famer, Warren Spahn.

    Let's score some more runs!

    P.S. - It was scorcher today in the Pacific NW -- got up to 82!

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  144. 4:10 Eastern.
    For the record, I don't want people to get the idea I would actually drink Pabst. I wouldn't. I have a rep to maintain, after all.

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  145. Maybe I will wander over there. I'm sure they serve diet Coke, but it might be pricey compared to the Werth special.

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  146. Nice catch by Jerry. Ramos shaking his hand, the previous pitch stung.

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  147. MPHRod can make my heart skip multiple beats.

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  148. Is Wilson Ramos breaking in a new mitt tonight?

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  149. Gonat said...
    MPHRod can make my heart skip multiple beats.

    July 24, 2011 12:49 AM
    _______________________________

    Yep, saw that coming. On a 3-0 count, why didn't Davey put Furcal on 1st?

    Come on.

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  150. Eugene in OregonJuly 24, 2011 12:56 AM

    Vin Scully: "You knew that was coming...his ninth wild pitch..."

    Just before that he said, "[Rodriguez] will age Davey Johnson and Steve McCatty."

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  151. Can't blame Ramos for THAT one! If it's not in the dirt it's in the sky...

    Tie game.

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  152. For the love of God, how many times is Davey Johnson going to use this ruinious scattershot maniac in crucial situations?

    I wouldn't trust this guy to pitch in Potomac.

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  153. Davey Johnson's poor handling of pitchers makes Riggleman look like a genius.

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  154. Seriously, 3-0 count and he can't throw a strike, why isn't he throwing an intentional ball 4?

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  155. A reliever who can't throw strikes is worthless.

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  156. Henry Rodriguez = Josh Willingham
    The A's are still laughing about that one. Oh yah, a .205 outfielder was part of that trade and he is failing in AAA.

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  157. Another bleeder hit.

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  158. Bernadina hits his 3rd oppo field flyout in 3 days. A HR would be great, just not probable. A slap single would have helped.

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  159. Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_MeJuly 24, 2011 1:32 AM

    Wilson Ramos seems to have graduated from the Choo Choo Coleman school of catching. Thank goodness for Desi there.

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  160. Eugene in OregonJuly 24, 2011 1:35 AM

    I didn't much of the game, but from what I saw we didn't deserve to win.

    So it goes.

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  161. Thank you again for another POS 9th inning. Didn't we see this in Houston?

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  162. Memo to the Washington Nationals: Do not get a big lead in the early innings. Never works.

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  163. Anonymous said...

    Henry Rodriguez = Josh Willingham

    Willingham is on the DL where he's spent the majority of his career.

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  164. And one could wish HRod were on the DL too. Grrrr.

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  165. Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_MeJuly 24, 2011 1:40 AM

    Bernie might have caught that ball in left. Nix, no.

    But this one falls on Gorzy. He's pitching his way right into long relief.

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  166. No argument from me. Davey manages the pitching staff like it's spring training

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  167. Sunshine, you are SO right. Not only did he pitch like sh-- but he went out early and there goes the bullpen. Again.

    I don't understand why you all agree with Davey on lifting Detwiler. If Detwiler is a starter/long reliever, why are you playing the "percentages" so early in the game. He was the most effective pitcher in this game. (Well, Burnett done good).

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  168. Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_MeJuly 24, 2011 1:45 AM

    Knight is ripping Gorzy and H-Rod on the post-game show: "This is the time to tighten up the ship."
    Are you listening, Mike?

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  169. Detwiler, a starting pitcher, had thrown 42 pitches and Davey yanked him. Why???

    Oh I see, to bring in Henry freaking Rodriguez, who couldn't find the plate if you gave him, a map in Braille, a cane and a seeing eye dog.

    He threw 31 pitches and -- TWELVE -- were strikes.

    In 35.2 innings pitched he has 25 walks, 9 wild pitches and 3 blown saves. What in the !@#$%^&* is he doing in the major leagues?

    He makes me sick.

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  170. If you can't throw a strike on a 3-0 count, how can you possibly pitch in the major leagues...or the minor leagues, for that matter???

    And it wasn't just "not a strike". It was 20-feet outside the strike zone.

    Davey Johnson is one of the worst bullpen managers I've ever seen. It's as if he has no concept of how a relief pitchers should be used.

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  171. With all due respect, you may be losing perspective just a little.

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  172. what a way to wake up!
    When is Davey going to realize that HRod can get through one inning but when you send him back out its usually disaster. People probably won't agree with me but this bullpen (with the exception of Detwiller) is best when used for one inning each!
    Not just tonight which has two examples but look back at other performances. We have enough arms if our starter can go 6+ innings, we should be fine. Also agree that Detwiler could have stayed in to finish that inning.
    Oh will, broom is back in the closet.
    At least we all get to bed before 1 am tonight

    Go Nats

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  173. Gorzellany is not a major league pitcher. He does not give us a very good chance to win. And why do we only put clippard or Storen in when we are winning. I really think Davey Johnson is a bad manager. He has added nothing since replacing Riggs. The best we can end up doing agianst 2 really bad teams is 3-3. Not the stuff contenders are made of. UGHHH

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  174. Eugene, I think Vin Scully may be one of the only people I can think of who can talk about "aging Davey Johnson" with a straight face!

    Oh, and did I mention that I hate you for your 82 degree day? I spent my afternoon in Richmond watching Bryce Harper go 0-for-3 with a heat index of well over 100. Yeah, I'm kinda crazy. But even going oh-fer, Bryce was some fun to watch.

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  175. sjm308, I DO agree with you. Been saying that for weeks, ever since the starting rotation began to fray around the edges.

    The Nat will not be a contending team until they
    1) start holding leads (and adding on "insurance" runs)
    2) play better on the road.

    I know I'm stating the obvious, but there you are. Just woke up and the loss is still there. Better day today, please? Thanks, much.

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  176. Can anyone send the link to listen to Scully without signing the mortgage to DirectTV for MLB TV?

    dryw - The WaPo's Capitol Weather Gang says: "Still stifling as heat subsides-another heat wave on the horizon." I'll take it over yesterday, when being outside took me back to working in a factory on the Mobile River next to an oven stacking cases of Coca-Cola - they can get really heavy after a while. I knew we were in trouble when I saw Doc Holliday nearly have a heat stroke in Wrigley. I couldn't believe Charlie Manual left him in so long. We nearly lost the best pitcher in baseball. Chicago weather seems to come this way a couple days later, from what I can see.

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  177. Flynnie: I believe you can get his audio on gameday audio from the MLB website.

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  178. Thanks NatsLady. I'm watching yesterday's NatsTalk Live with Mike Wallace and Phil Wood. Phil seems to have a photographic memory. He was at Bert Blylevin's first start in the major leagues, which was on June 5, 1970 in Washington. In the first inning, Bert gave up a home run to Lee May, and Phil thought he was in for a rough time. That was the only run he allowed. He ended up winning the game 2-1, pitching 7, it was finished by Ron Perrenowski, and he told Phil that he called his Dad after the game. His Dad, an immigrant from Holland, loved Frank Howard. He asked Bert how Howard did, and Bert said, "I struck him out three times." His dad hung up on him.

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  179. Nice story, Flynnie. Thanks.

    I blamed Dave for any potential loss last night, because he bailed early to sleep. I fell asleep when it was 6-6, so karmic rules say this loss is on me. Okay, and HRod. Just like we all know when Livo starts leaving balls up in the zone, you gotta go get him...we know that when HRod is pitching and missing the plate, you have the wild one instead of the reliable one. It's one thing to stick by your guys and show them you believe them, Davey, and another to waste some pretty smart hitting and base running and stealing.

    Anyway. New day. We win today.
    GYFNG.

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  180. Totally agree JaneB

    On another issue posted late here and I realize not many will be reading the 195th comment BUT, the Willingham trade.
    First, I am not in the tank for Rizzo as a GM yet. I think he can evaluate talent but not sure about trades etc.
    The Willingham trade was NOT a bad trade for several reasons. 1. His contract expires at the end of this year
    2. He has been hurt every year for the last 4 including this year
    3. He as a below ave. defender and is not getting any younger
    4. If you keep Willingham where would Morse be right now? Willingham would have been given LF no matter how great Morse playing in spring training. I realize Morse did not start the year great but he earned the starting job and that allowed us to keep him on the 25 man roster. Morse is now being projected for LF when LaRoche returns next year.
    5. C. Brown did not work but he is young, plays good defense and was a decent gamble for us and we have him under control for a couple more years so he might still develop.
    6. I think HRod can still develop if used correctly.
    Not the greatest trade in baseball history but it certainly was justified and has actually helped this club more than if Willingham had stayed.

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  181. The Great UnwashedJuly 24, 2011 9:42 AM

    Anon 7:26 said...

    Not the stuff contenders are made of. UGHHH

    Hate to break it to you but the Nats aren't contenders in 2011. Enjoy whatever wins they get this year. We can have higher expectations and maybe a different manager in 2012 but not right now.

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  182. Drew8 said...
    Detwiler, a starting pitcher, had thrown 42 pitches and Davey yanked him. Why???

    ________________________________

    I didn't have a problem with that as Detwiler is a 3 innings or less guy.

    Now about HenRod. My problem was at 6-5 score and a speedy guy on 3rd and a 3-0 to Furcal and Miles on deck. I wrote my thoughts before the pitch was even thrown. You could see it coming. He lost the strike zone completely. Why not throw ball 4 intentionally to Furcal? Instead a really wild wild pitch and you lost the lead and bring in Miles.

    Henry Rodriguez totally lost the strike zone. Simple strategies that lose games are a shame.

    Also, Mattheus has now taken 2 losses in walkoffs in a week, July 17th in Atlanta and now last night.

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  183. The Great UnwashedJuly 24, 2011 9:49 AM

    And the captcha for my comment above was "demin." The baseball gods are not smiling. At all. Sigh...

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  184. Gonat -- yes, you gotta feel for the kid (Mattheus). He's taken two for the team now. You put him in a tie game, an away game, and that's going to happen, especially on his 2nd inning of work.

    Hopefully, Cat will talk to him and make sure he's not discouraged because he has been pretty good, not perfect, but good. Right now, I'll settle for good.

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  185. sjm, I agree and disagree. Willingham needed to be traded. He wasn't a great fielder and was undependable with injuries. His contract was going to be up although he was the type of guy who really would have signed an extension here.

    Rizzo wanted to make a splash in a trade and with no StanK this time looking over his shoulder in the 1st post-StanK trade, Rizzo gave him away for a reliever who had a 2010 ERA of 4.55 and a 1.373 WHIP. That stinks. The throw in was an oft-injured outfielder named Corey Brown who needs to be demoted to AA as he is waivering at the Mendoza at 2.05

    Let's see what the A's parlay Willingham into for a trade. All in all, it was a bad trade and set in motion a series of bad trades. The Gorzelanny trade may be the only decent one that Rizzo made.

    Nyjer Morgan had no future in Washington and should have been traded before Spring Training started or else he should have been sent to AAA since he had an option left. Instead Rizzo hands him to Milwaukee for Cutter Dykstra who will be a career Minor Leaguer and a future trivia question. Similar trade with Alberto Gonzalez.

    The Greinke trade proposal would have decimated and killed this team. Still can't imagine this team without JZim, Espy and Storen.

    That is why I am nervous whenever trades are mentioned. There is no StanK to oversee his trades now.

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  186. Put me in the Rizzo camp.

    1) Willingham and Dunn: Rizzo clearly went for youth over aging sluggers. That doesn't always work out, but that was his plan and he stuck with it. With Dunn, he may have waited too long, but he was probably hoping Dunn would go for fewer years.

    2) Greinke: Let's think back. JZimm was coming off surgery. Espy was a prospect, and Storen, though he was clearly going to be good, was not enough to get Greinke. Everyone was clamoring, "get an ace, upgrade the rotation". Yes, we dodged a bullet, but that was only in retrospect.

    3) Nyjer should have played winter ball as he was asked to do. I miss him, but I've watched him misplay several balls in CF, and he still has no arm, and he still bashes into catchers.

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