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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER The Nats try to complete a four-game sweep of the Cubs tonight. |
Livan Hernandez (who has been excellent his last two starts) takes the ball for the Nats. He'll face Matt Garza, who was a potential trade target of the Nationals over the winter and has been OK (but not great) for Chicago.
Couple of changes to the Nats' lineup tonight. Laynce Nix takes a seat, perhaps to rest his sore Achilles' tendon, so Roger Bernadina slides to left field and Rick Ankiel starts in center. Ivan Rodriguez is behind the plate, giving Wilson Ramos the night off.
In other roster news: The Nationals have officially secured optional waivers on Collin Balester. He's reported to Class AAA Syracuse, and he's back on the 40-man roster.
Updates to come...
CUBS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 187
Weather: Partly cloudy, 90 degrees, Wind 8 mph out to LF
STARTING LINEUPS5:05 p.m. -- Lineup change for the Nats: Ivan Rodriguez has been scratched with a bad back. Wilson Ramos will start behind the plate. Pudge didn't appear too pleased when informed during batting practice he was being scratched. Stormed down the dugout steps and back to the clubhouse. I would think he was trying to lobby hard to stay in the lineup.
NATIONALS (45-43)
LF Roger Bernadina
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse
RF Jayson Werth
CF Rick Ankiel
CIvan RodriguezWilson Ramos
SS Ian Desmond
P Livan Hernandez
CUBS (35-53)
RF Kosuke Fukudome
SS Starlin Castro
3B Aramis Ramirez
1B Carlos Pena
C Geovany Soto
CF Marlon Byrd
LF Alfonso Soriano
2B Darwin Barney
P Matt Garza
5:58 p.m. -- A more specific explanation on Pudge: He's got a tweak in his right oblique. According to a Nats spokesman, the scratching was precautionary and he's available to pinch-hit tonight if needed. We'll see.
6:30 p.m. -- Michael Morse finished fourth out of five in the NL All-Star Final Vote. Shane Victorino won. But could Morse, or maybe even Danny Espinosa squeeze their way onto the All-Star roster? Read my post on the homepage.
7:07 p.m. -- And we're underway with Livan Hernandez facing Kosuke Fukudome. Ninety-one steamy degrees at gametime.
7:17 p.m. -- Not the prettiest top of the first for Livo, but he got the job done. After allowing a leadoff single to Fukudome and then plunking Aramis Ramirez on an errant, 66-mph curveball, but struck out both Carlos Pena and Geovany Soto, both looking at mid-80s "fastballs." Livo is the master.
7:31 p.m. -- Ugh, two on with one out for the Nats in the bottom of the first, and they can't score either. Michael Morse swung through an 86 mph slider from Matt Garza. Jayson Werth then watched another 86 mph slider cross the heart of the plate for another called third strikes. He's now 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position in this series. Scoreless after one.
7:45 p.m. -- Nothin' doin' for either team in the second. Wilson Ramos and Ian Desmond each struck out in the bottom of the inning, giving Garza four K's through two.
7:51 p.m. -- A quick top of the third for Livo, including a nice play by Morse at first base. He had to range to his right to snag Fukudome's bouncer, then make an off-balance throw that perfectly led Livo to the bag to record the out. Still scoreless.
8:36 p.m. -- So, I left the press box for an inning to visit some friends who are in the stands tonight. Did I miss anything? Just kidding, I saw the Nats' 7-run bottom of the third from the seats. Man, what a rally (actually, it's the team's biggest one-inning output of the season). Eight batters came to the plate and all reached safely against Garza, leading to his early departure. Big hits all around, with RBI from Espinosa, Morse, Werth (yes, even Werth), Ramos and Bernadina. The Nats take a 7-0 lead, and Davey Johnson may finally get his wish and enjoy a game that doesn't involve his team carrying a 1-run lead into the ninth.
8:43 p.m. -- Meanwhile, in Harrisburg tonight, Chien-Ming Wang put forth another strong rehab effort. Five scoreless innings, allowing only two hits, with two strikeouts and no walks. Only needed 43 pitches, and he topped out at 92 mph. So his totals over three rehab starts now: 12 ip, 7 h, 2 er, 2 bb, 7 k. I think it's probably safe to say now we're going to see this guy in D.C. by the end of the month. Pretty remarkable when you think how little progress he had made over the course of 1 1/2 seasons.
9:09 p.m. -- Oh dear, so much for that laugher Davey was hoping for. The Cubs have scored six -- yes, SIX -- runs in the top of the sixth, capped by Blake DeWitt's three-run homer off the right-field foul pole. Complete meltdown by Livo, who is now out of the game before he could record enough outs to earn a quality start. Just like that, it's 8-6, and Davey is going to have to coax 10 big outs from his bullpen.
9:23 p.m. -- Wow, what a catch by Bernadina. He had to go way to his left and back a ways to make an all-out, diving, backhand grab of Starlin Castro's line drive. Really impressive effort there to save a double in the top of the seventh.
9:29 p.m. -- And we are tied. Unbelievable. Sean Burnett enters to face Carlos Pena and serves up a two-run homer on his first pitch. It's 8-8 in the top of the seventh. Unbelievable.
9:45 p.m. -- So, let's see. The Nationals scored seven runs on eight hits during the third inning alone. In the other six innings played tonight, they've totaled one run on three hits. Really is remarkable how many times this season they've put together one good offensive inning and then been totally shut down after that. Still 8-8 heading to the eighth, with Henry Rodriguez on the mound now. Remember, Drew Storen is almost certainly not available tonight after appearing in five of the last six days.
9:57 p.m. -- Aramis Ramirez with the two-out, line-drive single just past Espinosa's leaping attempt, and the Cubs have come all the way back from an 8-0 deficit to take a 9-8 lead in the eighth. Just staggering.
10:13 p.m. -- Michael Morse to the rescue. Smokes a first-pitch fastball from Sean Marshall back up the middle for a huge, two-out RBI single, bringing Bernadina home. It's tied again, 9-9, as we go to the ninth. Rodriguez back out there for his second inning of work.
10:23 p.m. -- And now the Cubs come right back and re-take a 10-9 lead in the ninth. Darwin Barney with a two-out, RBI double just inside the right-field line, scoring Tony Campana. That's two runs scored off Henry Rodriguez in the last two innings (not to mention 10 runs scored by the Cubs in the last four innings).
10:26 p.m. -- For those asking, Drew Storen is almost certainly not available tonight. But Tyler Clippard should be. He didn't pitch last night.
10:27 p.m. -- Well, here we go. Last chance for the Nats. They trail by a run heading to the bottom of the ninth. Carlos Marmol will face Ankiel, Ramos and Desmond. If anyone gets on, Davey Johnson will have his pick of pinch-hitters.
10:39 p.m. -- That'll do it. The Nats threatened in the bottom of the ninth, getting Ankiel to third base with one out. But Matt Stairs (pinch-hitting for Desmond) popped out to third. And after Laynce Nix walked, Bernadina lined out to right field to end it. A game they once led 8-0 ends as a 10-9 loss. That's about as bad as it gets.
217 comments:
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Vote Morse!
Stuff those baby bears!
lets go dubs!!!!!! sweeeeeeeeeep
Last year, I seem to remember that Desmond hit much better when he wasn't in the 8 spot with the pitcher behind him. Has that trend continued this year? He seems to have been hitting 8 a lot lately...
I like when Pudge catches Livo.. I think they have the vulcan mind meld thing going on and can read each other perfectly.
Woo back from the honeymoon and damn proud to see the Nats above .500, but was a bit shocked to hear about Riggs... Let's go get that sweet sweep and keep it rolling!
Go Jayson!!! GYFNG!!!!
Agree re. Livo and Pudge. Live long and prosper.
Let's go NATS!!
After reading all the discussion the last couple of weeks about the team's offensive woes, I found this article by Tom Verducci of SI pretty interesting. Just remember, we are not alone in this drought. Pitching is better, defense is better, PEDs are rarer, and hitting will suffer.
1a -- Jim, I'm a Doctor not a miracle worker!
Dammit, Jim, I'm a doctor, not a pitching coach!
IMHO Pudge, because of experience, can do more in handling a pitcher than WilRam, particularly noted when working with our resident magician, Livo The Great.
But I like WilRam's bat---when he's not missing bunting signs and threatening AllStar Mickey Morse's life.
Gooo Vulcans! May the Gorse be with you! Live Wrong and Prespire!
Gooooooooooo Nats!
Good one, 222!
I love Livo, because he is one of those players who shows every day how much he loves the game. But the more I see him pitch the more he mystifies me. Just how does he get batters out? It looks like he is just playing catch out there. Just tossing the ball back and forth. He never seems to have fantastic stuff; his control is fine but he doesn't seem to have laser precision; and of course he never blows anyone away with his speed. And yet he often walks away with a win against teams with very good hitters. So -- seriously -- can someone explain what is going on when Livo pitches?
Throw it fast, throw it slow, make it bend. That's how.
Ramos has been on an absolute tear this homestand, raising his average from .235 to .254 in just 5 games.
He's slashed .438/.526/.750 giving him an OPS of 1.276 to go along with 2 2Bs, 1 HR and 5 RBI. He's also managed to take 3 BBs while only giving up 1 K.
I know you've got to keep Pudge in there, but as long as Ramos is this hot, I'd like to see that limited to day games after night games. I also think he should be batting ahead of Werth for the time being in the 5/6 hole.
Let's shock the Cubs. Each batter bunts in the first inning. Let's mess with the collective mind of the Cubs.
My broom is next to my recliner.
Anon at 5:06 is right. AND he is unflappable. AND he wants to win. Not just the game, but every pitch. He puts it out there and if you hit it, you win. If you don't he (we) wins. He has been quoted often as saying every pitch is it's own event (I am wildly paraphrasing here) and he isn't pitching a game as much as he is pitching THIS ball and then THIS ball. Except, for a strike, not a ball. Unless he wants to send you chasing some trash, in which case, it's for a ball. He is wiley, our Livo. And I also just LOVE when Pudge catches him. Livo is like the Yoda of pitching to me. And Pudge is the Yoda of catching.
OKAY! GYFNG!!!!
I heard on the radio today that the Yankees have their eyes on Sean Burnett (need a lefty in their bullpen). What say you all?
Feel bad, only voted about 200 times...
Joe Mauer to 1st base and Butera catching. The Twins want Wilson Ramos back and will give the Nats their beaten up closer Matt Capps.
Atlanta won today. Again.
Red Queen, anyone???
AK just posted that Pudge was scratched with a "back injury". More later.
Nats Outsider wrote: I love Livo, because he is one of those players who shows every day how much he loves the game. But the more I see him pitch the more he mystifies me. Just how does he get batters out? It looks like he is just playing catch out there.
Indeed, it does look like he's just playing catch!
I once heard somebody say that for pitching there are three elements: (a) speed; (b) location; and (c) movement -- and that a good pitcher just needs to be good at two of them. My sense is that Livo is (obviously) good at (b) and (c). Another aspect not necessarily in that list of three is: variability of speed. Livo's 83 mph fastball is no big deal -- unless it comes after a 59-mph big-bender curve.
Livo's is a real artist out there.
@NatsLady: If the Yanks want Burnett, I'd personally drive him up I-95 to the Bronx, and pay the tolls. No offense to the guy, but I just don't understand how he gets anybody out. That sweeping curve can be laid off and often is not a strike any way. And his fastball is, what, 91 at best? I just don't think he makes a good LOOGY, and his confidence appears shot by now. Move him, and just call that Milledge-Gascanrahan trade a loss, and write it off. If the Yanks are offering any prospect, I'd take it. A good Yankee prospect is probably better than a fourth-rate LOOGY at this point. See Clipper, Tyler. How's that worked out for us?
GYFNG. The broom is between my bottles of bourbon and Maalox.
See Clippard, Tyler. Oops.
ESPN is reporting that former Expos manager (amongst other clubs) Dick Williams has passed away.
He was 380-347 (.523) while with the Expos from 77-81. Ended up managing for 21 years in the majors, ending up with a 1571-1451 (.520) record.
Condolences to his family and friends.
Victorino won the final vote. YUCK
NatsLady: Check out my posting above at 5:05 p.m. about the Pudge scratch.
If the Yanks want Burnett, I'd personally drive him up I-95 to the Bronx, and pay the tolls. No offense to the guy, but I just don't understand how he gets anybody out.
With Slaten on the DL they went out and signed JC Romero to go with Hall (former Brave) and good ol' 40-man roster place holder Athualpo Severino. There be your potential LOOGY replacements. And you ask why Davey wanted Detwiler who sports a power left-handed arm in his bullpen?
There's Milone, true but he has been a starter, projects to be a starter and made the IL All Star team for the last place Chiefs as a starter. He is a left-handed starter and a potential Lannan replacement should a beneficial trade appear with a team ... well such as the Yankees who might just be interested in an effective left-handed starter? Doh!
Value for value @Sunshine. The Yankees aren't going to want a slumping Burnett they might go for a very hot Lannan though.
Last weekend when the crowd started booing Werth it was Livo who stepped up to stand by Werth on the dugout steps. Classy teammate. Maybe Werth can convert an at bat for him tonight.
Whatsanattau
Danny Espinosa is tied for 1st in the Majors for HR w/ RISP
Does it matter where the runners are when you hit a home run?
Grandstander, just shows how far he hits them when he has RISP.
Victorino won? Blech.
Whatsanatta, thanks, didn't realize that Livo had done that, though it doesn't surprise me that he would.
"Does it matter where the runners are when you hit a home run?"
uh, yeah. if they're on base, they score.
yeah, i know. i'm a snot
Nah, only when you're executing a sac bunt. Oof!
Grandstander said...
Does it matter where the runners are when you hit a home run?
Okay, that was supposed to be suicide squeeze. I hate when people get the words wrong...
Friends, may I ask a MASN question?
Who the heck is this Mel Antonen person? At the very end of the Mid-Atlantic Sports Report, right before they threw it to the baseball games, he suddenly got all snotty about the Nats' attendance.
Uh, Mel, did you check the Orioles' attendance over the past 10 years?
I'm not familiar with him but he may also wish to run a split taking into account Yankee and Sox fan attendance at the Yards. (Oh no, I didn't!)
MZ, sorry, didn't look up to the top after I hit the refresh button. No offense intended. NL
What he was saying, actually, was that he couldn't believe the Nats only drew 19K and change when the Cubs were in town.
Phil Wood tried to tell him that it was a very hot night, mid-week, etc., but Mel would not be deterred.
I guess he's used to the ballpark being taken over by fans of the higher-profile teams, like you said.
@Dave--
Mel Antonen must be one helluva guy. You are talking about none other than the featured speaker at at the 2009 B’nai B’rith Sportsman of the Year Banquet in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
No, I am not making this up
Obviously, his opinions are to be regarded with great respect.
How much did Morse lose by? I had to take time off to get my car out of the shop, and if it was my fault, I'll regret it til the end of my days. : ))
If I didn't have to work for a living, I'd be down at the park right now watching Livan do those long throws getting ready. Here's my song again: clearly he's the ace of this staff, and the class act of this club. And the guy who knows the most baseball. So evident, even in spring training, when he always had a posse of young players around him. [You've all heard me babble on before on this topic.]
Maybe the Cubs fans didn't represent midweek. I mean, y'know, seeing how well their team is playing, maybe they're just waiting for the Astros. Went on their site, boy, you want to hear some trashing of the manager and GM??? Whooo.
By the way, posters on their MLB site say they have the highest payroll in the NL. Is that true?
Speaking of attendance, the Nats are averaging 23,438 per game this year, which is 56.5 percent of capacity and 21st in the majors. Not great, but it is almost 2,000 fans per game more than the Orioles, who are averaging 21,751, 47.9 percent of capacity, and puts them in 25th place out of 30 teams.
The Phillies are number 1, which is no real surprise, but they are averaging over 100 percent of official capacity, and that did surprise me.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/attendance
Nats Outsider said...
Speaking of attendance, the Nats are averaging 23,438 per game this year, which is 56.5 percent of capacity and 21st in the majors. Not great, but it is almost 2,000 fans per game more than the Orioles, who are averaging 21,751, 47.9 percent of capacity, and puts them in 25th place out of 30 teams.
The Phillies are number 1, which is no real surprise, but they are averaging over 100 percent of official capacity, and that did surprise me.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/attendance
July 7, 2011 7:04 PM
_________________________________
The Nats are getting a bigger true home crowd which is impressive than any other season where visitors always had a large percentage.
The Orioles are still a home away from home for the Red Sox and Yankees so their numbers will always be distorted more than Washington which is a home away from home for the Phoolies and no longer drawing big for the Mets.
Let's go Werth!
And he strikes out. Again.
Amother Sam... i love Livo, too. Class act? On the field, no doubt. Off the field? Now in question. Serious legal problems. See:
http://www.natsinsider.com/2011/04/hernandez-named-in-investigation.html
I hope he's cleared because he truly is a treasure.
Werth may have struck out, but he added to Garza's pitch count ( I know I am really digging for a good sign)
@Tim, to be fair, that link you gave is to a post from April.
I wonder how Livo's legal thing's going, but I figure no news is good news.
Sorry to see Jayson strike out, but he just is not a .220 hitter. He is going to break out. I look forward to after the All-Star break.
@NatsLady
Phillies are highest payroll in NL. Cubs are second. Cubs payroll is double the Nats payroll who are 12th in the league.
Garza looks sharp tonight. Those sliders to Morse and Werth in the 1st were quality pitches. Very few righties will hit sliders executed that well, especially when his FB is 96-97. Livo looks sharp too.
You know, unlike most of you, I am not a big Livo fan. I appreciate what he does, but usually I would prefer to read a magazine while he does it. However, the value that he has given the Nats over the last two years, meaning performance for the contract, is probably the highest in the majors (for a non arbitration level guy). Well done, Big Guy.
Oh Dannyboy!
I got to give props to Mark Lerner. If I were the owner, I would be in the suite, not out in that heat.
Chien Ming Wang has 4 innings in the books in Harrisburg. 0 runs, 2 hits, 1 K and no walks. I'm starting to believe the guy I watched 5 weeks ago has improved tremendously.
NatsJack... thanks for the update! Hopefully CMW can contribute to the team (especially if we trade Marquis)
@Dave and Outsider,
Many transplanted residents to DC, Mel included, fail to grasp that this is the number one vacation week, and neither a Cubs or first Lady visit will help or hinder.
Mel was a baseball beat writer for years until digital replaced print. I also trust that if you were asked to speak at an event back in your home town you would show up too.
Mel is not an O's man, he is a baseball man, and if you can ever get the chance to sit down and talk ball with him you will enjoy the time.
If you haven't guessed he is also a friend and if you give him any more grief, I will come up there. Don't make me come up there! GYFNG!
YES!!! Good job Werth!
And that will be a HARD hit Line drive in the box score! COME ON JAYSON!!
werth finally got a hit, I'd love to see him for a week swing at the 1st pitch of every at bat
Jayson Werth gets a hit. Not a great hit, but a hit (and RBI). I'll take it.
By the way, forget that whole 'Garza looks sharp' thing.
Yee hah!
5th inning for Wang in Harrisburg, 3 up, 3 down with another K.
I am so glad we passed on signing this gas can, Garza.
Butch Cassidy to Sundance Kid......
Remember that laugher against St Louis... God this is looking like that one.. AND LIVO was pitching that night as well!
Navy Nats Fan.. I hate to sound stupid (and it has been years since I saw that movie).. explain the reference to Butch and Sundance?
WHO ARE THOSE GUYS?!?!?!?
And a big hit for our Racing President Wilson! (Ramos)
Wang throws 43 pitches (32 strikes) to 16 hitters through 5 innings. Job done for the night. 2 hits, 2 K's, no runs.
Sharkadina! This is fun...
Far be it from me to suggest anything better than GYFNG! That said, I would like to suggest this as another rallying cry: 1969! 86-76 is within our reach. How 'bout them apples? GYNFG! 1969!
OMG! Okay, I'm back on board. The journey begins to October...
The Reds had a 8-0 lead yesterday and had to win it in extras against the Cardinals so while it looks like a laugher, not much is this early in the game. 6 more innings to go and it would be nice to see a complete game large margin win by Livan since this is his last game before the All Star break.
What happened to Mark's updates. I haven't seen anything since 7:51. I hope he didn't faint from the scoring outbreak.
JaneB,
Way late on this, but "He is wiley, our Livo" is exquisite. if someone to make t-shirts bearing the phrase, I'm buying.
And a belated thanks for the eloquent 4th of July post. The NatinBeantown family made it down for a wonderful weekend in DC, including my first trip to NP in a long time. There is something quite wonderful in that ballpark, way up in the 400 level concourse, third base side. There's a refreshing breeze. To your left is a great view of the Capitol Dome. The field spreads out before you, and beuond the RF stands you see the big ships in the Anacostia by the Navy Yard. I now think NP is quite underrated.
But enough about that. Bourbon and brooms sound great!
Unterp: Glad to have you back, have a big swig of the Bourbon spiked Koolaid and join the fun! No Maalox tonight!
Mark Z must be out of the Booth!! That's why we scored so many runs!!!
@dj in FL, I actually usually like Mel when I see him on that (rather clumsily produced) Sports Report show.
It was very odd today the way he stuck in that bit about the lousy Nats attendance. They were literally going to commercial--Tom Davis was literally trying to shut the show down, and pretty much had to ride right over him.
I've been away from the computer during the last few innings. This seems to be that high-offense laugher that Davey Johnson has been looking for. Win this one, boys, and take the skipper's record above .500!
GYFNG!
MicheleS said...
LOL!
Nice assist by Ankiel there...
Espi looked like Zimm in that Geico commercial....
Mark, great news on Chien-Ming Wang. All the stars are beginning to align...
Coors Light Freeze Cam.. FP's new love.. I wonder what the XMO thinks....
So, I guess we figured out the Nats offensive struggles. Mark's ability to get press pool photos meant he never left the box. Perhaps you should continue to leave the box for an inning or two here and there to help the team?
Bob Carpenter said it... the Cubs are mailing it in. Mike Quadey is history. No hustle. Heads are gonna roll.
8:43 p.m. -- Meanwhile, in Harrisburg tonight, Chien-Ming Wang put forth another strong rehab effort. Five scoreless innings, allowing only two hits, with two strikeouts and no walks. Only needed 43 pitches, and he topped out at 92 mph. So his totals over three rehab starts now: 12 ip, 7 h, 2 er, 2 bb, 7 k. I think it's probably safe to say now we're going to see this guy in D.C. by the end of the month. Pretty remarkable when you think how little progress he had made over the course of 1 1/2 seasons.
___________________________
Whoa whoa whoa, stop the presses. Our NatsJack told us to basically put a fork in this guy and send him packing.
Isn't that why we play the game?
Tim said...
Bob Carpenter said it... the Cubs are mailing it in. Mike Quadey is history. No hustle. Heads are gonna roll.
July 7, 2011 9:00 PM
_____________________________
Far from over. I see bases loaded out there and a 7 run lead now.
Heed the words that Anon8 said from Cincy last night.
Ruh roh. I'm looking for my bottle of Maalox.
@Dave
Hope Mel didn't catch that talk radio disease, talk just for the sake of talking, that seems to affect announcers that go there.
Time to tighten up Livo!!!!
Don't worry the Nats will win 8-7.
Holy crap. That ball hit the foul pole WAY up high.
8-6 Nats. @9:06, you might be right.
So much for the laugher...
Livo deserves to lose this. He should be ashamed of himself.
I'm having visions of that 8-6 game we had against the Cards 3 weeks ago. Nothing is easy with this team.
Blame this one on me. Maybe Livo "mailed it in."
Anonymous8 said...
The Reds had a 8-0 lead yesterday and had to win it in extras against the Cardinals so while it looks like a laugher, not much is this early in the game. 6 more innings to go and it would be nice to see a complete game large margin win by Livan since this is his last game before the All Star break.
July 7, 2011 8:27 PM
______________________________
Truer words weren't spoken until Bob Carpenter said what you said about 5 minutes ago.
Davey will learn, but this is where Riggs would have brought out the hook much earlier in the inning.
@Gonat, I'm sure Bob and FP have this very game thread open on their laptops in the booth.
Right, Bob? FP? Give us a sign!
I just want us to get out of this inning right now.
I hope we can put few more runs on the board so Storen does not have to pitch tonight. Most likely he will not pitch either way, even in a save situation.
Oh. My. Goddd!!!
--Jaws 1975--
They ain't mailing it in anymore! Mark, quick! Your friends in the stands need to see you right away!
NatsinBeantown, thank YOU,
GYFNG. NO MORE NONSENSE.
Dave, I sometimes think that is true or their producer skims NI for info and feeds it to him.
Livan who lacked run support really was a huge disappointment tonight.
Mark!!! Time to leave the press box again! Stat!!
The Shark with a web gem. Thanks, Roger!
just picked my self up off the floor.. had to get the defibrulator out.. must find maalox...
and Sharkadina saves one!
NatsJack, you may lose your job as a Florida scout. How much is Mark Z. paying you?
So I get home from work and the score is 8-0.
Samardzija's here and the time is right
for dancin' in the street.
I visit with my wife for a few minutes, turn on the game and it's 8-6. What the hey?????
So much for Davey's laugher. Here we go again.
worried about burnett coming in
blech...
what did I say...
Yep, the Kardiac Kids are at it again. My stomach is sick. I can't believe what I saw. Livan really let us down.
Well, so much for that. Burnett gives up the lead with a single pitch.
What do you think about that, Yankees? You really want this guy?
This is a joke.
Burnett needs to be sent down or put on the DL.. you can not tell me with a straight face that he is better than Balestar??
Did Burnett watch the game last night as Gorzelanny pitched to Carlos Pena?
typical burnett gives the ball game away and then gets the strikeout
Hey all, the pitchers, including Livo are allowed to have bad nights every once in a while
Hey DC Wonk!!!!! No hate on Livo hes been fine all year but Burnett has just been plain bad every other time he takes the mound. You cannot tell me that I need to lay off of him. DO you want me to lay off of Werth?? Hell why not say Doug Slaten is the best left handed specialist in the league?
No when you're winning 8-0 in the 6 inning you should win that game, easy. no excuses
UNTERP.. I know you are fragile at this point, but hang in there!!! I know we can do this, we can WIN!!!
and agree on Burnett.. DL or sent down to work on whatever is going on.
And the new manager MASN commercial...
DJ.. Columbo style - mumbling in the background about 1 run wins... and all you see is the bottle of bourbon and maalox
its funny how or sad that back in spring training all the beat writers were writing articles on how great Burnett was and how he has become one of the best reliever...
Another test of character for our young, growing team. Let's see if we can bounce back.
I was greedy. I admit it. I wanted them to win by at least six. I am down with the one run win. I really am. They can do it. We can help.
GYFNG!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hilarious! I am sorry but I find this game funny. I mean someone said it before (where I forgot) that our pitchers do not know how to pitch in a blowout games. This game is just another example.
Before I went to eat, I imagined this whole Burnett scenario. Came back and checked that it came true. Just pathetic.
Man NOW they are in a funk .......could not miss and now can not hit ......what in the world was Davy thinking leaving Livo in that long ......I think the heat got to him ...but how can you lose a 8 RUN LEAD !!!!!!!
livo - an anomoly for him. but typical sean.
as per previous rumor - i guess burnett doesn't want to go to NY.
@Harper - dude, chill. Actually I was referring to comments about Livo.
Okay.. all naysayers.. that brought up that come back by STL last night... Just remember, STL still LOST That game!
The Nats need to get this tie into the bottom of the 8th where the Top of the order will come up.
You must have a love affair with Burnett cuz he has been awful all year
Michelle... I'm needin some of that Maalox!
We can not possibly lose this game?
That Espinosa play will turn the tables there back to the Nats!!!!
Slick play by Danny to keep this in check. I'm not confident in this game, but they got the 1-run game they apparently wanted so bad.
Hey Harper, who are you talking to? Who are you saying has a love affair with Burnett? I don't see any positive comments about him here.
Read the thread, man.
danny-don't sweat the bunt. you're allowed one weakness.
and bernie got there without you, so we break even.
GYFNG
MORSE!!! God I love this.. It's builds character!
The BEAST Michael Morse!!!!!!!
Big Mike saves the day. A single up the middle drives in the Shark to make it 9-9.
So here comes our 1-run win, I guess.
BEAST MODE!!!!
made that pitcher hop!!
God I love this team.
OK, i'll take the tie at this point.
An aside - what's the deal with Carpentet getting all over Werth's case? Has he decided to go for instant credibility by trashing him, or is he posessed by Dibble? He totally misrepresented the Boz piece. FP keeps trying to reel him back in. What gives?
Campana, take away the bunt.
Mark Zuckerman-What's the status with Clippard and Storen tonight? Are they available?
I thought campana was the bat boy
Did Davey fall asleep?
Well after Barney's hit, that's why I asked the question on Clip and Store....
Davey looks desperate overusing these guys in the bullpen.
Oy. Just oy.
Think back to that Seattle game on June 21st. Nats were behind 4 runs in the 9th.
Let's Go Nats!!!!
Go You Freaking Nuke Go!
(As in away -- before my stomach lining is completely gone.)
Well Davy really MANAGED this game tonight
Ribuld said...
Did Davey fall asleep?
July 7, 2011 10:25 PM
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Davey fell asleep when the score was 8-3 and 2 men on base with DeWitt pinch hitting. It would have been nice to see Davey walk to the mound before that.
This team can't do anything the easy way.
I would have let Wilson Ramos swing away for the seats like he did on the Walk-off against Seattle.
I want nix not stairs
Stairs is so bad. So bad.
I rarely call for change but Matt Stairs has proven time and again that it has passed him by. I am not sure who could take that spot since I realize we want to keep our young people playing and not sitting on the bench but there has to be a better option.
Single here could win the game, or not!
OK, just win 2 of 3 from the Rockies and we will be headed into the break in good shape.
i so wish stairs would of never get that walk off a few games back because that bought him another month in the majors
I'm not understanding why you put Stairs in there over Cora, a contact hitter, who's coming in anyway to replace Desmond. This was the most pathetic game of the season, by far. Hopefully they can shake this off and come back tomorrow but personally, I'm fuming.
Well. That was unpleasant.
Not much fun seeing them throw away a lead of 8-0. Well, bring on the Rockies.
sigh.....
only 3 of 4.
I kinda can't believe it. Three of four is really good, but still.
Okay. Tomorrow.
Oh, and may this be the last week of Stairs in a Nats uniform.
There's not enough bourbon in Kentucky to wash down this loss. Sure you want this job in 2012, Uncle Davey?
Note to Stairs. Hit the ball to the outfield and the game is tied. You see how Bernadina did it?
Davey wanted offense, and got it (except in the 9th when a fly ball could tie it). However his pitchers quit on him tonight.
WOW what a wasted oppotunity. Pitching was bad. MATT STAIRS!! For god sakes please. All we need is a ball in play and he can't get it. Somebody please shoot this guy. AWFUL!!!
There is nothing in Natsville more painful to watch than Stairs at the plate. Somebody make it stop.
Grandstander said...
I'm not understanding why you put Stairs in there over Cora, a contact hitter, who's coming in anyway to replace Desmond. This was the most pathetic game of the season, by far. Hopefully they can shake this off and come back tomorrow but personally, I'm fuming.
July 7, 2011 10:41 PM
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You hit it correctly. Cora should have come in. You need contact.
I asked the question when HenRod came out for innning #2, where was Clippard and Storen?
If I am not mistaken, Clippard and Storen have worked in every game since the double-header on Saturday. I think Johnson is trying not to abuse them.
we should of lost some of the other games so i guess it all evens out. still mad though
Great defense tonight, a ton of clutch hits. The pitching and bullpen stunk and to get that effort from Stairs at that point in the game just was a shame.
The 8 position players that started the game deserved better than that but on the other hand the pitchers have won most of these games this year.
This is just sad. Should have won this one. No excuses, just embarrassing loss. You can blame Desmond for not adding more insurance runs in that third inning (no outs and two runners in scoring position), or Davey for bringing in Stairs, or HRod for giving up two runs in two innings.
Anyways, let us just move on. Hopefully we can do better against the Rockies.
Gonat, I am with you. This was a terrible job of managing by Davey. If Riggleman would have sent Stairs in instead of Nix or Cora he would just be roasted in the media. This loss will take its toll. Nats will get swept by Rockies. Jason Werth should be batting 8th.
The wrong batter was up. You are correct a contact hitter like Cora should have been up. With the count 2-1. That would be when you could pinch hit for Stairs.
As bad as the pitching was tonight the one that got me the maddest was Coffey. He pulled the pet peeves of pet peeves to me. 0-2 count, and then he nibbles his way to a walk (that ends up as run 7). Hits bother me much less than walks.
This is the worst loss of the season and there are SO MANY people responsible.
Just unbelievable.
Anon @10:54, thanks for agreeing with me but you have to play the games this weekend and we will see how the team rebounds this weekend.
I think they will beat up on the Rockies. It is great having Michael Morse back in the lineup as he really adds so much.
Well I am SO HAPPY we have Davy to MANAGE THIS DEBACLE ......the worst job in 6 years ....real swift there Davy boy
If I see Matt Stairs PH again I will put my hat and jersey away and shut it down for the season. With the game on the line how the HELL do you put a guy up with the lowest (non Pitcher) batting average on the team???? You Suck Davey
When are we done with Matt Stairs and Sean Burnett? WHEN?
Davey again looked like he didn't know his team. Let's not blow it all out of porportion as the offense was good and the defense was GREAT.
This is one of those games the Manager lost I am afraid to say.
This is what happened in 2005 .....same time of year just here instead of Chicago ......what a job Davy real smart moves all night ...........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gonat I hope I am wrong. I want to win them all this weekend. I think Friday is important.
We could just get the 100th caller next time ......should we get the pitcher who is suddenly throwing BP out and get one of other relief pictchers in ...NAHHHHH lets see if we can blow a 8 RUN LEAD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is a reason you do not take high hangers. Pena and DeWhitt showed you why high hangers are easy to deposit into the audience. Werth takes them all the time. Please watch the film Jayson,. High hangers are easy to produce good hits. low breaking pitches are almost impossible to hit, and those are the ones you swing at. Why?
The answer to gut-wrenching pitching is really good pitching.
At Syracuse tonight, Tom Milone threw 7 scoreless innings. He won his 7th game and dropped his ERA to 3.15. He has 107 strikeouts and 7 walks.
At Hagerstown, A.J. Cole threw 6 scoreless innings and dropped his ERA to 2.87. He has 57 strikeouts and 10 walks.
Breathe deep and look for the cavalry riding over the horizon: Strasburg, Peacock, Milone, Cole, Ray.
The Nats are not there yet, but they're going to be really good.
I am SO PISSED!!! 9-0 in the 5th. Livo gives up 6 runs. DJ, why didn't you take him out after three runs had scored? That's why we have a bull pen!!! No...you left him in to get 6 runs. That sad sack reliever Burnett gives up two more. Does DJ really know the pitching staff? Don't think so... Sorry but Livo and Burnett need to go. A long with Stares.
I really wanted this game for our Boys...
That was no fun. Just heard this was the biggest lead we have EVER let slip away, not just in Nationals history but also including the EXPOs.
Agree that Cora (or even Pudge) would have been a better choice than Stairs who honestly is no choice right now. Also don't know why HRod was back for a 2nd inning. With Detwiler up doesn't that leave us a man short in the pen? if he is only going to throw every 4th or 5th game why keep him up?
Think the Rockies have lost at least 4 in a row so lets hope we can keep them reeling.
Go Nats
Jayson Werth gave a good post-game interview after the game. He put it in perspective. No panic.
The bullpen is overworked which is why Livo stayed in too long.
I think Burnett needs to go on the DL and fix what is physically wrong with him. When Burnett goes on the DL you can call Balester back up and he becomes your long man to free up Detwiler to be a key set-up man and take pressure off of Clippard.
Stairs needs to go on the DL and never return and get Chris Marrero here.
First 87 games Stairs 1 RBI. Mix about 30 some Cora a few. Let's pick Stair? What is the thought process on that?
I am coming home from the game I hope someone asked him in the press conference, instead of all those stupid questions Debbi Taylor asks. That is the one I want to know.
I would like someone to tell me if they can think of a worse job of managing in the 7 seasons of the Nationals then was on display tonight. I can not think of it so for my anger can someone tell of one other. REALLY I WANT TO KNOW
If not Marrero who other posters think needs to play every day who? There has to be someone in our organization. What about Antonelli? I am guessing that when Stairs goes off the 40 man that will free a spot for him or the guy who played with the Orioles last year, I think its Aubrey. Someone who can actually play a position and actually hit the ball would be really nice.
Burnett is becoming a puppet on his interviews. "I t was a hanging slider...." Who hung it? Why hang so many?
I missed Davy's comments as I was typing here. Did he ever pearls of wisdom to why they lost, and why he batted Stairs. I believe he actually wanted to prove to Rizzo that he (Stairs) has to go.
Good lord, people are certainly going ballistic at an admittedly frustrating loss, which leaves the Nats at only one game above .500, and having only taken the Cubs series 3 games out of 4.
All you folks who are talking about this being the worst baseball experience since the Nats came to town: really? Have you forgotten 2008? 2009?
There's a reason the Nats got to draft Strasburg and Harper (and Storen): they were the worst team in baseball two years in a row.
Go to bed, people. When you wake up tomorrow the Nats will still be one game above .500 and will be getting ready for a series against the Rockies.
>>>I am guessing that when Stairs goes off the 40 man.<<<
I honestly don't believe they have any intention of getting rid of Matt Stairs.
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