 |
File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER The Nats try to take this weekend series from the Mets today at Nationals Park. |
Today, though, Livo makes what is probably going to be his final start of this season (and perhaps his final start as a National). With Stephen Strasburg and Tom Milone joining the rotation, someone has to get bumped, and Hernandez will be that guy. Though there's mutual interest in returning next season, it might come only as a long reliever.
In other news, the Nats are going with another new look in the outfield today. Michael Morse has a rare day off, so Roger Bernadina will be in left field. Rick Ankiel is starting, but he's actually in right field for the first time with Jayson Werth in center field.
Enjoy the game...
METS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:35 p.m.
TV: MASN, Ch. 50
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 183
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 87 degrees, Wind 13 mph out to CF
STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (64-73)
SS Ian Desmond
LF Roger Bernadina
3B Ryan Zimmerman
CF Jayson Werth
RF Rick Ankiel
2B Danny Espinosa
1B Chris Marrero
C Wilson Ramos
P Livan Hernandez
METS (67-70)
SS Jose Reyes
2B Evan Turner
RF Lucas Duda
3B David Wright
CF Angel Pagan
LF Jason Bay
1B Jose Satin
C Mike Nickeas
P Mike Pelfrey
124 comments:
My hyperlink didn't work on OHHHH HENRY NOOOOO
http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2011/9/4/2402994/henry-rodriguez-and-a-j-burnett-are-historically-wild
Bad Garrett Mock blew one last night. He had been doing well as a reliever until last night. Only 1 Earnie in a month until last night. 3 given up and just ugly.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=452241
Go, Livo. Always fun to watch him, good or bad!!!! Go, Nats!!!!
OK I'm pretty mad at Davey right now.
I have Mike Morse on 3 of my Fantasy Baseball teams and I needed him to do well today.
Jayson Werth is on opposing teams. I'll hope for a Nats win with a pinch hit grand slam for Morse and no productivity from Werth. That sounds possible, right? (sniff!)
We are 7 days until the 10 year anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy.
ESPN produced this amazing story. Hope you have a few minutes to watch it. An ordinary person doing extraordinary things and a true American hero.
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6929979
A story worth watching
Hope we do well today because we might have some free time to think about it. The weather forecaster is predicting a very rainy week.
Right on, NatsLady, regarding Livan. And BTW, if not Livan, who is the greatest pitcher in the Nats brief history? Surely we haven't ceded that to Strasburg already? Maybe this time nextyear I'll be ready to annoint SS with that moniker. But now?
The "strikeout machine" is batting cleanup!
Andrew, thanks for the video link. Well worth the watch. Puts life in perspective. I wonder how many people will take time to watch it at least once.
Anonymous 12:45 said, "The "strikeout machine" is batting cleanup!"
Jayson has stopped being an easy out, in case you haven't noticed. He hasn't been one since before the All Star break. I agree with Thomas Boswell on this.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/werths-no-savior-but-hes-no-bust-either/2011/09/02/gIQADz3vxJ_story.html
I think Livo is in trouble today the Mets are a good hitting team and they are staying off the junk the Livo usually serves up. I'm goona chalked this one up as a loss and moved on Good luck Nats Fans
So tough watching other teams be clutch. Let's go Nats
Watching Bernie - it still steams me up that he was in time out in Syracuse. I am not buying the bogus reasons that he didn't hit well enough or run good routes to the ball. Have you seen the Batting Averages on this team? Also-- Nix, Gomes, Morse - not exactly sparkling outfielders. Even Werth and Ankiel get a little "creative" sometimes when going after a ball. Kind of cool to have 3 centerfielders in the outfield today - hopefully nothing will fall in. All that have to do is avoid running into each other.
We've talked so much about the guys in the minors and how we have gotten so much deeper. It's nice to see how they can come up here and handle themselves. They don't have to be superstars - Marrero is handling the major league game just fine, Milone handled it last night. Very cool.
Some nice at-bats going on out there. Keep battling, guys!
Anonymous said...
The "strikeout machine" is batting cleanup!
1. Werth has been having a decent second half
2. The guy who batted cleanup last night -- Morse -- has shown signs that he might be a bit tired -- he struck out three times last night.
baseballswami said...
Watching Bernie - it still steams me up that he was in time out in Syracuse. I am not buying the bogus reasons that he didn't hit well enough or run good routes to the ball.
What's bogus about them? Despite the spectacular catches he's made, he has a _negative_ UZR.
DCWonk - I know he's not perfect, but I think he is definitely better than those who have played out there instead of him, especially in left. Besides - I really like him and so I am not objective! Sometimes fans are just like that.
That ovation for Livo was very touching.
And Coffey immediately gives it up to -- Willie Harris. ugh
Livo would not have given up that worm burner to the Boy from Cairo, GA. Wish Davey had left him in to induce a DP. Love a suicide squeeze, even if it's by the other team.
Now we need a come-back like last night. Bad karma to take Livo out with the bases loaded. Who on our staff is better able to quiet the riot?
flynnie - you read my mind. I am guessing that our Mr. Coffey has allowed a good number of inherited runners to score. Livo might have allowed one, but probably could have induced the dp before the rest came in. DC still loves, him, though. We also have executed the squeeze this year - fun play to watch.
4 runs scored against us in one inning is not a pretty sight.Time to start one of those famous nats rallies. We don't really have to wait until the 8th or 9th, do we?
Swami - Losing Livo was bad enough - losing the lead and Livo is more disappointing than an inaugural ball.
Coffey was just doing his best Doug Slaten immitation.
Bernadina has hit 4 of his AB's since coming up Friday right at the 2d baseman, 2 for dp's. I used to think hitting was random, but it's like he's aiming for the second baseman.
And who's here, just for you, NatsJack in Fla? Doooouuuuuuuuug SLATEN!
Doug Slaten is back - should be interesting.Pudge should have been the pinch hitter.
flynnie - don't you go dissing my boy bernie - he did hit one out - I don't think the second baseman is sitting out in the stands....
Outs, then offense - please.
Bob said the Mets hit 7 hard in a row before Davey got him, and Bob's is the scorebook of choice to the broadcasting world. That explains why Davey couldn't leave him in, softens the blow, but my heart is nonetheless broken and can only be mended by victory, which is not spawned by stranding runners on third.
I'm with you on Rogerevan, swami, but I'm astonished at the repeated grounders to 3rd. Helluvan effort on that foul ball.
flynnie - Occasionally we get the fairy tale ending -- but most often we do not.
Edit - Repeated grounders to second. Repeated grounders to second.Repeated grounders to second. Repeated grounders to second. (That's how many I counted since Friday night.)
HROD sighting in the bullpen!
Yeah, but I can hear Cinderella's coach on 1/2 street, and these are Madoff's Mets, NatsJack's boy is on the mound and HRod is on the way to douse the flames. We're gonna win this one.
Nice job by Slaten!
We have talked about Desi perhaps leading off - what do we think about Werth in CF? I think I would be ok with that. Save some bucks to pay Ryan Zimmerman!!!!! Which we should do immediately!!!!!
flynnie... I'm no fan of Slaten... it had to do with the "inherited runners always score" when Slaten is in.
Natsjack - I think that title goes to Todd Coffey today.
hence the "imitating Doug Slaten" comment.
I got that NatsJack. I, too, am amazed that he only let two men on an emerged unscathed. That bottom of the 7th was woeful. Did this team score 7 las night and 9 against the Braves?
No long balls today. I thought Pelfrey looked pretty bad. We should have gotten to him.
HRod was excellent.
Good boy, Henry!!!
Great job, Henry. The guy does possess potential.
The ballgame comes down to what each team did with the bases loaded. Our scientific hitting 1bcall up from Syracuse popped out. Willie Harris scalded a double. Nice to see Espi 3 for 3.
9 runners stranded, Espi is 3 of them. This team is frustrating.
I guess Losers gotta losa again today. Nats Nation cries a little more each day. Pathetic minor league call ups. This team can't hit and the youngin's ain't as good as they claim.
Screw the Mets!
Flynnie - since it's Sunday , I will give you an "Amen!" Very flat energy again. I hear the Marlins are beating the Phils - again.
Davey Johnson is a joke. He had 15 Pitchers on his roster and he couldn't see Livo was falling apart out there? I sure could and from my sofa.
baseballswami said...
Flynnie - since it's Sunday , I will give you an "Amen!" Very flat energy again. I hear the Marlins are beating the Phils - again.
--------------------------------------
I guess last place is calling again
No home runs for our team today and we have been depending on them for wins. Morse out of the lineup, too. Power outage. What have we been winning about one game a week lately?
Somebody's got a cute and paste line "losers got to lose" that he uses all the time.
Must be an Orioles fan.
Really glad Drew got in the game today. I am living for the day we see a classic Clip and Store save again.
And a beautiful Sunday it is, swami, and I need beauty in my life when the team is laying a big brown egg beneath the azure skies of our nation's capital. Livo gets a well-deserved honor-lovely day.
I hope Ryan Zimmerman looked at his calendar. Tomorrow is a holiday!
And - we are toast.
To Anonymous
Philip Larkin - This Be The Verse
They f*** you up, your mum and dad.
They may not mean to, but they do.
They fill you with the faults they had
And add some extra, just for you.
But they were f'ed up in their turn
By fools in old-style hats and coats,
Who half the time were soppy-stern
And half at one another's throats.
Man hands on misery to man.
It deepens like a coastal shelf.
Get out as early as you can,
And don't have any kids yourself.
I hear the Dodgers have been hot lately. Doesn't it seem like teams get hot right when we have to play them? GYFNG!!! New goal - winning more than one in a row!!!
That, or an Orioles Exec. Ahem.
The Dude Abides said...
Somebody's got a cute and paste line "losers got to lose" that he uses all the time.
Must be an Orioles fan.
September 4, 2011 4:43 PM
Anybody watching mlb? Apparently the phils are playing the game under protest - it's 4-4 in the 12th now. Don't know what happened, though. Really - how many games up are they? And they are whining and playing under protest?
Thanks for the link, Andrew. Will check it out. Last September 11 we were traveling and stopped at the site of the (developing) Flight 93 memorial. Worth a stop if you're out that way.
And in Giants/DBacks game Justin Upton snapped and got tossed.
Sounds like emotions are running high today. I hope our team shows emotion tomorrow.
As we consider Davey's postgame comments about making room for talented players, think about this tantalizing stat:
Anthony Rendon's on base percentage at Rice was .505 -- over his three-year collegiate career.
Someday he and Harper will transform this lineup.
Zimm, Morse, Werth, Espinosa, Ramos, even LaRoche are plenty capable of driving in runs. We've just got to keep the pressure on by getting more guys on base.
The Nationals and the Phillies have both hit 133 home runs, but the Phillies have 95 more walks, 37 more singles, 9 more doubles and 12 more triples.
We need to set the table.
Just got back - nice tribute to the amputee's and those guys can play!!
Still thought we had a chance when with two outs we coaxed 3 straight walks. Up steps Marrero and you would think someone might explain that after 3 walks you might want to let this guy throw at least one strike but NO, he swings and pops up to 3rd on the FIRST PITCH.
Liked HROD and also nice to see Storen - often times the closer eases off in a non save situation but he looked great.
Still think we can win 75 but its not the lock I thought about a month ago.
I read carefully the praise that Davey gets from some on this blog but I still can't get behind it. He might be a great baseball mind and he might have great credentials but ever since Riggs quit I have not felt good about this team. Pissed at Riggs and disappointed with Davey. No facts, no stats, its just how I feel.
Go Nats
sjm308, very wells said and my sentiments exactly. I think Rizzo should have stuck with Riggs and they could have worked something out. This club could have won 86-87 with Riggs calling the shots. Davey is just not good anymore and it will be a disaster if he is back
I question whether we win 70 and that is really bad. Todd Coffey is a pant load and needs to go
Stayed for the softball game, it was way fun. Those guys can play!
I think Davey gave up on this game early, maybe even before it started, and certainly by the 6th inning. Was not impressed with Marrero's at-bats. Was impressed with Espi's.
NatsLady, me too and we just got back after dinner.
I sat there at the game wondering why in the 6th Davey didn't go to a LH like Slaten or Burnett in the 6th with the bases loaded against Willie Harris.
Davey only got Coffey up. With a 8 person bullpen, I don't really get it especially since he used Slaten the next inning.
Any insight on that?
Mick your right I also question if we win 70 games..pathetic!
I'm clueless, and since I forgot my radio, I don't have any insight from Charlie and Dave to offer either.
Eckstein got a nice hit (he should!) and the homer was fun, I'm glad they played the horn for it. Some of the catches were quite good, the military guys are in good shape, the "celebrities" -- mixed bag. Debbi Taylor not a good hitter. I think "Spanky" will be an instant celebrity if the game gets any publicity, he was very funny.
90 percent chance of rain on Tuesday, for all you folks that got tix for Strasmas II.
Mick said...
Todd Coffey is a pant load and needs to go
September 4, 2011 7:41 PM
________________________________
Really? He was one of the top relievers in the league until June 6th. Up until June 5th he never allowed an inherited runner to score. That day he came in for the 9th inning with no outs and the bases loaded and held the D'Backs to 1 run. On that day his ERA was 1.61
Unfortunately Coffey was over-used like Clippard because the bullpen was so bad. 9 times Coffey pitched more than an 1 full inning in a game this season. I think it was clear that Coffey once was your shut-down guy in troubled innings.
This is a team that does NOTHING at big times. Remember the anemic run support they gaved Stras last year? How many times they did NOTHING for Zimmermann this year? They left Livan totally hanging in this game. Was it 9 or 10 LOB?
When a friend told me last year that we picked up Werth I was excited because he was so clutch. Obviously Ryan Zimm is clutch, but the team is clutch-FAIL.
I wasn't able to see the game in person or on TV. Someone, please tell me more about the crowd reaction to Livan. Thanks in advance.
Rain, rain go away.
is back and here to stay.
And I wanna see him. Have constructed my schedule around seeing him, in fact!
My little poem lost a key word
:
Rain, rain go away!
Stras is back and here to stay.
Crowd was great for Livo. Gave him a standing O before the game when he walked from the bullpen to the dugout. Cheered every pitch for the first couple of innings, and when he came out, another standing O.
Buerhle got lit for 8 runs, 7 earned in Detroit. 10 hits, pitched 3 1/3 innings. It's now 9-0 and they're not out of the 4th inning yet. Manny's team won, but they're not likely to gain any ground.
Anonymous said...
How many times they did NOTHING for Zimmermann this year?
__________________________________
Hows about out of 26 starts he left the game ahead by 2 runs or more only 4 times out of the 26. Keep in mind that this is a pitcher that gave up 2 or fewer earned runs in 18 of his starts.
Even more pathetic, in the 6 games he gave up ZERO earned runs, the largest lead he left with was 1-0.
Thanks, Andrew, for the ESPN link. I'll never see a red bandana the same way again. And thanks, NatsLady, for the report on the crowd loving up Livo.
NatsLady said...
Buerhle got lit for 8 runs, 7 earned in Detroit. 10 hits, pitched 3 1/3 innings. It's now 9-0 and they're not out of the 4th inning yet. Manny's team won, but they're not likely to gain any ground.
September 4, 2011 9:42 PM
__________________________________
Ugly. His worst outing of the year. Detroit knows clutch.
Gonat - Zimmermann had the absolute worst luck of any pitcher I have ever seen. Wondering what you think his record should have been? I think he easily "should" have won at least 12, if not 13 or 14 with any run support at all, or bullpen not blowing a lead. Not to mention the fact that in his first season after tj - he had to pitch under tremendous stress pretty much every game. Everyone talks so much about SS , but he won't have a good w-l record either without a team around him that can back him up. Znn should be our #1 next year, but I hope we can drum up some support for him or he will be wearing pin stripes just as soon as he is not under our control anymore. By the way - I see AK is reporting that we could re-sign Willie Harris. That's interesting. I think.
The Nationals and the Phillies have both hit 133 home runs, but the Phillies have 95 more walks, 37 more singles, 9 more doubles and 12 more triples.
Drew8 -- thanks for sharing that one. Pretty amazing.
90 percent chance of rain on Tuesday, for all you folks that got tix for Strasmas II.
Uh, oh. Me, wife, and kids have tix. Uggh. Kids have school next day, I won't be able to spend much time if rain delays . . . bummer. . .
We gonna give Cora back to the Mets and get Willeeeeeeeeee? Hope his mother's ok, so he can sleep nights.
Football game in Detroit now and they got both extra points. 14-0.
And the White Sox announcers... who are deadpan to the point of boring... guy says... going into the top of the 9th, Sox need 18 to tie...
One of the many interesting storylines next year will be the jockeying among the middle infield prospects.
Beyond Espinosa and Desmond there are intriguing subplots that testify to the Nats' ability to spot value in lower-round picks.
Things will get even more interesting with the re-emergence of former Rice teammates Anthony Rendon and Rick Hague, the Nats' 2010 3rd rounder who has missed this season with a shoulder injury.
Lombardozzi, a 19th round pick in 2008, was remarkably consistent this year -- his Syracuse numbers virtually identical to his Harrisburg output. Combined, he is hitting .309 with a .360 on base percentage and 30 stolen bases.
At Potomac, Jeff Kobernus, a 2nd round pick in 2009, is hitting .280 with 51 stolen bases. His problem is that his on base percentage is just .311 because he has a paltry 21 walks in 518 plate appearances. Zach Walters, the shortstop acquired for Jason Marquis, is hitting .286.
At Hagerstown, ss Jason Martinson, a 5th round pick in 2010, has 19 home runs to go with 26 stolen bases. Blake Kelso, a 10th rounder in 2010, is hitting .291 with 21 stolen bases and a .355 on base percentage.
Hague, listed by mlb.com as the Nats' 10th best prospect, will be an interesting wild card. He certainly can hit. In 49 games at two levels in 2010 he hit .317.
Unfortunately, he also made a whopping 20 errors.
Thanks for the ChiSox updates, NatsLady. I see they did pick up a safety. Not quite enough.
I'm having a hard time phrasing this question well, so I'll just throw it out as is. Sorry.
Drew8 mentioned Redon's .505 OBP at Rice (over three years, no less). Since I don't follow college ball, I have no context. Is this, like, unheard of? Are there usually a couple-three guys doing it at any given time? 20 guys? Once a decade or so? Just a rough gauge; I'm not looking for any guarantees of future performance here.
Gracias to anyone who can help.
According to the NCAA's Division 1 baseball statistics, Rendon ranked fifth in the nation in 2011 with a .520 on base percentage.
In 2010 he ranked 11th in the nation with a .530 on base percentage.
As a freshman in 2009 he ranked 187th with a .461 on base percentage.
To put that record in perspective, there are about 280 TEAMS in Division I and 500 players can reach the 120 plate appearances to qualify for the OBP rankings. So Rendon's stats are pretty impressive.
According to the NCAA record book, Buster Posey holds the all-time single-season mark with a .566 on base percentage for Florida State in 2008.
To clarify:
I'm sure more than 500 players reach the 120 plate appearances to qualify. The NCAA lists as many as 500 players in its statistics.
The NCAA listed the top 500 in OBP for 2009, but listed "only" the top 150 for 2011.
baseballswami said...
Gonat - Zimmermann had the absolute worst luck of any pitcher I have ever seen. Wondering what you think his record should have been? I think he easily "should" have won at least 12, if not 13 or 14 with any run support at all, or bullpen not blowing a lead. Not to mention the fact that in his first season after tj - he had to pitch under tremendous stress pretty much every game. Everyone talks so much about SS , but he won't have a good w-l record either without a team around him that can back him up. Znn should be our #1 next year, but I hope we can drum up some support for him or he will be wearing pin stripes just as soon as he is not under our control anymore. By the way - I see AK is reporting that we could re-sign Willie Harris. That's interesting. I think.
September 4, 2011 9:59 PM
___________________________________
I think your estimate of 13 is a fair one if you go game by game. Very few pitchers end up like Ian Kennedy who 2 weeks ago had the same ERA and 16 wins and 4 losses. The team ended up 13-13 in games he started so the bullpen got credited for 5 of his wins.
Drew8, thanks for the stats on the infielders and the Rick Hague update is interesting. When do they expect him back?
Kelso in Hagerstown was an interesting guy. He was an All Star in the SAL League and was hitting .342 in April and entered the All Star Game at .330, then Bryce Harper was promoted. It had a big effect on that Hagerstown lineup. A shame Kelso couldn't keep the batting average up. He is a Jamey Carroll clone. Baseball smarts, speed, size. It looked like he was on his way to a promotion if he kept improving. Big difference having Freitas batting behind you then Bryce Harper. Since Harper was promoted, Kelso is batting .249 and .330 before.
I don't think you mentioned Sean Nicol. He did real well also at Low A Hagerstown at 3B. In Potomac High A, he did terrible. Went from .304 to .156.
It is very difficult to get excited about Kobernus or Walters who are not 19 or 20 year old players (23 and 22) in A ball and not lighting it up. At the Major League level, their numbers would be good, just nothing to get excited about at this level. Unless they can make some adjustments to their game, I don't see either as Major League prospects.
Lombardozzi is putting up impressive numbers and like Chris Marrero has to show that he can do it at the Major League level. The fact that Syracuse played Lombardozzi at all infield positions except 1st will serve him well as some scouts see him as a super utility infielder and others as a possible starter.
I know you didn't discuss 2B Matt Antonelli. He stood in Lombardozzi's shadow. Still at .297/.393 after a terrible July, he put up great August numbers. Problem is he is 26 years old and bad in hitting with RISP.
Top prospects stand out amongst their teammates and peers. Other than Lombardozzi and Rendon (possibly Hague), I don't see anyone in the infield at any Nats Minor League level except Tyler Moore (low OBP and big power) who has Top Prospect potential.
Scooter said...
Thanks for the ChiSox updates, NatsLady. I see they did pick up a safety. Not quite enough.
September 5, 2011 1:59 AM
___________________________________
18-2 looks like a High School football score. Score 18 runs in a single game raises a teams per game runs by .11 for an entire season.
BTW, in the Nats previous 5 games, they still didn't score 18 runs combined and that includes Saturday's 8-7 walk-off win!
Thanks for the reports on the wounded warriors/celebrity game. Wish I could have talked the hubby into going and hope that maybe MASN will have some footage.
JaneB, when Livo strolled from the mound after he was pulled, he doffed his cap to the crowd after tipping it to the HP umpire. He was sitting on the bench alone with his head down. Would raise his head at times and gaze around the park. I'm glad I was watching at home instead of at the park because there's no crying in baseball but there was in my basement.
As always, interesting reading - just a little upset that Mick supported my comment about being upset because I certainly don't want to be in his "camp" (fire this guy, get rid of that guy, I will never write here again - oops must have not seen that). Anyway, I am still not happy with our results and just wanted to express that without getting rid of the entire team.
Swami, agree with you and thanks for the insight into Zimmnn's bad luck but you said one thing I need clarification on. How is OUR support going to keep him out of pinstripes? Do you really think the players read 200 comments a day or actually care what we think? They are pros, they come to work each day and we rarely get a real look at what they are thinking. I am sure that JZ and his agent will do what is best for him and his future, just like SS and BH will as well. Its rare we get a young man like Ryan Z who talks about wanting to stay. I think we all want JZ here but not sure there is really anything we can do except fill the stadium and hope the Lerners use that money wisely to continue to build a team.
On Willie Harris, not sure that is a step forward. Surely they will look at Lombardozzi first and give him every chance. I loved Willies attitude and hustle (not so much his Batting Ave. or OBP last year). He had a huge tragedy this season losing a child and was surprised to see natslady reference a quote from him last year about his mother. He is definitely a family guy and probably great in the clubhouse but didn't we go through that this year with Stairs? I for one would be happy to have Willie back but would imagine the negativity from this group and others would be huge.
Go nats
In that game they played under protest, the Marlins manager did what the Mets manager did, only with a better result:
Marlins starter Anibal Sanchez intentionally walked Carlos Ruiz and then induced an inning-ending double play off the bat of Wilson Valdez to escape unscathed.
Valdez GIDP 10 times this year and 20 times last year.
Sorry, I didn't realize he had a tragedy. I liked Willie a lot when he was here, thought he had a great attitude. That was meant to be a positive comment. When the Debbi Taylor types would pester him about "how does it feel" after a bad game, he said something to the effect that he didn't lose sleep over a baseball game, he lost sleep if his mother was sick.
He took a lot of flack about that, and I was on the side that he had his priorities straight.
Great early morning posts. SJM, with you on Willie as it isn't a step forward. Gonat, agree on the true spirit on what a Top Prospect is.
I was hoping Komatsu in the Hairston trade had potential. His BA has plummeted. Outside of the many stud pitchers and the new signings and the obvious stars like BHARPER, not much there unless someone is coached up.
Glad you clarified NL and I agree with you and also with Willie - when debbie asked him that stupid question I loved his response and he was right on in my opinion - you play ball for a living and you live your life and love your family as a priority and that was what Willie was trying to get Debbie to understand - Not sure Debbie gets much but I have never been a big fan of hers.
My spousal equivalent is a huge fan of worrying about weather. Not sure why but its what she does. We have John Hiatt on Tuesday but I had tickets through RCR for W/Th/Fri - is there a slight chance that my son and I will see SS? His first start is still one of my top sports moments ever. Hate to be ego-centric but in order
1. First time at Griffith Stadium in 1950
2. First game after 30 some years at RFK in 2005
3. Beating UNC with Grievis going for 30+
4. SS first game with Dunn going deep to win the game
5. Watching Md win the national championship on TV
(breaking the rule of having to be at the event for this)
The Willie Harris topic shows how difficult it is to find good bench players. Davey keeps saying his bench isn't delivering the way he wants, but what is a good bench?
People, have at it.
Switch hitters? Defensive late inning replacements? You need infielders, outfielders, pinch hitters, and you have to keep the extra catcher. So let's say you have a bench of 6 players. Hunt around the league and our farm system and stock our bench for next year.
Rules: No everyday player with a BA over .250 can move to the bench unless he is over 35. Must have one catcher on the bench.
A student gave me a Nats gift card last Christmas so I got my tickets a long time ago for the Saturdays and Sundays of this month (except the last Saturday which is an afternoon game).
So I really hope it doesn't rain out tomorrow night, 'cause I would love to see Stras pitch on my birthday (Sunday). I've never seen him in person. I got a big kick out of the Miss Iowa game, a fun story to tell, but not quite the same.
Speaking of rare "franchise" players, I wonder how old Livo really is. He's not asking a lot, but other than the emotional and fun value--is he worth a roster spot, just call him "Matt Stairs."
I think the issue of bench players is a complicated one. You want them to have defensive ability for late game switches, you want them to have speed to run for people, and versatility so they can play anywhere. On top of that you want them to spend most of their time sitting and then be able to come into a game late and hit well. I know Riggs was criticized (well, bashed, really) for playing all 25 guys to keep the bench players fresh so that they would be ready when called upon. Hairston did a fabulous job filling in for Zim. I think if somebody is still fantastic then they have a regular starting spot with a team. If their career is on a downswing then can they really have a high average as a pinch hitter and do all the things listed above? What is realistic for a bench players skills? What is a realistic batting average? Nix and Gomes are not even really platoon players anymore since Morse is in the outfield. NatsLady - you nailed it with the "rules" , too.
A couple more tidbits from the minors: Tyler Moore had another monster year in Harrisburg. Ended at .272 with 31 bombs and 90 ribbies. A drawback....136 k's Last years golden boy, catcher Derek Norris, hit a robust .203 with 19 hr's and 45rbi's to go with his 117 k's. Never fear, we will get him down in winter ball and let Eck work his magic with him.
Congrats to both Potomac and Harrisburg for making the post season.
I think Auburn made it, too?
A couple more names to think about. Lefty Danny Rosenbaum was a combined 9-6 with Potomac and Harrisburg. Gave up only 140 hits in 170 innings with 135 k's. Might be the next Milone
High draft pick Sammy Solis was a combined 8-3 with Hagerstown and Potomac. Had a 3.26 era in 96 innings. Also had 93 k's. Overall....a solid season
Bowden boy Josh Smoker, after battling arm problems for a couple years, was made a reliever in Potomac. Was 5-2 with a2.31 era. In 50innings he gave up only 32 hits and k'd 56. A drawback.....37 bb's. Still, a plus season for Josh
Another 9/11 hero story to go along with Andrew's above.
On a baseball note, hope that they can get today's game in, as we have (upper deck, as usual) tix for it. Also hope that LannEn can lead our boys to victory on the field.
Big Cat, Drew8 was looking at middle infielders, I looked at all infielders and talked about all Top Prospects. By the way, still hope for Destin Hood and Eury Perez.
Also, I no longer consider Derek Norris a top prospect, I know that isn't a popular decision. His batting average is a huge problem being Mendoza-esque, love the OBP and who wouldn't. He has to show he can hit.
As far as Josh Smoker, he like Garrett Mock were looking promising as relievers. Both had bad weekends. Smoker just isn't progressing fast enough.
So many promising pitchers and the beauty of pitchers is that some of the fringe pitchers are able to add pitches to their repitoire so a Martis can re-emerge. Adding to Tom Milone, AJ Cole, Solis, Taylor Jordan, Ray, Martis, Rosenbaum, Lehman, Rafael Martin, Brad Meyers, Peacock, and the newly acquired Alex Meyer and Purke.
Natsfan1a, thanks for that link. For anyone who followed USA Baseball and top Amateur pitchers, Steve Reich is another Pat Tillman type of story.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/columns/story?columnist=wojnarowski_adrian&id=2098632
Gonat - I sort of agree with you on Norris - have not heard much about what kind of defense he brings. I think both Ramos and Flores are plus defenders with good arms. Is Norris in that catagory as well?
When does this group feel Rizzo will start to trade some of talent mentioned here for an established CF? Or will he?
Yeah....I saw a lot of Norris last year at Potomac and wasn't overwhelmed. Bat looked very slow to me.
I would love to see Lannan have a game that really shows what he can do. He has also been a little snake-bitten ( no reference to the d'backs intended) this year with lack of run support, errors, and getting hit in the schnozz. New goal - win two games in a row.But first they have to win that first one! That 75 win goal is looking a little less doable with the way the nats have been playing lately. Hoping they can turn it around. Last Labor Day Danny put on a show. Looks like there might be a little clear weather window to get the game in.
sjm308 said...
Gonat - I sort of agree with you on Norris - have not heard much about what kind of defense he brings. I think both Ramos and Flores are plus defenders with good arms. Is Norris in that catagory as well?
When does this group feel Rizzo will start to trade some of talent mentioned here for an established CF? Or will he?
September 5, 2011 10:17 AM
__________________________________
Norris has a good arm and getting better with the glove. Its getting hits that will hold him back. A .200 batting average at AA will only get worse as he progresses unless someone changes his approach. Rizzo's window to get great return for him was last year. If they can't fix Norris, he becomes a dime a dozen backup catcher which is a real shame.
Rizzo knows better than us who out of the group I named are the real future Major Leaguers. Next to the Rays and Pirates, I think the Nats have the best depth in pitchers. I don't think it is about trying to convince you a Detwiler is a top starter, it is seeing uber domination in the Minors and you have to check out Matt Moore of the Durham of the Rays AAA. The kid is the best lefty I have seen this year. There may be others but I have seen this kid. Untouchable. He was an 8th round pick out of High School 4 years ago and actually improved from AA to AAA as they changed his delivery.
That's what has to happen with the Nats pitchers in the Minors. Refining deliveries and adding 'plus' pitches to their repitoire.
Will be in Sec 225 today again if anyone cares to say "hello" in person. If you are in your backyard fixing steaks, you are excused.
Go Nats!
I'm bullish on Derek Norris, as noted previously. I think folks tend to overemphasize his poor batting average this year.
Norris has a career on base percentage of .402 and a career OPS of .857. This year he has an OPS of .796 despite the awful batting average.
He has maintained his power, hitting 23 homers at Hagerstown and 19 at Harrisburg.
As a catcher he has a strong arm. In 331 career games he has thrown out 40 percent of would-be base stealers. The concern is passed balls. He has 73 in 331 career games.
For comparison, Brian McCann had 23 passed balls in 207 minor league games, but only threw out 34 percent of his baserunners.
FWIW, in his post on Nats farmhands picked for the Arizona Fall League, Kilgore referred to "the highly regarded Class AA Harrisburg catcher Derek Norris."
Thanks for the OBP dope, Drew. You're the ginchiest.
Hey NatsLady... keep track of all the Anonymous posters that stop by to intoduce themselves....I met alot of our regulars during Spring Training but not one Anonymous.
Drew8, we all know of his great OBP and the problem is when you get to AAA and then to the Majors, they won't throw you 4 balls to walk you when you have a low Batting Average. This isn't Barry Bonds so while it is great he works the count in his favor, trust me, it won't work at the higher levels.
And Derek Norris has been "highly regarded" and you will see in the next Baseball America that they downgraded him.
Scoot:
You're welcome. Thanks for the tip o' the lid.
True, Derek Norris is no Barry Bonds. LOL
Gonat: The truth will out and we shall see.
Career OPS
Tyler Moore .801
Chris Marrero .809
Derek Norris .857
The thing about Norris is it's not just on base percentage. It's pop. He has a fine slugging percentage, too.
Career minor league slugging percentage:
Tyler Moore .483
Chris Marrero .457
Derek Norris .455
Natslady - will miss these next two but will be at the following 3 - love to drop by and say hi if you are there - its only one level down - I am guessing you are not in the Stars and Stripes, is that right?
Root hard for our boy LannEn
Go nats
Post a Comment