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File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER The Nats go for a four-game sweep this afternoon at Citi Field. |
Milone won't be an unknown quantity to the Mets; he made his big-league debut against them 12 days ago at Nationals Park and allowed four runs over 4 1/3 innings. So this could be a good test for the young lefty, the first chance he gets to face a lineup for the second time.
The Mets are sending their own rookie to the mound in right-hander Chris Schwinden. The 24-year-old went 8-8 with a 3.87 ERA in 28 combined games between the Mets' Class AA and Class AAA affiliates this season.
Enjoy the matinee ballgame; I'll be back on the beat from Nationals Park tomorrow for the start of the series against the Marlins...
NATIONALS at METS
Where: Citi Field
Gametime: 1:10 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 183
Weather: Cloudy, 73 degrees, Wind 8 mph out to RF
STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (70-77)
SS Ian Desmond
CF Rick Ankiel
3B Ryan Zimmerman
LF Michael Morse
RF Jayson Werth
2B Danny Espinosa
1B Chris Marrero
C Wilson Ramos
P Tommy Milone
METS (71-78)
SS Ruben Tejada
2B Justin Turner
3B David Wright
LF Jason Bay
CF Angel Pagan
RF Nick Evans
1B Val Pascucci
C Ronny Paulino
P Chris Schwinden
229 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 229 Newer› Newest»I foresee a slugfest by both teams to-day!
Goooooooooooo Nats!
Goooooooooooo Beast--let's get closer to 30 HRs!!!!
No Reyes. Might he be in the doghouse for not being more aggressive on the bases or a day off?
Steve M. said...So Milone gets to face the Mets again. Last time he barely got through the 4th but that game set up the Zim walkoff broken bat hit to right field. Milone was not getting his inside strikes to the RH batters and it hurt him the 2nd time through the order as they hit him well. His challenge will be seeing if the umpire will give him the inside pitch. If he gets it, I think he can be effective today. Not sure if Turner will start today but if he does, he could have Reyes and Turner from the right side. He did well against the LH Duda so the Mets should rest him and go with a very RH lineup against him. Wright will probably bat 3rd or cleanup. Pagan is another switch hitter so Milone may only see 1 or 2 lefties at most today. This is Milone's biggest test. The Mets are hungry to get a win. Day game after a night game and Milone has to show he can makeit through the 6th. The bullpen could use the rest also.
--------
You called their lineup except for Reyes and called it on removing Duda and moving Wright to #3 in the lineup and going very Righty. That is uncanny. 3 nights in a row you nailed what the pitchers would do. Then yesterday you called them offensively challenged and that is how the Nats have turned them.
Impressive. It's harder to compliment someone then criticize so hope I am in awe.
From last thread:
Sec 3 - thanks, that should work, at least when I am at a computer. On the iPad, which is where I blog from during games, it won't be that speedier, but also more unlikely to reach 200 comments.
A DC Wonk said...
Why in the world does Klaw think Peacock is #5 "at best"? He had a killer AAA season, and he hit 95 mph a number of times last night.
Mostly command of secondary pitches, is how I heard it. I don't think that can be completely dismissed.
On whether we should go after Reyes, I don't know what it costs, so it is hard to say. But I can say that he is near the top of guys that I hate to see with a bat in his hands against us. 9th inning last night was tough to watch. And he also seems like the guy that our pitches try to nibble with the most, which makes me think that they fear him some too.
Not sure what that means, but it has to mean something.
Mark'd, I don't think Terry Collins is taking my advice or anything but appreciate the compliment. Yes, it is easier to criticise than compliment and the trending was that the Mets were struggling at the hands of the Nats. I thought Peacock would match up well against David Wright and overall I'm not impressed by the Mets other than what Reyes as done as a table-setter this year. Losing Beltran is what I really saw as hurting the lineup.
The series before the Nats was the Cubs and the Mets hit them well. Milone has a tough righty lineup in front of him. Throw 1st ball strikes and get out the 1st man each inning and go from there.
Thanks everyone for the good wishes.
Last post before leaving (honest). Pleased to see Ramos back today after getting the day off yesterday. Most managers use their 2nd catcher in the day game following the night game but Davey has the luxury of Flores so Ramos will play a big part in Milone's success today. Hell, I am away so I can make all sorts of predictions and no one will remember.
Want to see Coffey/HRod and Burnett in the 7-8-9 as we take care of business.
Did not realize we are only 3 games off the tribe and have not bought the hat yet. Lets hope Manny just sits in the dugout as they stumble with that nonchalant look on his face.
5 more wins please!!
go nats
Slugfest?
Slugfest?
I predict the Nats will lose by a margin of 5. Schwinden will be Cy Young incarnate and the Nats lineup will strike out a minimum of 12 times.
I am also hoping that a reverse lock will be in effect.
Actually, revising my Klaw recollection on Peacock, I think that he mostly thinks that he is a reliever b/c of the lack of good secondary stuff.
Come on, is that the same Val Pascucci from the Montreal Expos??????
SteveJM, Love the prediction! Also, Val Pascucci
was released after the Nats took over the Expos. He had played in the MLB since 2004. Lets hope he still can't play!
SteveM, you and NatsJack are the best in Nats Blogosphere and probably should form your own Blog. Your thoughts matter and the ones that consistently pester you both obviously do it out of frustration and the "j" word----jealousy.
Mark'd, on jealousy, a friend of mine did batting practice at Nats Park and posted video of it on his Facebook page. I quote a comment someone left "In America you can buy anything". I wasn't invited to do it with him as he only took a few people. If you have a good eye for the game like NatsJack and Steve and acccess to the players etc, some will turn it into jealosy. I think it is great NatsJack formed a relationship with AJ Cole and others. That will only help others here as he reports back for us what is going on in Florida. BTW, my same friend had a picture with AJ in Hagerstown in the Hagerstown clubhouse. OK, yes, Im a little bit jealous.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LmcEja8etA&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Pay2Play, I think this is the BP video and for the record I know him and I am jealous of him LOL.
I had a dream last night. Bixler hit a grand slam home run in the bottom of the ninth to win it for the Nats.
I'm jealous of NatsJack, Andrew, Gonat and others and also appreciate their friendship and insight.
Mark'd, I went through those videos and I see he took Derek Hacopian with him for BP at Nats Park. That guy was a stud at University of Maryland in the early 90's and I think played for many years in the Indians and Expos farm system. He is an amazing batting coach for hire and you don't find many former players that are also fans. He goes to a lot of Nats games. I know many players Derek trained are top players and fairly certain he worked some with Hultzen who was the #2 overall pick in this years draft.
Lets bash their rookie instead of making him look like Cy Young. 3rd place would be awful sweet right now.
Nice article on Peacock. Interesting the radar readings. Also good consensus on getting squeezed on the strike zone.
http://www.nationalsarmrace.com/?p=2464
Bold predictions: somebody will win; somebody will lose, unless it rains (sometimes it does; think about that).
Is Carp a short timer? I know his contract hasn't been renewed yet, but I'm wondering if the frequent pairing of FP and Dave is a tryout of next year's scenario. I would miss Carp and his penchant for jinxing the Nats but I could totally live with FP and Dave.
LoveDa-- yeah, I can listen to TV now. Did they even explain Carp's absence today? They said he was "under the weather" the other day.
Sometimes it rains and you also lose. Or your loser bullpen loses it for you.
Here's a good read on Peacock and his father.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/sep/14/brad-peacocks-dad-there-for-every-stop-along-the-w/
As far as trying to divine why others act (or react) the way they do, I've learned over the years that some people will like me, some people won't like me, and some people will be indifferent to me, no matter what I do or don't do. I figure that, if they don't like me, that's their problem, and I try not to let it become mine.
As for Carp and FP, my understanding is that no decisions have been made. The first time that Dave subbed for Carp, he was on a preplanned vacation, and this week it was because of illness (kidney stones).
NatsLady, I think Carp has kidney stones.
I'll take that coke when you're ready, Pay to Play.
NatsLady - - He's still "under the weather". Hmmmm.
Morse again. He owes us a double at least.
Well said, SS. Now I'm off to the basement baseball watching lair.
I don't think there's any intrigue. To be painfully clear, his comments the other indicated that the stones had not yet passed. I've never had them, but I gather that it's extremely painful when they do.
Here is Storen on Ankiel:
"I don't think there's any camera angle other than the one that I had that can really describe how awesome that catch was. Its hit, its in the gap. That last 20 feet he gets to the ball. Its fading toward the gap. Its incredible. That was one of the best catches I have ever seen. I told Rick I owe him a couple dinners. Just hang with him, I was just going, please catch it. Its tough to say what my emotions were but I think thats probably the most pumped I've been to see somebody dive and make a catch, thats for sure."
Milone is already nibbling. These callups have to start to attack the zone. He walks the 2nd batter.
One decision made w.r.t. Carpenter was to not pick up his 2012 option. Which prompted Carpenter's decision to not pull a Riggleman. That doesn't mean he will or won't be back next year, it just makes him a free agent. It's not unheard of for someone currently working a job to call in sick on a day that he's interviewing for another job. Maybe that explains Carpenter's erratic illnesses. Kidney stones? They either pass or they don't, which makes it hard to explain being sick one day, back the next, and then sick again.
I'll say this for Carp. He's a pro. Watching him yesterday, you would never know that he was ill or that he was worried about his future. (At least for Clipp's inning, which is all I watched).
Good going, Tommy! Fielded his position and got out of it. Mets offense--phewwwww.
Nice, gets David Wright swinging on top of the slider for a double play and then strikes out Bay on a changeup.
He could have been following Lannan and going on the corners to Turner to worse case walk him to give him a force play.
Strands the leadoff double. Verry very nice!!!
@NatsLady said...
Mets offense--phewwwww.
September 15, 2011 1:26 PM
Watch out, you may get some posters saying how great the Mets offense is (so says the June stats)! Ha
The look on Jayson's face is precious. He's like, rain? What rain?
You have to like the way Peacock attacked hitters and got ahead last night... not at all what we are seeing out of Milone. He's going to learn real fast that these free passes are going to bite him in the keester.
What to do during a rain delay? Watched the bottom of the 8th with the Mets announcers. Clippard's curve to Wright was "just UNFAIR."
Since people were talking about Klaw earlier, saw this from his chat. Also, I asked him 'Crawford for Werth, who says no?', and he thought Red Sox.
Person (DC)
Any thoughts on Milone and Peacock at MLB so far?
Klaw
(1:16 PM)
I don't know what Milone is - I don't see anything there to get big league hitters out consistently. Peacock at least throws hard, but the fastball is flat, and that spike curveball is very tough to throw for strikes - looked like it was finishing below the zone consistently last night. I feel like he ends up a good reliever, but Milone is more like an emergency starter/up-and-down guy.
I was just reading the Bob Carpenter stuff up above. Man alive, remind me not to sneeze around youse guys! You'll have me quitting my job, taking a cruise to Canada, and permanently replaced by UNTerp before I can grab a tissue!
Okay, gurus. While there is a rain delay, maybe somebody can answer an off-topic question for me: Does anyone know when single game seats are likely to go on sale for 2012? Thanks.
Not gonna happen! Who could replace you, Scooter?
Single game tickets? How do you know this far in advance what the weather will be like?
Apparently, LDN, UNTerp could. sniff
Smart 2nd inning by Milone
Outsider, I feel like it's been March-ish in the past. If memory serves, my dad and I usually pick our games in like late February and then sit around for a week or so waiting for them to go on sale.
Single game tickets typically go on sale in early March. Usually there's an exclusive presale for season ticket holders a couple of days before sales open up to the general public. Also they might offer some pick-your-own 3-packs or 4-packs before Christmas like they did last year.
This Mets pitcher is throwing poo. And we have gone somnambulant.
It is quite possible that I made that word up.
FP thinks there is "deception" going on, but he sure looks hittable to me.
Wally, I can guarantee that you did not make up the word "poo". Winnie did.
I mean, he seems really bad. Little movement on the FB, with average speed. He even appears to slow down his motion when throwing something offspeed.
But he is through 3 scoreless
Anon - hah, but he was using Jonny's h. Was actually referring to somnambulant, though.
Hey NatsLady, if the logistical hurdles you have to clear to go to a game consist of:
1. Check the weather
then I envy you very much.
Little testy in the TV booth?
What a difference for Milone since the rain delay. Nice 5 pitch inning!
Tell us how you really feel, FP.
Hey - a little late to the party - anyone else think it was odd they IBB'd Paulino to get to the pitcher? If we're going to send Storen out three nights in a row to see if he can handle it aren't we willing to let Milone get the 8th hitter out and risk having a guy on 3rd put on down 1-0 - especially when the pitcher is up next?
Yeah, I'm not one for buying tickets in advance when it might rain or be cold. Usually go by the office on Thursday or Friday and pick out my seats. Sometimes I just go for the $5 day of seats. Probably not the best system if we start having sellouts.
Bought tickets for September this year because a student gave me a gift card and then they go on sale for 1/2 price. (Gotta remember that).
Thanks for the info, Feel Wood. And NatsLady, thanks for the laugh. :-)
I have a co-worker who grew up in New York and is excited about some American League team that will be playing here in June. Since they don't even play _baseball_ in that league, this is very hard to understand, but so it goes.
But you can hold off on the envy because I have to go to work now. Don't get to see many East Coast games during the week. Enjoy...!
NatsLady, if you like the cheap ticket deals, don't forget that you can get a free ticket for your birthday. If you were born during the off-season, there is a corresponding month during the season when you can claim your freebie.
https://secure.mlb.com/was/ticketing/birthday_form.jsp
Anon, I liked the IBB to Paulino. It isn't as if they would bring in a pinch hitter at that point.
Ah, you want Yankees tickets. Well, if they do like they did when the Red Sox were here in 2009 they'll have a special exclusive presale for season ticket holders just for those three games, followed by a special sale to the general public of whatever seats are left after that. IIRC most of the Red Sox tickets were scooped up by the season ticket holders so they could turn around and sell them for a profit on StubHub. I may actually have been guilty of doing that myself, come to think of it.
Interesting, Feel Wood. A special sale for season ticket holders. I'll have to tell him that. We have another co-worker who is in a season ticket group, so maybe they can work out that purchase. I appreciate the tip.
Mark - I know, but I guess at that stage of the game I'd like to see if Milone can get the out. Just seemed a little too by the book for me at this point of the season. Plus, Milone needs all the help he can get throwing strikes today.
Sweet.. 2 runs... Milone appears to be making the adjustments needed.
Also.. the kidney stones.. It's truly the only way a man would ever know what it is like to go through a child birth.. except this baby has no time table on getting out of you and I don't think they give epidurals for the pain.
Milone with a quick inning!
joemktg said...
Little testy in the TV booth?
I'm watching on gameday (from work, shhhh) . . . can someone fill me in on what that comment's about?
Wonk:
I think it was when FP said it would be good for the Nats to watch either the Braves and/or the Phillies clinch and celebrate getting into the playoffs.
Dave called him on it and said he wasn't buying that bull...because we have seen that THREE YEARS in a row! Classic!
WHERE IS LOMBO?
Mark'd
Why are you screaming?
Following the game on Game Channel, it seems as if Milone may be tiring, with two long outs and a single this inning. For those who are watching, is that what it looks like?
Milone out, Balestar in. Milone 84-88 all game, but he was effective.
Maybe it is because it seems like everyone is snoozing this game, except the announcers.
Do all our starters have an expiration date of 5 innings and change?
yes unless your J Zim, then you are expected to throw 115 pitches while laboring through your last inning.
My take on Milone today, exactly as advertised. Slow, hitting spots, when he misses over the plate (not often today), it gets hit. Good effort, but I am not sure about his future yet.
BTW, Bay rocks Balestar off the wall in left, missing an HR by inches. Morse makes a great catch off the wall (anyone play 'flys up' as a kid?), and almost throws him out at 2b.
Starters who only go 5ish innings don't bother me as much as relievers who can't get one out.
Save-a-rino (is that it, Sec 3?) warming up in the bullpen. He looks like CC Sabathia's kid brother.
Some of these guys seem to contribute only by identifying themselves as a FORS (Future Open Roster Spot).
I'm pretty done with Ballester.
You'll know this franchise is making real progress when the likes of Balestar aren't our call ups. Guys we hope can get three outs once in awhile.
Dave called him on it and said he wasn't buying that bull...because we have seen that THREE YEARS in a row! Classic!
Good for Dave (if he was nice about it)
Wow. Lombardozzi just about doubled his batting average.
The Smurf in for the Mets
Smurf balks in a run. Hard to see what happened actually. Looks like his hand got caught on his shirt.
Probably more like an Oompa Loompa, actually.
Mark'd said...
WHERE IS LOMBO?
Waiting for a good time to be a pinch hitter, apparently ;-)
I realize I officially cannot recognize a balk. Thought I saw one on Milone's pickoff earlier but didn't see the actual one called.
Time for RZim and Morse to put this game away!!
(I can't remember the last time we had a "comfortable" lead! OK, OK, it was Sunday, but it seems like ages ago!)
OH, THERE'S WALDO, I mean LOMBO
LDN - yeah, I had a hard time (as did the announcers). I think what happened is that when he was putting his hand in his glove, it caught on his shirt and it looked like he moved after he was set.
Or maybe he blew a kiss at the 1B ump, who took offense. I dunno.
This would be an outstanding moment for Morse to activate Beast Mode and break out of his semi-slump.
Balester, I guess Davey doesn't no the bullpen.
no go, N.O. Morse whiffs with bases loaded, 1 out. He really seems to be 'swinging for the fences' lately. He also swung at several balls right there.
Werth grounds out. Needed some more runs there.
I get the feeling Werth went up looking for a balk
HRod's change up > Milone's FB.
Morse with a nice catch, but mostly because he was awkward in getting the ball.
SCNatsFan: I'll see your Balester on the "you'll know they're good" list and raise you a "when Doug Slaten is sitting in the OPPOSING bullpen hoping he doesn't get into the game."
Nice play by the Beast of the East!
Anonymous said...
Balester, I guess Davey doesn't no the bullpen.
Sure he does. (Riffing off of Nats Outsider above:) Davey just wanted Balester to get the opportunity to really earn, to really solidify, his position at FORS
;-)
Bad Henry. Walks the catcher. Time for Coffee
Announcers made a big deal of HRod cutting down on walks, so HRod says 'oh yeah?', and walks two guys in a row.
To HRod's credit, those sliders were nasty and I can't believe the hitter took all 3 of them in the first walk.
Time for HRod to throw nothing but heat down the middle.
Chances are they wont hit it
HRod made some good pitches, but Turner keeps fouling them off. Good strategy, since Henry only has so many strikes in him, and walks the bases loaded. I think the lack of use lately affected him, maybe weather too.
Coffey time.
I was just about to write:
"and races it on -- which will come first: a 100 mph fastball, or a WP".
And before I could post -- the WP came. And before I could post the modified comment, he hits 100.
Sigh. The never make it easy, do they?
It's Coffey Time! C'mon, killer! Just one out!
Seriously, Henry stinks and Davey hasn't learned a thing. Henry should have been gone 3 batters ago.
Rodgriquez is the most infuriating pitcher I know. Unbelieble natural talent, and no ability to channel it.
Coffey hits the spot. Long fly to left; a little nervous but we are through 7. raining again
Whew!!
Cardiac Arrest: Expect it.
Well, need to sign off. people looking for me, and hookey-time is over.
Go Nats, bring it home.
Kardiac Kids or in Coffee's case, Kardiac Koffee
Sigh. That's often the problem with 24-year-old flame-throwers. But, the good news is that they turn 25 and 26.
HRod did have six straight innings prior to this without a walk. And credit the Mets hitters for battling.
And HRod owes Coffey big time!
Just joining the party - even without Mark I can get a feel for the game from reading your posts. Bad Henry today, huh? I think it's a shame that we have pitchers with " million dollars arms and two cent brains" , HRod and the former albatross, Mock and then we have some smart guys like Milone that would really know what to do with that kind of stuff if he had it. I wish we could transplant arms and put them with appropriate brains! Calling Dr. Andrews!
@Anon4:16- I disagree on both counts.
@NatsOutsider- For the most part Henry has pitched well this year. He walks the park, but how often does he actually get hit hard? Very rarely.
I think his talent can be harnessed. He's still young.
OK, we have yet _another_ chance to put it away. C'mon guys!
I haven't seen every at bat of this day game, but from what I've seen the Nats are showing a lot of character and patience playing in front of an empty stadium on a rainy day at the end of a tough four-game grind it out series with nothing at stake. The Mets clearly don't care about this game as much as our guys do- witness that fly ball that dropped for a double right in front of a nonchalant Angel Pagan as I was typing this.
Win or lose today, this is a team I'm really proud to root for.
SteveM, you really nailed the Mets offense. Ruben Tejada after seeing the previous 2 batters swings at the first pitch. That's a replay of the 2008 Nats.
Ian's been hot today, this would be a good time to . . .
get an RBI!!!
Atta boy, Ian! Batting leadoff, and getting four hits today!!
Desmond hits a double play ball that is a hit for the drawn in infield.
Now, that comfortable lead that everyone's been asking for! Zimm doubles for 6-1!
How 'bout them Nats' bats breaking out!!! (Granted, the Gomes hit should have been a double play.)
Right after I posted that comment about effort, Gomes hustles to beat out a potential double play ball and bring home a run, making it 5-1 and keeping the inning going for Zimm. Who makes it 6-1 with a double to left.
I'm gonna go buy two tickets to tomorrow night's game so I can salute this team's effort in person.
Meant to day: SteveM, you really nailed the Mets offense. Ruben Tejada after seeing the previous 2 batters WALK, swings at the first pitch. That's a replay of the 2008 Nats.
Anybody else have the idea that the Mets are going through the motions and might be hard pressed to win more than three or four games the rest of the season?
Binx Bolling said...
Anybody else have the idea that the Mets are going through the motions and might be hard pressed to win more than three or four games the rest of the season?
I wonder if that is a reflection of the difference between a team that's on the way up (Nats) and a team that is on the way down (Mets).
Wow . . . a nine-pitch strike out by Clip. Way to battle!
Clip threw 20 pitches that inning -- 16 of them for strikes.
That boy does earn his keep!
Surprised we used Clip in a 6-1 game. no?
Would've been nice for Clip to get the day off, even after warming up while the team was clinging to a 3-1 lead, but coming on w/ a 6-1 lead...
The Mets look like they just wanna go home.
Wow, 5-hit/3 RBI day for Des!
Wow! 10 to 1!
Wow, Desmond has raised his average by six points in this game (.245 to .251). That's doing good work!
Ian -- five-for-six!!
It feels nice to have some real breathing room, eh?
Sean Burnett, huh? I guess Davey thought nine runs wasn't enough for Slaten ...
This is where I would have used Slaten. If he can't protect a 9 run lead you may as well DFA him now.
Get Corey Brown an AB.
Milone and Coffee and Ian Desmond are the stars today.
Tim.. Corey is out for the rest of the year.. potential staph infection in the knee..
And what is even better.. The Marlins are playing two with the Phils, losing right now in the first game, and they are having rain delays....I hope their bullpen gets torched today!
TIM, Corey Brown is done for the season with a deep knee infection.
5 in a row, sweep the Mets on the road.. I like the sound of it... next up... FISH FRY!!!
A very satisfying week of baseball! Congrats to Tom "Mayday" Milone.
"This is where I would have used Slaten. If he can't protect a 9 run lead you may as well DFA him now."
Your lips to Rizzo's ears ...
Wow....10-1 final...
Nice to see the Nat's being the ones to open up the good ol' fashion can of whoop-ass...
And ... the game ends on a double play. I should feel sorry for Mets fans but I've felt that way so often - and so recently - that I don't.
nine runs might NOT have been enough for Slaten...
Thanks for posting what was going on. I missed the whole thing, and refrained from looking at the MLB app or my text messages so I could read it here first. I knew you all would give me some insights I couldn't get in a box score.
I love Desi. I love Clip. I love all Nats.
I can't get to the stadium till SUnday, and it feels like it's been a month already since they've been home. This is going to be a long fall.
GYFNG! Rest tonight, then go take the Fish tomorrow.
Anon at 5:19, I snorted the celebratory red wine all over the computer. Oooof!
JaneB said...
nine runs might NOT have been enough for Slaten...
The Nats would have won 10-9 :@)
In 4 games the Mets were held to 5 runs in total. An average of 1 run per game. The Mets made errors and mental mistakes.
The only mistakes the Nats made was trotting out Slaten and Henry Rodriguez. The creme rises to the top and the crumbs to the bottom.
Analytical, right you are!
Is this the first series we have swept out of town? I can't remember another one this season.
On the subject of useless and misleading stats, Charlie Slowes says that MPHRod earned a "hold" today.
On the other hand, Ian Desmond tied the club mark with 5 his hits.
And we get Mark back tomorrow!!!!!
Wait a minute???? I looked in and Balester was blowing Milone's win and Henry was walking the Mets around the bases... I check back and we won 10-1???? That is not a Nationals score. Please re-check that for me, ok?
If we sweep a series but the other team is absent, it still counts, right?
Les in NC ... the reverse lock worked! Keep it up!!!
Nats in full possession of 3rd place! Boz is smiling now and Davey sure was!
GNats said...
In 4 games the Mets were held to 5 runs in total. An average of 1 run per game. The Mets made errors and mental mistakes.
The only mistakes the Nats made was trotting out Slaten and Henry Rodriguez. The creme rises to the top and the crumbs to the bottom.
September 15, 2011 5:34 PM
______________________________
Well said, and add in Balester. The HenRod apologists are out in full force.
Henry throws such a straight fastball that he can't fool anyone unless he is working strictly off change of speed. Unless he makes adjustments like Burnett, Henry is toast. People were fooled by those couple of games where Henry game in for low pressure relief appearances. Henry + pressure = Disaster Slaten + a baseball = Disaster
In the meaningless stats category, Slaten and MPHRod both lowered there ERAs in this series.
Balester blew the inherited runner which cost Milone a earned run so Balester lowered his ERA also.
The Desmond bashers will never give him credit. Drew8 was ready to trade him yesterday with Norris and Marrero for BJ Upton. Justin Upton, maybe---BJ Upton with a 1 year contract, are you kidding me?
FP declared today that Desmond is the team's leadoff hitter. I think that could be a mistake, Desmond is making a case for himself, still a long way to go. Credit to Davey on his work with Desi.
JaneB - I think the tv talkers said that we had not swept a series out of town in a couple of YEARS. Maybe late September of 09? Very nice to see the team playing well and capitalizing on someone else's mistakes. So that's what it looks like from the other side! Peacock and Milone - baby nats get wins 2 days in a row. But , confess, if someone had told you that a couple of call-up pitchers had wins at this point - wouldn't you have bet money that one of them was Strassie? Quite unexpected. This whole bullpen procession makes the games loooooong, though. It's like survivor natspark - who will get voted off the mound? Can we vote,huh, can we, please?
I know alot of you wanted Lombo to start and Kudos for Davey for having Lombo on the bench today so Desmond could have a career day and Espi could raise his batting average and Lombo could come in as a pinch hitter in a high stress spot and get a hit!
All the baby Nats contributed today!
Not since 2005, but if memory serves, they were talking about four-game serieses, um, series.
JaneB - I think the tv talkers said that we had not swept a series out of town in a couple of YEARS. Maybe late September of 09?
The Mets had 2 errors today. The one at 1st was an old Expo who hasn't started a game since he was an Expo and his error popped things open.
The Mets reminded me of the worst we have seen in the Nats. Bases loaded with no clutch, can't get hits with RISP, can't score runs, balls falling in between 2 outfielders, fielding errors, balk, mental errors, lopsided blowout loss. 10-1
Personally back in March I thought the Mets were destined for 90+ losses so they have played better than I originally thought until this series.
Milone sat out in a rain delay and came back as a man on a mission. You figure he really had a much higher pitch count as he had to re-warm himself after the rain delay. Davey called his performance magnificent. Somehow Davey keeps coming up with these superlatives for his pitchers but last night and today probably aren't as big of a stretch as what he called Detwiler's outing of a "masterpiece".
Speaking of Desi's career day, hope that you are out there somewhere enjoying it, Unkyd!
Was sweet to sweep the Mets in their house. By the end that even the bozo who had been standing behind the plate waving his beer around and weird-walking back and forth gave up and left. Or maybe he was taken away. Looked like there weren't that many fans left at the end.
FP had an interesting tidbit for the stats-obsessed - our boys are 4-0 as Smurfs.
And, yeah, I realize that's a small Smurf sample size.
natsfan1a, the Nats are 4-0 since Steve started predicting what the starters would do. Here was todays:
Steve M. said...
So Milone gets to face the Mets again. Last time he barely got through the 4th but that game set up the Zim walkoff broken bat hit to right field.
Milone was not getting his inside strikes to the RH batters and it hurt him the 2nd time through the order as they hit him well.
His challenge will be seeing if the umpire will give him the inside pitch. If he gets it, I think he can be effective today. Not sure if Turner will start today but if he does, he could have Reyes and Turner from the right side. He did well against the LH Duda so the Mets should rest him and go with a very RH lineup against him. Wright will probably bat 3rd or cleanup. Pagan is another switch hitter so Milone may only see 1 or 2 lefties at most today.
This is Milone's biggest test. The Mets are hungry to get a win. Day game after a night game and Milone has to show he can make it through the 6th. The bullpen could use the rest also.
September 15, 2011 10:41 AM
Who's excited about spring training 2012?
Gonat, Herrera's balk really brings the Mets' errors up to three. Yeah, of course a balk is not an error officially, but it was a mistake that advanced two baserunners and even scored a run.
Analytical, I can't even think about spring training yet. I'm still excited about 2011, which I hope will be remembered as the season where the Nats started to turn it around.
If the Nats can avoid a sweep by either the Phillies or the Braves and somehow split with the Marlins, they will end up with 76 wins, which is another significant jump from previous years. That is *completely* do-able. Maybe they can even beat that. Actually, I worry most about the Marlins, who seem to have the Nats' number in some inexplicable way.
This game today and the one against the Brewers where their manager put on crazy defensive shifts were the 2 most bizarre games of the year. All breaks went the Nats way and generally, its the Nats on the wrong side of bizarre.
Analytical Nat said...Who's excited about spring training 2012?
I am ready for some football, I mean 2012 Nats baseball!
Especially with the umpiring calls. They've been a bit suspect this year...
I feel like I have been holding my breath for hours this week! Well - not in the 8th or 9th today. My thoughts -- hooray for baby nats one and all and their wonderful smurfiness. HOW GOOD IS TYLER CLIPPARD??? Some nice hitting, for a change. And -- how weird is it to watch another team do all the stuff we hate when our team does it? I hope this trend continues right back into nats park. I love my nats, but I have to tell you that I have had more than enough of Johnny and Ray and Debbie Taylor, too. FP we can keep! Carp and his kidney stones - ambivalent.
Gonat 6:04 said: "The Desmond bashers will never give him credit. Drew8 was ready to trade him yesterday with Norris and Marrero for BJ Upton. Justin Upton, maybe---BJ Upton with a 1 year contract, are you kidding me?"
First of all, that's not exactly what I said. I said I could see Desmond and/or Norris, and/or Marrero in a deal for B.J. Upton. I also said that Rizzo would not deal prospects for Upton unless he had a window to work out an extension.
Secondly, no, I'm not kidding you. I'm glad Ian had five hits. He seems like a good kid. But I'd be much, much happier if he had three hits and two walks.
I acknowledge again today -- as I did yesterday -- that Desmond has played much better since the All-Star break.
Once more, with feeling: My concern about Ian is that he does not draw walks, so his on base percentage is captive to whether he's swinging a hot bat. In September Ian has a .339 on base percentage. That's great! The problem is that it's based almost entirely on his .328 batting average in September.
Ian has one walk this month in more than 60 at bats. That's why I don't want him to be the leadoff guy.
I'm not saying he lacks talent. I'm not saying he's a bad guy. I just want a leadoff hitter who gets on base when he's not lining base hits all over the field.
On a related topic -- From today's MLBTR chat transcript by Ben Nicholson-Smith:
Q. "What team does BJ Upton get traded to? Marlins could sure use him, as can the Nationals."
A. "Ben Nicholson-Smith: I think both clubs make sense and given the Nationals' prolonged interest in Upton (and center fielders in general), I think they're the favorite. I think the 2012 Nationals are going to look considerably different than this year's edition."
P.S. Great win. GYFNG!!!
Watching BJ Upton batting .234. Lets see what he does. Well, this is bizarre the ball goes right between the SS legs and it isn't scored an Error as his broken bat got to the SS 1st so he dodged the bat and the ball goes between his legs. I guess Upton is batting .236 now!
Never seen that before. I am sure you will see it on the highlights!
Still doesn't change my opinion of Upton. 2 thumbs down.
I have a question-- I didn't see the game yesterday. Which Met is the smurf and why?
Drew8 - You know why nobody talks about Michael Morse's lack of walks? Its because he is batting .315
Desmond has been a target all year. His fielding is much improved, his hitting has really improved in the last 45 days. His baseball IQ is better. He has arguably been the team's best leadoff man.
I don't think Desmond is the answer, I think he is a work-in-progress. On July 31st, people were ready to dump him for a bag of sunflower seeds I recall was one joke.
Give it time. Just wondering Drew8, why are you enamored with BJ Upton?
Drew8 said...My concern about Ian is that he does not draw walks, so his on base percentage is captive to whether he's swinging a hot bat. In September Ian has a .339 on base percentage. That's great! The problem is that it's based almost entirely on his .328 batting average in September.
Ian has one walk this month in more than 60 at bats. That's why I don't want him to be the
leadoff guy.
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I agree with your statement on his AB to OBP. The .339 OBP is great, the problem is as we all know it isn't sustainable unless Ian changes his approach. If he changes his approach, he may not hit .328.
The .328 isn't sustainable IMO. He should be a .280 hitter with 2 walks a week. How do you achieve that? Patience my friend as THAT (patience) is what is a work-in-progress.
Here I am, 1A!!! Thanks for the shout-out... Missed Desi today...working, of course:( ... But I recall predicting, a month or so ago, that he'd finish at .260, and pick up where he left off, next spring... No, really.... I did!!
I was SO gonna blow off fantasy football, this year, and give the Nats my undivided, as they deserve... But I won both of my leagues, last year, and they're both sprinkled with high school buddies....so I relented, and that's dhere I've been, the last two weeks, but I've got things set up, now, and hope to contribute here, the rest of the way. this prolly don't fly with some of y'all..... but I hope you won't rescind my Gorse-Hacking bona-fides :)
GYFNG!!!!!
Gonats -- your comments on HRod and Ian, which were pretty much right next to each other, taken in tandem, made me chuckle.
You bash HRod, and then accuse others of being an HRod apologist.
You then criticize those who bash Ian, and become his apologist!
For whatever it's worth, I happen to agree with your words on Ian -- except that I think they apply to both HRod and Ian.
Of Ian, you wrote: "I don't think Desmond is the answer, I think he is a work-in-progress... Give it time."
I agree. But I think that applied to HRod here, too. Nobody think HRod is awesome -- but a number of us think he has that potential. Flame-throwers often are erratic while still young (see Ryan, Nolan and Johnson, Randy)
Consider: Ian's turning 26 this month; HRod is still only 24.
So, like you said about Ian (who still can't seem to take a walk), is what many say about HRod: "work-in-progress...Give it time."
(And, btw, HRod also has a wicked slider).
I am of the school of thought that you don't make trades for marginal performers, especially when its a 1 year deal like BJ Upton would be. He's not Michael Borne or in that class. Why is so much energy given to a player who won't be much of an upgrade over what the Nats possess in Ankiel, Werth and Bernadina.
Morse LF, Bernadina CF, Werth RF. If Rizzo get a RH or Switch-hitter platoon with Bernadina then you have an upgrade. Some have mentioned Coco Crisp and he doesn't cost anybody in a trade because he is a Free Agent.
drew8,
one important point about Desmond. Yes you are right about the lack of walks but he is getting much deeper into counts which in turn has allowed him to get better pitches to hit. I don't think that the high average is an accident I think it's a product of a much better approach at the plate.
Gonat,
Speaking only for myself; when looking at BJ upton you have to look beyond the batting average. Even in a down year he is +2.9 WAR and he has been 4.5 and 5 in other years. He is still young and all the tools are there.
If you get him on the cheap he's a much better player than other candidates discussed here.
Gosh. MASN has the Nats game on. Jonny Gomes is up, and we are winning 3-1 in the 7th. I wonder how this all turns out?
I'm with Mark'd on BJ Upton. The upside on him isn't good enough for all the Rays have demanded, and will continue to demand, I have a hunch that they are saying Desi could be our lead off guy to spread the word that they won't pay a ton in a trade. On the other hand, if Ian keeps it up, maybe he is a fine lead off guy in the future.
My dogs get cookies every time Ian Desmond does something good. In fact, one of them hears his NAME and assumes a cookie is coming. I like that they have been gajnjng weight recently.
Ooh. Ryan just walked and Morse is up. I wonder what happens next.
Mark'd,
I disagree with your statement that Upton is not in Bourne's class. In case yoiu haven't noticed the Nats have pretty much abandoned the idea of Bernadina in center. There is a stronger likelihood that Ankiel or Werth play center next year than Bernadina.
I do feel that we need one more strong hitter in the lineup and the fit is in the outfield.
DC WONK,
I agree with you 100% on HRod. People are saying that his fast ball is straight and he's not fooling anyone. I'm not seeing him give up bombs left and right; I think there is a lot there if he can establish better control especially as you say that he has decent secondary pitches.
I bet HROD walks the bases loaded. Any takers?
I saw the game yesterday, but I must have missed the smurf reference to Herrera.
Of course you'll always have your Gorse-Hacking bona fides, Unkyd.
That's funny about your dogs and the cookies, JaneB!
I bet Coffey bails him out, Analytical.
Hope that the Nats rest up tonight and are ready to take it to the Fish back at home.
natsfan1a said...
You must be clairvoyant. Coffey isn't in the game...
jd, come on. The first batter he faced was Willie Harris. Luck be a lady tonight! That ball was a HR except the wind blowing in.
Henrey needs work, lots work. I'm not saying kick him to the curb. I am saying COACH this guy up.
And by the way, his fastball is straight. The deception is the speed when he is able to change speeds.
HenRod needs to go to the Clippard school of relief pitching.
Wow! Natsfan1a, Coffey is coming into game. Hope you're right...
Awesome! I think I'll go buy a lottery ticket right now!!
And yet he's given up 1 home run all year.
It would sure be nice to score a couple of more runs...
Gonat,
Speaking only for myself; when looking at BJ upton you have to look beyond the batting average. Even in a down year he is +2.9 WAR and he has been 4.5 and 5 in other years. He is still young and all the tools are there.
If you get him on the cheap he's a much better player than other candidates discussed here.
__________________________________
jd, Upton would be an upgrade. I just know how the Rays are masters of the art of the deal. Andrew Friedman will eat Rizzo's lunch. No way you get him on the cheap. If BJ Upton had 3 years under team control I would really feel differently, plus he isn't a leadoff hitter.
You offer them Bernadina and Norris and see if they will take it. They need catchers.
Bourn 87 Runs 47 RBIs 54 SB
49 BB .299/.353/.393/.747
BUpton 70 Runs 71 RBIs 29 SB
64 BB .234/.323/.411/.734
Bernadina .249/.314/.362/.676
Bourn is a leadoff man. Upton isn't. Upton has more power. Bourn gets on base much more. Bernadina needs more playing time. Numbers for BA/OBP aren't much worse than Upton for MILLIONS less.
Upton just clobbered a HR as I write this. LOL
Who is watching the Phillies/Marlins night game? Cliff Lee winning 1-0 going for the complete game shutout with 2 outs and nobody on and Lopez is in a 0-2 count and hits a HR to push it to a tie game going into the bottom of the 9th. Unreal.
The announcers are bragging on Lee that the last Phillie with 7 complete game shutouts was Steve Carlton in 1972 and Cliff Lee is going for 7. They jinxed him.
Watching the replay of the game = we are pathetic people. Even worse - I KNOW what's going to happen, but I feel like I don't sometimes. I have to remind myself -- you moron, we won. It's good to re-live the nice things. We've seen so many things we would love to forget. I did not think we would get to the point where Desi was carrying the offense for Morse, though.
Gonat said...
jd, come on. The first batter he faced was Willie Harris. Luck be a lady tonight! That ball was a HR except the wind blowing in.
As jd just said -- he's only given up one HR in 52 appearances (that's 0.2/9-Inn, lowest on the team). Hit/9 Inn is 7.9 -- that's the third lowest on the team (behind Clip and Storen).
Further, if he can get his location, it doesn't matter if his fastball is straight. (They say you only need two out of three: speed, movemet, location. Unfortunately -- HRod has two out of three only half the time).
I.e., his problem is just wildness, pure and simple. And it is, indeed, a big problem. He has the worst BB/Inn on the team, and he leads the entire NL in wild pitches.
But you know what? HRod's lousy WHIP (1.584) is about the same that Nolan Ryan had when Ryan was 24 (1.586). And when Ryan was 25, he also led the league in WP's.
No, HRod ain't no Nolan Ryan. (But neither was Ryan at age 24). And he ain't no Doug Slaten either. Like you said about Ian: work-in-progress, give it time.
Anon8 - The phils are celebrating being back in the playoffs again , but they have not had the best week. They lost a couple to the Astros, the one they did win was 1-0. Now , the Marlins. A little bit of let down? Or saving it for the post -season? Their pitching is great but their offense can be very nats-like.
Re: Phillies-Marlins -- it's not bad enough for the Marlins (or good enough for the Nats) that they have to play 18 innings the day before playing the Mets -- but they are playing more than 18?!
Gotta love it. Burn out that bullpen, Florida!!
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