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US Presswire file photo Sun Life Stadium hosts its final three ballgames this week. |
The Nationals have gone an abysmal 16-35 at the home of the Marlins since 2006, not to mention sat through countless rain delays, battled shoddy field conditions and played in front of literally dozens of fans at times.
But the Nats arrive in Miami for this final series riding the wave of their late-season surge. They've won 12 of 15 and still can finish with their first-ever winning record if they sweep these three games. Tommy Milone takes the mound for his fifth big-league start (the Nats have won all of his previous four). He'll be opposed by right-hander Anibal Sanchez.
Much as I wish I could be there, it just wasn't possible to travel with our newborn son. Enjoy the game and the conversation as always...
NATIONALS at MARLINS
Where: Sun Life Stadium
Gametime: 7:10 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM, JIP at 8:30), WHFS (1580 AM), XM 188
Weather: Scattered storms, 84 degrees, Wind 5 mph RF to LF
STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (78-80)
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
MARLINS (71-88)
SS Emilio Bonifacio
2B Omar Infante
RF Mike Stanton
1B Gaby Sanchez
LF Logan Morrison
C John Buck
CF Bryan Petersen
3B Donnie Murphy
P Anibal Sanchez
229 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 229 Newer› Newest»There very well may be less fans at these games than in normal spring training games.
No series preview with all the starting pitchers?
I think it's the orange seats that make it look so hideous with fewer fans.
Anibal Sanchez, RHP
Stats
8-9, 3.67 ERA
Last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. WSH
Last 5 years vs. WSH hitters
Sanchez lost his last start against the Braves after allowing a three-run second inning. He went just five frames and threw 83 pitches. He is 8 2/3 innings shy of his first 200-inning season. Sanchez is tied for seventh in the NL with 191 strikeouts.
Tuesday: 7:10
LannEn vs. Vasquez
Javier Vazquez, RHP
Stats
12-11, 3.77 ERA
Last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. WSH
Last 5 years vs. WSH hitters
Vazquez has pitched 25 consecutive scoreless innings, setting the franchise record for a starter. Over his past 11 games, he has gone 6-2 with a 1.54 ERA, which ranks third in the Majors. He pitched a complete-game shutout last time against the Nats.
Wednesday NOTE 4:10 PM START
Strasburg vs. Chris Volstad, RHP
Stats
5-12, 4.96 ERA
Last 3 starts
Last 10 years vs. WSH
Last 5 years vs. WSH hitters
Volstad, a South Florida native, will make the final start of the season and the last game for the team as the Florida Marlins at Sun Life Stadium. At home, he's 3-7 (5.04 ERA). He had a strong seven-inning start vs. Milwaukee in his last start.
for the last game on Wednesday, Duffy's (across from the 9:30 Club) will have a Nats Happy Hour.
Beast Morse going for 30 HRs and getting closer to .310 would be Greattttt. Desi, Espi and Ramos all getting a bunch of hits to finish on a high note and Strasburg dominating on Wednesday would be huge.
If the Nats win one game, 3rd place will be secured for the first time in Nats history. If the Nats sweep them for 3 games, a 81-80 finish.
A lot of baseball to step up to new levels.
Mark'd said: "If the Nats win one game, 3rd place will be secured for the first time in Nats history."
Really? This is good news. I thought the magic number was 3 for 3rd place. Well, then. Let's put this baby to bed tonight guys. Getting 3 wins in that haunted house is a steep slope, but we can do it one step at a time. Tonight is for respectability. Go Nats!!
More good stuff:
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/26/jonny-gomes-wants-to-re-sign-with-nationals-because-this-team-is-going-to-be-friggin-good/
Go Chris Morreo. Playing in front of family and friends. Home he hits his first homer, and gives the ball to his dad.
So good to be discussing the magic number as opposed to the 'tragic' number mentioned in past years.
Tcostant: The funny/sad thing about Gomes' prediction is that the truer it is, the less room there is for Gomes on the team. We can't afford to have Mendoza-level hitters, unless they have a specific role. I don't see how Gomes offers anything for next year.
Too bad. I like the guy, not to mention that he has the coolest haircut on the team.
Someone might have posted this in another topic, but lookingat next year's schedule, I just realized all 3 home series with the Fish are on weekends. I believe that's even rarer than this season's 14 home weekend series.
I believe neither Cora nor Bixler should be re-signed, but of Ankiel, Nix and Gomes, if the Nats want to potentially make a drive for the Wild Card, they can only afford (production-wise) to keep one of these low OBP guys.
I like the Gomes too, and by all accounts his teammates friggin love him, but then, I like a lot of people, and they liked Willingham, too.
But how is a part-time guy hitting thirty points below his lifetime .243 average get to be a Type B? Especially in the outfield?
I saw the Nats lose to the Marlins at Dolphins Stadium in April 2009 - the highlight of the game was the 1st inning 55-foot curveball from Daniel Cabrera that struck the home plate umpire in the hand and caused a 5-minute injury delay. Good times.
Of course, my daughter and I got tickets next to the 3rd base dugout and 3 rows from the field for $20 apiece FACE VALUE. So there's that.
I pretty much agree with you, NCog, but Ankiel and Bixler have value as defensive substitutions(particularly Ankiel). If the outfield is not "fixed" in the off-season, I can easily see keeping Ankiel as a late-inning defensive insertion who is not a complete loss at the plate. Cora's value is mainly his ability to play a lot of positions. That might be too much of a luxury going forward, but it is something to consider.
N. Cognito said...
I believe neither Cora nor Bixler should be re-signed, but of Ankiel, Nix and Gomes, if the Nats want to potentially make a drive for the Wild Card, they can only afford (production-wise) to keep one of these low OBP guys.
________
I think Bixler is under team control and I also believe he has options left, but otherwise, I think it's probably right that maybe only one of these folks is back (toss Hairston in the mix, mabye and let two come back). I'd lean toward Ankiel for the defense he can provide. His offensive numbers are what they are, but he has power and his numbers are certainly comparable to the others under consideration.
I know it's a tad early to revisit pre-season predictions, but here was mine:
=========
A DC Wonk said...
"MLB Network predicts 71"
Oooh, oooh, oooh, can I take the "over" on that?!
But, more seriously, are they paying attention at all? All indication are that the team is obviously better this year.
I'm guessing 80-82
March 26, 2011 9:09 PM
A DC Wonk said...
(I didn't mean a record of 80-82, I meant: somewhere around 80 to 82 wins)
March 26, 2011 9:11 PM
A number of Anons, JayB, etc., thought I (and others picking numbers like that) were drinking kool-ade, etc., to pick a number that high.
jd-
You're probably right about the first two games, but there will probably be a decent-sized crowd there for the final game of the series. It's a Strasburg start, but more importantly it's the final game ever at that stadium. Sure, it's a dump, but they still created a lot of memories for a lot of fans there. The Nats drew over 40,000 for the final game at our own converted football stadium.
Sec 3, my Sofa:
By walking a lot and hitting a home run every 20 ABs?
Heck, DC Wonk, even 2 weeks ago, it looked like you were at a Kool-Ade party. :-)
When the Nats were at 70 wins, I was arguing that they had a reasonable shot at 76. So much for my cloudy crystal ball.
Has anyone here ever looked into team's benches? Are the teams that are expected to compete for the playoffs more able to attract and sign the quality bench players?
I do know, the Nats won't compete for the Wild Card with a pinch hitter slash of .179/,286/.224 (201 ABs) like they have this year.
More good stuff:
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/26/jonny-gomes-wants-to-re-sign-with-nationals-because-this-team-is-going-to-be-friggin-good/
No offense Tcostant, but that's pretty awful news. Gomes is a Type B free agent, I'd much rather have a first-round pick than 1 more year of him for 1.5 million or whatever he'll get in arbitration.
Not too soon to be thinking about spring training. Does anyone have any info on the projected move from Viera? Probably won't happen next year, but there was talk of a move to AZ (god forbid!) or Kissimmee. The latter would be nice--co-locate with the Astros, not far from Atlanta & Tiger complexes, and closer to the cluster in the Tampa area. I went to a couple there last year and there seems to be plenty of room for more minor league fields, etc.
Viera is nice, but it's not real close to anything, which is why they played the Astros more than anyone last year, as they were the closest.
Grandstander -- I need to be refreshed on the rules. Is the following correct: the only way the Nats get a free draft choice is: (a) we would have to offer Gomes arbitration, and (b) he'd have to turn it down?
That is correct, DC Wonk.
I'm pretty sure I had the Nats at 78-80 with three games left in the season. I'll remember my final record prediction Wednesday evening.
75
N.Cognito,
You are right. We have to find a couple of players like Greg Dobbs and/or Reed Johnson. I think Rizzo was fishing for such players when he signed Nix, Ankiel and Stairs but in the end they and Gomes are all low OBP hitters so he needs to start from scratch.
When the Nats were at 70 wins, I was arguing that they had a reasonable shot at 76.
Well, you were right, to be fair.
I, for one, am hoping for a friggin good game tonight. Why not? The Nats gave me two over the weekend.
Go, Tommy! Go, NATS!!
(Did I mention that I friggin love these guys? :-))
I'm pretty sure I said that I don't do predictions. 'cause I don't, you know, tend to do predictions. (Other than calling the occasional dinger, but that's different.)
Walk a lot and hit home runs. Got it.
Going to change my swing now...
I'm pretty sure that they're locked into Viera for next year, Oldguy. (NatsJack to the white courtesy phone, please.)
I don't remember my friggin prediction, but it wasn't too good. In either sense.
Ahh, folks -- a lot of people are using a word that really isn't suitable for a family-friendly blog.
Anon @ 5:05,
You mean 'Phillies'? I haven't seen anyone use 'Phillies' on this particular thread.
Yeah, watch yer fracken language.
One win does get us to 79 wins, whiich is 10 more than last year. 3 is the magic number, I think it can be a combination of our wins and Mets (who are playing the Reds at Citifield) losses, and gets us to 3rd place. 3 wins gets us to a winning season.
What, doesn't anyone say "fug" anymore?
One Nationals win or one Mets loss clinches third.
Lol, Eugene!
No, that wasn't the word. However, the word in question is a milder form of a word often shouted by Phillies fans, especially after they have had a beer or two.
@ Anon 5:05
Do you get offended at Flippin' Pizza as well? Not the taste of the product, but the name?
"Friggin" is something Ned Flanders would say when angry. It's a replacement for its offensive cousin.
"Yo, Adrian"?
No, I've got it:
"BRANES!!"
Here's how the math looks to me.
We are currently at 78-80. If we only win one game in Florida, we finish at 79-82.
The Mutts are 76-83. If they sweep, they finish 79-83. As poor a math student as I am, that sounds like we end up with the better record (same number of wins, with fewer losses). Therefore, we get 3rd place by a hair.
So, the magic number is 1. Excellent. Now, let's get there tonight.
I really don't think Ned would say "friggin" or "frackin," and certainly not "fug."
Now, "branes!!" he might say, especially in a Hallowe'en special.
captcha = quisress ... a female quisling?
Capcha was "butsphlo." No, I am not making this up.
and be careful with that hair, Outsider. You don't know where it's been.
We kid because we care, but we don't kid all that much, really.
Grandstander, the word is not merely a euphemism for that "other" word. It is a substitute that describes, well, a substitute act. I am not a prude, but it really does not belong in polite conversation.
However, the word in question is a milder form of a word often shouted by Phillies fans, especially after they have had a beer or two.
Sec 3, My Sofa said...
"Yo, Adrian"?
No, I've got it: "BRANES!!"
OK, I'm nominating myself for POD. That's one of my best ever.
Sec 3 said: "and be careful with that hair, Outsider."
Sadly, I have less and less to worry about with respect to hair.
Record vs. teams at least 10 games over .500 = 29-27 (33-30 if the Giants win 2 of 3 their final series)
Record vs. teams at least 10 games under .500 = 23-27
A lot of that has to do with our 5-10 record against the Fish. It can't be overstated how much we need to start winning against weaker teams to even have a shot at contending. It's been a problem for several years now.
Even though 3 games against the reeling Fish to close out the season seems anti-climatic, they in many ways, represent the last hurdle this organization faces.
All the more reason to be careful, Outsider.
OK, OK, we're cool. Don't newpost us, Mark, we'll stop.
To get the magic number, take the difference in the loss column (3) and subtract that from the number of games to be played plus 1 (3+1 = 4).
4 - 3 = 1. Ergo the magic number is 1.
Natslady, we just love it when you use Latin.
It elevates the level of conversation around here, which is definitely to the good.
With Lombardozzi AND Anthony Rendon
who may just be a better hitter than Trout
AND possibly more valuable defensively
Plus the speedy and reasonably impressive
Bixler?
Someone is nuts nuts nuts to even think
Hairston would be back ... mebbe it's
Riggleman?
One thing is dead certain unlike Riggleman
Johnson has no problem with giving the
younger prospects roles on his club and
seeing how they do. Put it this way Rizzo
talks about going and getting an Upton,
Morgan high OBP OF. Johnson likes
what he has to work with internally.
I am betting on Davey sticking with the
program which is the right move ... Rizzo
should continue his pursuit of a top ace
just like last year and that's it.
Thanks, 1a. I was pretty sure of that. Still like to know about the move. My son lives in Tampa and I go down there each year. Long haul from Tampa to Viera (3 hours plus.)
Wasn't there also discussion at one point about the Nats taking over the former Dodger facility at Vero Beach? Seems to me that I heard that rumor more than once.
I think we are going to do it. I really do. Like I am a member of the team. Forget just 1 win to clinch 3rd, I am pulling for the sweep to finish with a winning record for the first time since 1874, or something like that.
The euphemism doesn't bother me, and if it weren't for the act represented by that euphemism, none of us would be here today. I'm not saying, I'm just saying. But it's almost time for baseball. Yay!
Hairston did a good job for us but he took three airplanes because he couldn't get out of here fast enough. So maybe not the best choice for a return visit to the Nats' bench. How many positions can Lombo play?
And would Milwaukee not want him back? He hit something like .265-.270 for them, which isn't half bad for a bench player.
Rain Rain go Away.. Come back some other day! (Like Thursday)
God that is one ugly stadium.. That orange is hideous!
NatsLady: Lombo is a very good 2B, and can spot up at either SS or 3B, but lacks the arm to play the left side on a regular basis.
One game at a time, folks, just focus on one game at a time...don't get ahead of yourselves...
While we are stuck in this rain delay.. a few delayed thoughts from me (my computer at work crashed so I coulnd't post earlier today - work interfering with NI once again).
MPHRod... Okay.. he makes me nervous and I want to vomit everytime he comes into the game -Drew8 and I share this same feeling. At the game yesterday, when I saw he was coming in, All I kept thinking -was please be Good Henry.. we got Great Henry, so that was nice. If he can keep his control, then he is a good piece to have. I am intrigued by the suggestion that we convert him to a starter. That might be good at some point, but since I vomit when he comes into the game - I will let others debate/decide that one
I was just about to post the rain, rain, go away rhyme, MicheleS. Thanks for having my back. ;-)
Also, the live shot of the park looked to have about as many people as in Mark's archive photo above.
Incredible - The so-called 'flagship' radio station for the Nationals (106.7fm) is picking up the game in-progress so they can broadcast a NFL pregame w/ LaVar & Dukes from a local sports bar! If Leonsis can get an exclusive coverage radio deal with them for the Capitals & Wizards, why can't he do the same for the Nationals (he is a minority owner, fwiw).
Second delayed thought...
Teddy.. Yes the schtick is old and yes they should let him win. I know that the races annoy some, but as stated, they are not for us.. They are for the under 13 crowd. And what better way to build a future fan base than by keeping the kiddies mildly entertained with Giant President's and Screech (who is also annoying)..
The Dad on the last thread had it right when the Presidents Run his daughter gets all excited because she gets ice cream (nice bribe)...Guess what, that at least means she is watching the game and in the future, when she is at the game say as an adult with some disposable income, she might pass the tradition down to her kids, and thus we build a bigger Nats Town and we won't have to worry about invasions from some other fan base.
I think that's it for now.. back to your regular programming (the rain delay)
Anyone out there have any info -- I can't find a Marlins blog with one, nor am I getting MASN coverage -- on when the game is expected to start?
Michele -- great to connect a face and a voice with a name of real/imaginary friend yesterday. Sorry I couldn't make it back to chat but had our 10 year old and her best friend in tow....
With the possibility of MPHRod becoming a solid reliever coming into focus, and the starters' pipeline we have at ALL levels of the farms, I can't understand what the point is of speculating on rolling the dice at converting him into a starter???? I know you're not the one suggesting -- I'm just mystified is all, unless it's all in the category of "and a pony" fantasyland.
I've got the Red Sox on while waiting for the rain to go away, and it's comforting to know that the Nats aren't the only team to get away-home games. Hope we get to play tonight! (for that matter, I hope I don't miss the beginning of the game by forgetting to check back on the other channel)
Eugene, no word on when it will start per Nationals Watch over on the Times site or per Goessling's MASN blog (last time I checked either). Both are linked to at left but I think the RSS feed - or whatever the high-tech types call it - may be a post or two behind.
MicheleS: One thing to keep in consideration - MPHRod is a 24 y.o. International signing (from Venezuela). He's been absorbing a lot of changes over the last few years (Language, culture, different teams/Coaches, etc) while trying to grasp & control his apparent pitching talent. Yes, we've seen the good Henry / bad Henry acts this year, but we've seen the same from most of the bullpen from time to time as well.
I don't want to sound like an apologist, but he's clearly a player who needed the right situation to thrive in. Perhaps he's found that here in DC with three catchers who are all fluent in spanish. Just try to enjoy the roller-coaster for what it is, and hope he levels out a little as he gains experience.
Reds up 2-0 in the 2nd over the Mets. Go Reds!
MicheleS
I feel the same about MPHRod. But yesterday I thought I was in an alternate universe! Have you ever seen our guys so dominant? Marlins are going down.
Let's go, Reds. Clap-clap-clap!
That reminds me, I was out-of-town scoreboard watching at yesterday's game and saw that the Phillies were up a few runs on the Mets. My husband was aghast when I broke into a short "let's go, Phillies" chant" - preceded by a situational disclaimer, of course. ;-)
(Disclaimer: This offer applies only in the District of Columbia and only for the duration of today's Phillies-Mets game. Thank you for your cooperation.)
Anyhoo, off in search of alternative baseball for the duration of the delay.
MASN has flipped to one of ESPN's "Talking Heads talking smack" shows, so I'd say the rain delay could be with us for a while longer.
Sec3, SofaKing - If today at 5:29 was one of your best, then I trust you and I second the nomination of pod.
However, I don't get it.
And please don't explain it to me, that would just make me even more pathetic.
N Cog, I seem to remember you picking 161.1 for the JZinn innings limit as well.
Steady Eddie... I think the reason for everyone speculating on a move for MPHRod to start is because he has 3+ pitches and throws 100 MPH.. Ideal for the bullpen, but also a possibilty for a starter - if he can keep the control.
BinM.. agree on all the changes he is going through. That is probably a big factor. Isn't Ramos from Venezuela - too? That has to help. Remember when Mama Ramos showed up and started feeding her Buffalo/RaMOOSE some home cooking, he seemed to take off after that!
You never know what goes on down there as far as the Visa situation and if he gets to see/talk to family. Any NI people work for the government that could grease the wheels to get him back into the country before spring training starts?
1a, I imagine you keep your situational disclaimers sorted and well organized, and that you carry a pocket sized one with you where ever you go cause you never know, you know?
Link to Kilgore's comments on Bo interviewing for the Fish job. Note the section on where Davey says he wants him to stay and wants the other coaches to stay.
So if McCatty wants to stay, I think he stays. And Why wouldn't he??? Have you seen our pitching staff? ;-) That man is beside himself with glee everytime he gets interviewed, plus I think he genuinely likes all the guys on the staff.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/post/nationals-third-base-coach-bo-porter-interviews-to-become-marlins-next-manager/2011/09/26/gIQAkr95zK_blog.html#pagebreak
8 Pm on the dot, Bob/FP will have another update.
1a: Your husband should be aghast at your momentary lapse of reason in rooting for the Philthies. Since we're in 'crossover' season between baseball & hockey, go immediately to the penalty box, serve time, feel shame.
Baseball's coming!
Wooo Hoo.. looks like we have a game on!
Our bullpen was dominant. Detwiler had a couple of chancy innings, the kind where if it happened to us we would be bashing our heads in (bases loaded, he walks the pitcher, and NO RUNS SCORE). We say, "he escaped a jam." They say, "How could those bums not get anybody in?"
Wow, that field looks bad.. and as usual the stands are empty...
thanks for the heads-up, got me to run upstairs to the tv
And this just in.. we have a TV Star among us (although she hasn't posted yet tonight)
JaneB.. You and "Thank You" Sign made it onto the post game show last night. I bet it's on Wednesday's Post Game show as well!
sunderland, thanks, but it's not really (strike)fri(/strike) SofaKing complicated.
A word the Phillies fans say when they're here and drunk (if that's not redundant) is "branes!" because they're zombies, get it? Haha! I slay myself sometimes!
Geeez! Bonafacio is irritating!
MicheleS: As to the coaching staff, I'd like to see Jewett move back to the Minors (I think he's a good motivator / teacher), and possibly send Corrales back upstairs to the front office. Keep the rest of the staff (McCatty, Eckstein, Porter, Lett) & find new 1B & bench coaches. I'll catch a lot of flak for my opinion on Eckstein, but sobeit.
scoreboard: Mets score 3 in the third, but the Reds score tie it with one in the top of the fourth.
3-3, Cincinnati still hittng in the 4th.
That field is a friggin embarassment (like my spelling). I just hope no one gets hurt.
BinM.. some behind the curtain stuff came out recently (I think via Boz). Eck was Davey's man all the way, and apparantly the previous manager didn't communicate well with Eck or there were a lot of conflicting opinion.
I think the guys like/respect Eck and also use DJ as a sounding board too..
BinM...
Quote from Boz's article..
“There’s a clear parallel between Davey working with Desmond and Ramos and their improved hitting in the second half,” General Manager Mike Rizzo said. “When Werth was at his low point, he went to Davey for some dialogue. We’ve gotten coordination between the hitting coach and the manager.”
I have to see Moneyball to get insight into the GM/Manager relationship
Is Jonny Gomes the new Aaron Boone? Or else the new Robert Fick?
LoveDa..
Did you notice FP giggling like a school girl through the Bonafacio moves back and forth to the base.. Seems Bonafacio can't read Tommy's pick off move!
aside to boz, I think you meant "correlation" there, not "parallel."
Best sign of the night....
"Marrero has more fans than the Marlins"
Nice home crowd for Marerro--there's a young lady with a sign that reads "Marerro has more fans than the Marlins!!"
Phil the phriggies phans, let's start invading Miami next year.
or maybe not--the captcha was "dinstop"
I have liked FP this year. But I am tired of "in the squat".
And he pronounces 'Anibal' as Annabell.
Phlox. The Mets take a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the 4th. Where's Junior when you need him?
sunderland...
it could be worse... we could be listening to Dibble grunt all night...
seriously, though--I have seen better high school fields after the Canada geese got done with them.
frating -- "That's the worst frating field I've ever seen!"
I remember Roger Craig telling a story about pitching in the last game at the Polo Grounds with the Mets. He gave up several hard line drive home runs, and Casey Stengal came out to the mound and said, "Son, they're going to tear this ballpark down after today. You don't need to help them start."
Easy to overlook, but that was a nice manufactured run to tie the game off Sanchez, who always has been tough on the Nats (among others).
Desmond reaches on an error that may have been a bad hop, steals second, gets balked to third, and Ankiel grounds out to first to get him in. Take what they give you, which this team hasn't always done, especially against the Marlins.
The Nats are doing a good job of making Sanchez work -- 65 pitches already through only 2.2
Sec3: Don't sweat the Mutts score, let's get 3rd place through the front door. Btw, great Roger Craig / Casey Stengel anecdote from when they were REALLY the Mutts.
I'll give the final, how's that?
I heard Roger tell that story when he was managing the Giants.
Bob is right: Both those balls are outs on a real baseball field.
OK, that was funny.
FP talking about how smooth Milone works, pitches, bunts ... everything he does is smooth.
Carpenter says, yeah, I saw him walking up the stairs, it looked like he was on an escalator.
FP: Smooth?
Bob: That's what I'm sayin.
how many times during earlier in the season did we all bemoan when the Nats would score, and then give back the run then next inning.
How nice is it to do it in reverse, eh?
Btw, great Roger Craig / Casey Stengel anecdote from when they were REALLY the Mutts.
I actually was a fan from back then . . . can you summarize the anecdote that I apparently just missed?
I've been to funerals where the crowd seemed more engaged and excited then they seem to be in Miami tonight (at least from what I can tell on MLB.tv).
"You have a better chance of winning $702 Million in the Penn. lottery than of being hit here by a foul ball."
Ah, end of the season games. Gotta love it.
Wonker, see my 8:54 post.
I'm on travel and the only games the hotel gets are Yankees-Rays and Red Sox-Orioles. I'm not sure what this is, but it ain't baseball....
Ellsbury just caught an Andino drive to deep centerfield but lost the ball when he ran pretty much full speed into the wall, turning the 3rd out into a 3-run inside the park home run. But, on a positive note, he did not throw his glove down in a temper tantrum while the ball rolled away.... Sox losing 6-2, and the Rays are up 4-2. Could be a tie in the AL wildcard in a few hours.
Eugene: MASN's coverage has a pretty sparse crowd as well - Maybe 8,000 well-scattered souls in that stadium. Don't the fans know about moving down, or are the ushers all hardcore there?
Ummm, Chris Helmsley fans will want to know he just hit a 3-run home run.
"hypocher"
What?? I'm getting too cute?
THAT is why the 3rd baseman takes popups, not the pitcher.
Still. That was Ponce de Leon play. Except Ponce pitchers usually catch that ball.
Well, we're rid of Anibal.
I'm still less than convinced that getting a new, downtown, baseball only stadium is going to increase attendance significantly. It's more like Loria finally found a political body that he could intimidate enough to get a freebie stadium out of. I could be proved wrong, but to the citizens of Dade County / City of Miami, I think you've been taken to the cleaners.
BinM, totally agree. They have no history of supporting a team, and aside from the novelty factor, they don't have any reason to do so. There is plenty else to do in Miami. If they somehow manage to win a few games next year, maybe, but they don't look poised to do that.
The White Sox are trading Ozzie Guillen to the Marlins??
I heard that. So Bo Porter is safe, at least for the moment?
Stammen and Henry Rodriguez must be sharing the same water bottle.
Sec3...
Detail on Guillen for LoMo...
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/chi-guillens-status-remains-unresolved-after-35minute-meeting-with-reinsdorf-20110926,0,1503730,full.story
21,058 tonight, and what do you know, they are all either wearing orange chair suits or related to Chris Marrero.
C'mon, Coffey, you've got a trademark. There's 3 games left. What are you doing walking in?
Funny!
Braves lost to the Phillies, but the Cards so far are not taking advantage of it, trailing the Astros.
NATS OFFICIALLY CLINCH 3RD PLACE
Cin 6
NYM 5
Final
SWEET!
Coffey does not have his stuff.
Todd Coffey - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
As a result, the Brewers introduced a "Coffey Time!" graphic on the scoreboard that kept track of Coffey's time to sprint from the bullpen …
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Coffey - Options
Cards tie it in the 8th, 4-4.
What is that facial hair on Werth? They showed the Presidents Race that Werth won, and then showed he has striped sideburns. OK.
NL, I think Werth changes up his facial hair several times a week. Probably has a barber that lives with him, like Pudge has a nutritionist.
Is anybody here going to the Arizona Fall League?
I can't believe I find myself rooting for the Cards but I really hope they can overtake Atlanta. Rays are tied it up with Boston too.
Lf there are 21000 people there at Random Name Stadium tonight, then yesterday's crowd at Nats Park topped the 115,000 for Notre Dame-Michigan at the Big House 2 weeks ago.
MORSE!!! What a grin! Happy man!
BEAST!!!
OK, en
BEAST MODE
ough of this...
BEAST MODE!!!
Gorse hacking!!!!!!!! Now we need to good Henry to show up.
GYFNG!
BEAST! BEAST! BEAST!
Grandstander, I know what you mean! I'm even rooting against my Mets. I want these guys ti own third alone.
And the WPA of that HR? 0.71!!!
Mikey Morse Hackin' Gorse....
30
i'm REALLY going to miss this stuff
Kool Aid! .I need Kool Aid &.the phone number for season tickets!!
This is exactly what the Marlins USED to do to us.
The worm has turned.
What a shot by Morse!! Hard to believe they pitched to him with first base open. That's not the first time an opposing team has made that mistake. Beast mode is right!
Did anyone hear Carpenter say that he and Ted Jr. were saying the other day that the fans who buy tickets at Nats Park actually show up, i.e., the paid attendance is the same as the turnstile attendance, unlike in Miami? Is that just an obvious kiss-up to management as he tries to keep his job, or has he been smoking something?
Mark'd said...
Beast Morse going for 30 HRs and getting closer to .310 would be Greattttt. Desi, Espi and Ramos all getting a bunch of hits to finish on a high note and Strasburg dominating on Wednesday would be huge.
If the Nats win one game, 3rd place will be secured for the first time in Nats history. If the Nats sweep them for 3 games, a 81-80 finish.
A lot of baseball to step up to new levels.
September 26, 2011 3:59 PM
_______________________________
Good call on Beast Moose!!!!!!! and 3rd Place!!!
When is Ozzie due? Announced he has been released by the ChiSox. Would that be fun him managing tomorrow or what?
Henry in to close! Please be the Nintendo Henry!
Well thats the end of HenRod's dominance streak. Espi saved him.
..."and max him out..."
Sweet, again.
...and the Nats will take that win! Win #79
Here are my thoughts on baseball (format in NatsLady's honor):
1. I like baseball very much.
I LOVE these guys!
Weird ending ... I'll take it!!!
Here are my thoughts on the bottom of the ninth inning:
1. I like Danny Espinosa very much.
I've got a man crush.
You know, I pretty much just watch the Nats, and usually on a tape delay. But with so much going on tonight, I've got the TV, I've got MLBTV on the computer, I had the Orioles' radio feed earlier. About the only thing I didn't do was follow along here, with my imaginary friends. Totally ODing on live baseball tonight, and I love it.
Gonat, he got outs. That's all that counts. Henry saves.
And as Tommy LaSorda used to say, "Do I pitch to [Morse], and let *that* [Werth] beat me?"
I like Scooter very much, too. And all my imaginary friends.
Man, I'm gonna miss this. When we didn't have a team, I could root for a bunch of people in the playoffs. I'll watch, but I will really really miss that our guys aren't in it. THIS YEAR, at least!
Two more.
Heard Charlie and Dave explain the rules for a three way wild card tie. Doubt the Angels can do it, but it would be SO cool. (Not as cool as the Nats being over .500, of course.)
So who gets the win? Stammen for going one and 2/3 innings? But he gave up the tying run on a WP. Only MPHRod and Severino pitched a full inning after that, right? Tough call for the official scorer. Can they give the win to Morse??
As much as I am going to miss this - I really need to sleep and these guys just are so exciting to watch. The alarm will go off in a few hours and here I am basking in the rosy glow of a come-from-behind win against the Marlins - MM's 30th, and I just don't care. I will sleep when the season is over. I love these guys!!
Severino with the curly W.
Jane, you do know "Scooter" isn't his real name, right?
His real name is Fitzwarbler Mangrove.
Sec 3, My Sofa said...
Gonat, he got outs. That's all that counts. Henry saves.
September 26, 2011 11:33 PM
_______________________________
Yep, he sure did. My point was the streak of dominance ended. Still effective. Got the save. Great win!
Severino was the pitcher of record when the winning run scored. I do believe that's his first. Cue the baseball authenticity guy...
And St. Louis blew it in extras.
"So who gets the win? Tough call for the official scorer."
There is no "call" for the official scorer.
If Beast Mode has 2 more games like this, he will get to that 100 RBI level.
To get that 30th HR puts him in another class.
Hey, we're now .500 against the NL East.
JaneB,
I know, right? What will we do when this season is over? I guess I could talk with my fam, watch the Skins, have Christmas, etc and realize PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT MID FEBRUARY!
N.Cognito -- you're right. It would have been his call if the lead that Milone left with had held up, but Severino was the pitcher of record in the 9th. My bad.
Davey when asked about clinching 3rd place. "I just wanted to be ahead of the Mets."
1. Redskins choke
2. Nats come back for the big win
3. Ozzie hopefully goes to Florida. They deserve that over-rated blowhard a**clown.
4. Bo Porter stays with the Nationals, hopefully to take the manager's job when DJ is done.
Just when I think she can't ask a more stupid question, she does. Shheesh! We need a Debbie Taylor replacement. Who teaches people to frame conclusions as questions? Why not just ask a real question?
Someone is overtird and cranky, in spite of the win. Going to bed now!
Section 222 said...
"N.Cognito -- you're right. It would have been his call if the lead that Milone left with had held up, but Severino was the pitcher of record in the 9th. My bad."
Mark it up to EIBC (excitement-induced brain cramp). It's a euphoric synapse inhibitor.
JaneB said...
"Just when I think she can't ask a more stupid question, she does. Shheesh! We need a Debbie Taylor replacement. Who teaches people to frame conclusions as questions? Why not just ask a real question?"
You do realize there's a good possibility that MASN feeds her those questions to ask, don't you?
Does anybody know it that's the case with MASN/Debbie?
LoveDa, you made me laugh!
The 22Fresh Company had a guess for what Desmond would do tonight. I nailed it. 2 for 4 with a double and a walk. What's the odds of that!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
22Fresh Kip Simon
If some1 predicts Ian Desmond's exact night at the dish tonight, you can save $10 on his inspired OGFresh Tee tonight! http://bit.ly/omhytu
5 hours ago
@NatsHRballGuy
@22Fresh 2 for 4 with a walk and a double
4 hours ago via web
As the season nears the end, I just want to say that I like Debbie Taylor.
I think she is earnest and sincere and forthright. She is authentic.
I like her, and I hope they keep her.
Anon @11:54
Yep, good day all around.
I am telling you, Davey and Ozzie in the same division, it is going to be a rip! Davey is gonna spin circles around Ozzie, he ain't gonna know what hit him, and there is gonna be some cussin'--serious cussin'.
Anon @12:04:
"I think she is earnest and sincere and forthright. She is authentic."
All true. She's also a terrible sideline reporter. But she's been terrible for years, so I have no doubt that MASN will keep her.
All true. She's also a terrible sideline reporter. But she's been terrible for years, so I have no doubt that MASN will keep her.
MASN ptoooie! The O's get Amber Theoharris and who do the Nats get? The wife of one of their scouts Debbie Taylor. ptooooooooooie!!!!!! Gahhhak ...
Gives anyone a hairball.
Kool Aid! .I need Kool Aid &.the phone number for season tickets!!
Kool Aid? With Rendon, Purke, Harper and even Moore nearly major league ready ... with what's on the roster now?
They still just need that Grienke type starter.
The morning after - tired, but, oh well... did they really pitch to Morse with 2 on and 2 out in the 9th? Really? Ozzie won't do that next year I think. On the highlights it sounds like there were a lot of nats fans in the park - more than the fish? I know our team has a lot of guys from Florida - friends and family making all that noise? Was this a Nats invasion of SunLife? Did anyone actually care? I look at 79-80 and I have to do a double take. Sweet. I don't care what Johnson says - I love third place and I do think it matters.
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