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File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER Edwin Jackson faces the Tigers today at Space Coast Stadium. |
Davey Johnson's lineup boasts only four regulars: Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa, Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Werth. That's because the other four regulars (Michael Morse, Adam LaRoche, Rick Ankiel, Wilson Ramos) are all battling various nagging injuries to various degrees.
Jackson, meanwhile, becomes the first member of the Nationals rotation to make his fourth start of the spring. The right-hander has looked really good so far (1.93 ERA to date) though he struggled somewhat in his last outing.
Charlie and Dave have the radio call for the Nationals' final game before their lone off day of the spring. Then come Tuesday, I'll be back in Florida to provide full coverage and game updates through the remainder of camp...
DETROIT TIGERS vs. WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Space Coast Stadium, Viera
Gametime: 1:05 p.m.
TV: None
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 178
Weather: Sunny, 80 degrees, Wind 12 mph LF to RF
STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
CF Jayson Werth
DH Chad Tracy
C Jesus Flores
RF Bryce Harper
1B Tyler Moore
LF Roger Bernadina
(P Edwin Jackson)
TIGERS
CF Austin Jackson
RF Brennan Boesch
3B Miguel Cabrera
1B Don Kelly
2B Ryan Raburn
LF Andy Dirks
SS Jhonny Peralta
DH Clete Thomas
C Gerald Laird
(P Doug Fister)
130 comments:
I will forever remember and bless Xavier Nady robbing the blasted Cards of a home run, in the rain, by leaping up and catching it over the rail at Shea in the NL championship series. He's got a lot of miles on him since then. But I'm prepared to hug him if we need him. And I hope hope hope we don't.
I do wonder what they saw in Morse's MRI that made them go out and sign him, though. Doesn't sound like the "nothing" that was reported.
It will be fun to hear EJax set these guys down today.
And it will be GREAT to have Mark back on the beat on Tuesday!
GYFNG! And for the ones who aren't playing: HYFNH! (Heal)
And Tuesday back on MLB TV.
Have to wonder when Harper gets sent down at this point. The spring training games for the minor league teams have started. Or is Davey planning on starting Harper in the opening day lineup? Best bet would
be to send Harper to Harrisburg with the other top prospects. None will
be in Syracuse ... Corey Brown didn't make the list this year ... unless
Lombardozzi is sent down and that seems unlikely given the way Desmond
is hitting.
Picking up on a thought from the last thread - Mark, do we know why Drew hasn't pitched in a game in more than a week?
Lots of anxiety with so many nicks and I am hoping that is all they are is nicks. I had written earlier about my concern with the cortisone shot into the muscle and its definitely rare but has been done before to try and hit that "trigger point" and loosen things up but it is usually for joint/cartilage as I mentioned earlier. If its just a lat pull or strain Morse should get better sooner than later but its still a worry.
I have not heard much about Ramos, can the posters here catch me up to speed?
Go Nats!
And EJax open the game with a strikeout of Auston Jackson.
Evidently 106.7 didn't get the memo about the broadcast.
Boesch hits a fould pop caught by Zimmerman for the 2nd out, Cabrera works a walk, and Don Kelly singles to right, Cabrera taking third. Rayburn grounds out and Detroit gets nothing in the first.
Hey, we got any Insiders on the ground in Viera?
Thank you, Ryan.
Thank you game day poser, I mean poster. It's great to have you!
Desmond and Espinosa start off the bottom of the first with strikeouts.
You all realize you could follow this with Patrick Reddington on Federal Baseball? He's been doing this since the Expos and his play-by-play isn't bad?
You could have it in a separate open window along with game day.
Zimmerman reaches, E4. Werth Strikes out, end of 1, 0 - 0.
Top of 2nd, EJax walks Dirks but then gets a GBDP from Peralta, Zimmerman to Espinosa to Moore. Clete Thomas strikes out for the 3rd out.
Second the thanks to Mr./Ms. Gameday.
Bryce Harper strikes out. Joins the list of K's
Bottom of 2nd, Tracy strikes out and Flores gets a seeing eye single to drop into shallow right. (Flores is now at .391 this spring).
Harper strikes out for the 2nd out, continuing his woes versus lefties this spring. Tyler Moore reaches E7 (Dirks), Flores running on the play takes 3rd. Bernadina comes through, singles Flores home, Moore takes third. 1 - 0, two out, bottom 2.
Unearned run. Almost another one on a bad pickoff throw to first. Desi, nice hit! Heard a good crack of the bat.
Desmond delivers as well, single to left plates Moore, Bernadina holds at second.
Nice, Bernadina and Desmond with RBI singles
Yikes!! Baserunning!!! Hey, fundamentals, people! Charlie and Dave are taking away your off-day.
MLB Gameday - I think Fister is a Right-handed pitcher.
OK, someone help me out here....Desmond thrown out at 2nd by catcher Laird?
Gonat - so true, apologies.
MLB Gameday must have a red nose. He's more than a bit behind at this point.
MLB Gameday, no apologies needed. Just helping out.
Werth, great catch, according to C&D. Boy, I wish this was on TV.
Werth with some nice D
Top of 3rd, Laird is credited with infield single on a ground ball to Desmond. Austin Jackson F8. Boesch singles to right, Laird takes third. First and third, one out.
Charlie and Dave may call it a great catch. To Gameday, it's just a run of the mill F8. Also wishing for TV....
They'll be on again on Tuesday NatsLady ... starting the home stretch now ...
Passed ball (Flores), Laird scores, Boesch takes second, Miggy still at the plate.
Miggy doubles to left, plates Boesch, game tied 2 - 2, man on 2nd, one out.
Don Kelly F7 for the 2nd out, but Raburn drives in Miggy with a single up the middle, 2 outs, 3 runs in.
And Flores guns down Kelly on an attempted steal, inning over.
Signing off.....MLB Gameday
Ejax having a rough inning
Later, folks. The gym is nagging me.
Harper strikes out leaving 2 on. He's now 0-for-2 with 2 Ks today
Harper -> Harrisburg ... he appears to be backsliding ...
There are two guys pitchers are really focused on, seems to me, Harper and Braun. Better get used to it.
OK, now I'm really going.
Game day is really stuck - update anyone?
Ugly game today. I am glad that Spring Training games don't count. The guys can use the day off tomorrow. I do have to remind myself that EJax is a career .500 pitcher; he will have days like this. All the runs during this 5th inning are against Chad Durbin, and we didn't expect him to make the club anyway.
I think it is pretty clear that Harper can use some time in the minors. I won't feel that the Nats are even doing it to extend their control another year. He truly seems to need time to face AAA and AAAA pitchers in Syracuse.
The injuries to Morse, LaRoche, Ankiel, etc. is delaying cuts that would give us a taste of more regulars, it seems. All the more reason not to fret about the score too much.
+1/2St.
You don't want to know. Durbin not good. 8-3 Tigers.
I went downstairs to check on the laundry before the end of the 1/2 inning, but it was 8-3 Tigers when I left.
Confidential to Charlie: the other day they were pronouncing it Bee'-low, accent on the Bee.
Oh, thanks, NatsLady. Hope the Nats are gonna get some of those back now.
Good points by PHS.
Harper not good vs. Lefties or breaking balls. Not making OD roster unless he bats .900 from here on in.
Nats scored two and are not done yet (I hope).
Dave just used his binos to ID the owl. :-)
Zim w/ a double and Werth w/ a double
He did not, however, name it. On the name front, I told my husband about our suggestions and he said, wouldn't it be a female on the nest? hmmm...
Finally found a radio that works -- gameday is still on top five. At least there is a little hitting going on now ( by the nats, of course).Were all of those runs in the fifth off of Durbin?
9-5. Gameday is lost. Harper K again.
Darn, Bryce Harper looks at strike 3. 3rd K of the day
Hmm.. me thinks the kid will not be with the club on Opening Day.
Yes. Durbin gave up 5 runs, only 1 earned.
Then again, the male and female both feed young after they hatch, so it could be Jake. We now return you to the baseball game. Thank you for reading and enjoy your wiiiild America.
Scoreless top of the 6th for Perry. Let's see if the Nats can add to their run tally in the bottom of the inning.
Tyler Moore with an oppo boppo to lead off the inning.
Dinger for Tyler Moore. 9-6.
Yea Tyler Moore!!! Even Shark gets a hit!
What about "the Dozer" as a nickname for Lombo? Just a thought.
The hawk is eating a snake.. wow.. Birds of Prey in the outfield
Shark Mode T-shirts might be coming back in style as he singles to make the 25-man.
The hawk is eating a snake.. wow.. Birds of Prey in the outfield
Plus the Owl? The Two Towers from Tolkien or Harry Potter Space Coast stadium.
Amazing how quick your BA climbs in Spring Training. Bernadina with 2 hits and now hitting .250
Da Bearss.
The owl has a cult following (owlcult)? Who knew?
Tyler Moore up to .280. Past 3-4 games he's been showing his power with some long outs that could go out without the wind ...
There's your first baseman if LaRoche flounders ... big reach I know but its Davey and this team lacks offense and power outside of Morse and to a lesser extent Zim.
Even Detroit's benchwarmers hit home runs. Glad we're not playing them in the regular season this year.
So - I am not in the anti-Desi camp, nor am I trying to start a brawl -- but..... is it my imagination or is Lombardozzi actually out-playing Desi? He just seems too good to be in the minors or on the bench. He was minor league player of the year last year - he should be done there. Talk about being blocked. Does the kid want to be traded? Oy.
The owl has a cult following (owlcult)? Who knew?
Only Hogswart grads can see them. C&D muggles still watching the bear.
Let's go, Maldo.
Talk about being blocked. Does the kid want to be traded? Oy.
Desmond is vulnerable ... someone must have mentioned it in passing I suspect ... mebbe Davey?
Keep the line moving, Bryce.
Oh dear, a golden sombrero for the kiddo.
Bryce up with 2 on board. C'mon, kid!
Uh oh, Bryce Harper with his 4th K. Another RH pitcher. This time w/ 2 men on and no outs
Nope, another K.
The games recently have been battles between guys trying to make the 25 man roster.
It's nice when the starters occasionally get good results in ST, but it's these guys fighting for utility spots that makes ST interesting to me.
Lombardozzi is a lock, and remember that a rookie utility/backup role is one step away from becoming everyday starter.
F1, "Nationals threaten but do not score."
Good points by Cwj.
CWJ -- You are correct, sir -- one little tweak and he is playing everyday. So - a little reality check for the youngster today, huh? It will be headlines for a 19 year old that hasn't played int he majors yet, even though this happens to seasoned veterans also.
Yes, a reminder that he's human (who isn't)?
An efficient (7P) 1-2-3 inning for Burnie.
No Chance Harper makes the OD Roster. Nats are not playing good baseball. Hopefully they get this out of their system now otherwise it's 1970 ALL OVER AGAIN :(
Where is Drew?
Listened to a bit of the game when I was driving to the store earlier.
Doesn't look like Harper had a good day. Is it pretty much settled that he will begin the season at AAA? That's where he should start.
He's only 19 for heavens sake, and he's a couple months away from joining the Big Leagues for good.
Enormous talent, and he's going to do well for the Nats no doubt.
He should start in AAA though. And be an early season call-up.
My projection for him from his MLB debut through game 162 Slash lines AVG, HR, RBI: .255 16 65
Griffey Jr. at 19 would be a good comparison.
Harper is totally overmatched; he needs to prove himself at AA first(he hit only .256 with 3 HRs last year in about 37 games), then AAA, before having a chance to stay up with the Nats.
If you want any rally stalled put in Andres Blanco.
Hey Anon, where have you said this before on Harper? Its great to bash the kid on a day that he looks lost at the plate. I have been saying for over a week that he hadn't hit 1 line drive or XBH (until yesterday) and that concerned me.
He will be fine as yesterday he finally got on pitches.
Just a baaaad day today.
I don't do predictions or GM stuff, but I'd be fine with Harper starting the season wherever they think best, be it AA or AAA.
And that didn't strike me as bashing, for the record.
Anon 3:44- disagree about Harper being over-matched except for today and maybe 2 other games. Didn't he have a double yesterday?
But I believe he should start the season at AAA.
It does appear that since college he has become a slow starter, but then adjusts and progresses.
Maybe a June call-up would be about right.
sm13--Drew? Makin' videos, finding a "new crib," y'know, gettin' set for the season. Oh, you were thinking he should pitch once in a while? Why? Didn't he seem ready?
Seems like I read something about Storen's schedule the other day to the effect that there were other guys they wanted/needed to take a look at?
That was funny NatsLady :-)
True though, Storen is ready for the season to start tomorrow.
I noticed other teams not using their established closers much so far this spring.
That'll probably change the closer we get to the regular season. Starting pitchers should be getting ready to put in 5 or 6 innings pretty soon. I think Lincecum went 6 today.
All right, boys and girls, great news on two fronts now that today's game is winding down.
1) We have Mark back for the rest of spring training.
2) The next THREE games are televised, however only one of them is live:
Tuesday (at Mets) on MLB Network Wed. 3-6 AM (tape delay)
Wednesday (vs. Braves) on MASN LIVE at 1 PM and repeated at 7 PM
Thursday (at Cardinals) on MLB Network at 10 PM (tape delay)
Fellow NI, set your DVRs after the game so you don't miss any action.
Thanks for the info Hondo99
Hondo99- That is good news thanks for that!
I believe Strasburg is pitching the Tuesday game.
Clipp said he still needed to "work on stuff." And we see a triple hit to where they ain't. And a broken bat single that maybe could have been caught. That's a couple of outings now that Clipp has gotten the first two out but couldn't put them away. And last time he got lucky that the 3rd out was a sharply hit ball that was caught.
I'm not worried but I understand why he's getting work.
Yep, good news from Hondo99. Plus, we're at over 100 comments for a ST game. Atta way, Insiders! We'll be in midseason form before you know it.
Good for you, kid - an XB hit. Good point by Dave on dealing with adversity.
Well, well, well. Nice hit, kid!
11-7 Tigers. The end.
Lombo is one of the Best 25....
And agree on Harper, cjw, but I think "slow-starter" is a mis-nomer. I think of that as a veteran, like LaRoche, who for whatever reason doesn't bat effectively until May or June. I know I'm picking nits here, and NOT tryna pick a fight. But I don't think of a 19 year old who historically takes a few weeks to adjust to a higher level of competition every year, as a "slow-starter"... I do think BH needs to start at AA and go to 'Cuse after he maintains a .300+ avg, and shows that he's picking up the ball out of the hands of leftys, and IDing breaking balls. Defensively, he'll be fine, the reps will help him, where ever he plays
Here's something to chew on: what are the odds against Rendon and Lombo as starting MI, by the end of '13? Sounds like a couple of table setters, to me...and do either of them project adequately at SS? I still like Desi, and I LOVE Espi, but offensively, the other two are looking like frequent base runners, to me....
Jes' sayin'....
NatsLady: I guess with all the injuries going round, I'd feel better if there was a live sighting of Drew on actual pitcher's mound.
I just flipped over to Tigers radio team and color man Jim Price, who had a long career backing up All-Star catcher Bill Freehan, praised Bryce for that solid double after 4 Ks. He said Nationals fans are going to enjoy seeing that stroke for many years. It's nice to hear the opposition say good things about our team.
This is my correct handle, not hondo 99. I use "69" as a tribute to Ted Williams and that wonderful 1969 season and of course, Hondo, for the big fellow himself.
I don't post that often, but I read all the comments everyday, and really enjoy most of the intelligent commentary.
Come on, Opening Day! I can't wait!!
Unkyd @4:13 Very good points.
I am not convinced that Harper looks any more over matched than any of our other hitters. In fact, there are many days where his approach ( with fond memories of Debbie Taylor) seems better than theirs. The opposing pitchers are exploiting his vulnerability with off-speed and curvy stuff. Looks like instead of hanging his head he has adjusted and fought back. Maybe he needs to come to the big leagues to be an example to some of the guys who are older than he is. He hit a rough patch today - that's not only fine, but a good lesson, and overall he has looked pretty darn good. I still think he needs some AAA ball, but the kid impresses me more each day.
Hondo69- Look forward to reading more of your posts.
Opening Day is not long away!
Also can't wait to see my prediction of 87-75 come true :-)
Sm13, understood. Gotta take inventory. But I assume with press and fans all over the place, someone would notice if Drew were limping. At least, I hope so.
I hear that everyone is worried about not seeing Drew pitch, but they haven't kept anyone else's dings a secret so why would they do it for him? How many innings have we seen Lidge? He is a new guy and has been hurt a lot and so we need to see him. I think a closer doesn't need to be stretched out like the starters and long relievers and Clip apparently needs to work some stuff out ( please). I think when more minor leaguers are sent away, then we will see him more. Just not enough innings to go around when the starters need to start going longer.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm.....just announced on the MLB Network sports strip that neither ALR nor The Beast will play for another week.
Altogether now, Davey, Rizzo, & Co.: "We're not worried"!
Great stuff this Nats' PR stuff!
Mike Pelfrey, NYM, v Houston, 2.2 innings, 4 walks, 8 hits, 8 ER, 1 HR. Ouch. He's pretty much a lock for the Mets rotation, in spite of a 4.74 ERA last year. And he's making $5.7M in his 2nd Arb year.
Also looking forward to more posts from Hondo69, as well as from Oldguy, another infrequent commenter who posted earlier today. The road opener (AKA Duffy's Day) is even closer than the home opener. Here's to the Best 25 Going North and all that.
Anon 3:44- disagree about Harper being over-matched except for today and maybe 2 other games. Didn't he have a double yesterday?
Harper isn't over matched ... but clearly he should be sent to AA Harrisburg to be with other prospects who are close to his talent level and age. Not sure AAA is the right place for him to start the season. He appears to have some potential to play CF. That's the place to find out. Let Corey Brown play CF in Syracuse. Perez can play left field or right in Harrisburg for now he doesn't have a left-handed bat. Brown, Harper, and Goodwin do.
AAA is basically has become the place for veteran depth extending the 25 and 40-man rosters.
AAA is also where you have opposing pitchers with more guile & more smarts. Guys who have been to the big leagues and are trying to get back. AAA is the right place for Harper at this point. And even is he has a .900 OPS from here out, AAA is where he will be come April.
Another reason not to pitch Storen: why let other clubs look at him any more than necessary? Rest that precious arm!
I'm not at all concerned about Clippard or Storen.
Both will have a great 2012.
Clipp + Storen = dominant. Just barely below Venters + Kimbrel for the Braves.
Top 5 Bullpen, in my opinion :-)
Harper to AAA. Just saw it on The Twitter.
Twitter owes me a Diet Pepsi.
See you soon Bryce.
I think NatsLady makes a good point. When we play division or even nl teams, why let them get a look at drew? Is that official about Harper? I hope they start to nail down some more things soon and let things shape up so that some of these guys can know what their roles will be and really settle in and get ready.
I'm sure they have told him he has a chance to be our centerfielder and they want him to concentrate on learning the position. He will dig in as hard as he can. Tough kid. I wish him the best and I hope we see him in dc soon.
Gonat Mar 18, 2012 12:53 PM
Hey Anon, where have you said this before on Harper? Its great to bash the kid on a day that he looks lost at the plate. I have been saying for over a week that he hadn't hit 1 line drive or XBH (until yesterday) and that concerned me.
He will be fine as yesterday he finally got on pitches.
Just a baaaad day today.
--------------------
Right on point again as he finished up with a nice double.
Some will pounce in hindsight and still not be right. Davey saw enough and that says AAA, be isn't ready.
That's where he needs to be in AAA
Well played, Sunderland. Pay up, Tweeter. :-)
Sunderland said...
Twitter owes me a Diet Pepsi.
March 18, 2012 5:10 PM
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