Saturday, May 19, 2012

Game 40: Orioles at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The Nationals try to get back on track tonight against the Orioles.
After watching his team struggle mightily at the plate the last two nights, Davey Johnson has decided to try something new tonight. His starting lineup features the following: Steve Lombardozzi leading off and playing second base. Danny Espinosa sitting on the bench. Ian Desmond batting fifth. And Carlos Maldonado making his first start behind the plate.

Hey, at this point, why not try something new? The move of Desmond down to the 5-hole is actually most intriguing to me, because it's the first time he's hit anywhere but the leadoff spot this year. Desmond, though, does bring some pop to the plate. He's second among NL shortstops with a .451 slugging percentage. And he's second among all major-league shortstops with six homers.

Ross Detwiler takes the mound for his eighth start of the season. At the same time in Toledo, Chien-Ming Wang will be making another rehab start for Class AAA Syracuse. Keep an eye on how both pitchers perform.

A friendly reminder that tonight's game is being televised on Fox, with Bob Carpenter and Bill Ripken on the call. Live updates to come here, so please check back...

BALTIMORE ORIOLES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:15 p.m. EDT
TV: Fox
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WWXT (92.7 FM), WWXX (94.3 FM), WTEM (980 AM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 89
Weather: Clear, 76 degrees, Wind 7 mph in from RF
NATIONALS (23-16)
2B Steve Lombardozzi
RF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
CF Rick Ankiel
C Carlos Maldonado
LF Roger Bernadina
LHP Ross Detwiler

ORIOLES (26-14)
2B Robert Andino
SS J.J. Hardy
RF Nick Markakis
CF Adam Jones
C Matt Wieters
1B Wilson Betemit
3B Steve Tolleson
LF Xavier Avery
RHP Jason Hammel

UMPIRES
HP Andy Fletcher, 1B Rob Drake, 2B Joe West (cc), 3B Sam Holbrook

5:50 p.m. -- Because I know everyone's interested, here's what Davey Johnson had to say today about Danny Espinosa, who is out of the lineup for only the second time this season: "I just felt like he was struggling a little bit. Even the bunting, went after some bad pitches. And with two strikes, he bunted on his own [in the seventh inning last night]. So I just sensed a little frustration there." Johnson said Espinosa "more than likely" will be back in the lineup tomorrow.

5:55 p.m. -- Also, be sure to check out my recent posting on Chien-Ming Wang, who it appears will pitch out of the bullpen once he comes off the DL next week.

6:15 p.m. -- By the way, if you're trying to figure out whether your local Fox affiliate is showing this game tonight or one of four others, here's a great website with a map that spells it all out.

7:16 p.m. -- And we are underway with a strike from Ross Detwiler to Robert Andino. Another gorgeous night for baseball, 79 degrees, and another big crowd on hand, still filing in from Half Street.

7:28 p.m. -- Well, that was kind of an interesting top of the first. It began with J.J. Hardy's line drive to left that Roger Bernadina turned into a complete fiasco. Didn't make much of a play on the ball in the air, but still let it get past him and roll to the wall. Then he bobbled it at the fence, allowing Hardy to go all the way to third base with what was generously scored a triple. But how about Ryan Zimmerman bailing the Nats out with a brilliant play on Nick Markakis' smash to his left, then firing to the plate to nail Hardy. Seriously, how many third basemen even attempt to make that throw? Great stuff. Detwiler still got himself in trouble by giving up a two-out single to Adam Jones, but he bounced back to strike out Matt Wieters looking at a 96 mph fastball. After all that, it's still scoreless after one half inning.

7:43 p.m. -- After the Nats went down in order in the bottom of the first, the Orioles started making solid contact off Detwiler again in the top of the second. With two on and two out, Andino laced a base hit to left, scoring both runners. Andino did get caught in a rundown, but the damage was done. It's 2-0 Orioles heading to the bottom of the second.

7:50 p.m. -- So, this new, reconfigured Nats lineup is now 0-for-6 with three strikeouts tonight against Hammel. Not exactly the way Davey Johnson envisioned it.

7:58 p.m. -- This Adam Jones guy appears to be quite the ballplayer. Just destroyed a pitch from Detwiler over the left-field bullpen for his 14th home run of the season. Being a two-run shot, it puts the Orioles up 4-0 in the third. Detwiler really getting hit hard tonight, even many of the outs.

8:40 p.m. -- Well, this hasn't exactly been a good night at the ballpark, has it? Detwiler was hammered by the Orioles, capped by Markakis' two-run homer to right in the fifth. The left-hander is done after five, having allowed six runs on nine hits. That's the first time a Nats starter has given up six or more runs since Sept. 10, 2011. It also makes you wonder if Davey might be regretting what he said earlier today, that Chien-Ming Wang will be in the bullpen when he returns next week. 6-0 Orioles as we go to the bottom of the fifth.

8:48 p.m. -- The Nats did get a run back in the fifth, thanks to back-to-back-to-back singles by Bernadina, Tyler Moore (pinch-hitting for Detwiler) and Lombardozzi. But that only trims the deficit to 6-1 as we go to the sixth and Craig Stammen enters.

9:17 p.m. -- Don't look now, but here come the Nats! Three runs in the bottom of the sixth, highlighted by doubles from Zimmerman and Ankiel, an RBI groundout from Maldonado and an RBI single from Bernadina (who has reached base three times tonight). Just like that, it's 6-4 and we've got a ballgame again.

9:24 p.m. -- Props to Ryan Perry, who was thrown into a tough spot in the seventh but came through in impressive fashion by retiring Hardy, Markakis (on a nasty slider) and Jones in succession. That keeps this as a 6-4 game at the stretch.

9:32 p.m. -- Tonight's official paid attendance: 42,331. The Nats, though, say that is NOT a sellout, even though the listed stadium capacity is 41,546. I'll let someone else try to explain that one.

9:36 p.m. -- LaRoche hasn't exactly been showing the Baltimore media what we've been seeing all year. After whiffing at a Luis Ayala (remember him?) pitch in the seventh, he's now 0-for-8 with three strikeouts in this series. It remains 6-4 Orioles heading to the eighth.

9:59 p.m. -- Great chance for the Nats in the bottom of the eighth, but Bernadina's flyball to center came up just short and Danny Espinosa's sharp liner to left was hit right at Avery. Tough breaks there. Can't fault either guy for bad at-bats. So it's still 6-4 heading to the ninth. Henry Rodriguez will try to keep the deficit at two runs and leave the door open for Lombardozzi, Harper and Zimmerman in the bottom of the ninth.

10:08 p.m. -- Rodriguez did his job. So the Nats will go to the bottom of the ninth trailing 6-4. Jim Johnson going for the save against the top of the order.

10:18 p.m. -- It's over. No dramatic rally tonight, though they certainly tried. Zimmerman crushed a two-out homer to left, but LaRoche struck out on a 3-2 pitch from Johnson. Final score: 6-5 as the Nats fall to 23-17, 9-13 over their last 22 games.

135 comments:

PChuck said...

Now, this is a good lineup, Davey. :applause:

Anonymous said...

Maybe Harper will get some decent pitches to swing at. Looks like a pretty sound lineup to me, given who's available.

Go natz!

peric said...

Wow, that's a pretty big change ... looks like Davey has seen enough.

You can watch Chien Ming Wang who isn't even pitching as well as another guy on the 40-man (but who has options) Yunesky Maya. Yes, that's a huge surprise.

Sure seems like the Chiefs have found their bats even without BHarp34 and T_Mo12. Led by Corey Brown. Brown might be the one to watch.

Gonat said...

Wow, this was the popular lineup written up over a month ago. About time Espinosa sat/benched. Maybe Davey is sending a message although he is old school so he will just say Espi is getting a mental day. Here is Lombo's opportunity

SonnyG10 said...

Yes, interesting line-up change. Hope it works well.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Davey also didn't bunch up 2 Lefties in a row like LaRoche and Harper had been.

oldguyjim said...

I like it!!! Let's go hitting!

baseballswami said...

So this means no pregame show? And I suppose now there will be a sudden and drastic change in each and every hitter's performance? I am glad to see Lombardozzi hitting lead off - I think his skill set makes it a good fit. I don't care in what order they hit - Zim needs to heat up, Ankiel - well, whatever, and you can't replace Morse, Werth and Ramos - you just can't. Let's see who steps up tonight. Go Nats - the O's are getting cocky.

Exposremains said...

That I'm excited to see. Its about time.

Anonymous said...

I am excited for this lineup. Wish it had Morse, Werth and Ramos in it. Good luck to Maldonado. Really hoping he makes it through the game.

Gonat said...

Holy holy, Dusty Baker in the 9th is pulling his closer Marshall. Turn on MLB.TV for this 9th inning! 6-3 lead is now 6-5 with 2 on and 1 out.

Gonat said...

Tom in AR said...
I am excited for this lineup. Wish it had Morse, Werth and Ramos in it. Good luck to Maldonado. Really hoping he makes it through the game.

May 19, 2012 4:14 PM
____________________________

My appreciation for Ramos has gone up tremendously. He was one of the Nats hottest hitters the week before he was injured. Game Winning single, 2 HRs, etc.

Flores looks thin and lost a lot of muscle mass. I'm sure the move to Maldanado is to give Flores a rest but this is how opportunities are made.

baseballswami said...

Reds held on. By the way - do you realize that in the NL and AL east every team ( except boston) is above 500? Not so in the nl and al central where only the top team is above 500. Think we are in for a tough schedule folks?? It's a steady diet of winning teams for us - hang on.

Gonat said...

McClutch'n just crushed a HR by the way

Anonymous said...

Gonat, I've been watching! It's astonishing to me Dusty considers Marshall his "closer" given the vastly superior alternatives available to him.

Aroldis Chapman is a beast.

One more out to go for Arredondo.

Anonymous said...

Ah... The old MLB.tv delay! Lucky I didn't bet.

Steady Eddie said...

Arredondo closed 'em out, though not as skillfully as Burnett did vs. the Pads. Jeter postponed the end by Harperesque hustle (yeah, I know) to beat out an almost DP.

MicheleS said...

GYFNG!!!
FP if you are reading this. Leave a glass of Nats koolaid for Billy!

Glad to see the new line up . It will work! Fingers are crossed.

I will be at the game tonight. Stay Positive Insiders! I have a good feeling about tonight!

original Nats Fan said...

I like this lineup. Espi has just looked so lost at the plate. It's been hard to watch and he can't be happy with his own performance.
GO NATS!

Eugene in Oregon said...

Excuse the ignorance of someone who doesn't have cable (or even own a TV), but does the game being on Fox mean that it will be blacked out on MLB.tv? Is it Fox national or regional or local? Thanks.

The Real Feel Wood. Accept no substitutes. said...

Flores looks thin and lost a lot of muscle mass. I'm sure the move to Maldanado is to give Flores a rest but this is how opportunities are made.

No, Ramos and Maldonado look fat. Ramos especially, since he's still so young. Stand Flores up next to other good catchers like Weiters and Posey, and he looks fine. Excessive muscle mass is a detriment for a catcher, since it limits his mobility and maneuverability behind the plate. Perhaps Ramos's muscle mass helps his power at bat, but truthfully he could stand to lose 20-30 pounds. That would make him better on both sides of the ball.

baseballswami said...

Votto crushed a 3 run bomb against the NY Evil Empire and McCutcheon is crushing it , too. See - it's not just the nats - we are not alone. As to the catchers -- Posey doesn't look very big for a catcher and seems quite athletic. His recovery and resurgence has been nothing short of amazing when you remember what happened to him.It does seem like all of our guys that have an injury and rehab come back in better shape than they were initially. I am pretty sure that ramos won't play winter league again, either. I predict that next spring training he arrives looking like a stud.

Steady Eddie said...

I know I'm almost certainly letting wishful thinking make more if this than is probably there, but I wonder if Davey's "more than likely" statent about Espi being back in the lineup tomorrow still might allow for Lombo to lead off and play LF if he does well at the plate today. Mixed feelings about that as his arm is a downgrade from almost anyone else we can put put there, but the need for high OBP out of #1 -- and the probable value of having Desi's slugging % n #6 -- makes it something for us to speculate about aimlessly. Lombo also does much better at the plate when he's starting than PHing.

natsfan1a said...

I'm not into lineup kibbitzing but I will say this: Go, NATS!! And I'll throw in a Go, Buster!! for my late brother's fave Giant.

Not sure how the blackouts work, Eugene, but it's a national Fox broadcast.

natsfan1a said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
natsfan1a said...

Speaking of broadcasts, a new Bos piece on the MASN negotiations.

baseballswami said...

Above all - I want to see some Natitude out there. RossD pitches the best when he has some swagger going on. Despite the injury losses and sparse offense, these guys can play with anyone. Do it, Nats!!!!

natsfan1a said...

I'd like to see some Natitude in the stands, too. Please don't let the opposing fans shout you down on national tv, folks. I will do my part at tomorrow's game. Kaythxbai.

natsfan1a said...

(Oh, yeah. Hi, FP! You can cheer, too, if you want, seeing as how you'll be in the stands and not in the booth. :-))

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

They might not score, but this is a much better lineup. What has taken so long to get to this? I would flip flop Bernadina and Ankiel.

sm13 said...

It was definitely time to give lineup a bit of a shake. Ian has been one of our best clutch hitters, so the five spot seems lie a good fit. Glad to see bam bam batting second, Roger hasn't done much for us in that spot.

Also, I suspect this is a regional Fox broadcast. Their national booth pairing is Buck and McCarver.

sm13 said...

More info...there are Fox games tonight. The "headline" game is Sox-Phils.

sm13 said...

5 Fox games tonight...

Drew said...

And now a word about the lineup change: Hallelujah!

Adam LaRoche and Ian Desmond have 18 extra-base hits each. LaRoche has 30 RBIs. Desmond has only 16.

Lombo's on base percentage is .400 and Ian's is something like .294.

Moving Lombo up and moving Desmond down to a run-producing spot (where he's following the team's hottest hitter, instead of the pitcher) makes perfect sense. Bravo! Now GYFNG!!!

Eugene in Oregon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Eugene in Oregon said...

Thanks all. I'm hopeful that means no blackout on MLB.tv.

On the MASN contract question, let me stipulate that I continue to worry that the Nats will get shafted. But if Mr. Boswell is correct and the arbitration panel -- given its make-up and apparent self-interest -- comes up with a fair, market-based number, the Nats could well end doing better than any of us originally anticipated. Why? If I'm reading these stories correctly, the periodic 'resets' will take place about every fifth year. Thus, the Nats should get the benefit of the most-recent comps, which seem to be ever rising, more often than other teams. The Braves, for example, are approaching the end of a 20-year deal that looked good in the '90s, but seems like a pittance now. On the other hand, the Rangers and Angels just signed 20 (or so) year deals that look obscenely rich now, but may be seen as bargains in the second half of those long contracts. If the Nats really do get 'current market value' from the panel and then get to 'reset' again in five years, and five years after that, and five years after that, etc., they could end up with a better '20-year deal' than anyone else. In fact -- and this may be wishful thinking, I admit -- it could be so good (let's hope) that Mr. Angelos feels compelled to get out of it by selling the rights back to the Nats.

TimDz said...

Thanks for the link 1a...
makes me despise Angelos and Selig even MORE...and that'd saying something...

baseballswami said...

TimDz - Amen to that!

HLHjr said...

Ditto, TimDz.

TimDz said...

AND....
my post didn't regenerate ten times!!!

Eugene in Oregon said...

Oh well, MLB.tv is blacked out (for all the Fox regional games, apparently). Signing off so I won't know the score when I watch the replay later tonight. Hope it's worth it.

MicheleS said...

FP ROCKS!!! JUST GOT A TWEET THAT HE LEFT KOOLAID FOR Billy! !! YUP I AM A BASEBALL NERD!!!! GYFNG!!!! I am in section 134 row MM if anyone wants to stop by!

JaneB said...

I hope Lombo does what we all hope he can. I like the move of Desi to a strong ribbie spot, as long as Lombo produces. But! Regardless,

GYFNG! I will miss FP in tne booth.

JaneB said...

Hurrah for Michelle and FP! And Koolaid! How fun to read this!

TimDz said...

Pregame giving NO love to the Nats...
Byrnes needs a cup of STFU...dude...you have a microphone attached ....

baseballswami said...

Ross needs to grow his hair back out. He looks like he is 12.

TimDz said...

Visit with Gio by the announcers?
Can't wait for that...

JaneB said...

Swami says:

Ross needs to grow his hair back out. He looks like he is 12.
..........
As long as he pitches like a grown up. And strikes out Markakis.

TimDz said...

THAT was sweet....
Way to play Zim...

Drew said...

Bang, Zim!

baseballswami said...

I just feel that our hitters need to make the opposing pitcher work a little harder. Seems like the top half, with Detweiler , really took some time - they made him work for every out. Our hitters were gone in a flash. They look like easy outs - quick little grounders. I have also noticed that a lot of our hitters lately have been making outs on pop fouls.

terpman33 said...

Uh oh. Its 2-0. The game is probably over, with our offense. But, we shall see! GYFNG!

baseballswami said...

We have been getting scored on early a lot lately. Not a good trend.

phil dunton said...

The Nats offense is pathetic!

baseballswami said...

We went pretty deep the other night without a hit. It's going to happen this year, you know it.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Lets see. First the O's sacrafice twice in an inning and both runners score. We of course extend an inning with a walk and the walk scored. (wlaking 8th place batter is totally senseless)>

Now lets look at the bombers. Desi swings at one in the dirt, it gets away and he doesn't even bother to run, replay shows it wasn't even close to being hit. Why try to fake that. Then Ankeil takes a third strike at swinging and missing earlier.

Eck is not the hitting coach I learned last night. he is just advisor. We need someone to put a fire under their rears and coach, not advise, as the advise has been terrible or not accepted.

SCNatsFan said...

I hate being a fan of a team that strikes out as much as we do. Desmond waves at a ball that bounces infront of the plate and Ankiel stares at strikes.

You have to feel for the pitchers because they have to be perfect every night.

UnkyD said...

Hi, everybody!!! FWIW... I feel GOOD!!! Spent the afternoon simmering the first batch of chili I've made in over 3 years... FABULOUS!!! Enjoying a rare opportunity to watch on TV.... Settle down Det... Like the lineup tonight... Be nice to win a high scoring one, for a change.

GYFNG!!!!!!

UnkyD said...

Ladies... Morse or Gio- Who's got the better smile?

TimDz said...

Fantastic...

NatsFanJim said...

We are watching the Nats' pitching coming back to the pack, but our hitting seems to be pulling further from the pack.

The O's are exposing so many of the nats weaknesses.

Steady Eddie said...

While that third trike to Ankiel was actually a ball, it was really the HP ump trying to do the Nats a favor. he was saying, "if this guy doesn't even try to protect the plate on a close pitch on a 1-2 count, he deserves to get punched out. And he does.

Well, I hope this game is "so much for Davey's attempt to encourage Det by saying he keeps his spot in the rotation when Wang gets back.". I like Det's effort but where is his game plan against a bunch of fastball hitters? Five hits and two runs with 21/3 innings? His last start wasn't too hot either.

And I wrote that before Jones tagged him. He belongs back in the pen.

MicheleS said...

Unkyd. Vote = GIO!

UnkyD said...

Geeze.... Hope Stras brings an extra bag of NASTY to the mound, tomorrow... These birds look mighty comfortable out there...

NatsFanJim said...

Hard to like a lineup that has 10-14 k's in it per night.

Bernie cant hit
Ankiel is a perpetual .235 guy
Harper is a rookie who swings for the fences on every swing, pulls out -- and is striking out too much.
Zim: swinging through center but fastballs

Not good

Bigfish said...

Ross Detwiler is making the Wang decision a lot easier.

UnkyD said...

Michele... It's gotta be close, though, right?

NatsFanJim said...

Maldonado seems to fit in perfectly -- swings with his head pulling out -- eyes off the ball -- uses that weak one-handed finish --

NatsFanJim said...

Can't wait to see Bernie's approach...

Steady Eddie said...

Even tho Maldonado got thrown out because he's catcher-slow, he did set an example for the rest of the team by MAKING THE DAMN PITCHER WORK for the out!

NatsFanJim said...

good job, Bernie.

Exposremains said...

I don't get it with Detwiler, he has shutdown stuff but never seems to have extended success.

NatsFanJim said...

Swing, Ross -- dont bunt

NatsFanJim said...

blew the ball right by ole lombo

NatsFanJim said...

weak ground ball to short ...

hitless in three innings

We are making every pitcher look like Verlander.

NatsFanJim said...

I love the Nats, but Prediction --

NEXT STOP. .500 BASEBALL. No doubt about it. This team is plummeting. No hitting, weak managing, average defense, and pitchers coming back to the pack while losing their confidence (due in part to NO hitting) and a closer that is completely crazy.

A serious losing streak in upon us.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Detwiler put down the bunt better than the guys last night. But what was the point as the next batter just grounds out to short.

baseballswami said...

I hate this style of coverage with the long interviews. They don't even notice the game half the time. Billy made a good point, though, about our pitchers adjusting to all the different catchers.Four in a week.makes you wonder. Nice quick inning. Now some offense?

NatsFanJim said...

Hey Steady Eddie: Wang will never put up the numbers from the mound that Det has done thus far this season. They should trade Wang -- Wang will totally flop. watch

NatsFanJim said...

Harper pulling out on the very first pitch.

Drew said...

OK, the Nats have no hits. Lombo isn't working the count.

The Nats have scored 5 runs in just 11 of their 39 games.

There must be a decent flick on one of these channels.

(Well, maybe I'll wait till Harper hits.)

NatsFanJim said...

Harper pulls his head out on pitch #3

NatsFanJim said...

See ya, Bryce. YOu can't hit what you can't see.

Can't someone tell him he's pulling out on every pitch -- his head is never ON the ball.

Exposremains said...

No sure why I'm watching this game, it just makes me mad.

baseballswami said...

This is just so hard to watch. Take some pitches, foul some off, make some contact .yeah! A hit!

NatsFanJim said...

Nice hit, Zim.

NatsFanJim said...

Davey Johnson 63-59 as Nats manager. And look at the pitching staff he has this year?

Riggleman is starting to look good -- he understood the game far better.

baseballswami said...

Even alr has gone ice cold.

NatsFanJim said...

I noticed that Arrieta was fan voted the star of the game yesterday with a whopping 82%. Obviously, the viewship is 82% Oriole fans.

Pathetic.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Could someone tell the advisor to ask the batters to cut down the swing with two strikes. Chances of succeess would increase.

NatsFanJim said...

Uh oh, my wife is now rooting for the O's -- says they're "so much better."

Yep, she's right again.

NatsFanJim said...

The Orioles have bunted or attempted to bunt more in this young game, than the Nats have tried in the last 10 games.

Buck plays the game; Davey can't remember a game is going on.

NatsFanJim said...

Personally, Ankiel is one of my favorite players, but we can't win a pennant with him in the lineup. Simple as that.

Ankiel and Bernadina in the same outfield -- combined with a talented but very raw rookie? no pennant there.

NatsFanJim said...

Markakis is a beast. Good blast, Nick.

Exposremains said...

All right, I'm done.

UnkyD said...

Boy. Ross is no mystery to these guys, huh....

NatsFanJim said...

Jones hits a knock to left.

This game is gonna end up 12-0

NatsFanJim said...

Wieters is going deep, watch

baseballswami said...

Getting shelled. Our outfield should be morse, Harper, Werth . Bernie and ankiel are supposed to be good defenders but are not. This is not our team . Bernie, ankiel, lombo, catcher-half this lineup should not be out there. They are all second stringers and It is showing. Even the guys who were doing ok are off their games. Sad to watch.

sm13 said...

Why ate we going to waste Stammen in this game. Let Ryan Perry go out there for few innings and save Craig for a closer contest.

NatsLady said...

Dewiler single-handedly destroying staff ERA. CMW takes his next start. Can't be worse than this. O's fans loud and happy.

Steady Eddie said...

"Nats Fan Jim said

I love the Nats but..."

Coulda fooled me.

phil dunton said...

Nats always puke on themselves whenever they have a big home crowd or whenever they are on national TV. This game is an embarrassment but at least we won't have to suffer through H-Rod tonight.

baseballswami said...

If you are not a true fan you are apathetic. You get the maddest at those you love. I am pretty mad right now. Billy Ripken not being hard on Ross. Doesn't think he pitched badly. O's hitters just on fire right now. He is a very fair announcer considering his history with the o's.

UnkyD said...

Rally hat.

JaneB said...

I didn't realize the Orioles were this good. Didn't see that coming for another decade or so.

And, Unkyd, Gio. Awesome as the Morse beam is, Gio. Gio over Jose Reyes, too. Until I saw Gio, his was the megawatt MLB smile for me.

Okay! We are on tne board! That's something.

UnkyD said...

Oops...won't do that again...

UnkyD said...

I wonder if Xavier Avery would consider advising our batters...

UnkyD said...

Hmmmmm...

UnkyD said...

Where'd everybody go...?

baseballswami said...

That's my guys! Make it a game!

baseballswami said...

UnkyD - No one here but us?

NatsFanJim said...

Perry is absolutely horrible.

NatsFanJim said...

Jane B: just like a girl -- most of us don't give a rats ##$ about Gio's friggin smile. geez

NatsFanJim said...

Nice play, Desi.

NatsFanJim said...

retraction: Perry looked good tonight. Sorry, Perry.

JaneB said...

I am thinking maybe we see Lombo tomorrow, too.

I think there are lots of legitimate things to notice in a baseball team, NatsFanJim.. And joy on the field, love of the game and a great smile go high on my list. Don't even get us started on sme of the other things some of us notice. They stand out on that field a long time. I'm just sayin'.

baseballswami said...

I am thinking that this is too little, too late. In April, 4 runs would have won TWO games! I know I said this before but it bears repeating. Our 9 player line up consists of a pitcher, 3 bench players and a triple A catcher, catcher number 4 in a week for the pitchers. Granted, some of those guys hit in the sixth, but they are still not the First String. It's going to be a long season and this last week has not been our very best time. Glad to see their never-say-die natitude is alive and well. If they can just hang on and fight through this swoon....

baseballswami said...

At least Danny made contact....

ehay2k said...

As frustrated as I get with this team wasting amazing pitching, it's still a long way to the end of the season, but not that long until we get a key player back -Morse. Then Storen, then Werth. Even Leon will be back , for what that's worth.

So, if we can hang on, maybe play .500 ball through June, maybe bring on a hitting instructor to help Eck teach the things he doesn't understand, or help the students grasp what Eck is trying to teach ( sorry, coudn't resist), we will be OK.
But losing two to B'more will hurt. Fan anger will be high.

baseballswami said...

Bad Henry?

ehay2k said...

Good Henry

ehay2k said...

Not PFB Henry, but definitely Good Henry.

Mr. Doggett said...

gotta love Good Henry

baseballswami said...

Nice. Two rookies at the top of the line up. I doubt any other team is doing that. So tired of seeing innings end with someone on third.

JaneB said...

Oh man, Zimm!

ehay2k said...

NatsFanJim, enough with the sexist comments. This is no place for them.

JaneB, I agree that Gio has a very nice smile.
Ooh, as I type - Zimm!!

UnkyD said...

Hold that phone.....

baseballswami said...

I believe that was ball 4.

ehay2k said...

Sigh, at least we made a game of it. (To bad that has been a post-game balm for years now). I love that we don't quit, I hate that we cannot hit.

Steady Eddie said...

Ah well -- makes the failure to bring Desi home in the 8th all the more costly.

The point about Gio's smile is that the personality behind it is a phenomenal asset to team chemistry. Lapparently "smile" alone was overly subtle for some.

Along with the sexism -- thanks, ehay2k -- anyone who thinks "Riggleman is starting to look good"(@8:21) has other issues.

Dave said...

Hey, wait a minute..."NatsFanJim"?

Where is Riggleman these days anyway?

natsfan1a said...

Thanks to ehay and Steady Eddie for standing up for JaneB, who was only answering a question from another (and male, btw) poster. What is this, Ballpark Guys or NatsInsider? ;-) Speaking of which, I agree with my esteemed colleagues MicheleS and JaneB: it's Gio.

Thanks for sharing re. FP's tweet, MicheleS.

On a game note, was really disappointed to lose a series, particularly to the O's. That said, as I remarked to my hubby afterwards, I didn't find this loss as frustrating as Friday's. I liked that the team almost came back from the deep hole into which Det put them. I liked that the bullpen, including Henry, held the O's down the rest of the way. I liked that Zimm's bat may be heating up.

Holden Baroque said...

Have NatsFanJim and Mick ever been seen together? Just wondering.

Steve J, Alexandria said...

The Orioles must be glad they got Gorz after Stassy

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