 |
Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER The forecast tonight at Nationals Park is not promising. |
Well, no rainout would be nice. Unfortunately, tonight's forecast is not promising at all. The tarp has been covering the infield all afternoon, even though to this point there have only been some light sprinkles. The heavy stuff, though, is due to hit right around gametime and last well into the evening.
That wouldn't seem to bode well for this game being played, but we'll have to wait and see what the Nationals decide to do. Remember, the home team (consulting with the visitors and MLB) has control of these things up until lineup cards are exchanged. After that, the umpires call the shots.
[UPDATE AT 3:40 P.M. -- It's official now: Michael Morse has been activated off the DL and will hit cleanup tonight. Corey Brown has been optioned back to Class AAA Syracuse.]
Stay tuned for updates...
ATLANTA BRAVES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 183
Weather: Strong storms, 77 degrees, Wind 15 mph RF to LF
NATIONALS (29-21)
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
RF Michael Morse
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
LF Xavier Nady
C Jesus Flores
RHP Stephen Strasburg
BRAVES (28-24)
CF Michael Bourn
3B Martin Prado
C Brian McCann
2B Dan Uggla
1B Freddie Freeman
RF Jason Heyward
SS Andrelton Simmons
LHP Mike Minor
LF Jose Constanza
UMPIRES
HP Derryl Cousins (cc), 1B Ron Kulpa, 2B D.J. Reyburn, 3B Jim Wolf
5:10 p.m. -- OK, your first official weather update of the day: It's raining. Hard. Really hard. Check the photo posted above. From the press box, you can't see any buildings outside the ballpark property, and you can barely see the parking garage in left field. But for the moment, the Nats say tonight's game is still on.
5:15 p.m. -- Regarding tonight's lineup ... the reason Steve Lombardozzi isn't in there is because left-hander Mike Minor is starting for the Braves. When a right-hander starts (like Brandon Beachy tomorrow), Lombardozzi will lead off and play left field. Also, the Nats are keeping three catchers for now until they're sure Jesus Flores' hamstring is 100 percent healthy. Carlos Maldonado is also dealing with a bit of a back issue. So they'll keep three for now; that will probably change in a few days.
6:05 p.m. -- I wish I could make this stuff up: There are currently 500 trombone players standing along the outfield warning track here, trying to set some kind of record. It's not raining, and as of this moment, the game is still on.
6:22 p.m. -- Congratulations to the tromboners, who successfully set whatever record it was they were trying to set. And also managed not to get struck by lightning. As for the game ... well, they still haven't said anything. The Clint pregame show has begun. There are perhaps a couple hundred people actually here.
6:30 p.m. -- And now the tarp is being pulled off the infield, though I think they're just dumping the excess water. The stadium lights also have not yet been turned on.
6:40 p.m. -- And there's the official announcement: Tonight's game has been postponed. Details to come.
118 comments:
You're correctomundo MarkMeister. What more could a Nats' fan ask?? Actually, beating the Fish 3 straight next time 'round, would be on my wish list!
Wish I could make the NI shindig on June 14th. Maybe next time????
Heads up to anyone who is going to Saturday's game. The post game concert is now Big & Rich.
http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/fan_forum/concerts.jsp
Well, there's the answer for those who were wondering in the last thread about Corey Brown.
Better for him to get the regular ABs, and he wasn't going to get them here.
I hope the press box windows are closed, Mark. We're having a whale of a downpour in southern Montgomery County.
Disappointed to see Corey go.
GYFNG!!!!
Nice to have Flores back too
This scenario is eerily reminiscent of the great Hot Stuff incident game. If they are going to delay, I hope they delay right at the beginning instead of trying to start and then stopping. As I recall, Strassie did not handle that well at all. Prediction - Strassie starts and pitches a few fine innings - rain delay -- Detweiler comes in and dominates for the rest of the game. And Michael Morse hacks some gorse!!!
I believe that's Jose Constanza. Interesting Fredi is batting him 9th. Is this just a little experimenting, or has he gone full LaRussa?
I will not utter a word about LF because this game will be postponed.
I believe that's Jose Constanza. Interesting Fredi is batting him 9th. Is this just a little experimenting, or has he gone full LaRussa?
It was working for Riggleman until he decided to resign ... :)
In Arizona they put a chain across the entrances to each section during the inning. That's a great visual reinforcement to follow the rules.
Natsnut-- amen to that!
Hmmm, there's still 3 catchers on the roster. Curious, since Flores is starting... I figured Maldanado would either be sent back to AAA or put on the DL
No Lombo at lead off = less rbi opportunities for Bryce, Ryan and Mike.
Cn - I also expected Maldonado to go back to syracuse - I was surprised that it was Corey Brown. Figuring they are going to make very, very sure that JFlo is 100 percent before they do that. I am guessing Perry leaves when Lidge comes back.
Well looks like Corey Brown still did have options remaining ... Syracuse now has a more interesting outfield situation with Komatsu and Brown there. Plus Xavier Paul and Mark Teahen.
Actually, it's George Constanza.
During the rain delay he's going to drag the Cardinals' World Series trophy from the back of his car.
No Lombo at lead off = less rbi opportunities for Bryce, Ryan and Mike.
Lombo is going to play ... he's just still the super UTL guy at this point. Unless they move Espinosa to that position they really don't have one right now.
We're about five miles SSW of the park and my cat has just headed downstairs into the basement, standard operating procedure when she hears that first rumble of thunder.
Swami, Espinosa does do well against LHPs. Hence why he is leading off tonight.
no comment about LF, either.
Some BEAST Humor via Kilgore:
Adam Kilgore@AdamKilgoreWP
Morse says he can throw 100 percent. "I mean, not like Rick Ankiel."
I believe Lombo is only 2 for 18 (.111) from the right side this year. Nady, OTOH, is batting a hefty .193...
On the team carrying 3 catchers, I think they want to be very cautious after seeing Kemp re-aggravate his hammy after blasting thru his brief rehab.
peric - it has been widely reported that when Morse got back it would be Lombo in left, Harper in center and Morse in right. I am guessing that Nady is in the line up because of some handed-ness type match up or because the veteran guy on the bench needs to get starts to stay "fresh". When Jim Riggleman did that, he got crucified for it. But if it is some kind of match up deal, I am hoping for the best. Danny has definitely showed signs of warming up. Lombo just seems to be a catalyst when he is in the game, has some speed. Nady - not so much.
Coming back from the lat injury, interesting that Morse isn't in LF with Nady manning the other corner OF spot, as more throws go from RF to 3rd than from LF to 1st.
I'm hoping Morse is under strict orders to hit the cutoff man.
Cloudy here in Manassas, looking dark, but no rain yet.
I think they want Morse to get used to RF because he is going to be there until Werth comes back. Has to be the Lefty Righty Match up that has Lombo on the Bench vs Nady. Isn't this virtually the same lineup they had last week when Stras Pitched?
Morse also said his throwing program during rehab helped him develop an OF arm. I hope Lombo starts doing that.
This from Kilgore.
So we received two (Flores and Morse). Let's not give any back!
Adam Kilgore @AdamKilgoreWP
Henry Rodriguez says he doesn't think he can pitch tonight. His right index finger, which he slammed in a door, is still swollen.
Yeah, Morse is penciled in @ RF for the next couple of months. Just with him coming back from an injury hampering his throwing, it concerns me.
MicheleS - so do you think the organization's plan is to permanently change Lombo to an outfielder? Or do you think they plan on him being super-utility and playing infield and outfield? I hate to even think about it - but could he be traded? Young infielder, switch hitter, on base type guy? Could be valuable to someone.
Nats inclement weather hotline still has game starting on time. Radar shows all sorts of technicolor stuff bearing down on us. We aren't going down. It looks like one those get drenched and sit there until midnight evenings.
I basically like the line-up. I knew Davey wasn't going to get rid of Nady and I assume he has figured out he needs to get Lombardozzi into the line-up regularly. I'm sure we haven't seen the last of Corey Brown.
I would love to see Morse do well from the outset. I've been faithfully voting for him to make the All Star Team. He was close last year.
Swami.. I am not sure on Lombo's Role, - my bet would be super utility UNLESS something bad happens on the infield. Traded - Lord I hope not. Too young, and under control
Wait, I thought someone confidently stated that Perry would be optioned to make room for Morse. Or Maldonado.
Makes a whole lot more sense not to carry six outfielders, seven if you count Lombo. I'd have preferred that Nady be the guy to go instead of Brown, but having three reserve LH outfielders does seem a bit much, and they just aren't going to cut someone when there's someone with options who can yo-yo up and down, like Brown (and Moore), at least until it's clear the Morse is back for good.
So welcome back Mickey Morse. May the force be with you. If you mash tonight, maybe Davey will leave you in the cleanup spot where you belong, even against righties. And yes, please hit the cutoff man and don't try to emulate Harper on the bases.
MicheleS, I agree--Lombo's arm is so weak. Otherwise he's such a terrific player.
BIG UGLY TORNADO Warning just popped up on TV.. EAS just interupted MLB Network
We pray for Dierks Bentley's buttocks and for his family.
222 I thought they would send Maldanado down with the back injury that Amanda reported. But i guess they are keeping him for Flores protection
Markmeister makes me laugh...
Mark Zuckerman@MarkZuckerman
Um ... no. RT @fitdabattle I know it'll be awkward, but could you just walk up and hug Mike Morse for me? Just for like 30 seconds.
Still no rain in Shaw, a couple miles due north of the park, but the thunder has picked up considerably. Nearly constant.
MicheleS - so do you think the organization's plan is to permanently change Lombo to an outfielder? Or do you think they plan on him being super-utility and playing infield and outfield?
It is curious to see Nady in left instead of Morse. No. I don't believe this clap trap the beat writers have been promulgating ... not for a nano second. Look the lineup is far different from what they said it would be already right?
Here's the way I interpret it. Davey has yet to see Morse in right field while he's been manager. He wants to see what Morse looks like out there. Not just in left. The reason why is obvious.
Lombardozzi is the superUTL guy. He is not going to be the starting left fielder. This won't change unless/until they decide to convert Espinosa into that role. Espy is their very best overall fielder bar none. He is capable of learning and playing every position on the field short of catcher. He has gold glove potential at just about any position.
Otherwise, its Teahen.
But Espy's bat also has huge potential. Both this year and into the future.
They are trying to win ... but also develop the prospects as much as they can while trying to win. That is something new ...
That said, I have no clue whatsoever where players like Nady, Ankiel, DeRosa et al fit in with that model? They seem to defeat the purpose.
Even if the Nats don't make the playoffs if they improve record-wise and prospects progress they will have had a very successful year indeed!
aaaaaaaaaaand there's the rain.
With the emergence of Lombo as leadoff/LF, Davey's having a hard enough time finding playing time for five other outfielders, much less six.
I looked it up and when Stras Was pitching last week same lineup except Tyler Moore was in LF and Nady was in RF. So I am guessing it's the Lefty/Righty Matchup that has Nady in instead of Lombo.
Now raining in downtown DC, and the clouds look ominous. Dear Nats, can you just call this thing now and save me a soggy trip to the Park? Feel free to play two tomorrow or Sunday.
Hmmmm ... move a second baseman with some pop and a good arm into left ... sounds vaguely familiar.
The team is OF heavy, considering 2 infielders (Moore & Tracy) were taken off the 25 and replaced by Solano & Brown. I just assumed that Maldanado (who obvi filled Leon's spot who clearly filled Ramos's spot) would be sent down and the team would still have 2 backup infielders with Lombo (2B, SS, 3B) and Morse (1B).
Talk about musical chairs...
Wait, I thought someone confidently stated that Perry would be optioned to make room for Morse. Or Maldonado.
Yeah, I did. Until Dan Kolko gently reminded me that Henry had damaged a finger on his throwing hand and that meant Ryan Perry would be needed for now.
I knew they wouldn't touch Maldonado ... not yet at least. No way too risky.
I wasn't sure Brown had options but since he does the move makes sense. Now both he and Moore are a phone call away.
However, with Komatsu back, plus Paul and Teahen the Nats are now inundated with left-handed bats and outfielders. Its time to execute a trade me thinks.
Raining in Baileys Crossroads. I've seen worse, but you can't play baseball in it. Also see on the radar there is a break and then another big long blob of storms in West Virginia. Doubt the break is wide enough to get five innings played.
both teams have monday off after having yesterday off, so it seems that Monday would make the most sense. However, we can go with a 6 man rotation for 1 turn thru if a DH is played this weekend!
@Grandstander...When Stanton changed his name to Giancarlo, there was an extra Mike floating around. Someone had to use it.
I need to leave by 5:45. I've blown one game already, not going to blow another.
Pepperdine just scored a 2nd run against Mich State. Nice place to go to school.
NatsLady.. Park it getting Nailed with Rain and there is another big line coming up from Prince William county into Fairfax.
D'Gourds - do you think that Lombardozzi has a weak arm or hasn't yet learned how to make outfield throws? Mike Morse commented that during this rehab he has just learned how to do it. He was also an infielder. Lombo strikes me as the kind of kid that works so hard he can improve anything he sets his mind to.Still so young, too. My bet is that if he decides to improve his arm, he will do it. He won't be Ankiel - who is? But with his other abilities he is a really good asset to this organization. MLB guys were just talking about John Lannan - talking about possibly trading CMW. Heyman says Det and Lannan could both take the 5th spot after Strassie is shut down. They think the CMW starting move is about showcasing him.
From Mark on Twitter, take a look at the picture!
https://twitter.com/MarkZuckerman/status/208663202786062336/photo/1
With the emergence of Lombo as leadoff/LF
That's temporary ... no one in charge is worried because well just look at the DL list! One can be certain Lombo will get plenty of playing time as the superUTIL. Plenty, unless he lands on that list.
I think the players would rather have a double-header and an off-day, and they do get a vote.
Nevermind, no 6 man rotation needed even if a DH is played since there was a day off yesterday and would be another off day Monday if a DH is played. That said, Monday makes the best makeup day, as the Braves only travel to Miami for Tues, while the Nats stay at home.
D'Gourds - do you think that Lombardozzi has a weak arm or hasn't yet learned how to make outfield throws?
Lombo has ALWAYS had a very weak arm. Its why he played exclusively at second base for the most part in the minors. Just ask Luke Erickson (NationalsProspects.com) or Brian Oliver (NationalsFarmAuthority.com) who have both watched Lombo extensively there if you don't believe me.
Some background on Lombo
And it is POURING again by Dulles Airport
Stay safe up there, Mark. Also any Insiders who are in severe storm areas (which seems to be much of the region today). Just a lot of rain here so far (southern Fairfax County).
NatsNut..
YUP! Exactly...Either that or Mick tried something to keep Henry off the Field. Hey MICK.. put the Voodoo doll down!!!
Thomas Boswell via twitter: "It's raining so hard at Nats Park that even the umpires are walking two-by-two."
When Brown came up and was not immediately inserted into the everyday lineup it was apparent to me that the brass does not feel that he is ready. To me Harper,Brown,Morse from right to left makes the most sense and I don't really understand why Nady and Ankiel keep getting the at bats which they are obviously not able to convert into production.
Tornado WARNING in DC (especially east DC, which I assume covers SE DC. That means there has been a tornado sighted, not just imagining (imaging) by the weather service. Take care, Mark.
Just got the following email:
*****************************************
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the City of Alexandria (NEW)
For Immediate Release: June 1, 2012
The National Weather Service has issued a new Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the City of Alexandria, in effect until 5:15 pm. The storm approaching our area may produce hail up to the size of quarters and damaging in excess of 60 miles per hour.
This is a dangerous storm. Residents are advised to prepare immediately for damaging wind gusts and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning. Move indoors to a sturdy building and stay away from windows.
The City remains under a Tornado Watch until 9 pm tonight, and a Flash Flood Watch is in effect until midnight tonight.
*****************************************
People are being told to stay indoors and away from windows, and to watch for hail the size of quarters... and they STILL haven't called the game?
Really?
swami
There's a lot to love about Lombo, but power simply isn't one of them--not at the plate, not in the field.
anyone else thinking that "slammed finger in door" = "punched a wall"?
Or a bathroom mirror. Nah. The Nats would never, ever, circulate misleading information about an injury!
When stras hits his limit tonite, lombo in, nady out, new pitcher in
?
LOL, Boz. Thanks, peric.
Hope Mark and others have headed out of the press box for safer quarters.
Officially the Nats are NUTS
Washington Nationals@Nationals
We are hoping for a break in the weather so we can get the game in. We'll keep you updated as we get closer to first pitch
I don't want to even think about that on Henry. Poor guy. (I'm a big softie, remember? ;-))
That does seem nutty, MicheleS.
Candide, nope. Here is Nats PR.
Washington Nationals @Nationals
We are hoping for a break in the weather so we can get the game in. We'll keep you updated as we get closer to first pitch
Look, Nationals, if you postpone the game and the storm doesn't materialize, nobody's going to blame you, considering the weather reports we've been getting.
But if you start the game at 9:00 and then postpone it when things turn really ugly, lots of people are going to hate you.
Or if you start it at 10:00 after the system has blown through, in front of thirty-two people who live within a few blocks of the park, you'll have another 20,000 or so people who wasted a ticket hating you.
More Boz Humor:
Thomas Boswell@ThomasBoswellWP
"When it rains this hard, it can't rain for long." Noah
How is anyone getting to the game anyway???
Capital Weather Gang @capitalweather
MIXING BOWL NIGHTMARE - TORNADO WARNING INCLUDES YOU. STAY PUT IF YOU HAVE TO TRAVEL.
What is the deal about Dierks Bentley and Big and Rich etc. Just want to advise my wife, so she will be prepared.
Well, duh, I'm riding my bike.
I found the article. Big and Rich are fine, I am sure my wife will still enjoy.
Manassas...
Press Release on Concert
Nasty storm just leaving Prince William County. Wouldn't mind if the nats were postponed as I am going to a concert and will only be able to check the game at a short intermission. I am not looking forward to driving even the short distance to an indoor event. If they play - please be descriptive so I can get an update quickly!
You don't happen to have a little dog riding along in a basket, do you? Never mind, that was Kansas.
Well, duh, I'm riding my bike.
Blue and Orange Lines are having issues for those of you taking the train.. Take a look at the website.
Coming down buckets in Baileys Crossroads, but this (somewhat contradictory) report from the Park:
We Love DC Sports @welovedcsports
Nats Park is wet but it is currently dry and clouds moving quickly across the sky towards Maryland.
Couple of points...
Looks to me, watching coverage, that bad weather will likely be out of area before game time or shortly thereafter (though another line of storms still may come through)
Also, if they do postpone and schedule a day-night doubleheader tomorrow or Sunday, second game can't be on MASN or MLB.tv because of Fox/ESPN exclusivity. I know calling the game seems a no-brainer to many of us, ut there are other factors to consider.
Colbert says (about hitting Harper), No, he wouldn't do it again.
In this video, about 3 minutes in.
Interview
http://www.usatoday.com/video/sports/1668074306001
Morse raises an interesting question, who has the better arm, Ankiel or Harper. I'm going with the cagey veteran, but if there is a rain delay I vote for some kind of skills competition in the slickened outfield. Maybe who gets closer to hitting Teddy's butt from 250".
sjb, they probably won't schedule one tomorrow (concert), but couldn't they schedule a traditional double-header for Sunday? If the second game starts before 5 p.m. it's not blacked out.
sjb
There's plenty more rain coming--flood warning thru 8:30, and 75-100% chance of rain thereafter thru midnight.
Only question is when they call it, not if.
Boz again:
Thomas Boswell @ThomasBoswellWP
For tonite's game, Nats were hoping for a good walk-up crowd to see Stephen Strasburg. Now expecting a small swim-up crowd.
Storm cloud over Manassas.
Picture
http://twitpic.com/9rptze
Well, if there's a two-hour delay, I can make it to the game just fine. :)
Boz is en fuego.
NatsLady -- looks like more of a 4 1/2 hour delay before the system opens up enough to take the tarp off the field.
I can't believe the Nats would endanger Stras' well-being (not to mention the remaining healthy starters) by risking them slipping and sliding around the mound and the field.
Torrential downpour here in Fairfax
thom loverro @thomloverro
WRC Channel 4 just urged people not to go to #Nationals game tonight @ESPNRadio980
I'm telling you, Rizzo is in a cave somewhere with the rest of the front office doing draft boards and doesn't even realize it's raining...
Adam Kilgore @AdamKilgoreWP
The Nats are still trying to set a world record for most trombones in a stadium. And it's raining. Don't say it. Don't say it. Don't say it.
Welll...if you're the revenue-maximizing (money-grubbing) Nats management, calling this game doesn't give you a good option. Schedule a single admission doubleheader and lose one game's gate (and have to honor rain checks), schedule a split admission doubleheader and lose MASN coverage of the second game (and I'll bet there's a penalty in the MASN contract for that), schedule a makeup for a further series and piss off Atlanta mightily (as well as run future weather risks. I'll bet they wait til 9 or 10 if they have to (that way, if you've got a ticket and don't show up, they keep your money).
I'm following the news from afar. Who knew Boswell had such a sense of humor?
But mostly.....SO glad to see Morse's name in the line up, even if the game never happens.
Hoping everyone stays safe and somehow dry tonight.
NatsLady said...
thom loverro @thomloverro
WRC Channel 4 just urged people not to go to #Nationals game tonight @ESPNRadio980
June 01, 2012 6:10 PM
__________________________
Beacuse he cares?
I'm running my sprinklers right now to try to keep my yard from dying. Send some of that rain out West!
Seriously, stay safe, everyone who's in it. Looks like a bad one.
Section 222 said...
anyone else thinking that "slammed finger in door" = "punched a wall"?
Or a bathroom mirror. Nah. The Nats would never, ever, circulate misleading information about an injury!
June 01, 2012 5:07 PM
____________________________
Thought the same thing when I first heard about it but do believe he told the Nats his hand got caught in the door -or- maybe a translation error, the door got caught in his hand.
Mark just tweeted.. it's postponed. Good news. Stras Tomorrow !!!
Lovero must have known it would be cancelled
Well that puts a dent in the conspiracy theories about the management trying to steal everyone's ticket money. Stay dry, folks!
Thomas Boswell @ThomasBoswellWP
Nats game canceled at 6:42. Should probably have been banged earlier. What is it about "tornado warnings" that's hard to understand?
I can't believe Nady is in LF and Rick is sitting. Sure neither one can hit a beachball, but Rick's arm is the best on the team. Hands down.
Too bad they had to postpone the game, but at least they got the Clint pregame show in. Happy happy joy joy.
Not sure why they took so long to call this game. They owe something to the brave souls who made it to the ballpark and to those stuck in traffic who now have to turn around so they can be stuck in more traffic. This could have and should have been decided hours ago.
Wasn't Loverro just reporting what channel 4 was saying? I don't know but I'd assume that it was the weather people they who made the statement in the name of people staying safe.
Well, hell, NOW what am I supposed to do for the rest of the evening...?
1A,, I have had channel 4 on all afternoon and the head weather guy was showing the storms coming ang going through the park area and he said basically stay off the road and don't go to the park.
Because I like to rub it in with hail the size of quarters?
Lannan pRAA: -8.8 with an adjusted tRA of 6.06 ... amazingly he is no
longer the worst on staff!
That honor belongs to Tanner Roark acquired in the Cristian Guzman trade.
pRAA: -11.6 adjusted tRA of 7.20.
Thanks, MicheleS, that's what I figured.
Candide, talk to Cunegonde, of course. :-)
Candide said...
Well, hell, NOW what am I supposed to do for the rest of the evening...?
Go online and vote Nats for the All Star Game. Write in Bryce Harper. 25 votes per email address. Make up all the bogus email addresses you need in order to kill the evening. They don't check to see if it's a real email address, they just check the format. If it looks like an email address, it's good.
baseballswami said...
D'Gourds - do you think that Lombardozzi has a weak arm or hasn't yet learned how to make outfield throws? Mike Morse commented that during this rehab he has just learned how to do it. He was also an infielder. Lombo strikes me as the kind of kid that works so hard he can improve anything he sets his mind to.Still so young, too. My bet is that if he decides to improve his arm, he will do it. He won't be Ankiel - who is? But with his other abilities he is a really good asset to this organization. MLB guys were just talking about John Lannan - talking about possibly trading CMW. Heyman says Det and Lannan could both take the 5th spot after Strassie is shut down. They think the CMW starting move is about showcasing him.
June 01, 2012 4:58 PM
______________________________________________________________________
Swami, Lombo can learn to throw more efficently and can add some arm strength, but will never have a strong outfielder's arm. Some guys are seemingly born with an actual cannon. Unlike Morse, Lombardozzi never had a strong infielder's arm either. Morse has worked with the Nat's Cathcart to learn to throw correctly from the outfield. He had a strong arm to start with. I've never seen him make a throw from left, or right, using the proper crow hop, either. It makes a huge difference in how good a throw you make. Like any other position in baseball, there are a zillion nuances to playing the outfield properly that are not learned in a couple of weeks.
Post a Comment