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US Presswire file photo The Nats try to bounce back tonight in Game 2 of 4 at Coors Field. |
Make no mistake, though: The Nats need to start hitting. They know this, and they know they've been presented a great opportunity to start clicking offensively this week in the mile-high air of Denver, against a Rockies pitching staff that owns the majors' worst ERA (5.29) by leaps and bounds.
They couldn't make a dent into Jeff Francis or Josh Roenicke last night. They'll attempt to do it tonight against rookie left-hander Christian Friedrich (who has lost his last three starts) and whatever reliever Rockies manager Jim Tracy plucks from his bullpen around the fifth or sixth inning.
Gio Gonzalez, meanwhile, seeks to accomplish what Stephen Strasburg could not last night: Earn his 10th win of the season. As you know, I'm not in Colorado for this series, but please continue the conversation below, and I'll even attempt to chime in with some of my own thoughts during the game...
WASHINGTON NATIONALS at COLORADO ROCKIES
Where: Coors Field
Gametime: 8:40 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 189
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 91 degrees, Wind 10 mph LF to RF
NATIONALS (41-30)
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
RF Michael Morse
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
LF Tyler Moore
C Jesus Flores
LHP Gio Gonzalez
ROCKIES (28-44)
CF Dexter Fowler
3B Jordan Pacheco
LF Carlos Gonzalez
RF Michael Cuddyer
1B Todd Helton
2B Chris Nelson
C Wilin Rosario
SS Jonathan Herrera
LHP Christian Friedrich
UMPIRES
HP Chris Conroy, 1B Ed Hickox, 2B Mark Carlson, 3B Angel Hernandez (cc)
9:20 p.m. -- Hey everyone, I'm watching tonight's game on TV like the rest of you. Thought I'd share a thought or two. How about the top of the second and third innings for the Nats? Adam LaRoche smokes an opposite-field homer to left. Ryan Zimmerman smokes a base hit to left-center. Michael Morse smokes an opposite-field double to right-center, nearly clearing the fence. That's three really hard-hit balls by the Nats' 3-4-5 hitters in a span of only two innings. When's the last time you could say that? Talk about encouraging developments, not to mention a 3-0 lead for Gio Gonzalez.
9:39 p.m. -- And Gio gives all three runs back in the bottom of the third. Not that his defense helped, especially his rookie left fielder and center fielder. Tyler Moore didn't look real comfortable trying to track down Carlos Gonzalez's RBI double to deep left. And then Bryce Harper slipped and fell trying to pick up Todd Helton's RBI single to center, then made matters worse by airmailing a throw wide of the plate. He had no reason to throw the ball there in the first place, let alone miss the target so badly it allowed another run to score. That was a big-time costly mistake, turning this into a 3-3 game.
10:23 p.m. -- So, everyone who was calling for Rick Eckstein's head this morning is now calling for the Nationals to give him a long-term extension, right? Good lord, what has gotten into the Nats' bats tonight? They just plated five runs in the top of the fifth (this after getting the lead back in the top of the fourth on Gio's RBI single). Where to begin? How about Ryan Zimmerman's 1,000th career hit, also his fifth in 11 at-bats since getting that cortisone shot on Sunday? And how about Ian Desmond's two-run double to deep left after fouling off several two-strike pitches from Guillermo Moscoso? But really, how about Tyler Moore's complete destruction of a Moscoso pitch way back into the left-center field bleachers for a three-run homer? What a bomb. And what a performance by the Nats' lineup, which in only five innings has produced nine runs on 13 hits and staking Gio to a 9-3 lead.
10:47 p.m. -- Barkeep, a round of cortisone shots for all my friends! Seriously, how good does Zimmerman feel right now after homering to make it 10-4 in the sixth? He's now 6-for-12 with two doubles and a homer since getting that giant needle stuck in his right shoulder. ... Wait, now LaRoche goes deep for the second time tonight. It's 12-4 as the Nats score runs faster than I can type.
11:14 p.m. -- The Nats' record for hits in a game is 21 (set on July 11, 2009 at Houston). They've got 19 hits through seven innings, so they've got two more innings to rack up at least two more hits to tie that mark.
11:40 p.m. -- And there it is: Mark DeRosa doubles down the left-field line for the Nats' record-tying, 21st hit of the night.
11:49 p.m. -- That's your ballgame. The Nats win a rare laugher, 12-5. Thanks for following along, everyone. I'll have an analysis post up first thing in the morning.
298 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 298 Newer› Newest»I didnt know the temperatures ever reached the 90s in Colorado.
Wonder what effect the thin air will have on Gio's curveball. Here's hoping none.
They sure made a weak pitcher look terrific last night.
Brad Lidge is released.
So is this Friedrich guy is the next cy young award winner, right?
I just read that Zack Greinke is going to be on the block if he won't sign an extension....
Gio time. Bats come alive toight. Let's think positive.
Greinke is a head case and already turned down $100 million offered by the Nats. I wouldn't exchange any of our starters for him. We don't need pitching.
toight = tonight (silly phones)
Go, GIO!! Go, NATS BATS!!
Won't be watching again due to the late start, but hope to see a happy game results email in my in-box tomorrow morning.
GO GIO! !! GO BATS!!
I think Ian has a huge night tonight!
GYFNG!
Greinke is a head case and already turned down $100 million offered by the Nats.
Last I read he refused the deal because the trade for him would have been so egregious it would have crippled the Nat's then just glimmering chances of making a winner. That doesn't sound like a head case?
The guy is listed as one of the top pitchers ... in fact Fangraphs hands him a higher WAR than Strasburg or Gio. A trade for Grienke would be extremely expensive. He is going to test the free agent waters which is something the Nats sought to avoid if they could by signing him long term in advance of the trade.
Now, Grienke will get to test the free agent waters ... as will Edwin Jackson, once again, if he is not signed to an extension.
Morse breakout game!
GYFNG!!!
Njack,
More interesting to me is this question. Is Eck an effective major league hitting coach....now what Davey feels.....you eye tell you what?
I know first hand like you.....very smart, hard working like nobody else....Effective?
Looks like a young middling pitcher with potential:
but it’s not fair to give up on any of the following young pitchers: Drew Pomeranz, Juan Nicasio, Alex White, Tyler Chatwood, ***Christian Friedrich***, and even the now somewhat controversial Jhoulys Chacin.
who only gave up 4 runs against the Texas Rangers Saturday...Extrapolation assuming Nats offense is 50% of Texas (its a bigger state after all)...We should get 2 runs, maybe 2.5
NatsNut
Make that 2 beers!
One of the MASN talking heads this morning (the white haired guy who sometimes has Feel's brother Phil on his show) made an interesting point this morning. He noted that the season can be divided into 9 18-game units. And the O's have just finished the fourth of those. (In this day and age, perhaps we'd call them "tranches."). He noted that in 3 of the 4 18 game stretches so far, the O's had gone 11-7. In the other, they were 8-10. He talked about the O's consistency, blah blah blah.
So the Nats play their 72nd game tonight. If they win, their records in the 4 tranches will be as follows:
Games 1-18 -- 14-4
19-36 -- 8-10
37-54 -- 10-8
55-72 -- 10-8.
A couple of things worth mentioning -- obvious I know, but still:
1. Our hot start is the gift that keeps on giving.
2. If we can win tonight, and go just 10-8 in each 18 game set the rest of the way, we'll finish with 92 wins.
3. But if we go 8-10, we finish with 82 wins.
So the difference between the the playoff bound team we all hope for and mediocre result that mick and some others fear, if not expect, is just 2 missed opportunities every 18 games. I feel like we've had about four of those games in the two weeks (the 14 inning game vs. the Yanks, both Orioles losses, and last night). Let's hope our bats pick it up and we start to win a few of those opportunities.
Njack,
Second Question please.....not sure if you get the channel but MASN has a baseball show with Phil Wood and Mel A. and ex o's soft tossing lefty Johnson.....huge apologists for O's and sometimes Nats.
The discussion just turned to the failure of the off season to get the bats Johnson wanted off the bench. Listed all the failed off season moves.....Do you feel like Rizzo accomplished the bench Johnson asked for this past off season?
JayB,
The issue isn't the bench. In fact Tracy, Lombo and even Nady have had some big game deciding hits in the 1st half and that's all you can expect from bench players.
The issue is the regular lineup is not producing to expectations and this has been analyzed to death here. For whatever reason Zim, Morse and Espi are not doing as well as was expected and this is why we are having trouble scoring runs.
You repeating the same line over and over but you still haven't said who the players you wanted that would get us the extra 10 wins. Once you do that we'll see the comparable WAR for these players vs. our bench and them will have an intelligent discussion rather than this parrot like repetition.
Failed off season moves my A**. Last I checked we have Gio and EJax producing like crazy and BTW keeping us in 1st place by 3.5 games.
The Rockies fired (er, reassigned) their pitching coach today.
Rox vs. Nats
http://heavenandhelton.blogspot.com/2012/06/lineup-card-rockies-vs-nationals-6-26.html
Davey's inability to rest his hurt players and/or adjust his lineup so that there are not 4 automatic outs in a row is killing this team. You don't keep running guys out there hoping to get them going. We are half way through the season. Putting Zim out there every day when its clear he has no power only hurts him and the team. Laroche needs more rest, and Morse should bat lower until he adjusts. Moore needs to bat higher so he is not continually stranded by the bottom of the order.
Sec 135, great idea. Let's bench Zim and LaRoche. So, Morse goes to first ( and down in the lineup), DeRosa to Third, and your choice of Ankiel or Bernie in the OF.
Your turn now-- what's your batting order with that lineup?
While it is hind sight to some extent I did also advocate signing Micheal Cuddyard and Juan Pierre as I recall.....My job is not to pick the players...that is Rizzo's job.
You can easily find 10 bats that the Nats could have signed....Carlos Beltran for example....that other teams spent on and are paying off great. Carlos B in LF all year would have made this team 10 wins better. Harper still would be here because of injury but had Jason W and Morse not been hurt the worst case was Harper got more time to learn at AAA and the Development plan was not rushed. Work your WAR stats on that one.
Uh oh.
I checked the starters we'll face the next ten games:
Koufax
Cy Young
Mathewson
Seaver
Verlander
Gibson
Denny McLain (Tigers Version)
Big Unit
Vida Blue
Marichal
So please, no surprise and no disappointment if our offense doesn't wake up. Nobody could hit these guys!
Adding JD to the list of buying a beverage of choice.. (dang that list is getting long)...
MicheleS, we need someone with a Costco membership. That way, we could purchase our "payback" beverages in bulk. Of course, then we'd have to figure out a delivery method... :-)
JayB.. serious question (no snark intended), when some of these offseason moves were happening.. Werth was healthy in OF (Either CF or RF), Morse was healthy and in LF (LaRoche being at 1B), and everyone knew Harper was coming up at some point this season whether is was April or in June. So my question is why would Carlos B come to the Nats when he could possibly be only a Part Time Player or Cudduyer as well? In the off season, No OF's were interested in coming here because they didn't think they could start.
So which potential backup would come here? I think that would be a more an apppropriate question to ask.
OOO 1A.. I have that Costco Membership!!!! Now the delivery method.. .hmmm.. Nats Insider Party would be a good place to do it at..... but how to bring beverages to an establishment, that might be the only issue...
Do1teach1,
I nominate your latest post for Post of the Week. I'll have to do some research to see if I Should write you in for the All-Star posters game (25 votes online!)..
Tracy worked out well, the pitching worked out well. I agree that it's the regular position players that need to hit more consistently. Pinch hitters can have an impact, but not nearly like the position players. One thing that puzzles me, though -- every other team in baseball gives you their sad DL story every other minute. I think we are third highest in lost time due to injuries, with major, major players on that list. We never seem to take that into account. Would Jayson Werth and Wilson Ramos be making things any different right now? Unfortunately for all of us, they were both hitting well when they went down. Add to that some HRod problems that might not have happened if we had Drew. Then there was the missed time for Morse, LaRoche and Zim, plus catching up time -- just read those names and see what a difference it could have made if all three were totally healthy from spring training up until now. It doesn't take much to make or break a game for us.Many times it's one key hit. We should have fallen apart at the seams with all of those losses - and did not. The guys in this line up have the capability to hit major league pitching.They are all slumping at the same time after coming out of the June gauntlet at better than . 500. Let's just give them a minute to re-group. By all rights we should have been dead in the water long before now. Obviously these guys have been grinding and hustling their hearts out. My money is on them to work it out.
Simple answer JayB....Yes...Davey wanted DeRosa...is the guy who watched Nady rake on the backfields after reporting and told Rizzo to put him on the 40 man, and loved Tracy as his big left handed bat.
Cuddyer and Beltran are not bench players they are everyday corner outfielders and since Morse and Werth were slated to play these positions it made no sense to spend big bucks on redundant assets. Rizzo did spend big bucks on the pitching rotation which has paid off in spades.
You can't sign everybody; now in hindsight knowing Werth and Morse will spend months on the DL and that Zim would be hurt and ineffective sure it would be nice to have Beltran or Cuddyer but unfortunately Rizzo does not have the benefit of hindsight and after all we are in 1st place through 71 games with all the injuries.
Benches are tough everywhere. Why would the Marlins buy a 30yo journeyman like Justin Ruggiano from the Astros AAA club to supplement Dobbs?
Swami.. it just depresses me to think about Wilson. I actually do think he would make a difference from a power perspective (albeit JFLO is our MVP right now for staying healthy, being decent at the plate, and handling the load). Well, no secret I like Werth (pitch count/leadership) so we don't need to go into that.
Wrong....Rizzo could have put and in fact said he wanted to put Jason W in CF....that would mean Morse in one corner and Beltran in the other......money sure.....WINS a 10 - 15 game lead at the all star break.....very likely.
Feel Wood, NatsJack, SJM 308 (always on the beer/beverage list), Thanks for the comments on the last thread. Always good to hear from you..
Feel, you were cracking me up!
JayB.. I thought Harper was slated for RF when he came up originally?
peric@5:24--
Thanks for correcting the record on why Grienke didn't come here the last time. Agree that a trade would not at all be worth it as our critical woes are offensive. Also think he's not affordable as a FA whereas notwithstanding Boras, EJax may be. He's clearly tired of the annual new uniforms and loves being part of this rotation. He wouldn'tbe cheap but if for those reasons he doesn't insist on Boras top dollar, he could be worth it for performance and character/chemistry. Grienke would be an unknown on the latter and would make getting both a JZimm and Strasburg extension unaffordable.
Lots of examples of part time players who have produced way above Nady, DeRosa, Roger B, and Mike Camaron. Yes starts like Zim are way under performing and Rizzo may not have known how badly that was going to happen again this year but he should have know that that bench was not going to help one bit.
any your point is? Harper in OF pick your slot when he came up. How is that a problem for Nats.....even if nobody ever got hurt....not the trend in Nats town....you trade the none hurt Morse or Beltran if Harper pushes so hard he has to be brought up before Sept.
JayB, so what are the examples? And why would they come to the Nats? I thought Tracy (until injured) was doing a fine job on the bench. Lombo too, until the recent trials.
You can look them up too......Juan P is one....I will look up 20 that are out hitting DeRosa and Nady...do you think there are less?
I thought Juan P was playing more than just a Bench Player? Because of all of the Phillies injuries, he has 208 AB.. seems to be more than Bench
JayB.. I agree that there are probably a bunch, but MOST of them want to start. Name one that saw the Nats situation and wanted to come. Most probably thought no chance of starting with Morse/Werth and the coming of Harper.
Getting washed up has beens like Derosa and Nady was the old Nats. Time to cut bait, bring up some kids and move on. Hopefully next year, when FA's actually want to come here we won't see any Nadys Derosas or Stairs.
One anniversary that we didn't mention this week.
John McLaren was our Manager for 3 Glorious Games from 6/24-6/26 of 2011. Those were great games! The guys obviously loved him! And a Class Act for the way he handled himself in the eye of the storm!
So everyone raise your glass and A Toast to John McLaren!
Section 135..I actually thinks some of the kids are gettting a shot.. TyMo is still here- thanks to,umm... wrist tendinitis... yup that one! Lombo is still here to. Now I am sure some would love Corey B to be here, and he might be soon, but it's more than what we got the previous years, since most times it was play the vets and development be darned for the kids.
Let me add . . . wasn't Beltran a big gamble? I mean, sure, he looks great now -- but this is how looked when he signed
1. Only one out the last three years did he play in more than 81 games
2. Recently had knee surgery
3. He turned 35 in April
4. Wanted multi-year $13MM per
Hindsight is 20/20, eh?
From the Beats:
Amanda Comak@acomak
Davey vehemently defended HC Rick Eckstein today: "It's an individual responsibility. For a hitting coach to take blame is a cop out."
Adam Kilgore@AdamKilgoreWP
As you would expect, Davey strongly supports Rick Eckstein in midst of a rough offensive stretch for the Nats. "Second to none," Davey said
NatsNut said...
okay, ya'll. Here's your chance to dissect the lineup, change it into 10 other versions that are better, then tell us all about the trades, acquisitions, call-ups, DFAs that will make the lineup so much better and make us win tonight. I'm waiting with bated breath!
Hey -- NatsNut -- if you can't wait, you can just read any of the threads of yesterday or the day before ;-)
Adding Unknown@7:05 to beverage list... (Wonk you are always on the list...)
Well, we've had another 24 hrs to ajust to the altitude now, so I'm feeling hitterish. I think we're going to spank the Rocs tonight.
I better go find my niece and make sure she didn't run away to Denver
Amanda Comak@acomak
I think we found "Harper's Hotties." A large group of teenage girls are asking him to sign their shirts right now... and squealing w/delight
Guys that we would want on our bench still think they are everyday players and won't touch you with a ten foot pole until they are sure no one else wants them. Then they come to your team and stew over their lack of playing time and remind everyone of their glory days. The trick is to find a veteran player who can help mentor young guys, who are versatile and smart, and who don't fight their new role in baseball. Tracy filled the bill really well until - yup, the old DL monster again. Nady seemed like he might, but might be finished, might be hurt. I am personally not in favor of young players on the bench who should be playing everyday. AL teams don't have to worry about it - they rarely need them. By the way , speaking of slumping hitters? Josh Hamilton is hitting .197 in June.
Davey vehemently defended HC Rick Eckstein today: "It's an individual responsibility. For a hitting coach to take blame is a cop out."
MicheleS thanks for posting this. Makes me feel better.
I like the way you think, MicheleS. Also, great idea on the toast to McLaren. Cheers (clink).
MicheleS said...
OOO 1A.. I have that Costco Membership!!!! Now the delivery method.. .hmmm.. Nats Insider Party would be a good place to do it at..... but how to bring beverages to an establishment, that might be the only issue...
June 26, 2012 6:29 PM
Wow NJ.. that is totally an implosion. I wonder how long before BigZ throws a tantrum!!!
Johnson is still pumped/psyched relax and let it roll. Bats will come, tonight will be a good example. Enjoy every moment of the game. Cheers!
A link to Mark's Game thread:
1st game vs WHite Sox
That was one wild night!
I will not anger the baseball gods by making fun of the inning the Marlins are having.But perhaps St. Clair should bring a friend along. I agree on the toast to McLaren! What a great guy. I hope he still works for the Nats. Anyone know? That was some nice win streak last June, wasn't it?
MicheleS - should we tell everyone who the opposing pitcher was?
NatsJack - How about See ball, hit ball?
I love it, NatsJack -- FP always says when you make contact good things can happen. I am making a vow right now to watch the game and enjoy it. Baseball is fun gosh darn it.
So it sounds like the Marlins game is on TV somewhere I can watch it?
You guys are being way too tough on JayB, upping the ante each time. First, it's name a free agent we should have gone after. Then it's name one who definitely would have (not even might have) signed here, then it's name one that would have signed here given the fact that our outfield was supposedly set. Then it's name one that would have signed here given that our outfield was supposedly set and Harper was on the way. Sheesh. With all these requirements, of course the answer is that Rizzo did a perfect job. But do you really believe that?
The fact is there were free agents that Rizzo didn't go after, probably because they were too expensive -- Beltran, Pierre, Dobbs, and I'll add Cody Ross to the list. Instead we picked up DeRosa, Tracy, Cameron, Carrol, Michaels, and Nady. Don't tell me you are really satisfied with that murderers' row. I'm sure not. Now, whether it's Rizzo's fault, or Davey's or the Lerners, I have no idea. But I would have really loved to have Cody Ross or Beltran on this team (Juan Pierre, not so much).
Having said that, our bench is not why we're having this long and sour debate. It's the FoF, it's Morse, it's Espi, it's Werth being hurt. Our regulars aren't producing. It's as simple as that. When they start hitting, we'll start winning, and this "why isn't our bench stronger?" debate will be academic.
NatsJack, Swami -- yes, this game is a blast. I too love the game; I love to watch these guys. BTW I like watching all the levels. I mean all.
I also like reading the diverse opinions, differing approaches, all the silliness and seriousness here. Great fun.
The regular lineup misses the clutch bat of one Wilson Ramos. Flores has been decent but he isn't the clutch hitter that Ramos is nor does he have the power. Ramos is one of the few Nats who knows how to pull the ball to take advantage of his power.
Atlanta up 5-0 in 2nd. Arizona pitcher out.
Became lightheaded during his first 32 pitches in the second.
222, that's a good point. I, for one, at the time, would have liked Cody Ross, although FWIW I was not optimistic about the chances. Anyway, he wears more eyeblack than Bam-Bam, so maybe it was an issue. Beltran would have been at least as bold a move as signing EJax, but intriguing, in that we all know he expected to start, and they could not honestly promise that back in the winter. Still, as it turned out, that would have been no impediment. Would he have bought that argument? Who knows?
Would have been cool to have him here, though.
BTW I like watching all the levels. I mean all.
Well, if you mean that, I have a scorekeeping gig for you. We'll even cover your gas and lunch.
One of the reasons the Nats lack good bench players is because they usually are in demand so they want some security in the form of a two year contract. Jerry Hairston would probably have come back after Rizzo gave him to the Brewers but he ended up signing with the Dodgers because they were willing to pay him.what he wanted. The only reason Ankiel came back is because no other team wanted him.
Swami.. The SP for the Sox. What a coincidence.
Last night Davey said that we made the Colorado retread look like Kofax.
This night's retreaded pitching version has an ERA of 5.65 so I guess we can expect him to pitch like Drysdale against the Nats!!!
Cy Young's name tonight is Christian Friedrich. Come on guys treat him like Christian Friedrich not Cy Young
Yeah, MicheleS -the starting pitcher for the White Sox on the McLaren game was none other than --- Edwin Jackson. That really is a coincidence.
So, I see Davey very strongly defended Eck on the Nats pregame show. Good for Eck, good for Davey. However, not being privy to what goes on in the clubhouse, I can only continue to say that the product on the field does not indicate successful hitting instruction. Good instruction, no doubt according to DJ. But no one is going to defend the position that it's successful.
Season almost half over. Nats in first place by 3-1/2 games. They've been in first place almost the whole way. JayB still complaining that they didn't win the Offseason Championship. Sad. Pathetic, really.
And hey, who did win the Offseason Championship? I forget.
Hopefully Davey is defending Eck the same way he defended Lannan.
Come on Harper. 3-1 count, not supposed to swing.
Opponents average against Christian Friedrich is .308, Espi pulls a Desi and grounds out on first pitch. Harper gets a 3-1 count (good) then grounds out. Zim on an 0-1 count grounds out. they all are hitting above the ball. Need to hit square on the ball (despite a round ball and round bat).
I had to do something that took 90 seconds and I missed our first inning. Whoops.
I overheard F.P. lauding Zim's batting practice. I wish the Rockies would spot us those BP dingers.
Anyone reading between the lines on who said what? I hear Danny being thrown under the bus - lead off and made an out on the first pitch = but yet he is still leading off. More of the same in the first inning. At least Bryce took some pitches. If the approach is made clear and a player just doesn't listen, are there any consequences? This is puzzling stuff and it will be interesting to see if anything changes.
I had no problem with Harper swinging with 3-1 and no one that is usually a good pitch to hit. I am more a problem of hitting the top of the baseball.
Matt Kemp says he won't pick Harper for the HR Derby.. I am not sure I like that....
Hudson just left the Braves game with Forearm tightness.. hmmm.. that doesn't sound good.
Arroyo is no-hitting Brewers through 7. This is what, sixth no-hitter this season? Awesome!
runners on the corner with couple of singles by Cuddyer and CarGo with two outs against Nats.
Espi should be benched for Lombo based on that at bat alone.
About the Harper swing on 3 and 1 -it's my understanding that the hitters are given the take or green light sign on whether or not they can swing. It's not totally their decision. Correct? On Helton-- Carp says - he's a tough out, he walks a lot, put the ball in play in this park and your are in business. Hello? Anyone listening? Another weak grounder. I am weakening on my vow to just watch the game and enjoy it.
So much for the theory that Morse gave up the cobra pose because that's how he got hurt.
Coors Field ain't gonna help if you can't elevate the ball or make contact.
ADAM!!!! Yes!!!!
okay, no one mention Laroche trade rumors please.
Case in point. Elevate the ball, and be rewarded. LaRoche gets it.
MicheleS, not sure Harper deserves it over Kemp, Votto, Braun, etc.
Oh, thank you Adam. Desi used to be the main offender on the first pitch out, now he takes pitches and everyone else is free swinging. Kind of agree with sec 135 - if a young player won't listen, maybe some bench time.
Faraz.. Kemp won't be ready until after the Allstar break.. And Don Mattingly will kill him if he plays.
And Ian.. YEES!.. A double..
great, we got the lead now. desmond doubles.
can we move this bottom of the line-up to the top?
And the Reds' website announces the no-no in progress prominently. I guess it's like Macbeth--it only counts in the dugout.
On MLB Network with the Arroyo game.
Unlucky baserunning break there.
Guh.
Davey On Eckstein bashers: "It just shows me how ignorant certain people are." Ouch.
Was just thinking we should start Moore to avoid a double play.
well we lead at least. But again two more people hit the top of the ball. Hitting the top when a guy is on first and you are slow is almost a guarentee double play. They need to make solid contact on the middle of the ball.
Oh, no - not the dreaded double play! That should have been a huge inning for us. Drat.
Glad Zimm isn't up. Oops!
Sec 135 - I owe you a beer.
Hey.. The Pirates made a move today.. DOUG SLATEN got optioned to AAA
MichelleS -- That White Sox game thread is a trip. Thanks for posting it. Lots of coincidences and ironies there. It was the night Davey agreed to be our manager. And the night it was announced that CMW would finally start a rehab assignment. Brian Bruney gave up a homer to Morse. Mark Teahan hits a game tying homer for the Sox. (Is that why we signed him?)
And of course, as you pointed out, the opposing pitcher was E-Jax. I loved this line from Mark's timeline: "So, Edwin Jackson has struck out six of the first 10 batters he'd faced tonight. Good thing the Nats don't have anyone like that in their rotation..." Awesome.
Brewers get a hit in the 8th
Rockies are really squaring Gio up.
oh man, no no is broken.
Looks like Gio got teed off. Good for him!
But again two more people hit the top of the ball. Hitting the top when a guy is on first and you are slow is almost a guarentee double play. They need to make solid contact on the middle of the ball.
You know how to get six elephants into a Volkswagen Beetle?
Three in the front and three in the back.
MicheleS, I was soooo shocked to learn that Slaten was still in MLB this year! He's a good pickup for a AAA team.
Michele, I forgot that Kemp is on DL. Actually I would put Harper in HR Derby since he has famously hit some long balls in batting practice. But I understand if Kemp does not want to choose a rookie over some veterans.
Base hit up the middle. On the top of the ball, too. Go figure.
Faraz.. Kemp wants Ethier in the HR Derby.. picking a Dodger teammate over Bryce...
Well okay Zim!
Well, that's encouraging. Nice double for Zim.
Zimmy with a hit!!
Shoulda sent Danny. Bo got skiddish.
2 RBI double for the Beast, off the wall in RC.
And a BEAST Sighting.. not quite Gorse Hacking, but still 2 RBIS (with 2 outs)!!!
YEA!!!
Hmm.. I think Espi slowed down on his way to second on Zimm's hit, thinking the ball was caught.
Not that it mattered, thank you Mr. Morse!
BEAST
finally!!!
Danny, Zim and the Beast!!!
@Will, no way, Danny would have been out by ten feet easy, but mainly, the ball was coming in before he got to third.
The Beats are in snark mode:
Amanda Comak@acomak
Boy Rick Eckstein must have had a hell of a BP today. #Nats up 3-0 early - back-to-back doubles by Zimmerman & Morse
Adam Kilgore@AdamKilgoreWP
Rick Eckstein is coaching the hell out of this game. Nats up 3-0 after consecutive doubles by Zimmerman and Morse.
I think Espi slowed down on his way to second on Zimm's hit, thinking the ball was caught.
He did, and rightly so. At sea level that ball maybe gets caught.
4 batters hit the ball in the middle or a little lower and with barrel of that and three got hits. That is what needs to happen much more. Lets not stop like we do most games once we score.
If FP knows what meechanically Harper is doing, surely Eck knows, and should be instrucing him on what he is doing and fixing it. When I make a mistake, I listen and fix things. I am pretty sure Harper would fix it if he was told.
Funny stuff, thanks Michele.
Hey Mark, sorry you're missing that party?
LOL MicheleS - funny beat writers indeed.
Manassas.. If his back is sore, then I think Bryce maybe cheating on pitches. And do you really believe that Bryce doesn't know what he is doing wrong?
Tollion of the O's mssed on in the second tonight the same way Moore did. Mis judged the distance. that is what happens when infielders are not adapt at being outfielders. Hopefully only the 1 run will score.
That is a price a team plays for playing a first baseman in LF.
Did this game move to Candlestick Park? Seriously what is with all the garbage on the field?
Gio had two outs with no one on. Needs to get that last guy. I feel like he too frequently has a problem getting the last out.
Strong winds, unusually hot weather, and oh yeah, it's a mile up. Having a first baseman playing left, a mile up, there's consequences.
I feel like he too frequently has a problem getting the last out.
Yeah, that's why he's been such a failure this season.
And the ball was hit by CarGo. Now he walks one. Oh, Gio, let's get that third out before more damage is done.
Sofa, it's the reason he doesn't pitch later into games. No need to be snarky.
Jam. Gulp.
Oh MY! that is NOT a good thing!
Moore and harper are killing us. First the inning is extended when it should have been over with no runs. What the hell was harper thinking there. All the talent in the world, but man he doesn't think like he has watched baseball at all in his life.
Verry ROOKIE Mistake.
Sorry, ehay.
Wow. That was bad news bears.
Will.. well said..
What sucks for Gio is currently all three of those runs are listed as earned, despite the third one being gifted via airmail by Harper.
Sure, blame the rookies playing positions that are new - Gio had absolutely nothing to do with it. when you have 3-2 and 2 outs and have already given up a run , you just have to finish.
Davey needs to give the Kid a seat tomorrow. He's playing outside of his mind, and not in the good way.
Also why on earth does Gio throw so many balls. having a 3-2 couny on Helton was unescusable, he was way ahead. That allowed the runners to move. the pitcher do need to avoid 3-2 counts too. So he gets ome of th blame. But the fielding was pathetic. Should have been 0 runs. Of course the third run was a walk (again Gio's falt)
I think harper held onto the ball too long. It happens, hopefully we can come back!
Swami - Gio got beat by a good hitter, but didn't give up a gapper. He should have escaped having given up 2 runs. I know we've been spoiled by historically good pitching, but to blame him entirely for that s--tshow last inning is really a reach.
Wow.. even the agents are getting into this..
Brodie Van Wagenen@bvanwagenen
Lannan allowed 1ER for Syracuse for 5th time in last 6 GS. Quality MLB pitcher in AAA. How many AAA pitchers started in #MLB tonight? #Nats
According to Gameday's "Scout", hitters go from .284 to .392 against Friedrich after 45 pitches. This is the time to strike before Tracy goes to the pen.
Could have sworn I saw folks screaming for more rookies to be brought up. This is what the learning process is like, and why you have the vets to teach how it should have been played.
We are still in first.
djinfl.. yup..see all of yesterday's posts about the kids playing..
Would love to get some runs back so we can put this behind us.
Classic Desmond.
For someone who calls himself a leader, Desmond really has knucklehead instincts on the bases.
Nice hit by Flores.
Would love a walk right here to Gio.
Knucklehead is a bit harsh. That was a good throw. These guys look tired to me.
GIO!!!
GIO! Nice save for getting the lead back.
GIO!!! Way to pick yourself up with a base hit and the RBI!!!
Maybe McCatty should be the hitting coach?
I have to turn in soon (work gets in the way of Everything) if someone can post the game action it would be much appreciated... :-)
Three more hits to produce 1 run. We don't capitalize on the hits , Thanks Jesus and Gioo.
Now play defense this inning boys.
If anyone's gonna blame Gio for the bottom of the 3rd, they better be thanking him profusely for the top of the 4th.
Soul - I'm listening to Charlie and Dave...generally if they're surprised a runner goes, I assume it was a bad idea. They were very surprised when Desmond took off.
Actually I don't have a problem with Desi's attempted steal,the ball was in the dirt, the catcher was perfect. The results made it seem bad. How about our pitcher works the count and gets an rbi hit and then our leadoff hitter comes up and swings at the first pitch --- again. Let's hold it this time. As far as Bryce getting a day off - I feel that all the position players should get regular days off to help them maintain stamina. Especially if they are dinged up, and they all are. It's good for their mental health and it's good for them to watch the game - good for perspective.
Bless you , Gio for the top of the fourth AND the bottom of the fourth.
He fuss at Harper for swinging at the outside pitches. he lets one go, I am thinking great, and the ump calls it a strike. pitch track sjhowed it way out. What is he to do?
Soul - I'm listening to Charlie and Dave...generally if they're surprised a runner goes, I assume it was a bad idea. They were very surprised when Desmond took off.
I'm watching, and while I do defer to FP's far superior experience, in all honesty, I didn't think Desmond got that good a jump (despite what FP said), and while the throw was good, the ball was on the ground a long time--Rosario had to toss the mask and take two steps before he picked it up. So I think it was more of case of "make them make a play"--which they did--than a bad read. If the throw had not been good, it's at least a very close play, and only the 4th inning, and trying to get the lead back after coughing it up. So like I said, maybe a little too aggressive, but not boneheaded.
No worries Sofa - you are one of my fave posters.
I REALLY want to know what ALR said to Harper. But I have the feeling we'll never know, unless Davely lets it slip in the post game. ;-)
These Nats make you watch every second of every game, and then the post game pressers too!
Thanks, ehay, but also thanks for the needed correction. We all need it sometimes.
The Currently Strawberry Blonde Cubs Fan Wife (AKA Sec 1, My Sofa) and I concurred that Harper looked like a 19 y.oo. who messed up and got his ass chewed out.
Mark's Posting from the house... BabyZ must be asleep...(and thank Mrs Z for being a baseball fan and tolerant!!!)
Mark ... You might want to take a trip to the fridge. Maybe that will work like going into the stands!
Oh, and Desmond getting thrown out, last add: did I mention that he (reasonably) broke for second before seeing entirely where the ball bounced? Good job by Rosario keeping it in front of himself.
And Ian Again!!
I believe I called that Ian would have a good night (patting back profusely)... And with that.. I am heading for deep slumbers..
MicheleS, we owe you a Camomile tea
don't turn off the channel yet...its the Tyler Moore show
Ehay2k.. Please spike with a TyMo home run.. HOW SWEET WAS THAT!..I am going to pay for this tomorrow morning!
You guys want hits? You guys have it!
Ladies and gentlemen ... Tyler Moore!!!
Oh MicheleS, I hope you saw that one from Moore!
He's going to make it after all....
There's that Moore Offense (TM).
That will make Moore forget the ball that went over his head. Not that it was all his fault, but as a young player, he probably beating himself up over it.
Did FP just say that was 450 ft? Into the wind? OMG!
Wow! Awesome.
NO Really, I am shutting the TV off right now..
450 might be a bit much, but then again, I think he shorted Tyler a few rows on the telestrator, so maybe not. Wind has to be at least 20 knots to move those flags like that.
Mark, I know you're filling in the updates on top, but as long as you're "sitting in the bleachers" tonight, come on down and kibbitz? We'll behave. Really, we will.
MicheleS - go to bed. As you pointed out, Slaten is in AAA toight.
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