Monday, July 30, 2012

Tracy, Werth nearing return

After spending much of the season trying to fill vacancies created by injuries, the Nationals are about to get a couple of key veterans back from the disabled list.

Both Chad Tracy and Jayson Werth are expected to be activated off the DL during this week's homestand, with Tracy perhaps joining the active roster as soon as tomorrow.

Werth probably needs a few more days on his rehab assignment with Class AAA Syracuse, though the outfielder (who broke his left wrist on May 6) has begun to swing a hot bat. After going hitless in his first 12 at-bats, he enters tonight's game against Lehigh Valley having reached base in six of his last eight plate appearances with three singles, a double and two walks.

Werth has played seven total games on rehab, and both he and the Nationals prefer he spend a bit more time getting his timing down before he comes off the DL. That move could happen in time for this weekend's four-game series against the Marlins.

Tracy, meanwhile, is 6-for-9 with a homer and three RBI over the last three days with Syracuse. He's appeared in 11 total games with Syracuse and Class A Potomac, hitting a combined .333 with five RBI.

The most-productive pinch-hitter in the majors before he needed surgery in late-May to repair a sports hernia, Tracy could give the Nationals another potent bat off the bench if he returns in time for tomorrow's series opener against the Phillies.

212 comments:

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Marty said...

Glad Werth isn't getting rushed back for the Phillies series. Take your time Jayson.

peric said...

Looks like Derrick Norris got optioned back to the minors by the A's.

peric said...

Meanwhile, Jayson, its Shark week ...

Roger Bernadina's Fin is high, Jayson kept down below. Fear the Shark Jayson!


courtesy of Wash Time's Nathan Fenno

Section 222 said...

Got new posted, so I thought I'd repost this here:

I'm glad my comment on JZnn started a very interesting discussion about our two incredible young starters. It even led me to temporarily suspend my peric moratorium as it was clear from the responses that he was making an interesting argument with a minimum of name calling (for him).

One of the reasons I decided to talk about JZnn was the point highlighted later by SCNatsFan -- he's the template for Stras. Many commenters have noted that they expect Stras to be both dominant and more consistent next year. I definitely agree. When you add Znn's consistency, unflappability and durability to Stras's raw talent and pure stuff, you have a pitcher for the ages. That's going to be very fun to watch. And I completely agree with Ghost that Gio needs to up his game to keep up. He seems very competitive. I bet he does it.

This year, if I had to pick our starter for that one must win game, and as we all know we won't have to because Stras will be shut down, I'm with what seems to be a slight majority of commenters who would go with JZnn. Take a look at Stras's 20 starts this year. He's been tremendous in the majority. But he's pitched less than 6 innings in 25% of them. He gets overly emotional and lets the elements and the umpires affect him too much. In contrast, as SteadyEddie points out, Znn doesn't let anything get under his skin. That's who I want on the mound in a game we absolutely have to win.

On a less serious note, wouldn't it be perfect symmetry if we could trade H-Rod for Bonifacio since we traded Bonifacio for Willingham and Willingham for H-Rod?

Anonymous said...

Ghost of Steve M-Sorry, just having a little fun with the Werth back to catcher story. Realized it would upset people so I took it down. I honestly doubt most anybody would have believed it in the first place, but you never know. Certain people might have tried to get me arrested for libel. As I was writing it, it occured to me that it wasn't actually that crazy of an idea...I mean, it is not like our catchers are throwing people out anyways.

Section 222 said...

With over 24 hours to go until the next game, I recommend checking out the NL leaderboard for the various hitting categories. With the exception of Zim being tied for ninth in runs scored, Harper tied for seventh in triples, and LaRoche tied for 10th in sacrifice flies, Nats hitters are simply absent. (Well, Zim is also tied for 2nd in GIDP and Espi is 3rd in Ks.) So the best team in the NL has no standout hitter. All the other leading teams have a leading hitter -- Votto for the Reds, McCutcheon for the Pirates, Bourn for the Braves, Kubel for the D-Backs, Cabrera for the Giants. The only other team that's similar is the Dodgers, but that's mostly because Kemp was injured for so long.

No leaders, but the best record in the league. I'll definitely take that over Adam Dunn's 31 HRs and Willingham's 27.

baseballswami said...

Section 222 - that's because this is a true team where no one is a star and every one is a star. It's also one of the reasons that they can keep on going when they lose someone. I like it this way - it's more democratic. ( don't get excited - that's a lower case d, not a capital D)

sm13 said...

222 -- That lack of stats leaders is testament to the rotating cast of offensive leaders this season. In April and May it was LaRoche and Tracy, in late May and June it as Desi, then Ryan took his mirachle shot and has carried the team along with a finally fully healed Morse and Espi. In the long run, it is going to serve this team better to have had so many offensive leaders, rather than relying on one hot bat.

NatsLady said...

F&I, it's actually not totally bizarre, just improbable. I guess if ALR is out, then Werth would be the emergency catcher. I guess peric might go for it... ;)

NatsLady said...

Speaking of Jim Bowden and the bad old days...

jose-rijo-charged-with-money-laundering

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/2012/07/jose-rijo-charged-with-money-laundering/

natsfan1a said...

Activate Goon Squad in 5...4...3...2...1, or something like that. Speaking of which, did Corey Brown earn an official Goon Squad t-shirt the other day?

Good that Werth is taking his time in the interest of being 100 percent when he gets here.

peric said...

I honestly doubt most anybody would have believed it in the first place, but you never know.

Kind of like telling F&I that the Orioles traded Jake Arrieta for Ryan Dempster ... and saying they announced Dempster would give them top of the rotation starts for the next five years.

peric said...

I guess peric might go for it... ;)

He'd have to fight Harper for that job. Harper would be all over it. Wonder if they'd ever consider letting Harper play winter ball and catching? The injury risk might not make it worth it ... still ... it is something Bryce really likes and wants to do.

peric said...

Section 222 - that's because this is a true team where no one is a star and every one is a star.

If not for the injury Desmond just might have been pretty big among all major league shortstops.

Anonymous said...

Or like telling Peric that the 2015 NL All Star team won't include Matt Skole, Eury Perez, Corey Brown, Tyler Moore and Jeff Kobernus...oh yeah, and Rendon, Giolito, Rosenbaum and David Freitas...who am I missing Peric???

hiramhover said...

sm13 - you've got it right.

It's not that the Nats don't have a stand out hitter--it's that they don't have a hitter whose stood out all season long, due to injuries and hot/cold streaks.

JD said...

ALR leads all 1st basemen in HR's. no?

peric said...

who am I missing Peric???

My sleeper from 2009 Nate Karns.

peric said...

ALR leads all 1st basemen in HR's. no?

He is second to Ike Davis with 20 in the NL.

peric said...

If you're making Dunn a DH then Edward Encarnacion of the Blue Jays with 28 in the AL plays first base (as does Dunn periodically).

peric said...

Mark Texiera also has 20 homers and plays gold glove level first base for the Yankees.

MicheleS said...

222, thanks for the 1 game due or die post. Overshadows the arm chair GMs (althougth F&I @6:14, that was funny)

My choice: JZ. Until SS can show some onions on the mound at ALL times and not get flustered by Hot Stuff, Weather, Heat, or a bad ump I am sticking with JZ. I thought Davey's choice of starting him #1 out of the break was telling, he just set the rotation the rest of the way - however long that lasts (and it should last well into the remainder of the year).

peric said...

I thought Davey's choice of starting him #1 out of the break was telling, he just set the rotation the rest of the way - however long that lasts (and it should last well into the remainder of the year).

A lot of that is because Stras is going to get shutdown. And Stras knows it just like JZimmnn did. And toward the end JZimmnn had his share of hiccups. Who knows how much that shutdown or the threat of it occurring affected those two 1 year a part emotionally? You just don't.

baseballswami said...

I think at one point they said that Lombo would learn how to be the emergency catcher. I am sure that the current situation changes that. At one point Davey and Rizzo said about Bryce - no way, no how. I think it's usually someone who either volunteers because they want to be useful at all times, or a bench player that is appointed. It's never someone really important or the only one who plays a position. Werth would probably be on the dl quicker than Leon was.Maybe Mark could ask?

peric said...

Werth would probably be on the dl quicker than Leon was.

Could make Werth, worth the money when he very soon turns into a bench player. If he could actually catch and do it well. He could make himself indispensable until retirement.

MicheleS said...

MLB network is breaking down the squeeze play from yesterday

Section 222 said...

Michelle, I agree that F&I @6:14 was very funny. And I agree with your take on Znn vs. Stras. Had forgotten about Hot Stuff.

The Fox, if you're still reading, I never thought you were an idiot at all, and I seriously doubt anyone else did. We simply disagreed, but you expressed your position well.

MicheleS said...

For those of you that have MLB Network, I have been assured that in 9 pm hour Billy Ripken will be discussing the Nats and he won't like it. Snicker. I think I am sort of Stalking Rip to ensure he starts drinking the koolaid.

MicheleS said...

NatsJack, and I will personally be giggling when Werth is not benched.

MicheleS said...

NatsJack.. I hope the fish win.. Braves need to gack a few up.

peric said...

NatsJack, and I will personally be giggling when Werth is not benched.

And when he finally is you'll wish you hadn't.

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Heyward (overrated) just went deep against Buehrle. Braves 1-0.

C'mon Ozzie. Little help tonight.

baseballswami said...

Jose Reyes scorches a ball down the right field line, it bounces around a little and he ends up on ...... second base? He could have crawled to second base faster. Do the fish hate us so much that they are willing to hand it to the Braves? It's going to be very strange in August and September when absolutely every team wants to spoil things for the nats. We used to do that - it was a lot of fun. Gulp.

MicheleS said...

Peric, would you bench a $126M +RF who has a no trade clause? Really? You need to work in reality and not in your Prospect world where the Chiefs become the starting lineup for the Nats.

I honestly don't think you enjoy the current Nats winning. I am sure if we make the playoffs you will find something to complain about. That just seems to be your nature and quite frankly that is just sad.

MicheleS said...

Swami, the guys at MLB Network were as stunned as you about that Reyes play - not making it to 3B. As others have said, it's about time for Reyes' hammy to act up.

mick said...

Werth was hitting well before his injury. What I think really is helpful is in the late innings defensively. The Nats could go with Harper, Shark and Werth in the outfield which could make that the quickest one in MLB

NatsLady said...

So, Buehrle walks the 8 hole, pitcher sac bunts and Bourn singles. Buehrle not interested, doesn't even bother to cover home. Sad.

peric said...

I remember........wait a minute....I don't remember anybody.
Beyond ridiculous.


Supporting my contention that Werth would actually be "worth" his salary and not be Werth-less if he did that. Don't you think? Of course its nigh onto impossible! But for what he is being paid a bench bat ought to try.

peric said...

The Nats could go with Harper, Shark and Werth in the outfield which could make that the quickest one in MLB

The Oriole's would be better any younger. Besides you are leaving off Morse.

Morse in left. Werth in right. Harper in center. Bernadina and Moore on the bench.

Don't like it? Bench Werth. If they play him and it breaks the delicate chemistry Rizzo and Johnson are purportedly so worried about? And they start to lose as they did last year when his bat was pathetic? Then what?

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

@Swami: I was thinking the same thing. I thought for sure it was a triple for Reyes. Heck, I was even thinking he might try for an insider. I look up and Smiley is standing on second! Amazing.

Quit much, Ozzie?

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

@MicheleS: Sunday is Mickey Morse bobblehead, and I know you're a sucker for free stuff.

Care to spend the afternoon in the shade down the first base line?

I'll meet you at noon, center field gate. Tix on me.

NatsLady said...

We are missing a win. Should have 62...

SI power rankings

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/baseball/mlb/07/30/fangraphs-power-rankings-week-16/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_bf3_a2

MicheleS said...

WOW, Pads are getting the best of the Reds and looks like the Reds catcher got tossed and he bumped the umpire.

MicheleS said...

Sunshine, already going and have to go with Work folks, price of free tickets.

peric said...

Peric, would you bench a $126M +RF who has a no trade clause? Really? You need to work in reality and not in your Prospect world where the Chiefs become the starting lineup for the Nats.

1. You haven't been reading have you? But then you may be illiterate I suppose? Haven't you read Kilgore's article on this? Amanda's? Mark's? 30 out of 40 players currently on the 40-man roster came from that system either via the draft, minor league trade, rule 5 draft (Flores) but all spent time in the system and ARE the major contributors to this winning team you are Woooohooooing' about? Another beyond ridiculous post by MicheleS.
YES THE STARTING LINEUP FOR THE NATS IS MADE UP OF MOSTLY EX-SYRACUSE CHIEFS. Do I need to list them or are you that stupid MicheleS?

2. SF ran into the same problem with a certain starting pitcher who finally, this year is earning his Werthian salary. The Nats can and will bench Werth in spite of his salary if he isn't good enough to start.

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

@MicheleS: No problem. Just wanted to make sure you got the bobble. Promise we will do a game before the playoffs.

Man, that just sounds nice!

MicheleS said...

Peric just proved why he is an Arm Chair GM and not a real GM.

baseballswami said...

This last week has had more storylines than daytime tv. I was watching Heyward hit a home run and felt a little shudder. Then I remembered this - our pitching staff handled David Wright and Ryan Braun, 2 of the best hitters in baseball, really, really well. I don't have stats to back this up, but I believe they both hit well under their numbers in our series, and I also don't think we intentionally walked them at all. Of course a little slap hitter like Aoki hits one out..........whatever.

baseballswami said...

It's an off day, we are in first place and we are calling people stupid? Really? Dial it back.

peric said...

Danny Espinosa : Syracuse Chief
Bryce Harper : Syracuse Chief
Ian Desmond : Syracuse Chief
Stephen Lombardozzi : Syracuse Chief
Roger Bernadina : Syracuse Chief
Tyler Moore : Syracuse Chief
Ryan Zimmerman : Columbus Clipper
Corey Brown : Syracuse Chief
Michael Morse : Syracuse Chief
Stephen Strasburg : Syracuse Chief
Jordan Zimmermann : Syracuse Chief
Ross Detwiler : Syracuse Chief
Drew Storen : Syracuse Chief
Tyler Clippard : Syracuse Chief
Ryan Mattheus : Syracuse Chief
Craig Stammen : Syracuse Chief

MicheleS said...

Really looks like the Marlins team (not just the FO) is packing it in. Just sad.

peric said...

Peric just proved why he is an Arm Chair GM and not a real GM.

Some people just never learn. You don't follow the Nats MicheleS you just WoooooHooo when they win. They might as well be a Chia Pet to you.

whatsanattau said...

Werth will never play an inning at the catcher position for the rest of his career. In an emergency Harper would likely get the shot first, and that is not happening either. On the current roster, I'd guess DeRosa and Lombardozzi and Moore would all get sacrificed first. Heck, they'll activate Pat - they amputed my knees - Corales before they will put either Harper or Werth behind the plate.

BTW, one of the most memorable games I ever went to -- Tippy Martinez picked off 3 runners in the inning. Sakata was catching. I think Lowenstein was at second and Roenicke at third or something ridiculous like that. Said Martinez: I threw to Murray at third, because he was the only one in the infield I knew. (rough approximation).

whatsanattau said...

err ... Murray at first ...

peric said...

I honestly don't think you enjoy the current Nats winning. I am sure if we make the playoffs you will find something to complain about. That just seems to be your nature and quite frankly that is just sad.

Maybe you should drop the gender bias and ask MicheleS to dial it back Swami ... MicheleS is not a nice or good person by any stretch of the imagination as much as she believes she is and deserves it.

MicheleS said...

Peric, was referring to the Current Chiefs or Senators or P Nats roster that you are always touting. You just can't be happy that we are winning now can you? You have been touting Maya/Z Dukes over Lannan and who pitched the DH game last week Lannan. You have also been touting guys that haven't played ball above AA to replace MLB players. Get over yourself. Your pompous and condescending attidude toward anyone that disagrees with you is unbecoming and churlish.

whatsanattau said...

none of which invalidates the point that Werth will play full time - he will - when healthy, but catcher will not be the position.

And Werth is definitely valuable. Count me among his most ardent supporters. He had a bad year in 2011, not a bad career. And the decision to sign and pay for him was a good one.

(one other Orioles related comment, I saw him introduced after the draft in Baltimore. That may have been the last year anyone thought he was a catcher)

peric said...

Your pompous and condescending attidude toward anyone that disagrees with you is unbecoming and churlish.

As I said this is not a nice person. Not a good person. She deserves every slam I direct her way. And she has proven it.

NatsLady said...

I would bench Werth no matter his salary if I felt he were not contributing. Salary is a sunk cost. However, I think he'll be just fine, certainly better than Bernadina.

NatsLady said...

Pads up 10-4??? Guess they have to play the games... When is Votto expected?

MicheleS said...

Sticks and Stones Peric. You don't know me or anything about me. I just choose to be happy for my team.

peric said...

You have also been touting guys that haven't played ball above AA to replace MLB players.

And Lannan got shelled again in AAA. Davey himself was touting Zach Walters as a potential fill-in at shortstop and he just got promoted from Potomac? What does that say about Davey Johnson?

Again, MicheleS, you don't know thing one about baseball.

peric said...

Sticks and Stones Peric. You don't know me or anything about me. I just choose to be happy for my team.

I do know you are not a good person and certainly NOT a lady in any sense of the word.

baseballswami said...

NatsLady - maybe if we keep talking about the game?

peric said...

However, I think he'll be just fine, certainly better than Bernadina.

We'll see. Bernadina has been pretty clutch and we all remember Werth last year ... not all that different from another high paid player named Austin Kearns.

NatsLady said...

whattsa, I believe a while back it was mentioned that LaRoche is the emergency catcher. I was just speculating what would happen if he were out as he was Sunday.

MicheleS said...

NatsLady, saw the highlights of a couple of plays with the Reds/pads, things look to be getting interesting there. Kind of suprised by the reds getting shelled so early. Leake didn't even last 2 innings and Simon as the human towel isn't going so well either.

Anonymous said...

Talk amongst yourselves:

2B Espinosa
RF Harper
3B Zimmerman
LF Morse
1B LaRoche
SS Desmond
C Werth
CF Brown
P Strasburg

Will never happen, but sure would be entertaining.

MicheleS said...

NatsLady, I thought LaRoche was the emergency pitcher? Didn'the pitch in college or something like that? I would hate to ever see him come in and pitch or catch. I don't think his back could take catching even for an inning.

NatsLady said...

swami--deal. Gotta drive for an hour or so...No posting while I'm driving. Hopefully the Fish will get religion--maybe tomorrow? I see it's 6-1 now.

NatsLady said...

You might be right, MicheleS. Will look it up when I get home.

MicheleS said...

Swami, deal as well.

Will be curious about the trade deals coming until tomorrow.

The LAA are putting a big time HURT on the Rangers. Oswalt is laying an egg. Glad the Nats didn't sign him up.

Section 222 said...

I recommend the peric moratorium. I am a happier person because of it, and I haven't missed any cogent baseball analysis, that's for sure.

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Wow. Getting hot in here. Thank goodness we're in first place, or it might really get nasty.

It's an off night, but I just might need a bourbon and Maalox to get through the heat. High heat.

MicheleS said...

Zambrano in relief is not a good thing. Wow the Marlins are really waiving the flag now.

#4 said...

Please don't compare Werth to Kearns. The affect and energy with which they play the game is completely different. Worth's baserunning all by itself is worth more than Kearns.

MicheleS said...

NatsJack, IF you are still reading this. Any word on Zambrano's reaction going to the Pen? I get why he went, but he didn't react well when he got sent to the Pen in Chicago.

Section 222 said...

My recollection is that Lombo is the emergency catcher, and LaRoche is the emergency pitcher. Of course, the chances of an emergency are awfully slim. Not sure why we spend so much time discussing it.

I just tuned in to MLBNetwork and Billy is on. Has he already done his Nats thing?

MicheleS said...

222, not quite on Billy, his first comment was "The Nats are playing out of their minds". Then they moved to highlights.

JaneB said...

I'm going to a dagnabbit family reunion this weekend and missing the doubleheader and Saturday, BUT I'm leaving earlier than the rest of the family because of Michael Morse bobblehead day. I'm on first base side, too -- I'd love to see MichelleS and meet Sunshine Bobby, finally! Can I horn in on saying hi? I land at DCA at 11:00.

sjm308 said...

Just wanted to say hi to MichelleS - looks like Peric has hijacked this site and taken it to a lower level & I am not even reading his posts!

My thoughts are Werth deserves to start, not because of salary, in fact the salary is or should not be a factor. That is done with and any manager that starts salary over ability will not last long. Werth is quite simply the best right fielder on this team. He is one of the few who have been in a playoff hunt and a World Series and changed the makeup and personality of this team last year even when he was not playing well. I am not sure how many posts Peric has made on Werth but I am sure he has not put any facts with his posts, just his usual venom.

LannEn proved him wrong and Werth will as well. I honestly do believe he is happier when things are not going well for the Nationals and its probably that way in lots of other areas as well.

You take care MichelleS and stay above the fray

Go Nats!

baseballswami said...

Sec 222 - it's because we get really bored and kind of squirrelly when the nats aren 't playing. As opposed to getting tense and hyperventilating when they are playing. Trade deadline tomorrow. All quiet in DC?

MicheleS said...

JaneB.. True Dedication.. leaving the family reunion for the Sunday game. Love it! I have pretty much handed out the Nat's home schedule to family and friends and told them not to bother me! And Sunshine and I have met! (and i met his wife too!)

sjm308 said...

MicheleS - Justins this Tuesday, Friday & on Saturday we have the picnic before the game for STH. I nabbed two red carpet for that game and my rep says that is all I needed. Hope to see you at one of these

Go Nats!!

MicheleS said...

SJM308.. the moratormium has been declared and I choose to abide by it. I am bumbing that I won't make it to Justin's this week. 4 Games and no chance to go. GRRR, hate when you have to go with work people or small underage children.

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

@JaneB: My offer extends to you as well. Can you meet me at Noon (or anytime you wish) at the center field gate? Tix on me. Or do you already have tix?

mick said...

Watching Godfather as type on NI. Man I love this movie, it never gets old, lol Come on Peric, calm down.

MicheleS said...

Excellent movie Mick.

mick said...

love Pacino, lol

Section 222 said...

Ha ha. The link NL posted to the Sports Illustrated power rankings has the following headline: "Nationals overtake Rangers for top spot, look poisted [sic] to stay."

Here's the link again.

mick said...

Michele... and you are a nice person

peric said...

I recommend the peric moratorium. I am a happier person because of it, and I haven't missed any cogent baseball analysis, that's for sure.

Talk about arrogant and pathetic 222?

This is where the bold comes in handy. I LOVE the makeup of this ROSTER JUST THE WAY IT IS! I don't want it changed with Jayson Werth or even with Chad Tracy! It takes at bats, and reps away from young players who have worked extremely hard IN OUR SYSTEM ... overcoming untold adversity to get here. AND THEY ARE PERFORMING ADMIRABLY beyond the wildest expectations.

It only figures that a silly fool like 222 or MicheleS would want to change and risk a losing streak? That is the ultimate in foolhardy stupidity. I can't characterize it any other way. Going YOUNG has worked and worked so well every team starting with the Astros and soon the Phillies will be following suit.

Werth is 33 going on 34 he doesn't fit.

mick said...

sec 222, all i ask is that SI does not put Nats on the cover, lol, nad yes... i believe in the SI curse

mick said...

peric.... I disagree, Tracy's post season experience is quite valuable as it was in AZ, Werth can only help post season wise as well.

peric said...

LannEn proved him wrong

For just one game. But the big games are still coming ... we'll see.

And as for Werth you need only look at last year's stats SJM308 go back to your nap time.

mick said...

Also, Tracy was one of the hottest PH in MLB before he was hurt!

Nats Fan in Brazil said...

Why so serious guys?

mick said...

coming up on Michael wacking Solazzo and that crooked cop, lol

peric said...

peric.... I disagree, Tracy's post season experience is quite valuable as it was in AZ, Werth can only help post season wise as well.

You have to get there first. And its the YOUTH coming up from Syracuse that are leading the way. And will have the energy to see it through. Werth was completely worthless last season when he was needed most. That's what I go by. When he wasn't surrounded by a team of in their prime all stars. This YOUNG team has none of that yet they are winning. And that's what counts.

MicheleS said...

Mick.. Just say NO to the SI cover! would rather be under the radar than blasted all over the media.

peric said...

And 222? MicheleS? SJM308? i've been here far and away longer than you. And I'll still be following this team when you are gone. That's the difference between a real fan and johnny come lately.

mick said...

peric... herin lies why Werth is valuable... he has solid players around him as he did in Philly, he was batting about 280 before his injury. I do not see how he is a liability. I only see an upside with him as of now

mick said...

MicheleS said...
Mick.. Just say NO to the SI cover!

AGREED!!!!

peric said...

sec 222, all i ask is that SI does not put Nats on the cover, lol, nad yes... i believe in the SI curse

I'm not worried about that. Harper has already been on it and all over it as has Stras. The jinx is already all used up.

MicheleS said...

Mick.. I will always be a Brando fan...

peric said...

peric... herin lies why Werth is valuable... he has solid players around him as he did in Philly, he was batting about 280 before his injury. I do not see how he is a liability. I only see an upside with him as of now

You're looking at his batting average. He appears to lost his power and extra base hit capability according to stats. In Zimmerman's case it was the injury ... that I knew ... but Werth? It's age. Like DeRosa he belongs on the bench.

mick said...

Michele... lololo

MicheleS said...

Even the Pirates are having a bad night.. Losing 9-2 to the CUBS!

peric said...

Mick, you realize if these two come back and change the dynamic you'll be the first one yelling and screaming about it. And Davey will be telling you to be patient and let them get their timing and what all back?

They should stick with the horse that brung 'em and that horse is the BOYS FROM SYRACUSE!

mick said...

and Braves are red hot, up 8-1 on Ozzie's boys in 8th

MicheleS said...

Well Poop, Didn't get to reem billy about the Nats. Too many homers or near homers in 1 hour.

baseballswami said...

I am telling you that the pitcher situation in Pittsburgh is going to upset their balance. Bad form. Hoping the next day passes quietly for us.

mick said...

peric... now wait, as far as Tracy goes, his role will be another pinch hitter and that only gives the Nats another weapon and creates headaches for opposing pitchers. How does Tracy disruupt anything??

As far as Werth goes, I think Davey will be careful and cautious with using him.

MicheleS said...

Swami, i saw that Correia asked to be traded. That can't be good. I don't think Ross would do anything like that (or at least I hope not) because he would probably be the one that got sent to the pen. I don't think Rizzo goes after a SP rental

And it looks like Reed Johnson just got traded... not sure who, but he just left the game.

whatsanattau said...

Good grief. For the record I am quite confident that Michele is a good person (never met, but often read). Perhaps she is an exceptional person. As are many of the good posters here. I'd like to think of myself as a good person as well, but I have grown exceptionally tired of the acerbic diatribe of the attacking poster. I am now thinking very bad thoughts. Oh yes, its good to be bad sometimes.

baseballswami said...

Pittsburgh friends tell me that this is causing big time problems with fans who support the guy who got them this far, better record, better era. Loyalty issues regular guy and new guy. Not the same as the det situation. Clubhouse divided there, organization saying everything is good.

mick said...

swami... if Cards start rolling that will be bad news for the Bucs as well

baseballswami said...

Michele- Pitt fans telling me fans and clubhouse divided . Regular guy with better record, era, who got them where they are and new guy brought in. Not quite the same as det situation. Organization saying all good, maybe not.

MicheleS said...

Swami, hopeful it can work out. Have many friends who are Pirate fans that have suffered and would love for them to have something to cheer for.

baseballswami said...

Sorry for repeat- thought the first one got lost in the interwebs.

Anonymous said...

Cubs playing good baseball. Anthony Rizzo looking like a potential superstar. Kid has 31 HR in 360 AB this year (including AAA) and 8 with the Cubbies. Another player, like Trout, who came up and went back down before figuring it out. Starting to wonder about Harper. He keeps slumping and he is going to find himself on the bench or back in AAA. Hitting .232 with 1 HR and 20 K's in July is not good. I have no doubt he will get out of it, but how long can the Nats wait on him. I guess we will find out.

mick said...

michele, still remember the 1979 team, Sister Sledge, We are Family, lol

natsfan1a said...

For Mick, Rizzo on trade deadline transaction: "I'm going in to take a nap. When I wake, if the money's on the table, I'll know I have a player. If it isn't, I'll know I don't." (Okay, it was II, not I, but the quote fit better. :-))

JaneB said...

Sunshine, I'd love to meet you at noon at the CF gate. I'll have on a blue Curlie W hat and (my Tyler Clippard red shirt). I do have tickets though thank you for the offer! How fun that I will get to meet the original mixologist of the Bourbon and Maalox cocktail!

mick said...

natsfan1a..... ha ha ha you made my night!!!!

Drew said...

Peric:

I'm at a loss to understand your rudeness.

Don't you see that the completely unnecessary sandbox shtick erodes any credibility and good will you build through intelligent discourse?

You really don't have to be mean-spirited.

peric said...

peric... now wait, as far as Tracy goes, his role will be another pinch hitter and that only gives the Nats another weapon and creates headaches for opposing pitchers. How does Tracy disruupt anything??

Someone has to go. Its probably Corey Brown but it could one of the eight relievers. Davey said from the beginning of the season he only needed 6 he is carrying eight right now.

My guess? Given Brown's offensive performance in Syracuse which really was the best that any prospect has done there since the team arrived in Washington ... consider that ... but detractors will point to his age. So? Lots of guys who are older and younger have never come close.

My guess is that they put someone on the DL in order to activate Tracy and add another left-handed bat and a backup for LaRoche. Its Tracy that will go in from here on out while LaRoche recovers. It may in fact be LaRoche who goes on the DL.

Both Brown and Moore provide the potential of extremely potent bats to a lineup that has often been bereft on the edge of being pathetic at times this season. And Davey remembers and is a big proponent of trying to spark something from the bench. And that's why Bernadina is starting right now because he was doing that.

I suspect Davey will try to find a way to keep both. Both players have graduated its time they were used in the major leagues.

baseballswami said...

Only mentioned the Pittsburgh situation because we had been talking a lot about not wanting to upset the chemistry. Yes, I am slightly concerned about what will happen this week, during some divisional play ( I don't care what their records are, they will show up to play), when the roster gets another tweak or two. Hoping the guys can maintain their balance and not lose focus. They all seem pretty level.Just don't want any big surprises at this point. How many of those guys on the bubble are losing sleep right now wondering if they will be the one sent down?

natsfan1a said...

Glad you enjoyed it, Mick. ;-)

Doesn't look like the Fish will be any help tonight. Dang.

Watched MLB Network hoping to see Ripken giving the Nats some credit but as Michele noted, he didn't say all that much about them. Oh, well. Probably pained him to say even that. Baby steps. :-)

baseballswami said...

I kind of prefer it when they all completely ignore us. Under the radar and less of a target.

mick said...

swami, I agree

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Looks like Giovanny Soto has been traded by the Cubs.

He would look GREAT with a curly W on his chest.

C'mon, Mike, pull that trigger.

peric said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
MicheleS said...

Sunshine, bowa and Mitch Williams were speculating Soto to Nats.

peric said...

You really don't have to be mean-spirited.

Your definition of rude and mean spirited appears to be gender biased:
MicheleS: NatsJack, and I will personally be giggling when Werth is not benched. (She and Natsjack have a little junior high clique think its fun to poke at Peric awww ain't that cute? And 222, SJM308, whatsanatta want to join.)

MicheleS: I am sure if we make the playoffs you will find something to complain about. That just seems to be your nature and quite frankly that is just sad.

MicheleS: Peric just proved why he is an Arm Chair GM and not a real GM.

MicheleS: Peric, was referring to the Current Chiefs or Senators or P Nats roster that you are always touting. You just can't be happy that we are winning now can you? You have been touting Maya/Z Dukes over Lannan and who pitched the DH game last week Lannan. You have also been touting guys that haven't played ball above AA to replace MLB players. Get over yourself. Your pompous and condescending attidude toward anyone that disagrees with you is unbecoming and churlish.

From my perspective I believe people here like to pile on. I have been dealing with that with this blog and NJ since 2005.

They do the same thing to JayB who really DOES know what he is talking about when he comes to baseball. He can seem very negative because like a few of us here he has suffered with the losing for so long. His warnings about the lack of an International presence and International signings are dead spot on. And he was railing about that more than 2 years ago.

I am happy to dish it right back in spades. Strangely enough I have fun doing it because these people seem to be sycophants who typically deserve it.

Even when they say they don't read ... the do ... Alt.flame lives.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

YEP, Soto traded.

peric said...

They've got Koyie Hill who was with the Cubs. Not sure Soto is an upgrade defensively the way Hill is. I don't think he pulls the trigger unless Soto agrees to go to AAA. He won't.

baseballswami said...

And no one knows where he has been traded to? Not even a rumor?

NatsLady said...

LOL, the Angels' relief pitcher comes in gives up 5 earned and gets a save... Strange things going on tonight.

peric said...

Soto->Rangers.

MicheleS said...

Ghost
What is funny is twitter only is showing where they are NOT going

peric said...

LOL, the Angels' relief pitcher comes in gives up 5 earned and gets a save... Strange things going on tonight.

A lot of good teams have projects like H-Rod. They are always looking ahead and that's what keeps them competitive.

NatsLady said...

Soto to the Rangers, as per, y'know, Twitter.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

MicheleS, Soto to the Rangers is the rumor

peric said...

Soto->Rangers for Jacob Brigham.

NatsLady said...

Oh, I don't know anything about the pitcher. He went 4 innings and got the save the loooooong way. I doubt he's a "project," his ML debut was in 2003. I was just amused by the save statistic in this case.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Derek Norris optioned AAA

peric said...

Alfonso Soriano has been pulled from the Cubs game.

SonnyG10 said...

Soto to Rangers!

peric said...

I doubt he's a "project," his ML debut was in 2003. I was just amused by the save statistic in this case.

Then see Mock, Garret.

MicheleS said...

Ghost makes me wonder what the Rangers do with napoli. He is FA at seasons end.

peric said...

Braves get Reed Johnson and Paul Maholm in their quest to overtake and quash the Nats.

SonnyG10 said...

Wow, I guess I owe a case of cokes :)

peric said...

Next shoe to fall would be Ryan Dempster and Alfonso Soriano -> Dodgers.

NatsLady said...

#BREAKING: #Braves acquire Paul Maholm and Reed Johnson from the #Cubs

Gonna have ta look all these people up. Yard sale in ChiTown, that's for sure.

MicheleS said...

Johnson and Maholm to Braves. Not exactly a great move. But Maholm is better than Jair.

Section 222 said...

Braves not standing pat. Have acquired Paul Maholm and Reed Johnson from Cubs.

SonnyG10 said...

Are the Braves giving up any of their good prospects?

Oh well, they can only play 9 of them at a time.

NatsLady said...

Ha, Jerome Williams: a nine-year project. Got Mock beat by 4 years, if I understand that discussion--which I wasn't paying much attention to. That's better'n Sandy Koufax!

They need to work on the save stat. It's almost as useless as pitcher wins in determining the value. (Not claiming that as an original thought.)

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Attention, shoppers: Fire sale at Wrigleyville.

Everything 50 percent off. No returns. All sales final.

-- Theo Epstein, proprietor.

peric said...

Cherington might be gone from RedSox.

NatsLady said...

It's official. Your Washington Nationals--best record in MLB!!!

Unreal.

terpman33 said...

Well,the Padres just beat the Reds, so it's official. We are the BEST TEAM IN BASEBALL, record wise. Ah heck, WE ARE OFFICIALLY THE BEST TEAM IN BASEBALL!!!!! I know i said a month ago I didn't like the "we're still in first place" comments, but dammit, I'm hyped. Let's sweep the philthies, and GYFNG!!!!!!!

peric said...

Looks like the Rangers are going to actually start Soto over Torreealba and Napoli.

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

Drew said...

Peric:

I'm at a loss to understand your rudeness.

Don't you see that the completely unnecessary sandbox shtick erodes any credibility and good will you build through intelligent discourse?

You really don't have to be mean-spirited.


To understand Peric's rudeness, you just need to remember his favorite pseudo stat and what it stands for.

peric said...

Yup on July 30th the best record in baseball. But they lost 1/2 a game to the Braves as well. They need to sweep the Philthies and the Fish this weekend.

peric said...

pRAA said...
To understand Peric's rudeness, you just need to remember his favorite pseudo stat and what it stands for.


Q.E.D Drew.

MicheleS said...

I thought we would have less trades with the new CBA rules. Guess some teams are in gut and rebuild mode and draft picks be darned.

baseballswami said...

Ok - we have lots of wins in the bank - more than we had in some whole seasons and it's not August yet. HOWEVER - I better not see any posters talking about how easy this week is going to be. Remember when we were under .500 how we came out gunning for the top team? These guys are going to come in here just loaded up and ready to spoil us. That's basically all they have to live for at this point. The baseball gods hate smugness and arrogance. One game at a time, a full 61 yet to play. Marathon,not a sprint, yadda,yadda, yadda. No jinxing it, please.

peric said...

Teams like Houston and the Cubs can't draft and overslot so they are usiing this season to trade veterans for prospects. Always a sleeper here and there.

Tegwar said...

Jerome Williams was a Washington National as Yogi says you can look it up.

peric said...

Ha, Jerome Williams: a nine-year project. Got Mock beat by 4 years, if I understand that discussion--which I wasn't paying much attention to. That's better'n Sandy Koufax!

Miss Iowa and Livo: Mop-up guy innings eater when the deficit is large.

Section 222 said...

All we need to do is keep winning series and we will win the division going away. Let's not get greedy.

NatsLady said...

Well, well, well. Our once and future Mike MacDougal got the win for the Chiefs. Werth hit a double, and Chad Tracy was 2 for 4.

My boy Eury Perez actually walked...

Chiefs recap

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120730&content_id=35840592&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&sid=t552&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SyracuseChiefsNews+%28Syracuse+Chiefs+News%29

Tegwar said...

NatsLady when the Rangers beat the Orioles 30-3 a pitcher on the Rangers got a save for pitching 3 innings.

Hard to top that.

peric said...

I better not see any posters talking about how easy this week is going to be. Remember when we were under .500 how we came out gunning for the top team?

Atlanta just picked up a pretty decent left-handed starter and they are breathing down the Nat's necks. Not to mention the wild card teams. They have to win all of these games and put the stake in the Philthies heart. Then filet the fish. Because Atlanta did it and how.

That is HUGE pressure.

NatsLady said...

ha ha ha, Fox, you are right!!! Just looked it up. In 2007 he was a starter, went 0-5 with a 7.30 ERA in 30 IP. 1.73 WHIP, that ain't easy to accomplish. You have some good memory.

peric said...

Well, well, well. Our once and future Mike MacDougal got the win for the Chiefs. Werth hit a double, and Chad Tracy was 2 for 4.

No earned runs allowed by any of the pitchers including MacDougal and only 2 walks. You can attribute a good bit of that to Koyie Hill.

NatsLady said...

Since the save became an official stat in 1969, just six pitchers had given up five runs and earned a save. The last was Seattle’s Mark Huisman on July 12, 1986. Just like Williams, he pitched four innings and gave up five runs in a rout. Despite Williams’ shaky performance, the Angels beat the Rangers 15-8 tonight.

The record for the most runs allowed in a save is eight. Minnesota’s Dave Goltz did that in the second game of a doubleheader in 1973.

--Hardball Talk

NatsLady said...

Troy Renck
Source says that Yorvit Torrealba has been designated for assignment. Love to see him with Rockies. But Washington would make more sense. Plays with passion

Anonymous said...

Koyie Hill is as responsible for that as is Alexander Cartwright!!! Crash Davis certainly didn't help Nuke Laloosh, or I would have seen him in a major league game.

peric said...

ThomasBoswellWP: If Braves get 30-yr-old LHer Paul Maholm (62-79, 4.30 ERA), they just added the equivalent of the Nats (AAA) John Lannan, 27, (39-51, 3.99).

But the Nats have Detwiler in that slot who is younger, less experienced but has better stuff. So, Nats rotation still superior ... but the Braves bullpen is on par with the Nats I guess ...

peric said...

Koyie Hill is as responsible for that as is Alexander Cartwright!!! Crash Davis certainly didn't help Nuke Laloosh, or I would have seen him in a major league game.

Then, its a real shame Doug Harris and Beasley don't agree with you F&I because that's who writes reports on those players and sends them to Rizzo , Clark, Minniti et al.

peric said...

Vizcaino and Chapman to Cubs for Maholm and Johnson according to Ken Rosenthal.

NatsLady said...

OK, this is why you need veterans on the team--passion is good, injuring yourself, not good. I'm looking at you, Bryce Harper.

ryan-sweeney-injures-hand-while-punching-door

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/30/bostons-ryan-sweeney-injures-hand-while-punching-door/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

peric said...

Cubs get Jacob Brigham, Jay Chapman, and Arodys Vizcaino in tonight's trades. Have fun with those Natslady ... :)

peric said...

Soriano has refused any trade to the Giants. The Cubs are going to love getting him off of their roster.

NatsLady said...

Ha, peric. Are they going to play at the ML level this season? Gotta set priorities... if we don't see them til next year, I'll hold off on the Google searching...

NatsLady said...

Actually, Soriano has worked hard to improve his fielding, is having a good year offensively and played through a lot of injuries. Not saying it makes him worth anything close to his salary, but he shouldn't be a laughingstock.

peric said...

Ha, peric. Are they going to play at the ML level this season?

Vizcaino may be the Cub's version of either Mattheus or JZimmnn as he is recovering from TJ but is said to have filthy stuff. I think we may see a lot of teams modeling themselves after the Nats. Given what they've seen this year.

Steady Eddie said...

Wish I was joining y'all at the Park this weekend but long awaited vacation calls. I'm going to the game tomorrow night and then up to Grand Manan island to see puffins (actually on a neighboring island) and then central Maine, so I broke down and got MLBTV for a month and will hunt out wifi sites at the appropriate times.

Filet some Fish for me, will ya guys?

And I suspect, regardless of what we do or don't say here, our guys on the field are taking no team for granted. It was at least somewhat satisfying in the past 2-3 years to knock off contending teams in September to take out our frustrations at being out of it, and there are plenty of folks wearing the curly W who remember what the frustrated team brings to the games against a contender.

peric said...

Not saying it makes him worth anything close to his salary, but he shouldn't be a laughingstock.

I agree he really hasn't been that bad but the Cubs look at him as an albatross and the veritable avatar of recent bonehead mistakes in managing the payroll and roster. Having him invoke his privilege not allowing a deal to a winning team like the Giants seems awfully anal don't you think? He has to know they want him gone why would he do that? Word is his big problem is in the clubhouse more than the field. Makeup / chemistry.

NatsLady said...

Eddie, yes. I bet Zimm remembers, and Desi remember, and Davey will keep his foot on the pedal. Take nothing for granted. Watching Mets/Giants. The Mets are conceding nada.

NatsLady said...

Not sure on the word, because I heard differently, that he has become a clubhouse leader... Also, heard that Giants (or any other team) want the Cubs to eat enough of Soriano's salary that they can release him without financial distress. That doesn't make a guy want to accept a trade.

NatsLady said...

Agree that management regards Soriano as an albatross. Not so sure about his teammates.

NatsLady said...

DKnobler ‏@DKnobler
Now that Nationals have MLB's best record, worth noting that a scout who sees entire NL told me today Nats are best team he has seen.


Don't let it go to your head, guys--and fans. :)

peric said...

Bowden is reporting that Soriano himself refused to go to the Giants. You can take Bowden as a reputable source or not ... sometimes he is right on the money ... he was about the Gio trade which initially upset me quite a bit. Losing all of those prospects really hurt at the time.

peric said...

Blanton is supposed to be going to the Orioles. I'll be sorry to see him go as the Nats hitters seemed to have their way with him.

peric said...

The trading goes on through the night.

Travis Sndier from Blue Jays -> Pirates for BRad Lincoln.

peric said...

Brandon League goes from the Mariners -> Dodgers for Leon Landry and Logan Bawcom. Mariners swap Thames for Blue Jay's Delabar ...

The hugging continues ...

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