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US Presswire file photo Minute Maid Park hosts the Nationals the next four nights. |
A Nationals club that opens the final third of the regular season on pace to win 97-98 games will send Edwin Jackson to the mound for the series opener. They'll field what figures to be their regular lineup for the next three weeks or so, with Kurt Suzuki behind the plate, Jayson Werth in the outfield and Danny Espinosa and Steve Lombardozzi manning the middle infield positions.
Though they claimed Cesar Izturis off waivers from the Brewers today, the veteran infielder has not arrived in Houston yet, so the Nats may have to play a man down in this game. Mark DeRosa has been placed on the DL with an abdominal strain.
I'm not in Houston for this series, but I will be heading to Phoenix for this weekend's series. In the meantime, enjoy tonight's game and the conversation...
WASHINGTON NATIONALS at HOUSTON ASTROS
Where: Minute Maid Park
Gametime: 8:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 185
Weather: Partly cloudy, 88 degrees, Wind 4 mph out to CF
NATIONALS (65-43)
SS Danny Espinosa
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
LF Michael Morse
1B Adam LaRoche
RF Jayson Werth
C Kurt Suzuki
2B Steve Lombardozzi
RHP Edwin Jackson
ASTROS (36-73)
2B Jose Altuve
SS Marwin Gonzalez
1B Brett Wallace
RF Justin Maxwell
3B Scott Moore
LF J.D. Martinez
CF Jordan Schafer
C Carlos Corporan
LHP Dallas Keuchel
UMPIRES
TBA
Wow - where did the Astro's team go? I of course know Maxwell and have heard of Altuve & Shafer but that's it for me kids. This is truly a AAA lineup. So knowing the superstition that exists here I can't wait to hear from all of you but we need 3 of 4 against a team like this.
ReplyDeleteGo Nats!! Go Playoffs!
GYFNG! i think Suzuki has a big night.
ReplyDeleteSo i will only have the phone for updates tonight, if someone has the time I would love a little play by play.
So, when he gets here, Izturis will play 2B and Lombo will sit? Or will Izturis play short and Danny will go back to 2B?
ReplyDeleteHa, train wreck. I like what you did there, Mark. I've often wondered whether opposing pitchers hear the Minute Maid Park train whistle in their nightmares. Hope that none of ours will. Also hope that some opposing pitchers hear the submarine horn in theirs. ("What are you watching, kids? Turn down the volume, please. Daddy's trying to take a soothing nap after facing the Nats. What's that? Hunt for Red October?" [Aoooga! Aooga!] "Noooo! Make it stop..."
ReplyDeleteer, we now return you to your regularly scheduled blog post. Go, Edwin! Go, NATS!
Yeah, and I dropped this ")".
ReplyDeleteI was happy that JMax hit two dingers the other night. I am hoping he goes five games before he hits any others. Meanwhile, Atlanta has a crazy easy schedule from here out. What's up with that?
ReplyDeleteGYFNG!
NatsLady said...
ReplyDeleteSo, when he gets here, Izturis will play 2B and Lombo will sit? Or will Izturis play short and Danny will go back to 2B?
Neither. Izturis replaces DeRosa as backup MI. Maybe he'll get a start every week or so to keep him fresh.
Mark I hope you get to go to SF as well.
ReplyDeleteSo, when he gets here, Izturis will play 2B and Lombo will sit? Or will Izturis play short and Danny will go back to 2B?
ReplyDeleteHe's not a starter. He will be on the bench replacing DeRosa until Desmond comes back. Then I guess they bring back DeRosa, no one really understands why. Izturis can't hit so Davey isn't going to start him Natslady. Its why they didn't bring up Koyie Hill and instead went out and got Suzuki.
NatsLady,
ReplyDeletepRAA is correct but he will get a few starts at SS against RH.
Was a GG SS in his day top of the line defense. Haven't seen him play much since the O's in 2010 and he was a fine SS then. An injury now does not potentially destroy the season.
Waiting to see what he has left in the tank he might surprise us.
It's creepy to post this: Go, Phillies!
ReplyDeleteAgreed NatsLady at 5:36 (as I squirm uncomfortably)
ReplyDeleteDavey back to Espi at leadoff
ReplyDeletedo any of you comment on other nats sites? i personally do on washington post and masn and occasionally on espn (but i dont like that as much because other teams trolls are so ruthless and annoying)
ReplyDeleteFan dilemmas- rooting for the Phil's, ever. I guess we need to make sacrifices for our team. Hope there is no let down in Houston. Bad teams live to beat first place teams.
ReplyDeleteI comment on Hardball Talk when it's Nats-related and sometimes on MLB. I read the Nationals Journal (WaPo) comments (which have improved greatly) but don't comment there much as it pretty much duplicates what is said here.
ReplyDeleteBad teams live to beat first place teams.
ReplyDeleteTrue. But the Astros are the approximate equivalent of an AAA or AAAA team. Generally minor league teams don't beat first-place ML teams. I think our main goal is to not get complacent and not get injured.
Clip&Store - I used to be on the WaPo site all the time and finally got sick of the lack of troll control there.
ReplyDeleteMark Zuckerman said...A Nationals club that opens the final third of the regular season on pace to win 97-98 games...
ReplyDeleteHow cool is it to read that, Nats Fans?
What were the odds?
Too cool, that's how cool!
And the odds weren't good,
But, the goods are odd.
NatsLady @ 5:36: Concur.
ReplyDeleteI like AK's writing, even when it's basically the same subject. But a lot of the people who post there are pretty tough to stomach. I have a new fan test as of today. When someone says IF Stras is shut down I have no use for them. I only pay attention to people who say WHEN Stras is shut down.
ReplyDeleteQuick question: Has anyone here noticed how Flores throws his warm-up throw to second base at the start of each inning?
ReplyDeleteAs a fan, this has always been one of my favorite things to watch. It's just amazing how catchers can put the ball on a line to second, usually about 3 inches above the bag.
But not Flores, at least not this year. He throws these big arching lollipops to second.
So one additional question. We hear lots of reports that Flores is tired, but do we have any reports that he might be hurt?
Sometimes I comment on HighHeatStats if there is an error. The author(s) are pretty knowlegable and less superficial than Hardball Talk. On the latter site you get a headline and cute (snide) stuff from the bloggers, but you can get good insights from the commenters who are actual fans of the teams involved.
ReplyDeleteBTW, the Nats are 4-0 in games that Werth has played since his return...
NatsLady said...
ReplyDeleteIt's creepy to post this: Go, Phillies!
August 06, 2012 5:36 PM
-----------------------
I said a week, or so, ago that the Phillies could still play the part of spoiler before this is all over. Let's hope that they get that spoiler stuff out of their system over the next few games!
I already hate the fact that I can't say "last place Phillies" anymore as the stinky Fish moved into last place last night.
BTW, I downloaded the android 6-4-3 Baseball Scorecard app earlier today. The learning curve is a little frustrating; the youtube demo is obviously being done on a pad, rather than a smartphone so the interface is somewhat different on my Motorola.
ReplyDeleteBut it looks pretty good; I'm hoping it will work well when I have to enter a double switch, or the mess the other night when Bonifacio was injured and Ozzie played musical positions with his entire lineup all at once. Some criticism I've seen is that it's very difficult to go back and correct a mistake after an AB has been entered; you can fix things right up until you move on to the next batter. Seems the developer is working on that.
Anyway, I pulled out the scoresheet I did for yesterday's game, practiced with that, so I'm ready for the Astros game tonight. One really nice thing: you can import a team's entire roster, so filling in the lineups and positions is easy-peazy.
One more question if you all don't mind.
ReplyDeleteIt seemed to me that, in the Saturday and Sunday wins, that the Nats finally got the message that they don't have to be bombarding us with idiotic electronic prompts every five seconds to get us to cheer on the team.
It seems like they are finally letting the fans take over the job of cheering-on the team.
Did anyone else notice this?
Thanks...end of my questions for today!
@ Joe Seamhead: I was right behind a maroon Mazda 5 with Virginia plates "SEAMHED" leaving the parking area near the concrete plant yesterday. Was that you?
ReplyDeletedo1teach1 said...It seemed to me that, in the Saturday and Sunday wins, that the Nats finally got the message that they don't have to be bombarding us with idiotic electronic prompts every five seconds to get us to cheer on the team. I've noticed that that really annoying, "Every-body clap yo' hands!" business may be dying an unlamented death.
ReplyDeleteReally. When Stras hits a two-run single, I don't need no stinking disembodied voice to get up and yell.
And I'm sure as hell not going to clap when Espi swipes at that low inside fastball for strike three.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120805&content_id=36192118&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
ReplyDeleteLucky the Nats didn't get Oswalt, Dempster or Darvish.
Their pitching staff with injuries and the new signings are causing major issues. If Dempster doesn't get on track, Texas will really look bad. How's that Darvish and his 4+ ERA doing? Since the beginning of July, Darvish is 1-3 with a 6.82 ERA in 5 starts, and his 70 walks are the third most in the AL.
Apparently the Nationals were cheering on the Women's National soccer team in the clubhouse and were extremely loud when the ladies won in stoppage time in the 126th minute to go into the gold medal round. They recognize guts and perseverance since those are qualities they see in the mirror every day. I just think that's a nice story. Maybe it fired them up.
ReplyDeleteMLB Tonight is discussing Oswalt dilemna right now.
ReplyDeleteI have a confession to make. I DVR'd Saturday night's game. I have watched the eighth inning multiple times - can't bring myself to delete it. Such a rush. I cannot even imagine what it was like at the park and the guys in the dugout looked as fired up as I have ever seen them. So cool.
ReplyDeletebaseballswami, WARNING, just don't watch inning 2 to 7.
ReplyDeleteHahaha. Yeah. Even seeing 3 errors on the scoreboard is traumatic.
ReplyDeleteManny Acta in blog h*ll back in Cleveland after a nosedive.
ReplyDeleteESPN just wrote this:
General manager Chris Antonetti expressed support for Indians manager Manny Acta and his coaching staff following the least successful trip in the franchise's 112-year history.
Cleveland went 0-9 at Minnesota, Kansas City and Detroit, ending the trip with a 10-8 loss to the Tigers on Sunday when All-Star closer Chris Perez gave up five runs with two outs in the 10th inning.
Cleveland trailed Chicago by 3½ games when the trip began and went into Monday 9½ games behind the AL Central-leading White Sox.
NatsJack - underestimating any ball club is dangerous. The Phils beat us twice, the Marlins almost did. Complacency would be an easy thing to fall into after this last weekend. With the 24 man roster and no back up middle infielder tonight - Danny and Lombo need to be careful.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHistorically we have had a tough times verse Astros... we also have had some bad umpiring and I still remember in 2010 Matt Capps getting screwed by the umps on some awful calls
ReplyDeleteRe. other sites, I used to be a regular (reader and commenter) on the WaPo Nats blog. When they changed the interface it was way too slow for me. (Plus there was this awesome new blog over here. :-)) I do read posts over there when I have time, but not the comments.
ReplyDeleteI agree with FP and the silver fox that there are some things one just cannot explain and one is why some teams just have another teams number and why some pitchers do as well
ReplyDeleteSwami, I was AT the game on Saturday, and I've watched the DVR recording twice already as well. It was a tremendous rush being there -- not just what the team did but the crowd reaction. It felt like the whole place collectively realized, "this team is for real, and it's going to go a long way this season." Great fun.
ReplyDeleteNo reverse locks here guys. After what the Astros did to us in 2010, I'll be holding my breath -- and that's even without Berkman, Carlos Lee, and Wandy. That's a weird park they have there, with the short left field and the bizarre center field hill. I'm telling myself I'll be happy with a split (but of course I won't.)
I hate it when fans predict 4 out 4 or 3 out 4. Let's just win tonight and take it from there.
ReplyDelete162 * .602 = 97.5 There ya go.
ReplyDeletenatsfan1a
ReplyDeletethis is the BEST blog ever, with the best people!!
natsfan1a said...On another note, is it me or does that math not compute?
ReplyDeleteA Nationals club that opens the final third of the regular season on pace to win 97-98 games.
They currently have a .602 winning percentage. 162 * .602 = 97.524.
Though getting that last .524ths of a win is going to be tougher than the first 97...
Agreed, JD - nothing can ever be taken for granted in this game.
ReplyDeleteAgreed re. underestimating any ballclub, or looking past them to the next series. Remember the days when the Nats really [stunk] and skippers would get fired after losing a series to them? You never know what might happen. There's a reason they play the games and all that.
ReplyDeleteswami... thats why they play the game, lol
ReplyDeleteCandide, thanks, I didn't remove my post fast enough after I realized that I'd had an Emily Litella moment. I wasn't reading that as a range, 97 to 98, but rather as a final tally, 97 and 98. So, never mind. :-)
ReplyDeleteI stopped reading the MASN blog when Goessling left. Should I read it again? I still read Kilgore regularly, especially when he's travelling with the team and Mark is not. But the comments are pretty worthless over there. How could anyone add anything to the discussion here. Plus, the interface is terrible. What the heck is a "top comment" anyway. All comments are created equal here!!
ReplyDeleteI'm still proud of us for ignoring the reply feature on this blog so that all the comments are chronological. Well done folks.
Agreed, Mick. Also the best host. :-)
ReplyDeletemick said...
natsfan1a
this is the BEST blog ever, with the best people!!
August 06, 2012 6:35 PM
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI don't read the MASN blogs much. Sometimes I'll click on a link from this site's blog roll. Once in a while I look at the message board on the team site. I don't tend to comment at either of those sites, although I did comment at MASN some back in the day, before you had to have an account.
ReplyDeletesec222, I've wondered about the "top comment" thing as well. Oh, and I read the Bos and Hamilton chats over there and sometimes submit comments/questions.
I link to Kolko or Comak occasionally to read a story. That's all.
ReplyDeleteCandide said...
ReplyDelete@ Joe Seamhead: I was right behind a maroon Mazda 5 with Virginia plates "SEAMHED" leaving the parking area near the concrete plant yesterday. Was that you?
August 06, 2012 6:00 PM
---------------------
That's not me, though I like the plate. Also, I was parked by the plant, too, but no Mazda, no VA plates.
I read this nll day every day. I enjoy Nats Enquirer for good humor. I will also skim Marks blogroll for items. Federal Baseball and Amanda sometimes with good writings
ReplyDeleteOops, I do read Comak as well. Tried to comment over there when she first came on board but couldn't get through the interface. NatsInsider interface = teh awesomez. :-)
ReplyDeletePoint of caution: the Astros are nearly a .500 team at home. Don't expect them to roll over for us. Remember back; we pulled some surprises when we were bad.
ReplyDeleteSection 222 said...I'm still proud of us for ignoring the reply feature on this blog so that all the comments are chronological. Well done folks.
ReplyDeleteDisagree on that. "Reply" makes the discussion easier to follow, especially when the topic of the original post has gotten derailed. Earlier post today was about Werth's quick return to form and it quickly became a discussion of Flores's future, which is certainly an interesting topic for discussion, but it made it harder to follow the original post discussion.
OTOH, I reallyreallyreallyreally appreciate the troll-free atmosphere here. Vigorous discussion, the occasional insult, but practically never anything that's simply flamebait.
NatsLady said...
ReplyDelete162 * .602 = 97.5 There ya go.
August 06, 2012 6:35 PM
______________________________
I liked April 25th when the Nats were on that 126 win pace! Nothing like starting a season 14-4!
Amanda Comak is great. I enjoy her posts alot, even though you have to be exposed to links to all the other garbage in the Wash Times. I really enjoy the Nationals Baseball blog written by Harper. Now that Chris Needham and FJB don't blog any more, he's the best non-beat writer blogger out there.
ReplyDeleteCandide -- If I spent 24/7 here, I could follow discussions with the reply feature. But if you just pop in and out, and there are over a hundred comments, it's a huge pain to have to scroll up to figure out if someone has made an interesting reply on a topic you're interested in. So I like plain old fashioned chronological commenting. And lots of folks have figured out how to quote previous comments in order to make their replies more understandable.
ReplyDeleteOn the topic of other Nats blogs, when not causing trouble here I am often over at Federal Baseball. It's another good comunity, although be forewarned - they don't tolerate bad language :/)
ReplyDeleteLikewise.
ReplyDeleteSection 222 said...
Candide -- If I spent 24/7 here, I could follow discussions with the reply feature. But if you just pop in and out, and there are over a hundred comments, it's a huge pain to have to scroll up to figure out if someone has made an interesting reply on a topic you're interested in. So I like plain old fashioned chronological commenting.
August 06, 2012 6:57 PM
I still like to go over there to see what new silly post Ori'holes mega fan Poopy_McPoop puts up. I guess the Nats winning and the Orioles losing finally had an effect; he changed his handle ...
ReplyDeleteThe real reason Cesar Izturis isn't in the lineup tonight is because Mike Wallace didn't have a Z for his jersey nameplate. (wink)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt's another good comunity, although be forewarned - they don't tolerate bad language :/)
ReplyDeletePatrick likes to make up new words like "MOAR" instead of more and he likes to call Michael Morse "Mickey Morse" etc. ... He's an Expo's fan. Not really what I would characterize as a true Nats fan. Comes from a different tree if you will.
Kilgore with lots of Tweets. Desi took grounders today and short-toss.
ReplyDeleteThen this: Davey Johnson will sleep better with Cesar Izturis in the fold, and he felt lucky the Nats had a shot to get him.
I follow most of the local baseball people on twitter. News usually breaks there first and is quick to read. No substance, good sound bites.
ReplyDeleteMessage to Nats, "Stay hungry my friends"
ReplyDeleteWow, and here I thought six was a lotta unearned runs.
ReplyDeleteYCPB @cantpredictball
RT @Stefmara: The Twins have scored 10 runs in the 2nd inning against the Indians. Eight are unearned.
Indians are really tanking. Atlanta just put up 3 against the Fils.
I, too, follow the Nats beat guys and gal on Twitter and rarely miss opening Amanda's links to her pieces. But this is the first and last place I always check.
ReplyDeleteGetting close to game time: May we help the Astros feel just LOTS better about the inevitable break in their losing streak that will arrive sometime along about August 10th. And not a moment before.
GYFNG!
Oh my, Indian's implosion continues. 1 error led to 8 unearned after the 2nd inning started with 2 home runs. 8 more runs scored with 2 outs.
ReplyDeleteA bottom feeder always loves to knock off the top team, as well we know. No walks, no errors.
ReplyDeleteOh no. We got Angel Hernandez on this crew. Do we seem to have him and Balkin' Bob and Joe West and Laz Diaz more than other teams do? Any site keep track of such things?
ReplyDeleteBryce maybe saw 1 strike in that AB. Unreal. No respect for the real strike zone. Do some of these umps purposely expand the zone on him?
ReplyDeleteSame old J-Max. I love the guy. But he can't hit a breaking pitch to save his soul.
ReplyDeleteBut thanks for the homers against the Braves over the weekend.
EJax getting squeezed in the zone. Got hit for a dinger, and stranded a guy. Astros up 0-1. Now our turn again. ALR up.
ReplyDeleteFP says the stadium is dead. I wish our guys could hear us SHOUTING AT THE TV GYFNG!
OK, Edwin kept his "bad" first inning to one HR. Got strange calls from ump and apparently had a mixup w/ Suzuki that should have been a WP but the runner didn't advance.
ReplyDeleteOff topic, but imploding Indians GM gives Manny a vote of confidence.
ReplyDeleteA few more innings like today's 10-runner by the Twins, and Manny is dead man walking. May already be.
It's now 12-1 Twins over Cleveland and Mayberry homered so it's 4-1 ATL over Philly. Gotta drive for about an hour so someone else can do play-by-play.
ReplyDeleteHoping this is a big roadtrip for the team, as they have an opportunity to do some damage in the standings over the next 10 days.
ReplyDeleteAnd first hit as a Nat for Suzuki.
ReplyDeleteSuzuki with a heck of a line drive for his 1st Nationals hit. Well at least that's what it will look like in the box score!
ReplyDeleteNotice how the pitcher didn't get the same strike on LaRoche that he got on Harper.
ReplyDeleteWerth is smart. Got right in the shortstop's way on that grounder hoping to cause an error. It didn't work but good screen Jayson. Its the little things he tries to do that go unnoticed.
ReplyDeleteSunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...
ReplyDeleteSame old J-Max. I love the guy. But he can't hit a breaking pitch to save his soul.
But thanks for the homers against the Braves over the weekend.
August 06, 2012 8:26 PM
________________________________
I disagree. Can't hit RH breakers and good changeups well.
If the Nats would have had him in a platoon, maybe he could have developed. He got great schooling with the Yankees and is a much better hitter today than with the Nats.
Astros? really? cmon. Beaves taking care of there business
ReplyDeleteNext to that carnival of a park in Miami, this has got to be the goofiest park in the NL. Between the train ride and that post in the middle of that hill in CF, you can get dizzy just watching a game. Who designed this thing, Salvador Dali?
ReplyDeleteAstros? really? cmon. Beaves taking care of there business
ReplyDeleteDallas kueghel AKA Nolan Ryan
ReplyDeleteAnybody else getting a little restless?
ReplyDeleteStill no runs for us after three.
ReplyDeleteKristina had a little trouble in that between inning report. Couldn't remember Izturis's name. Can't blame her really, but it was awkward. Interesting info that Davey was considering Zim as the backup SS, and that Chad Tracy said he once played the position. Davey told him, that was 3 hernias and quite a few pounds ago.
ReplyDeleteAnybody else getting a little restless?
ReplyDeleteNah.
Sec 222 Ill check back in an hour with you.
ReplyDeleteFO says the Philthies are gonna have to take back their own park after not selling out tonight. FUNNY!
ReplyDeleteSection 222 said...
ReplyDeleteInteresting info that Davey was considering Zim as the backup SS
August 06, 2012 8:54 PM
______________________________
Is that right, I saw one of our members suggest that this morning.
Anybody else getting a little restless?
ReplyDelete==================
Not until after the 6th (so long as it stays within a run or two).
Ghost Of Steve M. said...
ReplyDeleteI'm in a much better mood now. It was a gaping hole at backup shortstop. What if Espi was injured in that spike to hand play yesterday? Nats had no real organizational depth at shortstop. Probably Ryan Zimmerman and Chad Tracy to 3rd.
August 06, 2012 4:13 PM
_________________________________
Here you go Section 222
jesus Suzuki with a horrible effort. But he sure can hit.
ReplyDeleteGonat said...
ReplyDeleteSection 222 said...
Interesting info that Davey was considering Zim as the backup SS
August 06, 2012 8:54 PM
______________________________
Is that right, I saw one of our members suggest that this morning.
====================
if I'm not mistaken, Ryan Zimmerman was an All-ACC and All-American shortstop when he played at UVa. Mark Reynolds was at 3B.
While he hasn't played SS much (maybe a game or two in 2005?) in the majors, I'd prefer him than Mr. Tracy or Mr. Morse.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGonat, yes. Saw that this morning too. What was interesting was that Davey said that might have been the plan. According to Kristina, Davey was pretty happy that there was a decent backup SS available at this point in the season.
ReplyDeleteSection 222, wouldn't be surprised if Ghost had already talked to Davey about that.
ReplyDeleteWhat, me worry?
ReplyDeleteHow bad is Darvish. 5 earned thru 6 and a 4.52 ERA now.
ReplyDeleteits official. im restless
ReplyDeleteLaRoche!
ReplyDeleteALR singled Ryan home! MVP!
ReplyDeletesee, that comment helped. Sorry everbody Ive been nervous since May.
ReplyDeleteI love LaRoche talking about how his father to this day still pitches to him left-handed. Like Ghost suggested over the weekend, time to sign that option.
ReplyDeleteI hate when he says crooked number!!
ReplyDeleteI will take a Wild Pitch here.
ReplyDeleteSecret wasian man, the cure for that is a delightful concoction called Nationals Bourbon and Maalox cocktail. My preference is to use the bourbon to cleanse the palate before the Maalox and then as a chaser. Makes everything lots better until the hitting kicks in. WHich it will.
ReplyDeleteStrike Zone is a joke. 5'9" Lombo gets a strike called on him as if he was 6'3"
ReplyDeleteMaxwell hasn't hit the curve ball even when he was playing 14 year old select AAU
ReplyDeleteSame old J-Max. Why any pitcher would throw a strike to this guy is amazing to me.
ReplyDeleteTrue Story. When Maxwell was 14, he played on an AAU team that finished 16th in the nation. Maxwell batted third that whole summer. His B.A. .185. Yep, I know because my son played on that team. Max was a great kid -- just couldnt hit well, especially the curve.
ReplyDeleteJaneB said...
ReplyDeleteSecret wasian man, the cure for that is a delightful concoction called Nationals Bourbon and Maalox cocktail. My preference is to use the bourbon to cleanse the palate before the Maalox and then as a chaser. Makes everything lots better until the hitting kicks in. WHich it will.
My preference is to allow the bourbon to cleanse the bourbon and then wash it down with more bourbon. The Maalox is strictly for appearances.
And never, ever before 7 a.m. 7:05 is fine.
More on Maxwell: Notice that he has an uppercut swing -- but not a real quick bat. Pitchers who werent very good, or didnt know would give him low fastballs: exactly what he could hit. Pitchers who knew would throw him high cheese and curveballs and JMax was toast.
ReplyDeleteFunny as nothing has changed.
Sunshine, I'll try it your way next time. Just to make sure you know what you're talking about.
ReplyDeleteNatsFanSinceStart, I disagree on Maxwell. He is much better and kills lefty pitching.
ReplyDeleteI never would have believed this, but TV just showed a graphic that the Nats have the best record in MLB against rookie pitchers. 14-2.
ReplyDeleteNatsFanSinceStart said...
ReplyDeleteTrue Story. When Maxwell was 14, he played on an AAU team that finished 16th in the nation. Maxwell batted third that whole summer. His B.A. .185. Yep, I know because my son played on that team. Max was a great kid -- just couldnt hit well, especially the curve.
August 06, 2012 9:27 PM
__________________________
Just curious, what team was that?
Harper didn't get rung up. Nice!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat is Houston thinking? 3rd baseman on the cut.
ReplyDeleteCarp called it, and Edwin ignited it. Zimm got a chopped up third base side and brought home two (and he was out at second). 3-1 US!
ReplyDeleteWaisian man, the bourbon is good for celebrating runs, too.
Hitting is contagious!
ReplyDeleteHow ya feelin' now Waisian? Probably didn't even have time to get the bourbon out.
ReplyDeleteSo ALR hits in a DP. But we are up 4-1, due to Morse hit.
ReplyDeleteLife is good, as a Nats fan.
The Astros fans look like they've seen this movie before...
ReplyDeleteEugene, we were there from 2006 to 2010
ReplyDeleteOh yeah. I remember. We all do.
ReplyDeleteSome of the graphics MASN is coming up with are great. Record against rookie pitchers, record in games scoring 4 or more runs. Stat after stat showing what a great season we're having.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness Rizzo is playing for 2013. :-)
Wow i really hate the Phil's. Throw us a bone.
ReplyDeleteJayson was schooled there.
ReplyDeleteOff-topic, but here's why there was no gasoline line at the trading deadline for this guy:
ReplyDeleteChicago Cubs right-hander Matt Garza has been placed on the 15-day disabled list and will be shut down "indefinitely," general manager Jed Hoyer said Monday. Garza hasn't pitched since he felt stiffness in his right elbow in a July 21 start
12 hits? All singles, right? That's odd.
ReplyDeleteJaneB said...
ReplyDeleteSunshine, I'll try it your way next time. Just to make sure you know what you're talking about.
August 06, 2012 9:31 PM
Now, THAT'S funny...
Edwin couldn't even groove a strike to Altuve. 4 straight balls. That stinks. Leadoff walks are horrible.
ReplyDeleteApparently this Sheets guy can pitch. :) :) How useless are the Fillies?
ReplyDeleteBobby, Garza has looked like a #3 most of the season. Now he's hurt. Could be related.
ReplyDeleteNew city, but same old Loria.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-marlins/fl-hyde-miami-marlins-0807-20120806,0,594249.column
Maxwell is on deck smiling as he sees Gorzo coming in.
ReplyDeleteTold you all. You know very little about Maxwell.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the article, djinFl. The Lerners weren't the greatest owners as the start, but they figured it out. Leave baseball to the baseball people and don't be cheap on the small stuff (or the large stuff). If you put a good product on the field the dollars will follow. We are in good shape.
ReplyDeleteJMax triple. That is a strange park! OK, Gorzy, settle down.
Gorzo or Suzuki or both are complete idiots.
ReplyDeleteThrowing Maxwell a fast ball? Every scouting report on earth states he can't hit the curve.
I still like JMax, even though he just did us some damage there.
ReplyDeleteHeaded for the bourbon now, though. michelleS, it's 4-3.
Hate to say, on Davey. Why would you bring in a lefty on Maxwell?
ReplyDeleteGorzo is no pitcher. He can't even hold the low life Astros.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to a replacement for Gorzo -- who belongs pitching for the Rockies or the Astros.
Ok, what was I saying earlier about Gorzo doing well this year? Hope no one noticed.
ReplyDeleteDid you notice the home plate umpire double-checking that Kurt Suzuki had caught that ball? I bet there's a lot of that going on these days.
ReplyDeleteGorzy aggravates me. He pitches three beautiful innings when it doesn't matter, but when it does---?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mr. Suzuki. I like the way this guy works. He is probably wondering, "what is with these pitchers, they are ruining my caught-stealing percentage. I'm gonna fix that."
NatsFanSinceStart, when are you going to tell us about the AAU team. Let me know as I will forward to Dr. Maxwell to corroborate. I find your story hard to believe.
ReplyDeleteUmmmm.... have we talked about Kurt Suzuki's nail polish yet? When he caught that foul pop over the camera well railing, on the replay it sure looked like the nails on his throwing hand are painted gold.
ReplyDeleteGonat -- Montgomery County Patriots -- AAU 14 and U
ReplyDeleteComprised of all star 14 year olds from 10 different club select teams in Montgomery county, Md. Maxwell played for the Olney Select team in the MCBA (montgomery county baseball assoc.) League is still doing fine and well today.
@Navy Nats Fan: That's probably right. Some catchers use that bright nail polish to help the pitcher see his signs.
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ReplyDeleteWow. Never noticed that before. Makes sense!
ReplyDeleteNatsFanSinceStart: Interesting. Because I knew Justin traveled MCBA for BCC and in-house at OBGC.
ReplyDeleteHaha YOu forward anything and everything you want to Doctor Maxwell. And personally, I doubt literally anything and everything that comes out of your mouth.
ReplyDeleteA lot of catchers wear nail polish, usually white or glowing silver.
ReplyDeleteHi, Navy. Long time no see. How ya been?
ReplyDeleteGonat is confusing travel with BCC with MCBA-AAU travel. Maybe he played a tournament or two with BCC, who knows. But the AAU year was very exciting. Wish you were there.
ReplyDeleteOn Suzuki's nails, those are stickers, not polish. FP talked about it, I think Saturday. There's a guy who makes them and markets them specially to catchers, FP said.
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ReplyDeleteooooh, Sofa. Likin' the ZZZZZZ's.
ReplyDeleteNew job, very busy and lots of travel. But made both games this weekend and PitP. Ready for the home stretch of August and September!
ReplyDeleteYes, probably. Nevermind.
ReplyDeleteLOL Kilgore:
ReplyDeleteAdam Kilgore @AdamKilgoreWP
Mickey Storey on for Houston. This is a baseball team, I think, and not a random name generator.
Actually, I beleive very few, if any, catchers wear white nail polish. White tape has been used on fingers for better viewing by pitchers for decades.
ReplyDeleteGorzo is out -- Good, Davey.
ReplyDeleteDo your best here, Mattheus!
ReplyDeleteThanks, NatsLady. It seemed to be the letter of the day.
ReplyDeleteAnyone heard any talk at all about the Nats plans (or no plans) to re-sign LaRoche. I've heard nor read a thing about it.
ReplyDeleteNumerous beat writers tweeting that paid attendance tonight -- 13,843 -- is the lowest in Minute Maid Park history.
ReplyDeleteThe Nats don't need to say or do, nevermind announce publicly, any plans for re-signing people until after the season. Not a clown question, but way, way premature.
ReplyDeleteNatsFanSinceStart said...
ReplyDeleteGonat -- Montgomery County Patriots -- AAU 14 and U
Comprised of all star 14 year olds from 10 different club select teams in Montgomery county, Md. Maxwell played for the Olney Select team in the MCBA (montgomery county baseball assoc.) League is still doing fine and well today.
August 06, 2012 10:30 PM
_______________________________
MCBA is a great travel league. Not familiar with Montgomery County Patriots -- AAU 14 and U. I have been an assistant coach off an on for a few years with the BCC Bombers and Cyclones and previously the Rockville Reds and also work with the travel teams on summer tournaments and camps. I am very familiar with the great program the Olney Pirates and Bucaneers have.
What travel team did your son play for?
Catchers and nail polish:
ReplyDeletecatchers-wearing-nail-polish-during-games
http://news.yahoo.com/mlb-ban-catchers-wearing-nail-polish-during-games-053900029--mlb.html
13,843 -- is the lowest in Minute Maid Park history.
ReplyDeleteGeez, they might as well change the name back to Enron at this point. It can't hurt attendance any worse.
Nice job, Ryan Mattheus!
ReplyDeleteGONat: 1998 -- sounds like a bit before your time.
ReplyDeleteAs stated, my son played for the Patriots who went to the final 16 down in Millington, Tenn. - home of the former Olympic Baseball Team!
Maxwell was on that team. Great kid, great family --
NatsLady, thanks for the link, although the writer is silly, IMO, suggesting it be banned.
ReplyDeleteNatsLady, some place near Oakland makes those color stickers for catchers that go on the fingernails. I think that's what he uses.
ReplyDeleteMark Z., can you see if there is a way to create a negative or bipolar comments section here? It's tough to read "We will lose" followed by Go Nats! Every half inning. If there were only some special place the angst-ridden could vent and not affect the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteAnyone think something is wrong with EJax? He was throwing so many off speed pitches, then that 3-0 fastball he threw in the 6th was only 88 mph. Just didn't look himself today. Means they might have to reconsider the plans to shut down SS. (Ducking, running, giggling!)
Gonat, the article NatsLady posted the link to contains a link to that company's website.
ReplyDeleteYou gonna get some of that nail stuff and save on your manicures, Natslady?
ReplyDeleteOK, bottom eighth, one-run game:
ReplyDeleteIt now OFFICIALLY is bourbon and Maalox time.
Everything up to now was just practice.
Burnett and Clipp, don't let it slip.
I was driving home from Wolftrap tonight when the Gorzo inning happened. One day i expect NatsLady to take her walking stick and put him on the DL. NatsLady I will drive the getaway car for you. ;-)
ReplyDeleteNatsFanSinceStart said...
ReplyDeleteGONat: 1998 -- sounds like a bit before your time.
As stated, my son played for the Patriots who went to the final 16 down in Millington, Tenn. - home of the former Olympic Baseball Team!
Maxwell was on that team. Great kid, great family --
___________________
It was before my time. I didn't move here permanently until 7 years ago.
The Maxwell family has been great about working and giving back to BCC and youth baseball. I got to meet Justin many times. I think they live permanently still up in Frederick where his wife's family is from.
ehay2k said...
ReplyDeleteMark Z., can you see if there is a way to create a negative or bipolar comments section here?
I thought this WAS the negative or bipolar comments section?
Here is a picture of the Yankees' catcher with his nail polish.
ReplyDeleteyankees_catcher_russell_martin_paints_fingernails_bright_yellow
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/yankees_catcher_russell_martin_paints_fingernails_bright_yellow_shows_off_picture_on_twitter/4784303
Ehay, there's a short list of people you can scroll past easily, if that bothers you. You wouldn't be the only one, as one can tell from the attendance here on in-game threads.
ReplyDeleteBut would that work, I wonder? I mean, if every post had, say, a smiley or frowney or other emoticon associated with it, the genuine trolls would always lie and post smileys, right? So you would know who to bring out the ban-hammer for.
Nah. Still not worth it.
Tying run on base, none out:
ReplyDeleteBartender, make mine a double bourbon and Maalox.
Shouldn't be a 1 run lead now. This stinks.
ReplyDeleteOh, where's your spirit of adventure, Gonat?
ReplyDelete: )