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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER The Nats look for their eighth straight win tonight at Chase Field. |
So they'll look to make it eight straight (both on the road and overall) tonight in Game 2 of their series with the Diamondbacks. They will, however, face a legitimate challenge in this one, with Wade Miley on the hill. The left-hander has quietly put together a fantastic rookie season, earning an All-Star nod and putting himself perhaps in the driver's seat for NL Rookie of the Year honors.
One of Miley's chief competitors, Bryce Harper, won't face him tonight. Davey Johnson explained last night he wanted to give Tyler Moore a chance to start a game, especially against a lefty opponent. So Moore is in left field tonight, with Harper on the bench. That also bumps Michael Morse to right field and and Jayson Werth to center field, plus the leadoff spot. The last time Werth hit atop the Nats' lineup? the day before Davey Johnson took over as manager last June.
Plenty of updates to come, so please check back...
WASHINGTON NATIONALS at ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Where: Chase Field
Gametime: 8:10 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 184
Weather: Indoors
NATIONALS (70-43)
CF Jayson Werth
SS Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
RF Michael Morse
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Tyler Moore
C Jesus Flores
2B Steve Lombardozzi
RHP Edwin Jackson
DIAMONDBACKS (57-56)
SS Stephen Drew
2B Aaron Hill
LF Jason Kubel
1B Paul Goldschmidt
RF Justin Upton
C Miguel Montero
3B Chris Johnson
CF Gerardo Parra
LHP Wade Miley
UMPIRES
HP Dan Iassogna
1B D.J. Reyburn
2B Mike Muchlinski
3B C.B. Bucknor
6:50 p.m. -- Many of you have been wondering about Dale Scott, the umpire who took a foul tip to his chin last night and had to depart the game. There's no official word on his condition, but he's not going to be officiating tonight's game. Mike Muchlinski has replaced him on the crew. It's probably a safe bet Scott suffered a concussion on that play, but like I said, we don't have any official word yet about that.
8:10 p.m. -- We are underway with a strike from Wade Miley to Jayson Werth. It's 79 degrees indoors, 108 degrees outdoors, and there's a dust storm warning in the area. Welcome to Phoenix in August!
8:19 p.m. -- And the Nats are already up 1-0 thanks to Danny Espinosa's one-out single up the middle and Ryan Zimmerman's subsequent double into the right-field corner. Justin Upton helped matters by bobbling the ball, allowing Espinosa to score. But that's an impressive start to the evening for the Nats lineup against Miley.
8:21 p.m. -- We've also got our official update on umpire Dale Scott at last: He indeed suffered a concussion last night and is undergoing further tests. He'll miss the remainder of this series, at least.
8:29 p.m. -- Didn't take long for the D'backs to strike back. Aaron Hill tags Jackson's 0-1 fastball deep to left to tie this game 1-1 in the bottom of the first. Jackson did have pretty good stuff overall in the inning, striking out Stephen Drew on a changeup and Paul Goldschmidt on a fastball.
8:54 p.m. -- Well, that was a painfully slow second inning. Jackson was seriously laboring to get through the frame, giving up three hits and a walk and allowing two runs to score. He even fell into a full count against Miley before getting the opposing pitcher to foul a bunt into the stands. It's 3-1 Diamondbacks, and Jackson has already thrown 46 pitches.
9:02 p.m. -- We've definitely got some serious haboob action going on outside the ballpark right now. Meanwhile in Pittsburgh, Jason Marquis has no-hit the Pirates through six innings, Yes, Jason Marquis.
9:11 p.m. -- The D'backs continue to take it to Jackson. He's allowed six hits in three innings, four of them for extra bases. And he's now been scored upon in all three innings. The Nats trail 4-1. (Oh, Marquis gave up a hit in the seventh, so his no-hit bid is no more. You may all return to your normal lives.)
9:55 p.m. -- Well, this will come as no surprise to many of you: I went down to the stands for a couple innings, and look what happened. The Nats have taken a 6-4 lead. Shocking, I know. Impressive, five-run rally in the top of the fifth, with big hits from Werth (now 2-for-3 tonight), Zimmerman (also 2-for-3), Morse (RBI double) and Flores (RBI single). It really is remarkable just how productive this lineup can be when it's got so much depth. Werth's return has played a significant role in that. Jackson, meanwhile, has settled down considerably since his early troubles. And he may just be rewarded for it by night's end. Nats 6-4 as we go to the sixth.
10:23 p.m. -- A big-time strikeout from Tom Gorzelanny, who got Stephen Drew looking at a 3-2 fastball at the knees (possibly lower) to end the sixth and strand the tying run in scoring position. Gorzelanny was summoned after Jackson hit a wall, allowing a two-out single and then an RBI double. The right-hander was pulled with his pitch count at 111, and Davey Johnson summoned Gorzelanny to get a big out. Which he did. So the Nats now lead 6-5 as we move to the seventh.
10:43 p.m. -- Couple of big outs from Ryan Mattheus to close out the seventh and strand another runner in scoring position. Props, of course, have to go to Zimmerman, who made one of his patented, charging-in scoops of Paul Goldschmidt's slow roller and then fired an underhand strike to LaRoche at first base for the out. Seriously, I'm convinced Zim could make that play with his eyes closed. He's on the money every single time. Still 6-5 as we go to the eighth.
10:50 p.m. -- It's been a strange game. Nearly all of the Nats offense came during that five-run fifth. They've been effectively shut down since then, with Diamondbacks relievers retiring eight straight, five on strikeouts. So the lead remains 6-5, but you have to wonder if those six runs are going to be enough to hang on for the win.
11:05 p.m. -- And for the third consecutive inning, a Nats reliever strands the tying run in scoring position. This time Michael Gonzalez did it, getting himself into a jam with two walks but bearing down to get Jake Elmore to fly out to right and then striking out Stephen Drew. Somehow, the Nats are still clinging to that 6-5 lead as we go to the ninth.
11:13 p.m. -- Here we go: Tyler Clippard in for the bottom of the ninth. He'll face Hill, Kubel and Goldschmidt, the heart of the Arizona lineup.
11:17 p.m. -- That's it. Clippard gets three flyball outs and the Nats win, 6-5. They've won eight straight and they're now an astounding 71-43.
Thank you so much for talking about something other than you-kno-who and how many you-know-whats he will pitch. This should be interesting with Werth leading off, TyMo in left, EJax with Suzuki - is this the first game for them? Challenging pitcher on the mound.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSwami, i suggest you get ear plugs because every time I turn on TV or radio all I hear about is that subject.
ReplyDeleteThat being said..
GYFNG.. Come on Edwin! Bats - keep the line moving around the bases! Would love to see some early runs off of Miley
Glad to see Dale Scott back.
ReplyDeleteMicheleS - I have a pretty quick trigger on the mute button. Can you even imagine how much worse it's going to get? Although- if that's what they are going to focus on, the rest of the team can fly under the radar. Sometimes I feel that other players are not getting the attention they deserve, but it's probably fine with them. Same with Bryce- let the spotlight be on Trout. It will give Bryce some space.
ReplyDeleteAfter last night, Zagurski was released.
ReplyDeleteGhost,does that me no lefty's in the Dbacks pen? I thought he was the only one.
ReplyDeleteThis is a nice looking Lineup against LHP. Go Werth! Take lots of pitches against Miley and hit him often and hard!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis kid Miley can pitch, he's been mentioned in ROY discussions. Take nothing for granted!
ReplyDeleteCome on boys, lets get the rest of their BP released after tonight! GYFNG!!!
ReplyDeleteSo MASN 2 shows pregame at 6:30 and game at 7:00 - that's not right is it?
ReplyDeleteDanny batting second which might be a good spot for him if not for the league leading K's. Rough sophomore year for Espinosa ... kind of frustratig rookie year for Harper and Lombardozzi. Only rookie T-Mo is hitting like he belongs.
ReplyDeleteCould we perhaps add to the "do not talk" list speculation about which Nat will or will not get a WS ring? Because there's a lot of baseball left to play, both regular season and post season. I'm just saying.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for talking about something other than you-kno-who and how many you-know-whats he will pitch.
Also glad that Dale Scott seems to have come out okay after taking that blow to the head.
On a game note: Go, Edwin! Go, NATS BATS!!
My (Verizon) MASN 2 also shows a 7 PM start time. It's happened before that they had the wrong start time there and didn't correct it. In such cases, I just make sure I bracket time slots after the back end of the *listed* broadcast period if I'm recording to watch later.
Nongame note: Thanks to MicheleS for the heads up on the Papa John's pizza code. Had some for dinner at half-price. Nice.
I don't know, Peric - I kind of think Lombo is having a pretty good year. Playing much more than anyone thought, playing at his old position, leading off. Lots more experience than he probably hoped. I think he has handled himself well.
ReplyDeleteRings is easy. If anybody gets one, everybody gets one. Don't you people watch Pawn Stars?
ReplyDeleteMy (Verizon) MASN 2 also shows a 7 PM start time.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, instead of running a delayed broadcast, they do an advance broadcast of the game an hour ahead, so they don't run so late on the East Coast.
Zofa.. someday I will hand you a beer.
ReplyDeleteI, too, think Lombo is doing just fine.
ReplyDelete.269/.317/.353, OPS+ 82, which is not bad for a rookie bench guy who already has as many or more plate appearances than they thought he might get.
: )
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about the Gio/Suzuki thing. Some pitchers are more dependent on their catcher than others, but if Suzuki is what Gio claims, he will improve every pitcher, and it won't matter if he ever gets a hit. He'll get rid of the "nibbling" that Davey hates because pitchers will be fearless. Fear--more than injury or exhaustion or heat--is the pitcher's enemy.
ReplyDeleteWas noticing still not many votes from the area for Roger, though he has a nice lead it should be more voters. 8 in Virginia (including me) and 6 in Maryland.
ReplyDeleteVote at
http://espn.go.com/mlb/baseballtonight
Now that you brought up Suzuki's name, NatsLady, it's good to see JFlo in the lineup.
ReplyDeleteYou must know more about this Suzuki cat than I do. He's hitting at Mendoza levels, and he's 0 for 7 in CS's.
Wad's he got that our boy JFlo hasn't got? Don't think KSuk is as good as JFlo at balls in the diret, hitting, or toughness behind the plate.
I'm willing to be enlightened, just don't quote Ladson on the matter!
Manassas, I am having issues voting the clear history doesn't seem to be working. Wonder if they figured out I was stuffing the ballot box
ReplyDelete"Fear--more than injury or exhaustion or heat--is the pitcher's enemy."
ReplyDeleteHear Hear! And fear leads to throwing more pitches, which lead to injury and exhaustion and make the heat seem worse. I always recall with pleasure some of those Greg Madux complete games when he threw very few pitches. Fearless.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYeah, thanks. I do realize that it starts at 8:00 ET. As noted, I bracket a time slot after the *listed* broadcast slot in cases like this so that my recording won't end before the game does (which my awake state will most likely do). Just a little recording tip. :-)
ReplyDeleteZection 3, My Zofa said...
My (Verizon) MASN 2 also shows a 7 PM start time.
Sometimes, instead of running a delayed broadcast, they do an advance broadcast of the game an hour ahead, so they don't run so late on the East Coast.
August 11, 2012 6:44 PM
Clippard has more fear in his eyes when he takes the mound than any other pitcher on the staff. Henry was up there too, but he's gone (for now).
ReplyDeleteStill reserving judgement on Suzuki. Not against him, just waiting to see. Small sample size. I don't like some of the turning on JFlo that I have heard. He might not be Pudge, but he sure got us this far.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I can relate this to your experience. But, here goes. A few times I have been privileged to be accompanied by a master. Once at an audition, where I had not brought my own accompanist, the husband of the director was doing the job. I plunked down one of my favorite arias, one that I hardly ever used for auditions because it's in a difficult key and obscure language (Czech). I'd never met this guy before, but I gave it a shot because I really wanted the job. Within two measures, I knew it was a safe choice, and within four, I knew I could do whatever I wanted. Man, I went to town. Got into "character," bent the rhythm, whatever. It was a blast. (I got the job).
ReplyDeleteAfterwards, I asked him, how did you know what I was going to do? I didn't even know what I was going to do until I did it. I thought he would say something snide like, Oh, all sopranos do that in that spot. But he didn't. He said, I was breathing with you.
Since then, that's what I tell my piano students when I teach them how to accompany. You have to have all the technical skills, and then you have to breathe with the singer.
So, your great catchers, then not only call a good game, block sliders in the dirt, etc. They know what will work for the pitcher on a given day, even in a particular at-bat.
When Gio's curve wasn't working in Colorado, he needed help, but he didn't get it, at least not from the catcher. Gio is one of those who is very catcher-dependent. He doesn't shake off pitches because it interrupts his flow--he wants to focus on execution. So he'll pitch what the catcher calls for, but he'll be frustrated later.
I think Davey, not being a pitcher, only had a sense of what it means, but not the actual experience. It's no coincidence that Gio went nine and was still mentally sharp enough to make that backup catch at third. He wasn't tired and he wasn't stressed. His catcher was breathing with him.
I don't know if it only works for Gio, or if Suzuki can be that for other pitchers. Remains to be seen. But I have not forgotten Pudge's words, "It's not the catcher's job to hit."
Best I can do.
Thanks Natslady, interesting post.
ReplyDeleteMichele, not that I would condone vote tampering, but purely for research purposes, I checked, and toggling in and out of private browsing, in FF, Chrome, Safari, or Rockpile (probably IE, too, didn't try that) does seem to work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your very good efforts NatsLady.
ReplyDeleteWhen interviewed on MLB a few weeks ago, before Suszki came to town, Gio was superlative in his praise for JFlo, I mean he really showed great appreciation of his efforts and further suggested the whole staff felt positive about JFlo. Gio and JFlo also hang out on the golf course together. Can't believe that JFlo doesn't call the same game that Gio wants called.
Hence my confusion.
I don't know if it will work for Clip. Clip is not one to trust catchers. It could be ego, or it could be bad experiences. Again, remains to be seen.
ReplyDeleteHEY MARK--Was that Harper's dad in the Harper jersey at the game last night (or was that the night before last?)? I thought MASN showed him coming out of the Nats locker room tunnel in the dugout just before the game, too.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking strictly for myself, I'm very dubious of these "whispers" about pitchers not liking Flores' calls.
ReplyDeleteJFlo probably does call a good game. And Gio's never going to destroy his relationship with his catcher, that's death. For a couple of years had an accompanist I praised to the sky, nourished her, etc., etc. I got her jobs, helped her with English and other life problems, you name it. She was a great pianist, a concert pianist.
ReplyDeleteEventually I broke with her and got a professional accompanist, nowhere near as skilled a pianist--but I instantly became a better singer, because that was her job, and she knew it and she was good at it.
Will the Braves ever lose a game?
ReplyDeleteThe funny thing is, I didn't know until I got the second person that a good pianist is not the same as a good accompanist. I had had some pretty rotten accompanists before that, and just having someone who could play was a step up. I just didn't know there was another step up.
ReplyDeletePFB==> good question!!! Guess Santana's not going the no-hitter route today.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if anyone saw the article last year in Sports Illustrated about Chooch Ruiz (yea I know, the enemy). I can't find it on SI, but it was a full length article about him. And it was excellent
ReplyDeleteThe important thing I took from the article is how he becomes the pitcher for each game. He gets into their frame of mind and tends to each pitchers needs. He is their best friend, brother, shrink, whatever they need for that game and how he totally supresses his needs for that of his pitcher.
That is what I want out of my catcher. With our staff we need that for them. If the catcher can or cannot hit, I really don't care. The most important thing is the care, development, and feeding (ROSS) of our pitching staff. The staff is so young and they need someone behind the plate that they trust. Anything else we get out of them is just gravy.
MicheleS. Exactly. The second accompanist knew if I was tired, heck, she knew if my gown didn't fit correctly. She knew if I was nervous or confident or if I hadn't spent enough time in preparation. She knew if I lost my place in the music, and she knew how to get me back on track. I paid her a lot and it was worth it.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Lombo- did anyone see the graphic on pre- game? Games with hits since July 15. Lombo 22, morse 25. Right up there in the top 5. Several triples, a couple games with 4 hits. Good kid.
ReplyDeleteAnd you can say pitchers should not need to be "babied." You can say that until you have stood in front of thousands of people and realized you just dropped a measure or have a tickle in your throat or the director inserted a song you haven't sung in four years because it happened to be on your repertoire sheet.
ReplyDeleteSlaughter in New York.
ReplyDeleteMichele Virginia only had 9 votes today. So stuffing not successful. But then again I know we have plenty of readers and not many are bothering to vote as only 15 between Va and MD.
ReplyDeleteBot to late though.
Whever is home ump in the Phillies Cards game and the Phillie announcers say he is almost as bad as Angel Hernandez. Obviosuly some of these guys are hated by people who want good umpiring.
Final point Joe Torre worried so much about Cole Hamels crying, but will not take care of poor umpires. Seems to me he has his priorities in the wrong place.
Swami, just shows you how blessed the Nats are with the development of players.
ReplyDeleteOh and anyone wondering about the subject not to be named. Santana is getting SHELLED by the Barves 9-0 in the SECOND. the important word i used in my previous post is the CARE of our pitchers.
Did you hear Rizzo's interview? He talked repeatedly about our minor league players learning to play the nats way. The right way. So obvious that they are producing quality players. EJax 's turn to homer tonight?
ReplyDeleteEJax has got to be right tonight. Kid Miley is for real - but so are we.
ReplyDeleteAlso, ATL is up 9-0 after two innings at CitiField. Santana rocked.
GYFNG!!
Who is Michael Morse's agent? Maybe he oughtta get on the horn to Joe Torre.
ReplyDeleteMLB trailer now says Morse has hit safely in 18 of 19 games. Thst's how they handled it. Cole whined and got his own way. Whatever. Look at the standings Cole.
ReplyDeleteColbert really is a tool.
ReplyDeleteNo dale scott. Hope he is okay.
ReplyDeleteFP just said a concussion for Dale Scott. UGH.. that stinks
ReplyDeleteThe more I see of Upton, the more I am unimpressed. Does this guy do anything right?
ReplyDeleteBe nice if that rain got up to NY, y'know, before the 5th inning, and sat there for about 4 hours.
ReplyDeleteI don;t think I would give that an error in upton as the ball was spinning and he was trying to get in postion to throw.
ReplyDeleteJust checked NWS, NL. It's raining in Trenton! Heading northeast! Stall, Terry, Stall!
ReplyDelete@Manassas: E9 all the way. Automatic.
ReplyDeleteBe nice if that rain got up to NY, y'know, before the 5th inning, and sat there for about 4 hours.
ReplyDeleteNatsLady, that's just mean. I like it.
Playing much more than anyone thought, playing at his old position, leading off. Lots more experience than he probably hoped. I think he has handled himself well.
ReplyDeleteHe's had some struggles swinging from the right-handed side which is why was initially platooned a lot and Davey moves him up and down in the batting order. Honestly, a rookie switch-hitter? I think its pretty normal. Its just frustrating for a new player I am sure.
Last Add tonight on Roger's voting. Remember that we'll be doing this every night for the duration, so don't overdo the enthusiasm when we don't need to.
ReplyDeleteIt's a marathon, not a series of sprints.
Damn you sofa.
ReplyDeleteZofa.. Dang! Gulp Bang! haven't done that in awhile!
ReplyDeleteWhat?1??
ReplyDeleteIs it just me, or does the ballpark announcer at Chase sound like a bus station announcer?
ReplyDeleteClippard has more fear in his eyes when he takes the mound than any other pitcher on the staff. Henry was up there too, but he's gone (for now).
ReplyDeleteFear the bRAA fool it quashed the lowly pRAA.
pRAA's brain seems a bit fried ... he must live right near White Plains. The smell must get to him.
ReplyDeleteAh, geez. Grow up, people.
ReplyDeleteLombo! EJax up to his usual in the first. Hope he settles in quickly.first game I have been able to watch live since Tuesday . Glad to be back from the city of brotherly love . Caught up a little on the DVR before the game started.
ReplyDeletepRAA with the ISO
ReplyDeleteWhy it is so much fun making fun of other people and their posts using my handle ... and comments ...
Welcome back, Swami.
ReplyDeleteThat is one dead crowd tonight. and of course RZ muffs the ball.
ReplyDeleteGreat..
E5
ReplyDeleteThanks, ZZZguy - by the way, Jason Marquis is no hitting the Pirates through 5. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteThey scored that a double. Maybe someone can get Cole Hamels to get it fixed. That has to be at least a hit and an error, at best.
ReplyDeleteFP comments on Ejax fidgeting..
ReplyDeleteRepeat care/feeding/development of our staff. not liking this
Harper would have had that. Bernadina would have had that. Ankiel would have had that.
ReplyDeleteZofa.. remember Werth may not have his legs back. And I still can't believe that someone hasn't picked up Ank.
ReplyDeleteDid you hear Rizzo's interview? He talked repeatedly about our minor league players learning to play the nats way. The right way. So obvious that they are producing quality players. EJax 's turn to homer tonight?
ReplyDeleteIs there a recording somewhere? I'd like to listen, it sounds to me like he is getting ready for September call-ups and the AFL. Kind of wonder how much playing time the guys they bring up will get? In the past there really wasn't much to play for ... last year they could do that ... before that Riggleman claimed he had to respect the game and play the veterans or lose them or they didn't have any prospects to speak of yet. Now, they have a pennant race. A far better "excuse" and explanation ... still I would like to see them.
And Natslady? I'm not sure what you see in Werth but he seems unable to cover ground to make up for Tyler Moore's lack of left-field acumen. I'll take Corey Brown or Roger Bernadina. Really just about any young player over him.
Michele, clearly he does not. I'm not saying he should have had it, I was just thinking that under other circumstances, EJax has a very different inning.
ReplyDeleteDarn! Braves-Mets game now an official game.
ReplyDeleteI guess I can stop doing my rain dance now, huh?
True Zofa, but if you put Bernie in CF, then Tyler is riding the pine tonight. Plus Bernie is bats left and Davey may want to save him for later.
ReplyDeleteNah, Sunshine, keep it up. Let 'em get soaked and play a 5-hour game. And put the video of the dance on Youtube.
ReplyDeleteWill do, Zection.
ReplyDeleteOff-topic alumni news: Jason Marquis has a no-hitter in Pittsburgh through 6.
Edwin Jackson is not a very good pitcher.
ReplyDeleteJason Marquis no-no through 6.
ReplyDeleteHow about a SB right here...I forgot what one looked like on offense.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip, Sunshine, I can listen to the late innings.
ReplyDeleteHard to be out by 2 to 3 steps on a double play on a ball hit off the end of the bat.
ReplyDeleteOffensive steals? bernadina had 2 Thursday night, that isn't that long ago is it?
ReplyDeleteI do like that we are seeing some Curly W's in the stands of opposing teams. Good to grow the fan base
ReplyDeleteMLB Network just put on the pirates game and of course the No No just went away
ReplyDeleteSo as they cut to commercial, Carp made a remark about the D-Backs turning a double play. My teenaged daughter, who is not into baseball, overhead and asks: "Whoa! Did he just say D-...?" Knowing where this is going, I interrupt before she can complete the guess and say: "D-BACKS. BACKS... short for Diamondbacks". She stared at the TV again for a moment, then said: "Huh... THAT's an unfortunate nickname..." and went back to not paying attention.
ReplyDeleteI gotta admit, I think the same thing every time they say it...
Oooh, scorer gives the Pirates their first hit, in the 7th, on a ball that went off two (2) gloves. Hmmmm.
ReplyDeleteFlores didn't go out once. Neither did Danny. If Desi were in the game he would have been all over EJax.
ReplyDeleteDid I mention ejax is not a very good pitcher. Hey you can't win them all. But this guy too often doesn't give us a good chance.
ReplyDeleteNatsLady, agree, Desi would have been all over Ejax.
ReplyDeleteSWM.. can you hold off on that until say the 9th. WHEN we get into the Dbacks pen, we will have a shot
I've lost patience w/ Jackson puking up the first couple of innings. If its 11-1 and takes him 150 pitches, make him go the distance.
ReplyDeleteWell, this is not going well so far. Welcome home to me :( Please don't send me back to Philadelphia. If the offense gears up there is still plenty of time - if EJax can settle down. Marquis' no hit bid ended in the beginning of the 7th. Not a bad guy - has had a rough time with his kid. Padres very rarely have anything to cheer about.
ReplyDeleteGee, I dunno. In his last 5 starts EJax gave up 1, 0, 3, 2, 2, runs. Seems like he gave the team a chance.
ReplyDeleteIt's early!!
ReplyDeleteKid can hit.
ReplyDeleteJackson is exactly as advertised: a .500 pitcher who will take the ball every fifth day and eat a lot of innings. Next year, he will continue his journey to surpass Mike Morgan and Octavio Dotel's dubious record of pitching for the most teams in the majors.
ReplyDeleteDid I mention ejax is not a very good pitcher. Hey you can't win them all. But this guy too often doesn't give us a good chance.
ReplyDeleteA clue. No charge.
Edwin Jackson game log for 2012.
I would love to know how our catchers rank hitting wise against other groups of catchers. Must be near the bottom of every category.
ReplyDeleteWe know they cannot throw anyone out.
Only thing they have is best ERA (and that is a good thing).
I am always chalk up an out when I see a catcher (except Leon) come to the plate.
Manassas, go here
ReplyDeleteSort by position for catchers, and All Players, not just Qualifiers.
Was commenting to a few I text with KFlo was worthless as didn't once go out to the mound to slow Ejax up. Others mentioned Espi too (as Desi would have), but neither did Zim or LaRoche, sso the whole team is laying an egg on defense tonight so far.
ReplyDeleteGot to lift the pitcher when he is not spotting the ball well.
I must be realy naive (hard for a techer), but I hav no clue what Moose and his daughter are talking about earlier in this thread.
He happens to be the only one on our staff who has thrown a no hitter. He also has a world series ring. Certainly off tonight. Need to stop it right now and get the offense in the game.
ReplyDeleteHey, we threw out a base runner!!!!! Go Flo!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletePudge sighting.. He is in the booth on MLB Network game TX vs Detroit
ReplyDeleteManassas - I think they were referring to a derogatory term-- D- bag , instead of D- back?
ReplyDeleteManassas, I would explain but I got chastised for using the D-Backs' other name on this site... sorry.
ReplyDeleteI must be realy naive (hard for a techer), but I hav no clue what Moose and his daughter are talking about earlier in this thread.
ReplyDeleteYou're a teacher? What do you teach?
JFlo at exactly 0.0 WAR on Fangraphs. I don't think WAR is the best measure of a catcher.
ReplyDeleteManassas. ShortStop is the captain of the Infield, that's part of the job description. Moose and daughter that D-Bag not D-Backs.
ReplyDeleteLombo has hits in six straight AB's. Go rookie!
ReplyDeleteIt's one thing to give up 3 to 4 runs over 6 or 7 innings. But to give up runs in the first 3 innings on the road gives the game a different flow. Won't miss him when he's gone.
ReplyDeleteNice comeback inning here--Keep it going, Danny.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see werth hitting.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, how can anyone can doubt our team. it's only the 5th inning and we are chipping away. Edwin my not be on tonight, but we are STILL in it.
ReplyDeleteWow when did angel Hernandez sneak in behind home plate?
ReplyDeleteZ!
ReplyDeleteSo, the team has a chance to win, having given up four runs. Imagine that.
ReplyDeleteYeah brand new ball game. Hope I'm wrong about ejax.
ReplyDeleteTie ball game. Come on you guys, buck up! Drink some koolaid!
ReplyDeleteWow. Just wow.
ReplyDeleteWow, these guys are just out of control. Is that the smell of intimidation?
ReplyDeleteBeast, to the wall.
Pea-rods all over the field right now. Those were some shots.
ReplyDeleteMy koolaid is of the Sauvignon Blank flavor tonight and it tastes especially good.
ReplyDeleteKoolaid people, koolaid!!!!
Wow. Ok I'm done. You guys are right I'm just gonna relax and watch. Somebody pinch me. Wow
ReplyDeleteHmm ... auto correct doesn't like Sauvignon Blanc.. like's Blank instead.
ReplyDeleteSWM.. relax and enjoy.
I know, I know , lombo love again. But he just acted like a lead off hitter from the 8 spot .
ReplyDeleteWell, that's a quick hook.
ReplyDeleteI got the chocolate (protein-enhanced) Kool-aid working at work.
ReplyDeleteOK, I'm going to say it:
Team of Destiny.
Michele's. As a redskin ticket holder I have waited a looooooooong time for a winner. Sorry too all. Just have developed a losing mentality. And it just seems TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. Go nats
ReplyDeletesecret, you might consider losing the football mentality while you're at it.
ReplyDeleteSWM..this is baseball, not pointy brown ball. Understand the pointy brown ball mentality, but in baseball, as said earlier, it's a marathon, not a spint. GULP BANG!
ReplyDeletePre-emptive strike: that was a good play by LaRoche, who knew no one was behind him at second.
ReplyDeleteAs FP just explained. Oh. Nevermind.
Zec 3 im trying. Did not watch the other night. I was watching the NATS
ReplyDeletewoo HOO - after a long day, and a 9+ hour drive, glad I woke up this inning. Amd glad that Nats bats woke up, too.
ReplyDeleteFlores throwing out a runner and getting an RBI hit. Hmmmmm. Motivated?
ReplyDeleteGreat post at 9:49 by Michele...Still too much football mentality...And that was an RBI hit by the catcher for those who "chalk up an out" when they come up..
ReplyDeleteDoes the Legion of Doom ever get tired of being wrong?
whoa!! We are swinging the bats tonight!!
ReplyDeleteMorse a 20 game hitting streal. K Flo and RBI too (shocked but loving it).
ReplyDelete@ Swami
ReplyDeleteFlores not motivated,
rested, bruises healing
SWM: and please take the 'loser mentality' away from here! Group think is part of the magic. Go be a loser with the Redskins. Or be a winner - hang with the Nats.
ReplyDeleteSo true, dj.
ReplyDeleteThank you djinFL!!! Flores is a better player when he is used correctly, which is max 3 or 4 days a week as opposed to 6...Nobody knows how to figure out roles as well as Davey...He has always known the best way to use his guys
ReplyDeleteFlo looks like the real Flo tonight. Rest does a body good.
ReplyDeleteSteve Berthiaume @SBerthiaumeESPN
ReplyDelete#Padres Jason Marquis 2 hit shutout at #Pirates. It's Marquis' 5th career shutout; all with DIFFERENT teams. He had 17 ground ball outs.
thanks, I never use that other term, so I guess that is why it flew right over my head. Now idiot I use.
ReplyDeleteSwift, as you can see the Legion of Doom is being brought over to the light, come into the light people, stay away from the Dark Side.
ReplyDeleteI try, I consider it my goal in life to squash the Doom
I think some of the anti-Jackson faction here ought to back off the gas a bit. True, the guy isn't Jesus or J-Zimm. But he's tough, gutsy, eats innings and has come through with strong performances on nights when our bullpen was shot. He's not the most consistent pitcher I've ever seen, but he takes the ball every fifth day and gives us a chance. Plus, he's a great athlete. I was at the two-hitter he tossed against Cincinnati in late April, and that was the best-pitched game any Nat has hurled this season. He's tough. If he were more consistent, he'd be Bob Gibson. But I'll take him as a No. 4 every day of the week.
ReplyDeleteHaha! Good call Michele, there's plenty of room on the bandwagon...Hopefully you can influence a bunch of Ebeneezer Scrooge-like changes of heart...It's never too late...
ReplyDeleteGive Ejax credit for the sac bunt too that helped kick start the big inning...it's interesting how good teams seem to be following EJax around...TB, Ariz, StL, and now the Nats...
ReplyDeleteWOW, what a slide by Werth. Shades of Ankiel, the best at that I ever saw.
ReplyDeleteJayson is so smart on the bases.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed with Werth there.
ReplyDelete1) Who the heck gets that call? Yes, I know, no tag, but still.
2) He kicked up his leg to avoid the tag?? One of the same legs that was too tired to play the other day? Seriously? Who does that?
I'll take EJax over Jason Marquis.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen that before.
ReplyDeleteZofa.. me either, a scissor kick to avoid the tag.. Yup, it was awesome
ReplyDeleteEJax is the perfect guy for this staff...A durable, innings eating, young vet with playoff experience who throws gas...He wasn't brought here to be a #1...I'm sure the Nats are very pleased with what he's brought to the team
ReplyDeleteWerth just stood there and watched ... looked like he had a shot. He wouldn't even go near the wall.
ReplyDeleteNatslady I think you overestimate Jayson Werth the fielder. That wrist fracture took something out of Werth the fielder. I'm not sure you'll ever see him again. Nor will we see Werth the #5 hitter in the Phillies lineup.
Having a Gorzo moment. Everyone hold tight.
ReplyDeleteMaybe not *perfect*, but he's fine for a number four. Pretty uneven tonight.It happens to them all. This is generally a pretty good hitting team, too. At least he is pretty level-headed. He and JZ can balance out the other guys who tend to be a bit emotional.
ReplyDeleteMIcheleS - hoping Gorzo doesn't do that "thing" that he usually does.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU GORZO!!!
ReplyDeleteWerth wasn't afraid of the wall!...There's an overhang there and the ball just missed hitting it...If it had hit and caromed back towards the infield there was danger of an inside the park HR...He had no play on that ball, even if he had stood under the overhang....Watch the replay...
ReplyDeleteHaha, Jack..you get my e-mail??
ReplyDeleteWerth wasn't afraid of the wall!...There's an overhang there and the ball just missed hitting it ...
ReplyDeleteHe still looks awfully skittish to me ... this isn't the first play and blaming it on the legs only goes so far ... have to think Harper might have gotten to it.
As for Gorzo look it up NJ he was considered the top guy, the Pirate's Strasburg (I know he's not that good but when you're the Pirates?). He was their best starter that year. I maintain that he could still be a better than most #4/#5 starter ... his velocity doesn't hit 94 like it used to though.
Let me guess...Corey Brown would have caught it right???
ReplyDeleteThis is the guy they brought up? What were they waiting for?
ReplyDeleteThis shaw guy is good and there is no margin for error for the bullpen. Apparently still gorzo. Hope you are right about gorzo's ability.
ReplyDeleteI dunno. Have seen Gorzo before, get the key out, and then in the next inning give up, y'know, his usual run. I will be very happy to be wrong.
ReplyDeletePeric, respectfully disagree on Gorzo, if you are saying he was the best on the pirates, that is like saying Lannan was the best Nat in 08/09. Not much to hang the hat on. I think Gorzo has found his true role as the long man out of the pen. It suits him well.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't start on Werth on that hit, Please. that OF is huge
ReplyDeleteI love how we battle. I think Ejax was not aggressive tonight, he needs to throw more fast balls
ReplyDeleteNatslady. remember, I am offering to drive the getaway car for you if you ever want to, well you know, with Gorzo
ReplyDeleteMattheus can make me wrong, if the inherited runner doesn't score.
ReplyDeleteI think we can score 2-3 more tonight
ReplyDeleteDon't lecture me swift. I have watched this team since day 1 from Montreal. I've been on that wagon.
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, I do not want Jayson Werth faceplanting into the center field wall in the middle innings of a game in early-mid August. Bernie, OK. But not Werth.
ReplyDeleteWerth is getting some tough plays, nothing hit right at him that isn't a line drive. I don't think he's had a can of corn all night. Tough luck that he gets the game the pitchers are giving up shots deep.
And the double switch.
ReplyDeleteAnd apparently, neither does Davey.
ReplyDeleteLook at what the opponents have to do just to be in a close game v. the Nats...Jump on their #4 starter early, withstand a 5 run inning, make a diving play to keep the lead at only 2, then rally late against the 3rd best lefty and 4th best righty in the bullpen...Do all that, and you're down 1...
ReplyDeleteSWM.. welcome aboard. plenty of room, no worries, we deal with the post football syndrome quite well, it may take awhile, but it's understandable. Afterall, no baseball in DC for 33 year and unless you followed another team, it can take some time...
ReplyDeleteI am really liking Mr. Matheus... happy to have him on the 25 man on 8/31
ReplyDeleteniCe job SHAGGY
ReplyDeleteLove our infield D. Just love it!
ReplyDeletehow bout 2-3 more boys!
ReplyDeleteSwift Eagle wasn't lecturing anybody, and if you've been watching baseball since 1969, well, you can observe a lot by watching, but you don't seem to have observed much.
ReplyDeletedamn Braves... they are relentless
ReplyDeleteNJ (and Peric) Byron Kerr had a nice story on Garcia recently. Would be happy to have him on 9/1 to help spell the bullpen
ReplyDeleteHappy for the Sros. Yesterday they had their first walk-off. Today they won their first exra inning game. So polite of them to wait until we left.
ReplyDeleteNatsJack, didn't they get him from Colo. after his TJ, for Joe Beimel?
ReplyDeletemick re Braves - imagine how frustrating it is for them to win and yet still have to keep looking up at Nats! I'll bet the term they use is not as nice as relentless.
ReplyDeleteAnd if neither relents, you have a pennant race.
ReplyDeleteagreed Natsjack!
ReplyDelete