Associated Press photo
Ross Detwiler tossed seven scoreless innings to lower his ERA to 3.02.
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But a funny thing has happened since the 26-year-old lefty rejoined the Nationals rotation five weeks ago. Confident at last in his abilities, secure with his spot on the team, he's taken an important step forward as a big-league pitcher.
These days, Detwiler isn't fizzling out the deeper he goes. He's getting stronger, a trait that was very much on display Thursday night during a 3-0 victory over the Phillies.
"It's a slow process, and you build on positive outings," manager Davey Johnson said. "And he's had a lot of positive outings. He's grown a lot."
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76 comments:
I thought Davey might let Detwiler go out there for the 8th inning. He handled the Phillies, with ease. The kid is finally living up to his potential. He seems to be strutting a little, himself, like the Avatar does. Very confident, very effective.
With EJax' effort last night, and Det's tonight, the staff seems to be back on track. I expect Gio to come back from his worst outing of the year (at Milwaukee), and I think Lannan still feels like he has something to prove. I think Leon caught Lannan against the Braves. I expect he will get the job, again, tomorrow. I may have underestimated Leon's backstopping abilities. We'll see how he handles himself tomorrow.
Time to gut the fish, and begin the stretch run in August with a seafood barbecue.
Det stepped up like a stopper tonight.
Fun stat of the day: In his first 13 minor league games Anthony Rendon has an OPS of 1.335.
All righty, then. Keep him upright and he will mash.
Great piece, Mark! Ross had a well deserved aura of self satisfaction in his post game interviews. It's also nice to see Adam getting some credit for the season that he's having. It seems as he is becoming a bit of a team leader, also.
I love the patience this manager and front office show with their players. Desmond, Espinosa, and now Detwiler - these are all guys that if we left running this team up to the arm-chair GMs, would have been long gone by now. I keep this in mind every time I see guys like Henry Rodriquez or CMW head to the mound. Sure, maybe they don't pan out. But I think the guys actually in charge of making these tough decisions have earned my trust to see it play out at this point.
The crazy thing is that they're staying patient, giving guys a real chance, uncovering gems, and we're still atop the division - and it's AUGUST! Meanwhile we've got guys like Moore and Brown just banging down the door to the Majors, waiting to get in for good. What a system they've put in place here.
The system really is something.
Beyond the top-tier prospects, others are demanding attention.
Eury Perez is hitting .408 at Syracuse. As Mark says, his wheels could come in handy in September.
At Potomac Nathan Karns throws five more scoreless innings. He's 8-2 with a 1.70 ERA.
Infielder Jason Martinson, who has split the season between Hagerstown and Potomac, has 98 RBIs in just 108 games.
For anyone interested in who the backup MI for Espinosa at shortstop is Rizzo and the FO appear to have provided that answer:
@patriotnews_gmo: Zach Walters' girlfriend tweets that the #HbgSens shortstop has been promoted to AAA @SyracuseChiefs.
So, the backup shortstop/thirdbase/secondbase appears to be Zach Walters and the backup catcher is Koyie Hill.
At some point people have to realize that a certain poster to this site is only intersted in expressing their superiority over everyone else.
They blast knowledgeable people because they are old or because they are women or because , in the case of NatsLady, they are both.
Tomorrow, I will place a challege to this individual to see if they are socialy able to confront those of us who enjoy this site, to determine if they are really as astute as they claim to be.
Stay tuned
MicheleS and Natsjack clique: Well here is a sick, depraved individual who must prove he is superior in baseball knowledge to me. I ask why? Am I Obama? Am I Romney? The fact that I play such an important role in this person's life should give you a bit of clue as to the complete depravity of this individual.
This individual needs psychiatric help as soon as possible.
This is just a blog. It isn't life or death. No purpose is serve proving one thing or another about me, my baseball knowledge whatever. I have played the game and loved it ... and I am a DC baseball fan like many here. Why should my opinion or posts be any different from anyone else's?
The fact that this individual appears to make it his purpose in life to constantly contradict, denigrate and demean my posts is a sign of someone who is crying for help.
I admit that I didn't help by responding and exacerbating matters. I now see just how ill this person truly is. Spending an inordinate amount of time poisoning people like MicheleS.
This is really pretty sick people.
Um, confrontation probably not a good idea.
On topic, great to see Det's progress. He used to scare me on the bump sometimes. Not so much now. Atta way, kid.
Also appreciate the veteran presence of La Roche (and so does Zimm, especially on some of his throws, ahem). Great to have Werth back as well.
On a general note, loved the in-broadcast observation about the guys who were not in the game rooting on the guys who were manning their positions. First Zimm, on Tracy's play at third; then Desi, with his punch-out for Espi's throw to first. Love this team.
Gonna be off the grid for the weekend so won't get to see the games. So, in advance I will offer the following: Go, LannEn! Go, Gio! Go, Pitcher of the Month (aka Jordan)! Go, SS! Go, NATS, go! The rest of you try to be excellent to each other. :-)
Zack Walters to AAA? That Jason Marquis trade is starting to look pretty good.
I think also it is only fair to send some credit to Jim Bowden for drafting Detwiler. It has taken time, but it seems he is becoming or has become the pitcher we were promised when he was drafted.
New day and the Nats won last night. Happy, harmonious thoughts and posts, my friends.
+1/2St.
Good morning all!
Two games for the price of one! At least I think that is the case. I am sure this has been discussed, but with my 20 game package I have a ticket to the 7:05 game. Since I see it is now scheduled for 7:35, I am guessing I can go in and drink $9 beers during the first game as well. Is that correct? Sorry if I am way behind on this.
Hope the Marlins are ready for a pennant race! Oh wait, they already made their moves. Loved Werth's first game back just for the emotion of it. He looked extremely focused. I think I read that our infield leads the majors in rbi's. How great a stat is that.
Had to pass a lot of bold to get here. Someone must have poked the bear.
Go Nats!!
Drew,
Thanks for the updates on the Baby Nats progress. Good to see the plan is working at all levels.
Loved the stuff in game about Mike Gonzalez' influence on Det and Det acknowledging him and JZ. I think Mark had a stat in last night's game thread about Det having a 2 something ERA since he came back from the Pen. I really hope this is a sign of progress (as Gonat noted, we need to see this repeated every 5th day)
well I was dead wrong about Det for 5 years or so....I was sure he did not have the mental make up or toughness to be a MLB starter. He does now....he has changed his approach....no more pouting when he does not get a call or bloop hits drop in....no more fear to just attack a hitter instead of nibble......he has turned into a great asset......yes I would trade him high value this winter......he has shown, even this year, that he can regress quickly.
JayB, quick question, why would you trade a young power lefty who is under team control and cheap? He will be either the #4 or #5 starter next year? Who do you replace him with? What would you expect to get in return? The CF's that are available are free agents, so no need to trade for that. Just wondering.
I have two sons in their twenties. I thought they were never going to figure things out. Then, they did. Emotional and psychological maturity seems to have it's own time frame and it's a process. Our team has a lot of young guys that are growing up on a big stage. Ross has the stuff and now he is trying to stop beating himself. Last night was a picture of what he can be. Awesome.
This is Detwiler 2.0 A student of the game. He has made 3 adjustments he learned from JZim and Stras.
More 4 seamers, quicker face, different demeanor.
Flashback to his 2nd start and see how an error rattled him and he then loads the bases and gives up a 4 unearned grand slam. Different demeanor last night as the ump missed a few strike calls.
Huge assist to Bryce for throwing out Mayberry at the plate or the outcome wouldn't be as stellar.
Detwiler still has to prove he has the stamina to make great starts back to back on normal rest.
Quicker pace.
After watching Filthie's infielders misplay a couple of grounders, it makes me appreciate Desi/Espi/Lombo even more. Admittedly, they were hard-hit and scored as "hits", but you had the feeling our guys would've made the plays.
Also glad to see Davey giving ALR props for all his scoops on throws in the dirt. Are there any stats on "errors saved" for 1B? I can't remember the last error ALR made.
Detwiler was handled poorly in his early developmental stage, moved up too quickly. I have to think that had Rizzo been calling the shots we might have reached this point a little sooner.
That was a big game to come up big. gyfng
sjm, you are correct. It's a "traditional" double header, i.e., single admission Your ticket will get you in anytime after the gates open for the first game (1:30 pm?). You can drink as many $9 beers as you wish. The second game will start 30 minutes after the first one. 7:35 pm is just their estimate.
Repeating my offer from last night, I have two passes to the Picnic in the Park tomorrow afternoon. Email me at Section314not222@gmail.com if you'd like them.
Interesting stuff here. I had made the decision to stay away after being scolded by one of the regulars, but I found that I was want for information by doing so, so I'm back. I would consider a deal for Det if the right one came along, but I also agree with you M, there will be some good options out there via free agency, the Atlanta center fielder comes to mind.
I am concerned and dissapointed about the third base coach. He put Jackson in harms way the other night for no aparant reason, and last night he did the same thing with ALR. I'm all about taking chances when the reward is large, but to risk injury for nothing is foolish and it should be considered before taking. I think Bo is making mistakes we cannot afford to make, he also might be loosing friends by the look on Adam's face after the crash.
Interesting stuff here. I had made the decision to stay away after being scolded by one of the regulars, but I found that I was want for information by doing so, so I'm back. I would consider a deal for Det if the right one came along, but I also agree with you M, there will be some good options out there via free agency, the Atlanta center fielder comes to mind.
I am concerned and dissapointed about the third base coach. He put Jackson in harms way the other night for no aparant reason, and last night he did the same thing with ALR. I'm all about taking chances when the reward is large, but to risk injury for nothing is foolish and it should be considered before taking. I think Bo is making mistakes we cannot afford to make, he also might be loosing friends by the look on Adam's face after the crash.
The pitcher was due up next when he sent ALR, it was the right play. LaRoche is smart enough not to barrel into the catcher. I wish Zimm would show some of that restraint but I realize it's a fine line.
Last night was needed and was great and all but not sure one start with great results is another of Ross's occassional gem or a start of a string of great starts so it has to be a wait and see.
It was just last week that Ross threw a stinker in Milwaukee. 4 earned runs, and couldn't finish the 5th inning.
Glad to see Detwiler finally living up to his potential. I remember watching him at Potomac in 2007 a couple of months after he was drafted and being excited at how good he looked. It took longer than expected for him to get to this point, but as it turned out his timing was impeccable.
@Gonat - give the kind a break. Every pitcher is going to have bad outings. Heck, Strasburg just had one. Just enjoy the fact that our No. 5 starter has an ERA of 3.02.
Ross is from Missouri which is the Show Me state. Show me you can do this consistently Ross.
Unsung, so far, on today's blog, Sandy Leon. Called a great game, made a great tag on the Harper throw (showing he learned from having his knee rearranged), two hits. His last time out (at least, the last time I watched) he called a great game also.
I would be very happy next year with a platoon of Flores and Leon, in the event Ramos is slow getting back -- Leon getting the majority of the ABs because he switches and can bat left.
What are the chances of trading for an All-Star catcher? (And, no, don't tell me Soto was available. He'll probably never be a regular again, anywhere.) Flores -- if not traded beforehand -- will be a FA after next year so the trio of Leon, Soltano and Ramos could serve the Nats' needs for years to come.
Can't agree with that Alex, if the runner had been someone else, then maybe.
Theophilus:
What about McCann of the Braves? He and Uggla were supposedly being offered prior to the deadline.
Would Frank Wren trade within the division?
Who do we give up?
No, if there's a worse hitter than Gio on the club, it's probably Detwiler, you send the guy and force them to make the play there. Even if he's got a 1 in 8 chance of scoring that's better odds than letting him bat and hoping for something positive.
Eddie.. if we had to take Uggla in that trade, bleckh...
Great outing by Det, and a great time for it.
Amazing to think he started 14 games in 2009--speaks to how weak the pitching was then, as well as to his rushed development.
Earlier this season, I didn't see Det as anything more than a back of the rotation lefty--valuable, but a role player, not a star. Now, I'm growing hopeful that his ceiling is higher.
But as Ghost says, show me--esp. in Sept.
Sandy Leon reminds me of a young Pudge, I love his energy and enthusiasm when he plays
I think patience should be practiced with Flores, just as it has been done with the other struggling players on the club. The worrying thing to me is the throwing. I suspect he's more likely to start hitting .260 than catching guys stealing at that rate again. If that's the case, he's a backup regardless.
Agree w/ Alex. Detwiler is a pretty weak hitter, making it a worthwhile bet on a bad throw. Or, like Zimmerman's winning run in Milwaukee, the runner kicks the ball out of the catcher's glove/hand. Against Hamels, you always know you may never get a chance to score another run.
About the Jackson play I have my doubts. I would never want a pitcher put in harm's way. But Jackson is probably one of the 10-11 best athletes on the team, and has real good wheels. In the World Series, espec. in the designated hitter games, I could easily see him being used as a pinch runner.
Det has had some big time outings for this team. If I recall correctly, last season Stammen was a starter over him? Det was a good draft pick and its paying off now
Theo, I made a comment last night on Leon.
Can't help but notice that we've switched Gio and JZim in the rotation (Gio pitching 2d game today and JZim on Sat). JZim, of course, was switched to the top of the rotation after the All Star break. I didn't see any news about why this was done, did any of you?
Logically, Fish should be tired and drained coming into DC. but its baseball, lol
"This is just a blog. It isn't life or death."
LOL. Maybe not. But its prudent to come wearing some kevlar, because the ammo flies fast and furious around here, at times.
The Nats are a dominant team, but they are going to lose some games. Enjoy the wins and keep the losses in perspective. There are 58 games left. If they go only 30-28, they will have 92 wins. If they go just 33-25, they will have 95 wins.
What's the over-under for 95 wins now? What was it when the season began? Chances are excellent that they will get 95 wins, or more, this season.
And if, somehow, they don't make it, no one who posts here can be held accountable. But they will be. No one on the team, or any of the fans who root for them, deserves the abuse heaped upon them by anonymous posters on a sports blog. It's ridiculous, and juvenile. This is a season to enjoy and savor, especially for long-suffering Nats fans.
Baseball is an unpredictable game, but its some of the fans who can be really weird. Not many, but you won't have to look hard to find the few who are.
No way they are going to spoil my fun. You know who I really hate? The Phillies. And their fans. Now, it doesn't get any more rational than that. I am delighted that their $144 mn man is now 0 and 2 after the Phils threw all that money at him. I mean, how much better can it get?
hiramhover said...
But as Ghost says, show me--esp. in Sept.
August 03, 2012 8:48 AM
_______________________________
True, with no Stras, maybe Davey goes JZim to Gio to Det instead of EJax in a short series. Fun to ponder.
Brother J.. JZ has had some shoulder inflamation. And has had some issues getting lose at the beginning of games, which is why they pushed him back. (let's hope it's minor - crossing my fingers)
Eddie --
In case you haven't noticed, McCann isn't having a real All-Star season and is probably on the downside. He's also part of the brick wall school of defense -- if the pitch hits him, he probably blocks it but he doesn't move much.
BrotherJ -- It was reported that Znn had some soreness in this shoulder. "Nothing to worry about," of course, but they are giving him an extra day's rest by moving up Gio in the rotation. The off day Monday made it possible to do that. Gio is pitching on regular rest since he started in Sunday's wild finale in Milwaukee. Boy does that seem like a long time ago.
I seriously doubt that Rizzo would trade for McCann at the price he will undoubtedly command, but boy would I like to have that guy on our team.
Gonat --
You make good posts, with which I often agree. But being a "me-first"-er is undignified.
So is this trip to the DL by H. Rodriguez for a supposed back injury a complete wink-wink situation?
typos, try again mick
NL race overall looks like an exciting finish down to final weekend. Reds are red hot but should cool off at some point, Pirates just keep impressing and amazing me, Cards are just a solid organization and will find away to stay alive, Giants and Dodgers will go right down to the end as will Nats and Braves - very exciting!!
For the folks out there who are good researchers, is there any reason to believe J. Zimmermann's shoulder tightening during warmups situation is not a harbinger of a more serious shoulder injury? Maybe I'm just the eternal pessimist, but I just cant recall any situations where other guys have had "trouble loosening up" that didnt snowball into a full blown shoulder injury. I can practically see the headlines as story unfolds. Start pushed back, soon he'll pitch a few clunkers, and voila it's off to the DL for an extended stay.
"Unsung, so far, on today's blog, Sandy Leon."
I made similar comments last night. I believe Leon has called the Nats last 2 shutouts. It was he, as I recall, who called Lannan's standout game against the Braves. Last night, Det's time to the plate from the stretch was too quick for any Brave to even try to run on Det and Leon. And the kid can hit.
I expect that he will catch Lannan, again, today, with Flo catching Gio. Leon is showing he can play in the bigs. So did Solano. Davey was right about our catching corps - its very deep, and all of them in their 20s.
can one still make trades? I though deadline was 31st... I see some in here are talking about McCann
Yes, you can still trade, but now the players have to pass through waivers first (so other teams can complicate things, if they have a mind to do so).
Theo.. I don't think that was a Me First post by Gonat. There was some good comments about Leon last night.
BTW.. #4.. thanks for that link on the Switch hitting catchers. I enjoyed looking at those names.
NatsJack in Florida is there talk of cutting McCann??
Some love for our 1b:
ESPN on LaRoche
ok, I get it thanks
One of the best series to watch this weekend Mick will be the Pirates at Cincy.
and yes trades can be made but the player must pass thru waivers first. Which is why most gm's are starting to run their most likely to be traded trough the waiver wire now so the can be ready to deal. If a player is claimed the team can pull him back but then can not trade him, I think unless he goes through the process again.
"Fun stat of the day: In his first 13 minor league games Anthony Rendon has an OPS of 1.335."
They played him at 3b yesterday, for the first time, as far as I can recall. They have been using him as a DH, up until now. That kid is a special talent. If he stays healthy, we will see him next year, or the year after, at the latest.
Peric may then get his wish to see Zim at 1b. We have a very good IF now. That one would be one of the all-time great IFs, with Desi and Danny taking care of the middle. If Danny can hit just .260 by then, with 15-20 HRs, it will also be one of the best offensive IFs ever assembled, with Rendon, Desi and Zim all power hitting monsters.
Rendon has got to stay healthy.
mick, yes. The only difference is the potential traded player has to go through waivers, so other teams can make a claim, whereas before the deadline you were only dealing with your trade partner. Also, I believe a player can only go through waivers once, so if you attempt to trade a guy and don't like the offers and you pull him off waivers, that's it for the season, can't trade him later.
Teams are putting a lot of guys on waivers now, guys they may or may not expect to trade, just to see if they get a nibble. Could be guys they want to pass waivers so they can send them to AAA and make roster adjustments, or could be guys with big salaries (Cliff Lee) that, well, you never know...
I suppose a GM could say to another GM, if you put so-and-so on the waiver wire, we'll match whatever offer you get...
great info gang... greatly appreciate it. So it sounds like Rizzo would consider picking up some one if put through waivers?
djinfl... I hear you on Reds-Pirates, should be a great series!
flash back.. Big Red machine verse Sister Sledge, lol actually Sistersledge was 799 but those 197071 Bucs and Red teams were unbelievable!!
Re: waiver wire deals - don't forget, it was a waiver wire deal in August 2006 when we sent Livan to Arizona for Garret Mock and Matt Chico. Looked like a good deal for the Nats at the time, but in retrospect it was pretty much a wash.
Two questions for the more knowledgeable and Peric:
1) Does Detwiler's emergence make Jackson's re-signing unnecessary? Stras, Zimm, Gio, and Det are making $37,284 more combined than Edwin this year. (If ESPN salaries and my calculator are correct.) Not sure about next year. The fifth spot could be filled cheaper and those other guys are pretty good.
2) Why does Zimmerman have to move to first to make room for Rendon? Why can't Rendon move to first? Zim is a known quantity at 3B. Both have a history of injuries.
I'm glad you enjoyed the list, Michele.
I'm not Peric and I don't know if I'm more knowledgeable, but I'll chime in.
I'm not sure you can replace Ejax with someone cheaper. To get a cheaper quality starter, you need to 1)have someone of equal value under team control - which they don't. Their young starers aren't ready for 2013, 2) get lucky with a cheaper FA signing - which is risky, or 3) trade prospects for a younger pitcher a la the Gio trade - not something you want to do two years in a row for fear of depleting your system. Money will have to be spent to fill that rotation spot, either in EJax or someone else.
I think moving Zim to 1st was a reaction to his throwing problems, not his health.
I sat in a position by third which allowed me to see all of Zimms throws directly across the diamond to LaRoche. In addition to carrying the team offensively, LaRoche makes Zim look great. Zim makes tough catches, then launches the ball in the direction of first. The rest is up to LaRoche. The throws were all over the place-high, in the dirt, off to the side, in the dirt off to the side. ALR made all the plays. A true hero of the season.
My 2 cents:
1. I'm not sure re-signing EJax is essential in the first place, but I also don't think Ross's continued success--if it continues--will change the calculations that much. Still need 5 starters, right--and who else are the Nats ready to hand the ball to 32 times next year? The question with EJax will be $$$ and years - the Nats aren't going to pay him like a 1-3 starter, and other teams may.
2. Seems to me you move the older player whose range will be declining first. But I'd be v. surprised to see Zimm at 1B for at least 2 years.
Good points #4. And thanks, JamesFan. I don't get to see the games but those observations are great. I appreciate thoughtful comments like that.
John Lannan is not a free agent until 2014. Do we do this again with him next year? Seems like all the same considerations apply: marginal No. 4-5 SP, big salary (even with the time in the minors, I believe they can't offer less than $4MM, that is 20% less than his current salary). I'm not a fan, but he turned around our season--OK, maybe an exaggeration but it sure felt like it.
Also, isn't there a limit on how long guys like Maya and the Emperor can stay before they are Rule 5? This winter will be interesting.
When you watch Chipper (or Tracy) play 3B you wonder if RZ throwing that way is necessary. But, he's tried changing and it hasn't worked. Totally agree on ALR.
NatsLady
It's a 4 year limit (if signed after age 18) before you become exposed in the rule 5 draft--and then, only if you're not on the 40-man, which Maya still is.
So either way, that won't be a factor for him this off season.
On the question of re-signing Edwin Jackson, several factors will be in play:
-- Mr. Jackson recently terminated his relationship with Scott Boras; the suggestion was that he had wanted a multi-year contract this past offseason and was unhappy that the Boras Company hadn't gotten him one; the further suggestion was that Mr. Jackson will be looking to his new agency to secure a lucrative, long-term deal for the future.
-- Under the new CBA, if the Nats want to get a draft pick if/when Mr. Jackson departs for another team, they have to make him a 'qualifying offer' that is likely to be about $13.3 million for a one-year contract. That number will be set by the league, based on an average of the top 125 contracts already signed for next season (or something like that).
-- The Nats will have five days after the end of the World Series to make such an offer; Mr. Jackson would have seven days to accept/reject.
-- Alternatively, if I understand the system correctly, they could work out a multi-year deal in which they pay Mr. Jackson less (or more) per season, just like any other extension.
Personally, I don't see the Nats signing Mr. Jackson to the long-term contract I assume he wants. However, at least at this point, I certainly see them making that qualifying offer to him. I don't see him accepting, though, so my expectation is that Mr. Jackson effectively becomes a draft pick.
Detwiler had a good day yesterday. Peric had a good day yesterday. I personally would like both of them to remember what they did right and keep up the good work, and I prefer to forget the bad days.
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