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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER The Nationals try to win one last time this season at Citizens Bank Park. |
From a team standpoint, the Nationals are still in a down-to-the-wire battle with the Reds for the best record in the NL. Cincinnati just stormed back in the bottom of the ninth to beat the Brewers, so the Nats will need to win tonight to maintain a 1-game lead in that department.
From a personal standpoint, Gio Gonzalez takes the mound in search of his league-leading 21st win, trying to keep some distance between himself and the Mets' R.A. Dickey (who is in line to win his 20th this afternoon against the Pirates).
Danny Espinosa, meanwhile, returns to the Nationals lineup after his surprise benching last night. He'll be part of the regular eight in action against Phillies rookie right-hander Tyler Cloyd.
Plenty of updates to come, and we'll also have Bo Porter's thoughts on becoming the Astros' new manager, so please check back...
WASHINGTON NATIONALS at PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Where: Citizens Bank Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 188
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 71 degrees, Wind 3 mph in from RF
NATIONALS (94-61)
RF Jayson Werth
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Michael Morse
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Kurt Suzuki
LHP Gio Gonzalez
PHILLIES (78-77)
SS Jimmy Rollins
3B Kevin Frandsen
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
CF John Mayberry Jr.
LF Darin Ruf
RF Domonic Brown
C Erik Kratz
RHP Tyler Cloyd
UMPIRES
HP Mike Muchlinski
1B Rob Drake
2B Andy Fletcher
3B Joe West (cc)
7:07 p.m. -- We are underway. It's Fan Appreciation Night here for the Phillies final home game. Tons of empty seats.
7:13 p.m. -- And for the second straight night, Bryce Harper goes deep in the top of the first. This time he connects off Tyler Cloyd and sends the ball flying to deep right-center for his 21st home run of the season. He's now three shy of Tony Conigliaro's teenage record, and he's now got 94 runs scored. The Nats take a 1-0 lead.
7:35 p.m. -- Yikes, that was kind of a disaster of a bottom of the first for Gio Gonzalez. He got two quick groundball outs but then fell apart. Chase Utley singled. Ryan Howard walked. John Mayberry walked. Darin Ruf crushed a 2-0 fastball to right-center to clear the bases. Domonic Brown walked. By the time it finally ended, Gio had given up three runs on three hits and three walks, thrown 37 pitches (only 17 strikes) and put the Nats in a 3-1 hole.
7:45 p.m. -- And Michael Morse responds with a moonshot to left to lead off the top of the second. Guess his hand is doing OK, because he hit that ball 5 miles high for his 15th homer of the season. Nats now down 3-2 in what is already a wild game.
7:55 p.m. -- Another shaky inning for Gio. He didn't give up any more runs, but he did give up a pair of singles and got crossed up with Kurt Suzuki, leading to the always-awkward passed ball on a called strike. He's already thrown 55 pitches in only two innings.
8:09 p.m. -- Gio is starting to settle down now. He got through the top of the third on 11 pitches, though he did allow a one-out single to Ruf. He's at 66 total pitches, 35 of them strikes. The Nats still trail 3-2 as we head to the fourth.
8:19 p.m. -- Good news: The Nats have tied this game up 3-3 thanks to Ryan Zimmerman's leadoff double in the top of the fourth, Adam LaRoche's deep flyball to center and Morse's RBI grounder to short. Better news: The Braves trail the Marlins 2-0 in the 4th.
8:38 p.m. -- Just like that, the Nationals have the lead again. Harper delivers another clutch hit, a two-out, RBI single to left in the top of the fifth to put his team ahead 4-3. They might have added more, but Ryan Zimmerman was called out on an inside fastball to end the inning, then had some strong words for plate ump Mike Muchlinski. That's about as much emotion as you'll ever see from Zim directed toward an umpire. Meanwhile down in Atlanta, the Braves have stormed back and now lead the Marlins 4-2 in the fourth.
9:00 p.m. -- Sweet Fancy Moses! Michael Morse sent a two-run homer so deep to right-center, it landed in Tom Gorzelanny's hat. Yes, his hat. Which Gorzelanny was holding while standing in the visitors bullpen, which is situated BEHIND the home bullpen here. That's an absolute bomb to a place few have ever hit one in this park. And how about Gorzelanny's catch? Remarkable. The Nats lead 6-3 in the sixth.
9:13 p.m. -- What an impressive job by Gio Gonzalez tonight. After that awful first inning in which he surrendered three runs on 37 pitches, he tossed five scoreless innings on 69 pitches. He's done for the night, and while his final line doesn't look great, that was an impressive bounce-back performance in mid-start to put himself in line for his 21st win. Still 6-3 in the seventh.
9:31 p.m. -- Make it 7-3 as the Nats score a run on a strikeout. Yep, a strikeout (with a wild pitch attached). It's been that kind of night. Sean Burnett on for the bottom of the seventh. Morse's homer, by the way, was measured at 451 feet, his 2nd-longest of the year.
9:43 p.m. -- Meanwhile, the Braves now lead 6-3 in the eighth. They're seeking their 10th win in their last 12 games. In other words, the Nats won't be backing into a division title. They're going to have to win it themselves.
9:51 p.m. -- Top of the eighth. Nats holding a four-run lead. And here's Tyler Clippard.
10:01 p.m. -- How about that, a 1-2-3 inning from Clippard, who struck out two and got a popup for the third out. That was much needed, to say the least. The Braves, meanwhile, just won 6-2. They've won 10 of 12 and they're keeping the pressure on the Nats, who are three outs from lowering the magic number to 3. What that means, though, is that the earliest they can clinch now is Saturday night in St. Louis.
10:15 p.m. -- OK, here's Drew Storen, pitching with a 4-run lead in the ninth. The Nats need three outs.
10:20 p.m. -- That's it. The Nats win 7-4 for their 95th victory of the season. That matches the 1979 Expos for the franchise record. They lead the Braves by 4 games with 6 to play. The magic number is 3.
221 comments:
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Repost about Manny getting fired:
I never saw anything in Manny that made him a good manager. His strategy or handeling of the bull pen (yes I know it was crappy) was lacking IMO.
And that stoic - totem pole pose that he took during the game, almost never moving or saying anything really bugged me. The fact that he left the dug out only once that I can remember to argue with an ump or protect and stick up for his player was a real negative. I get his explanation that he was too argumentative in the minor years but he took not arguing to an extreem.
I don't think there will be multiple teams looking to hire him this time.
Guess I'll repost my Manny comment too:
Manny had plenty of time, and not bad raw materials to work with. He might not be responsible for the Indians' collapse (two years in a row really), but someone has to take the fall for that kind of failure. I too don't miss him at all. The stoic demeanor, the excuses (remember Anderson Hernandez and the cut of the grass?), the devotion to mediocre players like Austin Kearns. All remnants of a past in Natstown that should be recalled only as a cautionary note.
Davey is a superior manager in every way you can think of, and I bet Bo will be too. At the very least, he's going to stick up for his players. Just ask Jamie Quirk.
John Axford melts down in Save and Reds walkoff with a triple. That's rare, a walkoff triple.,
alm,
That was a crappy team Manny had in DC. I too was frustrated with his apparent lack of passion but his explanation was that he didn't want to exhibit 'fake' anger which to me means that he really didn't get excited enough to throw a tantrum; they have the same criticism of him in Cleveland.
I agree with you; he's not getting a big league job any time soon. He will have to rebuild his reputation by having some successes in the minors.
My biggest criticism of Acta was he didn't stand up on the field when umps were disrespecting Nats players.
What the h. . .. If everybody else is reposting I might as well, too:
"I suppose it's debatable whether anyone could have managed Milledge/Dukes/FLop/Anderson Hernandez/Meathook, et al., but Acta just let the inmates run the asylum. He was so bad he made Riggleman look good for about a year.
For that he deserves exile to the darkest corners of organized baseball. Maybe he can get Guillen's job in Miami. On second thought, I don't want to have to see him eighteen games a year."
Manny's lack of fight with bad calls was a marked difference from Frank. I'm glad Davey comes out of the dugout. That said, Davey has different pieces from the ones Davey has this year.
Walk off triple. Wow. I'm torn between rooting for the best record and wanting to play the Giants. As it is, I'll just be glad to be rooting for my own team in October.
Go, Gio! Grab that 21. GYFNG! (I just can't end a game post without typing that, even when I try). GYFNG!
why not see Acta and the Marlins 18 times a year? i'd love for them to continue being a mess.
For that he deserves exile to the darkest corners of organized baseball. Maybe he can get Guillen's job in Miami. On second thought, I don't want to have to see him eighteen games a year."
Why not? Then the Nats would get the fish curse off their back.
GYFNG!!!
I'll repost, too, seeing as how we're each entitled to our opinion, and to add a positive note on someone who just lost his job. I always liked Manny and wish him nothing but the best. Re. ejections, I recall Acta being tossed after his rookie pitcher was ejected from his first start. Who was that pitcher again? And who was the opposing team? Oh, yeah. Now I remember. :-)
Not that I don't like Davey, mind you.
Oh, and on topic: Go, Mr. 20! Go, Nats (bats and defense)!
Just to be clear, 20* refers to Gio's current number of wins, not to any given player's age, either at the beginning or the end of any given season. :-)
JimBo's crowing that Dickey is the Cy after winning #20.
Always have to wonder about JimBo's motivations. Is it anti-Nat or does he believe it that Dickey is truly the best. Same always goes for Dribble and his motives.
Let's go Nats and win the series tonight. Get enough runs so Gio can claim his 21st win tonight. GYFNG!!!
i never actively disliked manny, but he never made me want him to stay, either. he was just... milquetoast... bland... boring.
i don't think the manager should be the center of attention, by any means, but i don't think he can be boring and uninspired/uninspiring, either.
one of the things that stands out about davey is that *EVERYONE* on the team plays hard for him. even as he came into the chaos of the riggleman mess.
i think it's possible to be quiet and stoic, to an extent, and be successful. but you can't be bland. that just doesn't work. nobody follows bland. or, at least, when they do, it just leads to mediocrity.
JimBo at least sees Bryce as his Rookie of the Year.
well apart from throwing a screwball(is that a criteria?) Dickey's numbers are really good.
We seem to have problems with these unknown rookie pitchers. That's another annoying habit I would like to see broken. Man - Jayson got booed soooo bad last night. It was sweet to see him quiet the crowd, though. I actually thought I heard them booing their own pitchers, so I guess that is their in-game entertainment. Nice to see some nats fans there - hope they got out safely! That ninth inning ( top) , was extremely long and I don't think I have ever seen a pitcher draw things out quite that much. Hoping Gio is channeling his inner cy young tonight.And I hope the bats are alive right from the start again. Drew looked as sharp as I have ever seen him look. I love how his pitching is peaking right at the right time!!
Jimbo is so pathetic. He's just trying to be relavent in today's game, but he sure sounds like an ass to me.
Speaking of Nats fans at CBP, there were some folks right behind the Nats dugout who were making handmade signs during the game. At the very end of the broadcast, they held up a sign but the telecast didn't stay with them for long. It said something about "changing of the guard." Anyone know them, or see what the sign said?
I understand we're homers, but how can you possibly argue that Dickey doesn't deserve the Cy Young? He is equal to or better than almost everyone else in the league in almost every category, traditional and sabermetric.
And lest we forget, Dickey had to play with the terrible Mets defense behind him, and occasionally face the Washington Nationals. Gio got to play with the outstanding Nationals defense behind him, and occasionally face the putrid New York Mets.
Lets go Gio and knock the number to 3, the Marlins can only beat us so I don't expect to get to two. Start like last night with 5 in the first 2.
I have to agree with you bowdenball. I've heard Ray Knight and others say that the fact that Gio plays for a contender and Dickey doesn't should give him an edge, but I think it's the opposite.
I wonder if Bryce will make the 20/20 club?
20/20 club seems more likely thank catching or passing Conigliaro. But I wouldn't put anything past the Kid.
Section222, right now who would you want pitching for you, Gio or Dickey.
I choose Gio as in crucial times its not about style points, its about winning.
I do think Dickey will win the Cy as the media loves him.
Bryce is 3 steals from 20/20. Good chance of that!
Could tonight be Gio's last start before the playoffs? His next scheduled start would be Oct. 2, or Oct. 3 if Davey uses Wang against the Cards and wants to use all five other starters before going back to Gio. If he starts on Oct. 2, he's lined up to start again on Oct. 7, which would be Game 1 of the NLDS if we're the No. 1 seed. But if we're the No. 2 seed, Game 1 would be on Oct. 6. Surely Davey wouldn't want him to do short rest this early in the playoffs would he?
I can see Gio pitching on Oct. 2 if our magic number for clinching the No. 1 seed at that point is 1. But what if that Magic No. is 2, or 3? Ghost and NCNatsie, you guys are into rotation predictions, what do you think Davey will do? Gio is definitely the guy Davey wants starting Game 1, right? Or would he be ok with JZnn in Game 1 if we are playing the Giants out in SF?
I'd choose Dickey, GoSM. He's had a slightly better year, and I wonder if if would be more than just slightly better if he had the Nationals defense playing behind him instead of the Mets. Style points have nothing to do with it. And if it's "about winning," Dickey has a better winning percentage even though he plays for a far weaker team. Isn't that "winning"?
I don't agree that Dickey is way ahead of Gio in stats. The last month or so there has been lots of pressure on Gio, none on Dickey.
If Dickey's stats were superior, than yes he would deserve it, but they aren't so the player who helps his team to the best record in baseball deserves it.
The follow stats are Dickey/Gio:
ERA - 2.69/2.84 = same [D]
K - 222/201 (1 less start for Gio) = similar [D]
K/9 - 8.78/9.36 = similar [G]
Win - 20/20
IP - 227/193 (about 200 after tonight) = Dickey
WHIP - 1.04/1.14 same [D]
Bat Ave Against - .224/.204 Gio
Home Runs - 22/9 - Gio
So their stats, as I view them are similar. Dickey has more innings - no arm stain to throw the way he does vs. Davey is over-cautious with our staff.
Gio has a better batting average against and has given up way less homers.
Since they are a not appreciably different the award goes to the one whose pitching actually made a difference. That's the way the MVP goes when its between 2 players.
Section 222 said...
Could tonight be Gio's last start before the playoffs? His next scheduled start would be Oct. 2, or Oct. 3 if Davey uses Wang against the Cards and wants to use all five other starters before going back to Gio. If he starts on Oct. 2, he's lined up to start again on Oct. 7, which would be Game 1 of the NLDS if we're the No. 1 seed. But if we're the No. 2 seed, Game 1 would be on Oct. 6. Surely Davey wouldn't want him to do short rest this early in the playoffs would he?
Doubtful. But also probably wouldn't want him to sit around for 10 days either. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get another start, but limited to 3 or 4 innings, to keep him sharp but not tire him out.
You can't rest these starters too long ... they end up pitching less effectively as we've seen. One day one way or the other is probably okay but more than that?
Its different from resting a position player. A lot has to do with rhythm and the starter's cycle of bullpens and warms up for the main event. A lot of it is mental ... makes them creatures of habit.
Sure Davey is going to throw out Wang against the Cardinals. And Lannan gets another start against the Phillies to see if he can go more than five innings without getting into trouble.
Me? I like the idea floated of having Duke start the last game if Gio doesn't. He deserves it and a playoff berth. He did out pitch Lannan in Syracuse and unlike Lannan, he has show a propensity to be a very effective reliever to boot.
Thankfully, Davey will see it that way and Duke and not Lannan will be on the playoff roster.
However, it would be nice to find out what happened to put Tom Gorzelanny out of the picture? Is he injured or ... inquiring minds want to know ... certainly a top question for Beltway Baseball.
For alm and others, let me clarify: I don't think it's a no-brainer that Dickey should win the Cy Young. What I meant was that I didn't understand how other posters could criticize anyone in the media for taking the position that Dickey should win the Cy Young. He certainly has as good a case as anyone, maybe better. Because of that I think it's silly to suggest that, for example, my esteemed namesake is praising Dickey because of some anti-Nats agenda.
Ghost, it's close, but I'd probably take Dickey. His season has been astonishing, especially with the lousy team he has behind him. Leading the league in ERA (Gio is 6th), innings pitched (Gio not in top 10, complete games with 5, (Gio has 2), shutouts with 3 (Gio has 1), 3rd in WHIP (Gio is 6th). Gio leads the league in hits per 9 IP (Dickey is 3rd), wins (Dickey is 2nd), and is 2nd in Ks per 9 IP, to Strasburg (Dickey not in top 10). He's been very impressive, but Dickey more so in my opinion.
Actually, I'd probably take Medlen, the way he's been pitching, but that doesn't make him Cy Young worthy.
Section222, very Good points!
Feel that makes sense. So assuming that the seeding has been established, do you have Gio start on regular rest on Oct. 2 and just throw a few innings, and then send him out there on short rest on Oct. 6 if necessary? Or do you have him throw a few innings on short rest on Oct. 1, so he's fully rested on Oct. 6 if needed? Those seem to be the two choices.
And what if they need Gio to pitch full out to win the No. 1 seed? Or would Davey be just as happy with No. 2 and be more concerned with Gio being rested and ready on Oct. 6?
I think he wants Gio fully rested on Oct. 6 if needed, and will not go out to win the No. 1 seed, regardless of its advantages, but I'm not sure about this at all.
Section222, I also agree on Medlen. He hits his spots with pinpoint accuracy and with late life on his pitches and he has amazing pitchcount efficiency.
I believe Davey has basically said he wants to win the division before he starts worrying about setting up the rotation.
Kimbrel should also get some votes, tho maybe not first place. You can't close much better than he has. 33rd round, btw.
I didn't understand how other posters could criticize anyone in the media for taking the position that Dickey should win the Cy Young.
Because Dickey is Met, and this is a Nats blog?
Kimbrel is a freak of nature. I watched his 4 K 9th inning on MLB.TV. That guy is pretty much unhittable. Did anyone ever consider making him starter?
Sofa, I know Davey has said that, but do you really think he's given no thought to how things line up? He wants to take this team all the way. And besides, aren't we here to think about the things Davey says he doesn't want to, so he can turn to the this blog for answers when the time comes? :-)
I think we are getting waaaay ahead of ourselves. Let's win a game here. How about four? I can't even remember the last time we won 2in a row.Could we start there? We cannot depend on the Braves losing at all - not with the way they are playing and not with the teams they are playing. And we are facing Philly and the Cardinals - you know, last years world series champs? All this talk about resting people and setting up rotations is a little bit premature. My fingers are firmly in my ears when such things about being talked about. Bad kharma.
You have got to read the SI.com article written by Drew's dad about drew as a little boy, a college pitcher, losing his grandparents and about how he as Drew's dad, felt watching drew clinch the wild card spot. I have a giant lump in my throat that won't go away. It's a fantastic article.
Just read that, Swami. Amazing.
I hate to veer off from the firing of Manny and the Gio-Dickey debate, but...
Have any season ticket holders gotten any post-season "strip" tickets in the mail?
Playoff season begins one week from today. I, for one, have 10 partners sharing these tickets who will want to have them before games begin.
Here is the link to the story that Swami mentions about Drew's Dad:
DRUUUUUUUUU
Lotta rain in Pennsylvania. Wonder if they'll get this one in?
Haven't got my strip yet. I check every day for a note from UPS/Fed Ex.
But apparently the Metro is settled and a corporate sponsor will pay (Living Good--never heard of 'em).
NatsLady.. It's Living Social, They are one of those company's that do mass coupons. - Like Groupon
I just have an extra jolt for tonights game…not sure if its cuz of the werth incident, the chance to take 2/3 from phi on the road, separate from the braves, have Gio (hopefully!!) get #21, all the above, or something else..
Oh and if you read that article about Drew.. get a tissue, you know, you might just get a little misty.
JaneB raised an issue earlier that has probably been addressed on another thread, but it's one that intrigues me: should we really be trying for the best record? Second-best doesn't have to deal with that screwy first-two-games-away set-up (which scares the hell out of me). Why shouldn't we let Cincy deal with the wild-card winner while we play SF?
@Bigfish: Well, I'd still prefer the #1 seed since we would get homefield throughout the playoffs in that case. Difference of braves and giants isn't big, but i still would prefer the top seed.
plus, who doesn't wanna be number?
Too late, I just read it. :'-)
MicheleS said...
Oh and if you read that article about Drew.. get a tissue, you know, you might just get a little misty.
September 27, 2012 6:46 PM
way cool about drew. thanks for the link
Conigliaro, watch out because here comes Bryce!
Harper did his thing too bad a solo
Drew's story is uplifting to the human spirit
Looking forward to reading about Drew. Tissues at the ready.
Bigfish -- if we're No. 2, we don't have to deal with the uncertainty of where we're going, but we do have to start the NLDS on the road. I'm for getting the No. 1 seed so when we face Cincy in the NLCS we'll have home field advantage. But Davey may actually prefer to plan and set up his rotation for the Giants. So either way is fine.
Swami -- Karma, Schwarma. We've been talking about the playoffs since late August. The Nats started selling tickets for playoff games at the beginning of the month. You're welcome to put your fingers in your ears, but the cat is way out of that bag. And anyway, we got this.
Dave - No strips here yet either. Supposedly they sent them this week. I'm going to place a call to my rep tomorrow just to be sure.
Finally, yes! Harper goes deep-- number 21. Just 4 more to be the greatest teenage homerun hitter in history. Holy crap!
.263 21 57 17 94
That's Bryce's BA, HRs, RBIs, SB, and Runs
OK vets follow Harper's lead.
Gio doing a lot of nibbling. I had to look up to make sure it wasn't Lannan pitching again tonight.
Gio has already walked more in the 1st inning than Lannan did all of last night.
Oh, that was ugly.
Walks are just killing this staff right now
What the Heck is Gio doing?
Our CY candidate is having a night. Not what we wanted to see from him. Fortunately, Bam Bam has shown that Cloyd is hittable. So get out of this inning and let's go get some runs.
Walking people again. Why throw so many balls? Then crushes hen throw one in the middle. This is what ticked off the A's management. To often tjis happened.
Much less this year but still to often.
7 pitches to the first 2 batters then started to get cute instead of pitching.
Maloox already taken
He is making y young choise easy for the voters.
Is Gio Flying open?
Sweet. Beast just hit a homer. Thank you!
MicheleS, it seems like he was releasing too far over his right foot.
Lets see Dickey 30 more inning more than 20 less walks If Gio walk ratio was as good he would have 23 to 25 wins.
walks his worse enemy
Danny bunting. I wish he did that last night with men on 1st and 3rd and 1 out instead of striking out.
Need more people on. make homers worth more.
Gio show you mean business. You threw 3 more balls than strikes in first. Get serious please
Gio needs a bounce-back inning here. 3 outs, less than 12 pitches. If he does that, I'm confident the Nats bats will continue to get to Cloyd.
Hanson walked 2 then a hit but managed to leave bases loaded.
0-2 count pitch over the middle tl be hit. Please get serious
Gio is frustrating the cr-p out of me!
Had he pitched his 2 strike pitch to Utley like did this inning no damage. instead we are still be hind
Thank the Lord. Gio finds a glove!
Ok Gio homer and get it even
Gio has the easiest of all the lineups the Nats have faced this week - NO CHOOCH RUIZ!
Are they yelling BOOOOOOM for Werth? As in the Legion of BOOOOOOM
Hanging breaking ball fouled nack. That was a homer given away.
Not much of a bounce back inning there, but at least they didn't score. In this park, a one run lead is nothing, as we've seen. We can still win this one.
Marlins are winning!
Re the playoff strips: Mine already show up in MyNationalsTickets. Yours probably do too. That should allow you to transfer tickets electronically to partners so they can print at home. That will get them into the games. If they want the real ticket for commemorative purposes you can always give it to them after the fact.
Seems we have been doing well in games where Werth gets on and not when he doesn't. So he needs to get on the stick.
Ruf start.
My wife figured out the problem for Gio . I thought was finally was learning baseball. She sai "No wonder Gio is having problems. He is pitching with his left hand"
Feel:
Thanks for the update on the tickets. Just saw mine out there on My Tickets. Haven't gotten the actual tickets. But at least I know they are there.
Now everyone hit
Morse tied it
Okay we are all even now. new ball game
Feel, my playoff tix are visible, but not yet transferrable, just as they've been since I bought them almost a month ago. Do yours show up in color like the regular season tix that are left?
New ballgame folks!
Marlins 2 runs up!
That strike on Ian looked eay out. Gio's balls Are balls. Want other teams balls need to be.
Gosh I love when Zimmy doesn't think.
Adam better get that gold glove.
Manassas -- Could you check your posts before you hit publish? You're sounding kind of inebriated again.
How is Harper going to get more SBs if he keeps hitting HRs?
This kid still has a lot left to learn.
If I may translate:
Manassas sound drinkin. Cheque pots pleez
Darn 2-1 in Atlanta
My playoff strip tickets have the little checkbox next to them. I assume that means they're available for transfer, StubHub, etc.
Manassas.. I love your posts - even with the typos. They always make me smile - especially since i do the same thing.
.264 21 58 17 94
That's Bryce's BA, HRs, RBIs, SB, and Runs
See we are ahead now. Gio needs to get thru another inning or two.
I would love to see pitch track for those called stikes there.
Mike Muchlinski with another phantom strike. Inside and low.
Atlanta just blew their game open.
Aughhh! Bryan Peterson drops a routine fly ball with the bases loaded and the Barves score 2 on what should have been the third out of the inning.
That would have been much too obvious a muff for the Black Sox.
Marlins' outfielder drops a fly ball....
Where is pitch track?
Brian Peterson and Mike Dunn--I dislike both of you intensely.
Feel, mine have the check box too, but not the 3 colors that show that they are available for sale or transfer. Compare them to your Oct. 1 tickets for example.
There goes FP with his homerism about Gio and the Cy Young. Gio's in a pennant race and had a good September (until tonight...), that does it for him. Great analysis there. Whatever.
MNF.. it's the Chalula Pitch track that they show on TV. I am sure there is one on the web somewhere. Anyone? Or does that come out a day later?
That was a decent catch by Danielito....
222 would rather have a homer than Dribble. Just sayin. Plus I have learned other stuff from his as well. Situational stuff/hitting, fielding. All Dribble ever did was grunt
Rian peterson cost them Monday'S game fielding poorly.
Thanks Michelle. My auto correct is back on and it has this bad habit of changing way too many words.
Now more runs please.
ESPN Gamecast has each pitch shown with reference to the strike zone. It is the next best thing to television if you only have radio or neither tv or radio.
Dibble was decent until he lost his mind. Santangelo is better.
BEAST BOMB!
Morse, finally back?
Tom Gorzilanny catches homer
mlb's game day also shows the strike zone.
And also - the Beast is back!
Sometimes Mikey Mo reminds me so much of Dave Kingman. Watched him hit bombs onto Waveland as a kid when he was with the Cubs.
Shot finally working. Give Espi another shot.
bull pen coming. Last inning first in 22 we scoredon them.
Got to love Gio's Mom
Amanda Comak@acomak
Gio's mom only asked for one homer, but I'm sure she's not too upset that Michael Morse went ahead and hit two tonight.
Where are you folks that were calling for Davey to bench Morse?
Braves color commentator just went on a rant about how ALR doesn't deserve the comeback player of the year because he didn't come back from a "physical adversity". As compared to Medlen and Posey. Totally uninformed. And Strasburg doesn't deserve it because he didn't play the whole year. What an idiot.
btw -
post of the year:
7:07 p.m. -- We are underway. It's Fan Appreciation Night here for the Phillies final home game. Tons of empty seats.
says it all.
Espi great in the field but swings at so many balls. That seems so easy to fix but no one seems able to fix it.
So, Natslady in your new blog still going to predict Michael Morse gone and Rick Ankiel back in the outfield?
Michele, I despised Dibble too. And I've learned things from FP too. And he's better than he was last year. I know it could be worse. (I know he's no Hawk Harrelson.) I'm just really tired of him acting like our guys are better than they are and making excuses for them. He doesn't treat his listeners as knowledgable baseball fans. Instead he acts like his job is to promote the Nats' players at all costs. As if what they accomplished this year doesn't speak for itself. Doesn't that bug you at all?
Morse never left ... still has 16 home runs in 98 games ... hitting between .290 and .300. A dangerous hitter if he gets hot for the playoffs. It might change folks' minds about facing Atlanta first ...
Peric.. since you are on I thought I would repost my question from earlier thread (and remember I am in the tank for Espi)
MicheleS said...
Peric, you aren't the only person that reads Luke's stuff. And as I had stated, you have had Rendon slated for 3b, although to be fair, you have recently posted that he might go to 2b. And as a serious question, How do you have Rendon going to 2b when you have Espi as the player with the highest upside of anyone on the team? Where does Espi go if Rendon goes to 2b?
Sometimes Mikey Mo reminds me so much of Dave Kingman. Watched him hit bombs onto Waveland as a kid when he was with the Cubs
Dave Kingman ... boy you don't watch much baseball do you MichelleS? That guy was lucky to hit .200 every year! More like the recent incarnation of Adam Dunn. Morse is hitting in the .290's remember? How many of the starters are hitting that?
My god does anyone really watch these games?
Peric -
C'mon--I've been rooting for Morse for a long time, but there's no doubt that his power numbers have been down.
I know you love you some ISO, and (before tonight) Morse's was 94 points lower this season than last.
222, I have one friend that didn't like FP at first, but does now. Virtually everybody in my crowd enjoys him. Sorry you don't.
Darn, we gotta quit with the wild pitches/passed balls!
GYFNG,!!!
Peric, I was referring to the BOMBS. Good lord. I know that Kingman was a K machine. I watched that too. Another reason that the cubs were atrocious. Give it a rest.
How do you have Rendon going to 2b when you have Espi as the player with the highest upside of anyone on the team? Where does Espi go if Rendon goes to 2b?
No, I've consistently said that I believe Rendon goes to third base (unless he turns out to be another Nick "made of glass stick" Johnson. Zimmerman goes to first base.
That's the only scenario that makes sense given that LaRoche is probably gone at age 33 looking for a 3-4 year contract like Dunkey did.
Now, some in the FO might have other ideas. Davey even said during ST he wanted to see him at shortstop. Does Rendon replace Desmond?
Look at what a great replacement Espinosa was for Desmond?
And believe me Luke Erickson is just as high on Espinosa as anyone.
But, he is represented by Boras. He can be stubborn and arrogant. And as a a result he struck out 190 times. Kind of like what many have said about BJ Upton and he is also a great athlete.
I just don't see them losing Espy. Getting to hit right-handed full time seems a more likely scenario. And moving Zim to first and Rendon to third.
peric said...
My god does anyone really watch these games?
September 27, 2012 9:06 PM
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No, only you do except when Lannan is doing well as thats the only time you disappear.
Gotta say, I love the way Gio gutted this out after that awful 1st inning.
He's got good stuff, but that takes a good mental makeup too.
know you love you some ISO, and (before tonight) Morse's was 94 points lower this season than last.
Yup, injuries will do that. And MIkey Mo does seem to be a bit injury prone.
But, its still better than Jayson Werth #5 hitter. Davey Johnson could easily sit Morse and play Tyler Moore or Bernadina or even Rick Ankiel while he was still with the club. I don't see Davey benching him.
If Morse can avoid injury he's pretty damned good ... and even when he is he manages to hit close to .300 consistently. That's consistent offense.
Peric, The only problem with Espi hitting right handed is that he has done the switch hitting since he was 5, so that is almost 20 year that he has to erase. I don't see him going to the winter leagues to un learn that. That would make him a part time player and not a high upside player. Luke didn't sound to high on Espi when he reported the Rendon move to 2B.
Morse hits into way too many double plays. Until tonight, his OPS was lower than Roger's.
No, only you do except when Lannan is doing well as thats the only time you disappear.
Well? He barely escaped alive? 5 and 1/3 innings? 82 pitches? Why did Davey come out and rescue him just like Riggleman and Manny used to. Why?
Duke looks better if you ask me.
I love DeRo getting a hit there. The man can still hit. and Eury just stealing 2b. that is just great!
Michele, even if you try to have an intelligent conversation with peric he will insult you. Some things never change.
Morse hasn't really been at full strength all year long. If tonight is an indication that he's getting over his various ailments that is great news for the playoffs. Bernadina has been a great member of the Goon Squad, but he's no Mickey Morse.
Nice recovery by Gio. Never would have predicted a quality start after the first two innings. Well done.
222 my mom always taught me to keep trying. It's a character flaw.
BTW Peric, you never responded to my offer of buying you a beverage of your choice during the Playoffs so we can have a friendly disagreement about Werth.
Luke didn't sound to high on Espi when he reported the Rendon move to 2B.
He's always a bit flip ... kind of sardonic. That's his writing style. If he really didn't like Espy he'd be making arcane, sarcastic, cynical jokes about him.
As for Morse's OBP he's not a table setter. He's supposed to drive in runs from the #4 or #5 spot.
WODL
The GIDP with Morse is a function of the hurt hand and diminished power. He's already had more of them this year than last, in fewer ABs.
When he's clicking, those grounders turn into XBH.
BTW Peric, you never responded to my offer of buying you a beverage of your choice during the Playoffs so we can have a friendly disagreement about Werth.
Sure maybe in Atlanta. I'll be risking the tomahawk choppers.
A Mom story to share:
She has Natititude now. How did she come by this? Not b/c I have been to ooddles of games, not b/c she spent 52 years with a man that loved baseball. NOPE. Wolf Blitzer. She saw Wolf on CNN talking about the Nats and she had to call me all excited about DC baseball. I hope this translates into her wanting to go to games during spring training.
Peric; Playoffs In DC.
WODL, Do you know who has the all time record for hitting into double plays? Maybe you would have benched Cal Ripkin Jr, too?
Michele, even if you try to have an intelligent conversation with peric he will insult you. Some things never change.
I did not that Luke has finally come around on Trevor Holder and Nate Karns ... I got trashed enough for stating my strong belief in the character of those two prospects. Even made fun of a few times here and on Nats Prospects ...
My vindication and revenge is ripe ... so of course I am going to feed trash talk to all the infidels.
Please, please, no Clippard tonight. I can't stand to watch him try to pitch anymore. He has obviously caught the Henry Rodriguez disease.
peric said...
Well? He barely escaped alive? 5 and 1/3 innings? 82 pitches? Why did Davey come out and rescue him just like Riggleman and Manny used to. Why?
Duke looks better if you ask me.
September 27, 2012 9:16 PM
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At least your consistency of hatred on Lannan never changes. He pitches in a high stress game against a team that has dominated him.
He got some poor fielding to go with his good fielding and it cost him. Easily could have been a no run effort.
1 run with the heart of the order up with bases loaded and no outs and you get only 1 run?
Sorry, that is disappointing.
Ugh. Braves just broke their game open. 6-2 in bottom of 7th. We're just going to have to do this ourselves in St. Louis.
Marlins are hopeless.
MicheleS, when you mentioned Dave Kingman I knew that you meant the tape measure home runs that he crushed, and everybody knew Dave struck out a bunch. Your post certainly didn't deserve a snarky put down. I find your contributions to this board to be cheerfully refreshing.
NN, you and Michele are just really nice people. That's all there is to it. And I'm just ornery. But at least we can agree that Dibble was an abomination. :-)
NJ, if Davey's not using Gorzo in this game, it's hard to see why he'd have him on the postseason roster.
Marlins really have something against Nats, they do everything to beat them and then do everything to lose against Braves.
Not sure how anyone can pick on MicheleS. Always makes good posts and is also a good person.
Did you see how Utley tried so hard to get hit by that 1st pitch.
222 Growing up in Chicago, I had to suffer Hawk, so unless someone is a total blowhard HOMER like that (my ears bleed), then I am okay with a little homerism. Being ornery is okay just means you are trying to keep him honest. And after reading some of his interviews FP does really try to work at getting better.
SO HI FP. 222 would like you to tone down the homerism a little, but most of us think it's okay
I hate the Marlins they play us hard and hardly try aga
inst the Braves
Peric, I was referring to the BOMBS. Good lord.
Morse is pretty strong ... incredible for an ex shortstop.
Gonat.. no worries, I have 2 older sisters that were experts at dishing out insults. Makes you thick skinned.
Not sure how anyone can pick on MicheleS. Always makes good posts and is also a good person.
Yes and you are also her clique-mate sitting in the high school cafeteria except its at a Nats game along with Natsjack ...
Ho hum sometimes it gets booooooring!
I hope our esteemed host will ask Davey some time what's up with Gorzo.
Catching Morse's homer is the only action he's seen in 2 wees.
It would be nice to see another guy who could really mash in his day ... line drive laser beam home runs that no one else could duplicate. Frank Howard.
Be nice if they could give him some role maybe ride a segway along with Teddy during the president's race? Too much Expos not enough long suffering DC.
MicheleS said...
Gonat.. no worries, I have 2 older sisters that were experts at dishing out insults. Makes you thick skinned.
September 27, 2012 9:40 PM
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Sure, when they were 10 years old. I think Peric is over 45 from my guesstimates of his talking DC baseball.
Hiram/NatsJack. Good question on Gorzo. Very curious. He did do a long side session the other day, but never came in.
WOW Desi in as the 2b, making a great stab!
I hope our esteemed host will ask Davey some time what's up with Gorzo.
Next Beltway Baseball. If a whole gaggle of us ask maybe he'll ask. He's out there catching home runs with his cap instead of pitching?
Sure, when they were 10 years old. I think Peric is over 45 from my guesstimates of his talking DC baseball.
Kettle calling the pot black again there Gonat? Yeah right dude ... as they say in Church let he who is without sin cast the first stone. It sure as hell ain't you mr. five year old.
Ray Moffo @RayMoffo
#Phillies fan ejected for taunting #Nats fan gets biggest cheer from crowd at CBP since 1st inning.
Good to see Sean have a good outing as well. If he is right again, that's a big plus for us.
Peric, I'm a kid. You're an adult.
PHIL.. Get the Maalox out NOW!
I never said that I would bench a healthy Morse, but if he isn't healthy, then his speed or lack thereof, becomes highly detrimental. I think he generally plays a decent left field, but Bernadina is most likely a better fielder.
NatsJack, very nicely said. Real people, real names, real posts.
NatsJack and SteveM bring it and keep it real.
It is always a fine line between making a site interesting and having it either go off into snarkiness, or at the other extreme, be somewhere where people are only allowed to sing Kumbaya....
Thats the Klip!
Thanks Gonat! Well said NatsJack!
Holding breath for Clip; looking like he MAY be back (tho Nix is not the most severe test, when Clip doesn't have it, anyone is a test).
Now let's see with Ruf and Brown.
William, the mood here changes as the team goes through the W/L swings.
WODL.. Nothing wrong with being critical. Some are glass half empty others glass half full.
Points about Morse vs Other Fielders is good thing. Morse hasn't been 100% this year, which may detract from both his hitting and his fielding. Hopefully he can be healthy for the next month, because his bat is sorely needed in this line up.
Wow.. GREAT inning by Clipp. Maybe now that he is back in the 8th inning role he can get himself right.
Yes, we have the old Clip back!
Davey sees all once again.
Davey seems intent on showing confidence in Clip and getting him back on track. If he falls off, just keep putting him on that bicycle. Classic Davey, and I hope it works. If he and Burnett can get it together, we'll have our solid back end of the bullpen ready for the playoffs.
And the next time somebody says "when's the last time Clip had a 1-2-3 inning . . . " ;-)
Nice to see Clip be on track tonight!
Klip, that's what we're talking about Just get that top of the K zone fastball going !
WODL
And tonight is a reminder of what you might be giving up by benching him--even a diminished Morse is more of a power threat than Bernie.
peric ... no reason to be so nasty & rude. MichelleS specifically said she was watching Kingman when he played for the Cubs. Those years he hit .268, .288, and .278. Sounds similar enough to Mikey to me.
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