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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The Nats send Stephen Strasburg out to the mound in the second game vs. Atlanta.
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The Braves' lineup looks a little different today with Evan Gattis starting behind the plate, they have B.J. Upton at the top and Chris Johnson at first. Strasburg was 3-1 against Atlanta last season, but held a 4.10 ERA with 12 ER in 26 1/3 innings pitched. His last outing vs. the Braves was on Aug. 21 when he gave up just one run through six with ten strikeouts.
Could be another great game as these division rivals get to know the 2013 versions of each other.
Updates to come...
ATLANTA BRAVES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:05 p.m. EDT
TV: FOX, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM)
Weather: Partly cloudy, 69 degrees, Wind 11 mph out to RF
NATIONALS (7-3)
CF Denard Span
RF Jayson Werth
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Wilson Ramos
RHP Stephen Strasburg
BRAVES (9-1)
CF B.J. Upton
RF Jason Heyward
LF Justin Upton
C Evan Gattis
2B Dan Uggla
3B Juan Francisco
1B Chris Johnson
SS Ramiro Pena
RHP Tim Hudson
UMPIRES
HP Fieldin Culbreth
1B Bill Welke
2B Brian O'Nora
3B Adrian Johnson
1:03 p.m. -- Anthem in the books, the sun is out, a great day for baseball at Nationals Park.
1:18 p.m. -- Strasburg let a man get on in the top of the first with Jason Heyward taking a fastball off the lower back. Stras beamed him with a 97 mile per hour heater and you could tell he was hurting on his trot to first. Justin Upton then struck out before Evan Gattis popped up to end the inning. Strasburg at 16 pitches (11 strikes). Nats now get to start it off vs. Hudson.
1:28 p.m. -- The bottom of the first started out well for the Nats with Span getting a single up the middle. Span even got to second on an errant pickoff attempt by Hudson. But a lineout to center by Werth got Span caught on the base path as Justin Upton threw to second for the double play. Harper then struck out on an inside breaking ball. Hudson threw 15 pitches, nine for strikes, in the frame.
1:39 p.m. -- The Braves got two men on with an infield single by Dan Uggla and a walk by Ramiro Pena. With two outs Hudson poked a single past Desmond that looked like a sure RBI hit, but then Harper stepped up and gunned him out at home. The crowd gasped as it looked like the Braves were going to take the lead, yet we head to the second still scoreless. The lesson here: don't run on Bryce Harper. Strasburg at 34 pitches (21 strikes).
1:46 p.m. -- The Nats again got their leadoff hitter on with a Zimmerman single up the middle, but a LaRoche grounder to first caught Zimm in a rundown. It was scored a 3-6-3 double play and set up Desmond to ground out to end the inning. Hudson at an efficient 29 pitches (19 strikes) so far.
1:57 p.m. -- Strasburg got through the first two batters with no problems, and thought he was out of the inning by inducing a groundball by Justin Upton. Zimmerman, however, was off by several feet on the throw to first to extend the inning. Upton stole second and was then sent home on a two-run shot by Evan Gattis. Braves took a 2-0 lead in an inning that was supposed to be over. Strasburg at 56 (36 strikes) already.
2:02 p.m. -- Quick inning for Hudson as the Nats' 7-8-9 hitters all go down with infield grounders. No balls out of the infield and none on as the Braves' pitcher threw just six pitches to get through. He is at 35 pitches for the day.
2:14 p.m. -- The Braves were held scoreless in the fourth inning, but once again they made it interesting with two outs. Strasburg allowed two singles, including one to Hudson for his second of the day. B.J. Upton then popped to LaRoche in foul territory to end the frame. The extra pitches with two outs put Strasburg at 79 pitches through four.
2:26 p.m. -- The Nats go another scoreless inning despite getting a runner on. Werth singled to right with one out, but Harper and Zimmerman both flew out to end the inning. Hudson had to work a little more than his previous inning, but is only at 54 pitches through four.
2:34 p.m. -- Strasburg gets out of the inning 1-2-3 although Heyward missed a home run in center field by just a few feet. He is at 95 pitches (59 strikes) through five and would be pitching a scoreless game if it weren't for the two-out disaster in the third. Right now Zimmerman's error is looming large, still 2-0 Braves.
2:40 p.m. -- Finally the Nats get on the board with a two-out home run by Danny Espinosa, his first of the year. Espi took the first pitch of the at-bat over the right field scoreboard to cut the lead to one. Braves still up 2-1. Hudson has tossed 62 with 44 of them strikes.
2:51 p.m. -- Strasburg has a quick frame in the sixth with a 1-2-3 inning and some of his best stuff all day. Strasburg's game: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 ER, BB, 7 SO, HR, WP, HBP. He threw 112 pitches (68 strikes) and will be pinch-hit for by Roger Bernadina. Zach Duke is up in the bullpen.
3:02 p.m. -- Crisp seventh inning for Zach Duke who got three outs on weak contact made by Braves hitters. Pena and Hudson flied out and B.J. Upton grounded out to third to end the inning. Still 2-1 Braves.
3:13 p.m. -- The Nats get no one on in a 1-2-3 inning that included a really nice diving grab by Jason Heyward in right field. LaRoche belted a line drive into the corner that could have been a double or more, but Heyward snagged it on the run, full extending to make the catch. Henry Rodriguez will take over in the eighth.
3:26 p.m. -- It wouldn't be a Henry Rodriguez inning without something interesting happening. He got the first out quick, but then walked Justin Upton. Upton then stole second on a very close play that replays should probably should have been an out. Henry then walked Gattis to put two men on. He was able to strike out Uggla on a swooping curve that Uggla swung at, but awkwardly stepped back as he did. Francisco then grounded out to Espinosa to end the inning. O'Flaherty in to pitch for Atlanta with Andrelton Simmons in at shortstop.
3:33 p.m. -- No one on for Nats as Desmond flies out and Espinosa and Ramos ground out. Espinosa's call at first was very close as first baseman Chris Johnson had to step off bag to catch throw. Mattheus in to pitch and Suzuki in to catch. Looked like Ramos may have tweaked something on run to first when he grounded out.
3:47 p.m. -- Atlanta adds another run on a fielder's choice, Heyward was up with the bases loaded, one out and hit a grounder the Nats couldn't quite double up on. Kimbrel now in to try and close this one out. He's pretty good at this.
3:52 p.m. -- One, two, three for Craig Kimbrel as the Nats drop the second game of the series. 3-1 is the final score.
328 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 328 Newer› Newest»Weak bullpen, fatally flawed third baseman, bull headed manager whose past is coming back to haunt him --
weak hitting second baseman with unfixed hole in his swing -- while lombo sits
grossly immature pseudo closer (storen) who just doesn't have great stuff --
What do you expect? Nats win 10 less games this season
Within a month, we'll be reading about infighting and second guessing in the clubhouse and dugout. What does one expect, that Davey can change? Davey is Davey -- he always messes up -- he will wear out his welcome here just like he has Every other place he's been. He is a pig headed, Emperor's New Clothes kind of a manager. He stinks. Refuses to play small ball for some ego reason; treats his veterans like best friends, but eventually they get loosey goosey -- Like now. Davey has such an ego, when he makes up his mind about something, he insists it is Gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and Davey. Truly, he is great with an emerging team, but his stubborn, obtuse, pigheaded approach, eventually implodes and/or explodes a team. By August, we'll be talking about "Will Davey finish the season?" Davey sucks.
Poor Stras: He simply is not the same pitcher he was before his surgery. He will be sporadic the rest of his playing career: he'll win some; he'll lose some. But his dominating days were over the day Tommy John came to visit.
Davey made the ridiculous statement that "Stras is my horse." Was he really serious? Gio and Zimmermann are horses (if he's let them be), but not Stras -- Stras is made of glass. I watch his 'Bird" mechanics and cringe just knowing that one day, he will blow out his arm again or maybe his shoulder. Prediction: Stras will pitch less than 200 innings this season. If he pitches anymore, he will blow out the arm or the shoulder. Don't expect Stras to stay off the DL. Put that in the Book.
Davey does not suck but Davey also will not change a thing ever and that is his Achilles heel. Davey's pig headedness cost them game 5 and will cost them again and again....with enough roles of the dice he will get luck and win a WS......that is what the data shows.
What a troll....
Nats through 10 games in 2012: 7-3
Nats through 10 games in 2013: 7-3
And guess what? The sun came up today in DC and Stras is on the hill
How long can the Nationals stick with a thirdbaseman who can't throw the ball? Now costing games.
How long can the Nats stick with a second baseman who cant hit?
How long can the Nats survive with this bullpen?
What manager in his right mind has Detweiler as his fifth starter -- and Haren as his 4th??????
This is outrageously stupid and harmful to the team. The fifth starter gets approx. 50 less innings than the #4. Who is their right mind wants Haren for 50 more innings than Det? Davey is a complete and utter idiot. Then again, he always has been. Which is why Davey has been run out of every town he's ever been in. Lets run him out of Washington Too!! For the sake of this club.
Go A-Way, Stevie J.
Love the Nats, but I have to accepts the facts: this team does tend to crack under pressure. What do you do when you love a team like that? I guess I should ask a Braves fan.
Go back under your rock.
Davey survives from the vast support from people who really don't know baseball -- although they may think they do. Time to take off the rose-colored glasses and face reality. Haha. This is going to be a drama filled season especially when the "fans" who think they know the game, finally realize that the Emperor Aint wearing No Clothes. I cant wait. Lets Play ball!!!
Wow. I think we need a bit more caffeine to offset the lack of sleep and nightmares. I also think all the usually positive people are headed to the game. This is so strange for me as I think there are some good points buried in the forceful delivery. Here is my question-- not accusing, not sure at all, please think it over and give an honest opinion-- it seems to me that every time a pitcher or reliever gets lost Suzuki is behind the plate. Is he not in sync with them? Is he setting up in a place that is contributing to the walks? Is there any possibility that my sensing this has any basis? In any case, he does not seem to be able to calm them down or help them get on track. We really don 't have them back there just for their offense. I find myself feeling more secure about the pitching when Ramos is catching.
Insults don't help Seamless. All that I say is FACT -- and no amount of grown men cheerleading like little girls can change that.
Swami: let me shake my head and ask this. You're blaming Suzuki for the meltdown of that horrible relief last night? Kinda like FP initially blaming Espi 'not getting over' for Zimmerman's poor throw? come on ...
Truth hurts, don't it?
Pathetic last night
Will the Nats bounce back today? Today is a test of character.
Another point to ponder. Everyone always says that early in the season pitching is ahead of hitting. That does not seem to be the case this year. Lots of top starters , relievers, closers are having spectacularly bad games. Not just a Nats thing. I think they are good, strong people, who take things seriously and they will work at rebounding. If anything, I think sometimes they are too intent and play a little too tightly wound.
I thought it hilarious to see Storen trashing the dugout. What a baby. What a loser. Lousy mechanics, flat fastball, a lazy slider, not much command. You might think that Storen thinks he's good or something. Meanwhile, there's Henry .... hahjahaha the bullpen is a complete joke -- accepting Mattheus and Stammen
Hey Stevie J, a person as NEGATIVE as you are is just a plain hater!
Davey isn't perfect. Nobody is. The issues as I see it is more in personnel that were problems last year that were kept this year and once again you have to worry about the health of Ryan Zimmerman.
At 7-3, you have to like the start to the season. As I said several times from Tuesday to yesterday is I'm concerned how Davey is managing what is essentially a 5 man bullpen.
RZ's erratic throwing and a 5-man bullpen with no loogy are facts. Personal judgments are projections.
baseballswsami: spoken like a true Den Mother to a Cub Scout troop that can't measure up to the boy Scouts. High time to face and talk reality and quit excusing poor performances emanating from poor skill sets. Take off the glasses, put down the Kool Aid and face facts. Rizzo weakened the team over the winter -- Davey aint the guy to lead the Nats to the promised land.
Steve- read it again- I specifically said I was not blaming him. More like asking if they are not working well together, how do they communicate, how is he setting up, can he help them stay calm, is he on the right pitch- calling page or are they struggling? It's a question. That relationship is critical and the pitchers seem to be more effective with Ramos. Except Gio. Maybe. Unscientific conjecturing. Kind of like we all do about things. Exploring ideas and theories. Sheesh.
Ghost of Steve M: haha you'll be quoting me within a month. Put down the violin and face reality.
And you might try to make your points without being a bully.
Rizzo weakened the team over the winter.
Davey not up to the job.
2013: The Year the Nats couldn't wake up from their nightmare.
What are the Lerner's going to do with Rizzo and Davey?
Bully? hahaha how is that, I wonder?
Truth
Truth
Truth
who can argue truth? You can't. But you can attack the Truth Teller. Ah, now we get closer to the character of this forum.
baseballswami, don't bother arguing with this recycled troll under a new name.
A hater to the max. I'm sure he could find issues on game 10 with the 1927 Yankees also.
Davey is good at building a team and cohesiveness. His philosophies are clear. He's not a small ball guy. He plays his A guys. He has favorites. He is stubborn. Like all Managers, he is 2nd guessed.
Why is Pena at SS? I'm all for rewarding guys, but is something wrong with Simmons?
Wow shades of Game 5. what must be going through Storen's head?
Ghost and NatsLady: Thanks for reintroducing baseball to this thread.
Simmons isn't hitting
How does the 5th starter get 50 less innings than the 4th starter? They get the same number of starts if everyone stays healthy.
Seriously, 10 games. Three that they lost, and two of those they really beat themselves. Blowing things up and panicking never seems to work for any team. They have problems, but it's not like they're unsolvable. I have concerns and get frustrated when they lose games they had in hand, but if we treat every game like it's do-or-die it'll be a long, frustrating season because they can't win them all.
Swami: it's true that lots of great pitchers are really struggling. David Price is the one I'm most surprised by, he's been unbelievable for the last three years. Extended spring training due to the WBC throwing off some veterans' timing and getting the hitters in general off to a stronger start, maybe?
Well, the answer to my question came on Twitter.
Mark Bowman @mlbbowman 7m
Simmons is just getting a day off. Fredi is the playing the switch-hitting Pena to get as many LHH as possible in his lineup vs. Strasburg
Steve J, Alexandria said...
Ghost of Steve M: haha you'll be quoting me within a month. Put down the violin and face reality.
April 13, 2013 11:09 AM
I'm well spoken on the weak spots on the team, read what I say before you judge but I try to say it more diplomatically and I won't trash the team.
Davey either has to use Henry and Duke or replace them. Can't go with 5 man bullpens and I said that all week.
The position players are solid except Espi and somethings wrong with Zimmerman. Can't stand that far to the left in the box and give sufficient plate coverage and his arm is painful to watch.
Haren is a question mark and I have been a supporter of Lannan. I don't make the decisions but I think Haren is what he is. An inconsistent 5th starter right now.
Not to back up a negative poster, but he's right about the 5th starter getting less innings. Over the course of the long season, rainouts, short series, etc the rotation gets altered. Its usually the 5th starter that gets skipped over for a start. I don't know about the 50 innings thing, but they always get less innings. That is true
Mickey Vernon said...
Ghost and NatsLady: Thanks for reintroducing baseball to this thread.
April 13, 2013 11:18 AM
There's probably 25 teams that would kill to have this team as their own.
So true -- Lannan did well last night I see. The Haren deal was shear lunacy -- or stupidity. Dumping Lannan wasn't to smart. And naming Haren the #4 or Detweiler is atrocious for too many ways to mention!!
I'm mad that these jerks have messed this team up with endless and stupid tinkering.
Davey may swap Det and Haren when he gets the chance (rainout or off-days). I think he did it deliberately for this series so Det would line up vs. Atlanta and Haren for the Fish.
Agree that the way it is looking right now you want Det to get more starts than the usual "5th starter" but if Haren can get back to his historical form he is good for a lot of innings.
Steve J, or should I just say "Chicken Little", your posts are so negative they are laughable. You are so vehemently negative, one can't take your posts seriously even if you have a point or two that makes a little sense. its board for discussions, not depressing rants.
Steve J I would like to thank you for all your posts. Reading them has made me realize that JayB isn't such a bad guy after all.
Ghost it's good to see you posting a bit on a Saturday too.
Nothing against Lannan, but it was the Fish, and the Fish without Giancarlo. Stanton is down with some kind of strained something, AKA, he doesn't want to play.
Personally, I'm worried more about Soriano than anyone else. He seems a poor match up to our staff. After seeing 95+ all day, we close with a guy throwing 88-91? That ball must look like a beachball to the other team. I fear Soriano will not do well here. and I do wish Lombo could break into the lineup
But they don't *have* to skip the 5th starter; that only happens for match-up reasons/because they're generally less good and management has less faith in them. If that's not the case with Det, it's less likely to happen.
Em: but they do. 5th starters always get less innings --
But for all of you who are really interested in the team and how they play- I still want to know if you think our pitching staff as a whole has been more effective working with Ramos. Offense does not count. I just have a feeling about it but don 't know how to quantify it. They just seem smoother, calmer, more effective with Ramos. Yes, it could bet imagination. And I like Suzuki- no hating behind this.
I think Suzuki does a fine job. But when clippard was imploding last night, I questioned the calling of 3-4 of clips changeups. I couldn't whether Clip, Suzuki or the bench called for them. If it was Suzuki, I would begin to rethink his skills of pitch selection
A couple of notes.
As I listened to sunny Phil Wood on the way home last night, I thought I was hearing too much emphasis on Zimm's decision to throw to second. But the issue was not his decision, it was his inability to do so.
In the Post today, Zimm said "It wasn't a terrible throw. It just needed to be perfect." I'm sorry but this is nonsense. It was a terrible throw. Any serviceable throw to second--even with Espi arriving late--would have been easily caught by a high school second baseman. But this throw was bad.
Zimm also said a throw to first was "out of the question." He's right--when speaking for himself. The vast majority of MLB third basemen would've rifled the ball across the diamond and ended the game. I'm sorry to say this, but I think Zimm said a throw to first was out of the question was simply because he cannot make that throw.
Earlier in the game, Zimm drew LaRoche way off first, into the path of the runner then into foul territory, to save Zimm's throw and then, amazingly, get his foot back on first from foul territory to make the out. In the 9th inning, on a routine sac bunt, Zimm drew Espi across the bag and into foul territory to catch Zimm's throw.
I've always loved watching pro third basemen and shortstops in warm-ups each inning. Just throwing darts across the diamond. The first baseman rocks his glove back, about chest-high, and bam, bam, bam, these guys hit the target all day long.
As has often been noted here, even warm-ups are an adventure for Zimm and especially for LaRoche.
I love Ryan Zimmerman. There are better people on this board for describing throwing mechanics than me. I just think he's in trouble when it comes to throwing.
Anybody know of a serviceable LOOGY that's had major league experience? Also somebody mentioned Zimmerman is hurting. Do we know that? Finally, anybody aware of arms that could replace Clippard if he blows up on a consistent basis, and I'm not talking a farm hand unless his name is Trevor Rosenthal.
Looked to me as if Suzuki called the changeups I didn see Clipard shaking him off.
It's hard to say from this sample size, I think? Suzuki's getting two starts in each of the tougher series, Cincinnati and Atlanta, and Ramos has gotten two in each of the easier ones. If the pitchers are performing better in Ramos's games, it could just generally be that he's gotten more of the easier games thus far.
Swami: A related possibility may be that alternating catchers is part of the problem.
Sorry to double-post, but Zimmermann and everyone else were in perfect rhythm with Suzuki in that game against the White Sox.
Zimmerman's glass arm is now costing us games.
how long can they let this go on?
Imagine trying to trade Zim. Who would want him?
Name one team who would want a severely flawed 3b like zim. What his Zim's cybermetric defense rating?
Steve J, Alexandria said...
Zimmerman's glass arm is now costing us games.
how long can they let this go on?
April 13, 2013 11:43 AM
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"US" you have the cajones to say "us". No way are you a Nats fan.
I think a lot of people would trade for a player with Zim's offensive upside.
Man, game threads the day after they lose a game are rough this year.
EmDash said...
It's hard to say from this sample size, I think? Suzuki's getting two starts in each of the tougher series, Cincinnati and Atlanta, and Ramos has gotten two in each of the easier ones. If the pitchers are performing better in Ramos's games, it could just generally be that he's gotten more of the easier games thus far.
April 13, 2013 11:41 AM
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I'm sure you wouldn't see Ramos shaking his head side-to-side like Suzuki did after the tying run scored.
I'm also sure that Ramos wouldn't walk back to the bullpen thinking he struck out before the umpire calls him out.
Sickening watching that last night.
Em: so with that answer, Zim is only valuable to an American League team needing a Full time DH -- yet we hope to win a world series with this guy?
Its not going to happen. and he's signed through to 2020. What a nightmare.
NatsFanSinceStart said...
I think Suzuki does a fine job. But when clippard was imploding last night, I questioned the calling of 3-4 of clips changeups. I couldn't whether Clip, Suzuki or the bench called for them. If it was Suzuki, I would begin to rethink his skills of pitch selection
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It reminded me of Game 5. His negativity behind the plate was like he gave up once again.
He didn't get out soon enough to talk to Clip and get on the same page but it will be hard to forget him shaking his head on this video.
http://atmlb.com/12XGG6I
the Last time Ad Hominem Fla Jack said Anything smart was when Zimmerman made a bullet throw to first base. haha
Thanks for the thoughtful points about the catchers. I know it's early. I think some of us have forgotten that many of those 98 wins last year were not exactly dominating victories. I found myself wondering often last season if there were smoke and mirrors involved. The guys are young and talented. We shall see how they handle themselves. I think the catching situation does bear watching, though. I am going to watch the battery interaction a bit more. I get curious about things and usually have many more questions than answers.
FlaJack: Looks to me like I got a lot of smart conversation going -- talking about things that matter -- not whether our players are good family men or how cute they are in their beards and new unis.
What bothers you is that you aren't capable of in depth 'baseball talk.' You're good at personalities and clothing and stuff like that. I know a lot of female forums looking for strong men like you.
I assume we will win today, just like I assume every game.
Swami: good thoughts. We should remember that last season we saw the Mets weak, and the Phillies deconstruct -- and remember how hot the Braves got? Playing Philly and the Mets 18 times this year may result in fewer wins for us -- they're both stronger.
I hope so Manassas. But if Momentum is the key to baseball, I'd give the nod to the Braves. But guessing on one, individual game in baseball is fruitless.
I hope Stras pitches a no-hitter and the guys get 11 runs. Because obviously the season is over if we lose the game today--or even if it's a close call.
Stevie J-off, NatsJack actually is able to analyze because he knows baseball. It takes actual knowledge to be able to see what truly is going on with this team.
You act like they are 3-7 instead of 7-3. Figure out what's wrong with the Yankees for us.
Could be a sun monster day, but I like that Fox couldn't push the Nats into a 4 pm start as they did last year. There will be plenty of Atlanta fans in the park. Someone buy a bobblehead off one of them and I'll pay you back. Don't go about $10. Thanks.
Yes, it does take knowledge. So far, other than the doubt about Suzuki, I have heard nothing intelligent about this team other than "I hope we win today" or I hope he throws a no hitter" or I hope we score 11 runs today." haha this is a forum for new Baseball fans - folks who just started following the game when the Nats started to win -- or for girls who think Rah Rah Rah is the smartest thing one could say. Quite a joke
Sorry, I meant, don't go above $10. Vegas has the Nats as favorites...betting on individual baseball games is a fool's errand but I like to check the odds to see what fools will buy.
Ya see? This forum is for Bobblehead Collectors, not real baseball talk. Imagine this soft, girly girl forum in Philly? hahaha makes me laugh just to think of it
Yeah a monster Sun day -- complete cloud cover!! hahaha get me a bobble head, willya??
oooooo, fun, fun. I get to be No. 42 today!!
I'll think I'll sign off now. I just don't suffer fools gladly. not at all.
Get me that Bobble Head.
That poster was the last straw. I forum of complete baseball idiots
Dude. I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt that you're genuine in your comments but just extremely negative, but the "hahaha you're all girls cuz girls dun know baseball" stuff is just gross. Plenty of women with an interest in and knowledge of baseball, and I'm one of them.
LOL, check back at 2 pm on that sun thing... If clouds never moved yesterday would have been a rainout.
http://www.weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/graph/USDC0001
I have followed baseball for more years than I care to count and one thing I know for sure is that we don't know anything right now. Last year at this time we thought the Marlins would be the scary team. August first we would not have seen STL or the Giants going deep or the Orioles or A's doing so well. It's part of what makes it both fun and maddening. I actually think our offense looks better this season and we have a healthy Soriano instead of a DL closer. Team is healthier And more experienced. Other teams are better too, though. Buckle up for the ride- ups and downs are part of it. Hoping to see the Nats play well.
Wow!!! If that's all it takes to chase him away, get me a hundred bobbleheads!!!!!!!!
Maybe negative, maybe gross, but the girls here are baseball ignorant. and u know it. You didn't even know a 5th starter gets less innings. haha and you even argued it.
Proof positive you don't know the game. Oh, you know the rules, I'm sure. You know what's fair, foul, out or safe. I'm sure you know that 3 strikes you're out etc. But you don't know the game. My knowledge of this game is so immense, that its like a Giant bending down to talk to an ant -- its very difficult. anyway, have fun -- for Ignorance is True Bliss
Ooh, Nats Lady- let's all talk about how cute the players look in their uniforms and about how they love their moms. What 's an ERA? The equal rights amendment? Duh?
To emdash: last thing: if you're cute and not too old, come on over to my place and we'll drink some wine and talk about the game. Okay Babe? haha
Pretty please, Mr. Alexandria, can I please have a bobblehead to console me for my stupidity, gender, and ignorance????
I thought you were leaving.
Still haven't left yet.
That escalated quickly.
Steve J, that's sad you are now making personal attacks that have gone to far.
Yup, Em, kinda fun (once in a while). Not difficult, though. I love the part where he said I was claiming the 5th starter doesn't get less innings, when that's not what I said at all. What I said was, it's not fixed in stone that Detwiler IS the so-called "5th starter." If you are going to insult someone it helps to read what she actually says.
JayB was never that bad FP's 05:00 shadow he knew what he does know what he is talking about ...
Steve J, we'll see where Lannan lands. Stats don't like and he has collected a pretty decent sample size now. He is lucky if he makes it through 5. Lannan is good #5 starter at his best and a #6 or below in AAA at his worst.
And no Ghost he isn't me.
Peric, even you wouldn't stoop that low.
Steve J was Steve Hayes was McPoop...
No McPoop is a diehard O-R-I-H-O-L-E-S fan. He would never say a bad thing about Davey for starters. Davey played for and was fairly successful managing da boids.
This guy might be a Phils fan or a Braves fan hard to tell. Mets fan? Always possible.
winning percentage is fine. However we are tied for league lead in blown saves.
Walks are really hurting Clippard. Tied for 19th in walks. Not good for a 1 inning pitcher.
Also lets add on rkuns today please.
Walks are really hurting Clippard. Tied for 19th in walks. Not good for a 1 inning pitcher.
Clip was a 2-3 inning guy when Riggleman got him. Clip's arm has been abused. The guy has pitched well over 100 innings a couple of times in high stress situations. His arm starting getting erratic last season. Last season Davey pulled back from using him as much and started using/alternating Mattheus and Stammen instead. Duke is supposed to be able to pick up some of this ...
peric, my old friend, good to see you today! [seriously, I thought you had some really good posts last night.]
As Steve Hayes he stated he was an O's fan, too.
I am probably going to get flamed but there are a couple of interesting relievers in the minors who I think should be given a chance as middle relievers. Unfortunately, both are right-handed. One is Jeff Mandel and the other is Trevor Holder. They're not even on anyone's watch list. They've been trying to work Tatusko into that role but he has had significant control problems.
They haven't advanced one of these types in a while. They advanced Stammen but he worked almost exclusively as a starter in the minors. They seem to go for the back-end flame throwers like Henry and Storen who are good for only one inning.
I also like what we've seen of Erik Davis.After last night the jury is no long out on Ryan Perry, they've been sent home.
Peric, it never occurred to me that you're that jerk. You would never say things like that. Might call me a moron sometime, but that's all. :-)
As Steve Hayes he stated he was an O's fan, too.
Then there's your answer. He says he is a Nats fan but he is really one of those belligerent O's fans ... the kind that pushes and shoves fans from other teams ... one woman on twitter had problems at Camden Yahds because she was a TB Rays fan (also a Nats fan) and was decked out accordingly. Apparently, she was shoved multiple times and had a pretty ugly time at the game.
I also like what we've seen of Erik Davis.
He used to be a starter and was converted to relief last year. But he has been used as a one-and-done type.
Mandel has been extremely successful as a starter last season and in relief this year.
As for Ryan Perry the jury is still out. Its cold and rainy in places like Syracuse, Buffalo and New Jersey. Their opening day was rained out. Let the sample size get a bit larger ... if Perry continues to have problems in AAA as a starter they will likely let him go after the season.
I think the not adding on runs was my main aggravation. Someone here said why were they departing from the gameplan, which was to run up Teheran's pitch count and get to their middle relievers. But they got in a hurry to get the game over (i.e., aggressive). You can't do that with a good team. A good team will not give up down by four and they have the resources to make up that deficit. I wanted AT LEAST six runs and get to Ayala earlies.
I really hope this game is exciting so we can change the subjects. Go Nats!!!!!! One thing about the Barves hot start- it might put us in that scrappy underdog role for a while and they can wear the target. We will make our move when they start playing the Reds, Dodgers , Giants.
I think the not adding on runs was my main aggravation.
That's not going to happen with this offense Natslady. Their best hitter is still recovering from shoulder injury/surgery. He is having problems in the field and at the plate as a result. Eventually HE WILL move to first base so that Anthony Rendon can come up to play third.
Once Zim completely recovers you'll have two impact hitters in Harper and Zim but until then? You've got to scratch out runs and hold them with pitching and defense. Just as in the old days of Riggleman.
And that's why Tyler Moore has basically been converted into an outfielder. His is the only truly significant bat that they have that has a shot at replacing Morse's. He has the ability to change this lineup overnight.
Who in the name of Ching Mang Wong let that fool Steve from Alexandria out of his cage for the weekend? What a fool. But I guess when you are under house arrest you have nothing else to do but blog. BTW is it sunny in Dundalk today Steve?
NatsLady, you got it. Read my notes I wrote this morning at around 4:30AM. Espinosa in 4 ABs saw a total of 9 pitches. I imagine he would have seen less if he saw a few more strikes. Teheran was on the ropes in the 1st and Espinosa gets up with 2 on in the 1st and makes a quick and easy out.
Great recovery by Strasburg. 7 straight fastballs to BJ Upton mixing in the 4 seamer and 2 seamer!
How long can the Nationals stick with a thirdbaseman who can't throw the ball? Now costing games.
They've got a guy playing in AA who is a future All-Star professional hitter and a gold glove. They're not worried
How long can the Nats stick with a second baseman who cant hit?
He probably could play any position on the field and is a superb athlete and a special talent. You just don't throw that away. And Danny has to know Lombo is right behind him and Jeff Kobernus looks poised to leap over both the way he is hitting. BUT, Kobernus and Lombo can't be a superb major league shortstop. Danny can.
So, why worry? Rizzo has clearly stated that he wants to win but he doesn't believe winning has to be a one-and-done affair. He believes developing new talent can walk hand-in-hand with winning. And that looks to be the right way to go about things in the current snapshot of major league baseball.
Folks, KNOCK IT OFF. I'm off this weekend, but thanks to you, I'm now forced to monitor this closely.
That stinks, hits Heyward on an 0-2 pitch!
Beautiful and surgical throwing breakers to JUpton and then K-ing him on the 96 heater!
Great recovery to put the 1st inning away by Strasburg/Ramos. The Nats needed that badly.
pitched J Upton great. Too many pitches though.
Mark is correct. I don't like seeing people get attacked on here. Especially when it is personal. Lets go Nats.
after hitting Hayword game day didnt give speed of pitches. Wonder why?
When do you move Espinosa to the 8 hole. Ramos hits like a cleanup guy. Time to move him down in the order.
For you guys that rag on Haren, Tim Hudson is a mile or 2 slower than Dan Haren. It's all about stuff and movement although a 96mph heater is a nice pitch to have if you can place it!
That's what you love about a "pesty" leadoff guy. E-1 on the pickoff attempt.
Then Span does a Nyjer and gets doubled off of 2nd. CAN'T DO THAT. Immediate rally killer!
C'mon, Denard!
MLB analyst said it best, with Span's speed, why not only go half way down the base path. I am flexible with rookies, but Span is a veteran and I have now seen 2 vets (RZim) in less than 24 hours make knucklehead plays.
Mick, there's no outs, you take what the game gives you. Brain dead play. smh and disgusted to let Hudson off the hook in the 1st inning. The Nats probably would've forced him to throw near 20 pitches.
And there was that good throw some have been waiting to see from Span. I love having him in center, no drama.
Gonat... well said
djinFl. said...
And there was that good throw some have been waiting to see from Span. I love having him in center, no drama.
Span has played like an all star, don't get me wrong, he is solid all around
Span has been solid except for his baserunning which has been suspect. Getting doubled off 2nd was almost inexcusable from a veteran player.
wow! how bout that throw!
What a play Harper to Ramos! 2 hands on the tag. TEXTBOOK!
Braves third base coach missed the scouting meeting.
MVP, baby. He's the complete package.
probably not a good decision by Uggla. both teams are over aggressive on the bases early in the game
exactly Gonat, text book, every young catcher should watch that play
Oy! Poor delivery but some very valid points. Especially about zim arm and Danny. Lombo and Moore need to play.
No way, another doubleplay.
It seems like ALR has hit into more DP's already than he did all last year. I hope he gets in going soon
As well as LaRoche supposedly knows Hudson, he played right into Hudson's hand on that one. Pounds that pitch into the ground.
mick, agreed. So far he isn't seeing the ball well. It was high in the zone and surprised he topped it.
I get so tired of all the media cramming the current pitch count down my throat constantly. Often our pitchers have a high first couple, then settle in. Det had like a 23 early, the later a six or nine. If it becomes an issue around the fifth, I don 't mind hearing it then. But it 's an obsession with them.
Looks like Mark got texted but well after the Orioles fan departed.
Speaking of development it looks like the Nats may have another glimmer of a big left-handed starter up in Hagerstown .. Brett Mooneyham the guy drafted after Giolito is looking pretty money. And then eventually, hopefully there's Giolito.
baseballswami, your point is good but pitch count and Velo are the 2 objective ways for them to talk about the pitchers. They post both up in the box in the upper left-hand corner.
Then Zim boneheads another throw. Stras would've been out of the inning now will be over 50 pitches in 3 innings.
Zimmy again. Ouch. Now the steal. Game speeding up.
If there is an injury to RZim, can the Nats or Zim be on the level? If no injury, that play is simply unacceptable at the MLB level and frankly at most levels
and we can thank RZim for that
Thank you Ryan Zimmerman. I'm just shaking my head.
Span has been solid except for his baserunning which has been suspect.
Sorry, I still think they'd be better with guaranteed perennial All Star Bryce Harper and his rifle arm in center and Tyler Moore in left. That is what they need.
Zimerman thank you.
Homers happen, but Zim hands ATL another free run.
Yikes.
Peric
I thought T Moore's natural position was 1b?
If there is an injury to RZim, can the Nats or Zim be on the level? If no injury, that play is simply unacceptable at the MLB level and frankly at most levels,
He's still recovering from surgery and has been throughout the spring remember? Do you think rehab from shoulder surgery happens over night?
Its okay it just makes it easier when management asks him to move over to first base.
if Zim is injured then getfixed If not injured then throw correctly.
This not being able to depend on him has to stop.
Drew, another free 2 runs. That was a 2 run HR as Zim's throw on target would've been the 3rd out.
I thought T Moore's natural position was 1b?
He really doesn't have a natural position but he worked at first base the most in the minors. This spring he played mostly left and right field.
The homer may have happened, but it wouldn't have happened this inning, and the Nationals would be at bat with the score 0-0. Zim needs a long, long rest, away somewhere.
This not being able to depend on him has to stop.
They need his bat he's their best hitter. Its why he is moving to first base soon.
mick said...
Peric
I thought T Moore's natural position was 1b?
April 13, 2013 1:55 PM
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It is and Peric is ridiculous in his constant pushing for an outfield of a weak defensive LF which forces Werth back to leadoff.
Whoa!! at least I have Gaettis on my Fantasy team!
Zimmerman's throw is getting tiresome -- and is costing us dearly! Losing my patience and I've been through all the Nat's seasons.
Stas' mechanics and control not spectacular today.
Peric
his surgery was not over night and at what point should one expect RZim to make that play consistently?
thanks Gonat, that is what I thought
peric said...
This not being able to depend on him has to stop.
They need his bat he's their best hitter. Its why he is moving to first base soon.
April 13, 2013 1:58 PM
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Peric, who are you saying is their best hitter?
Zim needs a long, long rest, away somewhere.
Or ... he moves to first base and hopefully avoids injury so he can be the impact hitter that he can be.
Rendon is still in AA. He is Zim's replacement. You're just going to have to be patient.
Zimmerman has had throwing problems ever since he signed with the Nats in 2005. However, they are getting worse and it may be time to try Anthony Rendon at 3b.
Peric
I agree with that, but i agree with Gonat about T Moore, so it seems the Nats have a good problem down the road
Peric, who are you saying is their best hitter?
Zim **IS** and he has the huge sample size and stats to prove it!
BUT, he gets injured and it affects his entire game. He hasn't been healthy since Dunkey and Willingham were hitting behind him.
Its why he is going to move to first base. And Anthony Rendon another impact hitter will play third base.
NatsFanSinceStart said...
Stas' mechanics and control not spectacular today.
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True but it should be 0-0 right now if Strasburg's 3rd baseman could make a play.
Too bad the game isn't on MASN. I would have loved to have heard FP's excuse for Zim's error. Today there was no one to blame -- but steve Sax er ... I mean, Zimmerman
We need some runs today, and I bet the Nats will rock Hudson soon
The Fox guys are driving me nuts. Turned on the radio, but the TV is almost 45 seconds behind the radio. I might go sit outside and listen and forget the boob tube.
It is and Peric is ridiculous in his constant pushing for an outfield of a weak defensive LF which forces Werth back to leadoff.
And when Werth came back from the broken wrist? And they put him at lead off with Harper right behind? What happened again?
OH THAT'S RIGHT ***98 WINS MOST IN THE MLB***
The only ridiculous notion is your for not accepting that; and putting Moore in left is a viable solution for a strong offensive lineup.
Peric, wrong again. Zim was injured his shoulder in 2007 long before Willingham and Dunn arrived. Its been something wrong with him every year since then.
His deflection of the problems away from himself is laughable. Sure, the relievers weren't stellar last night but if he makes the throw to 2nd or eats the ball the Nats win 4-3.
Today's error costs the Nats 2 runs and Strasburg had to throw 8 more pitches.
Anyone want some good news? I arrived late after swearing at and fighting DC traffic (1.5 hrs ) only to learn that we missed the start of the game and the Gio Bobblehead. I was all ready to be grumpy when section 130 row KK seat 5 offered my young son his. Natitude. Perhaps we can emulate that type of class in this blog?
We need some runs today, and I bet the Nats will rock Hudson soon
Uhmmm Hudson has had the Nat's number for years now.
Its a good wake up call for Rizzo and Davey.
Yeah, I'm definitely getting more concerned about Zim. That was routine.
They also seem to be too aggressive as hitters today; making the pitchers work worked like gangbusters in the White Sox series, but it's not happening against the Braves yet for some reason.
Peric, wrong again. Zim was injured his shoulder in 2007 long before Willingham and Dunn arrived. Its been something wrong with him every year since then.
I go by his playing an entire season and hitting 30+ homers 30+ doubles two years in a row along with the All Star appearance. So, I guess he healed right?
This series of injuries are new.
reread quote from Zim last night "We deffinately need to learn from our mistakes."
Apparently lesson not learned. Allowed unearned runs again.
So, maybe one year he hit only 25 homers still ...
peric said...
The only ridiculous notion is your for not accepting that; and putting Moore in left is a viable solution for a strong offensive lineup.
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Span is batting .351 with an OBP of about .500
I don't know which game you are watching. Tyler Moore is good but it's clear Rizzo didn't see him as an option at 1st base so why would they put him in LF and weaken this team in outfield defense?
He certainly doesn't make that play that Harper did throwing out Uggla at home.
Either way they've got Zim covered. The problem is LaRoche is in Zim's future position. And that was the best reason for keeping Morse at first base for his final year on the contract with Moore behind him.
Manassas Nats' Fan said...
reread quote from Zim last night "We deffinately need to learn from our mistakes."
Apparently lesson not learned. Allowed unearned runs again.
April 13, 2013 2:09 PM
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Again, he's great on deflecting on others or talking in generalities and it's on him.
He's once again hurting this team and needs to be honest with Davey and Rizzo if something is seriously wrong.
Span is batting .351 with an OBP of about .500
Nick Johnson had similar stats and he hit for power? Explain to me this when they continue to lose series to teams like the Reds and the Braves.
Span weakens this lineup. They have someone who can produce that OBP in Werth like it NOT. Harper can get better in CF. What they don't have is a heart of the line up that scares a major league pitcher! That is what is missing!
peric said...
Either way they've got Zim covered. The problem is LaRoche is in Zim's future position. And that was the best reason for keeping Morse at first base for his final year on the contract with Moore behind him.
April 13, 2013 2:11 PM
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Rizzo wasn't ready for the move yet and LaRoche was re-signed because I believe they thought he could make the scoops on Zim's constantly errant throws.
So Strasburg's is getting way up there in his pitch count and the bullpen's stressed - Zach Duke today, do you think? His arm is the freshest, aside from Henry.
Peric, come on, Span is 2nd on the team behind Bryce Harper in runs produced.
has to be Duke coming in.
After the second are we going to hit today.
Rizzo wasn't ready for the move yet and LaRoche was re-signed because I believe they thought he could make the scoops on Zim's constantly errant throws.
True enough. And if this continues? And Rendon and Kobernus are batting .400 in the minors? Then what? But, in Rizzo's mind this problem might solve itself through injuries. And LaRoche looks pretty prone to injury as much as anyone his age.
Span is fine.
Peric, come on, Span is 2nd on the team behind Bryce Harper in runs produced.
Sorry, I'll take Tyler Moore's +.200 ISO. They need run producers not banjo bats.
Peric, I think Rendon is ready today if the Nats needed a 3rd baseman. I'm sure Rizzo doesn't want to make a move until after April 28th on Rendon.
Peric, I think Rendon is ready today if the Nats needed a 3rd baseman. I'm sure Rizzo doesn't want to make a move until after April 28th on Rendon.
I think Rizzo wants to see Rendon get at least a full year in AA/AAA first! Rizzo was in player development and he is a firm believer in this. And he is probably right. BUT if injuries do occur and the Nats have the need? And Dave crooks his finger?
And then there's Kobernus who looks like HE COULD replace Span at the top of the lineup and do better. The guy is fast and capable of stealing 100 bases. And he is killing AAA pitching and getting on base. And we have Danny still struggling?
But, its still early. We'll have a decent picture around June 1st just before the draft. Until then my advice is BE PATIENT and let the drama unfold.
And then there's too many right-handed bats and not enough left-handed bats.
Not enough left-handed arms and too many right-handed arms.
All they have is Goodwin and Skole on the left-side on the way.
Lots of potential left-handed arms albeit some are still rehabbing injuries.
The baseball Gods you have to love. Zim comes up with a chance to neutralize his rrror by jhitting a homer. No way just a weak fly to right.
I am convinced the shoulder is still bad.
Before this draft I expect Rizzo to scour both Nationally and Internationally for left-handed bats.
Peric, the Tigers got Kobernus as a relative freebie in Rule 5 and they don't agree with you. In fact the Nats didn't even bother to protect him.
You have to understand the TV guys are not talking to Nats fans. They are reading from a script intended for people who don't know the team well (besides maybe Stras and Harper). So it's annoying to us. It's amazing they are even bringing OBP into the picture. Pitch count is a mantra now. Who knows what the next stat will be?
I am convinced the shoulder is still bad.
BUT once recovered he is their most effective and devastating hitter even with a weak lineup around him. I'll be happy to inundate you with stats to prove it ...
Manassas Nats' Fan said...
The baseball Gods you have to love. Zim comes up with a chance to neutralize his rrror by jhitting a homer. No way just a weak fly to right.
I am convinced the shoulder is still bad.
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Something sure is wrong. Hudson threw him a straight fastball inside on Pitch 1 that a healthy Zim would have pulled down the line for a long HR and this Zim just watched it go by for a strike.
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