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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
Today the Nats will try and avoid being swept for the first time this season.
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There are no surprises with the Nationals lineup, Kurt Suzuki is in at catcher. The team called up Jhonatan Solano this morning so look for him in the dugout.
Updates to come...
ATLANTA BRAVES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:35 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM)
Weather: Sunny, 63 degrees, Wind 10 mph out to RF
NATIONALS (7-4)
CF Denard Span
RF Jayson Werth
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Kurt Suzuki
LHP Gio Gonzalez
BRAVES (10-1)
CF B.J. Upton
RF Jason Heyward
LF Justin Upton
C Evan Gattis
2B Dan Uggla
1B Chris Johnson
SS Andrelton Simmons
3B Ramiro Pena
LHP Paul Maholm
UMPIRES
HP Bill Welke
1B Brian O'Nora
2B Adrian Johnson
3B Fielden Culbreth (cc)
10:35 a.m. -- Here are at Nationals Park where we should be talking to the players soon. I will pass along anything I can find out about Wilson Ramos' hamstring injury.
11:54 a.m. -- The Nats officially placed Ramos on the 15-day disabled list this morning and called up Jhonatan Solano from Syracuse. Read about his call-up right here.
1:52 p.m. -- Not the start the Nats wanted this afternoon as the Braves put three on the board in the first inning. They began with a leadoff double by B.J. Upton on the first pitch of the game. Evan Gattis sent him home with a double off the wall and then Chris Johnson added two more RBI with a single up the middle. Gio at 28 pitches (17 strikes) already.
2:01 p.m. -- The Nats got a guy on with Jayson Werth walking for the first time this season, but fail to score after two ground outs. Harper reached first because of a fielder's choice to get Werth out at second. Zimmerman then grounded out to end the inning. Maholm threw 14 pitches with nine of them srikes.
2:08 p.m. -- Much better outing for Gio in the top of the second with a 1-2-3 frame. He struck out Maholm looking on a fastball down the middle then got B.J. Upton to ground out and Heyward to fly out. Heyward hit a ball to deep center that Span caught about five feet from the wall. Yesterday he did the same thing several times. Gio at 41 pitches (24 strikes).
2:17 p.m. -- The Nats got two men on after two quick outs in the bottom of the second. Espinosa took a fastball off his right hand to take first. He stayed in the game, but looked like he was in pain. Suzuki then singled to right field. A groundout by Gio was the third out to end the inning. Maholm at 30 pitches (20 strikes)
2:35 p.m. -- This is officially getting ugly. Justin Upton led the inning off with a home run to right field. The Braves then added three more on a Andrelton Simmons home run to left. Gonzalez has allowed 7 ER, his career high was 11 ER vs. the Twins in 2009. His high as a Nationals pitcher was last season vs. the Mets on July 19 with 6 ER. No one is up in the 'pen with Gio at 74 pitches.
2:41 p.m. -- Another inning with nothing going for the Nats at the plate. Not only are the Braves' bats hot right now, pitcher Paul Maholm has still yet to allow a run this season. After the bottom of the third he's at 15 2/3 innings this season without allowing a run. He's thrown 40 pitches so far.
2:47 p.m. -- Gio set down the top of the Braves' order in the fourth, needing just ten pitches. He's at 84 on the day and no one is up in the bullpen, Gio may be out there for another inning we'll see.
2:55 p.m. -- No one gets on for the Nats who have seen only 53 pitches from Maholm through four. One note for the fifth inning: Steve Lombardozzi is in to play second, replacing Espinosa. We'll see if it relates to the HBP Espinosa took off his right hand.
3:02 p.m. -- Gio let up a single to Chris Johnson who is now 3-for-3 on the day, but that's it in the top of the fifth. The Nats lefty is due up third in the bottom of the fifth and is likely done after throwing 98 pitches. Zach Duke is getting ready in the bullpen.
3:21 p.m. -- Two more on the board for Atlanta after an RBI double by Heyward and a sac fly by Gattis. Duke has not started this season off well with 7 ER through his first 4 2/3 innings.
3:28 p.m. -- Nats go down in order as Maholm extends his scoreless inning streak to 18 2/3. He has thrown 83 pitches today through six.
3:40 p.m. -- 1-2-3 for the Nats in the bottom of the seventh as Maholm continues to groove through the Washington order. That's seven scoreless innings of two-hit ball with 96 pitches thrown. Still 9-0 Braves.
4:05 p.m. -- The Nats finally see some action at the plate by loading the bases and forcing Maholm out of the game. Reliever Luis Avilan, however, stopped the bleeding and kept the Nats off the board. Maholm exits with a 20 2/3 scoreless inning streak to begin the season.
4:16 p.m. -- On to the bottom of the ninth with LaRoche due up to start. Still 9-0 Braves with Cory Gearrin in to pitch.
4:20 p.m. -- That's the ballgame folks, 9-0 Brave over Nats your final score.
161 comments:
Do any NIers know how the Nats Park Lost and Found works in practice? My 12 year old daughter left her glove under her seat at the stadium yesterday, and she needs it for softball practice tomorrow afternoon.
I know the A to Z index gives a phone number with voice mail, and an email to report lost items -- I've reported a loss on both -- and the phone recording says they'll get back to you within one business day, but they're only open during game hours.
Fortunately our seats were in Row C of our section so there should have been less chance of an uncharitable person seeing it and walking off with it on their way out of the game, though obviously you never know until you know.
Anyway, has anyone had experience of how quickly the Lost and Found responds to such inquiries, and how interested they seem in being helpful? Not being able to get a live person on the phone is not encouraging. I guess if I don't hear from them, I'll try our ST agent tomorrow morning.
Tiptoeing in -- looking around for Trolls. Looking under rocks -- all seems clear. hey, I'm alone here: Great!!
Two words: Go Nats!!!
Personally, I can hardly wait for the Interleague perennial between the Nats and the O's. Those series should be absolute Barn Burners this year. I'm betting that this is the year that the Beltway Series gets real serious and maybe even a true rivalry emerges.
Steady: You might drive down their today -- right now -- and see to personally. You just might get the glove back before the game!
Steady: I see where the Lost and Found is open only during game hours -- how inconvenient? but I would still go down there -- at game time -- and talk them into letting me in to check the Lost and found. If they wouldn't let me in, I'd buy the cheapest seat they have and go to the Lost and found personally to retrieve your daughter's glove. To me, it would be worth the trip, the parking and ticket to get my child's glove back. go for it.
Time to do some yard work -- see you mugs at game time
I will post again, how is Danny Rosenbaum doing and is it possible he is called up?
Love Candide's remark about Shane.
I never like to lose, but these losses have removed the pink glow from the rosy sunglasses so many fans were seeing through after all the SI covers.
It is and always was going to be a dogfight. And it is on.
But Strass will settle into a groove that will strike terror into opposing teams. Jordan will win 20. Gio will win his fair share despite inefficient pitch counts. And Det will have his career year even though he is doing it without cookies.
The IF will tighten up--this is just not who they are--except for Ryan's arm--or head. But they'll be fine.
BP needs to settle in and let everyone pitch. Work out all the kinks now and make necessary adjustments. I'm probably the quietest Henry hoper, but might be time to cut him lose. See if he passes waivers. Bring up Romero. Start to get Lombo and Moore involved more than Tracy, imho. Especially Moore. The energy of youth is a great fuel injector.
We might not win the division. But we'll make the playoffs. And it's who's playing scariest good in late September, that makes it in, that you want to be rolling with. GYFNG.
Steady, IIRC, there's a lost and found or security office near the team store in the CF Plaza. If you head over today, they might have the stuff that was collected by the cleaning staff yesterday. Seems unlikely the glove is still there after the park has been swept, but maybe that's a possibility too.
So this is a great test for Gio -- he's our second stopper, and the team really needs him to come up big today. Somehow I think Harp will do something amazing too.
Eddie -
Last season, I left my cell phone in the beer holder in my seat and didn't realize if for about five minutes after I left.
I ran back to my seat and there was Daryl, our regular usher, standing there, waving to me, with my phone in his hand.
Yesterday, Cunegonde and I were slow to leave at the end of the game, and we saw Daryl going down the aisle between 218 and 219, looking down each row, obviously checking for anything people might have left behind.
I suppose that doesn't do you much good if you're not going back right after the game, but if I were going back the next day, I'd ask the usher. It seems the good ones take care of their customers.
And BTW, Cunegonde and I took care of Daryl nicely at our last game last season. Was great to see him again yesterday.
BTW, it was good to see Henry out there yesterday, doing his best impression of Chad Cordero - a K, a couple of walks to make you crazy, another K, and a fly out.
I could live with that twenty or thirty times a season. I have lots of bourbon and Maalox.
May Gio have wipe-out stuff and may the Nats bats be hot! Let's take one from the Braves. GYFNG!
thanks Natjack
Heading to the game, looks like a glorious day, but I'm still bringing a jacket. Stras, Espi, and the Nats are getting a lot of hate on sites like Hardball Talk for their comments. The headline say, they are NOT IMPRESSED with the Atlanta line-up. That's not actually what they said, though. They said, Atlanta's good, but we're better. What did you expect a pitcher and a struggling hitter to say, "Our line-up isn't going to cut it?" Of course they are going to be positive and support their guys. This is nonsense.
This is the first year we are feeling what Yankee fans always get. The envy, the slamming of players like Harper/Stras and even Clippard and Storen as "overrated." Harper doesn't play the game right, etc. etc. It's strange and somewhat discomfiting, especially remembering the progression from
(1) Late night talk show jokes
(2) Hoping for .500
(3) Starting to drink the Kool-Aid (last spring-summer).
(4) Other fans' (not just Filly fans) hating on the Nats and our stars.
Oh, and GO GIO!!! Go Nats!
"There are no surprises with the Nationals lineup"
Except for the recurring mistake of listing Harper in CF. We're 12 games in. Isn't it about time this was fixed?
mick....no....you will not see Danny Rosenbaum. There is a reason he was not placed on the 40 man.
And Natsjack said the same thing about Zach Duke et al ... sigh ...
Rosenbaum had an excellent start to his season as the 5th starter in the Syracuse rotation and its **ONLY** left-handed one. The fact that he is the only left-handed starter is significant. This is how Stammen got his start. If Duke gets injured or falters badly it is possible that we might see Danny.
The other lefties in Syracuse such as Abad, Romero, Bramhall, and McCoy are more short relief. But, again, its about who performs the best. If Rosenbaum performs as he has in the past and again wins or is close to winning the Nat's system pitcher of the year?
Thanks everyone for the advice -- I did get through to the lost and found a few minutes ago and they said one hadn't been turned in.
Unfortunately, our other plans for the day don't let us take in today's game too. Sadly it does have some sentimental value beyond the replacement cost, as it was our late oldest daughter's glove. But it's a thing, and things can be replaced.
That said I guess Chris Young might take his slot in the rotation ... then again perhaps they will go with 2 lefties in the rotation as they did last season.
I'm not sure I would pick Young over Rosenbaum but ...
Meanwhile, GYFNG! And hope Gio looks as serious on the mound as his bobble does -- and is as effective!
82 mph fastball : Young.
92 mph fastball: Rosenbaum.
Hope that someone will find and turn in the glove, Eddie.
Also, carrying forward: All good points on trolling and scrolling. Hope that today, the Nats will get rolling. Have fun in the game thread, those of you that go there. With any luck, the game should be far more interesting than the sock puppet theater.
The biggest concern from an offensive perspective is that the team has no one approaching Matt Holliday's OPS to back up Bryce.
Again I am NOT a fan of the WAR stat its way too coarse grained by any definition. It tries to combine other stats in a way that neutralizes any real discerning analysis.
Matt Holiday's batV last season was 41.6. This would have been the best on the Nats and its been consistently pretty high for about 4 seasons. His positional or PosV was a miserable -7.5.
And no there's absolutely no reason to look outside when you've already got Tyler Moore who seems capable of being the same player in the outfield.
Regarding trolls:
I used to be a regular on Nats Journal until I got sick of the trolls there, with particular emphasis on He Who Must Not Be Named. Ended up coming over here, and the very first day, I saw that Mark had deleted someone's trollish comment. I was pleased.
So I stayed. And I'm damned if I'm going to let any trolls here chase me away. Troll and scroll.
But it sure would be nice if the blog software would incorporate an "ignore" button.
Poopy McPoop is still there under other guises according to some on the NJ. The Post's many articles generate so many comments their whole system often seems ready to crash.
The NJ posts are nothing compared to the political commentary with Tea Party versus Progressive seeming like a major Naval battle with salvoes constantly being fired.
Eddie, when you can get down there again, ask the usher if she or he found it. I'm betting that that may lead you to it. I sure hope so. I know that it really matters.
Go Gio! GYFNG!
640 comments in the game thread and nary a one in the periphery posts ... and NJ has far more fans from other teams.
This is usually pretty specific to Nats fans.
But it sure would be nice if the blog software would incorporate an "ignore" button.
Just for the record I'm sure that tends to hose their system up in many unbelievable ways ... suddenly any new post takes a lot of time to appear. And they system starts skipping new posts ...
Methinks it may fall a part soon and it may be why the Post is again trying to charge for access ... ~smiles~
as it was our late oldest daughter's glove. But it's a thing, and things can be replaced.
That's very sad. I hope it has a name in it. If it does then I'm sure they will find it and keep it.
Just saw the replay of Zim's Friday night's miscue from several angles on Nats Extra, and looked at it closely frame by fram. Now I'm even more upset, not only at Zim but at Charlie and Dave and the other announcers and beat writers.
They all told us that the only play Zim had was at 2nd. But if you watch the replay closely, you will see that the batter is hardly out of the batter's box when Zim fields the ball. Seriously, he had so much time to throw across the diamond that it's ridiculous. You can see the runner halfway up the line when Zim's throw is nearly to second base. So it didn't even have to be that strong of a throw to get there in time. Yet Johny and Ray are falling all over themselves to make excuses.
29 out of 30 MLB third baseman can make that throw. But Zim has so little confidence in his arm, that he elected to make the very tough throw to 2nd, which wouldn't have beat the runner even if he had made an accurate throw. This is really scary.
Eddie, just a thought - if you post your section and seat info perhaps one of the Nats Insiders attending today could check with the ushers in your section? Just thinking it might be better to get to them sooner rather than later so their memory is fresh...
Well, re my daughters'glove, all's well that .. Etc.
Luckily, the dad of one of our 12-year old's best friends was going to the game today, saw my blog posting, asked the ushers and Guest Services near sec 131 - and a very helpful woman named Donna Brown said the cleaning crew had found it yesterday and she had turned it in to Lost and Found, where they're not have looked closely enough at the family name she had written on the label.
So all of us are thrilled to have the useable glove and family keepsake back!
222, I just watched the Nats Xtra replay several times frame-by-frame on the DVR and Zimm never looked at the batter - it's an instinct play and based upon the hop the ball had taken and the fact that he had to retreat on it before fielding it I'm sure his internal clock told him there was no play at first. Whether he could have gotten him or not we'll never know, but I think it was his experience telling him to go to 2nd, not a lack of confidence in his arm.
29 out of 30 MLB third baseman can make that throw. But Zim has so little confidence in his arm, that he elected to make the very tough throw to 2nd, which wouldn't have beat the runner even if he had made an accurate throw. This is really scary.
The guy like to play through injury and while rehabbing ... he had this issue most of last year before the surgery? I'm not sure why everyone is so intent on complaining now. And I pointed that out ... and even then broached the idea of moving him to first base in an attempt to avoid these injuries which affect his offensive production!!!
Now, suddenly, my notion about Rendon moving to third and Zim to first is accepted? Sheesh!
You're just going to have to wait out his rehab 222 that's what we've had to do with Zim for the past 3 now going on 4 seasons. And that hasn't escaped the notice of management which is why Anthony Rendon will not spend a lot of time in the minors and why he will not be displacing Espinosa at second base.
Wow, that's great news Eddie, glad to hear it.
Steady Eddie, that merits a WOO-HOOOOOOO!
Steady Eddie, So glad to hear you got the glove back.
At the end of LaRoche's contract both he and the month older Jayson Werth will be 36. They won't be much of a threat offensively at that point. One will likely be gone (unless he accepts a reserve role) and the other will get the role of 4th outfielder undoubtedly.
I knew they would find the glove and keep it. Things like that are never lost there's always some sort of aura about them ... they always find their way home.
Nice basket catch by Danny. Another guy who refuses to let serious injury keep him off the field.
3 - 0 in the first. If the Braves sweep this series its not at all good for the Nats early or not ...
The tomahawk choppers having a field day ...
Zimm never looked at the batter - it's an instinct play and based upon the hop the ball had taken and the fact that he had to retreat on it before fielding it I'm sure his internal clock told him there was no play at first. Whether he could have gotten him or not we'll never know, but I think it was his experience telling him to go to 2nd, not a lack of confidence in his arm.
Why would you think it was experience rather than lack of confidence? I agree he never looked at the batter. Seems to me that it's more likely he didn't because he knew or thought there was no way he could or would make that throw. I truly doubt that Zim's "internal clock" or experience is so off that he would pass up throwing out a guy who was only a few steps out of the box if he thought he was physically capable of getting the ball across the diamond.
Top of the first. That's the game folks. Turn ou the lights, the party's over. We are being handed our lunch and there's nothing we can do about it. My .500 season is on it's way. I may not be a Peric, but I know reality.
The point is that Zim had to make that throw overhand to first, an arm angle in which he has ZERO confidence right now. That's why he went to 2nd. It was the only plausible side arm throw. He's healthy. It's in his head unfortunately.
Okay, good night all.
So happy I wasn't able to afford tickets to this game so I can turn off this monstrosity. Sorry to all the folks who thought they were going to see a baseball game today.
Tough to watch. Gio acting like a quitter. Time to focus on my fantasy league until October. Hopefully, there will be meaningful games in Sept. This team has no heart.
I was just in the grocery store. I saw a milk carton with a team photo of the NATS. "missing"
I want apologies all around - for telling the truth!!! and furthermore, all you guys have quit already on this team, some for the season!!! Yet no one -- NO ONE -- gets attacked like you all attacked me!!!
Why did you all attack me the last two days, but give everyone else here a pass?
Apologies are owed.
I AM AN ABSOLUTE PROPHET. it's scary how much I know.
This is good. This is what the Nats need to get on the right track. They need to be underdogs.
Tough game - guys clearly aren't in rhythm yet, and it's tough to watch. But it's still April, and Zim and LaRoche will get themselves going. And the Braves won't be this hot forever. Can't get too down on a team this early.
Ironic its Pups in the park day. Because the Nats are playing like dog p--p.
Ok, those of you who are here to whine and poke sticks at those of us who have been here all along. Go find something else to do with your time. Let the rest of us talk the way we used to without monologues from carping naysayers. None of the regulars will post here now because you all have taken over the comment and make even FUN games not fun to comment on.
Next time im in 7 eleven i'll be happy to apologize Steve. GO NATS
And YAY Eddie for getting the glove back! I know it means a ton to all of you.
Ha Ha
The Braves will fall apart in August. By then the Nats will be rolling. You can bank on it. Then I will go back to 7 11 and Steve can apologize to me. Time for yard work. Have a nice week everybody.
Emdash: I just read the stats on my phone as I just got off work. I agree with everything you said.
Baseball is 162 games not 16 or 82 games.
Everyone: have faith in our team. After all they have been through since the team has moved to dc. I trust Davey and company to fix them.
Eddie: So good to hear the glove got home. Someone definitely guided that glove home, that is for sure. Good for you!!
Ok Ryan needs to go to DL or first. ALR needs to swap with TMo. We need Rendon. We have the tools! We just need management to see reality and make tough decisions. These guys are not fixing themselves.
I step away for 2 hours for yard work and this is what happens?
I think my idea of the Curse might not be so funny.
Teddy should never have been allowed to win that race --
The Curse of TR
Werth seeing ball great. He could easily have 5-7 more hits.
Hey, Lombo's in!! I'm all for that!! Finally. Sit these injured guys down!!
I agree he never looked at the batter. Seems to me that it's more likely he didn't because he knew or thought there was no way he could or would make that throw. I truly doubt that Zim's "internal clock" or experience is so off that he would pass up throwing out a guy who was only a few steps out of the box if he thought he was physically capable of getting the ball across the diamond.
So you agree he never looked at the batter, but then suggest he "passed up" throwing out a guy who was only a few steps out of the box. The point I was making is that he didn't KNOW he was slow out of the box because he never looked. His years of experience playing 3rd base, the slow chop and the fact he had to retreat on the ball told him instinctually there was no play to be made at first, not because he didn't think he could make the throw. I agree with you that after watching the replay he may have actually had a play at first, but since he never looked then he couldn't have possibly known that - he got the ball out of the glove as quickly as possible and fired it to 2nd. And if he would have taken the time to look then he wouldn't have had a play anywhere, sometimes the players just have to rely on their experience and instincts. If you don't agree then that's fine, but that's how I saw it.
I missed it -- Espi got hit by a pitch?
NFST Amen buddy. Plus he went to my High school. LOMBOOOOOOOOO
Natsjim etal: don't really know why we're still doing this eternal post mortem on the Zim non-play on Friday but lets just boil it all down.
Zim knew he could not make the throw to first. so a throw to first was never an option. HIs only play (in his mind) was to second -- because that was the only base his arm could deliver the ball to -- he knew he had to throw it somewhere because HIS INSTINCTS CORRECTLY TOLD HIM HE COULD GET THE RUNNER AT FIRST --- so he had better get an out somewhere -- he didn't.
He's really a disaster over there. Why are we still talking about that play???
Wasian?? I had no idea Lombo went to Maryland's Correctional School for Wayward Boys and girls!! (haha)
Just tuning in. Ouch. Gio bad or Braves are golden? Some of both? Just checking in to say I love baseball, love the Nats, it's early- issues will be resolved or not. I plan on watching the rest of this game on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in April. Lofty expectations can be a bear, right? If you can only enjoy your team when it's perfect , even in the first two weeks, maybe you need a new hobby. This is still a winnable game. If not, let some other guys play- Lombo obviously wants to play. See that great defensive play and lead off hit?
Go Lombo -- don't let Espi ever regain that spot. Take it and don't give it back!!! If Espi sits the bench until October, that would be agood thing
Agree nats fan since start. Also ALR has little power. When he does hit it's track. Even homers barely carry. I'm
Glad to see lombo in. Maybe injury is the only way to make progressive change.
Both Gio bad; Braves golden
Even Simmons took Gio deep -- like Eddie Brinkman homering off Koufax
Lombo! Nice play!
TMo in. Now we're talking
Now that's about as far as Span can hit it
Where are all the posters? What a bunch of Fair Weather Fans!! Seems that the very people who claim their staying away to avoid the Trolls -- (what Trolls??) -- are the ones that run away from here when this team loses.
So what are they? Fair Weather Fans. Mores the Pity
Even the pitcher rips it --
Nats need some Wheaties. I have decided that I can't spend 3-4 hours a day angry and frustrated. Whatever happens, happens. I am either going to enjoy it or walk away. Yeah, like that would ever happen. Does it seem to you like the Braves have some kind of magical force field over them? Or the Nats are cursed? Whatever it is - it 's really odd.
Duke's got nothing -- never did -- never will.
Duke is keeping the Braves line moving.
If Gattis hits the grand salami, does the D.C. crowd hit the exits?
I guess its just me and you Swami
They could have some fun with this. they should announce that Teddy R has passed away. Have a mock funeral, and bury him -- and literally put thebig head in there
get rid of the Curse -- have some fun with it
I think I'm talking to myself -- am I the only poster left??
Guess so! I think a lot of the regulars are at the game. I just refuse to spend the entire game, every game , fussing and fuming. Life is too short for that. Hoping the guys hit the re-set button soon, though. Someone ticked off the baseball gods?
Oh I'm here loser!!!!!! hahaha
Yeah, Swam, I see the room is filling up with Steve -- I'll check back later, but I will enjoy the game it is baseball
NatsFan-- love your sense of humor. Keep me company here in the trenches!! I think they should just let everyone play, switch positions, etc. probably start a rally! Seriously, though. The Nats can not catch one break.
Well, slap my behind! Thank you sir, may I have another. SS thinks we have a better lineup?? Better go back to school baby. The Braves are taking us back to school! Man, they are for real!
Not at all see that catch just now? unbelievable -- their pitcher is hitting; their punch and judy SS homers --
I hope the Nats can explode for 5 or more to go away with something.
I like the switching positions!! Put Harper at SS, and let bernadina catch --
and let Zim put the Teddy head on and run around during the 7th inning stretch.
Bring out the Dunk Tank and let Nats players take turns taking fan pitchers between innings!!!
For right now the Braves sure are for real. Guess they should just start getting fitted for World Series rings now and cancel the next 150 games.
Nats just have a lot to do -- and many things they can no longer ignore -- no longer give lip service to .
I'm glad to see Moore and Lombo playing. I really am.
Zim just made an outstanding play. Wonder how much ink it will get?
Listen to Carp and FP telling what a 'perfect' throw Zim made;
Hello!!!!! He's throwing it submarine now boys?? He is throwing to the bags like Darren O'Day pitches: Submarine!! This is embarrassing --
Cripes in heaven!! The thought just occurred to me: I might have a better arm than Zimmerman -- and I'm 30 years removed from high school ball, and 5 years removed from adult baseball. Oh, that's bad
You just never know how this experience might shape the Nats for the rest of the season. Every single weakness has been exposed, they have fought horrible luck and a hot team. And it's only been two weeks. This early adversity may end up being just what the doctor ordered for a young team. You learn a lot more from failure than from easy success.
NatsFanSinceStart starting to seem very trollish to me ...
Well there you go all those out there who wanted to leave the pitcher in?
Still no offense to offset bad games by pitching and defense.
And the Braves still have to add Freeman and McCann. they are good, that is for sure. they finished fire hot last year too!!
We just didn't get better in the offseason: the braves did. Span was a good idea on paper, but it wont work out on the field. Letting all our lefties go, was rather short sighted.
Look at this, even my wife wont watch the game!!
Peric, Calling me a troll??? are you kidding, on drugs or what??
As I stated ... with Span and Haren Rizzo fixed what wasn't broken. So far the only right move was signing Soriano but it might be too early to determine if he ends up better than Storen, Mattheus and HRod.
There's only two people here -- for cripes sake.
Peric: Look to yourself -- your hypercritical -- anyone else who talks, I guess you 'regulars' just call trolls.
Peric, Calling me a troll??? are you kidding, on drugs or what??
Its why you are posting to yourself for the most part ...
You kill me Peric -- we agree on most things, I notice. Yet you call me 'trollish' which I consider offensive.
You must be very young.
So- Maholm leading the early cy young voting?? Come on now - this is soooo not an accurate reflection of either team. Early season lop- sided craziness. Pendulums, ( pendula??) have a way of swinging both ways.
you call me 'trollish' which I consider offensive.
They call me a troll because I often go against the opinions of Nats Head Scout NatsJack from Florida and the Ghost among others ... and often end up being right ...
This is a Nat's blog not the WaPo where every fan from every team posts their venom against the Nats because of the predictions.
Some here drink the Kool-Aid but for the most part many realize the realities of what the talent can and can't do. Rizzo did not build a team and an offense that can come back from 9 to nothing. Why belabor the obvious if you are so old and "wise" laughing.
If you are "from the beginnings" one would think you would have listened to enough games broadcast back-in-the day with the expansion team and Bob Short to know better.
And I am hoping that we are getting all the ugliness out of the way for a while. Look at our roster. Yes, the Bsrves may stay ahead of us for a while, but if you know anything at all about baseball, you know that this is an aberration- close to bring laughable.
Go Suzuki!!
Watch Moore go deep
Be nice if the current ugliness here got out of the way, too. It 's a game. Relax.
Maholm is a fantastic pitcher
last inning for maholm
yeah, deep to the infield
I feel sorry for Tyler. Having trouble getting going. Last year when he got called up he had been playing every day for a while. Tough day for him to try to break his drought.
Swami:
Agree adversity is good and we will learn. But what will we learn and how will we adapt? That's the question. I agree with Peric, we have the talent we need on the squad or in our system.
- this is soooo not an accurate reflection of either team.
NO, but the Braves did as they intended: sent a clear and present message to the Nats. You have to go through us.
It would appear that it only takes a three game losing streak to clear this place out of so many 'true' fans.
pathetic
Am I just clueless? Has Maholm been good before? Of course, there are pitchers who have pitched no hitters and then nothing more ever again.
Freddie Gonzalez stock going up today
Davey Johnson stock going down today
I think once Zimm and LaRoche get going they'll be able to put up big offensive numbers. They're all just not in a groove yet, and the Braves are confident and coming off some easy early series. Things will even up over the long season.
I do not know how they will respond. I will be watching with the rest of you. Bernie just got hosed royally.
Again, they need to put Moore in left and put either Span or Werth on the bench if they want offense. Given the chemistry and synergy between Harper and Werth I tend to pick Span.
His performance is not in question its the lack of a true XBH threat behind Harper and before LaRoche. Zim isn't there yet and is still rehabbing and in any case Moore specs out as a potential 40+ homer guy in the future
EmDash-- how refreshing. Out of all the guessing being done, things evening out is probably what will really happen.
Time to go deep Harp -- salvage something
9-0 is the score of an official Forfeit. Nats would have done just as well to have stayed in bed and not shown up
and here comes the Face of the Franchise
I think once Zimm and LaRoche get going they'll be able to put up big offensive numbers.
LaRoche will be 34 in June. Consider that. As for Zim as per the last three seasons he just needs to finish rehabbing that shoulder and he will produce big numbers. But because his injuries and consequent recoveries his numbers have been way down. And as I recall folks were very frustrated with the hole in the #3 spot after he suffered that shoulder on a web gem. Again, in Zim's case its just a matter of time. Not unlimited time though ...
LaRoche, given his age, now has to be a question mark from here on out.
I give the Nats crowd credit -- they're still there. MOre than we can say for the NatsInsider Forum
1-3 Your'e Out
Calm down you too! A little respect for opinions n posts that may go against the "norm" and it's all good. I'm sure you are all good peeps. Settle! :-)
Peric can u give me a line up and not take spam out? Just to compare. Our current outfield is tops in nearly every off and def category.
How bout lombo (better fielder n hitter than espi...Moore to first and wait Ryan out at third ? Or Rendon now, zim DL to get PT?
MOre than we can say for the NatsInsider Forum
They're here. Sheesh! C'mon this guy broke your rules Mark!?
Get the game over. Hit re- set.There are issues and there are assets. Turn the page. Pick your favorite cliche to use and move on. I will offer this opinion today. When you sub in Lombo, you don't lose a step. Fantastic defense, smart hitter , good baseball IQ.
EmDash n Swami.
Why do u think ALR and Zim will get better and all will even out? ALR who I like doesn't have much in his tank. He's so slight for a power type hitter. Ryan is clearly hurt and a huge liability.
Davey loves to "believe" and it almost always bites him in the arse
can u give me a line up and not take spam out? Just to compare. Our current outfield is tops in nearly every off and def category.
How bout lombo (better fielder n hitter than espi...Moore to first and wait Ryan out at third ? Or Rendon now, zim DL to get PT?
Honestly? I like Lombo better than I do Span! He's a switch hitter and he is a very good gap hitter. The guy can produce some doubles and triples! So why Span? Because they needed a "true CF and lead-off hitter"? Every single time Rizzo tried to fill this order with his model it has NVER WORKED. Whether JMax, Bernadina, Morgan ... and now Span.
Why? Just like the bullpen with too many 1 inning to 1 batter way too many banjo bats! NO true power. Without Morse all that is really left IS MOORE! I see no purpose in the Morse trade if Moore isn't in the lineup every single day to see if he is a Matt Holiday type (as one poster seems to prefer .. good taste ...).
You have to wait Ryan out at third. Rendon isn't ready. If Danny doesn't shape up you might just see Zim moving to second ... and not Lombo. But Lombo can manage in the outfield as can Kobernus. But they still lack power after Harper. No one in the lineup to stress real major league pitching.
And so we will continue to see games like this.
SI curse? Did ALR get old all of a sudden? Should Nats have kept Morse? All questions that will be flying around after this weekend. I doubt the Lerners ever imagined 3 straight sellouts and 3 losses at home in a row, as well as a team quitting in this game. I have never called them quitters before, but gang, they quit today and shame on them! Very disappointing!
How the Nats respond to this will determine whether they are a contender or the 2012 Twins.
Personally, can't get too upset about this one, or the Cincinnati blow-out. They just got beat, and that happens sometimes. The two or three games where they beat themselves were more disappointing. But I just don't see getting overly reactive to an April series, even this one.
I say twins because in 2012, most experts predicted Twins winning division and they ended up being the worst team in MLB
In the good news on a hard day department, Henry did okay. That doesn't always happen.
As for my lineup its still the same. Pretty close to the one that won 98 games last season.
1. Werth
2. Harper
3. Moore
4. LaRoche
5. Zim
6. Espinosa/Lombo interchangeable
7. Desmond
8. Suzuki.
It still has the left-right alternation while featuring a great deal more power along with good speed and good enough defense. Good enough to win 98 games last season.
I'm not worried because me worrying doesn't change anything, and I try to be zen about things I can't control. But that's me. :)
Trade Span and Clip for bullpen help.
Scott, ALR was built exactly the same last year when he hit 33HR and drove in 100, and has been built the same his entire career when he has averaged 25HR & 80+ RBI when not injured. Only in Peric's mind is he running on empty, there's absolutely no empirical evidence to support that. Sure, if he keeps saying it year after year, one year he'll be right, but given that we're only concerned about this year and next I think he'll be ok.
Did ALR get old all of a sudden?
At age 34 this season the only reason Rizzo took him back was because Davey wanted him badly. Period.
And here's FP saying what I said: the Braves sent a message early or not.
I think it just makes sense that ALR and Zim will be better than they are now. History does not show that hitters suddenly can 't hit -- it's gradual. I don 't see Adam wiith last year 's numbers, but you don't go from a silver slugger to nothing in one year. Notoriously slow starter. Zim is a bit of a streaky hitter. Common sense tells you they won't be like this all season. Who would have predicted HRod as one of our better relievers? Truly an upside down April.
Only in Peric's mind is he running on empty, there's absolutely no empirical evidence to support that.
Lots of empirical evidence for similar players at age 34 NatsJim. Lots and lots.
The different between Zim and ALR? Zim is still under the age of 30.
Wow
...peric is still annoying
peric
I'm afraid the Braves sent a strong message and they did so with 2 key players out.
And Timothy Folk is a dorky, Lawrence Welk of a broken record.
The Nats didn't disappoint. They almost always puke all over themselves in front of big crowds and they up-chucked for three straight games.
I'm afraid the Braves sent a strong message and they did so with 2 key players out.
Yes. And the Nats have one key player out in Ramos and perhaps 2 that should be in Zim and LaRoche ...
In the words of the late Rodney King... "can't we all just get along"
lol
Henry walked 2 in one inning JaneB ... in a 9 to zip blow out.
I wouldn't say that was good ... but that's just me.
Lots of empirical evidence for similar players at age 34 NatsJim. Lots and lots.
Fine, prove it. Give me your best example of a 33-year old who hit 33+ HR and 100+ RBI and then fell apart the following season without suffering a major injury. I will allow that the possibility of getting injured is there, but we're talking strictly performance here so I want to see all this empirical data where MVP caliber 33-year olds suddenly can't hit as a 34-year old.
If only we got a half a run everytime FP says, "even though thats an out he hit it hard." PPPPPlease.
Jim, I saw every game. It was def a great year...but I don't believe it will be duplicated. At some point every great athlete hits the spot in their career where there's a dramatic decline.
That's easy NatsJim I'll start with the most familiar. And? There's plenty more. Prolly articles by Fangraphs on the topic.
Fine, prove it. Give me your best example of a 33-year old who hit 33+ HR and 100+ RBI and then fell apart the following season without suffering a major injury.
Frank Howard age 33: 15 doubles, 1 triple, 44 home runs. .283/.416/.962 132 walks.
Frank Howard age 34: 25 doubles, 2 triples, 26 home runs. .279/.367/.840
77 walks.
By age 35 he was basically done.
Scott, I don't believe he'll duplicate 33/100, but I do think he'll put up a career average .270/25/80 season and play a gold glove first base again. There's always the risk of injury, but that's true for everyone - ask 25-year old Wilson Ramos.
I don't believe Peric.
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