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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER Great American Ball Park hosts the Nationals this weekend. |
Tonight we'll get our first official look at Haren, and he'll face a tough task in the Reds' potent, powerful, left-handed-laden lineup, not to mention the cozy dimensions of Great American Ball Park. Haren had a bit of an erratic spring, but he finished strong and, above all else, proclaims himself 100 percent healthy as the season begins.
No changes to Davey Johnson's lineup; it's the same top seven, with Kurt Suzuki back behind the plate for his second start of the young season. I'll be curious to see if Johnson gives anyone tomorrow off, with a day game following a night game. Though as Davey pointed out yesterday, pretty much every one of his regulars insists on playing every day.
Updates to come...
WASHINGTON NATIONALS at CINCINNATI REDS
Where: Great American Ball Park
Gametime: 7:10 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 186
Weather: Clear, 55 degrees, Wind 10 mph out to RF
NATIONALS
CF Denard Span
RF Jayson Werth
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Kurt Suzuki
RHP Dan Haren
REDS
CF Shin-Soo Choo
LF Chris Heisey
1B Joey Votto
2B Brandon Phillips
RF Jay Bruce
3B Todd Frazier
SS Zack Cozart
C Ryan Hanigan
RHP Homer Bailey
UMPIRES
HP Jordan Baker
1B Tim McClelland (cc)
2B Jerry Meals
3B Marvin Hudson
7:10 p.m. -- We are underway on what turned out to be a beautiful Friday night here on the banks of the Ohio River. Homer Bailey starts off Denard Span with ball one.
7:16 p.m. -- Bailey sat down the Nats in order in the top of the first, but props to Span for battling his way through an eight-pitch at-bat. As a leadoff man, if you're not going to get on base, at least make the pitcher work. Dan Haren takes the mound now for his Nats debut.
7:24 p.m. -- Haren's first inning as a National is complete. He recorded a couple of outs on well-struck flyballs, then allowed a two-out single up the middle to Joey Votto. But he blew a 91 mph fastball past Brandon Phillips to end the inning, so all in all, not a bad start to his night. Scoreless after one.
7:33 p.m. -- Hoo-boy, Bailey looks mighty sharp so far tonight. He's retired all six batters he's faced and struck out both Ryan Zimmerman and Ian Desmond on fastballs right on the black in the top of the second. Impressive stuff from the right-hander through two scoreless.
7:43 p.m. -- Hmm, that was not good. Just when it looked like Haren was settling into a groove, he grooved back-to-back pitches to Todd Frazier and Zack Cozart. Each wound up clearing the left-field fence, Frazier's by a healthy margin (it landed in the second deck), Cozart's by much less. In fact, a fan may have reached over to snag Cozart's blast. Davey did come out to talk to plate umpire Jordan Baker about a review but didn't get one. (Wonder what new Nats first base coach Tony Tarasco, the guy in right field for the Orioles on the infamous Jeffrey Maeier play in 1996, thought about that?) The Reds continued to get to Haren after that, with Bailey sending a double off Jayson Werth's glove and Choo getting hit by a pitch. Haren escaped without any more damage, but that was an ugly stretch. And now the Nats trail for the first time this season, down 2-0 after two.
7:59 p.m. -- Nothing happening for the Nats so far, but they are making Bailey work. He's up over 50 pitches through three innings. The biggest infraction in the top of the third was Haren failing to get a bunt attempt down and advance Espinosa, who notched his first hit in 12 tries this season (this after shaving his beard this morning). Span drew a two-out walk to give Werth a chance, and he nearly beat out a grounder down the first-base line, but Votto did a nice job recovering from a bobble to feed the ball to Bailey just in time to nab Werth. So the Nats still trail 2-0, middle of the third.
8:14 p.m. -- I wrote this morning that something about this matchup just felt ominous for Dan Haren. Well, three innings in, it's turned ugly. Cozart just launched his second homer in as many innings, this one a three-run laser to left field. Haren has let seven of the last 10 batters he's faced reach safely, three of them home runs. And thus, the Nationals trail 5-0 after three.
8:23 p.m. -- Now the Nats are starting to look frustrated at the plate. LaRoche took a called third strike to fall to 0-for-12 on the season. Desmond then tried to launch a 5-run homer with a couple of way-too-hard swings before taking a called third strike himself to end the top of the fourth. It's still 5-0 Reds.
8:37 p.m. -- And it keeps getting worse for Haren, who served up his fourth homer of the night, this one to Choo, who sneaked one just over the fence in deep right-center. Davey again came out to ask the umpires to review for fan interference, and this time they obliged. After a lengthy, 3-minute, 39-second delay, they emerged and announced the call stood. Too bad they didn't review the first one, because I think that had a better chance of being overturned. Anyways, it's now 6-0 after four, and with Haren at 78 pitches and due up third, I think we've seen the last of him for tonight. Zach Duke about to make his season debut.
8:45 p.m. -- That is indeed it for Haren. His final line: 4 IP, 9 H, 6 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, 1 HBP, 4 HR, 78 pitches, 52 strikes. So here's Zach Duke for mop-up duty.
9:08 p.m. -- 7-0 now after the Reds scored another run in the fifth off Duke. Now Desmond booted a grounder to lead off the sixth. Nothing's going right tonight.
9:18 p.m. -- Man, oh man, is Brandon Phillips spectacular at second base or what? He just stone-cold robbed Suzuki of a base hit to end the seventh. You know, Danny Espinosa could have 10 brilliant seasons at second base and still never win a Gold Glove as long as Phillips remains in the NL. Mercy.
9:29 p.m. -- Is it over yet? Nope. Frazier just clobbered his second homer of the night, the Reds' fifth of the night. Going back to last season, the Nationals pitching staff has now surrendered eight home runs in their last 16 innings in this ballpark. It's 10-0 here, still in the seventh.
9:36 p.m. -- So let's see. It's 10-0. A fan just ran onto the field, slid into second base, high-fived Devin Mesoraco and was pile-driven by cops into the ground. And now we've got a distinct possibility of seeing Henry Rodriguez bat in the top of the eighth inning. Stay tuned for this one, folks.
9:43 p.m. -- Then again, in order for Rodriguez to bat, he'd have to actually, you know, record an out and end the bottom of the seventh. Which he has yet to do. Say hello to Xavier Paul, who destroyed a pitch from H-Rod to right field for a grand slam. With the extra point, the Reds now lead 14-0. Sweet. Fancy. Moses.
10:02 p.m. -- Make it 15-0. If the Nats can't score in the top of the ninth, this will be the most-lopsided loss in club history (2005-present).
10:18 p.m. -- And mercifully, that's your ballgame. The Nats lose 15-0, the most-lopsided loss in team history. You know what, though? They still have the best record in baseball, so I wouldn't make plans to jump off the American Legion bridge quite yet.
244 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 244 Newer› Newest»55 degrees in Cincy, man that is a heat wave, lol
Hmmmm, "wind 10 mph out to RF". Did the Reds set that up for their LH hitters?
(Of course, with Harp and ALR, and Zim's ample oppoboppo capabilities, that can kind of even out.)
Hey, mick! Glad to see you back here for the regular season!
Desi, Espi, and ALRGarcia are all in a bit of a 3 game slump. TyMo and Lombo await their beconked call---maybe tomorrow????
Even Gooners deserve a chance to play once in a while!
I bet Lombo will be in there tomorrow. Back to the regular starters for the Sunday showcase with Strasburg.
Pressure on Haren, but he's a seasoned vet. The Nats, 1-5, have started to square up the ball. If they can do the same to Bailey, could be a breakout game for ALR and make Haren's task a lot easier.
I wonder if today we might get to see Zach Duke for the first time ...
I bet Lombo will be in there tomorrow. Back to the regular starters for the Sunday showcase with Strasburg.
Its not like last year there's no opening in left-field. And that now pretty much belongs to T-Mo (not TyMo he doesn't need a Tylenol that's Gio).
And Espy is one of the guys who absolutely refuses to sit.
Interesting blog entry by Wagner. Looks like they've finally convinced H-Rod to bring the velocity down in favor of control. Only use the top rung heater where it fits.
Ladson tweeted that Danny has shaved his beard.
He doesn't want to come out and he's not Werth or Strasburg.
... peric is annoying
Can we give up the T-Mo vs. TyMo discussion and just stay on the topic of baseball? I mean really, how darn childish do you have to act on here before your act has worn out?
Timothy Folk is a broken record.
Danny may have shaved his beard, but it does seem like he could grow back a full beard in about 48 hours.
Anyway, hope the shave gets his bat going.
NO. Not MASN. MASN stinks!
And ... you've just now figured this out? Where have you been?
I mean really, how darn childish do you have to act on here before your act has worn out?
Just keeping up with the sniping NJack in the box and his pal Seamhead. And why not? Its not like i'm the only one dude.
Beg to slightly differ with a comment above: ALR's been hitting the ball well, just bad BABIP luck. In game 2, he smashed a would-be homer that hooked about 6 feet foul. I think last game he hit one to the warning track in left, etc etc.
Ladson tweeted that Danny has shaved his beard.
Daughter-Wonk approves. And also adds that Werth's beard (in it's current state) is magnitudes better than the pic they show on the scoreboard (which must've been middle of winter or something!)
"And why not? Its not like i'm the only one dude."
But on this particular post you were the only one who had brought it up at the time I responded.
Peric,there are times when you have something insightful to share with the group and they are appreciated. However there are other times when you need to rise above the third grade level and just let it go.
All the scoreboard pictures were taken on photo day early in spring training. That's why Desi's photo has the porn star 'stache that only lasted for a couple weeks before he shaved it.
Danny might not want to sit but he needs to earn his way onto the field. His spring training shortened swing stayed in Florida.
Have to win tonight. Stay on track to win 173 straight.
We're getting like Steinberg and his Bog ... looking at mustache's and beards.
Wonk -- agree completely on ALR, he's been a (hopefully very short-term) victim of BAPIP, plus the wind (that one to the warning track in left was definitely kept in by the ~15 mph wind blowing directly in from left, as was the high shot by Danny to left-center that was caught.
Plus that would-be second deck homer was foul by no more than about 18 inches (it flew almost directly overhead where I was sitting, only a little bit more, y'know, less foul).
Danny might not want to sit but he needs to earn his way onto the field. His spring training shortened swing stayed in Florida.
The problem is Lombo's spring wasn't anything to write home about. Only Tyler Moore presents the interesting conundrum as a potential up-and-coming future impact bat. At least until Rendon is ready.
No conundrum with TyMo. He's our hairy chested RH bat on the bench, sitting next to Davey, with Tracy on the other side. None of our outfielders will need a break for awhile, nor does LaRoche. I don't expect to see him in the field till the end of the month.
I hope to work "beconked call" in somewhere, but frankly, it might be a bad idea.
Doc, if you could enlighten the dummies among us what a "beconked call" is, I would appreciate it. The word "beconked" is apparently nowhere to be found on Al Gore's Amazing Internet, apart from here, so you may have coined a new word. Now it just needs a definition.
Auto-correct meets "beck and call" perhaps?
And we have our answer when the bench guys will play:
Mark Zuckerman@ZuckermanCSN
Asked if he might use day game tomorrow to get bench guy or two in lineup, Davey said: "Too early for that."
According to the NIDO Glossary, auto-correct was responsible for Gorse Hacking, one of the most venerated, though now defunct, NI expressions. May beconked call have a similarly long and fruitful life.
I thought it had something to do with conch trumpets.
Wait, bthu ... we can't use Gorse Hacking, but we can still use the sing-along?? (Which started playing LOUDLY in my head as soon as I typed it!)
When I mis-typed "beconcked" into my search engine, I got, 'Did you mean Beyonce?'"
When I typed "beconked," I got, "Did you mean, 'beckon?'"
I just have visions of TyMo and Lombo getting playing time because Harper and Espi get concussions from sliding into home and getting conked on the head by the catcher's elbow.
The Nationals lineup you: L, R, L, R, L, R, S, R, R
Reds: L, R, L, R, L, R, R, R,
So, I don't get the left - handed laden thing. Sorry to be a jerk, Mark. I just don't agree.
Real life question, though: I saw Haren in the Nationals dugout yesterday. Doesn't the SP usually travel ahead of the team when they are traveling
We should start that ... conch trumpets, I mean, not conking people.
The "you" should say "by handedness"... I'm not quite sure how that happened.
OK, so "waiting for a beconked call" may be like waiting for Wally Pipp to take a day off. Just waiting, next to Davey, in the tall grass of the dugout. "Go ahead, take a day off..."
No visions of Beyonce playing?
Mark was speaking of elite hitter Joey Votto and the big power bat Jay Bruch bring to the table. PLUS Shin-shoo Choo.
That's the equivalent of LaRoche, Harper and Span versus Votto, Bruce and Choo? I think most folks would pick the Red's version over the Nat's at this point in time. Votto is an elite hitter LaRoche certainly is not. Harper could be an elite hitter someday but he's just starting out ... and Span versus Choo I think Choo gets the edge offensively but we'll have to see.
As for the Nat's "other" left-handed bats? Espy is a switch hitter. Jury is still out on him but would you pick him over the Red's second bagger Brandon Phillips?
In the rest of the slots the Nats have the advantage defensively for sure. Offensively the Nats will likely be somewhat better.
Sam: That usually happens when the team has a long-distance road hop (to the West Coast or Arizona from DC, for example) the day before a game, so the SP can be guaranteed a full night's sleep (or at least the opportunity). In this case, they're only going to Cincinnati from DC, so it's not necessary.
Sec 222 (and others),
I go back to the O.G. Insiders and that first spring training with MZ. I used to comment frequently, but work and two little kids and the expanding number of comments/thread made me pull back to just reading the posts for awhile.
This is one of the first threads I've participated in awhile, so permit me some obvservations:
1) The NIDO glossery is fantastic. An internet community that is willing to share it's "code"? That goes against all "I'm cool cuz I get the joke and you don't" internet commenter rules! Which is why, still, that NI is one of the best sites and communities in baseball.
1a) Somebody add "The Onion" to the spreadsheet. And FoF.
2) Reading this thread, it's clear that nothing has changed about certain commenters. *sigh*
3) GYFNG!
2005-2007 STH aka JB aka NatinBeantown aka Just some guy listening to Charlie and Dave on his phone in Ohio.
JB -- welcome back, great to have you contribute!
Only it should probably be "Onions" to avoid confusion with the satirical but too-close-to-reality-lately publication.
... and Kobernus seems like he is starting out where he left off in Harrisburg last season in Syracuse. Ross Ohlendorf pitched superbly are we sure they'd pick 82 mph fastball Chris Young? Marerro, Brown, Walters, and Owings are off to good starts.
Once Rendon gets there it could get very interesting ... I'd expect all of NJack's cross checker buddies could be watching Syracuse very closely this season ... there's a lot more solid depth there than anyone realizes.
but...but...I like using it...
Sec. 3, My Untucked Sofa said...
Wait, bthu ... we can't use Gorse Hacking, but we can still use the sing-along?? (Which started playing LOUDLY in my head as soon as I typed it!)
April 05, 2013 5:15 PM
Sitting in blossom traffic listening to the O's game and they're talkinf about the nats. Love it
I remember you, NatinBeantown. Good to "see" you!
aka JB aka NatinBeantown aka Just some guy listening to Charlie and Dave on his phone in Ohio.
Um, Eddie, I think Onion was in reference to Solano rather than, er, onions. :-)
2) Reading this thread, it's clear that nothing has changed about certain commenters. *sigh*
Seems like the same is true for you too Beany but what else is new under the sun? NJack finally discovering that MASN really sucks? Excepting Kerzel, Kerr, and former Silver Spring resident Dan Kolko of course.
Wonderful Nats post-game show featuring the Ori-hollio stars of the MidAtlantic post-game report Tom Davis and Mel Antonen. The show's lede in song "Bird, Bird, Bird is the word".
we can't use Gorse Hacking,
You'll have Magnolia Muscle Attacking soon enough ...
Mikey Mo was an irreplaceable effervescent big power bat ... the team loses some personality ... but Mikey Mo is in the right league given his defensive skill set and age. Hopefully, he will not become an elite hitter ...
Sitting in blossom traffic listening to the O's game and they're talkinf about the nats. Love it
Problem is they are again looking like a pretty good AL contender up there in the Innuh Habbah.
I remember you too NiB. Welcome back to the party. The Glossary appears to have been updated.
1a -- I know it was referring to the Solano boys, and that it was an onion truck. I was just suggesting that you could call him Onions because that's what the truck was carrying. (Because he's not an onion but a guy who once of necessity consorted with onions. All in the cause of baseball.)
talk about Chris Davis, another go ahead hit, a grandslam this time.
talk about Chris Davis, another go ahead hit, a grandslam this time.
He looks like the real deal. How in heck did Angelos get that luck is what I want to know?
Steady, you could call Bernadina "Speed Racer" too. But we don't. Solano is The Onion. We can't go around changing a guy's nickname, all we can do is just repeat it and put it in the Glossary. :-)
"Speed Racer" is Ladson's very own nickname for Bernadina. Because according to Ladson Bernadina doesn't deserve to be called "the shark".
As far as I know Ladson is the only one who uses "speed racer".
Steady Eddie, good point but I think we don't get to change that.
Hopefully, he will not become an elite hitter ...
Typo: Hopefully Mikey WIIl become an elite hitter like Votto and Pujols. I can't think of anyone more deserving ...
Dang. 1 to Deuces.
Ah, got it. Can't recall which teammate named him but as 222 says, we just repeat it and update the Glossary. :-)
Steady Eddie said...
1a -- I know it was referring to the Solano boys, and that it was an onion truck. I was just suggesting that you could call him Onions because that's what the truck was carrying. (Because he's not an onion but a guy who once of necessity consorted with onions. All in the cause of baseball.)
April 05, 2013 6:35 PM
I'm gonna wind up owing kegs.
Now that's service! My only other noted omission is a reference to the Speigner Reverse Lock.
(And hilarious, Steady Eddie. My mother warned me about hanging out with those who consort with onions.)
Toga! Toga!
(That was for the kegger. But I digress.)
Done. :-)
Now that's service! My only other noted omission is a reference to the Speigner Reverse Lock.
I wonder if the Phillies will soon be recalling their kid starting pitching prodigy Petitbone who is pitching against Roarke tonight. Given the problems Halladay seems to be having.
Wow, No crowd on a Friday in Cinci.. maybe late arriving????
NJ.. I want Haren to pitch really well tonight. Fingers crossed, rabbit's foot out, and Joey Votto Voodoo doll with multiple pins in it
Dang it. Voodoo doll needs to be decapitated.
Haren's fastball topping out at 90?
The Nats being **loaded** seems an understatement ....
Zach Walters they young shortstop for Syracuse already with 2 home runs just hit one against IronPigs ace Jonathan Petitibone.
Well at least Philly lost.
God the Reds announcers are homers
Perez with a triple its now 4 zippy over Lehigh and this is a team that literally crushed the Chiefs last season. Wow, these guys are playing better than any SYR team I've seen in a long time.
God the Reds announcers are homers
Switch the broadcast. Its only worth listening to the other side when the Mets are involved.
Five zip Chiefs in the top of the 2nd. Wow.
Dang that was a nasty pitch from Haren
well, need a Todd Frazier voodoo doll now.
Hmmm looks like they might have Haren figured out.
WTH?!
Well, that was a heck of a play by Ryan!
This ump is tough on Haren's split ... he's not getting the calls ...
Other pitches do not appear to be working well for him.
Problem with those two pitches was the location.
The left field seats.
LoL, Sofa!
Ron Cey used to do that about as well as anybody I remember, leaving his feet and going full horizontal for the throw.
Hated that guy when we was with L.A. Well, we hated all the Dodgers.
Edwin Jackson would have been a huge upgrade over Dan Haren. Chris Young to the rescue??
37 pitches or Haren so far ...
Hey, who took off the validation tags on the NIDO?
Chris Young to the rescue??
Given the way Ross Ohlendorf pitched? I wouldn't be so sure ... and it sure looks like the rest of the rotation wants to follow suit.
Haren's career HR/Fb% 10.5%. He has had some seasons with greater than 12%. total 219 HRs in 10 seasons. we are not done with that aspect of his game I think.
Oh, wait, I was going to find a beconked call ... a Hawaiian klaxon, if you will.
Wow, last I looked the Phils were winning 4 zip, but lost 13 to 4. Lovin it, Hehe..
Its not Haren's night so far.
Really wanted Det to go in the four spot. Oh, well, lots of baseball to go. We'll see. Maybe Haren can pull it together . Maybe the Nats will start hitting, maybe Homer will lose it. Horrible bunt, truly horrible.
NatsFan05, I think that means you have to check in again tomorrow, and then not look again.
Man, Span just gets on base somehow. He just does.
Hmmm. Is it me or is the strike zone getting smaller every inning?
Swami, I think Haren will miss the Braves series. That might have had something to do with the staff order.
Definitely not Haren's night ... nice recovery for Votto.
Hmmm. Is it me or is the strike zone getting smaller every inning?
Umpire's get cold too Sofa. That's what happens this early in the spring in the northern climes with night games.
Could be, Joe. Haren and Det have not pitched in a long time. I will be glad when every starter is done getting his feet wet.
Chiefs up 6 to nothing in Jersey. Zach Walters starting out fast.
As Rizzo said depth is not a problem ...
Desmond needs to work with LaRoche on his technique there. Stretched way too early.
Ian Desmond gotta catch that throw from Werth.
Haren looks a bit rattled now ... at pitch 50.
Maybe Haren needs to grow a beard.
As I said earlier it could be a night for Zach Duke's debut. Five innings looks like the max for Haren tonight.
Indeed, Joe, it didn't look like that bad a hop if he hadn't already stretched himself into a short hop. Shouldn't anticipate there.
Haren and Suzuki overlapped at Oakland, didn't they?
OOOFFF
Time for Zach to start warming up.
Oh, come on, kid with the glove in the first row! He totally ducked away from that.
If Ian had caught that ball none of those runs score. You can't give these guys four outs.
Haren's at 60 pitches now after 3 losing 5 to 0. 75 - 80 pitches?
If Harren doesn't get the velocity up on his fastball with sink as he did this spring he's going to get hammered.
Swami was right and this should have been Det's game. That should be it for Haren tonight.
I hope the boys have a big come back in them tonight.
They're still carrerras limpias, Joe, even so. Hard to say it's tough luck for Haren, though--that out would have been a gift, of sorts.
Agreed Joe. Votto was dead to rights and Ian needed to make that catch.
That said it is pretty hard to draw conclusions about Haren off of this start. His velocity seems to be about where expected and he has thrown some flat out nasty pitches for strike outs but he also has missed on 3 obvious pitches. 10 days off and pitching in that ballpark will make this an aberration hopefully.
Neither of Cozarts would have been homeruns elsewhere.
Sec 3, speaking of people in the front row ducking away. Did you see the guy in Arizona who bailed on a homer and it hit his GF in the head?
Yeah, they're down 5, so they need baserunners, but this might be a good time to just go hacking. He's throwing strikes, mostly. The ball is carrying, at least compared to the last 3 games.
Or maybe not.
I think it will be interesting to get our first look at how the 2013 Nats face this adversity. Do they think it's over ? Do they dig down and fight? Do they really think every single game is important? We have been ahead by more than this and lost, remember? This guy is not their ace. Let's see if they adjust and figure it out.
Was not impressed by Haren in Spring training and he looks the same. Could be a big mistake by Rizzo takaing an expensive chance on this guy.
PDowdy, you mean last season? And his former-as-of-that-moment girlfriend? That was pretty funny, actually.
OK, I take it back about the strike zone shrinking.
But I'm sticking with the hacking. Not that it's helping Desmond.
Adam and Desi just need to relax and get going.
The fan was reaching over, but the ball almost hit him in the face. That one made it on its own.
Props for not ducking, though.
so was that interference? hard to tell from here.
Well, at least the review will give the Nats bullpen time to warm up...
This is tough to listen to.
I never have understood why they don't have a gap between seats and the wall.
Either way, he did hit the snot out of that.
Ok, I usually don't post during games...but Jason Marquis is apparently wearing a Dan Haren suit.
Chris Young, come on down...or up...or over. I wasn't sure how tonight was going to turn out, but I surely didn't see THIS coming
very close. it can go either way.
anyways, Haren in Cincy is just a bad combination. I had a feeling this would happen.
Meh. It's one start.
Chris Young, come on down...or up...or over.
There's a reason why Chris Young couldn't get any bites from another major league team. He's throwing 82 mph on his fast ball. Harren's is not what it should be averaging around 85 but comparatively speaking?
Chris Young is Livo left-handed.
anyways, Haren in Cincy is just a bad combination. I had a feeling this would happen.
Its possible Zach Duke could be better than Young. I guess we'll see him sometime tonight ... I suspect as much.
Haren at close to 80 pitches. Duke time.
Just a reminder. The worst that happens tonight and nobody has any better record then us. It's baseball Haren will have better days.
There may be other pitchers named Darvish
But they won't make me wish we had them, too.
Yes, I may dream of P-F-B, but how can they come true,
When there will never, ever be another Yu?
Tanner Roark with a no-hitter after five in SYR.
Again- how will they react and respond to this? That will be the true measure of the team. Rattled or resolute? Desi, Danny, ALR, need to get going. I thought the small park might help them. Not so much. Maybe the goon squad wants to hit?
True, I expect him to be better than this. That's why I was excited when Nats signed him.
Nah, it's the fourth game. No drama here. The starting pitcher didn't have much, in a bandbox. No worries. If they don't come back tonight, they'll sleep fine.
Faraz, I expect he will be.
It's a marathon, not a sprint.
Gulp,
Bang.
True, I expect him to be better than this. That's why I was excited when Nats signed him.
Velocity wasn't there tonight but the control was. No walks 5 K's. Not as bad as it looks. Hopefully, as the weather gets warmer his FB we'll get back over 90 again.
Geez, it's quiet in here. Are we the only ones who didn't get dates?
You all are answering my question, ahead of my asking it. I ain't panicking, hardly giving up on Haren in his first start, but his propensity for long fly balls and Cincy park, plus he's not in a groove yet, made this not surprising an outcome.
Being an optimist, I'll say this is the perfect game for the Nats to lose. Cincy may think it's a cakewalk, Nats don't get too cocky this early in the season, Det to follow tomorrow, Haren is/was the real wildcard in this rotation.
The question being answered--of course not now, but how long do you think Davey would wait, if there are more outings like this, before considering a replacement? Late April, 4 or 5 starts? Mid-May, 8-9 starts? Later? And while I was happy Chris Young could be waiting in the wings, the implication from posters here is he's not really ready for prime time.
So, if Haren is this year's Jason Marquis--premature, of course, but come on, it's gotta be in everyone's thoughts--then who would be on call to take his place?
Anybody calling for Chris Young or Duke over Haren after one start needs to pump the brakes. As stated earlier he is coming off a 10 day layoff. If he has the same problems pitching on normal rest and in other ballparks over his next 2 or 3 starts then yes it is a problem but after 1 start people should give the guy with the 3rd best K/BB ratio among starters of all time the benefit of the doubt.
I know it's not fair to judge Haren by one start, but he was the part of the team (non-Henry edition) that made me the most nervous, so call it confirmation bias, but this game has reinforced that in a pretty big way. I hope I'm wrong about him, that's for sure.
Costanzo joined the party with an RISP home run. Syracuse in another rout of the Philthies farm team and against their prodigy. 11 - 0 SYR over the Jersey Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.
Peric, that is Haren's velocity. 89-91 is what he sits at and has for the last several seasons. He isn't a hard thrower.
That was a nasty hook from Duke to Bruce.
If he has any issues for his next start, it may be wise to let him travel ahead of the team to stretch/relax/whatever well in advance.
but...but...I like using it...
Sec. 3, My Untucked Sofa said...
Wait, bthu ... we can't use Gorse Hacking, but we can still use the sing-along?? (Which started playing LOUDLY in my head as soon as I typed it!)
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As the official copy-right-holder for "gorse-hacking", in its many permutations, I say it's as relevant today, as it was at the end of last season. Considering it originated as a typo, comparing the relative merits of playing Laynce Nix or Rick Ankiel, against LH pitchers, the departure of Mikey (even if he was our fave gorse-hacker!), shouldn't relegate it to the dustbin of Nats history.... In fact, it's high time the Gorse was Hacked at GABP!!! Why, they're knee-deep in gorse, up there!!!!
HACK THAT GORSE!!! GYFNG!!!
'perfect game to lose'
we have not lose anything yet.
Confirmation bias, worrying too much, pessimism, call it what you like. And I wouldn't put too much stock in what you read in here, most of the time.
Unearned run for Duke.
Hard to keep the gorse up on a night like this, though.
However, if the Nats get shut out in the bandbox? There has to be some consternation. But, I'm sure Davey will blame the cold weather. Hitters take longer to come around etc.
Harren's velocity can also be attributed to the cold I expect.
Our middle infielders need to come get throws from the catcher and the outfielders. That is 3 balls in the 2 and a half games I have watched that have gotten away.
and hacking the gorse is trademarked, not copyrighted.
that's my trademark, complaining about pointless distinctions.
PD, no, the catchers and outfielders need to make better throws.
The good news tonight? If the Chiefs get Rendon in June they might almost qualify as a major league team. That's significant depth in a 162 game season.
I'm gonna go get my rally pizza.
The tough part is how Haren is fooling no one
So did I miss something? Is the game over? What about our potent lineup? They can't figure things out by their third time through? Doesn't matter if the Reds have seven if we have zero-they could have one and still be ahead., I want to see some adjustments and resilience. Let's go, Nats! Win or lose, I don't want to see them befuddled. Rally!!!
Tanner Roark no-hitter after six against the Phillies vaunted Iron Pigs.
Desmond boots it. Here comes a steal against Duke and Suzuki.
Argh! Come on, Desi, get in the game!
Peric. What part of Haren's velocity isn't down are you missing.
Avg Fastball velocity since 2009
2009 - 90.5
2010 - 90.5
2011 - 89.8
2012 - 88.5
Avg Splitter velocity since 2009
2009 - 86.2
2010 - 85.4
2011 - 85.5
2012 - 84.1
Tonight his fastball was sitting 88-90 and touched 91 a time or two. His split was sitting around 85. That is right in line with his velocity over the last 4 years. The main issue was his pitches were flat and location was off. Like you stated earlier though he didn't walk anyone and he still struck out 5 so his peripherals weren't bad. He gave up 3 homeruns that would have been doubles in 26 of the 30 ballparks.
So did I miss something? Is the game over? What about our potent lineup?
They are not going to be a strong offensively this season replacing Morse with Span. Rizzo picked defense and speed over offense. But, its a long season changes might transpire ...
I find it funny that Carpenter is talking about stealing with this big of a lead when that whole think with the Cubs and Nats happened last year over the same reason and he defended the Nats because they lost a game last year when they were up 8-0. Way to go Carp.
Sec 3 yes they do need better throws but the fielders need to come up on them. Espinosa was waiting with his glove on the backside of the bag instead of the front side. Same thing happened in one of the games against the Marlins. The glove should be on the front side of the base to avoid the incoming runner if the throw is short hopped. Better throws would obviously solve the problem but little things like that also help save runs.
Tanner Roark leaves the game with a no-hitter after 6.
that's just bad luck.
Danny 2 for 3 and clean shaven. Guess he staves off Lombo ...
Peric, I do have to give you credit for the Duke thing. I didn't think they would take him over Gorzelanny (mostly because I thought some team like the Astros would sign Duke as a starter) but you were definitely right on that one and he has looked pretty good tonight.
Yes it was bad luck. However, Danny is showing signs of becoming hitterish. That would be nice. I realize the pitcher was good tonight. Major league hitters like ours should be making adjustments. The National league is lousy with good pitching. Nice to see Zachary Duke getting some work in the Gorzo slot. Will be nicer still when the offense clicks.
Gorzo also seemed to leak when he came in.
all right..i'm done with this
Wha wha. Guess I jinxed Duke. As soon as I mentioned he looked good he got shelled. That kind of night. Shrug it off and get them tomorrow.
Yeah, Duke looks great...Not.
I hope that was scores as an error on Zimm, trying to be to fancy with that ball.
Gorzo was perfectly fine ... but way too expensive for his role. With Milwaukee he has a chance to contend and he's in the rotation. I liked Gorzo. But they hired him to start not mop up.
Now, one can look at Houston and we find Brad Peacock in that rotation ...
Duke is looking a bit worse than Gorzo right now ... Gorzo throws harder and is a legitimate starter.
I just figured they'd pick Duke because of the job he did for SYR, his attitude and demeanor since he was a former All Star with the Pirates and the price and years were right. Winning 15 for last year's SYR team as a starter was pretty miraculous. This year its an entirely different story.
Here comes H-Rod.
Let Henry loose I say.
Scratch that I guess with the Lohse signing Gorzo gets moved back to the bullpen.
And the night just gets better..... Would love to see that zero go away. It's the little things......
This is only one game, but our offense certainly looks BAD. It's not like the Marlins put up a fierce lineup of pitchers, and we didn't put 10 runs on them.
When the Nats make contact, it's like the ball isn't going anywhere. This is only a bandbox for the Reds? And no one (perhaps besides Harper or Gio) seems to be able to hit a breaking ball.
Early yet, so we will see how things pan out, especially once we run into true staff aces.
Apparently Henry is working on getting confidence and control versus raw velocity. Good game to continue his good work from last night.
Davey throws in the towel with Henry in to pitch and Tyler Moore at first.
Tyler Moore at first is not throwing in the towel. He is a good 1b and is not 0 for 13. He might actually hit the ball. Looks like the evil Henry tonight. Hide your women and children.
Davey throws in the towel with Henry in to pitch and Tyler Moore at first.
He'd pull Zim not LaRoche. He's looking for some offense from Moore. Even with the score. Zim's the one with the shoulder. Also Werth.
Way to go Henry...you never disappoint me!
Just keep throwing strikes Henry.
HAHA, this game. Oh man.
I hope this wasn't intended to improve Henry's confidence...
I hope this wasn't intended to improve Henry's confidence...
... unfortunately ... keep in mind he's trying for less velocity and more control.
Always was going to be a tough challenge with a soft-throwing right hander in that ballpark, but I'm concerned about the offense. Espi and Desmond are not getting it done, and we may need to bring up Rendon sooner rather than later. I see no change in Espi's approach. That's not how you swing in the big leagues.
Well, that sure looks like mop up duty to me.
This would be funny if it was happening to another team. Anyone wearing their rally jammies?
even umpires calling low strikes now. he wants to go home too.
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