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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER Stephen Strasburg faces Edwin Jackson today at Nationals Park. |
Stephen Strasburg takes the mound for the Nationals, having made progress in his last start at Pittsburgh but still looking for his first win since Opening Day. He'll go up against a familiar face: Edwin Jackson, still looking for his first win with Chicago.
We're still waiting for Davey Johnson to post his lineup, but Bryce Harper is expected to be back after missing last night's game following a procedure to remove an ingrown toenail. Jayson Werth, meanwhile, should be officially placed on the 15-day DL any moment now, with Eury Perez recalled from Class AAA Syracuse. [UPDATE AT 1:35 P.M. — Harper actually isn't starting today, his toe still not completely healed. So Davey is going with his same lineup as last night, with Wilson Ramos catching instead of Kurt Suzuki.]
Updates to come...
CHICAGO CUBS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 4:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, Ch. 9, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 186
Weather: Late rain, 75 degrees, Wind 9 mph out to CF
NATIONALS (20-15)
CF Denard Span
RF Roger Bernadina
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
LF Tyler Moore
C Wilson Ramos
RHP Stephen Strasburg
CUBS (13-22)
CF David DeJesus
SS Starlin Castro
1B Anthony Rizzo
LF Alfonso Soriano
RF Nate Schierholtz
3B Luis Valbuena
C Welington Castillo
2B Darwin Barney
RHP Edwin Jackson
UMPIRES
HP Doug Eddings
1B John Tumpane
2B Paul Nauert
3B Angel Hernandez (cc)
4:07 p.m. — And we are underway, on-time. It actually looked dicey there for a little while, with a small but intense rain cell approaching from the west. The grounds crew had the tarp out and ready to roll if needed, but the storm stayed just to the north, so we're in the clear. Stephen Strasburg starts off David DeJesus with a 95 mph fastball for ball one.
4:15 p.m. — Well, things started off shaky for Strasburg, who fell behind 3-0 to DeJesus, then served up a looong flyball to the wall in right-center (ultimately caught by Roger Bernadina). But the big guy settled down after that. He struck out Starlin Castro on a 91 mph changeup and got Anthony Rizzo to ground out to end the inning. That, folks, was the first 1-2-3 first inning this season for Strasburg.
4:23 p.m. — And now Edwin Jackson retires the side in the bottom of the first. I don't know the last time he did that. Sorry.
4:31 p.m. — I think the Real Stephen Strasburg is showing up today. After starting his afternoon with those three balls to DeJesus, he went on a tear, throwing 20 of his next 21 pitches for strikes. He's retired all six batters faced, has three strikeouts, is dialing his fastball up to 98 mph and is featuring both a devastating curveball and changeup. Welcome back, Stephen.
4:40 p.m. — Ian Desmond continues to not only swing a potent bat but flash some serious hustle. He turned a base hit to left-center into a double, then tagged up and took third on a flyball to medium-deep center. Unfortunately, Tyler Moore couldn't drive him home, striking out to end the second inning. It's still scoreless here.
4:46 p.m. — Wow, Strasburg showed up today, huh? No "pitching to contact" so far, he's reached back and firing on every single pitch, and he's got command of his entire arsenal. Nine up, nine down, five strikeouts. He could have something really special going on here today. Still 0-0 in the middle of the third.
5:02 p.m. — Well, so much for Strasburg's run at perfection today. Anthony Rizzo lined a base hit to center with two outs in the fourth, the Cubs' first baserunner of the day. That said, Strasburg still is dealing unlike we've seen him all year. He's got seven strikeouts through four scoreless innings, and he's thrown 41 of 53 pitches for strikes. Now, if his teammates could only score a run off Edwin Jackson...
5:10 p.m. — Not to be forgotten, Edwin is dealing his own gem right now. He's retired 12 of the 13 batters he's faced, allowing only Desmond's double in the second. Zimmerman and LaRoche did each make really solid contact in the fourth, but each hit line drives right at outfielders. So it's still scoreless as we go to the fifth.
5:33 p.m. — Just when it looked like Strasburg was going to cruise through another quick inning ... disaster. With two outs and nobody on, Wellington Castillo hit a routine grounder to third base, and Zimmerman committed his sixth throwing error of the season. Obviously, it's on Zim to make that play, and he had looked much better in recent days. But it's also on the pitcher to pick up his teammate when that happened, and Strasburg didn't come close to doing it. He immediately walked the No. 8 hitter, then served up a two-run double to the pitcher on a 3-2 count. He then walked DeJesus, allowed an infield single to Castro and then a two-run base hit up the middle to Rizzo. And just like that, it's 4-0 Cubs and Strasburg has the look of a defeated pitcher out on the mound. He needed only 53 pitches to complete four innings, but he needed 42 just to get through the fifth (26 of them coming after the Zimmerman error). Not good.
5:43 p.m. — Well, Desmond led off the bottom of the fifth with a blast to left-center, his sixth homer and league-leading 21st extra-base hit of the season. So that trimmed the lead to 4-1, but then came the most interesting development of the inning: Chad Tracy pinch-hit for Strasburg, ending the right-hander's day in abrupt fashion. I'll be very interested to hear what Davey has to say about him today. Strasburg's final line: 5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 95 pitches, 64 strikes. Stunning, really, when you consider what his first four innings looked like.
6:00 p.m. — And this game just got really ugly for the Nationals. Zach Duke entered for the sixth and promptly retired only two of seven batters faced, one of them on a sac bunt. He couldn't even finish the inning, yanked by Davey after allowing four runs. A game that 30 minutes ago looked like a gem for Strasburg has since turned into disaster. Oh, and it looks like it's about to start pouring any minute now. So we've got that going for us. Which is nice. 8-1 Cubs in the bottom of the sixth.
6:22 p.m. — Try as they might to flip this game on its head, the Nats couldn't do it in the bottom of the sixth. They did load the bases with one out, knocking Jackson out of the game and bringing Desmond to the plate to face Fairfax's own Shawn Camp. Desmond did what he's been doing so much lately: hit the ball hard. He singled to left, bringing home a run and leaving himself a triple shy of the cycle for the second time in less than 24 hours. But that's where the rally died. Espinosa struck out and Moore grounded out on the first pitch, so it's still 8-2 as we move to the seventh. But at least it didn't rain. So we've got that going for us. Which is nice.
6:32 p.m. — Yikes, Zim with his second error of the day, this one a hard grounder under his glove. You've got to wonder where his head is right now. Though to his credit, he started a very nice 5-4-3 double play to end the top of the seventh. Still 8-2.
6:54 p.m. — Once again, no cycle for Desmond. Needing a triple in his final at-bat, he struck out. Oh well. Still 8-2 going to the ninth.
7:14 p.m. — It's over. Nats lose 8-2, snapping their five-game winning streak. It'll be real interesting to hear what Davey Johnson, Ryan Zimmerman and Stephen Strasburg have to say after this one. Check the homepage later for their reaction.
239 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 239 Newer› Newest»Davey taking his time with the lineup it seems.
Harper still trying to lobby his way in.
Et cum spiritu tu to that.
latest model runs show storms coming thru after 8 pm
but the best forecast will be the one where you look at the window first.
I'm thinking they get this game in.
Have to wonder if he is considering resting Span and putting the entire bench in the outfield today. Doesn't look like they plan on using Lombo in the outfield as they did last season.
According to Kerr the Nats really like Kobernus competitive spirit (the guy is like Desi ... maybe beyond) and athleticism. I still think he fits Lombo's role better than Lombo. He's actually managed to do okay in CF.
So what's the word on the street about Kobernus' arm--particularly for CF???
Kobernus doesn't have a rocket launcher but his arm is good enough at short or third. In other words he fits young, hungry UTL to a tee. He's a gap hitter and line drive sprayer ... sigh ... but another guy who doesn't believe in the school of walks.
The Shark instead of BHarp. He should have known not to tweet that photo.
Speaking of Kobernus' arm strength, a college coach I know once told me that in his opinion a second baseman needed a stronger arm than a third baseman. When asked why he pointed to the relay throws made by a SS or 2B guy and said that the third baseman usually wasn't required to make such throws.
Seems logical to me but I'd be interested to read other opinions on the subject.
The photo is down now.
a second day to heal the skin area won't hurt.
7-1 in May.
sunny in Manassas for the last 90 minutes.
Mule wonders if Knoxville's college coach was a former 2nd baseman :-). The geometry of the infield has he 3rd baseman making the same diagonal throw to 1st base as the catcher does to 2nd. Shortstop often throws from deep in the hole without forward momentum. Most throws from 2nd baseman are to 1st or 2nd base.
Mule opines that even a 1st baseman needs more arm strength than a second-sacker, since he is required to throw to 2nd base to initiate double-plays, home on grounders with runner on 3rd, and (albeit rarely) across the diamond to 3rd.
Aside from sure-handedness, Mule likes 2nd basemen such as Espinosa with exceptional range, especially to the left or glove-side. Many hits prevented thus.
Dunno whether anybody on the game thread today will have any interest in this, but...
As I've mentioned here before, I am the main owner of season tickets in a couple sections. I have six partners for two seats apiece in 313 and 220. All my partners have all their games assigned to their Red Carpet cards.
Last night one of my partners showed up for his legitimately purchased game in 313, and one of his seats was occupied by somebody with a valid ticket. WTF??
When he ran around and asked people about it, he was told that I, Dave, had swapped the ticket. (Understand that I didn't even own that ticket to swap it--let alone actually swap it.)
I've sent my ticket rep a long, detailed, and irate email. I'm having a problem understanding how my partners (or I, for that matter) can trust that our season seats are going to be there waiting for us when we show up. Especially if the Nats are going to just sell them, willy-nilly, to anybody who walks up to the box office.
I suspect this may have had something to do with a tricky multiple-game ticket swap I did earlier, involving tickets that I actually owned. I'm shocked that they'd swap tickets I don't even own and then tell my plan partner I was the one who did it.
Not even close. Caveat emptor.
as mentioned in yesterday' thread. I prefer the non contact Strasburg where he pitches 6 innings 105 pitches with 10 Ks. the the pitch to contact Strasburg.
So Dave, where did your ticket partner end up sitting last night? Did the Nats give him two tickets in a comparable location?
i spoke to soon. sun left rain is back.
Sucks about harper if he reads this i hope he feels better soon.
dave there were open sears in Lexus presidents seats.
Knoxville, I just sent my partner an email asking that very question. I don't know, but I hope he was sitting in the prime section where we have paid for our seats.
I am beside myself. Not only was I maligned, but my partner was robbed of the seat he paid for.
I'm going to do my best to get the Nationals to make this good by my partner. At the very least they owe him a couple of free tickets, in my opinion. Plus an abject apology.
On another ticket related issue, the guy if front of us, a partial plan ST holder, was running late,left his Red Card in his car, so thought he'd just buy a cheap seat and then go to his regular seat in the IF Gallery. Well, they told him the cheapest ticket available was $57! So he went to Guest Services, showed him his ID, and they admitted him for free. So, they can be accommodating.
A stat I find amazing regarding today's game: Strasburg vs. Jackson, between them they have had 10 decisions and there is only one win, and 9 losses, between the two of them!
Actually, there's more. It turns out they also screwed a different partner out of his ticket for the Thursday make-up game of the rainout.
So people are missing game-watching time trying to get to their seats, and the Nats are blaming me for the entire screw-up.
I am livid right now. I've been a loyal STH for eight years. I now feel like they don't care whether I live or die.
Aside from sure-handedness, Mule likes 2nd basemen such as Espinosa with exceptional range, especially to the left or glove-side. Many hits prevented thus.
Can't agree more with Hari Seldon's Mule.
I am livid right now. I've been a loyal STH for eight years. I now feel like they don't care whether I live or die.
Go over their head in person to their offices and make them make good.
Yep, Peric, I think it's come to that.
It's pouring here in Fairfax. :/
Dave, it sounds like the Ticket Services folks at the park were just making up an explanation to give your partner. If your partner entered the park using the card, there is no way a legitimate ticket could have been printed for that seat, by you or anyone else. If the printed ticket was legit, that's the Nats screwup not yours, but I'm doubtful that's what happened. How closely did he or the usher check the ticket? The online system seems pretty solid, though human error certainly can work its way into future game exchanges.
You and your partners can double check what seats are on their cards by clicking on the "Email Seats" link on your accounts and then on the dropdown menu next to "Games." That will show you all the seats that are or were on your cards and whether they are still active or have been transferred.
Good luck.
Rain gone sun back in Manassas.
Deuces, I have the impression from both my partners that indeed, they were shut out of their tickets for those two games.
I assumed the same thing you did: that none of the tickets in question were associated with me on my RCR account, and that both partners had the tickets associated with their accounts, and that it should've been easy to look up.
Nevertheless, both partners report to me that the ticket-window identified me BY NAME as the person who had swapped off their tickets (ticket which I had assigned to the partners' accounts March 23 and March 24).
I'm quite sure it's the Nats' screwup and not mine. There's no way I could've had anything to do with any of these situations, since I didn't have section 313 tickets for any of the games in question. My partner who was screwed over last night told me his seat was occupied by somebody with a valid ticket. (Emphasis his. Pretty sure he looked at the other person's ticket himself.)
I think I've identified the VP in charge of ticket sales. If/when my regular ticket rep cannot make this good on Monday, the next step it to escalate, as Peric suggested.
I'm flying during this game. I expect to land and see another Curlie W in the books!
GYFNG!
Oh yeah, forgot to mention: 222, what you suggest about looking up assigned games on our RCR accounts is the very first thing I did when I got on my computer today. No question--I have nothing to do with the seats that were re-sold.
If/when my regular ticket rep cannot make this good on Monday, the next step it to escalate, as Peric suggested.
Heck I'd go to the Lerner's headquarters. Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets oiled as long as it doesn't squeak all the time.
Well, I already took a third of a day off work on Thursday to go to a make-up game that it turns out I didn't have to go to.
So I'll be doing this complaining by email and telephone. I don't have free time to go storm the barricades this week. :-)
Yay, daytime baseball! I actually have a shot at staying awake. (Eh, probably not , as I already dozed off once today. More coffee here, please.)
Go, NATS!!
I'll probably go to the LA series this time ... don't look for me ... ~laughing~
Dave- sounds like a complete audit of all your transactions is in order at this point . New systems often have glitches and it sounds like you are the major glitch-ee. Good luck!!!
So I'll be doing this complaining by email and telephone. I don't have free time to go storm the barricades this week. :-)
A pointedly written snail mail letter receipt requested along with personal appearances tend to get folks in trouble. Which they hate. Jobs aren't plentiful now-a-days.
Here's my question Dave, which your summary of the situation doesn't make totally clear: Did your partners in each case use their cards to enter the park? If so, there shouldn't have been any other ticket for that seat, and if there was such a ticket, that's the Nats fault, not yours or your partners. I've been told by my rep that once I transfer seats to my partners's cards, my partners have exclusive control of them. To get them back, they would have to email the seats back to me.
If they got into the park using some other ticket, then, of course, they have no right to sit in the seat on the card.
As I understand it, 222, the partner who was screwed last night was able to get into the park using both red cards. He didn't discover the double-sale of the seat until he got to 313.
The partner who was screwed on Thursday had, to my knowledge, a paper ticket he got as a result of a prior ticket exchange.
It seems to me that, notwithstanding was your ticket rep told you, if something goes screwy with your partners' tickets, they will be very happy to throw you under the bus for it.
I have a strong suspicion that this has to do with my own earlier complex game swap. In order for me to get the swap done correctly, I had to call the ticket office (about five times). The last time I called, the woman with whom I spoke did some kind of override in the system. I bet she screwed up something when she did that.
However, this tells me that the ticket reps aren't looking at the same ticket database as what we see when we log into our RCR accounts. In other words, it seems like they are looking at the account on an overall level and have no access to which person has which ticket on his/her RCR account.
Once again, it's absolutely the Nats fault. My quest now is to figure out 1) who screwed up what to make it happen; 2) why I am being blamed for it; and 3) how I (or you, or anybody) can trust that it won't happen again. I'm not feeling very trusting today. I don't have today's game, and I am very concerned that my partner who has it could get some kind of rude surprise when he gets to his seats.
If that happens, then game on. I'm going to consider lawyering up.
Dave, keep in mind that as the STH of record for those seats, you will show up as having transferred those tickets to your partners in the first place. That may be the transfer the ticket office is seeing. Could be that you or the system accidentally screwed up that transfer. It happens.
"notwithstanding what your ticket rep told you," etc.
Good luck Dave. My rep has been able to verify which of my partners has which tickets on their cards. He seems to have access to pretty much everything, including whether tickets are up on StubHub, even though my RCR account doesn't show that.
But you're probably right about the complicated swap and override being the root of the problem. That introduces the human error component.
I'll be interested in hearing the explanation and the resolution if you want to share it.
Apparently Jordany Valdespin pimped his HR yesterday. Just got plunked in the arm today by the Pirates pitcher when he came to bat late in the game. Terry Collins said Valdespin plays "with flair" and that can get him into trouble. Yeah. Flair.
Wainwright no hitter through 5. After Shelby Miller 1-hit them yesterday. That means the Rox have not had a hit in 14 innings...
Oh man, that Julie A piece on Club 3 was cringe inducing. "How cool is it to watch a game from here?" I'm afraid she seems to have graduated from the Debbi T school of broadcasting.
Ok- let's see which Stras shows up today....
NatsLady,
Jordany hit his HR in the bottom of the 9th to make a 7-1 game 7-2. I can't understand why he would be pimping anything in that situation. Dumb if you ask me.
Not so much, Nats Jack, three balls first, then the strikes. The first inning terrifies me when he is pitching.
Through the top of the 1st and on to EJax.
Mark Zuckerman @ZuckermanCSN 34s
That was Stephen Strasburg's first 1-2-3 1st inning this season. #NationalsTalk
Jeez...
No hitter bid getting serious. I think I may need to do some channel surfing.
Look at that, Zimmerman moved closer to the plate. Ghost of Steve M. must have called NatsJack to call Rizzo.
Strasburg looking very good today.
Wainwright no hitter is over
Whatever Desi is drinking he needs to pass it around the dugout.
Sigh. Tyler...
I like this strike zone.
Strasburg's stuff is absolutely FILTHY today.
David, beyond filthy.
Have the players not noticed the strike zone today? It's generous. If the pitch is borderline, they need to be swinging.
BOOOOOOOOOOOO
Still filthy. Nats need to get Stras some runs here.
Stras is on his A game today! Even on the hit, Rizzo's shot was probably him sitting on a fastball and squaring up a high changeup. Strike zone looks to be generous up and in, but not outer edge.
Meanwhile, in SF, Malholm has thrown over 55 pitches through 3 innings, and the Barves trail 1-0. I wonder what the Barves' blog sites look like these days?
Boy our bench players just look horrid at the plate. I'm tired of hearing they just need at bats - when they are getting them they are waving the bat at pitches. Wake up goon squad.
Looks like we got good EJax today. No big deal. Just get to their atrocious bullpen. Stras will keep us in the game.
Desi's gonna have to get a homerun.
TylerMo needs to go back to AAA and learn how to recognize a slider. Tracy needs to retire. Not sure what Rizzo saw in Tracy after he returned from the DL. He hasn't hit a HR since May 2012.
1 hit against a guy with a 6 era. I dont think Ejax is that special.
Harpo needs to go back to being silent ... as he was the one that never talked of the three Marx brothers. Arrrggh ...
If it keeps up they will definitely need to make a few trades to get a better bench. None of them have been good.
Espinosa == Rocket arm.
BERNADINA to Espinosa!!!
Espi! Man, that was a sick throw! Rather have Esp I than Uggla, that's for sure.
Been gone awhile. Where's the offense? Well, there's some from the Cubs. I mean from the Nats.
Good throw-out by Espi there, though.
Zim still has the scatter arm.
Someone must have said that already but its Ramos behind the plate. Should always be him with Stras
Valbuena was K'd and the ump missed it. Good thing the Nats got him at 3rd.
Another Zimmerman throwing error.
Now Strasburg has to throw extra pitches.
Horrible tag by zim he was safe.
Then he follows up with a horrible throw.
Ouch! Vintage Zimm?
Amazing how you can tell when its gonna happen with Zim
Uh oh Stras is rattled ad EJax can hit.
Now the worst thing. Strasburg is now off his pace. Thanks Ryan Zimm!
"Exposremains said...
Amazing how you can tell when its gonna happen with Zim"
Hows that. Any routine grounder the whole stadium holds their breath. His defense is atrocious.
Ryan Zimmerman Syndrome
Stras is trying to be too fine here.
Wow.
Ramos should maybe go out to talk to Stras after errors. Geez.
Thanks Zimm for those two unearned runs.
Like I said, EJax can hit.
He had Jackson 0-2, and that happens?
Ryan Zimmerman once again has ruined another game for a pitcher.
Sorry with the 8 and 9 hitter the ace has to pick up the team. SS just cannot handle a mistake by a teammate. Errors happen.
Zim had better get the damned bat untracked. The errors can be tolerated if the bat wakes up.
Zim with yet another unforced disaster.
I'm sorry a guy who wants be be an ace on a championship staff has to be mentally tougher than this.
SS just cannot handle a mistake by a teammate. Errors happen.
Still a year behind Zimmermann ... he'll get better as his first (hopefully) full season progresses.
FP is right. Errors happen. Stras walks a .153 hitter, and goes to 2 srikes on the pitcher and can't get him. Bernadina and Espinosa just did you a SOLID, Stras. Calm down and pitch.
It's not on Ryan that Stras is a head case. He can only pitch when everything around him is perfect. One little glitch and he falls apart. Let's see if he can pull it back together and the Nats can start hitting.
You can also tell how it affects the whole team when Zim throws it away. They lose their focus, they think about it and next thing you know the whole thing unravels. Completely ruins Stras performance.
Call to the 'pen please. Our ace is cooked.
"peric said...
Zim had better get the damned bat untracked. The errors can be tolerated if the bat wakes up."
If you really believe that statement your baseball IQ is lower than I thought.
Even though I blame this totally on Zimm, SS Has to be able to get out of that. There is no excuse to allowing that to their 8-9 hitters.
Ramos and Cat better come out and settle Stras or this game will get out of hand.
If they can get this last out they won't have to get Duke up ... yet.
Errors happen but this is a player who just isn't ready to be playing right now.
He has killed Strasburg today.
Stras has ruined himself this inning. Ryan put a guy on first with the bottom of the order coming up and two outs. SS has fallen apart since then. An ace needs to pick his players up like the outfield did for SS to start he inning.
I think it is very distracting because its not any error its the FoF completely losing it. Thats a big deal.
Stras is still developing - when things go wrong he loses focus. With time he can hopefully learn Zimmermann's mentality.
When the wheels go off for him, they go off big.
Look at Stras he didn't even back up the play he just moped on the mound. Prima Donna.
Going to throw 40 pitches this inning, so he is done, if only to save his arm.
This staff, the whole team, struggles to make the final out. Basically, when they press, they play VERY poorly.
The Cubs, not the other hand, seem to play poorly without pressing.
Oh- that is total crap. Every single starting pitcher in the majors has to deal with errors and bad calls every single start. Stras needs to get over himself because nothing is ever perfect- ever. He is one hot mess. And this is totally not on Ryan. 2 outs, 8 and 9 up. Really.
With time he can hopefully learn Zimmermann's mentality.
People keep forgetting this is Stras' first full year. Everyone expects him to be Roger Clements and for Zim to heal from major shoulder surgery over night.
Zim is there for his bat make no mistake. And the same is true for LaRoche. If they don't produce offensively they will find someone that can by trade or prospect even if they don't handle the glove as well.
Good lord. Is that inning over yet? Yes, finally, mercifully.
I'm afraid the story on Strasburg this week in the media is how surprisingly non-shutdown he is this season. That was ugly.
No he didn't. Strasburg killed Strasburg. You have 2 outs and a runner on first, the 8 and 9 hitters coming up and you can't handle it? Ridiculous. (And it will show as unearned errors, too, so Stras' line won't look bad).
I'm sorry, it's not Strasburg's "first year." He did exactly the same thing last year, and in previous games this year. He's like some students I have that are full of talent and can't get over the slightest adversity.
Thank you, Desi. Let's get this game back.
Desmond regains a modicum of self-respect for the team. If only somebody were on base.
Strasburg killed Strasburg. You have 2 outs and a runner on first, the 8 and 9 hitters coming up and you can't handle it?
Again, and how many times has Stras completed a full year approximately 33 starts? And how many playoff appearances? And how many did Roger Clemens have before he finally figured it out? It took even longer for the Big Unit to "get there". Sheesh.
Natslady why don't you go look at the Big Units stats his first couple of years before spouting such garbage.
Strasburg still developing? Excuses. He has been pampered, sheltered and shielded since day one. A professional anything just cannot be this fragile.
Or shall I do it for you?
This is a YOUNG staff. The fact they got as far as they did last season really is nothing short of miraculous. And at this point Stras is still pitching better than Gio who does have more experience. What's his excuse?
I don't get what "first full season" has to do with it. It's mid-May. He hasn't pitched well yet. It's not like he's worn down by the late-season grind or something. Right now Stras is the weakest starter.
Peric I disagree. This is about him not being able to work thru adversity. Not sure how many starts you have to stop being mentally fragile; I can argue it will never change if he hasn't learned that by now.
And Tyler the bat continues to crush the ball
I had a student with a beautiful voice, lovely looks, etc. She didn't follow my advice and was unprepared in her recital, and forgot the lyrics. Guess what--she quit. Now, Stras has been through a lot, chubby kid, turned himself around in college, TJ surgery and recovery--he needs to NOT QUIT. His teammates haven't quit. Desi with a HR, Espi with a hit.
"NatsLady said...
No he didn't. Strasburg killed Strasburg."
Until Strasburg changes his ways, any deviation from the routine will effect Strasburg. I'm not making excuses for him. Its just the way it is.
It took Randy Johnson (who started out with this franchise) around four years to become a consistent starter and ace?
"Figuring it out" is what Henry is doing. Henry can't handle his own stuff. Stras really, really should be beyond that, if he wants to be an Ace.
Yeah- and it's Shelby Miller and Matt Harvey's first season also. NatsLady- I was relating to musicians also. I have known some incredible talents that just could not handle themselves at all.
While I blame Zimm for this disaster.. Stars is supposedly an 'ace' and as such he should be able to easily get out of that inning. I'm so tired of talking about him loosing it over small little things. He needs to man up and not let that kind of stuff ruin his night.
Stras has been through a lot, chubby kid, turned himself around in college, TJ surgery and recovery--he needs to NOT QUIT.
I didn't see him throw his glove in the air like Morgan. Playing major league baseball isn't easy. Never believe that it is.
peric, let it go. As a cancer survivor, you should know that LIFE isn't easy. My sis was just diagnosed. I'm a little touchy right now, and don't have a lot of sympathy for Stras.
It took Clemens at least 2 partial years before he "got good". It wasn't pretty before that.
Strasburg dropped his ERA to 3.10.
Yes, he needs to control his emotions amid adversity, but he's been poorly served in his starts by anemic offense and spotty defense on routine plays.
Peric he didn't throw his glove in the air but he stood on the mound and pouted. Not what you like to see in your teammate.
As a cancer survivor, you should know that LIFE isn't easy.
Oh god I'm sure I'll hear about this forever. That's definitely no excuse. Its a good explanation sometimes BUT never an excuse.
The skill associated with becoming a polished starting major league baseball pitcher are enormous and difficult. Even without the pressure Strasburg started out with as the guy on the SI cover.
NO Stras isn't there yet. And its not like other HOF grade pitchers became great overnight.
Zach Duke. I think that was pitcher in Syracuse that Peric wanted as the September starter last year.
Again- the situation was two outs, 8 and 9 hitters up. Suppose the guy on first had gotten a hit or walked ? You mean to tell me he could have pitched out of it then? It just depends on how someone gets on base how you pitch? Get real. Watch his face and body language. I am guessing he does not play poker.
There is no arguing that Stras is a young, inexperienced pitcher. He didn't toil away in the minors for years before graduating to the Show. He came from college, where he dominated, and has never really experienced a lot of adversity. He is learning how to handle it, just as Jordan learned to. (Jordan, however, has experienced a lot more adversity than Stras has.)
Even Davey said Stras was "... a babe in the woods." And until he learns to focus and bear down, and not let things get to him (Hot Stuff, wet mound, errors, dripping sweat, etc.), I believe that he will just be a guy with great stuff.
There is no defense for either of them...if Davey had any balls he would send them both to Syracuse on the next plane.
Looks like Duke doesn't have it today.
Kind of makes me wonder about Mr. Rosenbaum more and more.
Zach Duke is awful.
Zach Duke: human white flag of surrender.
Can anybody remind me why Duke is on the team
And -- with his temperament and lack of experience he never, ever should have been named our ace or called our horse. He cannot handle it. If he was three, pressure is off while he finishes " developing".
Zach Duke. I think that was pitcher in Syracuse that Peric wanted as the September starter last year.
Best starter last season for the Chiefs. Deserved the call up. Definitely deserved those spot starts over Lannan who also POUTED and couldn't handle getting sent down when he lost his job. What was the excuse for your boy Lannan Natslady?
Hell yeah Duke outpitched Lannan and had the better attitude last season.
This season? Rosenbaum looks a lot better so far.
Nats Lady:
Best wishes to your sister.
Can anybody remind me why Duke is on the team
Long relief after Stammen. Mop up.
Stammen pitched yesterday.
Very nice of Zach to throw BP today, sure their regular BP pitcher is grateful for the day off.
When was the last time Duke pitched ? Anyway- if our offense does not give in, this is not out of range yet. Either that, or it's the day to get everyone some work.
Have to wonder about Duke after this. Rosenbaum is pitching lights out but he specs out better as a starter.
Natslady, thinking good thoughts for your sister.
Peric,
Every single player you tout from AAA comes up here and sucks...you then move on to some other AAA guy who will also come up and suck. Watching you post is like watching Espinosa try to adjust to a high fastball.
When was the last time Duke pitched ?
Its been awhile. Still he is one of the "veteran presence". Former All Star and starter. This is a part of his job just as it was Miss Iowa's.
Duke stinks. I have never seen a good pitch sequence from him, let alone an outing. Is Livo still available?
Every single player you tout from AAA comes up here and sucks...you then move on to some other AAA guy who will also come up and suck.
Uh huh. Last I looked my batting average was quite a bit higher than yours.
We dont need two long men relievers, our staff has consistent going 6/7/8 innings, sent duke down and bring a Lefty specialist
The game was still within reach at 4-1. Getting tougher at 6-1.
Peric, thats your problem. You see someone doing great in the minors and you think it will happen in the majors. It doesn't work that way and its taken you to long to not figure it out.
Hello?? Offense??? And I suppose if we had scored early, Stras would have been more "comfortable". One more thing and then I will stop. I watched Randy Johnson pitch in his early days and he was seriously , cartoonishly wild. But, he never, ever pouted , sighed, slumped his shoulders or otherwise let up or stopped trying to work through it. He was not wild after mistakes, or for any reason other than lack of command. Apples and oranges.
I know R Zim has been a corner stone for this franchise, but right now Ryan, you suck at 3rd and this is the second game where your weak throw started a rally for the opposing team. He may be teh WORST throwinf MLBDHaving said that, Stras is a selfish head case and over rated. I am sick of him child sulking when his team mate makes mistake. His record reflects what he is, right now an over hyped loser.
I am happy for Edwin, you deserve the moment
Even tougher now Harpo. Wow, Duke is horrid. Past credentials don't matter if your stuff is gone. He looked like a cricket bowler, with all the balls in the dirt.
Ha, this game.
Henry for the eighth? I mean, why not?
Jeez I think Rosenbaum might be held back from his next start if Davey thinks he needs a reliable lefty starter/long man.
Let me add, the anemic offense against one of MLB's worst teams is pathetic, and the Braves losing makes this even tougher to accept. Zim needs to apologize too everyone of his team mates, his rubber arm has gotten old and Stras' crap ass attitude has as well
Swami - you are right on the money with Johnson - he had to figure out how to control his stuff, never his attitude. And he NEVER sulked when a teammate screwed up (but you could see he'd be killing himself when HE did.)
Stras just hasn't grown up yet. But this is the right place for him to grow, as opposed to NY or Boston.
Mick, thats exactly right there what you said. Its hard to accept but it is what Zimm and Stras are right now.
Peric, thats your problem. You see someone doing great in the minors and you think it will happen in the majors. It doesn't work that way and its taken you to long to not figure it out.
That's your problem Harpo you don't understand baseball. Never have, never will. They stash veterans and prospects in the minors as depth for the major league team. In case someone gets injured or someone can't perform. It happens. A year can make a huge difference when it comes to both.
When a team has good depth, which the Nats do, they use it as they should. Otherwise, as in the past, they start scouring the waiver wire which is equivalent to major league dumpster diving.
Crazy thing is in 2/3 or a inning Duke just gave up what Strasburg did in 5 full innings.
Time for Rizzo to eat some salaries and get rid of the junk and send Zimm back to the DL or the bench.
Swami - you are right on the money with Johnson - he had to figure out how to control his stuff, never his attitude.
There's a lot you have to learn. Some need to learn control. Others need to realize their attitude affects their pitching and control. Young prospects need to pitch to learn.
Let me add, the anemic offense against one of MLB's worst teams is pathetic
Yes, but mostly in the RBI/run production sense. Zim and LaRoche have not produced. Desmond is coming on and there's Harper. Without Harper there is typically no offense to speak of.
Werth is no longer a major league run producer I don't care what anyone says ... he's a good lead off, #2 guy and that's it.
I don't think Stras is selfish or a diva; it's not like he wants to give up runs. He's just highly strung in a way that leads to poor results because he expects perfection from himself. I hope he can learn to get past that, with time.
It's probably true that being a top prospect hasn't been good for him, though. He pretty clearly hates the media hype, and probably would've done better developing out of the spotlight.
Strasburg is a big baby. Hes been coddled physically and emotionally. I was at game last night and Ross gave up 5 dbls. He certainly wasn't great. But he BATTLED. He didn't mope, he didn't come unglued..... Nothing matters but wins and Stras cant get any.
ATL getting beat 6-1 right now. We should be tied with them but due to the same crap, we're staying exactly as before... 1 game back. Making Ejax look amazing with his +6 ERA.
Stras had already thrown 95 pitches it was time for him to come out anyway.
Oh and further more. Ryan Zimm is done. What a joke that at least twice a week we are disgussing his errors.
We have seen scads of young, fireballing pitchers. They struggle with command, but you never see them act the way Stras does, or show up a teammate after an error.
Nats lady going thru the same thing as you but prayers to your sister
"peric said...
Zim and LaRoche have not produced."
That may be true overall for the season and your guy Espi has had a poor season but you won't mention that. Nobody on the Goon Squad has produced and Duke and Henry can't be trusted.
I was at game last night and Ross gave up 5 dbls. He certainly wasn't great.
Detwiler imploded more than once from the time Bowden first brought him up and used one of his minor league options way too early.
As I recall there were many here who thought Detwiler sucked and loved Lannan as their ace ... choking back laughter ....
season and your guy Espi has had a poor season but you won't mention that.
Not a middle of the order bat. He has the potential to develop into one but it hasn't happened yet. Except for Span, Desmond, and Harper WHO HAS HAD a good season offensively so far? Werth to some extent but again not as a middle of the order bat. In that spot he was a hole.
Mr Detwiler was NOT supposed to be half of Stras is. And Yet the last person I want to see pitch when I go to a game is Stras.
Is there still redemption to be achieved by the Nats bats? What kind of a hero is Desi?
I will say I cant remember the last time Stras was given a good lead. The team certainly doesn't help him out. SICK OF RYAN
Ian has developed into a fantastic player. I didn't see this upside in him.
Desi is, it seems, a good, everyday kind of hero. Keep it alive. Now, Danny, take advantage.
Detwiler was a first round pick. There were high expectations of him, and it took him a while to live up to them. No, he wasn't as highly-rated as Stras, but it's not like Stras was responsible for his own hype.
NatsLady: Just lurking, today, but so very sorry to read about your sister. I wish her the best. We have never met but I can feel your sadness. Your sister is in my thoughts.
As usual, Perics boy Espinosa chokes.
Perics other boy TylerMo does nothing.
Espinosa stays on script.
Wonder what Rendon would have done there.
And Tyler with yet another weak AB.
We have too much talent to lay like his. You wonder if the 25 man being set as we went not spring doused some of the fire in some players. Sometimes fear is an ok thing.
Just typical Zimm, won't get his body in front of baseballs. Hard to believe he was once being compared to Brooks Robinson.
And let me add to that: wow...Zimm...just wow.
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