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Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
The Nats and Orioles face off for the fourth time in four days.
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Tonight the Nats look for a split of the four-game series between them and the Baltimore Orioles. They failed to pull out the victory last night after going up 6-2 early in the game.
Tonight Dan Haren (4-5, 5.43 ERA) takes the mound to face the Orioles, a team he's pitched against 11 times in his career. Through those matchups he is 5-3 with a 4.02 ERA in 69 1/3 total innings.
Pitching for Baltimore will be Freddy Garcia (1-2, 4.61) who is 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA with one career start against the Nationals.
There is one change in the Nats' lineup from yesterday with Adam LaRoche filling in as the designated hitter and Chad Tracy playing first.
Check back for more updates and enjoy the game...
BALTIMORE ORIOLES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN 2, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500), WTEM (980 AM), XM 177
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 92 degrees
NATIONALS (27-26)7:17 p.m. -- The Nationals went down in order in the top of the first. Span struck out, Bernadina flew out to deep center after attempting a bunt early in the count, and Zimmerman grounded out to second base. Garcia threw 15 pitches (9 strikes).
CF Denard Span
RF Roger Bernadina
3B Ryan Zimmerman
DH Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
LF Tyler Moore
1B Chad Tracy
C Kurt Suzuki
2B Danny Espinosa
(RHP Dan Haren)
ORIOLES (29-24)
LF Nate McLouth
3B Manny Machado
RF Nick Markakis
CF Adam Jones
1B Chris Davis
C Matt Wieters
SS J.J. Hardy
2B Ryan Flaherty
DH Steve Pearce
(RHP Freddy Garcia)
UMPIRES
HP Mike Estabrook
1B Phil Cuzzi
2B Tom Hallion (cc)
3B Ron Kulpa
7:25 p.m. -- Things started off interesting for Haren who allowed a leadoff double to Nate McLouth. Machado then bunted McLouth over to third, setting up a bit of a dangerous situation. Haren, however, was able to get both Markakis and Jones to fly out and got out of the inning unscathed. He threw 13 pitches, ten of them strikes.
7:38 p.m. -- The Nats began the top of the second with two quick singles, one by LaRoche into center field and another on a really nice bunt down the line by Desmond. Tyler Moore grounded out to second, but moved both runners into scoring position. Tracy flew out to LF, but not deep enough to score LaRoche. Suzuki then popped up to end the inning. Garcia is at 33 pitches (20 strikes).
7:43 p.m. -- Dan Haren needed just nine pitches to get through the bottom of the second. He got Davis, Wieters, and Hardy all to fly out to left field. Moore made all three outs. Haren at 22 pitches (15 strikes).
7:48 p.m. -- Another fruitless inning for the Nationals who went down 1-2-3. Span almost made something happen with a line drive to the gap in right-center field, but a spectacular diving catch by Markakis took care of that. Garcia has tossed 40 pitches (25 strikes) through three.
8:02 p.m. -- The Orioles strike first in the bottom of the third off a Markakis RBI double. Flaherty began the inning with a single and scored two outs later off the big hit. Haren struck Jones out to end the inning after 20 pitches to end the frame. He's at 42 in the game, 27 of them strikes.
8:09 p.m. -- Another crisp inning for Garcia who hasn't allowed much of anything thus far through four innings. He struck out Zimmerman to get started, got LaRoche out on a hard grounder to first base, then got Desmond to whiff. He's thrown 53 pitches, 33 strikes.
8:19 p.m. -- 1-2-3 inning for Haren who is at 59 pitches (37 strikes) through four innings of work. It's still a one-run game, can the Nats get something going on offense?
8:23 p.m. -- Another inning where the Nats go down in order and Freddy Garcia has now retired 12 straight batters since allowing two leadoff singles in the second. Garcia is shutting down the Nats convincingly, he is at 66 pitches through five scoreless innings.
8:31 p.m. -- Haren puts in another solid frame, allowing only a single to McLouth. He faced four batters and needed just 13 pitches. Through five innings he's thrown 72 (59 strikes)
8:40 p.m. -- After retiring 14 straight batters, Garcia finally gave up a base hit with a two-out single off the wall in right field for Roger Bernadina. Zimmerman worked a 2-2, fouling off pitches, but the grounded out to end the inning. Garcia has 81 pitches (52 strikes) through six. Still 1-0 Orioles.
8:49 p.m. -- Haren let another guy on base with a single by Jones, but once again lets no runs score. He got Chris Davis to ground into a double play to end the frame. Still 1-0 O's as Haren has thrown 84 pitches (56 strikes) through six.
8:57 p.m. -- It's the Freddy Garcia show tonight as the Orioles' pitcher is now through seven scoreless on 94 pitches. He has six strikeouts, zero walks, and only three hits allowed. On to the bottom of the seventh.
9:12 p.m. -- After another solid inning by Haren in the top of the eighth, the Nats once again failed to get anything going against Garcia. The Orioles' starter is having a spectacular night with zero runs allowed through eight innings. He has needed 113 innings so far, we'll see if Jim Johnson is up next to close this thing out. Haren is back for the bottom of the eighth with Pearce, McLouth, and Machado due up. Still 1-0 Orioles.
273 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 273 Newer› Newest»The question is what will the bottom half of the lineup bat for tonight. 2-19 and 2Ks for ESpi. If the ball flies like yesteray and Haren has his BP pitch it could be real scary.
I've heard that it's such a disadvantage for AL teams that they can't use their DH when they play the National league. How about having to start 2 nights in a row TRacy, that's quite a disadvantage.
Danny again. {sigh}. So Eric, if you're reading, how much longer do you give him? Till June 15? Till the ASG? And how much of an improvement would be enough to change the deadline?
This has to be one of the worst lineups ever put forward in an AL Park. Not a single starter batting over .300 and four batting under .200. Wow.
Danny Espinosa! JUY%^&%^&% ^Y
Great, Espinosa in the lineup again. I can't wait for the 1-4 with 3 strike outs (as well as a clueless aproach at the plate). Can someone get the blackmail pictures of DJ and Rizo from him so we can get passed this failed experiment.
I had to look, 4 guys with an average under .170 in the lineup. That's scary. Those 4 guys combined are : AB453 AVG .158 8HR 30RBI 17W 113K and OBP around .200
Maybe Dan has another good start in him. Maybe the Nats will pull out another win for a split. Maybe I'll listen to the mixed-booth broadcast tonight. Nah, it's Charlie and Dave for me all the way.
So appropriate that he struck out to end the game. Not even close to catching up to the fastball. We are coming into this fight with less ammunition. Tracy and Espi. Sigh. And Lombo was hot. Base hits just sitting there on the bench cooling off. Pray for a miracle. You see that masn played the classic from 2010 where Dunn hit three home runs - guessing it's in honor of Zim, who played third that night. So sorry Zim's effort was for naught.
swami, I did watch the Zimm highlights before deleting. Niiice...
"So Eric, if you're reading, how much longer do you give him? Till June 15? Till the ASG?"
You give him until there's a replacement that isn't trading one bad situation for what might possibly be another one. Lombo's performance against the Phillies certainly makes him stand out as someone who would be worth considering as a replacement starter.
As I said earlier in this thread, and a few times in previous threads, I'd be curious to see Kobernus in action.
Rendon strikes me as potentially switching offensive heartburn for defensive heartburn. Not to mention, as someone pointed out, apparently he has a similar offensive weakness to Espi: shoulder high fastballs.
So, to me, "how long do you give Espi" is the wrong question. IMO, the right question is, "Is there a replacement that is a reliable net positive over a .990 2B."
I hate to point this out, but, 1-4 is also what you would project for Lombardozzi based on his 2013 numbers. At least this way there's upgraded infield defense and a better chance that the 1 in that 1-4 goes for extra bases.
For the life of me I can't understand why Nats fans act like we're benching Robinson Cano to start Espinosa. It's a lose-lose proposition at 2B, people. If you want to complain, complain about the personnel on the 25 man roster, not about the starting lineup decisions.
Oh, as a follow up, it's quite clear that Davey feels slumping players NEED to play, and so he puts them in night after night. I understand the thinking behind that approach, as much as it drives me crazy...
"It's a lose-lose proposition at 2B, people."
EXACTLY, Lombo's performance against the Phillies notwithsanding. Can we rely on Lombo to hit like that on a regular basis? I'm thinking...no...but what do I know?
Please tell me that ALR at DH and Tracy at first is a miss type by Mark. If not I may finally go see Star Trek.
Any word on how Werth did in his rehab start? Is he still on track to join the team in Atlanta and play on Friday?
I wonder if LaRoche is being given the night off at first because he's a little sore from crashing into Henry last night. That looked kind of painful all around.
This game pretty much has to be a reverse lock for us, right? *g*
Oh, no, it's not a typo. Maybe Tracy finds his stroke tonight? I am thinking of Potomac tonight, waiting to hear how it went last night and if Werth is playing again.
Yeah, I'm curious for more details about Werth as well.
EmDash, I typed and then deleted this post about 10 minutes ago:
"::: reads tea leaves :::
Maybe LaRoche DHing has to do with the HRod/ALR collision last night? Eek."
But, DHing could potentially result in a lot of running...or, ideally, jogging ;).
EmDash- for it to be a reverse lock, wouldn't the other team have to be fielding their best and brightest? I don't think Freddy Garcia qualifies :)
Werth went 1 for 2 last night and then was replaced by Randy Oduber. I don't know any more than that.
Eric- I find it odd that we have heard diddly squat about how Werth is feeling today. I not going out there only to find he had tightened up again. I dread hearing that. It's what happened last time. And Bryce is still out. Last year I felt that we had low points in LA and then again vs the Evil NY Empire and the O's. after that came the magic cortisone shot and things got better. Things feel precarious right now- like things can go either way.
I agree, swami. Things seem precarious indeed.
I seem to recall the post-rehab start news about Werth last time being more ominous, and the re-injury detail surfacing fairly quickly.
But, we'll see. Fingers crossed.
Swami.. All the Beat writers are up in BAL, they will probably get the update on Werth at Davey's pregame chat.
From the the folks at the game, they all said he looked fine (did the 1-2) not sure if he had any chances in the field and was very nice to the fans (signed tons of stuff).
For sure, Werth was scratched from the lineup for his second start...is tonight's line up out yet?
JD -- Werth had been intended to come out in the 4th as he did.
swami -- maybe I'm being overoptimistic but at this point I think no news re Werth is actually good news. We've recently had some of what, in retrospect, was bad news prematurely reported as good about rehabbing players -- both Werth and Det, and somewhat about Ramos -- that had to be recanted when it proved to be in face premature. Whereas the team has reported bad news pretty promptly about everyone but Espi (as we know, there are backstories there). So I suspect that they're inclined to say good things (e.g., "Werth will start in Potomac tonight") only when they happen, and not speculate beyond that.
So I guess the next step is to see what the lineup is Potomac is tonight. (Although if the team is flying out of BWI immediately after the game tonight, there may not be time for Werth to play more than two or three innings at most in Potomac tonight.)
MicheleS -- per http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2013_05_29_salafa_potafa_1&t=g_log&sid=t436, Werth fielded a fly ball single in the first inning last night. That was it for fielding chances.
And for what it's worth (sorry), the PNats site is showing a picture of Jayson in the first, "Tonight, Thursday Cheers" of their rotating banners.
The PNats website has a pic of Werth where it says Buy Tickets. I did not see a link for the line up. Perhaps they will tweet it at some point. Anxious for him to return. He brings a certain something to the team.
I would think that if Werth is going to play this weekend, he will show up in the dugout late in the game to travel with the club
Is this how you treat a home town kid (Lombo) who's been performing for the last two years? Why draft a home town kid if you’re not going to let him succeed based on performance. This is really having a negative impact on the Northern VA and Maryland fan base, they want to come, support and cheer for one of their own. One of their own who has proven himself to be an everyday MLB second baseman. Maybe he's better off with the Orioles who can appreciate a home town kid who’s a performance PROVEN 2nd baseman, not a POTENTIAL one.
I've yet to see a Lombardozzi shirt in the crowd. Should Lombo be playing? Probably. Should it have anything to do with where he's from? No.
I know our players would never, ever say anything to the press, but is it good for morale?? Adam LaRoche really spoke up last week about Lombo. Does this kind of teacher's pet situation bother them? Anyway-- I wish Espi would just shut us up with his performance on the field.
Werth is starting at Potomac tonight, so I guess he feels good.
Tonight's lineup comparison of position players reminds me of 2008-2009, when we were out-gunned at most positions on the field, except third base, every game.
CF: Adam Jones is way better overall player than Span.
RF: Markakis vs. Bernadina. No comparison.
3B: Advantage Orioles, even after Zimm's heroics last night. I wonder what % of people on this board would swap Zimm for Machado right now? Would be a fun poll question.
DH: LaRoche beats their DH.
SS: I take Desi over Hardy.
LF: McLouth huge advantage over T-Mo.
1B: Chad Tracy vs Chris Davis. Hilarious.
C: Wieters over Suzuki, without question.
2B: Espi is playing. Enough said.
Note on leadoffs: McLouth, their leadoff, has 17 steals with one CS; Span, our leadoff, has 6 steals with 3 CS.
Holding runners: 19 men have attempted steals against Wieters and he nailed 10 of them. 40 men have attempted steals against Ramos and Suzuki and they nailed 5, repeat FIVE, of them.
The last two points--on McLouth and holding runners--means that, essentially, a walk or single against the Nationals is equal to a double, because stealing is so easy against our pitchers.
We are highly unlikely to win tonight's game. But if Haren can keep the Orioles from reaching base tonight, we'll be okay.
Well, when you put it that way it's even more depressing.
"Gamer" is apparently an identity created to post that strange comment. It has two -- count 'em -- profile views, both by me.
Of course, it will have more views if any of you look at it.
Adam Jones is an extremely overrated CF (Defensively), but I'll give you he's better offensively. Obviously. I'd take Machado over Zim because of age, but if I had to choose for RIGHT NOW, I'd take Zim.
The rest of your post I agree with, although the team with the most talent doesn't always win. That's why they play the games and not on paper.
If you put the O's backup LF, RF and 1B in the game, their lineup would be similarly weak. I take Harper over McClouth (duh) and Werth over Markakis every time. Hopefully Harper and Werth are back soon.
Gamer-- Steve, Sr.????
No way would I trade Zim for Machado.
You give him until there's a replacement that isn't trading one bad situation for what might possibly be another one....
As I said earlier in this thread, and a few times in previous threads, I'd be curious to see Kobernus in action.
Rendon strikes me as potentially switching offensive heartburn for defensive heartburn....
So, to me, "how long do you give Espi" is the wrong question. IMO, the right question is, "Is there a replacement that is a reliable net positive over a .990 2B."
Sorry, but this makes no sense. First, under that formulation, if you think Lombo is an inferior defender and might possibly be "another bad situation," that would justify keeping Epsi at 2B even if he never gets another hit for the whole season. You can't possibly think that.
Second, how can we ever find out if Kobernus is a reliable upgrade if Davey keeps running Danny out there night after night? Again I ask, how long do you give him to improve before you try some one else? Remember, it's not an irreversible decision. That's what minor league options are for.
But more importantly, Lombo's fielding average at 2B last year was .992. And we're not talking a small sample size here -- 51 games, 238 chances. He's a perfectly adequate defensive replacement. Not a stud as Espi supposedly is, although I would dispute the Espi has been outstanding this year, but adequate.
Is he the long term solution offensively at 2B? Almost certainly not. Might he possibly regress at the plate to Espi's current level? I suppose anything is possible and there are no guarantees in life. But on balance I don't think there's any question that he's a capable defensive replacement and an offensive upgrade, right now, because Espi's current production is so ungodly awful.
You've also been banging the drum for Rendon being a shaky defender for quite some time based on a pretty small sample size of minor league play. As I understand it, the scouting reports on his fielding are very positive so I don't think that's going to be a reason not to bring him up if they'd give him some experience at 2B. But that's not the question right now.
Right now, the question is, knowing that Lombo is the replacement, how long do we give Espi to start hitting? I'm ready to make the change. What say you? How many more 3 K performances are you willing to endure?
Hey wonk! Here is an oddity for you--Cubs pitchers have 19 rbi's in May. One of their pitchers hit a grand slam today. Stras may have to relinquish his silver slugger this season.
Can Machado Play 2B? ;-)
"baseballswami said...
Gamer-- Steve, Sr.????
May 30, 2013 4:59 PM"
I was thinking the same thing and if it is a family member or friend I agree with another comment that I don't care where hes from just like Justin Maxwell. I only care how he plays and is a good teammate.
Bryce Harper is from Las Vegas and people come from all over to see the most exciting player in the MLB play the game.
Now then I would rather see Lombo then Espy.
And here is your WerthUpdate:
James Wagner@JamesWagnerWP
Jayson Werth felt some tightness in hamstring yesterday in Potomac. Played at 60%. Will play five today. Unlikely to join Nats in Atlanta.
Gamer said...
Is this how you treat a home town kid (Lombo) who's been performing for the last two years? Why draft a home town kid if you’re not going to let him succeed based on performance.
For the umpteenth time:
Both Lombo and Espi have negative WARs.
Meaning: Lombo's performance, while better than Espi, is _still_ at or below your average replacement player.
I had a sinking feeling about Jayson. So why is he playing? Matt Kemp has been dealing with this for a year. So depressing. Speaking of depressing-- are we walking Chris Davis tonight?
baseballswami said...
Hey wonk! Here is an oddity for you--Cubs pitchers have 19 rbi's in May. One of their pitchers hit a grand slam today.
Hey -- nice catch! I posted last week or so that the Cubs 9th position has more RBI's this season than their cleanup hitters!
After today, that might still be true.
Amazing.
Thanks
MicheleS, we've got so few bubbles these days, didja have to go and pop that one? ;o)
I actually don't mind Span CS or picked off early in the game. He shows the rest of the guys the catcher's throw and the pitcher's pickoff move. As long as he (and they) learn from it, it's fine.
And more news.. Maybe the Bubbles are coming back...
James Wagner@JamesWagnerWP
Original plan was for Werth to play five tonight and seven on Saturday. He could say he's ready after tonight. Davey not counting on it.
do1teach1 said...
Tonight's lineup comparison of position players reminds me of 2008-2009, when we were out-gunned at most positions on the field, except third base, every game.
CF: Adam Jones is way better overall player than Span....
You raise a good point . . . BUT
Your analysis doesn't take into account pitching.
I'll take Stras-JZim-Gio-Detwiler over any other team's top 4. Those are the guys that can (most of the time) stop guys like Adam Jones, etc. And while we might not have the top bullpen in MLB, it ranks pretty good.
The point being: comparing our hitters to any other teams hitters will almost always show us at a disadvantage at this point in the season -- but over the long haul, pitching matters a whole lot. Having guys like Stras and JZ going out every five days can stop a lot of good hitting.
Jsyson, Det, Ramos, Det. All nagging, lingering , tricky stuff. I want to cry.
There's a comment identical to that by Gamer on the NJ site under the name Billyballgame.
Hey, we get passionate about our guys. We defend them, cheer them on and want to cry when they are hurt. I am in psychic pain over watching JZim struggle. It's part of being a fan. It's ok.
Doteach1. That's just a ridiculous comparison chart. Although I agree with the list that doesn't mean the Nats are already dead. Last nights game was a fluke. We were kicking their butts. And we did kick there but the night before. Lets not forget the little league field they play in and I got a 10 spot Davis is dirty. Just a matter of time on that one.
As long as Espi plays on a regular basis this team will continue to founder.
Flounder
I am done with this team until they either bench Espinosa for good or send him down. Lombo may not be Joe Morgan, but he deserves a shot to play, and all the players know it. The team reflects the arrogant personality of Davey and Rizzo, and they are getting their asses handed to them because of it. So much not to like about this organization right now, and so far, nobody seems smart or humble enough to fix it.
Again-- Espi could shut us all up pretty easily. Different feel to the lineup when he is in there. You just grit your teeth and wait it out. And that " hit" last night is a generous designation. The shortstop threw the ball over the head of the 1b. At least there was contact.
A S E
Lombo did start 14 out of the past 17 games. Just saying.
Not early anymore. Time to put a streak together.
We really need a new controversy. This one is used up. I am very , very concerned about Jayson Werth and Bryce Harper. Two thirds of our outfield and our projected two and three in the lineup. We need them!!!! I am ok with Bernadina in the outfield now that he is hitting but I have not been comfy with not having three bona fide outfielders out there., I thought they might bring up Corey Brown. This is dragging on way too long. It's amazing we have hovered around .500 with our losses and hitting woes.
Wasian--agree with you on Davis. Regarding the Little League park the O's play in, remember that we're playing in the same park they are.
NatsLady said, "I actually don't mind Span CS or picked off early in the game. He shows the rest of the guys the catcher's throw and the pitcher's pickoff move. As long as he (and they) learn from it, it's fine."
Totally agree NatsLady, in theory, but it's got to work in practice. And for the Nats, it is not working. We are currently tied for 6th-most CS in MLB, while we're only 20th in steals. So Span getting picked off or CS early in games is not helping us steal bases at all.
DVR Alert.. ALR will be on the Intentional Talk tomorrow.
Eric said... No way would I trade Zim for Machado.
The Orioles wouldn't even trade Machado for Harper...nor should they!!! Hell, I would trade Zim and Gio for him without blinking an eye.
Section222
"Sorry, but this makes no sense. First, under that formulation, if you think Lombo is an inferior defender and might possibly be "another bad situation," that would justify keeping Epsi at 2B even if he never gets another hit for the whole season. You can't possibly think that."
What makes no sense is that you cut out the second half of my first paragraph, which renders moot everything you said about me re: Lombo.
"Lombo's performance against the Phillies certainly makes him stand out as someone who would be worth considering as a replacement starter."
Also, I never said Lombo is an inferior defender, just that I don't think he's a reliable improvement.
I have to ask: are you looking for an argument or a conversation?
Desi can steal but has not been getting on. Harper can steal but is not playing and stealing could hurt him further The Nats are not a big stealing threat right now. Jayson won't be stealing due to his hammy. We have actually seen the non stealers doing it more, which is odd. I believe Zim and ALR have stolen bases this season. Now if we could just catch some of those opposing stealers..,,,
From Virginia but wouldn't cross the street to watch Lombardozzi because he is "local" (well, the fact he's from MD probably enters into that a bit). On the other hand, if I was otherwise ambivalent about going, the opportunity to watch Kobernus playing in Lombardozzi's stead might pique my curiosity enough to tip my decision.
On the other hand, during the Espi at bats I either leave the room or avert my eyes. With Lombo up and risp, I have a good expectation of rbi's. Espi -- please, shut us up. Do it.
Eric said... No way would I trade Zim for Machado.
The Orioles wouldn't even trade Machado for Harper...nor should they!!! Hell, I would trade Zim and Gio for him without blinking an eye.
If Harper doesn't do something about his reckless play and maturity issues, I would trade him for a lot less than Machado. The guy is 20 and already missing significant time. We've been down this road before with Zimm.
Okay.. here is something to make you laugh...
Brandon McCarthy had a LONG day against the Rangers. 2.2IP with 6ER
Here is his response on twitter:
Brandon McCarthy@BMcCarthy32
reporter: talk about your outing me: *fart noise with mouth* *spins violently in circles* *pisses self* *sobs for 3 mins* "it sucked"
How could anyone (Lombo) possibly stay up internally, when they see the partially Davey and Rizzo show to Espi. I don't care who you are it would have to be destroying you and effect your play. You would know you are in a no win situation.
Yeah, I wondered about the source of the Lombo comment as well. No offense to Lombo, but seeing as how many of us don't originally hail from here, not sure how much a player's local roots factor in regarding, um, rooting.
swm@5:44, fan mail from some flounder?
Thanks for the IT heads up, Michele. No Drake, though?
It worked MicheleS. LMAO.
McCarthy is a funny guy. I'm assuming that there's missing punctuation after "outing" and that he didn't "out" the reporter. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
The best thing about this game: it's the last joint MASN broadcast.
In my opinion, if Lombo wants to win the starting job at 2nd, he needs to hit with an average around .320. Otherwise, the sacrifice in power is not worth it. He is not bad at 2nd, but not up to a healthy Danny's level. If you're going to put up with a lower BA, then you want some pop in the bat.
Julie Alexandria just informed us that Davey has won three "Golden Gloves."
Probably a light-heavyweight - 170 pounds...
@DavidP Amen to your last comment. Already sick of Jim Hunter 2 minutes broadcast.
Where the hell is Gary Thorne? I can at least stomach him.
@Candide, do you believe she really meant Gold Gloves? Had she been talking about Rick Dempsey I would say Golden Globes.
Amen, David.
In the immortal words of Apollo Creed: ding, ding.
Candide said...
Julie Alexandria just informed us that Davey has won three "Golden Gloves."
Probably a light-heavyweight - 170 pounds...
May 30, 2013 7:03 PM
SonnyG10 said...
In my opinion, if Lombo wants to win the starting job at 2nd, he needs to hit with an average around .320. Otherwise, the sacrifice in power is not worth it. He is not bad at 2nd, but not up to a healthy Danny's level. If you're going to put up with a lower BA, then you want some pop in the bat.
What power? Danny's OPS this season is .487. Lombardozzi's is .561.
I wish Tyler Moore would DH and Kobernus would play in LF.
and as masn pans over baltimore and the harbor....
i love DC
gyfng!
Span does K too much for a leadoff hitter.
Harper's injury wasn't due to immaturity or playing too hard. He's an inexperienced outfielder who got a bad read and then lost track of his position - and the wall's. The solution isn't more maturity, it's more outfield drills.
Garcia pitches junk which we always have trouble with.
Oh god Ray Knight is awful. He's as bad as the O's guys are.
Did FP get sick of those awful MASN broadcast and took a night off? It wouldn't surprise me that they use the Orioles production, cameraman, etc. crew for these broadcast which would explain the bias.
Lots of empty seats in left field.
FP's son is graduating high school. We're stuck with Ray until Monday.
You know, there are so many people who post here that have a wicked sense of humor. The disappointments and player side- taking has put a damper on that. Tonight is the last night of awkward tv joint coverage . I would personally love it if some of you would bring your humor into the game tonight. We need the comic relief. Too much angst!! It 's a freaking game! It's supposed to be fun, darn it! So, we are walking Chris Davis all night, right?
F.P. is out of town until June 4 for his son's HS graduation.
Well that's a play Lombo probably doesn't make and it saved a run.
NIDO updated with your drink, David.
I missed that about FP. It would make sense though.
Good job Haren, although we were lucky that ball was hit right at Moore.
Man that Play-by-play guy gets excited about everything.
Oh, you think so? I was just going to say that Lombo would have made that play . Really, I was. Just like Harper would have made that play that Moore just made. So you think we should all get t shirts made? Team Espi or team Lombo? Seriously-- how ridiculous is this Espi-Lombo crap getting??? I am now officially on team whoever- helps- us - win.
Candide said...
SonnyG10 said...
In my opinion, if Lombo wants to win the starting job at 2nd, he needs to hit with an average around .320. Otherwise, the sacrifice in power is not worth it. He is not bad at 2nd, but not up to a healthy Danny's level. If you're going to put up with a lower BA, then you want some pop in the bat.
What power? Danny's OPS this season is .487. Lombardozzi's is .561.
May 30, 2013 7:07 PM
Notice I said "a healthy Danny" so I'm not talking about this season thus far. I think Danny needs to hit around .260 to .270 to keep his job...Lombo needs to hit around .320 to take it away from him.
"I would personally love it if some of you would bring your humor into the game tonight."
===========
So did you ever hear the one about Brezhnev's car collection and his mother's concerns that the Communists might come back?
Maybe that's not what you meant?
How dare Machado bunt and make old man Haren bend down with his bad back! *g*
More exciting than we'd like, but I'll take it.
I don't like all those hard hit balls against Haren. Usually it means that by the second time through the order it will be ugly.
Team LaRoche! Team Desi!!
NatsJack in Florida said...
That's why it's Charley and Dave with the TV mute button on.
May 30, 2013 7:19 PM
My wife cut our FIOS cable gardening today, so I'm listening to Charlie and Dave on the radio.
"I think Danny needs to hit around .260 to .270 to keep his job."
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Espinosa hit .264 in the second half of 2012. In no other half-season has he hit better than .242. His career average is .232. Where do you expect the .260-.270 to come from?
Amen, Exposremains. BABIP was really working for Haren.
It's going to be a long night with this junk baller. Attempts at small ball failed to result in a run.
Just wonderin' said...
"I think Danny needs to hit around .260 to .270 to keep his job."
--------------------
Espinosa hit .264 in the second half of 2012. In no other half-season has he hit better than .242. His career average is .232. Where do you expect the .260-.270 to come from?
May 30, 2013 7:31 PM
Don't care where it comes from. He needs to have a break-out ala Desi. I'd settle for .250, but I really want .260 or better from him.
The bottom of our lineup sucks.
Honestly for all the complaining, I would take Espinosa at his level last year. No, it wasn't great. But his power, baserunning ability and defense made him valuable to the team. Even at just .250 or whatever it was he hit.
So far RISP O's 0 for 2 NATS 0 for 3
Jayson is playing at Potomac. Apparently slid into base., first time I see him or Bryce do that I may croak. Guess they will have to go deep so they can just trot.
Plus side: not being no-hit tonight!
Why aren't we walking Davis.
And the bottom of the order does exactly what I thought they would...noting, rien, nada. See the first post. This is Freddy Garcia not Clayton Kershaw
MOORE. LET SPAN CALL FOR THE DAMN BALL.
David- the bottom of our lineup makes our offense come to a screeching halt. And if Danny hit even 240 I would celebrate.
Ahem. Tyler Moore is a bozo in LF.
Glad Suzuki and Zim' fsux pas didn't come back to harm and only cost 1 pitch.
Tyler. Let Span catch the ball.
Another hard hit ball right to Tyler.
TyMo 4 straight putouts. Wonder what record is for that in outfield. Probably about 7 or so.
I'm telling you, keep Moore out there and there's going to be a train wreck. That's three times in a week that there has been near collisions between Span Nd Moore.
Not often you can give Chris Davis 2 outs in one AB. Might be a good night. Agree about Moore. Since when does a marginal LF call off the center fielder?
So the veterans, Zim and Suzuki make an Astros like play and Tyler Moore is the one you are ragging on? Nice third out, by the way.
No K
Espi coming up. When I saw the lineups I picked up Freddie Garcia in my fantasy league. Either way I win.
Not a bad idea to bunt Danny. At least there's a chance you beat it out or the fielder screws up.
Espi- one pitch out. Much more efficient than a K.
Jesus Markakis.
Arg markakis
I now hate Nick Markakis. With a passion.
oh cool, danny can bunt...too bad nobody was on 1st but i guess he's finding his stroke.
@ David bad idea to bunt 15 feet from the mound though, better the a k though.
here's something funny
Tyler Moore .149
Chad tracey .170
Danny Espinosa .166
Lombo on the bench .242 (hit in 5 of last 6)
Danny's power won't be utilized very well with the first pitch bunt out
Here we go...
But the larger question is how well and long can Espinosa manage the injury and pain, and how much of it will affect his performance. Steve Lombardozzi, who filled in for Espinosa, is hitting 234/.254/.306 on the season. But in the five consecutive games played in Espinosa’s absence, Lombardozzi went 6 for 20 with two doubles and no walks.
Johnson did admit, for the first time, that the position, because of the injury, was still up for grabs. ”We’ll see how [Espinosa] handles playing with a hand not 100 percent,” Johnson said. “Then I’ll make the decision then.”
Interesting.
Lombo could have missed Flehrity's hit
Haren falling behind.
Lots of empty seats in right field, too.
Can we not run into walls? That'd be great.
Jeeze. Just a matter of time before Haren makes a three-run mistake.
Adam LaRoche might catch that liner.
I suspected it was only a matter of time before the big Os bats started whacking Haren around.
And here we go second time through the order, the balls are dropping and yes Candide the big HR is just a few batters away.
If I were managing, Tyler would be DH and LaRoche would be at first. Tyler tries hard out there, but...
Good job minimizing the damage.
Damn Haren. He had to not give up first run.
I guess I coukd blame Espi as I do most things. Didnt grab that first hit, but since everyone who defends hims says he a great fielder. A great fielder might come up with a great play (sarcasm over)
Funny, Haren was smiling when he was looking in for the sign just before striking Jones out.
Swami, the corner outfielders must defer to the centerfielder. So yes, I am ragging on him. He's going to hurt someone if he doesn't get that through his head. Suzuki should have yielded to Zimmerman on the foul ball.
Espi saved a run earlier in the game. It should be 2-0.
Zim did an Espi invitation swinging at a ball a foit outside.
Ugh. We always struggle against junkball pitchers.
two catch-able foul balls but we are only down 1 and freddy garcia appears to be melting (via sweat) on the mound...we need to extend innings on this guy, as usual we are making him look like a #1 starter...man oh man...little odd there are so few fans in the seats...hate to say it but the O's are an exciting team to watch.
It could be 2-0, but I am expecting more than excellence from him since his hitting is so bad, so if he cant make unmakable plays why play him, play Lombo who can hit.
Garcia melting? What am I missing?
And Freddy Kershaw gets the heart of the lineup in order
He means it literally since he is sweating so much.
The Nationals offense is so pathetic that they can't do anything against a washed up Freddie Garcia.
I didn't say lombo had to play 2nd...How bout DH.
In any case, when you're playing the 2nd best offense in the league, good to do your best to hit with them. Maybe Espi is your overall best choice. His glove may offset his poor batting performance.
Personally, I think we score better with Lombo in the lineup esp given his recent hitting.
but I'm tired of this too. Davey is a stubborn dude.
Now, why don't the O's have a better pitching staff considering they take in 82% of the MASN take compared to our 18% while we provide 70% of the cable market. No need to thank us, O's fans.
well, at least ALR did not KO
I thought Zim was back?
Both games in Bmore our pitcher seem more stressed than theirs
Haren is actually pitching well against this lineup
Is Ray Knight drunk?
Ray is just getting up there in age
Zim is back.
MNF - David Proctor is correct...just an observation that Garcia is/was sweating up a storm (melting) so keep the guy on the mound in this heat...but I guess he likes the heat so far.
Mick i must be old as I am only 1 year younger.
I think the O's lineup is more intimidating than Braves, not even close
Manassas Nats' Fan senior discount at games, LOL
The Orioles don't strike out. The Braves strike out a ton. That's the key difference, I think.
I thought you meant performance. He has always looked worn out.
Dave agreed, but it seems O's may be able to go deeper in the line up and bench than Braves
Senior disounts at all resterants
Manassas Nats' Fan ha ha ha ha
So this Garcia guy is just carving up the Nats offense. Ray Knight is in awe of his pitches. ( gag, retch) it seems that when we have certain batting orders without Bryce we can score a few. Other lineups are just dead meat. Another ice age has descended. Like watching paint dry.
I am noticing that O 's fans sure do like that wife beater t shirt look. Not exactly the gen -x DC , Brooks brothers crowd, is it?
Bottom of the order continues its brillance. I might have been too generous giving them 2 hits for the game.
All you need to know....in the lineup tonight...Bernadina .145, Tracy .167, Moore .146 and Espinosa .165. That tells it all.
Nats need to hit Garcia next inning, plain and simple
In general this team has a major problem that needs a fix.
We swing at way too many non strikes and swing and make weak cintact on hittable pitches.
There is one common denominator to all these hitters
why does anyone listen to masn? charlie and dave are 3 seconds ahead, (i'm watching on directv so your timing may differ) so you can get the call from them then look at the tube. haven't listened to carp, fp or any of them hardly all season.
gyfng ( and c&d2 )
baseballswami said...
I am noticing that O 's fans sure do like that wife beater t shirt look. Not exactly the gen -x DC , Brooks brothers crowd, is it?
you know the fun one could have with this, lol
Oh no, we're back to Eck. It's been such a peaceful couple of days.
cy garcia is so great he travels from one team to the next as no team can afford to keep him at his high salary.
Jeez that was a very low pitch that McClouth sent into CF.
I have not been able to pick up a radio signal tonight. Only in my car where there is no tv. Mostly muting. Kind of fun that way.
Haren has really settled down.
We need offense. Lombo off the bench??? ;)
As long as we have so many terrivle hitters it always goes back to Eck.
If his hitters would hit like Presley's hitters I wouldn't be on his case.
It comes from my culture. my students do anything but great, socity bames the teachers so I just do the same. I am use to the criticism, so I just use it too.
Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but I thought Ray Knight's comments on Tyler Moore's (and other hitters') failure to adjust to Freddy Garcia's pitching style represented a pretty clear indictment of the Nats' overall approach to hitting. Especially when you consider that the announcers are hired/approved by the teams and can't be too critical, Mr. Knight that there are things you can do other than just hack away at the ball.
look, if Espi is hurt, why is he playing, if he is not, that bat was terrible
So did you see that the Royals have demoted their hitting coach in favor of George Brett? Their offense is better than ours. Is it time? Danny with the one pitch out again. Oh, goody.
Sorry: Mr. Knight made clear...
Wade Boggs said he would love to be a hitting coach and mentioned Nats as one team he is interested in
Geirge Brett wiuld be grest.
Chipper Jones great too.
Really pathetic. But when most teams have these issues, they at least consider a change of leadership. Sometimes a new voice can help. A fresh set of eyes, a new way of saying things ?
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