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USA Today Sports Images Tyler Moore collides with Erik Kratz on a play at the plate in the fourth. |
Hitting highlight: Lombardozzi couldn't have picked a better night to get hot at the plate. With Danny Espinosa now sidelined with a fracture in his right wrist, Lombardozzi knows he's going to get at least a couple consecutive starts at second base. If he keeps doing what he did tonight, he could get more than that. He singled in the second, singled in the fourth and then delivered a two-out, two-run double in the fifth for his third hit in as many at-bats. The Nationals have been waiting for Lombardozzi (and others on their bench) to heat up. Perhaps this was the start of a nice run for the backup second baseman.
Pitching highlight: Zimmermann has had more dominant outings this season, but this certainly was more than good enough: seven innings of two-run ball. What was most notable about tonight's start: Zimmermann pitched to contact in a big way. He didn't walk a batter, and he only struck out one. Otherwise, he relied on his defense to make plays, which they did. That came into play especially in the top of the fifth, when the Phillies produced four singles and threatened to inflict more damage. But Zimmermann got Ben Revere to ground into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning and prevent the Phillies from making any more dent into the right-hander, who by night's end had become the NL's first 8-game winner.
Key stat: Adam LaRoche now has 11 triples in 10 big-league seasons. Who knew?
Up next: The series continues with the first Saturday night home game of the year. Dan Haren faces Jonathan Pettibone at 7:05 p.m. on Fox.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO!!! STOMPING ON THOSE PHOOOLIES!!! Got Some Runs! Needed some HOME COOKING!!
ReplyDeleteTop of the NL Pitching, good defense, just enough offense. Right off the Rizzo planning spread sheet.
ReplyDeleteSo whoever said we'd be under .500 by the end of the weekend is wrong. Who'd have thunk.
ReplyDeleteThey showed some real fight tonight and great to see 2 out RBIs and Jordan Z looked great again as he was dinked and doinked for many of those hits.
ReplyDeleteTrent Jewett's brain freeze didn't cost the Nats a win luckily.
Who got demoted for Kobernus? Hopefully they DFA'ed Yunesky Maya. No use holding a 40-man slot? But, maybe he is considered the best they have depth wise ... Honestly Tatusko looks better at this point.
ReplyDeleteGhost Of Steve M. said...
ReplyDeleteNatsJack, September 24, 2012 3-5 by the 2nd baseman.
May 24, 2013 9:48 PM
Kobernus hasn't officially been called up yet, although Mark reported he will be the guy. So we'll see tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteSo whoever said we'd be under .500 by the end of the weekend is wrong. Who'd have thunk.
ReplyDeleteWith Zimmermann, Strasburg, Gio, and perhaps Detwiler coming back are they kidding? That's enough to make Houston or Miami .500 with a couple of decent relievers.
Its getting to 10-20 games over .500, head-to-head, and then over the Braves that is questionable.
Was that a Major League allusion by Julie in the postgame? "There's only one thing left to do." (Lombo's like, "Wut?") Well, I don't mind telling you all, I did the full McCatty untuck!
ReplyDeleteKobernus hasn't officially been called up yet,
ReplyDeleteMark tweeted that its official and he was pulled from tonight's Chief's game so he should be there tomorrow night.
I hope Espy gets the surgeries he needs, rebuilds his confidence by gaining perspective as he rehabs.
Espi can rest the rest of season, Lombo played awesome, oh, but let me guess....the blind and delusional Espi fans will say, Espi would have caught that foul ball, therefore Lombo sucks and Espi should start, lol
ReplyDeleteNow that's the NATS we all remember from last season. Keep it going. Boys. " hey, did I mention Lombo went to ATHOLTON High?
ReplyDeleteHahahaha very good Mick. I missed you
ReplyDeleteEspi can rest the rest of season, Lombo played awesome, oh, but let me guess....the blind and delusional Espi fans will say, Espi would have caught that foul ball, therefore Lombo sucks and Espi should start, lol
ReplyDeleteThe guy is clearly injured ... now in multiple places in spite of what the "phantom injury" mavens will tell you. And no Rendon. Just Lombo followed by soon-to-arrive Jeff Kobernus. That should tell y'all something.
Peric -- did Maya get a 40-man roster slot in his original contract? Otherwise it makes little sense to have him on it -- anyone who wants to claim his contract in the Rule 5 draft, welcome to it!
ReplyDeletePeriod that was me on the under the.500. I was wwwwwrrrrrrrrong. And glad of it.
ReplyDeleteBOOM It's Maya
ReplyDeleteErin Flynn@TheNatsBlogErin
Davey says Maya likely to be DFAed to make room for Kobernus on the 40-man roster #Nats
Davey just said JZimm had a stiff neck today. Could have fooled me.
ReplyDeleteMaya is going down, Davey just said. And then totally garbled Kobernus' name.
Peric, frankly, I am stunned at why Rendon is not up? he was beginning to hit before he was sent back down
ReplyDeleteMaya is being DFA, Davey said.
ReplyDeleteMaya should be DOA as far as his future in DC lol
ReplyDeleteI had a stiff neck the other day. I took a VIAGRA and it got caught in my throat.
ReplyDeleteI know nothing about Kobernus , fill me in Peric
ReplyDeleteI imagine it'll be Mattheus on the 60-day DL and then Kobernus will get a slot. They'll have a decision to make when he comes back, though.
ReplyDeletePeric -- did Maya get a 40-man roster slot in his original contract? Otherwise it makes little sense to have him on it -- anyone who wants to claim his contract in the Rule 5 draft, welcome to it!
ReplyDeleteyeah he did. And it sounds like they are going to DFA him to free up his slot which is definitely the right move and way past time.
Huh, I'm wrong, then. Not the first time!
ReplyDeleteDavey says Jeff Kobernus coming up. Yunesky Maya likely DFA to make room
ReplyDeleteDan Kolko, Byron Kerr, Mark, James Wagner all reporting this now.
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ReplyDeleteAnd if Maya makes it through waivers I do hope they remove him from the starting rotation for the sudden "sleeper" in Syracuse Ryan Tatusko.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like Espi will stay on the active roster and Kobernus takes Maya's spot.
ReplyDeleteWhy won't they just send Espi to the DL.
Why won't they just send Espi down.
ReplyDeleteThey need his glove in town at least for now. If Desmond goes down who ya gonna call ... not Zach Walters ... maybe Ghost Busters but even they can't help you then.
Gattis pinch hit 2 RBI hit to give the Braves the lead in the 8th. Ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteNow give Lombo a chance...not the 3 game stint and back to the bench...put him in 2b for a long period and give him at least 10% of the chance that Espi got (eg: Espi got 1500 ab to prove something). I'm so glad Davey just said the obvious, that you can't have glaring holes in the lineup day in and day out.
ReplyDeleteI am happy for Kobernus, When I was at the DET/Nats Spring training game, the tigers fans were Kind of up and down about Kobernus, Like him, loved his glove, but he wasn't hitting for them, so they knew he would be gone. Glad we got him back and glad he is getting a shot. Hopefully, Espi will take the time to Heal and we can see what we really have as our options for 2B
ReplyDeleteWhy won't they just send Espi to the DL.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping they send him off to get those surgeries ... but again who is the back up shortstop? Maybe they bring back AGonz his defense was pretty fantabulous at 3rd, SS, and 2nd. Just no bat.
Zach Walters is an Espi clone with less glove. Swings for the fences and catches too much air.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, its nice to have the majors top winner (tied) among all major league starters.
ReplyDeleteI think Espi is down...He's hurt...you gonna have to figure out something creative for backing up desi and Lombo... I don't have a good answer..maybe you suck it up and bring rendon up in the unlikely event that DEsi goes down when Espi is hurt.
ReplyDeleteZach Walters is an Espi clone with less glove. Swings for the fences and catches too much air.
ReplyDeleteAfter him? Its Sean Nicols and then Jason Martinson I guess. Neither known for sterling defense.
Rizzo might have to manufacture a trade if they send Espy off to the the surgeon.
bring rendon up in the unlikely event that DEsi goes down when Espi is hurt.
ReplyDeleteAnthony Rendon can play major league caliber 3rd base and above. He is NOT however, a major league shortstop or second baseman.
i would definitely bring up Rendon in the unlikely event that Desmond goes down while Espi is injured.
ReplyDeleteNo brainer...or you overpay for somebody since the other side knows your desperate.
Peric, frankly, I am stunned at why Rendon is not up? he was beginning to hit before he was sent back down
ReplyDeleteHe also seemed a bit "overwhelmed" by it all. He clearly isn't the same total confidence type that Harper is. He doesn't have enough seasoning. And the fans were all over him during his brief stay in the majors.
AND? He is a future third baseman who should play every single day. He wouldn't in the majors.
Lombo and Moore are not Major League caliber outfielders but desperate measures called for desperate actions.
ReplyDeleteWonder why they are playing Rendon at 2B ???
Maybe Rendon can go to Syracuse to take Kobemus.
ReplyDeleteWhy not DL espi?
This team loves to keep injured player on the roster/bench. Whats the big deal if Espi goes on 15 day DL? If his injury is not a big deal, he'll get to play some rehab games in the minors and come back stronger. Its a win-win for everybody.
ReplyDeleteThe issue is defense. If Desmond goes down, we have nobody who can play SS well. Espinosa can play there in a pinch. That's all it comes down to.
ReplyDeleteNeed to DL Espi and bring back Perez to defensive replacement.
ReplyDeleteIf Moore doesn't up it Syracuse him and bring up Owings.
Yes, but my gut tells me Espi is hurting...You have to have a backup plan and I'm sure they do.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Rendon can go to Syracuse to take Kobemus.
ReplyDeleteWhy not DL espi?
Not until they decide what to do ... as far as a backup shortstop. Then? The are likely going to have to find a way to convince Danny (who is know to be a stubborn tough as nails type) to get the surgeries he needs. Rehab and come back ready to go in ST 2014.
That all may take a little time. Be patient.
I have to think if Espi goes on the DL then Lombo becomes your backup SS and Kobernus is your backup 2B, but the good news is the Nats have Desi!
ReplyDeleteThis isn't like figuring out your 3rd catcher. Rizzo needs to work on some AAA depth that can be MLB ready.
Espinosa can play there in a pinch. That's all it comes down to.
ReplyDeleteEspinosa can play there long-term and make it seem as if Desmond never left .. in fact, in the field, he just might be better at shortstop than Desmond.
Danny's choice I'm sure is get the rest or surgery he needs or ride the pine injured. I'm sure he'll make the best decision for him.
ReplyDeleteYes, but my gut tells me Espi is hurting...You have to have a backup plan and I'm sure they do.
ReplyDeleteIn spite of what the "experts" here think Espy is a rare bird that can play shortstop and second base at the highest levels in the majors. He is capable of producing offensively ... but clearly he needs to dispense with all the injuries and come back with a clean slate and healthy.
Valdespin whokills us as a pinch hitter comes up with guys on 1st ans 2 nd 1 out and strikes out on a fast ball no where near strike zone.
ReplyDeletePeric's being funny again. Espi>Desi at shortstop. HUMOR, ok, you said might be better. No.
ReplyDeleteRizzo needs to work on some AAA depth that can be MLB ready.
ReplyDeleteIf its a decent veteran he'll have to be added to the active roster. There's really not much in the way of a choice unless you find someone still rehabbing an injury but should be ready soon to send to AAA to get ready.
Of course Espi can play excellent SS and 2B but there is a reason he can't hit. He's hurting..While he's hurt, we shouldn't count on him to backup SS. Who you gonna call ?
ReplyDeleteDaniel Murphy RBI single 5-4
ReplyDeleteAnkiel up
Peric's being funny again. Espi>Desi at shortstop. HUMOR, ok, you said might be better. No.
ReplyDeleteIn the field? Sure. But I'm not the one who only thinks that ... lezz see there's Luke Erickson, Brian Oliver just to name a few ... are you going to say they are wrong as well arrogant Ghost guy?
Wild pitch ties it
ReplyDeleteperic said...He is capable of producing offensively
ReplyDeleteHe has never been consistent in producing offensively at the Major League level since May of 2011.
You lose so much credibility with your extreme man crushes.
He has never been consistent in producing offensively at the Major League level since May of 2011.
ReplyDeleteHe produced pretty well while playing shortstop for Desmond or have you forgotten? The he too suffered a shoulder injury and then it all dropped.
Ankiel with 3 K's. Yeesh.
ReplyDeleteAnkiel K to end inning 5-5
ReplyDeleteYou lose so much credibility with your extreme man crushes.
ReplyDeleteFar better than the blatant and blind stupidity required to assume that Anthony Rendon could suddenly and instantly be a major league 2nd baseman without even 1 season as a professional.
Mets tied it
ReplyDeleteDid I hear correctly someone say the Nats didn't make a single error in the Giants series?
ReplyDeletePericles (Greek: Περικλῆς, Periklēs, "surrounded by glory"; c. 495 – 429 BC) was the most prominent and influential Greek statesman, orator, and general of Athens during the Golden Age
ReplyDeleteperic said...
ReplyDeleteHe has never been consistent in producing offensively at the Major League level since May of 2011.
------------
He produced pretty well while playing shortstop for Desmond or have you forgotten? The he too suffered a shoulder injury and then it all dropped.
May 24, 2013 10:35 PM
So you think a position change from 2nd to SS helped him find himself as a hitter? 39 total games in his career is a small sample size.
That is pure comedy. Do you actually believe what you write? That has to be close to the most ridiculous stuff you have ever written.
jeffwx, what is PieroB?
ReplyDeletePeric please. If Ian were to get hurt we don't need someone playing short with a hurt wrist and hurt shoulder. I don't care what he does with his glove we cannot just keep giving outs away. You put in Danny's 2 ks, weak ground ball and pop out in place of Lombo tonight and who knows if we win. And that includes Lombo's error.
ReplyDeleteperic said...
ReplyDeleteFar better than the blatant and blind stupidity required to assume that Anthony Rendon could suddenly and instantly be a major league 2nd baseman without even 1 season as a professional.
May 24, 2013 10:37 PM
What idiot would think Rendon could step in without at least 2 weeks straight of MiLB reps at 2nd base? Even if you do that you would have to evaluate him.
By the way, I'm not buying this Espi hurt wrist thing. It sounds too convenient. Espi had that birthday game where he raked. Sorry it doesn't add up.
ReplyDeleteJust another excuse to go with all the others. When are people going to realize Espi just is not a competent MLB hitter as a lefty.
My God I believe I saw a new worse call, and I blame all 4 umps
ReplyDeleteMen on first and second. Grounder to first throw to second out tgrow to first, pitcher caught ball near first as first baseman grabs at ball. Called out. Pitcher 5 feet from first.
All umps agreed out. Try to catch this. Totally pathetic.
Jeff nelson first base ump.
I cant figure how that could be missed by the ump and none of the other three could miss the play.
Marerro and Brown both with homers. Brown 4 in around 70 at bats already. Marerro hit his ninth. Syracuse is seeing its home run bats heat up. And with Tatusko in the rotation instead of Maya the pitching is improved. Be nice if they DFA Young who has been even worse and put Jeff Mandel or Tanner Roarke back in.
ReplyDeleteI think Danny has actually hit an iota better since the injury and can obviously play defense. Lombo may not be the flashy defender that Espi is but he more than adequately holds down the position. He had a very nice game today. The double play with bases loaded seemed to spark that 5th inning rally. It's also nice to have someone other than Espi- pitcher spot after Suzuki. Jordan is a gem. I hope all Nats fans realize his value . Perfect weather for him, too!
ReplyDeleteCandide i mentioned Wednesday no E in SF
ReplyDeleteis but he more than adequately holds down the position. He had a very nice game today.
ReplyDeleteAnd they will almost surely give Lombo every chance to continue to do so before even considering Anthony Rendon who is destined for one position only.
Sorry I meant to say ... release Young not DFA him.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.capitalbeltwaysportsblog.com
ReplyDeleteBreaks down which Nats have been the best with RISP in 2013 so far.
Ghost it must be the Greek letters not translating.
ReplyDeleteI thought maybe Peric aspires to be Pericles of all Nats blogs everywhere.
Doing a search, you can find his unique analysis everywhere and going back some time.
I called that move! Maya being DFA was a small surprise.
ReplyDeleteSo- wasn't it just a huge relief when the Nats strung some offense together in the 5th? Huge exhale. I love Suzuki hitting higher with other hitters behind him. And how about Tyler Moore with the power infield hit?! Whatever works.
ReplyDeleteDoing a search, you can find his unique analysis everywhere and going back some time.
ReplyDeleteEasily back to 2005.
And Kolko is a good local guy (my neck of the woods) from Silver Spring. I'm not going to call myself peric on his blog. Sorry Ghost.
ReplyDeletejeffwx said...
ReplyDeleteGhost it must be the Greek letters not translating.
I thought maybe Peric aspires to be Pericles of all Nats blogs everywhere.
Doing a search, you can find his unique analysis everywhere and going back some time.
May 24, 2013 10:59 PM
He used to be Periculum on WaPo. On MASN, he is PieroB. It's the same stuff everywhere.
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ReplyDelete"periculum" is Latin for "danger" -- make of that what you will.
ReplyDeletePeric, you said "He is capable of producing offensively ... but clearly he needs to dispense with all the injuries and come back with a clean slate and healthy."
ReplyDeleteSo, he has a brain injury? That is the only way to explain why he swings at the pitches at his neck and outside of the opposite batter's box.
I am a big Espinosa fan, but until he stops pressing and gets his head together, he won't produce.
angel Herandez calls man out at first was out when it was clearly safe on to the 11th.
ReplyDeleteHernandez is mere idiot.
Woo hoo, what a game. Cold and windy out there, but JZnn kept the game moving and the crowd was in great spirits particularly after the 5th inning. So nice to see us get a bunch of two out hits at the bottom of the order without the human rally killer there to mess things up. Zuki deserved to be moved up and came up with a big hit, and Lombo really took advantage of his opportunity. And great to see Clip and Soriano sharp. A very nice start to the series and the weekend.
ReplyDeleteWe were all shocked that Jewett sent Moore. He hadn't even reached third base when Revere fielded the ball. And Revere was so shallow that it seemed impossible he would make a bad throw. But thankfully that mistake didn't come back to haunt us.
Ghost, I totally buy the wrist. It doesn't mean that once it's healed he'll be back to early 2011 form, but it provides at least a plausible explanation for his complete collapse in the last few weeks. What I don't understand is how the guy could throw with a broken wrist. Any doctors in the house have a theory on that?
And I'm still looking forward to the medical staff's version of events. Did they not repeat the x-ray a few days later to make sure of their no break diagnosis because they were worried about giving him too much radiation? (Sorry, couldn't resist.) Or is the explanation simply that they rely on the player to tell them he's still hurting before they do any more tests, once the initial x-ray is negative? Do they do any followup examination after an injury like that? Did no one notice continued swelling in the wrist? Did Danny really tell them that he wasn't feeling any pain anymore? Is anyone held accountable for a player with a broken wrist occupying a key lineup spot for six weeks?
If the Nats are worried about defense, they can DL Danny and bring up Walters as a glove man. I know his batting average is down this year, but he played quality shortstop in spring training and he has some pop.
ReplyDeleteDFA Maya, DL Danny and bring up Kobernus AND Walters. Kobernus is speedy and can play 2b and OF. Walters backs up short.
Problem solved.
Ball ,2 feet from first baseman.
ReplyDeleteHow does Hernandez keep job?
Hawk Harrelson told Angel. "To try flipping coin again."
Drew, Walters is not a good glove man and when you add pressure, he's been known to boot the ball.
ReplyDeleteWhat has improved though is that he now is fairly respectful. There are still a few outbursts but nothing horrible. I like that Peric has a passion for the minor leaguers and I like that he brings the ability to have a discussion. Most disagree but its just like the actual game. Do you sacrifice? Do you swing at 3-0? Do you bring in a relief pitcher? etc etc. My take is that I am ok with Espinosa now being used as the utility guy. If he honestly doesn't need surgery on the hand (and I kinda agree here with Ghost that this sounds very suspicious), then he can rest and rehab with are marvelous training staff (sarcasm people) and fill in if needed. They honestly don't have another defensive player of his caliber. I remember the Orioles winning with Belanger and he couldn't hit a lick. Desmond rarely comes out of games and you can also use Espinosa to pinch run if needed as well. So I keep him up. The fewer changes in the clubhouse the better in my opinion. Again, I let Lombo play the vast majority of innings now but I keep Espinosa for the role Lombo played.
ReplyDeleteI just mentioned making as few changes as possible but I do believe if Bernadina keeps falling that they have to let Corey Brown get an opportunity. I keep Moore up because of his potential power but Roger is close to going under .100. That is just silly bad.
I came home from windy San Francisco to be greeted by San Francisco East!! But we have won two in a row and the drive from Dulles was a happy one with Dave and Charlie.
Go Nats!! Will be back in 308 tomorrow!
Section 222, I'm not saying Espi doesn't have an issue with his wrist but it hasn't affected his hitting or his throws.
ReplyDeleteI think the team wanted to make a change and they disclosed the wrist issue to help Danny's ego.
Oh, and I have to poke my friend Mick! Three days ago you were throwing everyone under the bus and were done with the team. We win two in a row and I see you are back. You can get angry my friend but stop with the ultimatums, it makes you look bad. Root root root for the home team, if they don't win its a shame but never give up!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you sjm, Danny is your bench middle infielder.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Lombo had a great game but I'm still skeptical of his ability. With that said, he deserves an opportunity to show if he's a starter. It's about consistency so tomorrow will be a chance to come back and do it again!
You know, Clip is quietly putting together a nice little stretch. And this team is in transition. Not a bad thing. Sometimes issues are forced and it's for the better once the adjustments are made. Things needed some shaking up.
ReplyDeleteGhost you may be right on the ego thing since Danny and Ian hate to come out of games but our crack medical staff (again, sarcasm people) surely had to see some sort of swelling or inflamation. If he received massage, that therapist would have surely noticed tenderness to the touch and reported it, right??(again, sarcasm).
ReplyDeleteOn a totally different take on playing with pain. It is impressive how most of our guys have aches, and nicks and honest to goodness pain day in and day out. I am sure its just as bad in all of the team sports but this is probably another area that separates the professional from the novice is the ability to play with pain.
Peric - I know you don't live in San Francisco but how do they survive any type of biking with that wind!!!??? It was crazy bad. I wanted to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge but not in 62 degree weather with wind gusts of 20mph or more. That game on Tuesday night was the most uncomfortable baseball game I have ever been too. Almost every Giant fan wore wool hats you would see at football games and hoodies and had multiple blankets. At least they understand what is necessary.
ReplyDeleteAlso back from the game. Hello, 222. Totally mystified why Trent Jewett sent Tyler Moore, who is almost as slow as ALR, like a lamb to the slaughter at home--except Moore bashed into Kratz with all his might in a futile effort to avoid the slaughter. Now, Bo made a couple of mistakes as 3B coach, but I don't remember as many as Jewitt has made. Very questionable.
ReplyDeleteHow long will they wait in NY?
ReplyDeleteI wasn't gonna start postin' regular til Steven Lombardozzi Jr. started playin' regular. Now he is and now I am. C'mon statheads...what's the Nats record when he plays vs when he don't?
ReplyDeleteBo Porter isn't having a great night. His closer blew the save in a 5-3 game and gave up 3 runs to lose.
ReplyDeleteNatsLady, Bo rarely made mistakes. He was aggressive while knowing his team speed and the arm in the outfield. With no outs, Trent made a huge mistake.
ReplyDeleteI have not heard a word about Phans in the house tonight so I am guessing it was not an issue. Could not hear them on the broadcast. Anyone who was there- was it a predominantly Nats crowd? Seemed like it.
ReplyDeleteswami, there was a significant Phillies fan component at the park, but nothing like the old days. Helps, of course, when we rock a big inning. My section (314) had quite a few Phillies fans, but they were well behaved. Most had left by the 9th.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you NL. Did you really get your seat at the box office for $17? That's pretty great. How'd you like the N A T S Nats, Nats, Nats crowd?
Mets/Braves suspended in the top of the 9th, tied 5-5. They'll pick it up tomorrow.