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| Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER |
Back here on South Capitol Street, the Nationals have Jayson Werth back in their lineup after he left Sunday's game with what appeared to be a groin injury. But, in a surprise development, Ryan Zimmerman is not listed on Davey Johnson's lineup card. You wouldn't think he'd need a day off after the club didn't play yesterday, but perhaps there's a little nagging something going on. Stay tuned.
Gio Gonzalez gets the start, hoping to continue his impressive run while actually earning the win for a change. Right-hander Trevor Cahill is on the mound for Arizona.
Updates to come...
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500), XM 184
Weather: Partly cloudy, 90 degrees, Wind 9 mph out to CF
NATIONALS (37-38)
CF Denard Span
2B Anthony Rendon
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
3B Chad Tracy
LF Roger Bernadina
C Kurt Suzuki
LHP Gio Gonzalez
DIAMONDBACKS (41-34)
SS Willie Bloomquist
2B Aaron Hill
1B Paul Goldschmidt
C Miguel Montero
LF Cody Ross
3B Martin Prado
RF Gerardo Parra
CF A.J. Pollock
RHP Trevor Cahill
UMPIRES
HP Mike Estabrook
1B Greg Gibson (cc)
2B Hunter Wendelstedt
3B Alan Porter
7:07 p.m. — We are underway on a steamy, 90-degree Tuesday night in the District. Safe to say summer has arrived at last. Gio Gonzalez starts off Willie Bloomquist with a fastball for strike one.
7:14 p.m. — This one started off a bit ragged, with Bloomquist lacing a double to right-center to lead things off. Jayson Werth couldn't get there in time and didn't appear to be moving around real well. I talked to Jayson before the game and he said his groin was fine and didn't think he'd have any limitations tonight. Watching that first play, I'm not so sure about that. The good news: Gio battled back from the leadoff double and escaped without allowing a run. He got Aaron Hill to pop out, the super-dangerous Paul Goldschmidt to ground out and then struck out Miguel Montero on a good curveball to end the inning.
7:31 p.m. — Three hits so far allowed by Gio, but he's been helped out by his defense. Ian Desmond made a really nice play on Cody Ross' bouncer to short. Denard Span then fired a perfect, one-hop strike to Kurt Suzuki to nail Martin Prado trying to score on A.J. Pollack's base hit up the middle. That's Span's third outfield assist of the season .So it remains scoreless as we move to the bottom of the second.
7:50 p.m. — Another scoreless inning from Gio, capped off by an impressive changeup to Goldschmidt for his second strikeout of the night. That's becoming more and more of a weapon for Gonzalez, one that adds another dimension to his repertoire. Still 0-0 as we go the bottom of the third and the Nats still look for their first hit off Trevor Cahill.
8:07 p.m. — Whoa, it's an offensive explosion by the Nats! And I mean a real offensive explosion. Five runs, to be exact. That's only the third time this year they've plated five runs in an inning. And it included a LaRoche three-run homer, only the seventh hit by the Nats this year (plus Desmond's grand slam last week in Philly). Other highlights of the rally: Span delivered the first RBI single up the middle, bringing home Kurt Suzuki. Anthony Rendon then delivered yet another base hit to the opposite field. By my count, 24 of his 31 hits have been hit to either center or right fields. Werth added his own RBI single to left. LaRoche then brought everybody home with a three-run blast to left-center, another opposite-field shot. It's 5-0 Nats after three.
8:40 p.m. — Make it 6-0 Nats after five. Werth got things going with a double to right-center, the third time he's reached base tonight. He later scored on Desmond's sac fly as the Nationals take out their offensive frustrations on Cahill, who somehow remains in this game. Gio, meanwhile, is cruising along, five scoreless innings in the books and thrilled to finally get some run support.
8:56 p.m. — Gio finally started to show some signs of fatigue in the sixth. He gave up three straight hits, allowing his first run, and also issued a two-out walk, drawing Steve McCatty out of the dugout for a chat and putting Tyler Clippard to work in the bullpen. Gio is now at 91 pitches through six, and you wonder if that might be it for him. 6-1 Nats moving to the bottom of the sixth.
9:06 p.m. — Or maybe not. Gio hit for himself in the bottom of the sixth, and now he's back out for the seventh. I'll be interested to see how he looks here. Drew Storen is now warming in the pen just in case.
9:28 p.m. — And "Just in case" indeed happened. Gonzalez lasted just two batters in the seventh before Davey came out from the dugout to make the switch. So in came Storen, who got himself in trouble with a two-out walk to Aaron Hill, forcing him to face the dangerous Goldschmidt in a big spot. And Goldschmidt delivered an RBI single, extending the inning. Making matters worse, Rendon then booted a hard grounder to second, bringing another runner home. All of a sudden, it was 6-3 and Storen was facing the tying run at the plate in Cody Ross. With the count 3-2, Ross swung mightily and something went flying into shallow left field. Fortunately for Storen, it was Ross' bat. The ball wound up in Suzuki's mitt for a big strikeout to end the inning. Its' 6-3 Nats at the stretch.
9:47 p.m. — Golden opportunity for the Nats to tack on in the bottom of the seventh, but a questionable send by Trent Jewett got Rendon thrown out at the plate. Then, with Ryan Zimmerman pinch-hitting for Chad Tracy against a left-hander, the rally fizzled on a pop-up to the center of the diamond. It remains 6-3 Nats and now Rendon is shifting to third base, with Steve Lombardozzi at second base. Tyler Clippard in to pitch the eighth.
9:53 p.m. — This one's not over quite yet, folks. Martin Prado, that noted Nat-killer, launched a solo homer off Clippard to begin the eighth, so that trims the lead to 6-4. Clippard, though, stopped the bleeding right there and retired the side following the homer, so now the Nationals are three Rafael Soriano outs away from a victory.
10:01 p.m. — There's your insurance run. Lombardozzi doubles and then scores as reliever Brad Ziegler couldn't handle Goldschmidt's feed on a potential 3-1 groundout. So it's now 7-4 as Soriano enters for the ninth.
10:15 p.m. — That's it. Soriano closes out a 7-5 victory for his 20th save (the D'backs scored one late and seriously threatened). And Gio Gonzalez gets his long-awaited fourth win, his first since May 5. The Nats are back at .500 (38-38).
363 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 363 Newer› Newest»If Zimm isn't injured, this is pretty weird. He just had a day off yesterday. And it sure seems like a bad idea for Werth to be pushing it.
I hope this isn't one of those "get Tracy going" things. They could've played him during Haren's last start for that, since they had to know it was a likely loss anyway.
Probably tiny thing on Zim or Msrk or someone would have know.
Werth hopefully is hydrated.
Chad Tracy???? Geesh Davey just throw in the white flag already.
We have had some great links to various stats in the comments today (and one I have been looking for for weeks), but with Zim out tonight, it reminded me of something I noticed about the Nationals with runners in scoring position (currently Zim has the best BA on the club with risp). Yes, that RISP that we have been frequently discussing.
While the Nationals are now in the middle of the pack in BA/SLG/OPS with RISP. They are dead last in the NL for plate appearances and at bats with RISP...that is a lot of empty bases when this team needs to be scoring. The cursed Cardinals are all over the top of these categories.
WTF? Where's RZim. Hangover from the Stones concert last night?
Here are last year's division leaders and WC leaders on June 25:
AL
Division: Yankees, White Sox, Rangers,
WC 1: Orioles
WC 2: Angels/Rays- tied
NL
Division: Nationals, Reds, Dodgers
WC1: Giants
WC 2: Braves/Pirates
So one division winner (Tigers, Giants) and one WC team (A's, Cards) in each league came from behind in the second half.
In 2011, here's where things stood on June 25:
AL
Division: Yankees, Indians, Rangers
WC: Red Sox (Rays 2nd)
NL
Division: Phillies, Brewers, Giants
WC: Braves (Diamondbacks 2nd)
So again, one division winner in each league (Tigers, D-Backs) came from behind. Both WC teams (Cards, Rays) came from behind (there was only one in each league that year.
So based on the last two seasons, you can certainly argue that it's not over yet. But, on the other hand, pole position matters.
I heard Davey insist a few days ago that Adam would have a couple of days in a row. Then he did not even pinch hit him when it could have meant the game. Perhaps this is a part of a plan? Bad matchup? Bean ball war coming? Who knows? I am guessing it's about Tracy playing. Hope Gio has command as the D bags have engaged in some fisticuffs.
Good to see Werth in the lineup. Maybe all is well with him.
Cannot understand Tracy for Zim. Maybe it's one of those numbers things that Davey loves, like Zim is only 2 for 9 against Cahill and Tracy is 3 for 11. I would think we would have heard if Zim were injured.
Is Chad Tracy one of Davey's relatives?
If Zim is under the weather, I bet those photos his wife posted of them at the Rolling Stones show last night are gonna become a story. It won't be right or fair, but sometimes life ain't fair.
The lineup is easy. Span, Bernie or Lombo until Bryce Zimm, laroche, WERTh, Ian, Rendon, Suzuki, pitcher.
Bowden was he really at the stones show?
Bowden-- already happening on twitter. Yes, Zim's wife is very active on twitter and posted pictures. So players are not allowed to relax on off days? Not like he was sky diving or racing motorcycles.
So Haren got a magical shot in the shoulder , will be back real soon and be fantastic........
All sample sizes against Cahill are pretty small - 10 plate appearances or less. But Zimm has the second-best OPS against of the current roster, with a home run and a walk in 3 plate appearances making his slash line .500/.667/2.000. So bad track record can't be the reason.
Zim signed his fat contract, then he quit!!
While the Nationals are now in the middle of the pack in BA/SLG/OPS with RISP. They are dead last in the NL for plate appearances and at bats with RISP...that is a lot of empty bases when this team needs to be scoring.
Thanks for the info!
Confirms what I've been saying the past few weeks: the problem isn't situational hitting -- the problem is hitting in general.
"Zim signed his fat contract, then he quit!!"
As evidenced by his MVP-caliber second half to last season and his team leading BA with RISP this year. So sick of the Zim hate. He deserves some credit, but you'd think the guy was the devil.
phil dunton said...
Zim signed his fat contract, then he quit!!
Yep. Despite time off for an injury, he's played in 61 games already. What a slacker, huh?
Just brilliant.
baseballswami said...
"Bowden-- already happening on twitter. Yes, Zim's wife is very active on twitter and posted pictures. So players are not allowed to relax on off days? Not like he was sky diving or racing motorcycles."
I completely agree, swami. It was a bunch of old guys playing classic rock in a basketball stadium, not a 4 AM DJ set at a rave. That's probably one of the more relaxing things you can do on your off day. But I could see it coming a mile away. Fans are very predictable.
No way Zim is out of the lineup unless he's hurt/sick.
DC Wonk. It's not his absence, it is the lazy way he plays when he isn't ailing. Look at his stats and maybe you will become brilliant too.
"phil dunton said...
DC Wonk. It's not his absence, it is the lazy way he plays when he isn't ailing. Look at his stats and maybe you will become brilliant too."
124 OPS+, the same as Freddie Freeman. He leads the team in BA with RISP. When his throws were bad, he was out there at 10am every morning throwing trying to get it right (and it's atleast somewhat better now).
It' almost offensive for you to suggest Ryan is lazy.
"It' almost offensive for you to suggest Ryan is lazy."
Or, would be, if the opinion mattered even one single little iota.
Cahill is 0 - 3 and has an 8.80 ERA in the month of June.
If they can't give Gio some run support tonight, they should call up the AAA roster.
I guess we should reserve harsh criticism until we know what's happening with RZim.
What makes anyone think it's Zim's decision? Davey sits people when ever he wants to. Anyone else gets a game off and no one asks what he did the night before. Zim is a grinder. He just is not a rah rah type.
Byron Kerr @masnKerr 31s
Davey says Zim is fine. Shoulder bothering him a bit. Avail pinch hit. Taking med to calm it down. That's normal. Nothin earth shattering
Davey said in the postgame comments for the last game that he didn't have LaRoche pinch-hit at any point because he wanted to build the other players' confidence. Early in the season I can see that, but at this point the team has much less room for error and can't afford to give so many plate appearances to guys that aren't performing. I hope that's not what he's doing with Zimmerman today.
swami-
It's all just speculation, but the problem is that this would be a REALLY weird time to give Zimmerman the day off. The team had a day off yesterday. They're struggling to score runs. They're one game under .500. They should get Harper back in a few days, which will give them more flexibility to give a heart of the order type the day off. But this game, against a pitcher he does fine against, is really odd timing. If it's just a regular day off it's easily the strangest lineup decision Davey has made in his time with the club.
Byron Kerr @masnKerr 48s
Davey said werth on groin told him This is something he has had before and it not as bad as before So put him in lineup.
Adam Kilgore @AdamKilgoreWP 15s
Davey says Zimmerman is fine, even though he's taking anti-inflammation for his shoulder. He wanted to stack two days off for him.
All players not named Cal Ripken get days off from time to time during the year. Managers often like to schedule those days off on the day before or after an off day to get twice the payoff. Don't be surprised if Davey does the same thing with Desi soon.
Per MLBTR the Nats are actively shopping ALR. Would put RZIM at first and Rendon at 3rd. Scouts in NL are beginning to notice that RZIM is playing in help his throwing. Becoming a liability in the field. This is only a rumor but apparently has some legs.
Nice to see Davey in "we got plenty of time" why panic mode.
5th starter?
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/06/25/marlins-aggressively-trying-to-move-ricky-nolasco/
"Per MLBTR the Nats are actively shopping ALR. Would put RZIM at first and Rendon at 3rd. Scouts in NL are beginning to notice that RZIM is playing in help his throwing. Becoming a liability in the field. This is only a rumor but apparently has some legs."
False. Here's what it says:
Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche could be dealt, hears Stark, in a scenario where Ryan Zimmerman moves to first base, Anthony Rendon moves back to third base, and Danny Espinosa gets healthy. LaRoche's name is not out there at present, however.
Last line is key. This is not something currently on the table, but it could be if the season tanks. It also depends on Espinosa being good. Don't count on it.
nats guy, that is interesting about ALR since I named him yesterday as trade bait which I could see but doubt the buyers will be knocking down Rizzo's door.
David,
Actually what I wrote i not false.
The most likely trade chips are probably Espi (yes, awful this year, but 25, cost-controlled and two 3-win seasons aren't something to sneeze at) and Storen or Clippard if something big is planned this season. It'd be odd to me if they moved LaRoche this season as they'd then need another regular infielder, and no second base option is terribly appealing.
nats guy said...
"Per MLBTR the Nats are actively shopping ALR. Would put RZIM at first and Rendon at 3rd. Scouts in NL are beginning to notice that RZIM is playing in help his throwing. Becoming a liability in the field. This is only a rumor but apparently has some legs."
False. The MLB Trade Rumors tidbit says only that Jayson Stark heard it as a possibility. There is NOTHING there about the Nats "actively shopping" LaRoche; in fact the note says the exact opposite, that "LaRoche's name is not out there at present."
I don't understand why someone would post something so wrong. Seems like a deliberate attempt to get people riled up.
actively shopping was not what was reported on MLBTR. considering but not at he present time is more accurate
Ok, Zimm needs another day off for his shoulder.
Not sure putting Rendon on 3rd and using Kobernus would be much better than Tracy...so Today, I agree with Davey.
Jayson Stark must have read my post yesterday about the Nats trading ALR if they are not in the race.
Jeff, I agree. What irks me is that this has happened before with Zim and been something larger. If he plays the rest of the week then fine. Wait & see.
Jeff, LMAO, you don't need much to say "heard it as a possibility". I laid it out yesterday in where the Nats need to move Werth or RZim to 1st.
Sorry Ghost, just a little envious that your predictions often find their way into reality. I don't have such skill in my profession (weather man).
But you don't need a weather man to know which way the trade winds blow.
I love the way people say so-and-so should get a day off, and then when he does, then why is the lazy bum taking a day off?
This is a very long stretch of games, 20 in 20 days--the max allowed by the CBA. It's hot and humid this time year, in case you hadn't noticed. Tracy goes in for the LH/RH match. The only "time off" Zim has had since he came back from the DL was when he DH'd against Cleveland.
This is, IMO, the weakest pitcher Arizona has going in the three-game set. Now, maybe you say, Davey should counter with his strongest lineup, but you klnow that doesn't guarantee a win, so why not let the lefties go?
Miley was almost ROY last year, though he has struggled. He is a lefty and you Davey will have all the righties in tomorrow. Corbin is their best and he is also a lefty.
We can DO this!
Percentage of MLB Trade Rumors that actually happen?
I'd say less than 1 percent.
It's fodder for sports talk radio and boards like this, nothing more.
NatsLady-
Great point about the two lefties tomorrow and Thursday, and this being a good time to give Zimmerman a day off. But at the same time, if he needs a break during this stretch why not wait until Harper returns? Let's say Harper is back on Friday or Saturday- why not give Zimm a day off over the weekend, especially if we have to face the right-handed Matt Harvey in New York?
I usually give the team the benefit of the doubt and take the long view, but given this team's offensive issues I think giving away ANYTHING offensively right now, when you're already having problems scoring runs, when you're one game under .500 and your season is teetering on the brink, is a mistake.
So it apparently was part of a plan to have back to back days to rest the shoulder. Still rehabbing that shoulder-- easy does it. And Haren hates the DL because he does n't feel part of the team. Would he like a little cheese with that whine? If you want to be part of the team, throw strikes and get people out!
Plus, Davey can bring Zim in to PH against, y'know, Heath Bell, if it gets to that point. :)
"baseballswami said...
So it apparently was part of a plan to have back to back days to rest the shoulder. Still rehabbing that shoulder-- easy does it. And Haren hates the DL because he does n't feel part of the team. Would he like a little cheese with that whine? If you want to be part of the team, throw strikes and get people out!"
He's helping the team by staying as far away from a mound as possible...
bowdenball, I'm not necessarily agreeing with Davey, just trying to explain what might be his reasoning. Speaking for myself, I like the idea of two days off in a row when you are at home rather than separating them and having the off-day on the road. Just a little more comfortable, maybe a little more relaxing.
I appreciate that NatsLady, and it was as good an explanation as I can expect to hear since I disagree with the decision. Thanks.
Hopefully this lineup can surprise us and we can get the best of both worlds- a W and some rest for Zim.
NatsLady, I have heard RZ say before "I can play if they really needed me to play".
David-- my post was a response to a tweet saying he would be throwing by Thursday and does not want to be on the DL--- hence my chagrin. I agree that he will help the team more by staying ON the DL.
I certainly understand being wary when it's Zim's shoulder and the history associated with that. He's been hitting fine though and he did hit a home run on Saturday. I wouldn't be too worried yet. We'll just have to let it play out and see.
Apparently Zim can pinch hit. Must be the throwing motion that stresses him. He really is still rehabbing. Let's not push him too far.
I have a feeling that Harper will either pinch hit or only play parts of games when he returns, if it is over the weekend. Then next week he'll ramp it up--anyway, that would be my plan. SO I would, yes, want Harper for Harvey if possible, maybe start the game and pull him early. Looks like we get Wheeler on Sunday (he's going today), so Harper would hopefuly go then also--again, maybe not a full game--if he only takes three rehab days!
Davey said Harper is unlikely to return this weekend. Monday against the Brewers is the most likely date.
I would also be very much in favor of Bryce re- entering the fray gradually. Anyone know if Citi or Miller have huge left fields ? Every time Jayson has to make a tough play I cringe. Zim's throws, DSpan's steals, now Bryce running. More bourbon and maalox.
I also heard Bryce wants to play alongside his brother in Hagerstown this weekend.
Well, there ya go then. If Zim is really just feeling a little pinched, I would expect him to play a nice string of games. Davey does a little too much platooning for my taste, but we'll see how this one works out. Tracy won't disgrace himself at 3B, and might get a hit or two...
I think he was joking when he said that, Swami.
David- I thought that might be the motive behind the 6 or 7 games scenario, They are extremely close. Maybe not kidding?
>I also heard Bryce wants to play alongside his brother in Hagerstown this weekend.
That's very sweet but if he's OK, he should play with the big team. How is he getting his timing back at low-A????
I would hope he's not delaying his return to the big club just so he can play with his brother. If that's the case, that may explain why Davey was putting his foot down and saying it's his decision, not Bryce's.
Putrid lineup. This game is definitely going to the dogs.
Garcia is starting at Syracuse tonight. I thought he was on the 60 day DL?
The 60 day DL only applies to the big club. I believe this basically counts as a rehab assignment for Garcia.
NatsLady said...
I love the way people say so-and-so should get a day off, and then when he does, then why is the lazy bum taking a day off?
This is a very long stretch of games, 20 in 20 days--the max allowed by the CBA. It's hot and humid this time year, in case you hadn't noticed. Tracy goes in for the LH/RH match. The only "time off" Zim has had since he came back from the DL was when he DH'd against Cleveland.
This is, IMO, the weakest pitcher Arizona has going in the three-game set.
NatsLady -- you trying to confuse some folks here by bringing in some fact, logic, and the big picture? (and pointing out hypocrisy, to boot? ;-) )
Good for zimm to rest the shoulder if it hurts...I don't see any downside to it. Davey's choice of Tracy makes the most sense as to his replacement.
Here's the Jayson Stark piece that MLBTR was referring to, in its entirety:
"Adam LaRoche: Nationals GM Mike Rizzo told us last week that "we could be buyers and we could be sellers" at the deadline. So what might that mean? Other clubs get the vibe that if the Nationals do sell, they wouldn't mind finding a landing spot for LaRoche that would enable them to move Ryan Zimmerman to first base and install polished rookie Anthony Rendon at third. LaRoche's name isn't out there at the moment, and some of this could depend on whether second baseman Danny Espinosa can get healthy. But it's a scenario worth watching."
In other words, Stark is totally making this up. He may be right, but he's not reporting, he's speculating. And NatsGuy is trolling (again).
David and NatsLady-- during that time of miscommunication, a friend showed me some posts on a blog I will never follow-- the posters were killing Bryce over him wanting more games, attributing it to his brother and calling them ever name in the book. Obviously some (ahem), " fans" believe it is true and took it seriously. You know, Bryce is a kid, and a pretty personally and socially tame kid. Maybe it occurred to him. PNats only 3 games then they leave. And I think maybe we are not fully appreciating how Mark keeps this blog civil. I wanted to poke my eyes out after reading that stuff.
David,
but if it's a rehab assignment then there's a limit for how long that can last and then he has to be brought up or optioned out. correct?
maybe it's just an accounting thing with the 40 men roster. IDK.
So two of the Mets pitchers, Harvey and Gee, are skipping the entire Colorado series to go to New York so they will be ready for us. I have heard of a guy leaving the day before to get some sleep, but this is a new one on me. Isn't that highly unusual? I have never heard of two guys skipping a whole trip.
Swami, I think I know the place.
"David,
but if it's a rehab assignment then there's a limit for how long that can last and then he has to be brought up or optioned out. correct?"
This is correct, but by re-injuring the shoulder (shoulder soreness or whatever they're calling it), I believe they reset the time he has on rehab assignment. I may be wrong on this though.
"Hopefully this lineup can surprise us"
A suboptimal line up certainly surprised us on Sunday!!
As great as that comeback was, I'd like a W this time. We don't have time for moral victories.
I have heard of a guy leaving the day before to get some sleep, but this is a new one on me.
That reminds me of my favorite low-scoring team story. Drysdale left a day ahead of the team to get settled before his next start, and when he got off the plane, reporters met him at the gate with the news Koufax and just thrown a no-hitter.
"No kidding?" he said. "Who won?"
swami, yes. And then I saw on THIS blog a question as to whether the Nats are "exploiting" Bryce by bringing him back too soon--oir not soon enough--I forget which.
Bottom line, is I would guess the kid has lost a little confidence in his own body and in his hard-driving style and--IF IN FACT he is pretty close to healthy--that confidence will return when he gets back to doing what he's done all his life.
The simplest explanation is that he, we, and Davey, don't yet know how his body will respond to three/six/nine innings of playing time. I'm going with simple (i.e, no conspiracy theories).
If Gio had been on the mound that very likely would've been a W...
LOL on the Mets!! I hope they have a couple of 20-inning games out there and regret sending the starters ahead!
I had a thought that Bryce was a little apprehensive and Davey wanted him back on the horse before he started thinking too much. I hope things go well , and not just for us greedy fans. He truly is great kid. One of the reasons it seems I am always defending the AAA bench guys is that I have a soft spot for the young guys trying to make it. I just can't help pulling for them. Makes me all mushy.
NatsLady- I thought about that - what if you need a bunter or runner in a long game? Do you also find it highly unusual?
My guess on Harper (posted in response to the "exploiting" him comment) is that Davey will defer to him about the injury the day after each start, but pull rank on him regarding issues of mechanics, e.g., swing timing.
Uhm.... I have no issue with RZ taking/having another day off... But I do have an issue with C Tracy playing.... Ugh... And I don't say this often but why not Lombo...
Watch Tracy have a 2/3 night....
I'm going to tilt at a few windmills here and try to defend Tracy.
If you assume he's our No. 1 pinch-hitter, it's totally unfair to just send the guy out there night after night for one at-bat against live pitching.
The only way to stay sharp is to get some occasional at-bats in the regular lineup.
Besides, his glove is perfectly adequate at third and it gives Zim the day off -- which apparently violates some Puritanical work ethic code somewhere in the Nats Insider Constitution, judging from some of the comments so far.
Tracy has been a very different hitter in June than he was in April and May. I still don't expect much from him, but now that includes not expecting guaranteed whiffs, which is an improvement.
Well, I guess it's the best lineup Davey's got to go with -- not too impressive.
Tracy is one of those players that end up being "the player to be named later" in a trade. Maybe he's there now.
Ironically, its lineups like this that sometime catch lightning in a bottle and light up the scoreboard -- lifting the spirits of the team. Baseball is a funny game; maybe this ugly duckling lineup is the Prince in disguise.
Ghost are u morphing into Peric, with the self adulation?
MrsB, you don't want Lombo's arm at 3B.
I do wish Davey could make a lineup without seniority entering into it. On paper, Rendon ought to be batting 3rd, Desi fourth, then Laroche -- put Werth down in the two hole.
But Davey doesn't like to 'diss' his boys.
Surprise me Chad. I would have had Rendon there.
I'm surprised that there's not MI in the outfield.
Bring up an outfielder. They can't be worse, can they?
Natslady -- not too long ago I watched a nats classic from last season where Lombo was at third - no problem whatsoever. Nice throws, not quite as powerful as Zim, but totally accurate and well on time.He does not have a cannon but gets a totally bad rap on the arm. It's plenty serviceable for the infield or for hitting a cutoff. And may I stress totally accurate?
You know, sometimes the guys with something to prove will kick it up a notch. Gio deserves some run support for a change. Come on guys, do it for Gio!!!
Aight... Time to win! Lets go Nats!
Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...
I'm going to tilt at a few windmills here and try to defend Tracy.
If you assume he's our No. 1 pinch-hitter, it's totally unfair to just send the guy out there night after night for one at-bat against live pitching.
The only way to stay sharp is to get some occasional at-bats in the regular lineup.
Interestingly enough, both of his recent home runs came the day _after_ he started a game and went hitless.
The point being that although fans see things game-to-game, the pros (Davey, etc.) see things in the long, run, bigger picture. Even if Chad goes hitless tonight, it may well be worth it if he gets some key pinch hits in the near future.
No radar on the pitchers tonight?
Everyone can relax.. Tim is here!
Let us go, Nationals. (Trying to mix things up a bit.)
I really want MASN to put in the pitch count on the status bar...
With the cuban players looking better and better in cin la oak.. is it time for dc to become international players again?
Candide said...
No radar on the pitchers tonight?
========
Maybe a stealth ball?
Decent crowd for a Tuesday night it seems.. a lot of ppl still getting their hot dogs it seems
The trainers were coming out, Gio told them to stay put. I guess when Gio does it, they listen.
Keep it 0-0 plz!
Breaking Ball was nasty
Good job Gio!
Gio looking good so far
Good inning Gio.... Come on Nats bats... Lets do this...
D-backs swing that bat often...
Just home. Been on a ladder. Haven't had a chance to read the posts. Just heard Tyler Moore brought back up. Oh, great. This is killing me. Can we bring up a freaking outfielder? Oh, yeah. Tyler is hitting what? And he stinks in the outfield. Perez? He's hitting what? Oh yeah, and he runs good routes, has a decent arm, and is a good pinch runner.Somebody help me understand. NatsJack? Ghost?
I don't think Perez has ever hit a ball out of the infield when he's been up. Small sample size of course...but still. I'd rather see Brown even with his low BA than Perez.
Note to Trevor Cahill: Don't grab your nuts (twice) when you're on the mound.
This has been a pub(l)ic service announcement.
Two fast puts not good
Joe Seamhead said...
Just home. Been on a ladder. Haven't had a chance to read the posts. Just heard Tyler Moore brought back up. Oh, great. This is killing me. Can we bring up a freaking outfielder? Oh, yeah. Tyler is hitting what? And he stinks in the outfield. Perez? He's hitting what? Oh yeah, and he runs good routes, has a decent arm, and is a good pinch runner.Somebody help me understand. NatsJack? Ghost?
Joe - Relax. You'll see. We got this.
Outs*
I think Marrero is going back down soon
Harper doubles
Werth is great idc what anyone says that's my guy.
How's he running?
Smooth running
I hate first pitch swinging.... Sigh...
But I just noticed that Gio has a higher batting average than the 3 guys in front of him...
James Wagner @JamesWagnerWP 1m
Bryce Harper bloops second pitch into shallow left field and shortstop drops a backhanded attempt. Ran hard around bases and into second.
Looks like Harper is hustling.
Even in the minors.. not sure how I feel about that
Desmond to LaRoche a thing of beauty
Is that little tailback on Cahill's pitches just the "natural" movement on his fastball?
If he can't do it in the minors, he shouldn't be playing.
That guy Desi has a gun of an arm...
Harper picked off second base. He slid back in head first trying to get back, per Chase. Let's see how he reacts to that.
I actually think its best for #20 to skip All-Star weekend... he never gets days off
When Harper is activated, if AAAA Dogbreath Marrero isn't sent down, I'm going to hold my breath until I turn blue. Hear that, Rizzo?
I have absolutely seen enough of the slow-bat, slow-foot, slow-everything Marrero.
Please make him the throw-in to sweeten up a midseason trade. And more accurately, the throw-up.
'Dogbreath Marerro'
Bwahhhhahhhhhhh a.... Lol... Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Harsh
Holy Cow!! SPAN ZUK!!
YES!
Span! His arm isn't as bad as advertised. It's not Harper, but it's more than adequate.
That's an outfielder for you!
See, Joe? We got this!
I hope all the Span-haters saw that play. Not everything in baseball is captured in OBP.
Great throw by Span.... Seriously.... That was awesome....
That was a great block by Zuki too...
On the replay, I swear that throw from Span curled back, like a screwball.
Good throw, because it was dead on. Lucky it wasn't very deep, 'cuz Span's arm isn't exactly a howitzer.
And Prado is no speed guy either.
Tracy bailed him out
That was actually an okay at bat for C Tracy...
I'm telling you, Kobernius, Lombo, nor Moore makes that very routine throw from the outfield.
This lineup tonight isn't the best we've put out.. sigh
Cahill looks hittable to me
Tracy fouled off ball 4. But he did make Cahill work some. Definitely not his worst AB.
Whoa, did Carp just make fun of Jimmy Piersall for having "mental issues"?! Wow.
And for the record, Carp, he didn't run the bases backwards on a home run; he ran the usual route, but facing backwards. Just to be clear.
I expect to hear some backpedaling apologies soon on the air.
Look, I'm not a huge Bernadina fan, but I'll take this outfield any day.
Gio talking trash
Jack, what's your take on Moore coming back up?
Changed him up....
Haven't we all seen enough of Marerro?!?!?
Gio has been absolutely phenomenal lately.
Kinda sad I have high hopes for any 1st rounder
I want him to succeed badly
David Proctor said...
James Wagner @JamesWagnerWP 1m
Bryce Harper bloops second pitch into shallow left field and shortstop drops a backhanded attempt. Ran hard around bases and into second.
Did he slide into second? How's his knee?
David Proctor said...
Harper picked off second base.
Wow. I'm actually kinda glad that happened. Harper has to remember to never take anything for granted. That "even A guys" can pick him off if he's caught flat footed.
Give Gio some love already Nats!
Perfect bunt by Gio... So we have 2 pitchers who can bunt well....
Come on top of the line up... Bring home a run or 2....
Chase Hughes @chasehughesCSN 39s
Harper just tracked a ground rule double in left field and looked spry when running, it was his first defensive play of the day. #Nats
Harper slid headfirst into second to try avoid being picked off, Wonk.
Way to go!!!! Oh yeah, baby!!! I love that man, Denard Span....
OK keep 'er moving fellas!
Walk, bunt, single, run. That's how it's done when the offense is struggling.
A rocket by Spannie!
Denard Span... I never gave up on you!!
Okay, let's bring home a few more runs. Give Gio a laugher for once.
I'm hoping we see the Cahill of late and not the one before his last 6 starts....
Can't get over how friendly baseball players are during games
Good hit ARen...
A'ight Werth...
Table is set for you, WereWerth... Now feast on face!
Not to nitpick, but Span should be on third. The ball was hit hard, but Span was running on the play and then stopped. Goes back to what I said about him lacking confidence on the basepaths. There have been a few times where he had a base stolen easily and then just stopped running.
I love Span as a player, but it seems to me this is something he needs to work on.
See, if Span is on third, the run scores on that wild pitch.
Dessert comes early!
You think Span had a part in that WP?
Ok - ill say it:
Rendon is better than Harper.
On yeah, Span scored anyway... So it's all good....
Base hit...
Dare I say, we are seeing a little small ball?!?!?!?!?
Yes!!!
OK LaRoche... Werth left you a nice fresh plate... Nom nom nom...
LAROCHE!
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!!!!!!!!!!
Oh my goodness.... I thought that was a sac fly! Nice!!!!
Whoot hoooooo!!!!!!
ALR makes amends for swinging at the first pitch in his first AB.
I was saying this clown looked hittable
David, it's all elementary my dear Watson, but Span would've dead meat if he had tried to get to third.He did better by rattling Cahill.
Great inning.... Okay Gio, you got a good amount of run support... Don't screw it up!
MrsB, that was some great small ball prior to the paydirt!
Chase Hughes @chasehughesCSN 35s
Harper just went first to third on a Michael Taylor single, helmet came off and everything. He looked as fast as usual.
4.70 achieved. Run support for Gio achieved. Keep the line moving.
now that some serious hitting!!
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