Thursday, July 11, 2013

Game 92: Nats at Phillies

Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
They hit four homers and knocked out Cliff Lee last night, so the Nationals have to like their chances in tonight's series finale against Kyle Kendrick, right? Well, not necessarily. Though they've historically had success against the Phillies right-hander, they were thoroughly dominated by him only three weeks ago, held to one run and two hits on June 19.

The good news: Jordan Zimmermann starts for the Nationals in his final tune-up before next week's All-Star Game. The right-hander has been brilliant all year, of course, though his last two starts haven't quite lived up to his usual lofty standards (seven runs, 14 hits in 11 1/3 innings).

I am not in Philadelphia for the series finale at Citizns Bank Park. Had to hoof it back to Bethesda for tonight's episode of The Baseball Show, which airs at 11 p.m. on CSN. Hope you'll tune-in, and hope you'll enjoy the conversation here as always...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Where: Citizens Bank Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500), XM 187
Weather: Partly cloudy, 85 degrees, Wind 7 mph LF to RF
NATIONALS (47-44)
CF Denard Span
SS Ian Desmond
LF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche
2B Anthony Rendon
C Kurt Suzuki
RHP Jordan Zimmermann

PHILLIES (45-47)
CF Ben Revere
SS Jimmy Rollins
2B Chase Utley
LF Domonic Brown
3B Michael Young
RF Delmon Young
1B Darin Ruf
C Carlos Ruiz
RHP Kyle Kendrick

UMPIRES
HP Kerwin Danley
1B Lance Barksdale
2B Vic Carapazza
3B Gary Cederstrom (cc)

537 comments:

  1. I know people will be clamoring for Ramos and he has been terrific but I think you get him to stay strong by giving him several days off a week. I realize Suzuki is not hitting but we certainly are not going to have a drop off in defense this game.
    It will be interesting to see how each week is divided now that Ramos is truly on a hot streak.

    Go Nats!!

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  2. A bit surprised that Davey has Werth batting in front of ALR. While I realize that Werth has been hot at the plate I would have thought DJ wanted to continue with the L,R,L,R arrangement as much as possible.

    Oh well, it's all good and hopefully KK of the Phoolies will serve up several balls in play and limit the number of K's on behalf of the Nats.

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  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. Werth was ahead of ALR last night, too, yes? Either way, I agree it's surprising...

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  5. ok, first: GYFNG!

    First?!

    A few questions/comments from the last thread

    Water23 said...

    Also, I really like Aoki as a 4th outfielder.


    Huh? Is he available? Why would they ever want to trade him? What could we trade for him?

    NatsLady said:
    Sorry, Wonk, but this will delay my series on the Opening Day Starters, which I know you like.

    Oh, goodness, don't apologize! That's a heckuva lotta work, even more so when you're not getting paid to do it!

    JD asked:

    I did a filter on rookies and Segura didn't show. Are you sure he's a rookie?

    No, he had too many plate appearances last year (163) to qualify. I think the limit is 130.

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  6. Suzuki has hit Kendrick well in the past. They need this game tonight, Glad JZim is on the mound. Go Nats!

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  7. The whole L-R-L-R stuff is overrated. You face 5-6 inniings of a starter. You try to score as many runs as you can against that guy. You can adjust the matchups later to deal with releivers (after your best lineup has knocked the SP out, hopefully).

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  8. Hope one of the beats asks Davey about the lineup. Werth hit fifth last two nights against the lefties Lee and Lannan (Davey used to move Morse ahead of ALR in the lineup against lefties too). But against a RH pitcher, I think this is a first. Does Werth have really good numbers against Kendrick or something? Or maybe Davey is superstitious and wants to keep the same order (sans Ramos) that scored runs last night.

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  9. sjm, agreed about giving Ramos some days off. I am surprised Davey is leaving Werth in the 5 against the LHP but it also gives more seperation between the 1, 3 and 6 spots now if they go with Bastardo.

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  10. I agree that alternating Wilson and Kurt helps them both. I voted forever for Ian but it didn't seem to help much. I hope they have the brains to put him on the team anyway, because he can help them. But in the near term I hope we hit Kyle enough to give him nightmares.
    GYFNG! ESF!

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  11. JD mentioned in the last thread that Espi is improving in Syracuse, not striking out as much and even had 2 XBHs yesterday. He suggests that Espi might replace Tracy on the bench if he keeps it up for another week.

    I think he might have been joking about it just taking one more week of good hitting for him to come back, but I think it would be a mistake to bring him up and have him sit on the bench. If he's really figured things out, he ought to keep raking at Syracuse to get his confidence back and lock in the adjustments he has made, until he's really needed here because of an injury. He's certainly not the LH bench bat we need for a playoff run.

    Don's comment on LRLR reminds me of something I was going to ask yesterday. Did Cholly just have a brain freeze when he decided to bring in a lefty to face Chad Tracy, allowing Davey to bring up Hairston instead?

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  12. Cautionary tale.

    joakim soria

    http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-mets-and-twins-should-remember-joakim-soria/

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  13. Once they lost Espi from the lineup, a straight LRLRLRS through the order was no longer possible. So it makes sense not to cluster all the lefthanders in the top five spots. Ergo, LaRoche moves down. It ain't rocket science.

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  14. sjm308 just remember that Ramos will get four days off next week during All-star break. We need to win games right now, so I want Ramos in there expect for those day games after night games.

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  15. Also, since Rendon has replaced Espinosa, our starting lineup (with the regulars in) will always have a R-R in there somewhere. If we bat LaRoche in front of Werth that just means we'll end up with R-R-R at 6-7-8.

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  16. Please, please please let this be the start of a roll.

    Play ball.

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  17. Section 222 said...
    Did Cholly just have a brain freeze when he decided to bring in a lefty to face Chad Tracy, allowing Davey to bring up Hairston instead?


    Yes, big brain freeze but it turned out to be a non-factor. Cholly has made some horrible decisions in the series and if not for the ineptitude of the Nats hitters in the 8th and 9th inning on Tuesday and most of the game on Monday, the Nats would be up 3-0.

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  18. Where's the Birthday Boy hiding today? Yes, you Jack.

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  19. A non-factor? Hairston hit a sac fly. Think Tracy would have done that? I don't.

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  20. NatsLady @ 4:20 p.m.,

    Thanks for the link to the Joaqim Soria piece; for those who haven't read it, it's not so much about Mr. Soria as about the need for caution by GMs in valuing relief pitchers (for the long-term, at least).

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  21. Tcostant: I want Ramos to get the rest he needs...every week. His knee was WRECKED, a little over a year ago, and I would give him at least 2days off, every week, for the rest of the year. Suzuki is an excellent b/u, and will hit, with more rest...

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  22. Sec222, I think Chad Tracy could've made a productive out but I should have put a wink next to my sarcasm ;) again.

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  23. Sec222,

    I just think that if Espi can regain the form he had late last year he is head and shoulders better than either Tracy and Lombo. Why wouldn't you want the best team possible?

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  24. I read the Joakim Soria.

    Make me think of the Cheif and makes me worry about Storen.

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  25. I believe Ramos will play about 60% of the time.

    The two will play better due to this.

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  26. Productive out = oxi moron

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  27. JD, Espi needs to play most days. Do you think he would be a distraction pouting on the bench? I have visions of him pouting when he got those 1st days off earlier in the season when Lombo replaced him.

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  28. "Did Cholly just have a brain freeze when he decided to bring in a lefty to face Chad Tracy, allowing Davey to bring up Hairston instead?"

    Bob and FP certainly did when talking about who we had available on the bench at the time. They listed Bernie, Lombo, and Tracy, and I was like, "No love for the new guy, eh?"

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  29. Yesterday I said we needed 5 runs, but reality our record when we score 3 or more is incredible.

    When we score 3 or more runs our record is 42-10 over 81%.

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  30. Even when Espi is in good form, he's better (higher BA, more power) batting righty than lefty, so they're unlikely to see him as a LH bench bat to replace Tracy.

    And as others have pointed out, he's better off getting the regular playing time in the minors, anyway.

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  31. The real problem we have had 39 games where we scored 2 or less.

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  32. Ghost,

    I'm assuming Espi has done some serious soul searching riding the buses around up state NY. I think he would be very motivated to just prove he can hit at the big league level again and if he does he will get a full time job somewhere next year.

    I am not a psychologist so I may be all wet but I am just looking to have the best 25 on the team.

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  33. JD, by late last year, I guess you mean before September and the playoffs. :-) Well yes, if Espi can return to his 2011 form, he'd be a huge improvement over our current bench, even over Hairston. I'm sure not going to argue against that. I guess where we differ at base is what he needs to do to show that he is indeed that player. Again, I don't know if you were kidding or not, but a week or two of decent play definitely isn't going to do it for me. Some people here started talking as if he was fixed when he went on a 3 game hitting streak. In Syracuse. Come on!

    I don't know what Rizzo's threshold will be but with Rendon playing as well as he is, I assume he'll be in no hurry to bring Espi back just to replace Lombo or Tracy on the bench. And then there is the clubhouse chemistry issue, which I don't feel at all capable of assessing.

    Honestly, I'd want to see a solid month of consistent hitting, with lots of XBHs and power, before I would call him ready. And I don't think it would be unreasonable to let him play in AAA for the rest of July and August dand bring him back for September.

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  34. I think we are lucky to have two catchers who have value. I feel that Zuke is better at knowing the pitcher's minds and being their shrink. I feel that Ramos is better at reading the opposing hitters, and provides more offense. Zuke seems to hit better when he is used less. Win- win.

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  35. Manassas Nats' Fan said...

    "The real problem we have had 39 games where we scored 2 or less."

    You act like (1) this is an ongoing problem, and (2) 39 is a lot more than anyone else has had.

    The offense is better than it was in May and June. We've only had two such games since Ramos returned, and we scored two runs in both. By the way the Pirates have had 34 such games, and the other NL contenders have had between 27 and 30.

    So it WAS a problem, yes. Production from LF, 2B and C were also problems. Those probably aren't problems any more, so I'm not sure if games where we score 2 runs or less will still be a problem.

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  36. I exactly thought of Storen when I read that article about relievers. Some people have the opinion that his inconsistency is "mental" but what if it is a warning of reliever flame out?

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  37. Interesting Fangraphs piece on the 50 most valuable trade commodities. Dave Cameron's new list will come out next week, so in this piece he looks back at his list from last year. Bryce was at #2, Stras at #8 and Gio at #21. No other Nats on the list.

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  38. Tampa has made their move in the AL East and are in 2nd place. How quickly things change and doubt they are trading David Price until they are out of it or into the off-season.

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  39. Derek Jeter injured his quad in his first game back. I don't have any problem with being careful with Ramos. A day off is better than a month off.

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  40. I think your on to something Natslady...

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  41. It's not just about what's best for Espi it's also about what's best for the Washington Nationals.

    On that we definitely agree!

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  42. I think at this point we probably need Lombo's varied skill set on the bench. He can literally play anywhere, and at one point was the emergency catcher. I just do not think Espi can handle the bench or hitting a few times a week, and one of those is probably a bunt.Especially if he has just retooled his swing. I think we see him in September, barring injuries.

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  43. Ghost, interesting point about TB. Carp and FP were talking last night like the Phillies are definitely sellers. The guys on MLB Tonight were all arguing that they are too close to getting into the race to blow the team up at this point. The second WC has definitely increased the number of teams who don't want to give up before the trading deadline.

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  44. Ruben Amaro Jr. has floated the idea of the Phillies not only not being sellers, but being BUYERS. That would be one of the more stupid things he has ever done. The Phillies are not built to contend.

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  45. This Reds/Braves series is good for us because the Reds are the only team ahead of us in the WC race and the Braves obviously in the NL East. No matter what, we should gain ground (assuming we don't lose every game)

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    Replies
    1. If we winn 3 of next 4 we will gain 3 gaims combined on the 2.

      Delete
  46. Stephania Bell ‏@Stephania_ESPN 3m
    Said it before but bears repeating. There's no way to simulate real games in rehab. Always ramps up a bit more, muscle strains common.

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  47. Freddie Freeman won the final vote.

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  48. Sec222,

    Amaro has had this delusion for a few years now. Most pundits recognized the fact that his best players are either past their prime, prone to repeated stints on the DL or both. That team as its constituted will always hover around .500. If he is smart he starts converting players with serious value into future assets (Lee,Utley,Ruiz).

    Or he can just let their value continue to plummet ALA Halladay, Howard and Rollins. Works for me.

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  49. James Wagner ‏@JamesWagnerWP 6m
    Davey on no ejections this season for arguing calls: "I'm in a slump." ... "Maybe the first inning Sunday."

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  50. Dan Brooks ‏@brooksbaseball 6m
    I just want to point out that Puig has swung and missed more times than Marco Scutaro has over the last 2 years. Combined.

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  51. Section 222 said...
    It's not just about what's best for Espi it's also about what's best for the Washington Nationals.
    --------------------
    On that we definitely agree!

    July 11, 2013 5:04 PM


    That's the post of the day along with the birthday messages to NatsJack!

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  52. Tulo is still on the DL right? Won't that mean that Desi may get a spot anyway?

    It's a shame he is out as of now but Freeman is a deserving all star and the short stops selected are all having very good years too. So really not much cause to complain.

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  53. Re: Amaro

    Why are folks assuming he really means what he says? We don't do that with Rizzo.

    Better to ask not whether it's truthful, but why Amaro might think it's useful. To pump up his fans and players, maybe; to signal to other GMs that he won't be holding a fire sale, so they better make him good offers, etc.

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  54. Yeah but Tulo is on rehab assignment I think.

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  55. Happy birthday NatsJack.

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  56. David Proctor said...
    Freddie Freeman won the final vote.


    Is that right! Soup-prize Soup-prize!

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  57. hiramhover said...
    Re: Amaro

    Why are folks assuming he really means what he says? We don't do that with Rizzo.

    Better to ask not whether it's truthful, but why Amaro might think it's useful. To pump up his fans and players, maybe; to signal to other GMs that he won't be holding a fire sale, so they better make him good offers, etc.


    And that's the correct analysis. You don't piss off your fanbase. You also don't let other GMs know you are in sell mode as you quietly listen to offers.

    Cliff Lee has 2 years of $25 million contracts left. The Red Sox will do that deal.

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  58. Cliff Lee also has an expensive option for 2016.

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  59. I think it would be totally irresponsible for Tulo to go to the ASG, and not just because I think Desi should go. He is not even back to his major league club yet. His team needs him healthy and his team should come first. I don't ever remember a player going who was at this state of rehab this close to the break.Bochy will be scared to death to play him and so he is a wasted spot. There is no way he can be full strength to the point where he can help the NL win.

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  60. Re: Cliff Lee--wouldn't Texas also do that deal, especially now with Yu Darvish on the DL (though they are saying it's not serious). But the longer they wait, the fewer starts Lee makes for another team.

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  61. I totally agree that the Phillies should sell. While they have a very outside chance of making the playoffs, if they stick with their aging stars they'll have no chance next year or the year after. Even Michael Young has some value right now because he's having a good year.

    Plus, I just love the idea of the Phillies selling. Hahaha.

    Thanks for the POTD nomination Ghost, but "Buckets of Bold" still wins my vote.

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  62. FWIW:
    JIM BOWDEN
    Almost final all star snubs: Donaldson, Longoria,Balfour, Bruce, Puig, Desmond, Strasburg

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  63. Hiramrover,

    I am judging Amaro's actions as much as his words. By keeping his core in place and by bringing Michael Young in he acted as if he had a contending team. He doesn't.

    When you have an aging team it's always best to start rebuilding a year too early rather than a year too late.

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  64. Ghost,

    It's interesting that the Red Sox dumped salary last year in that deal with the Dodgers and now they are primed to add salary. I think they even surprised themselves with how well they have performed this year.

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  65. My impression is that Michael Young is a terrible fielder (confirmed by fangraphs). There must be some place for a bat-only player...

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  66. I saw Seattle score 7 runs and I thought maybe Morse was back, but not yet. That ship may have sailed now that Rizzo got Hairston.

    Morse

    http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130709&content_id=53232550&notebook_id=53234746&c_id=sea

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  67. NL,

    In the American league.

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  68. I would be shocked if the Red Sox don't get Cliff Lee but as NatsLady said, the Rangers will be on him too. I just don't see them giving up the prospects this time. The Red Sox have plenty of cash.

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  69. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  70. http://mlb.mlb.com/visualization/all_star/y2013/final_vote/

    Culbertson Texas likes them some Ian Desmond. How come the former Montreal Expos farmhand didn't get his Canadian friends to back him up?

    The entire Southeast below Northern Virginia was almost all Freeman. Amazingly Baltimore and most of Maryland was Ian Desmond.

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  71. ERIC AND DEUCES AND NATSLADY: Please see my response re HTML in the last post. I'm not going to re-post it here, but it's relevant to you three, if not the rest of the group.

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  72. Happy b'day, NatsJack. I hope you get a win. :-)

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  73. Sec 3, I read it but I have NO CLUE what you are talking about, sorry.

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  74. Sorry, NL. I'll go back and try again.

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  75. Sec 3. OK. Start with telling me why you are giving me this information?

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  76. Happy Birthday NatsJack........39th once again?

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  77. NL, if it matters to you how relevant google thinks your site is on the topic of Nats baseball, or other search terms like that someone might use to find you on google, then SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a way to help google know that your site is relevant and legit, and it is more likely to give your site higher up the list.

    For instance, I just googled the term Nationals baseball," and Mark's blog here came up third, which is pretty good.

    If search engine ranking doesn't matter to you, then nevermind.

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  78. *correction, I searched for "Nationals baseball blog"

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  79. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jul/11/freddie-freeman-wins-fan-voting-ian-desmonds-all-s/?page=all#pagebreak

    Some great quotes from Desi here.

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  80. Sec3, I put in for laughs Nats Outsider and this blog still came up near the top at #3

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  81. Braves tore Kendricks up last weekend, so lets hope the Nats do the same.

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  82. Good one, Ghost, that's funny! I got it fifth just now. Which is still pretty good.

    The NatsOutsider twitter page, and the CapsOutsider, among other things, came up higher for me.

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  83. From Amanda: "Desmond was not named to the team this year, with Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki earning the starting spot via fan vote, Brewers rookie Jean Segura named as a reserve and Padres Everth Cabrera earning San Diego’s only selection when the teams were announced last weekend."

    Segura seems to be called a "rookie" but as I think we determined technically he isn't a rookie as he surpassed the limit for ABs last year.

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  84. Happy Birrthday, NatsJack! May you get a nice fat, easy-peasy Curlie W for a gift!

    Natslady, scary article. I immediately thought of the Chief and Storen. I guess only Mo is a bionic closer, and even he is in his last year (of many decades, but still...)

    I hope the coaches pick Desi. What a class guy and great player he is. And he's OURS!

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  85. We need somebody hitting 4th who can hit the ball. Even if it's for an out. Give the darn thing a chance. Strike-out mania, here we come.

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  86. Geeez, HORRIBLE send. Brown had the ball when Harper was still two steps from third.

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  87. Ung.... Why did Jewitt send Bryce.... Ugh...

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  88. I'm wrong. He was safe. Look at replay.

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  89. Secondary lead must have been poor as no way Harper should be thrown out on a not real hatd hit to left.

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  90. Adam Kilgore ‏@AdamKilgoreWP 31s
    1. Good send from Jewett with two outs, regardless of outcome. 2. Harper looked safe on the replay, by press box consensus.

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  91. Was that a bad jump? How did he not score?

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  92. He was safe by a good bit too.

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  93. harper safe
    ump had a perfect view

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  94. Harper was safe. Part of the problem that slowed Bryce down was trying to keep his helmet on. Those split seconds cause problems.

    Replay would have made that call right.

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  95. OK, I take it back. That was a decent send, considering Harper touched home before he was tagged. Bad call at the plate.

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  96. Absolutely awful call. It was actually not hard to see in at full speed.

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  97. David Proctor said...
    Yikes he was out by a mile

    July 11, 2013 7:21 PM


    Only in the ump's mind.

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  98. Bryce does not look so good since injury, nor month prior.
    #concerned

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  99. My goodness on review the call was not close. Where isDavey. I am tired of him lettings ump screw us.

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  100. MNF, Davey going out and arguing isn't going to make the ump change his mind. There is no replay in baseball...although there should be.

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  101. Sec. 3, My Sofa said...
    OK, I take it back. That was a decent send, considering Harper touched home before he was tagged. Bad call at the plate.

    July 11, 2013 7:23 PM


    Two outs and it has to be a good throw. Good send. Like I said when you see the replay Bryce puts his left arm on his head to keep his helmet on and it still flew off. I truly believe that slowed him down.

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  102. Did Davey go out there to argue the call?

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  103. Worse part of the call ump was in position, if his vision is not good enough when ib good position then he is in wrong profession.

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  104. I truly believe that slowed him down.

    I don't doubt it. There's a reason people knock them off; it's not just to look cool.

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  105. Doug McKinney‏@FPDougieFresh6m
    Oh wow #Nationals get hosed by another HP umpire. Even Philly beat writers call Harper safe haha

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  106. Sec3, interesting. Kerwin Danley blows calls all the time.

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  107. Eventually that play is going to be reviewable, and it needs to be. If you're going to review home runs, you eventually will review all run scoring plays. Frustrating because it actually wasn't really a tough call.

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  108. Davey not backing his players is ticking me off.

    Get out thete Davey.

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  109. I love baseball... But I think there has to be some type of review of scoring plays that has to happen in circumstances like that...

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  110. It was obvious live -- the tag was on his chest. No way henwas out.

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    Replies
    1. My eye sight us bad enough I could not tell live, but was clear on replay, and the ump should have better eye sight then me.

      The ball beat him the tag didn'.

      As I said reporters need to wuiz Davey on his lack of action.

      Delete
  111. How come we cant get M. Young out?

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  112. Through 2 innings last games Kebdricks gave up 3 runs 5 hits.

    Third inning lets start hitting him too.

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  113. Manassas Nats' Fan said...
    How come we cant get M. Young out?


    I was thinking the same. They have a spray chart on him and he is hitting them in the Right Center field gap and right where that ball went.

    If you pitch him outside then the Span and Werth aren't playing him in the right spots.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He is being pitched outside.

      He is my type of hitter, goes with the pitch.

      Delete
  114. That's an unacceptable play by Span.

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  115. That would be enough for me to bench him tonight.

    He is not the ump.

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  116. I am so sick of stupid baserunning from Span I have steam coming out of my ears.

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  117. Didn't Swisher do the same thing the other day? These guys must be really tired.

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    Replies
    1. No excuse for Swisher's crap either.

      Physical errors happen.But mental errors early in the game totally unexcusable.

      Still madder at Davey for his pitiful action in inning 1

      Delete
  118. That's ridiculous. First of all, the bunt is generally a terrible play, but for a professional to do that is embarrassing.

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  119. Span:

    U suck!!!! Get off my team u lazy lazy man.

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  120. Ghost, I believe he was umpiring

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    Replies
    1. We already know plate umpire missed 1, but not that one.

      Delete
  121. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  122. Span wasn't being lazy, he was just not being smart.

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  123. Well that would've probably been a double play if Span reached so it didn't end up mattering. Still an unacceptable play by Span.

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    Replies
    1. Results the same.

      Besides not scouting young they haven'f scouted Revere either.

      Delete
  124. Ghost Of Steve M.July 11, 2013 7:47 PM
    I am so sick of stupid baserunning from Span I have steam coming out of my ears.

    We call it "red ass"

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  125. Span- Lazy? Nah... Yeah, that was a bad play but he isn't lazy...

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    Replies
    1. Not lazy, simpky not running until he knew if fair or foul. Terrible bsseball playing.

      Delete
  126. I don't get why you care so much if Davey goes and argues. The play stands either way.

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    1. To plant the seed that we are one. It wont change the call but you never know.

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  127. Yes bad base running by Span... But Desi swinging on 3-1 right back to the pitcher would have negated him on base anyway... That's a dP ball...

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  128. David ProctorJuly 11, 2013 7:49 PM
    Well that would've probably been a double play if Span reached so it didn't end up mattering. Still an unacceptable play by Span.

    What??!! He was only out by a step after stopping at Starbucks for a latte

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  129. I think my sons little league team bunts better than the nats

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  130. DJ going out wouldn't have mad a difference MNF...

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  131. Rockies activated SS Troy Tulowitzki from the 15-day disabled list.
    Tulo wound up returning a bit earlier than expected, missing just under a month of action after being assigned a 4-6 week timetable when he fractured a rib. He's at shortstop and batting cleanup Thursday against the Dodgers.

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  132. Oh...I got ya DP. My bad. But can't look at it like that. Desi could have jacked a double decker in hindsight

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  133. Revere does what Span hasnt done most of this series. Go oppo with a nice level swing.

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  134. Guess that means he is going to the ASG wouldn't you think NL ?

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    1. Depends on how he feels after the next few games

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  135. This just cant happen. Davey doesnt have the cajones to pull Span right now. With the pickoffs and doubled off the bases this is just another brain freeze by Span. When he throws his glove down on the ground he will then complete the brain freeze turn back the clock. I thought after Nyjer left we wouldnt have to witness this stupidity again.

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    1. He has not Nyjered in the field at all. Just on offensr.

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  136. Span hasn't been picked off in months. He'll never throw his glove down, he's not Nyjer Morgan. That was an unacceptable play, but let's not get crazy.

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  137. Esxposed, yes. And from his interview, it doesn't sound like he minds that much. Go see his family, rest.

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  138. Dan Kolko‏@masnKolko11m
    Complete brain fart by Denard Span. Bunts one off the plate and decides not to run. The result is an easy 2-6-3 double play.

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  139. Span isn't Nyjer period... That's an insult really... And I liked Nyjer a lot...

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  140. Is that acceptable for a Beat Writer like Kolko to write "brain fart"?

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  141. It's an insult to Span of course... And I was a huge Nyjer fan... I used to defend him like there was no tomorrow...

    Everyone has brain farts... And yeah I think it's acceptable for a beat writer to say brainfart... Gotta call an ace and ace. Or a spade a spade...

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  142. Love a good battle between a pitcher and a batter... Love it even more when our batter wins that battle...

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  143. Hahahaha.... Ghost, tell us how you really feel! *wink*

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  144. Tony Plush........Denny Flush

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  145. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  146. Well.... At least we are battling and are getting Kendrick's count up...

    Need to score some runs next inning...

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  147. Nats not cashing in on the opportunities.

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  148. Argggg wasted opportunities again.

    Keep pitching Zim.

    Kendricks 66 pitches

    Also an error by CVotto satarted Braves Rally in 2nd.

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  149. I'm still mad about the ump calling out Bryce when he wasn't out. And at Davey for not getting mad about it. You argue it to let the guy know he better not make another mistake again. I guess I'm cranky tonight.

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  150. LaRoche is hitting in a small sample size .333 in 3-0 and .455 in 3-1 in a larger sample size.

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  151. It's possible Davey let the umpire know his mind from the dugout. I know in the Taylor Jordan start, the Nats were yelling at the ump from the dugout about the strike zone.

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  152. Nats get another break, take advantage it! PLEASE!

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  153. Oh no, there you go Nats. The Phillies are trying to hand you the game.

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  154. Second time the Phillies have thrown out the lead runner on a sacrifice.

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  155. Told you Michael Young was a terrible defender. Youza, another error.

    Not the best bunt, JZ.

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  156. ESPN shows that Utley made two throwing errors on the same play earlier this game. Is this actually true? If so how in the world did he manage that?

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  157. Well that was a disastrous inning.

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  158. That bunt seemed to have died in the dirt at home plate. Should the scorekeeper give an assist to the grounds crew for that?

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  159. Another doubleplay for Span. Sheesh. Steam just coming from my ears.

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  160. I believe they gave Utley both a fielding error and a throwing error, TexNat.

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  161. Sigh.... We need to take advantage of these opportunties....

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  162. Holy crap the Nats don't play small ball very well

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  163. Ah, that makes more sense. Thanks, DP.

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