Saturday, July 6, 2013
Healthy, and productive, at last
They're healthy, top to bottom, and they're starting to score runs in bunches. It may be happening three months later than the Nationals hoped, but at least it is happening at last.
"This is way more what we thought this lineup could do coming out of spring training," first baseman Adam LaRoche said. "What everybody thought we could do."
With another early explosion Friday night, resulting in an 8-5 victory over the Padres, the Nationals continued their recent offensive upswing. They're still prone to lay the occasional egg — witness Tuesday night's shutout followed by Wednesday's 1-run performance — but in the bigger picture the Nationals are producing at the plate on a more regular basis.
They've now scored at least eight runs in four of their last six games, all wins, and they're at last feeling confident about their chances of sustaining this success for more than a day or two.
"It's not too often you get a lineup like this, where seven guys struggle at the same time," LaRoche said. "It's almost impossible. And we found a way to do it for a month-and-a-half. We're hoping this is breaking out of it. It seems like we've said that four or five times this season and fallen back into it. But the last five or six days, we've swung the bat really good."
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82 comments:
I was thinking "don't count your chickens before they hatch" as it applies to our offense. Then I think, this is only the second day we've had our full lineup since the first of April. Maybe we really can roll now.
I'm not able to access the CSN link.
Ryan, Desi, La Roche all had terrific mid-seasons last year. Harper's bat really did not come around until August last year. Werth is really seeing the ball well now, and Span is hitting as well as he has all year. Ramos is kind of a bonus.
The Nats are scoring without much of a contribution from Harper, and with a minimal contribution from Rendon, of late. Harper always breaks out, and Rendon is just too good not to pick it up, again.
The offense went on a tear about this time last year. I expect they will do it, again. Having Span, Rendon and, now, finally, Ramos, makes them a lot better this year than last.
The bench is still a problem, but they really don't need those guys with the starters they've got. I mean, really, what manager would not like to have that lineup?
Well, Laddie, Davey is sitting Bryce for the rest of the weekend, so the bench comes back into play starting the afternoon with Bernadina having to step back into the starting lineup. So what will Davey's batting order be? Will he move Rendon up? Will he just keep it the same and just plug Roger in where Bryce has been?
As to sitting Harper, I think it's a good move, at least for today. He is pressing, with very little positive production.Is some of it physical? Johnson thinks so. His psyche seems a little out of kilter, too. A day or two off may do him wonders.
We had a blast at the game last night. We're trying to get some support for sec. 314's N-A-T-S, NATS! NATS! NATS! cheer over in sec.311 but having lukewarm success. Heck, I think it would be pretty cool if the whole stadium did it after each Nats score.I am trying to picture 35-40 thousand Nats fans doing it in unison.
OK, our boys have made up a couple of games on the Braves.Lets keep it up! GYFNG!!!
NatsJack in Florida - yep, it is amazing that all those "Harper is a jerk and a bad kid and the Nats shouldn't draft him" media stories were not only wrong, but 180 degrees dead wrong. Fortunately, you don't see much of that garbage anymore, except by lunkhead troll commenters on national media sports sites like Yahoo.
Hey Joe,
The cheer actually originated in 313, and if you look over at the back couple of rows there, you'll see a guy or two with a raised hat who lowers it (NASCAR flag style) when we start. We wait for the cheering, and usually the next batter's walk-up music, to stop before we begin. Keep spreading the gospel and maybe one day we'll get the whole stadium going!! (Maybe this comment thread will be a turning point?)
Listening to the Braves' flagship station, the fans are ready to bench (or lynch?) Uggla, BJ and even Heyward. Uggla (.203/.322) is making $62m. through 2015 and BJ (.172/.269) at $73m. through 2017.
And Freddie got himself tossed yesterday for arguing balls and strikes. Are they feeling the pressure?
Nice to know there's ugliness in the enemy camp.
I also read it, Jack.I'm still just numb from reading it.
And, karlkolchak, you are so right about how wrong the stories were.At the first NatsFest after they signed him, Bryce walked by me late that day by the Stars and Stripes Club. I said, " Good luck, Kid" and he looked me in the eye and said, "Thank you very much, sir." Not just what he said, but the way he said it spoke volumes about him, and the way that he had been brought up.
fast eddie, BJ's and Uggla's K rate and batting averages are abysmal, but Uggla is sort of, but not quite, Adam Dunn like with his home runs. He's seems to still be a very dangerous hitter in pressure situations.BJ has already worn his welcome out with the Braves faithful. Heyward is just a total puzzle. I thought this team as assembled would implode when they put it together due to chemistry and to the loss of the leadership that Chipper and Prado gave them.It's just my opinion, but I have always thought that both Uptons are overrated, and that BJ and Justin are BJ and Justin's biggest fans. I have never lost faith that the Nats are going to win the division, simply because I really don't think that the Braves are that good and it's only a matter of time before the ego down there causes that locker room to blow up. I still truly believe that we got this.
Along with being a member of the old curmudgeon club with NatsJack, my sister's husband passed from Brain Cancer several years ago. I can't run much anymore but the Race For Hope which uses the fees to fight Brain Cancer is one run I don't miss. I cry at Hallmark Card commercials but this article tore me up. Just another example of what a great job Bryce's parents did in raising a wonderful young man. I am hoping Bryce gets in the game at some point today and there is a standing ovation.
OK - back to baseball. At least our bench just got a whole lot stronger and we now have a power bat to pinch hit in the late innings if needed. I am not sure what I would do with the lineup but I sure would think long and strong about keeping Werth 6th. You could go Span/Rendon/Desmond with Bernadina hitting 7th.
I am also torn about Ramos. I think a day off would be wise and if not today, certainly tomorrow. I hate having both Harper and Ramos out on the same day so if Davey is indeed resting Harper for two days this would be a reason to keep Ramos in, but I worry about the Hamstring as well.
OK - Go Nats!!! and I will be watching for the hat over in 313. My group in 308 might just go for this.
fast eddie said...
Nice to know there's ugliness in the enemy camp.
July 06, 2013 8:11 AM
I second that thought!
Gonna be 92, partly sunny and humid at game time. Jordan, take your IV, stay hydrated. Never mind the complete game, give us six or seven solid, bring in Krol for a couple and let Storen finish it out when we are ahead 7-2. :)
Dryw Loves the Nats said...
Hey Joe,
The cheer actually originated in 313, and if you look over at the back couple of rows there, you'll see a guy or two with a raised hat who lowers it (NASCAR flag style) when we start. We wait for the cheering, and usually the next batter's walk-up music, to stop before we begin. Keep spreading the gospel and maybe one day we'll get the whole stadium going!! (Maybe this comment thread will be a turning point?)
July 06, 2013 8:05 AM
Hey, I heard you guys, although rather faintly, in Sect 122. I did join in, but not very loudly. No one else in my section was doing it.
Phil Wood suggested Marquis might be available if/when the Padres decide they are not in contention.
He's on a one-year $3MM contract--I think I read that right. Guess they wouldn't have much reason to move him unless they have some minor-league guy they want to bring up.
Seamhead:
I agree with you re: Braves' clubhouse chemistry.
And how might Justin be affected if BJ got benched??
The race be heating up!
Good idea to publicize the cue for the section 313 NATS NATS NATS cheer, Dryw. There's pretty strong support for it in 314 now too, and when I looked across the IG last night, it looked like there were quite a few folks in 312 doing it too. Only a matter of time. Maybe at some point the scoreboard operators will join the fun and put the cue cards up for the rest of the stadium. Take On Me in the 7th really benefits from having the words up on the screen.
I, too, was touched by the article on Bryce and the kid with brain cancer. What a treasure Bryce is; I just love that kid.
Here's why Bryce Harper is our favorite player (from the MLB.com account of his meeting with the young man before the game):
"Then, the slugger who has signed countless autographs over the course of his career asked for a signature from Gavin and handed him a brand-new baseball. Gavin signed it."
Genius.
BTW, I was in sec. 312 last Sunday, and I tried to get the sec 313 cheer going there--having even coordinated with my buddies from 313 beforehand--but no go. All it takes is a few people in each section to get it going. If you're in the Infield Gallery, follow the procedure that Dryw laid out above, and join in.
I'll be there again Sunday, and I hope to have several chances to practice the cheer. GYFNG!
NJ maybe. On the other hand, it wouldn't surprise me if after the day off today, Bryce begs Davey to put him back in the lineup. I'll bet his family is happiest at the ballpark watching him play.
great posts from paul brandt and others on Dick Bosman...loved it! I met Bos when I was in 5th grade at Lustine Chevy.. he was simply a great guy. All the Senators were very nice individuals... Hondo, Epstein, Eddie Brinkman, Aurilio Rodriguez, may others would take the time to talk and listen to us youngsters. the only jerk I remember was Rick Reichardt who played in 1970...he was not to friendly.
NatsLady, if history repeats for Marquis, he fades as the innings pile up on his arm.
another cool Senator was Lee Maye...he was a very funny and cool dude
coach...my heart goes out to your sister and you...believe me, I know how that is
every time I see the name Marquis...I keep thinking of Marquis de Lafayette...been watching too much history channel, lol
Section 222 said...
NJ maybe. On the other hand, it wouldn't surprise me if after the day off today, Bryce begs Davey to put him back in the lineup. I'll bet his family is happiest at the ballpark watching him play.
Tomorrow is the lefty and today is the righty.
This lineup just might be able to score enough runs so Haren can get a no decision
Good point Ghost. I really wonder why Davey thinks Bryce needs the whole weekend off. Usually, he says, "I think I'll rest him for a game." Not two. And now that I think more about it, as for telling him to go sightseeing with his family, that's not going to happen. At the very least he'll want him as a PH. Or should we keep running Chad ".143, but who's counting" Tracy out there in the late innings?
Candide, are we still on for davey-for-gio swap of bobbleheads?
Every game is a new pitcher and the Nats face a soft tosser who has something to prove to his former team. He will 2-seam and slider you all game long. It's time to prove you can hit a pitcher like this.
Dang SC... I was enjoying reading the thread..l then you just had to go and mention and Dan Haren.... Ugh... *snickers*
So I guess we see Bernadina today and either Lombo or Moore tomorrow....
fast eddie, the Braves are cracking. I said yesterday that I don't care too much about the All-Star game, but if Justin Upton is a starter I think it's a travesty. Justin is 21-120 with runners on base. That's a .175 batting average with runners on and he's an All Star? He's hitting .248 with 91 K's and he's an all star? His defense in the outfield has been less then spectacular, too. How many know that Justin has never even had 90 RBI's in a season?
Back to the Nats, I agree with Jack's theory regarding Davey and Harper's family being in town.
Isn't it amazing how hitting becomes contagious with baseball teams? This team seems to be catching it. I hope they get a long lasting case of it.
NatsJack, or Ghost, do you know which coach is actually the one that works with the pitchers on holding runners? Is it McCatty, or do they have secondary pitching instructors on the ML level up here?
importance of werth's at bat is lost on WPA measure of last night's game.
I think some of you were with me in the crowds at the "anything but baseball" session of Natsfest. Somebody asked the players what causes/charities they want to support. All of the older guys sort of hemmed and hawed without Saying much. Bryce, sincerely and without hesitation, said "Anything that helps kids." Our boy has a good heart.
I too, JoeS, have no worries about the Braves... Yes 5 games is so,etching but if we play right, we can get that thing down soon...
I'm hoping we go at least 7-3 over the next 10 games before the AS break... No more losing series...
Great article on Harper.....
Yup...a real self absorbed jerk, that Bryce....
Amazing how many people pass judgment without knowing someone....
It, apparently isn't anybody.
Well put.
SCNatsFan, that was funny. Let's hope Haren rediscovers his old self this time around. He still has a wonderful k to bb ratio. He just somehow needs to get those HR ratios in control.
With Mom, Dad, Sis and nephew in town, it wouldn't suprise me at all if Davey didn't mandate that Bryce take this weekend to be with family.
I never meant Bryce "would go sight seeing". Of course he'll be in the dugout. Sheesh.
Oh ok, sorry I didn't understand that what you meant was that Davey would mandate that he spend the weekend with his family other than when he was in the ballpark. As if otherwise Bryce would be off playing video games while his family was in town? Huh?
As hot as it will be today, at least the game starts at 4, instead of the 1:35 pm sunday starts.
On the flip side of the Bryce/family thing, his folks did come to town to see him, but also to watch him play, so there is that...
Deuces and Dryw, I'd love to see the Nats Cheer go viral at the stadium, but if it could just happen, at least at first, without the electronic infusion, I think it would be the coolest!
from mlb trade rumors
Braves starter Tim Hudson said he was surprised to learn of a report suggesting that he expected to be traded and denied it completely, according to a report from MLB.com's Trade Deadline blog. Of course, Hudson enjoys ten and five rights, meaning he would have the authority to veto any potential trade.
The Nationals are definitely interested in adding a starter, according to a report (on Twitter) from ESPN's Buster Olney. As the struggling Dan Haren tries to work out his issues while on the DL, the team has turned to youngster Taylor Jordan. Though Jordan has been successful in two starts, it would be risky indeed to rely on him (and the team's other minor leaguers) to step up if Haren is unable to regain his form down the stretch.
Am behind on reading posts and comments again after spending last night at the Pfitz. Did DVR the Nats game and plan to watch it later.
Just read the Harper story mentioned above. Great read and, yeah, my screen got all blurry, too. Good on Bryce. His folks did a great job, and the national media/pundits were either clueless or had an agenda what with all the negative stories about him early on.
Love Harper, he is a great kid and wish nothing but success. Shows his upbringing and concern for others. Also, if Davy is giving him two days off, it seems Harper new more about himself than Davy when he stated he needed two more days in the Minors to get his timing back. No, Davy had to rush him back! Two days longer in the Minors may have been two days more important than then now!
One thing for sure, if Harper gets a chance to pinch hit he will attempt to hit the cover off the ball
Mr. Baseball, I can't say whether Johnson was right or wrong on Harper's return, but I will say that I agree with a post of yours a few days ago regarding the uniforms.I really like the dark blue patriotic theme jerseys much better then any of the red and white combinations.
Mike Wallace on NatsTalk, "Drew Storen has better stuff than Rafael Soriano".
We have all heard Davey say one thing and then do something completely different. The more I think of this I would start Harper today vs. the righty and rest Ramos and then rest Harper tomorrow and play Ramos. I, of course, have no say in this matter.
sjm308, totally agree with you on that. Usually the manager looks ahead to matchups and decides when to give his players a 'mental' day-off as Davey likes to call it. Tomorrow is a lefty and we all know Span and Harp are both struggling against the lefties.
Not sure how I feel about an outfield without Span and Harper when a lefty starts. I would move Span down to #8 vs the lefty though.
I'm about to throw up in my mouth but....go Phillies!!! Ugh....
"Ghost Of Steve M. said...
Mike Wallace on NatsTalk, "Drew Storen has better stuff than Rafael Soriano"."
Hows about Mike Wallace saying that Nats fans arent mentioning Stammens and Storens melting down becuz the Nats won.
I guess Mike Wallace hasnt read this blog about concern over those 2 relievers.
sjm308 said...
Not sure how I feel about an outfield without Span and Harper when a lefty starts. I would move Span down to #8 vs the lefty though.
July 06, 2013 10:46 AM
The problem is the moving parts aren't in place to get suitable right-handed batters in there off the bench to replace them. Choices are TyMo/Lombo and while you get slightly better OPS differential the defense takes a hit.
Yes, you need to move Span down in the order to #8 and that's long overdue.
Joe Seamhead
Wouldn't you like to see our Nats wearing the Twins throw back (Nationals - Senators) uniforms permanently? Those are our original team uniforms. Put on the all blue cap with the curly W outlined in red and a red button, blue socks and undershirts. We would be the class of MLB. Someone has to get through to the Lerners!! Picture that curly W clock. Take off the stars and from 11-1, put W-S-H and 10-2 spell out N-A-T-I-O-N-A-L-S.
Really wished you called in to Nats Talk Live. When someone thought to move Ramos up in the order, the esteemed panel could not think who to bat 8th.
Span, of course!
Will DVR Key Largo tonight as will be sweating at the game. Check it out on TCM tonight
Just added my name to the Who's Going page of the NIDO spreadsheet. My daughter and I will be baking out in the red seats in Section 100....but the tix were free, so why not? Will there be a pregame gathering up on the 300 level? I remember hearing about such things in the past :)
jeff, I'd call Mike Wallace up and tell him I'm not okay with relievers giving up 3 runs even if the Nats win.
I do not watch the show but did come across it a year or so ago and one thing Mike Wallace said has stayed with me since. He said the most important things for him as he watched any pitcher were First Pitch Strikes and first batter out. He did mention that you have to mix it up every now and then (I thought of Desmond) but on the whole it makes sense. If you are pitching at 0-1 it puts the batter in a big hole and if you have that first out a baserunner later in the inning is not as impactful.
Adam McGinnis @adammcginnis 15m MASN critical credibility is always shaky, 2 baseball shows spending morning defending Drew Storen & Jim Johnson
Ghost, I'd like to believe the koolaid that Storen is one of the best relievers in the league even with a 5 something era. ERA is misleading for relievers, maybe, but man was I upset when he gave up the 2 hrs on the 4th as were many on the internet. Maybe, they don't have internet in Tom Davis's studio yet.
Any word on what is wrong with Stammen ?
"Well, Laddie, Davey is sitting Bryce for the rest of the weekend, so the bench comes back into play starting the afternoon with Bernadina having to step back into the starting lineup."
Good move by Davey. Bryce will get it back, and this should help. He was turning into an automatic out. He should have been making moves like that from day one of this season, instead of insisting on playing guys whose play was hurting the team. There are no sacred cows in baseball.
jeff, the 1st HR Storen gave up was not a bad pitch at all and credit to the batter. The 2nd HR was just a bad pitch. Is he just running into bad luck? No, his previous appearance he was down in the zone and not inducing swings, but also wasn't helped by the ump. On Thursday Storen was up and putting nothing near the bottom edge of the K Zone and should have been pulled.
Stammen just hasn't had it for over a month. He's just throwing BP. I have to think he has some soreness he isn't disclosing.
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal #Braves’ Hudson, with 10 years service, 5 in a row with same club, could reject any trade. Wren said “no validity at all” to talk of deal.
Yah, so Peter Gammons made it all up.
"It's not always about baseball."
Terrific comment and thanks for pointing out that story, Jack. You look at guys like Harper and Tebow and all the criticism they get, and then you hear that Hernandez is getting mash notes and tweets now that he has been charged with murder. Go figure.
This is an interesting concept -- difficulty of strikeouts.
strikeouts
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/daily-notes-adjusted-strikeout-totals-for-every-friday-starter/
Brian Kenny @MrBrianKenny 12m
I'm On record, whole year. Believe in the Nats.
Laddie, I would differentiate between Tebow and Harper; unlike Tebow, Harper has never used his religion or his personal life as a marketing tool. We only know about Harper and that kid because Kilgore happened to be there and wrote about it.
Ghost, I think Storens first homer came on an 87 mph change up that was up and in. That was a terrible pitch the way I look at it. Second was a hanging slider. B oth terrible pitches
Who is Mike Wallace?
Oh yeah, some former mediocre Oriole pitcher who never even thinks about the Nats unless he's forced to on TV. I cannot wait until we have our own TV network populated with personalities, former players or not, whose life is the Nats, not the Orioles.
It's going to be hot out there, but there's a long break between tomorrow and July 19 when they'll next be in town. So yeah, I'll be out there. At least we know with JZnn on the mound the game will move along. Hoping that slow poke Storen is not needed.
According to the Tweeter, Bryce talked his way back into the line-up. What a shock! Is anyone shocked?
Not shocked at all and now they can rest Ramos and Harper can have tomorrow off. Glad Davey reads this blog.
Mike Wallace never played for the Orioles. He did go to James Madison HS in Vienna VA, though, back in the day when the Senators were here.
Or perhaps you were talking about Nationals Clubhouse Manager Mike Wallace? He never played for the Orioles either.
222, I think one big reason I like FP so much on TV is that he's a veteran of this franchise (albeit not in DC), and he's Nats all the way--without being a total fawning homer.
I most hate those idiotic Nats-Orioles shared broadcast booths when it's FP and one of the Baltimore guys. The Os dude is totally insulting to the Nats, usually.
I mean...Drew Storen absolutely has better stuff than Rafael Soriano. It's not even close. The difference is Soriano has command...Storen doesn't.
I'm glad that Harper talked his way into the lineup. (And not just because I am going to the game). two days off seemed a little arbitrary and a little much for a team with little margin for error. Given him tomorrow off against the lefty.
Ha! I was always skeptical about resting Harper for the rest of the weekend. Maybe Davey came to his senses, or maybe he was playing a little bit of a head game with Harper, wanting to get him to ask to play and kick start him that way a bit. Whatever it was, I'm glad to see him in the lineup today. Rest him tomorrow with Ramos back in, as 308 suggested. That's a much better plan.
Don't they always say a well placed fastball is the best pitch in baseball? That's what Soriano has, and right now Storen doesn't.
Mike Harris @WashTimesMike 56s
Davey: the bad news, Ross Detwiler had some discomfort during his pen. Start Monday is up in air. Dan Haren can come off DL then
Sigh.
Right you are Feel. My mistake.
Det unlikely to start. Paging Mr. Rizzo. Mr. Mike Rizzo. You have a call waiting at the white courtesy phone.
Time to get busy Mike. This team is not going to get to the playoffs with Dan Haren and Taylor Jordan as our 4 and 5.
Re : Soriano/ Storen " stuff," I watched Soroano from right behind home plate in Spring Training, i.e. from about 15 ft behind the plate, and in the words of NatsJack,"that guy couldn't throw a straight ball if his life depended on it." The ball has a totally wicked movement. I think Stpren is a more polished product from thousands of hours of clinics and coaching. Soriano didn't even come to the States as a pitcher. His stuff is just his natural voodoo!
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