tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post2343017132820364507..comments2024-02-15T05:42:18.307-05:00Comments on Nats Insider: Just what the doctor orderedMark Zuckermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525315258889435961noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-53408102885231047062010-06-30T15:26:42.241-04:002010-06-30T15:26:42.241-04:00Bernadina CF
Willingham LF
Dunn 1B
Zimmerman 3B
Mo...Bernadina CF<br />Willingham LF<br />Dunn 1B<br />Zimmerman 3B<br />Morse RF<br />Rodriguez C<br />Desmond SS<br />Gonzalez 2B<br /><br />--------------------<br /><br />Nice lineup but Bernadina will not flourish at the top of the lineup. Maybe the #2, just don't see him as leadoff which is why the team is stuck with Morgan as he is pesty to the opponents and if he can play with his brain clicked in then he needs to stay for now.<br /><br />Hows about Boomer Whiting for Willie Harris and Chase Lambin for Adam Kennedy?<br /><br />This bench needs to get shakin up a little bit more.Steve M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-84843782923656847232010-06-30T15:24:12.705-04:002010-06-30T15:24:12.705-04:00Ron in Reston:
I notice that you didn't inclu...Ron in Reston:<br /><br />I notice that you didn't include on-base or power numbers for those guys. And you also acted like those averages are close to where Desmond is right now. They're not, with the exception of Ozzie Smith's, who was then and continued to be thought of as a defensive SS without parallel.<br /><br />Desmond's first season doesn't look remotely like those.<br /><br />Also, Desmond is 24 going on 25. How old were those guys in their first three seasons?Bowdenballnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-64918668805373382562010-06-30T15:17:35.393-04:002010-06-30T15:17:35.393-04:00Ok, I hesitated in posting this because I, too, am...Ok, I hesitated in posting this because I, too, am disappointed in Desmond's play. That being said:<br /><br />In his first three full seasons at shortstop, this player had 44, 31 and 26 errors while batting .267 .252 .288.<br /><br />This next player, in his first three full seasons at shortstop had 25, 26 and 26 errors while batting .318 .304 .282.<br /><br />This next player, in his first three full seasons at SS made 25, 20 and 24 errors while batting .258 .211 .230.<br /><br />Finally, this player, in his first three full seasons at SS made 22, 18 and 9 errors while batting .314 .292 .324.<br /><br />So maybe we give Desi a little bit of a break since this is only his FIRST full season at shortstop.<br /><br />Oh, you want to know who the players are? The first three are all in the Hall of Fame. Robin Yount, Cal Ripken and Ozzie Smith. The last one is a lock for first ballot enshrinement, Derek Jeter....and I hate the Yankees, but i respect talent.<br /><br />So, Anonymous @ 10:22, yes Desmond could be a star in this league.....could. He needs the right coaching both in the field and at the plate. If he doesn't come around, that's a shame. Or maybe we move him to CF a la Yount and make a HOFer out of him....Ron In Restonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-11652493317539669632010-06-30T12:08:27.086-04:002010-06-30T12:08:27.086-04:00Desmond needs to sit not for lack of effort or phy...Desmond needs to sit not for lack of effort or physical errors, but for mental ones. He admitted that when he threw the ball away in Baltimore with no prayer of a play that he had decided to go there before the ball was hit no matter what -- great that he anticipated, but bad judgment for attempting the throw. And he loses concentration -- I could say because he's planning his post-game quote, but that would be unfair. But he does need to learn that to be as good as he thinks he is he has to be accountable, and not to run off at the mouth after 3 bad losses in a row by saying how well the team is playing (and by implication him, the ML leader in errors). Desmond is not 21 -- he is 25 in Sept. We need to find out if he is the real deal -- part of that process is making sure he gets the lesson on accountability -- like Bobby Cox did to Andruw Jones in his rookie season by pulling him mid-inning after dogging it after an easy pop and letting it drop. Some players can learn that with a gentle word, some need to be benched so they can think about why. Desmond has made so many mental mistakes this season that Riggs' gentle words seem to have had no effect; in fact Desmond has decided he's the team spokesman; got to earn that is the lesson.GRClarkdcnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-24044267088221622010-06-30T12:04:50.436-04:002010-06-30T12:04:50.436-04:00Don't look now but Maxwell has raised his aver...<i>Don't look now but Maxwell has raised his average to .288 and his OBP to .400. You WILL be seeing him back on the roster pretty soon.</i><br /><br /><br />You didn't happen to check Boomer Whiting's did you? He is doing MUCH BETTER OBP wise. He has around 21 stolen bases. He has committed no errors. JMax looks worst with his 4 errors. <br /><br />Trade the guy would ya?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-59612219704176562502010-06-30T12:04:28.165-04:002010-06-30T12:04:28.165-04:00Carrying forward for Ernie and sec3. I think this ...Carrying forward for Ernie and sec3. I think this subscription link is still valid:<br /><br />http://tinyurl.com/2elcqclnatsfan1anoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-16836902702489644002010-06-30T12:02:06.485-04:002010-06-30T12:02:06.485-04:00Roger CF
Pudge C
Zim 3B
Dunn 1B
Josh LF
Morse RF
G...<i>Roger CF<br />Pudge C<br />Zim 3B<br />Dunn 1B<br />Josh LF<br />Morse RF<br />Gonzo SS<br />Orr 2B (need to stabilize the D for a week)<br />Pitcher</i><br /><br />Orr is hitting .240 in Syracuse!? He DOES NOT field as well as Gonzalez<br />and is just another Kennedy? Why? That's pretty silly if you ask me?<br /><br />OBP lineup.<br /><br />Bernadina CF<br />Willingham LF<br />Dunn 1B<br />Zimmerman 3B<br />Morse RF<br />Rodriguez C<br />Desmond SS<br />Gonzalez 2B<br /><br />This is the best line up for getting on base ... should improve the fielding. <br /><br />But as Mark said, Riggleman does not make up line ups based on performance. Respecting the veterans must always come first.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-9902825120309462762010-06-30T11:46:19.390-04:002010-06-30T11:46:19.390-04:00If Gonzo's future on this team is anything mor...If Gonzo's future on this team is anything more than a platoon IF, then we are destined for mediocrity at best.TheMichaelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-26548796317255840742010-06-30T11:28:59.472-04:002010-06-30T11:28:59.472-04:00While I am a fan of Gonzo, I think his future is a...While I am a fan of Gonzo, I think his future is at 2B, not SS. You guys must think that once you call up a rookie he plays like he's in his prime -- give the kid some time. Let's not discount how much Guzzie playing 2B for the first time affects Desmond at SS.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-43182621127066543672010-06-30T11:28:07.905-04:002010-06-30T11:28:07.905-04:00Quick check suggests that the Nats infield has mor...Quick check suggests that the Nats infield has more errors than the whole Cinci team--no wonder their pitchers are doing better.<br /><br />I have some confidence that Desi will learn. Don't think that Morgan wants to. If they sit Morgan, they should tell him they are tired of his dumb play. Riggleman needs to stop buying into Morgan's excuse of 'dumb' being 'aggressive'.Dochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17614998804163989623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-30534399868042821362010-06-30T11:01:00.553-04:002010-06-30T11:01:00.553-04:00BIG CAT - Well said, but man crushes sometimes cl...BIG CAT - Well said, but man crushes sometimes cloud the judgment. <br /><br />There were those that applauded that 345 foot HR pulled to LF last year that landed in the flower pots just out of the reach of the leftfielder to win the game for the Nats as the coming out party for the great Justin Maxwell. It was a great moment at the time. As they say, this is now and that was then, what have you done for me lately?<br /><br />A .288 average in AAA doesn't excite me. Sorry JMax. See you in September.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-5923409323312531742010-06-30T10:23:17.089-04:002010-06-30T10:23:17.089-04:00Yeah, I saw that Maxwell is doing good in AAA. G...Yeah, I saw that Maxwell is doing good in AAA. Good lord, haven't we seen that he can't play at the big league level. Trade him while you can get something for him. too bad Marrero can't play anything but first base...he can flat out hit and will be a good major league hitter. I think as he matures he will give you 15-20 bombs alsoBig Catnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-82199866765547378152010-06-30T10:22:47.362-04:002010-06-30T10:22:47.362-04:00After the Strasburg loss on the Desmond error the ...After the Strasburg loss on the Desmond error the other day, Ray Knight said Desmond was going to be a star in this league. Then Dibble said Desmond was going to be a star in this league.<br /><br />Does anyone on this board believe this?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-61749940582796712352010-06-30T10:13:23.959-04:002010-06-30T10:13:23.959-04:00Don't look now but Maxwell has raised his aver...Don't look now but Maxwell has raised his average to .288 and his OBP to .400. You WILL be seeing him back on the roster pretty soon.NatsJack in Floridanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-20887715133522352562010-06-30T10:09:29.900-04:002010-06-30T10:09:29.900-04:00JayB - Watch out what you wish for. If you DFA W...JayB - Watch out what you wish for. If you DFA Willie Harris, you are left with Willingham, Morgan, Bernadina, and Morse. Don't expect Guzy back in RF after that missed catch in Houston.<br /><br />Any changes in the outfield brings back <b>Justin Maxwell</b> who is not a guy you want back on this team so with the depth of outfielders in the system, you are stuck with Willie Harris.<br /><br />Rizzo has that "man crush" on Justin Maxwell so given the choice, I keep Willie Harris.<br /><br />When you DFA Adam Kennedy, who takes his spot on the roster? Pete Orr is not much of a defensive upgrade although Orr is a better pinch hitter.Anonymous8noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-21336585715788569302010-06-30T09:50:43.042-04:002010-06-30T09:50:43.042-04:00A few years ago when the team had LoDuca playing L...A few years ago when the team had LoDuca playing LF or 1st base I felt sorry for the pitchers that had to look at the lineup card and see LoDuca behind him in the field.<br /><br />The pitcher basically can't say a word but you know he has to think about throwing an outside pitch to a leftie so he doesn't go opposite field and hit it near LoDuca in left.<br /><br />A pitcher needs the confidence that he has guys that can play defense behind him.<br /><br />Riggleman had the right idea on Tuesday of shoring up the defense behind Strasburg by going with Gonzo at 2nd, and it was Desmond at SS that botched the tailor-made double play. It happens.<br /><br />Last night, the ball found Willingham on a sinking liner to left and he made a nice diving catch and that sharp bouncing ball to Dunn who snagged it and got the runner out and saved a sure double. Clearly, of all the players on the 25 man, that is the best Riggleman could write out for a defensive team while giving him Willingham and Dunn for power. Of course in the 9th, he HAD to put Kennedy at 1st instead of Morse. Riggleman almost did everything correct on Tuesday except his 9th inning move of Kennedy. <br /><br />The team stepped up behind Stammen. Besides Livan on Saturday, every pitcher since last Wednesday has deserved a "W".<br /><br />My analysis on Desmond is how I feel about Dunn and Willingham. Are they so much of a + as an offensive player that you write them in while you know defensively they may cost you.<br /><br />Right now, Desmond is in an offensive slump so the answer is send him to AAA for a few weeks to get back on track. DFA Kennedy too as he adds nothing. The middle infield has cost this team dearly this year.Anonymous8noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-31741439152516691082010-06-30T09:46:50.875-04:002010-06-30T09:46:50.875-04:00Good call, Chris. I'll back you 100% on this u...Good call, Chris. I'll back you 100% on this unless the guys as big as Adam Dunn.NatsJack in Floridanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-73537327373515742432010-06-30T09:40:12.260-04:002010-06-30T09:40:12.260-04:00Pete Orr? Pete effing Orr?
The next person who m...Pete Orr? Pete effing Orr? <br /><br />The next person who mentions him gets donkey punched. <br /><br />I'm serious.Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05384823698218319042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-67134363235510498882010-06-30T09:40:02.420-04:002010-06-30T09:40:02.420-04:00"....but it will improve the product in the s..."....but it will improve the product in the short run."<br /><br />Sounds like an idea that comes straight out of Capital Hill, one without any rhyme or reason to it. Just show the people (Nats fans) that management (government) is doing something, anything no matter how poorly conceived(I mean really, Pete Orr?) it may be so we can quiet the unruly masses.Knoxville Natnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-60994862469140947532010-06-30T09:07:27.269-04:002010-06-30T09:07:27.269-04:00Great game for Stammen. He was consistently down ...Great game for Stammen. He was consistently down in the zone and without being too geeky, he "pitched to contact." Before he was always nibbling, getting behing and then having to serve up the 88mph straight one right down the middle. You're a sinkerballer Craig. Throw the ball low and let it work for you. If they hit a bunch of ground balls through the holes....well so be it, you just go to the Hotel bar and forget about itbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-34262021921321142582010-06-30T08:56:22.930-04:002010-06-30T08:56:22.930-04:00Roger CF
Pudge C
Zim 3B
Dunn 1B
Josh LF
Morse ...Roger CF<br />Pudge C<br />Zim 3B<br />Dunn 1B<br />Josh LF<br />Morse RF<br />Gonzo SS<br />Orr 2B (need to stabilize the D for a week)<br />Pitcher<br /><br />FBJ has a nice rational for Ian D to AAA for a few weeks (same as I called for a few days back)...needs to get his head cleared and work on things in low pressure setting. Same is needed for Morgan. If that does not happen I second the calls for both Ian and Morgan to sit for a week and reflect on what they need to do be earn back into the line up. DFA Harris and Kennedy now and reward AAAA vets for a few weeks with some time in the show. By July trade deadline all excuses are expired and RIZZO must make some major roster decisions.<br /><br />And NO MARK...this will not fix the team but it will improve the product in the short run.JayBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11448827055342357809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-65805803106751935272010-06-30T08:49:02.920-04:002010-06-30T08:49:02.920-04:00No, the reason Clippard was in the game is becaus...No, the reason Clippard was in the game is because Rigg's fanny is so tight you couldn't pull a pin out of it with a tractor. The man makes me nervous just watchingBig Catnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-49309103915054311232010-06-30T08:46:50.900-04:002010-06-30T08:46:50.900-04:00What's the odds on Desmond being back at SS to...What's the odds on Desmond being back at SS tonite? And what kind of reward does Gonzalez get for playing errorless ball and going 4 for 4? And what about Guzman quietly going to 7th in the order and walking twice and getting hit by a pitch? <br /><br />Desmonds probably back in the lineup and one of these two guys sits. I don't get it.NatsJack in Floridanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-348259493765900432010-06-30T08:42:08.654-04:002010-06-30T08:42:08.654-04:00Yeah, guess that makes sense, or at least as much ...Yeah, guess that makes sense, or at least as much sense as anything else. Also, I wonder if there's something about Clippard (a converted starter) that leads the Nats F.O. to believe he can handle a heavier workload than most relievers. That's why I figured I'd ask, Mark being privy to some inside info and all.Bowdenballnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-34154390040121355152010-06-30T08:36:30.606-04:002010-06-30T08:36:30.606-04:00I would guess that Riggleman called on Clippard la...I would guess that Riggleman called on Clippard last night to get him back on the horse ASAP after his terrible performance in Baltimore over the weekend. As far as Riggleman's concerned, the health of Clippard's head is much more important than the health of his arm. In fact, Riggleman would probably blow out Clippard's arm entirely if that's what it took to get his head right. But if he keeps managing like that, by the end of the season Rizzo will be handing Riggleman his head on a platter.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com