Wednesday, August 31, 2005
New Boswell Column ("It Turns Out D.C. Is a Baseball Capital After All") and "Md. Firm in Line To Build Ballpark"; The Hurricane and Rick Short
New Boswell E-mail (or newsletter) "It Turns Out D.C. Is a Baseball Capital After All"
Boswell's column is about the attendance at RFK, how "[a]s this season has progressed Nationals attendance has exploded, rising each month until it has now surpassed even the most optimistic preseason estimates. This barely noticed trend has profound implications for the sport's future here."
The Nationals have averaged 37,097 fans in their last 5 homestands compared with the overall 2005 major league average of 29,802. And if this pattern continues into and throughout the 2006 season, "then Washington may, in a stunningly brief time, move from the status of an "average" team to becoming one of the "crown jewel" franchises of the sport. . . . the town that baseball spurned for a third of a century may eventually set the pro sports record for saying, "We told you so.""
The team compares favorably with the best attended teams, excluding LA and NYC, with their averages of between 35,155 (Boston) to 39,228 (Giants), and the Nationals are playing in the very old RFK. The Nationals have had steady month to month increases in average game attendence. Overall? The Nationals average attendence for the entire season is 34,370. "The Nats are 11th in the sport in attendance . . . By next week, Washington will pass Houston to reach the Top 10."
Boswell notes that the team may end up near an average attendence of 35,000, which is close to the Red Sox sold out average of 35,155.
As Boswell points out, the large average attendance number is nice, but the fact that trend has continued to go up while the team has been in a deep slump is "most fascinating about the Nats' attendance." "Last week's crowds of 38,721 arrived even though the Nats had been in a (15-27) slump for eight weeks and fallen from first place to last in the NL East."
Boswell mentions that "[a] year ago, I spoke with a source with access to studies about potential Washington baseball attendance" and came away with numbers in the 25,000 to 30,000 range for average attendance.
So, it appears that Washington DC can, in fact support a team, but what about those poor suffering O's? Has their market evaporated? Is the reason that the Nationals have had such great attendance numbers based on an evaporating O's attendance? The question, of course, is what has been occurring up north.
Three year average for the O's: 32,588. This year? When the team is in its 8th losing season in a row? This year the team's average is: 32,599.
So far this year, the combined Baltimore-Washington DC market has supplied an average of 67,349 fans to two baseball teams for each home game. For the last three years, the combined market supplied an average of 32,588 fans for each Camden Yards game.
"The least expected of all outcomes -- no impact whatsoever on the O's -- has come to pass." "Somebody tell Peter Angelos to stuff an orange-and-black sock in his mouth. " "After just five months, it is now reasonable to wonder if Washington, so long scorned, might actually turn out to be one of the best baseball cities in America."
Live discussion with Boswell - Friday: 11 AM.
Here's a transcript of the last discussion on August 5th.
"Md. Firm in Line To Build Ballpark" by David Nakamura of the Washington Post.
"The D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission yesterday voted to award a $23 million contract to Clark Construction of Bethesda to build a baseball stadium in Southeast Washington by March 2008."
Clark Construction will attempt to build the $279 million stadium in 2 and a half years. Clark built FedEx Field in 17 months, but that was in an open setting, compared with the cramped urban setting of the proposed new baseball stadium.
Interesting. The stadium is budgeted at $279 million, but has "Other" costs that will raise the total price tag to $535 million. A lot of "Other" expenses there.
The City hasn't bought the land yet, and if it needs to, "the city has the option to take the land under eminent domain."
The Hurricane and Rick Short: "'I hope baseball finally gives him back what he deserves'" by Jim Litke of the AP.
The Nationals AAA affiliate, the New Orleans Zephyrs left the city shortly before the hurricane struck and have lost the rest of their home games for this season.
"People in New Orleans have so many more hurdles to jump than I do,'' Short said Tuesday in Oklahoma City, Okla., a few hours before the first of nine straight road games the Zephyrs will play to close out their Pacific Coast League baseball season. "It kind of puts it all in perspective.''
Short's story is mentioned because he is a career minor league player that is also having a career year, hitting almost .400. "It's been 44 years since anybody hit .400 in a full-season professional league."
Short, though, is now hitting .388, and has just nine road games before this season is over (if he isn't called up to the majors; and if he is, then those hits in the majors, or lack of hits, wouldn't count for or against his minor league average). The team, as mentioned, has cancelled the rest of its home games, three, that would have likely given Short about 12 more at-bats.
"As soon as I started talking about it,'' he explained, "my average went down.''
"After 11 seasons with 12 clubs in eight different leagues, in locales as far-flung as Japan, Jackson, Tenn., and Mexico, Short finally made it to "The Show'' with the Nationals this year. He went 1-for-1 as a pinch-hitter on June 10, but returned to New Orleans when they traded for Junior Spivey the next day. Short was back up with Washington again at the end of the month, grounding out to third and coaxing a walk, only to be shipped out just as unceremoniously a day later when Jose Vidro came off the disabled list."
Short had been drafted by the Orioles in 1994, and has a career .312 average since then. Short can play anywhere, and has in the minors. Because of that ability, Short's chances at making the bigs was actually curtailed because he couldn't establish himself at any one position.
Oh, and the hurricane. Litke ends his article by noting that Short and his family live in Peoria, Illinois and that all that Short lost in the hurricane was his security deposit on his apartment and three home games.
Boswell's column is about the attendance at RFK, how "[a]s this season has progressed Nationals attendance has exploded, rising each month until it has now surpassed even the most optimistic preseason estimates. This barely noticed trend has profound implications for the sport's future here."
The Nationals have averaged 37,097 fans in their last 5 homestands compared with the overall 2005 major league average of 29,802. And if this pattern continues into and throughout the 2006 season, "then Washington may, in a stunningly brief time, move from the status of an "average" team to becoming one of the "crown jewel" franchises of the sport. . . . the town that baseball spurned for a third of a century may eventually set the pro sports record for saying, "We told you so.""
The team compares favorably with the best attended teams, excluding LA and NYC, with their averages of between 35,155 (Boston) to 39,228 (Giants), and the Nationals are playing in the very old RFK. The Nationals have had steady month to month increases in average game attendence. Overall? The Nationals average attendence for the entire season is 34,370. "The Nats are 11th in the sport in attendance . . . By next week, Washington will pass Houston to reach the Top 10."
Boswell notes that the team may end up near an average attendence of 35,000, which is close to the Red Sox sold out average of 35,155.
As Boswell points out, the large average attendance number is nice, but the fact that trend has continued to go up while the team has been in a deep slump is "most fascinating about the Nats' attendance." "Last week's crowds of 38,721 arrived even though the Nats had been in a (15-27) slump for eight weeks and fallen from first place to last in the NL East."
Boswell mentions that "[a] year ago, I spoke with a source with access to studies about potential Washington baseball attendance" and came away with numbers in the 25,000 to 30,000 range for average attendance.
So, it appears that Washington DC can, in fact support a team, but what about those poor suffering O's? Has their market evaporated? Is the reason that the Nationals have had such great attendance numbers based on an evaporating O's attendance? The question, of course, is what has been occurring up north.
Three year average for the O's: 32,588. This year? When the team is in its 8th losing season in a row? This year the team's average is: 32,599.
So far this year, the combined Baltimore-Washington DC market has supplied an average of 67,349 fans to two baseball teams for each home game. For the last three years, the combined market supplied an average of 32,588 fans for each Camden Yards game.
"The least expected of all outcomes -- no impact whatsoever on the O's -- has come to pass." "Somebody tell Peter Angelos to stuff an orange-and-black sock in his mouth. " "After just five months, it is now reasonable to wonder if Washington, so long scorned, might actually turn out to be one of the best baseball cities in America."
Live discussion with Boswell - Friday: 11 AM.
Here's a transcript of the last discussion on August 5th.
"Md. Firm in Line To Build Ballpark" by David Nakamura of the Washington Post.
"The D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission yesterday voted to award a $23 million contract to Clark Construction of Bethesda to build a baseball stadium in Southeast Washington by March 2008."
Clark Construction will attempt to build the $279 million stadium in 2 and a half years. Clark built FedEx Field in 17 months, but that was in an open setting, compared with the cramped urban setting of the proposed new baseball stadium.
Interesting. The stadium is budgeted at $279 million, but has "Other" costs that will raise the total price tag to $535 million. A lot of "Other" expenses there.
The City hasn't bought the land yet, and if it needs to, "the city has the option to take the land under eminent domain."
The Hurricane and Rick Short: "'I hope baseball finally gives him back what he deserves'" by Jim Litke of the AP.
The Nationals AAA affiliate, the New Orleans Zephyrs left the city shortly before the hurricane struck and have lost the rest of their home games for this season.
"People in New Orleans have so many more hurdles to jump than I do,'' Short said Tuesday in Oklahoma City, Okla., a few hours before the first of nine straight road games the Zephyrs will play to close out their Pacific Coast League baseball season. "It kind of puts it all in perspective.''
Short's story is mentioned because he is a career minor league player that is also having a career year, hitting almost .400. "It's been 44 years since anybody hit .400 in a full-season professional league."
Short, though, is now hitting .388, and has just nine road games before this season is over (if he isn't called up to the majors; and if he is, then those hits in the majors, or lack of hits, wouldn't count for or against his minor league average). The team, as mentioned, has cancelled the rest of its home games, three, that would have likely given Short about 12 more at-bats.
"As soon as I started talking about it,'' he explained, "my average went down.''
"After 11 seasons with 12 clubs in eight different leagues, in locales as far-flung as Japan, Jackson, Tenn., and Mexico, Short finally made it to "The Show'' with the Nationals this year. He went 1-for-1 as a pinch-hitter on June 10, but returned to New Orleans when they traded for Junior Spivey the next day. Short was back up with Washington again at the end of the month, grounding out to third and coaxing a walk, only to be shipped out just as unceremoniously a day later when Jose Vidro came off the disabled list."
Short had been drafted by the Orioles in 1994, and has a career .312 average since then. Short can play anywhere, and has in the minors. Because of that ability, Short's chances at making the bigs was actually curtailed because he couldn't establish himself at any one position.
Oh, and the hurricane. Litke ends his article by noting that Short and his family live in Peoria, Illinois and that all that Short lost in the hurricane was his security deposit on his apartment and three home games.
Nationals win 3-2; Nationals Acquire an infielder (read: SS); Last two games before Rosters Expand; Robinson's birthday today; MLB - New Owners
Intro:
The Nationals beat the reigning NL East Division champs in a close 3 to 2 game. Meanwhile, everyone else in the NL East, and the wild card race won their games except for the Phillies. And despite a comment by a Nationals player, I believe it was Guillen, the team is, in fact, still in last place in the NL East.
In other news, Devi Cruz, career .269 batter in 1214 games (4073 AB, 1096 H, 249 2B, 16 3B, 70 HR, 463, 131 BB, 426 SO, 16 SB 28 CS, .293 OBP, .390), has been acquired from the Giants for a minor league pitcher which the Nationals sent off with these kind words: Not a potential major leaguerer.
Robinson turns 70 today. Nice article in the Washington Post about it. About how people thought that he was to old at 30 to be a great player (who thought 30 was too old?) and how Robinson showed them by winning the AL MVP, AL Triple Crown, and World Series MVP in 1966, his first year with those orange and black birds up north.
Rosters expand on September 1st, tomorrow. The Washington Post believes that the team will call up ten players, roughly 4 to 5 more than most teams call up at this point in the season (article linked under the word "believes"also is the recap of last night's game and mention of the trade). - Nationals Farm Authority blog has a great analysis of who these 10 call-ups might be "Ladson on September Call-ups"
The team is supposed to be sold this weekend, or at least that was the goal. Maybe they'll meet that goal, though it is unlikely. The Times has an article about the MLB narrowing the field:
Major League Baseball likely will narrow the field of bidders for the Washington Nationals by establishing a price only a few groups can meet, then choosing a winner from among them using two criteria: local ownership and minority representation.
"They will be looking closely at local connections and a minority presence," said a source familiar with the selection process.
Those factors may prove to have more influence than connections within the game or with commissioner Bud Selig than they have had in the sale of other franchises in recent years.
The Game:
Patterson lasted just 2.2 innings, he held off his illness just long enough to give up 2 runs in the third inning. After that he left complaining of stomach cramps (Nationals.com article: " In the bottom of the third inning, with runners on first and second, two outs and the Braves already leading 1-0, Patterson was sweating profusely. In fact, his uniform top was already drenched in sweat."). Bergman relieved Patterson (and tried to relief Patterson before he walked in the second run: "There was a little miscommunication out there," Bergmann said. "The bullpen coach [Bobby Natal] said, 'Go, you are in.' Mr. Robinson gives me a puzzled look and the umpire [Larry Vanover] comes over to me and said, 'They didn't call for you. You are not in.' I said, 'What?' I went back in and I asked if this was my rookie prank.") and pitched two solid innings, giving up 3 hits and 2 walks but allowing no runs to score and striking out 2. Bergman's era remains 0.00, and he has picked up his first major league win. Carrasco also pitched 2 innings, Majewski pitched 1.1 and Cordero picked up his 42nd Save.
Both starting pitchers entered the third inning with the score tied 0-0. Patterson, as mentioned above, gave up two runs in that inning, and Sosa gave up zero. Score after three innings: 2-0.
The Nationals immediately responded to the two runs when Guillen hit his 24th home-run to lead-off the inning. And were able to add 2 more in the 5th, driving the score to 3-2 in favor of the Nationals. Oddly enough, Bergman scored the second Nationals run when Vidro hit a double. With 2 out and 2 on, Wilson knocked in the winning run when he stepped up to the plate and hit a single, scoring Johnson. That sounds mildly confusing so: Bergman lead off with a single, then Wilkerson flied OUT, then Vidro doubled and Bergman scored (but Vidro OUT trying to go to third), then Johnson Doubled, Guillen intentionally walked, and then Wilson's single . . .
And that was that. Nationals won 3-2, and two of the Nationals pitchers got hits, Patterson and Bergman, while Guzman went 0-4.
Line-up:
B Wilkerson LF 2 for 5, 1 SB (6) .249
J Vidro 2B 1 for 4, 1 2B (20) 1 RBI (31), 1 BB, 1 SO .262
N Johnson 1B 1 for 5, 1 2B (31), 1 R, 1 SO .291
J Guillen RF 2 for 3, 1 HR (24), 1 RBI (68), 1 R, 1 BB .301
P Wilson CF 1 for 4, 1 RBI (70; with 2 out), 2 SO .260
B Schneider C 0 for 4, 1 SO .281
V Castilla 3B 2 for 4, 1 SO .249
C Guzman SS 0 for 4, 1 SO .194
J Patterson P 1 for 1, .087
J Bergmann P 1 for 1, 1 R .500
H Carrasco P 0 for 1, 1 SO .000
a-C Baerga PH 0 for 1, .267
SI.com recap. FOX.com recap. ESPN recap, box score. Nationals.com recap. CBS.com recap. Washington Times recap.
NL East:
All won execpt the Braves and Phillies.
Braves 74-57,
Marlins 70-62, 4.5 GB
Phillies 70-62, 4.5 GB
Mets 69-62, 5.0 GB
Nationals 68-63, 6.0 GB
Wild Card:
All won except the Phillies.
Marlins 70-62
Phillies 70-62
Astros 69-62, 0.5 GB
Mets 69-62, 0.5 GB
Nationals 68-63 1.5 GB
Brewers 64-68, 6.0 GB
The Trade:
Cruz is no Alex Rodriquez, but he is a definite improvement over this year's Cristian Guzman (as opposed to the career Guzman). Oh, and he will cost the Nationals somewhere around $136,000 for the rest of the year, compared with whatever is left on Guzman's contract for this season. Cruz can also play second base, so Zimmerman's experiment at SS is not completely, absolutely over. Vidro's legs are not particularly healthy, so Cruz could see some time at second base, and Zimmerman, expected to be called up tomorrow when the rosters expand, could see some time at SS. More than likely, Zimmerman will give Castilla some rest at 3B and Cruz will take over SS from Guzman. Baring injuries that change this potential position placements.
Cruz is currently hitting .268, with an on-base percentage of .301, a slugging percentage of .397 and has 10 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home-runs and 19 RBI's in 81 games.
Guzman this year: 115 games: 10 doubles, 5 triples, 3 home-runs, 19 RBI, .235 OBP .273 SLG and .194 batting average.
So, basically Cruz is a six year older verison of Guzman, but with a higher current batting average.
Bowden: "Guzie is hitting under .200, Vidro is playing with sore quads and is going to have to play hurt the rest of the year. We're not scoring any runs . . . so we need some choices. I need to give Frank some choices."
Nationals.com stats page for Cruz, for Guzman.
ESPN.com article. Nationals.com article. Washington Times Article.
The Double-Header:
Esteban Loaiza (9-9, 3.57) vs. Horacio Ramirez (10-8, 4.52)
Livan Hernandez (14-6, 3.87) vs. John Thomson (who I thought was Thompson; 3-4, 4.97)
ESPN.com stat pack for the double header (actually, it has Ramirez and Loaiza listed as "Today's Starter" without mention of Hernandez and Thomson (except in the overall stats section) and they have the game starting 8:05 pm, when it is supposed to start 45 minutes after the first game, which could conceivably be 8:05 pm). Nationals.com preview.
Thursday:
Tony Armas (7-7, 4.53) vs. John Smoltz (13-6, 2.96)
Scouting Report:
Armas will make his first appearance since Aug. 23. On that day, Armas left the game against the Reds after three innings because of a sore left shoulder. On Thursday, Armas will face the Braves for the second time this season. He has yet to pick up a decision, but he has given up two runs in six innings.
Smoltz looks for his team-high 14th win after breaking a four-start winless streak his last time out at Milwaukee. He’ pitched seven innings in 15 of his last 17 starts and is 1-0 with a 2.86 ERA (seven ER in 22 IP) in three starts against Washington this season.
Friday: Current WC tied leader Phillies (70-62) visits RFK for 3 games
John Halama (1-2, 5.14) vs. Vicente Padilla (7-12, 4.67)
Scouting Report:
Halama will face the Phillies for the third time in his career. He has yet to pick up a decision, but he has given up two runs in four innings against them. In his last outing, Halama was an emergency starter for the Nationals, and he pitched well, giving up two runs in 5 1/3 innings against the Cardinals, who the won the game, 6-0.
Competition:
Braves Blog:
"Braves silenced by Nationals' bullpenAtlanta unable to capitalize on starter's early departure"
aneternalenigma writes on The Braves Blog:
"While John Patterson spent most of the evening in the clubhouse because of stomach cramps, the Braves created their own discomfort by being unable to take advantage of countless opportunities.
Given the benefit of not having to see Patterson after the third inning, the Braves offense experienced their share of struggles against the Nationals' bullpen. Consequently they found themselves on the wrong end of what turned out to be yet another one-run contest between these division opponents."
San Francisco Response to the Trade:
"Deivi Cruz trade"
Daniel writes in the Orange and Black Baseball blog:
"Deivi Cruz was traded, as was Jason Christiansen. I don't know to who, or to where, but I do know Brian Sabean got minor league pitching in return." - and then provides a link to SFGate.com article on the trades.
"Open Gameday Thread, 8/30"
Grant writes in the McCovey Chronicles:
"Deivi gave more than we ever, ever could have hoped as a waiver pickup from the pre-interesting Devil Rays. He wasn't in the plans for next year, so for the Giants to get anything for him is a coup. Deivi was a good role player, and having a fair offensive player as the backup shortstop gave this team a nice bit of depth. I'll miss him and always appreciate his greatest skill, which was not being Cody Ransom."
And don't forget those Orange and black birds up north:
"Baltimore Relievers are FAN...Crappy"
Jeff Lippman writes a rather good examination of the O's bullpen pitchers.
"What happened to the Baltimore Orioles' relief pitching? Wasn't it supposed to be one of the best in baseball before the year began?"
Personally I stopped caring about the O's before this season began, so I can't answer the question. Wasn't paying attention. But Lippman is paying attention:
"Well, then why is every reliever the O's shuttle in and out of the game the worst pitcher I have ever seen? Anytime the starter leaves it goes from bad to worse for the O's, no matter what reliever they put in."
Did not know this, interesting information.
The relievers from the beginning of the year until today are mentioned and some examined. For example:
Tim Byrdak has bounced around the majors like a red rubber ball. A red rubber ball with a slippery surface because he has never stuck anywhere. Maybe he has found a home with the Orioles. Since being called up to the majors, Byrdak has been the O's most successful relief pitcher, however, recently has struggled and is getting some rest due to fatigue and shoulder strain. Lately, his stats don't look impressive either.
The Nationals beat the reigning NL East Division champs in a close 3 to 2 game. Meanwhile, everyone else in the NL East, and the wild card race won their games except for the Phillies. And despite a comment by a Nationals player, I believe it was Guillen, the team is, in fact, still in last place in the NL East.
In other news, Devi Cruz, career .269 batter in 1214 games (4073 AB, 1096 H, 249 2B, 16 3B, 70 HR, 463, 131 BB, 426 SO, 16 SB 28 CS, .293 OBP, .390), has been acquired from the Giants for a minor league pitcher which the Nationals sent off with these kind words: Not a potential major leaguerer.
Robinson turns 70 today. Nice article in the Washington Post about it. About how people thought that he was to old at 30 to be a great player (who thought 30 was too old?) and how Robinson showed them by winning the AL MVP, AL Triple Crown, and World Series MVP in 1966, his first year with those orange and black birds up north.
Rosters expand on September 1st, tomorrow. The Washington Post believes that the team will call up ten players, roughly 4 to 5 more than most teams call up at this point in the season (article linked under the word "believes"also is the recap of last night's game and mention of the trade). - Nationals Farm Authority blog has a great analysis of who these 10 call-ups might be "Ladson on September Call-ups"
The team is supposed to be sold this weekend, or at least that was the goal. Maybe they'll meet that goal, though it is unlikely. The Times has an article about the MLB narrowing the field:
Major League Baseball likely will narrow the field of bidders for the Washington Nationals by establishing a price only a few groups can meet, then choosing a winner from among them using two criteria: local ownership and minority representation.
"They will be looking closely at local connections and a minority presence," said a source familiar with the selection process.
Those factors may prove to have more influence than connections within the game or with commissioner Bud Selig than they have had in the sale of other franchises in recent years.
The Game:
Patterson lasted just 2.2 innings, he held off his illness just long enough to give up 2 runs in the third inning. After that he left complaining of stomach cramps (Nationals.com article: " In the bottom of the third inning, with runners on first and second, two outs and the Braves already leading 1-0, Patterson was sweating profusely. In fact, his uniform top was already drenched in sweat."). Bergman relieved Patterson (and tried to relief Patterson before he walked in the second run: "There was a little miscommunication out there," Bergmann said. "The bullpen coach [Bobby Natal] said, 'Go, you are in.' Mr. Robinson gives me a puzzled look and the umpire [Larry Vanover] comes over to me and said, 'They didn't call for you. You are not in.' I said, 'What?' I went back in and I asked if this was my rookie prank.") and pitched two solid innings, giving up 3 hits and 2 walks but allowing no runs to score and striking out 2. Bergman's era remains 0.00, and he has picked up his first major league win. Carrasco also pitched 2 innings, Majewski pitched 1.1 and Cordero picked up his 42nd Save.
Both starting pitchers entered the third inning with the score tied 0-0. Patterson, as mentioned above, gave up two runs in that inning, and Sosa gave up zero. Score after three innings: 2-0.
The Nationals immediately responded to the two runs when Guillen hit his 24th home-run to lead-off the inning. And were able to add 2 more in the 5th, driving the score to 3-2 in favor of the Nationals. Oddly enough, Bergman scored the second Nationals run when Vidro hit a double. With 2 out and 2 on, Wilson knocked in the winning run when he stepped up to the plate and hit a single, scoring Johnson. That sounds mildly confusing so: Bergman lead off with a single, then Wilkerson flied OUT, then Vidro doubled and Bergman scored (but Vidro OUT trying to go to third), then Johnson Doubled, Guillen intentionally walked, and then Wilson's single . . .
And that was that. Nationals won 3-2, and two of the Nationals pitchers got hits, Patterson and Bergman, while Guzman went 0-4.
Line-up:
B Wilkerson LF 2 for 5, 1 SB (6) .249
J Vidro 2B 1 for 4, 1 2B (20) 1 RBI (31), 1 BB, 1 SO .262
N Johnson 1B 1 for 5, 1 2B (31), 1 R, 1 SO .291
J Guillen RF 2 for 3, 1 HR (24), 1 RBI (68), 1 R, 1 BB .301
P Wilson CF 1 for 4, 1 RBI (70; with 2 out), 2 SO .260
B Schneider C 0 for 4, 1 SO .281
V Castilla 3B 2 for 4, 1 SO .249
C Guzman SS 0 for 4, 1 SO .194
J Patterson P 1 for 1, .087
J Bergmann P 1 for 1, 1 R .500
H Carrasco P 0 for 1, 1 SO .000
a-C Baerga PH 0 for 1, .267
SI.com recap. FOX.com recap. ESPN recap, box score. Nationals.com recap. CBS.com recap. Washington Times recap.
NL East:
All won execpt the Braves and Phillies.
Braves 74-57,
Marlins 70-62, 4.5 GB
Phillies 70-62, 4.5 GB
Mets 69-62, 5.0 GB
Nationals 68-63, 6.0 GB
Wild Card:
All won except the Phillies.
Marlins 70-62
Phillies 70-62
Astros 69-62, 0.5 GB
Mets 69-62, 0.5 GB
Nationals 68-63 1.5 GB
Brewers 64-68, 6.0 GB
The Trade:
Cruz is no Alex Rodriquez, but he is a definite improvement over this year's Cristian Guzman (as opposed to the career Guzman). Oh, and he will cost the Nationals somewhere around $136,000 for the rest of the year, compared with whatever is left on Guzman's contract for this season. Cruz can also play second base, so Zimmerman's experiment at SS is not completely, absolutely over. Vidro's legs are not particularly healthy, so Cruz could see some time at second base, and Zimmerman, expected to be called up tomorrow when the rosters expand, could see some time at SS. More than likely, Zimmerman will give Castilla some rest at 3B and Cruz will take over SS from Guzman. Baring injuries that change this potential position placements.
Cruz is currently hitting .268, with an on-base percentage of .301, a slugging percentage of .397 and has 10 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home-runs and 19 RBI's in 81 games.
Guzman this year: 115 games: 10 doubles, 5 triples, 3 home-runs, 19 RBI, .235 OBP .273 SLG and .194 batting average.
So, basically Cruz is a six year older verison of Guzman, but with a higher current batting average.
Bowden: "Guzie is hitting under .200, Vidro is playing with sore quads and is going to have to play hurt the rest of the year. We're not scoring any runs . . . so we need some choices. I need to give Frank some choices."
Nationals.com stats page for Cruz, for Guzman.
ESPN.com article. Nationals.com article. Washington Times Article.
The Double-Header:
Esteban Loaiza (9-9, 3.57) vs. Horacio Ramirez (10-8, 4.52)
Livan Hernandez (14-6, 3.87) vs. John Thomson (who I thought was Thompson; 3-4, 4.97)
ESPN.com stat pack for the double header (actually, it has Ramirez and Loaiza listed as "Today's Starter" without mention of Hernandez and Thomson (except in the overall stats section) and they have the game starting 8:05 pm, when it is supposed to start 45 minutes after the first game, which could conceivably be 8:05 pm). Nationals.com preview.
Thursday:
Tony Armas (7-7, 4.53) vs. John Smoltz (13-6, 2.96)
Scouting Report:
Armas will make his first appearance since Aug. 23. On that day, Armas left the game against the Reds after three innings because of a sore left shoulder. On Thursday, Armas will face the Braves for the second time this season. He has yet to pick up a decision, but he has given up two runs in six innings.
Smoltz looks for his team-high 14th win after breaking a four-start winless streak his last time out at Milwaukee. He’ pitched seven innings in 15 of his last 17 starts and is 1-0 with a 2.86 ERA (seven ER in 22 IP) in three starts against Washington this season.
Friday: Current WC tied leader Phillies (70-62) visits RFK for 3 games
John Halama (1-2, 5.14) vs. Vicente Padilla (7-12, 4.67)
Scouting Report:
Halama will face the Phillies for the third time in his career. He has yet to pick up a decision, but he has given up two runs in four innings against them. In his last outing, Halama was an emergency starter for the Nationals, and he pitched well, giving up two runs in 5 1/3 innings against the Cardinals, who the won the game, 6-0.
Competition:
Braves Blog:
"Braves silenced by Nationals' bullpenAtlanta unable to capitalize on starter's early departure"
aneternalenigma writes on The Braves Blog:
"While John Patterson spent most of the evening in the clubhouse because of stomach cramps, the Braves created their own discomfort by being unable to take advantage of countless opportunities.
Given the benefit of not having to see Patterson after the third inning, the Braves offense experienced their share of struggles against the Nationals' bullpen. Consequently they found themselves on the wrong end of what turned out to be yet another one-run contest between these division opponents."
San Francisco Response to the Trade:
"Deivi Cruz trade"
Daniel writes in the Orange and Black Baseball blog:
"Deivi Cruz was traded, as was Jason Christiansen. I don't know to who, or to where, but I do know Brian Sabean got minor league pitching in return." - and then provides a link to SFGate.com article on the trades.
"Open Gameday Thread, 8/30"
Grant writes in the McCovey Chronicles:
"Deivi gave more than we ever, ever could have hoped as a waiver pickup from the pre-interesting Devil Rays. He wasn't in the plans for next year, so for the Giants to get anything for him is a coup. Deivi was a good role player, and having a fair offensive player as the backup shortstop gave this team a nice bit of depth. I'll miss him and always appreciate his greatest skill, which was not being Cody Ransom."
And don't forget those Orange and black birds up north:
"Baltimore Relievers are FAN...Crappy"
Jeff Lippman writes a rather good examination of the O's bullpen pitchers.
"What happened to the Baltimore Orioles' relief pitching? Wasn't it supposed to be one of the best in baseball before the year began?"
Personally I stopped caring about the O's before this season began, so I can't answer the question. Wasn't paying attention. But Lippman is paying attention:
"Well, then why is every reliever the O's shuttle in and out of the game the worst pitcher I have ever seen? Anytime the starter leaves it goes from bad to worse for the O's, no matter what reliever they put in."
Did not know this, interesting information.
The relievers from the beginning of the year until today are mentioned and some examined. For example:
Tim Byrdak has bounced around the majors like a red rubber ball. A red rubber ball with a slippery surface because he has never stuck anywhere. Maybe he has found a home with the Orioles. Since being called up to the majors, Byrdak has been the O's most successful relief pitcher, however, recently has struggled and is getting some rest due to fatigue and shoulder strain. Lately, his stats don't look impressive either.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Last Night Rained Out; Tonight: Last Night's Pitchers face off; Boswell Returns; Around the Nationals blogosphere in 28 simple hours
Hurricane Katrina caused massive amounts of rain to fall in Atlanta. This caused Monday night's game to be postponed until Wednesday at 4:35 pm. A second game, the scheduled Wednesday game, will "begin approximately 30 minutes after the first game." So says Nationals.com's "Nationals' opener in Atlanta postponed" article.
In other news, Armas pitched in the bullpen on Monday and came to the realization that he felt no pain, as told to me by "Notes: Armas ready to return" on Nationals.com.
Also not feeling pain anymore, Luis Ayala who "who hasn't played in over a week because of tendinitis in his right elbow flexor, played catch for seven minutes on Monday and didn't feel any pain."
NL East:
While the Braves and the Nationals were able to have last night off, some teams decided to go ahead and play their games. While the hurricane disrupted the Nationals game in Atlanta, the St. Louis vs. Florida game in Florida went ahead as scheduled. The Marlins lost 1-6. The Marlins now move an extra half game back from the Braves and Phillies, as neither played last night. None of the other teams in the NL East race, nor in the NL Wild Card race played.
The Nationals remain in last place.
Braves 74-56
Phillies 70-61 4.5 GB
Marlins 69-62 5.5 GB
Mets 68-62 6.0 GB
Nationals 67-63 7.0 GB
Wild Card:
Only the Marlins played last night, of the top six teams in the wild card race. As mentioned they lost.
Phillies 70-61
Marlins 69-62 1.0 GB
Astros 68-62 1.5 GB
Mets 68-62 1.5 GB
Nationals 67-63 2.5 GB
Brewers 64-679 6.0 GB
Today's Games: CBS Scoreboard.
St. Louis (1st NL Central; Streak: Win 3) vs. Florida (Streak: lose 2) CBS preview.
RHP Matt Morris (14-5, 3.74) pitches for the Cards vs.
RHP Ismael Valdez (1-1, 4.00) for the Marlins.
Morris:
Season vs. Florida: 1-0, 5.14 - 1 G - 7 IP
Career vs. Florida: 7-2, 3.79 - 8 G - 59.1 IP
Valdez:
Season vs. Cards: 1-0, 7.20 - 1 G - 5 IP
Career vs. Cards: 5-3, 3.59 - 10 G - 67.2 IP
Except for the Marlins .002 higher batting average, the Cards have the edge in every category.
Phillies vs. Mets - both coming off of a losing streak of two games.
CBS preview.
Robinson Tejeda (4-3, 3.20) pitches for the Phillies vs.
Jae Seo (6-1, 1.30) pitches for the Mets.
Tejeda:
Season vs. Mets: 0-1, 2.70 - 2 G - 10 IP
career vs. Mets: see above.
Seo:
Season vs. Phillies: 1-0, 0.00 - 1 G - 7 IP
Career vs. Phillies: 1-3, 2.29 - 6 G - 39.1 IP
Remember, both teams are ahead of the Nationals, and the Phillies currently lead the Wild Card race.
The Phillies have the batting edge and the Mets have the pitching edge, according to the CBS head-to-head comparison in the preview.
Cincinnati Reds (5th NL Central; Win 4) vs. Houston Astros (2nd NL Central; L 2)
CBS preview.
Ramon Ortiz (8-9, 5.33) for the Reds vs.
Wandy Rodriguez (8-6, 6.16) for the Astros
Ortiz:
Season vs. Astros: 1-1, 4.91 - 3 G - 18.1 IP
Career vs. Astros: 2-1, 3.70 - 4 G - 24.1 IP
Rodriquez:
Season vs. Reds: 1-0, 4.50 - 1 G - 6 IP
Career vs. Reds: see above.
Remember, the Astros are ahead of the Nationals in the Wild Card race. Reds have the hitting edge and the Astros have the pitching edge.
Nationals (L 2) vs. Braves (W 2)
CBS preview.
John Patterson (8-4, 2.43) vs. Jorge Sosa (9-2, 2.56)
Patterson:
Season vs. Braves: 0-0, 0.75 - 2 G - 12 IP
Career vs. Braves: 0-2, 4.01 - 5 G - 24.2 IP
Sosa:
Season vs. Nationals: not faced
Career vs. "Nationals": 1-0, 2.70 - 1 G - 6.2 IP
Braves batters vs. John Patterson and Chad Cordero can be found here.
Furcal has no problem hitting Patterson (season or career).
Nationals batters vs. Jorge Sosa can be found here.
Baerga - 2 AB - 1 hit
Castilla - 3 AB - 1 hit
Guillen - 4 AB - 1 hit
Guzman - 7 AB - 2 hit
Johnson - 10 AB - 2 hits
Vidro - 3 AB - 1 hit
Wilkerson - 3 AB - 0 hits
Wilson - 7 AB - 1 hit.
Braves have the edge over the Nationals except in ERA, and opponents batting average (.264 vs. .266) in which the Nationals have the edge. The Braves and the Nationals pitchers have allowed the same number of hits.
Scouting Report:
Patterson will face the Braves for the third time this season. He has yet to pick up a decision, but he has given up only one run in 12 innings. In his last start, Patterson threw 8 1/3 solid innings and helped the Nationals defeat the Reds, 5-3, in front of 32,641 at RFK Stadium.
Sosa is 6-2 with a 2.66 ERA as a starter and the Braves have gone 10-3 in his 13 starts. This is Sosa's second start since returning to the rotation on August 24, replacing injured lefty Mike Hampton.
Nationals.com preview. ESPN preview/stat pack.
Wednesday:
Esteban Loaiza (9-9, 3.57) vs. Horacio Ramirez (10-8, 4.52)
Scouting Report:
Loaiza will face the Braves for the fourth time this season. Loaiza has yet to pick up a decision, but he has a respectable 3.32 ERA against them. In his last start, Loaiza pitched seven solid innings and gave up one run on three hits against the Cardinals, as the Nationals won the game, 4-1.
Ramirez tries to break a three-start winless streak and even his record against the Nationals (he lost, 2-0, in Washington on April 20). The lefty has surrendered 26 home runs (tied for fourth-most in the N.L.) but is 7-1 with a 3.29 ERA at Turner Field this season.
and
Livan Hernandez (14-6, 3.87) vs. John Thompson (3-4, 4.97)
Scouting Report:
Hernandez hopes that he can have a better outing against the Braves on Tuesday. In his last two starts, Hernandez has given up 12 runs in his last eight innings. His ERA has soared from 3.45 to .3.87.
Thomson has gone 0-2 with a 10.80 ERA in the three starts he's made since being activated from the disabled list. He hasn't completed four innings in either of his past two starts. After allowing seven earned runs in 3 2/3 innings against the Cubs on Tuesday, he said he thought he'd made some progress from the previous start.
These four pitchers are going to pitch, most likely, on Wednesday. The question is when, and against whom.
Thursday:
Tony Armas (7-7, 4.53) vs. John Smoltz (13-6, 2.96)
Scouting Report:
Armas will make his first appearance since Aug. 23. On that day, Armas left the game against the Reds after three innings because of a sore left shoulder. On Thursday, Armas will face the Braves for the second time this season. He has yet to pick up a decision, but he has given up two runs in six innings.
Smoltz looks for his team-high 14th win after breaking a four-start winless streak his last time out at Milwaukee. He’ pitched seven innings in 15 of his last 17 starts and is 1-0 with a 2.86 ERA (seven ER in 22 IP) in three starts against Washington this season.
Boswell Column: "Stop Your Sobbing"
First paragraph:
On Sunday, Jose Guillen spoke the truth. He just didn't realize how correct he was. "We all stink," he said, meaning the Washington Nationals. However, Guillen missed the larger point. All of the teams in the National League wild-card race stink.
Sunday and Saturday - "one total base per 14,231 customers. Oh, that ought to fetch 'em back."
Boswell believes that fans, or players should not give up if the team loses against the Braves ("would be a very bad idea). The wild card will not be won by the team that plays the best, but by the team that fails the least.
And I'll leave Boswell's column with this note:
Before anyone disparages the chances of the humble Nats, read on. The Marlins, Phillies and Mets are probably already dead. They just don't know it yet.
and allow you the pleasure to read the rest of the story.
The Competition:
Braves blog:
"Braves 8-5 Brewers 4-2" - Smoltz and Hudson - and pray for rain . . .
"Another Loss (Brewers 3, Braves 1)"
Marlins blog:
"MilkGate - enough" - Bat boy - suspended for taking a dare.
"Marlins are the most dangerous team in Wild Card race"
Mets blog:
"Should He Stay or Should He Go?" - trade talk.
"Best Foot Forward" - Mets lost, but so did the Phillies.
Phillies blog:
"Leading Off" - website gets complaints.
"The Magic Number"
Oh, look, the Phillies are still arguing about who should be the lead-off hitter, how . . . oh right, so are we. Never mind.
Nationals: Around the blogosphere:
BallWonk: latest:
- The dregs of the Cardinals pitching staff look like Nolan Ryan when their competition is made up of Nationals batters (or actually "except better because Nolan actually gave up a lot of walks in his day and the Nationals batters this weekend couldn't have reached base if you spotted them three balls before coming up to bat and then made the pitcher throw six strikes").
- Bunting is stupid.
The Beltway Boys: Latest:
- "My Daughter Got Married (Yeah!)" - Congratulations
Capitol Punishment - "I'll be off 'til Labor Day,"
Distinguished Senators - "Tee Time"
- Nationals "lost in humiliating fashion to a team that approached this contest with the hard-nosed, win-at-all-costs mentality usually reserved for NFL teams playing the last game of the preseason. Yes, the Cardinals' B-team made our home nine look rather foolish" . . . oh and the fans cheered Halama after lasting just 5.1 innings.
Personally I thought he did great as a spot starter and he shouldn't have been pulled when he was. Those two guys on base? They scored because of Carrasco's mistakes (and some poor defensive play - the inning would have been over if but for . . .).
- the Complaining of others (Mike Wise)
- Bowden's whinning.
District of Baseball: Latest:
"A Reprieve" - a much better run down of the various articles that appeared today.
"Shoulda stayed away" - "things here are no better than they were when I left."
"Can you imagine a month ago hearing the words "starting pitcher John Halama"?"
NatsFantics: Latest:
It's Crunch Time - "how good we have it compared to last year."
Nationals Farm Authority: Latest down on the farm:
"EL Pitcher of the Week" - David Maust of the AA - Harrisburg team won EL Pitcher of the week.
Nationals Inquirer: Latest:
"Boz is a dreamer, and Kasten is a crazy man" - Boswell's newest column, examined.
note: "assuming for the sake of argument they make it out of Atlanta alive" - I guess I read the column wrong, I thought he wrote that losing this week would not be the end of the world because the poor play of the other teams racing for the wild card playoff spot.
Oh, and the Marlins "went 13-11 in those 24 games" where they were "playing 24 games against teams with records of .500 or below." The point was that the Marlins needed to take the opportunity to win when the had the chance, get 20 out of 24 games won off of these poor playing teams, because the rest of their schedule is against winning teams (instead of barely staying above .500).
"Quite simply, Boz is projecting two days' worth of bad play onto all teams. Why?" - His last column before this one was about the O's and dated August 5th. Last Nationals column was from August 4th. Why? Probably some connection there.
- USA Today article on Stan Kasten - " potential suitor and/or exec for our Nats"
The Nationals Interest: Latest:
"You are correct, Sir!" - Nationals hitting is embarrassing, "But blaming Tom McGraw for the Nationals' anemic hitting is more than a little unfair."
"Boswell" - "Tom Boswell has a great column in today's Post." "The real problem is that the Washington Nationals aren't a mature organization right now, and a mature organization is more likely to win the race." No sole-owner (the league is more interested in getting the best price fore the team), and the GM "not doing a very good job of" "operat[ing] in this difficult environment". Rick Short would have been the perfect call-up to plug the gap at shortstop. Hitting well and not a prospect, would not have ruined his "development."
Great entry.
Nationals Opinion: Latest from the blogger from Florida:
"Losses" - The Nationals lost, but that is not as important as the Hurricane that has so far (as of August 28th) killed 7 in Florida.
"Pray for these people, donate to the Red Cross, do something. These folks are going to need all of our help.
I'll be out for the next six days, see you folks next Saturday."
Nationalz: Latest:
Internet problems on my end. Could not make a connection to the blog.
Nasty Nats: Latest:
"Bah!" - "Guys, you gotta score if you want to win!"
The Nats Blog: Latest:
"Bouton, Ball Four and Blogging" - great entry about Jim Bouton's Ball Four book.
"Bouton was blogging, 30 years before blogs."
Nats Triple Play: Latest:
"Blues Monday" - "we took in the 25th anniversary screening of The Blues Brothers at Regal Gallery Place Cinemas." - There was an interesting article about Dan Aykroyd, about how he is currently busy building and expanding his Blues Brothers concert halls. Unfortunately, I do not recall where I saw that article.
"Thanks, Bos" - "Maybe I'm wrong. I hope I'm wrong -- Bos's September sounds a lot more exciting than mine."
"We All Stink" - "As a fan, it was nice to see a player admit to what the fans have known for awhile now. So a thank you from me to Guillen . . ."
Oleanders and Morning Glories: Latest:
Understanding my pessimism - "Two and a half games out of the Wild Card is hardly insurmountable, and the Nats have alot of games to play against their NL East bretheren."
The Nationals can win the wild card race, but it is hard to forget their collapse from leading the NL East to trailing four teams in the wild card race.
RFK Cheap Seats (formerly Section 527): Latest:
August 26, 2005 - "A Step in the Right Direction." - "Our Playoff Hopes and Dreams ride on every game."
"John Fights Allergies, Nats Fight themselves." - "They take a step forward, and just when we think the team is ready to get it going, they take two steps back." "EVERYTHING is a must win."
"Hitters making Robinson go batty" by Ken Wright of the Washington Times.
"Before last night's game against the National League East-leading Atlanta Braves was rained out, Robinson was lying on a leather couch in the visiting manager's office at Turner Field acting as if he were at a psychiatrist's office explaining why he thought he was going nuts. "
"McCraw Is Embarrassed By Feeble Bats" by Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post.
"The Washington Nationals are last in baseball in batting average (.251), slugging percentage (.386) and runs."
"General Manager Jim Bowden all but threatened wholesale changes to the lineup after Sunday's 6-0 loss to St. Louis. But Monday, Manager Frank Robinson stood up for McCraw."
Another Svrluga article: "For Nats' Patterson, a Delayed Arrival" also appeared today.
In other news, Armas pitched in the bullpen on Monday and came to the realization that he felt no pain, as told to me by "Notes: Armas ready to return" on Nationals.com.
Also not feeling pain anymore, Luis Ayala who "who hasn't played in over a week because of tendinitis in his right elbow flexor, played catch for seven minutes on Monday and didn't feel any pain."
NL East:
While the Braves and the Nationals were able to have last night off, some teams decided to go ahead and play their games. While the hurricane disrupted the Nationals game in Atlanta, the St. Louis vs. Florida game in Florida went ahead as scheduled. The Marlins lost 1-6. The Marlins now move an extra half game back from the Braves and Phillies, as neither played last night. None of the other teams in the NL East race, nor in the NL Wild Card race played.
The Nationals remain in last place.
Braves 74-56
Phillies 70-61 4.5 GB
Marlins 69-62 5.5 GB
Mets 68-62 6.0 GB
Nationals 67-63 7.0 GB
Wild Card:
Only the Marlins played last night, of the top six teams in the wild card race. As mentioned they lost.
Phillies 70-61
Marlins 69-62 1.0 GB
Astros 68-62 1.5 GB
Mets 68-62 1.5 GB
Nationals 67-63 2.5 GB
Brewers 64-679 6.0 GB
Today's Games: CBS Scoreboard.
St. Louis (1st NL Central; Streak: Win 3) vs. Florida (Streak: lose 2) CBS preview.
RHP Matt Morris (14-5, 3.74) pitches for the Cards vs.
RHP Ismael Valdez (1-1, 4.00) for the Marlins.
Morris:
Season vs. Florida: 1-0, 5.14 - 1 G - 7 IP
Career vs. Florida: 7-2, 3.79 - 8 G - 59.1 IP
Valdez:
Season vs. Cards: 1-0, 7.20 - 1 G - 5 IP
Career vs. Cards: 5-3, 3.59 - 10 G - 67.2 IP
Except for the Marlins .002 higher batting average, the Cards have the edge in every category.
Phillies vs. Mets - both coming off of a losing streak of two games.
CBS preview.
Robinson Tejeda (4-3, 3.20) pitches for the Phillies vs.
Jae Seo (6-1, 1.30) pitches for the Mets.
Tejeda:
Season vs. Mets: 0-1, 2.70 - 2 G - 10 IP
career vs. Mets: see above.
Seo:
Season vs. Phillies: 1-0, 0.00 - 1 G - 7 IP
Career vs. Phillies: 1-3, 2.29 - 6 G - 39.1 IP
Remember, both teams are ahead of the Nationals, and the Phillies currently lead the Wild Card race.
The Phillies have the batting edge and the Mets have the pitching edge, according to the CBS head-to-head comparison in the preview.
Cincinnati Reds (5th NL Central; Win 4) vs. Houston Astros (2nd NL Central; L 2)
CBS preview.
Ramon Ortiz (8-9, 5.33) for the Reds vs.
Wandy Rodriguez (8-6, 6.16) for the Astros
Ortiz:
Season vs. Astros: 1-1, 4.91 - 3 G - 18.1 IP
Career vs. Astros: 2-1, 3.70 - 4 G - 24.1 IP
Rodriquez:
Season vs. Reds: 1-0, 4.50 - 1 G - 6 IP
Career vs. Reds: see above.
Remember, the Astros are ahead of the Nationals in the Wild Card race. Reds have the hitting edge and the Astros have the pitching edge.
Nationals (L 2) vs. Braves (W 2)
CBS preview.
John Patterson (8-4, 2.43) vs. Jorge Sosa (9-2, 2.56)
Patterson:
Season vs. Braves: 0-0, 0.75 - 2 G - 12 IP
Career vs. Braves: 0-2, 4.01 - 5 G - 24.2 IP
Sosa:
Season vs. Nationals: not faced
Career vs. "Nationals": 1-0, 2.70 - 1 G - 6.2 IP
Braves batters vs. John Patterson and Chad Cordero can be found here.
Furcal has no problem hitting Patterson (season or career).
Nationals batters vs. Jorge Sosa can be found here.
Baerga - 2 AB - 1 hit
Castilla - 3 AB - 1 hit
Guillen - 4 AB - 1 hit
Guzman - 7 AB - 2 hit
Johnson - 10 AB - 2 hits
Vidro - 3 AB - 1 hit
Wilkerson - 3 AB - 0 hits
Wilson - 7 AB - 1 hit.
Braves have the edge over the Nationals except in ERA, and opponents batting average (.264 vs. .266) in which the Nationals have the edge. The Braves and the Nationals pitchers have allowed the same number of hits.
Scouting Report:
Patterson will face the Braves for the third time this season. He has yet to pick up a decision, but he has given up only one run in 12 innings. In his last start, Patterson threw 8 1/3 solid innings and helped the Nationals defeat the Reds, 5-3, in front of 32,641 at RFK Stadium.
Sosa is 6-2 with a 2.66 ERA as a starter and the Braves have gone 10-3 in his 13 starts. This is Sosa's second start since returning to the rotation on August 24, replacing injured lefty Mike Hampton.
Nationals.com preview. ESPN preview/stat pack.
Wednesday:
Esteban Loaiza (9-9, 3.57) vs. Horacio Ramirez (10-8, 4.52)
Scouting Report:
Loaiza will face the Braves for the fourth time this season. Loaiza has yet to pick up a decision, but he has a respectable 3.32 ERA against them. In his last start, Loaiza pitched seven solid innings and gave up one run on three hits against the Cardinals, as the Nationals won the game, 4-1.
Ramirez tries to break a three-start winless streak and even his record against the Nationals (he lost, 2-0, in Washington on April 20). The lefty has surrendered 26 home runs (tied for fourth-most in the N.L.) but is 7-1 with a 3.29 ERA at Turner Field this season.
and
Livan Hernandez (14-6, 3.87) vs. John Thompson (3-4, 4.97)
Scouting Report:
Hernandez hopes that he can have a better outing against the Braves on Tuesday. In his last two starts, Hernandez has given up 12 runs in his last eight innings. His ERA has soared from 3.45 to .3.87.
Thomson has gone 0-2 with a 10.80 ERA in the three starts he's made since being activated from the disabled list. He hasn't completed four innings in either of his past two starts. After allowing seven earned runs in 3 2/3 innings against the Cubs on Tuesday, he said he thought he'd made some progress from the previous start.
These four pitchers are going to pitch, most likely, on Wednesday. The question is when, and against whom.
Thursday:
Tony Armas (7-7, 4.53) vs. John Smoltz (13-6, 2.96)
Scouting Report:
Armas will make his first appearance since Aug. 23. On that day, Armas left the game against the Reds after three innings because of a sore left shoulder. On Thursday, Armas will face the Braves for the second time this season. He has yet to pick up a decision, but he has given up two runs in six innings.
Smoltz looks for his team-high 14th win after breaking a four-start winless streak his last time out at Milwaukee. He’ pitched seven innings in 15 of his last 17 starts and is 1-0 with a 2.86 ERA (seven ER in 22 IP) in three starts against Washington this season.
Boswell Column: "Stop Your Sobbing"
First paragraph:
On Sunday, Jose Guillen spoke the truth. He just didn't realize how correct he was. "We all stink," he said, meaning the Washington Nationals. However, Guillen missed the larger point. All of the teams in the National League wild-card race stink.
Sunday and Saturday - "one total base per 14,231 customers. Oh, that ought to fetch 'em back."
Boswell believes that fans, or players should not give up if the team loses against the Braves ("would be a very bad idea). The wild card will not be won by the team that plays the best, but by the team that fails the least.
And I'll leave Boswell's column with this note:
Before anyone disparages the chances of the humble Nats, read on. The Marlins, Phillies and Mets are probably already dead. They just don't know it yet.
and allow you the pleasure to read the rest of the story.
The Competition:
Braves blog:
"Braves 8-5 Brewers 4-2" - Smoltz and Hudson - and pray for rain . . .
"Another Loss (Brewers 3, Braves 1)"
Marlins blog:
"MilkGate - enough" - Bat boy - suspended for taking a dare.
"Marlins are the most dangerous team in Wild Card race"
Mets blog:
"Should He Stay or Should He Go?" - trade talk.
"Best Foot Forward" - Mets lost, but so did the Phillies.
Phillies blog:
"Leading Off" - website gets complaints.
"The Magic Number"
Oh, look, the Phillies are still arguing about who should be the lead-off hitter, how . . . oh right, so are we. Never mind.
Nationals: Around the blogosphere:
BallWonk: latest:
- The dregs of the Cardinals pitching staff look like Nolan Ryan when their competition is made up of Nationals batters (or actually "except better because Nolan actually gave up a lot of walks in his day and the Nationals batters this weekend couldn't have reached base if you spotted them three balls before coming up to bat and then made the pitcher throw six strikes").
- Bunting is stupid.
The Beltway Boys: Latest:
- "My Daughter Got Married (Yeah!)" - Congratulations
Capitol Punishment - "I'll be off 'til Labor Day,"
Distinguished Senators - "Tee Time"
- Nationals "lost in humiliating fashion to a team that approached this contest with the hard-nosed, win-at-all-costs mentality usually reserved for NFL teams playing the last game of the preseason. Yes, the Cardinals' B-team made our home nine look rather foolish" . . . oh and the fans cheered Halama after lasting just 5.1 innings.
Personally I thought he did great as a spot starter and he shouldn't have been pulled when he was. Those two guys on base? They scored because of Carrasco's mistakes (and some poor defensive play - the inning would have been over if but for . . .).
- the Complaining of others (Mike Wise)
- Bowden's whinning.
District of Baseball: Latest:
"A Reprieve" - a much better run down of the various articles that appeared today.
"Shoulda stayed away" - "things here are no better than they were when I left."
"Can you imagine a month ago hearing the words "starting pitcher John Halama"?"
NatsFantics: Latest:
It's Crunch Time - "how good we have it compared to last year."
Nationals Farm Authority: Latest down on the farm:
"EL Pitcher of the Week" - David Maust of the AA - Harrisburg team won EL Pitcher of the week.
Nationals Inquirer: Latest:
"Boz is a dreamer, and Kasten is a crazy man" - Boswell's newest column, examined.
note: "assuming for the sake of argument they make it out of Atlanta alive" - I guess I read the column wrong, I thought he wrote that losing this week would not be the end of the world because the poor play of the other teams racing for the wild card playoff spot.
Oh, and the Marlins "went 13-11 in those 24 games" where they were "playing 24 games against teams with records of .500 or below." The point was that the Marlins needed to take the opportunity to win when the had the chance, get 20 out of 24 games won off of these poor playing teams, because the rest of their schedule is against winning teams (instead of barely staying above .500).
"Quite simply, Boz is projecting two days' worth of bad play onto all teams. Why?" - His last column before this one was about the O's and dated August 5th. Last Nationals column was from August 4th. Why? Probably some connection there.
- USA Today article on Stan Kasten - " potential suitor and/or exec for our Nats"
The Nationals Interest: Latest:
"You are correct, Sir!" - Nationals hitting is embarrassing, "But blaming Tom McGraw for the Nationals' anemic hitting is more than a little unfair."
"Boswell" - "Tom Boswell has a great column in today's Post." "The real problem is that the Washington Nationals aren't a mature organization right now, and a mature organization is more likely to win the race." No sole-owner (the league is more interested in getting the best price fore the team), and the GM "not doing a very good job of" "operat[ing] in this difficult environment". Rick Short would have been the perfect call-up to plug the gap at shortstop. Hitting well and not a prospect, would not have ruined his "development."
Great entry.
Nationals Opinion: Latest from the blogger from Florida:
"Losses" - The Nationals lost, but that is not as important as the Hurricane that has so far (as of August 28th) killed 7 in Florida.
"Pray for these people, donate to the Red Cross, do something. These folks are going to need all of our help.
I'll be out for the next six days, see you folks next Saturday."
Nationalz: Latest:
Internet problems on my end. Could not make a connection to the blog.
Nasty Nats: Latest:
"Bah!" - "Guys, you gotta score if you want to win!"
The Nats Blog: Latest:
"Bouton, Ball Four and Blogging" - great entry about Jim Bouton's Ball Four book.
"Bouton was blogging, 30 years before blogs."
Nats Triple Play: Latest:
"Blues Monday" - "we took in the 25th anniversary screening of The Blues Brothers at Regal Gallery Place Cinemas." - There was an interesting article about Dan Aykroyd, about how he is currently busy building and expanding his Blues Brothers concert halls. Unfortunately, I do not recall where I saw that article.
"Thanks, Bos" - "Maybe I'm wrong. I hope I'm wrong -- Bos's September sounds a lot more exciting than mine."
"We All Stink" - "As a fan, it was nice to see a player admit to what the fans have known for awhile now. So a thank you from me to Guillen . . ."
Oleanders and Morning Glories: Latest:
Understanding my pessimism - "Two and a half games out of the Wild Card is hardly insurmountable, and the Nats have alot of games to play against their NL East bretheren."
The Nationals can win the wild card race, but it is hard to forget their collapse from leading the NL East to trailing four teams in the wild card race.
RFK Cheap Seats (formerly Section 527): Latest:
August 26, 2005 - "A Step in the Right Direction." - "Our Playoff Hopes and Dreams ride on every game."
"John Fights Allergies, Nats Fight themselves." - "They take a step forward, and just when we think the team is ready to get it going, they take two steps back." "EVERYTHING is a must win."
"Hitters making Robinson go batty" by Ken Wright of the Washington Times.
"Before last night's game against the National League East-leading Atlanta Braves was rained out, Robinson was lying on a leather couch in the visiting manager's office at Turner Field acting as if he were at a psychiatrist's office explaining why he thought he was going nuts. "
"McCraw Is Embarrassed By Feeble Bats" by Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post.
"The Washington Nationals are last in baseball in batting average (.251), slugging percentage (.386) and runs."
"General Manager Jim Bowden all but threatened wholesale changes to the lineup after Sunday's 6-0 loss to St. Louis. But Monday, Manager Frank Robinson stood up for McCraw."
Another Svrluga article: "For Nats' Patterson, a Delayed Arrival" also appeared today.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Nationals Win Just 1 Against the Cards and Now Face 4 Games in Atlanta and Then 10 Straight Games at home vs. NL East rivals
Went to my second ever Sunday day game (hey, Zimmerman was supposedly, possibly going to be promoted Sunday, he wasn't). Left early.
Weekend:
Two lefties started for the Nationals and both games ended up 0-6 shut-outs of the Nationals offense.
Saturday:
Marquis pitched for the injured Mulder while White pitched for the injured Drese in Saturday's game. Marquis ended up picking up a complete game 2 hit shut-out (3 strike-out), while White lasted just 4 innings and gave up 4 runs, 3 hits, 3 walks and managed to strike out 3. Carrasco relieved White and pitched two solid scoreless innings. Then Stanton came in and pitched the next two innings, giving up 2 runs. Majewski finished the game with a very solid appearance in the 9th inning.
Saturday's Line-up:
Marlon Byrd, LF 1 for 4, .248
Jose Vidro, 2B 0 for 4, 1 SO .262
Nick Johnson, 1B 0 for 3, 1 SO .293
Jose Guillen, RF 0 for 3, .301
Preston Wilson, CF 0 for 3, 1 SO .262
Vinny Castilla, 3B 0 for 3, .248
Brian Schneider, C 0 for 3, .284
Cristian Guzman, SS 1 for 3, .195
Matt J. White, P 0 for 1, .000
a- Tony Blanco, PH 0 for 1, .200
Carlos Baerga, 3B 0 for 1, .269
Here's an interesting transaction message: "8/27Purchased the contract of LHP Matt White from New Orleans of the PCL and optioned him back to New Orleans."
CBS box score.
Sunday:
Unlike White, Halama pitched a very solid 5.1 innings, and only had two runs added to his ERA after he left the game. Carrasco relieved Halama in the fifth inning with 2 runners on base. He then proceed to give up three runs. Runs charged to Carrasco: zero. Runs charged to Halama: 2. Runs caused by error: 1 - Carroll wild throw.
Carrasco closed out that inning and was replaced by Majewski for the seventh. Majewski strike-out 3. He in turn was replaced by Stanton, who did what he did the day before: gave up runs, this time 3 runs off of 3 hits and 1 walk in 0.2 innings pitched. Jason Bergmann made his first major league appearance and gave up 1 hit, strike-out 3 in 1.1 innings pitched, and even was allowed to get his first major league at-bat (0 hits). 6'4" Bergmann spent the 2002 season in single A Vermont and started 14 games. He went 7-4 with an era of 2.89 in 71.2 IP giving up 48 hits, 23 ER, 4 HR, hit 9 batters, walked 33 and struck out 57.
2003: Single A Savannah:
6-11, 4.29, 22 GS (23 G) 1 CG 1 SHO, 109 IP 108 H 52 ER 8 HR 11 HBP 53 BB 82 SO
2004:
AA-Harrisburg:
2 Games 0-2, 9.00 4 IP 7 H 4 ER 3 HR 2 BB 3 SO
A-Brevard City:
24 Games 3-2, 1.14 8 Saves, 31.2 IP 20 H 4 ER 2 HBP 18 BB 28 SO
A- Savannah:
13 GS: 3-7, 4.85 65 IP 67 H 35 ER 6 HR 7 HBP 34 BB 58 SO
2005:
AA-Harrisburg:
21 Games: 2-0, 1.22 5 saves, 37 IP 27 H 5 ER 3 HR 16 BB 37 SO
AAA-New Orleans:
20Games: 3-2, 3.16 2 saves, 37 IP 26 H 13 ER 5 HR 13 BB 39 SO
CBS box score. Nationals.com recap. ESPN.com recap. SI.com recap. Washington Post.com recap ( The Nationals shuffled off the field and dressed for the road, their scoreless streak at 21 innings, their once-promising season on the verge of slipping away from them. ).
Bowden: "[The players] in the locker room know they have three more games before the rosters expand," Bowden said. "They all know by the last game in Atlanta that there is going to be enough choices for Frank that he doesn't have to play any of them, if he doesn't want to. There's going to be choices everywhere. These guys have three days to wake up. We are going to Atlanta with John Patterson, Livan Hernandez and Esteban Loaiza on the mound before the roster expands. Our best guys are going at them, and you know what? Be a man, wake up and do some damage. Or guess what? After that, Frank can do what he can do. When we get to Thursday, and they are not hitting, you might as well put other people in there. There are a lot of guys that can score no runs a game."
NL EAST:
Braves won Sunday 5-2 over the Brewers. Florida lost 3-14 to the Cubs. Arizona defeated the Phillies 10-5. Mets lost 1-4 against the Giants.
Braves 74-56
Phillies 70-61, 4.5 GB
Marlins 69-61, 5.0 GB
Mets 68-62, 6.0 GB
Nationals 67-63, 7.0 GB
Wild Card:
Same as above plus: Astros lost 0-1 to the LA Dodgers.
Phillies 70-61,
Marlins 69-61, 0.5 GB
Astros 68-62, 1.5 GB
Mets 68-62, 1.5 GB
Nationals 67-63, 2.5 GB
Brewers 64-67, 6.0 GB
Monday: 74-56 Atlanta vs. 67-63 Washington in 4 game series in Atlanta
John Patterson (8-4, 2.43) vs. Jorge Sosa (9-2, 2.56)
Scouting Report:
Patterson will face the Braves for the third time this season. He has yet to pick up a decision, but he has given up only one run in 12 innings. In his last start, Patterson threw 8 1/3 solid innings and helped the Nationals defeat the Reds, 5-3.
Sosa proved he belongs in the rotation by limiting the Cubs to one run and four hits on Wednesday. The right-hander is 6-2 with a 2.66 ERA in 13 starts this season. He limited the Nationals to two runs in five innings during a victorious July 28 start at Turner Field. Opponents have hit just .233 against Sosa as a starter.
CBS preview. Nationals.com preview. ESPN.com stat pack, preview ("Braves kick off 10-game homestand against fading Nationals"). Nationals-Braves preview by FOX.com; Head-to-Head (edge to Braves in hitting and errors, edge to Nationals in pitching). FOX.com team report: "Technically speaking, the Nationals' season won't be over by the end of this week. Realistically speaking, it very well could be. Washington faces a daunting test: four games at NL East-leading Atlanta, followed by three games at home against the wild-card-leading Phillies. For a Nationals team teetering on the brink of collapse, this stretch could be a last gasp. Manager Frank Robinson prefers not to put too much emphasis on one week's worth of games." SI.com preview. Yahoo.com preview.
Tuesday:
Livan Hernandez (14-6, 3.87) vs. John Thompson (3-4, 4.97)
Scouting Report:
Hernandez hopes that he can have a better outing against the Braves. In his last two starts, Hernandez has given up 12 runs in eight innings. His ERA has soared from 3.45 to 3.87.
Thomson has gone 0-2 with a 10.80 ERA in the three starts he's made since being activated from the disabled list. He hasn't completed four innings in either of his past two starts. After allowing seven earned runs in 3 2/3 innings against the Cubs on Tuesday, he said he thought he'd made some progress from the previous start.
Wednesday:
Esteban Loaiza (9-9, 3.57) vs. Horacio Ramirez (10-8, 4.58)
Scouting Report:
Loaiza will face the Braves for the fourth time this season. Loaiza has yet to pick up a decision, but he has a respectable 3.32 ERA against them. In his last start, Loaiza pitched seven solid innings and gave up one run on three hits against the Cardinals, as the Nationals won the game, 4-1.
Ramirez is pitching better than he has all season, posting a 1.99 ERA in his past three starts. But he still has just one win to show for his efforts during that stretch. He's surrended a team-high 26 home runs. In two starts against the Nationals this year, he's totaled 13 2/3 innings and surrendered five runs.
Thursday:
TBA vs. TBA (John Smoltz according to Fox.com & Yahoo.com)
For no reason what-so-ever, I'll mention: McCants Released by Redskins ( Darnerien McCants, once likened by Coach Joe Gibbs to his former star receiver Art Monk, has been released by the Washington Redskins )
and "As Angry Nats Fans Organize, Anti-Cable Agenda Suspected" by Thomas Heath and David Nakamura in the August 27th Washington Post.
Buses packed with baseball fans are scheduled to roll shortly after noon today from seven popular Washington area sports bars to the Nationals game at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium.
Each fan will receive a free ticket and a white T-shirt with a slogan -- "Hey Comcast! Hey Angelos! You can. You won't. We lose!" At the game, they'll be instructed to wave posters and bumper stickers advertising a Web site -- http://www.iwantmynatstv.com/ .
Everybody Venting by Mark Zuckerman ("Nats' frustrations mount")
If the Washington Nationals didn't hit rock bottom yesterday in a 6-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, it's hard to imagine what rock bottom looks like.
Weekend:
Two lefties started for the Nationals and both games ended up 0-6 shut-outs of the Nationals offense.
Saturday:
Marquis pitched for the injured Mulder while White pitched for the injured Drese in Saturday's game. Marquis ended up picking up a complete game 2 hit shut-out (3 strike-out), while White lasted just 4 innings and gave up 4 runs, 3 hits, 3 walks and managed to strike out 3. Carrasco relieved White and pitched two solid scoreless innings. Then Stanton came in and pitched the next two innings, giving up 2 runs. Majewski finished the game with a very solid appearance in the 9th inning.
Saturday's Line-up:
Marlon Byrd, LF 1 for 4, .248
Jose Vidro, 2B 0 for 4, 1 SO .262
Nick Johnson, 1B 0 for 3, 1 SO .293
Jose Guillen, RF 0 for 3, .301
Preston Wilson, CF 0 for 3, 1 SO .262
Vinny Castilla, 3B 0 for 3, .248
Brian Schneider, C 0 for 3, .284
Cristian Guzman, SS 1 for 3, .195
Matt J. White, P 0 for 1, .000
a- Tony Blanco, PH 0 for 1, .200
Carlos Baerga, 3B 0 for 1, .269
Here's an interesting transaction message: "8/27Purchased the contract of LHP Matt White from New Orleans of the PCL and optioned him back to New Orleans."
CBS box score.
Sunday:
Unlike White, Halama pitched a very solid 5.1 innings, and only had two runs added to his ERA after he left the game. Carrasco relieved Halama in the fifth inning with 2 runners on base. He then proceed to give up three runs. Runs charged to Carrasco: zero. Runs charged to Halama: 2. Runs caused by error: 1 - Carroll wild throw.
Carrasco closed out that inning and was replaced by Majewski for the seventh. Majewski strike-out 3. He in turn was replaced by Stanton, who did what he did the day before: gave up runs, this time 3 runs off of 3 hits and 1 walk in 0.2 innings pitched. Jason Bergmann made his first major league appearance and gave up 1 hit, strike-out 3 in 1.1 innings pitched, and even was allowed to get his first major league at-bat (0 hits). 6'4" Bergmann spent the 2002 season in single A Vermont and started 14 games. He went 7-4 with an era of 2.89 in 71.2 IP giving up 48 hits, 23 ER, 4 HR, hit 9 batters, walked 33 and struck out 57.
2003: Single A Savannah:
6-11, 4.29, 22 GS (23 G) 1 CG 1 SHO, 109 IP 108 H 52 ER 8 HR 11 HBP 53 BB 82 SO
2004:
AA-Harrisburg:
2 Games 0-2, 9.00 4 IP 7 H 4 ER 3 HR 2 BB 3 SO
A-Brevard City:
24 Games 3-2, 1.14 8 Saves, 31.2 IP 20 H 4 ER 2 HBP 18 BB 28 SO
A- Savannah:
13 GS: 3-7, 4.85 65 IP 67 H 35 ER 6 HR 7 HBP 34 BB 58 SO
2005:
AA-Harrisburg:
21 Games: 2-0, 1.22 5 saves, 37 IP 27 H 5 ER 3 HR 16 BB 37 SO
AAA-New Orleans:
20Games: 3-2, 3.16 2 saves, 37 IP 26 H 13 ER 5 HR 13 BB 39 SO
CBS box score. Nationals.com recap. ESPN.com recap. SI.com recap. Washington Post.com recap ( The Nationals shuffled off the field and dressed for the road, their scoreless streak at 21 innings, their once-promising season on the verge of slipping away from them. ).
Bowden: "[The players] in the locker room know they have three more games before the rosters expand," Bowden said. "They all know by the last game in Atlanta that there is going to be enough choices for Frank that he doesn't have to play any of them, if he doesn't want to. There's going to be choices everywhere. These guys have three days to wake up. We are going to Atlanta with John Patterson, Livan Hernandez and Esteban Loaiza on the mound before the roster expands. Our best guys are going at them, and you know what? Be a man, wake up and do some damage. Or guess what? After that, Frank can do what he can do. When we get to Thursday, and they are not hitting, you might as well put other people in there. There are a lot of guys that can score no runs a game."
NL EAST:
Braves won Sunday 5-2 over the Brewers. Florida lost 3-14 to the Cubs. Arizona defeated the Phillies 10-5. Mets lost 1-4 against the Giants.
Braves 74-56
Phillies 70-61, 4.5 GB
Marlins 69-61, 5.0 GB
Mets 68-62, 6.0 GB
Nationals 67-63, 7.0 GB
Wild Card:
Same as above plus: Astros lost 0-1 to the LA Dodgers.
Phillies 70-61,
Marlins 69-61, 0.5 GB
Astros 68-62, 1.5 GB
Mets 68-62, 1.5 GB
Nationals 67-63, 2.5 GB
Brewers 64-67, 6.0 GB
Monday: 74-56 Atlanta vs. 67-63 Washington in 4 game series in Atlanta
John Patterson (8-4, 2.43) vs. Jorge Sosa (9-2, 2.56)
Scouting Report:
Patterson will face the Braves for the third time this season. He has yet to pick up a decision, but he has given up only one run in 12 innings. In his last start, Patterson threw 8 1/3 solid innings and helped the Nationals defeat the Reds, 5-3.
Sosa proved he belongs in the rotation by limiting the Cubs to one run and four hits on Wednesday. The right-hander is 6-2 with a 2.66 ERA in 13 starts this season. He limited the Nationals to two runs in five innings during a victorious July 28 start at Turner Field. Opponents have hit just .233 against Sosa as a starter.
CBS preview. Nationals.com preview. ESPN.com stat pack, preview ("Braves kick off 10-game homestand against fading Nationals"). Nationals-Braves preview by FOX.com; Head-to-Head (edge to Braves in hitting and errors, edge to Nationals in pitching). FOX.com team report: "Technically speaking, the Nationals' season won't be over by the end of this week. Realistically speaking, it very well could be. Washington faces a daunting test: four games at NL East-leading Atlanta, followed by three games at home against the wild-card-leading Phillies. For a Nationals team teetering on the brink of collapse, this stretch could be a last gasp. Manager Frank Robinson prefers not to put too much emphasis on one week's worth of games." SI.com preview. Yahoo.com preview.
Tuesday:
Livan Hernandez (14-6, 3.87) vs. John Thompson (3-4, 4.97)
Scouting Report:
Hernandez hopes that he can have a better outing against the Braves. In his last two starts, Hernandez has given up 12 runs in eight innings. His ERA has soared from 3.45 to 3.87.
Thomson has gone 0-2 with a 10.80 ERA in the three starts he's made since being activated from the disabled list. He hasn't completed four innings in either of his past two starts. After allowing seven earned runs in 3 2/3 innings against the Cubs on Tuesday, he said he thought he'd made some progress from the previous start.
Wednesday:
Esteban Loaiza (9-9, 3.57) vs. Horacio Ramirez (10-8, 4.58)
Scouting Report:
Loaiza will face the Braves for the fourth time this season. Loaiza has yet to pick up a decision, but he has a respectable 3.32 ERA against them. In his last start, Loaiza pitched seven solid innings and gave up one run on three hits against the Cardinals, as the Nationals won the game, 4-1.
Ramirez is pitching better than he has all season, posting a 1.99 ERA in his past three starts. But he still has just one win to show for his efforts during that stretch. He's surrended a team-high 26 home runs. In two starts against the Nationals this year, he's totaled 13 2/3 innings and surrendered five runs.
Thursday:
TBA vs. TBA (John Smoltz according to Fox.com & Yahoo.com)
For no reason what-so-ever, I'll mention: McCants Released by Redskins ( Darnerien McCants, once likened by Coach Joe Gibbs to his former star receiver Art Monk, has been released by the Washington Redskins )
and "As Angry Nats Fans Organize, Anti-Cable Agenda Suspected" by Thomas Heath and David Nakamura in the August 27th Washington Post.
Buses packed with baseball fans are scheduled to roll shortly after noon today from seven popular Washington area sports bars to the Nationals game at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium.
Each fan will receive a free ticket and a white T-shirt with a slogan -- "Hey Comcast! Hey Angelos! You can. You won't. We lose!" At the game, they'll be instructed to wave posters and bumper stickers advertising a Web site -- http://www.iwantmynatstv.com/ .
Everybody Venting by Mark Zuckerman ("Nats' frustrations mount")
If the Washington Nationals didn't hit rock bottom yesterday in a 6-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, it's hard to imagine what rock bottom looks like.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
White Pitched a very solid first . . .
. . . giving up just 1 walk and striking out 1. He needed 20 pitches to get past the first inning, 11 of which were strikes, and he faced 4 batters.
Byrd is now leading off the bottom of the first:
Byrd is hitting .269 at RFK and .226 when the bases are empty.
He flies out to center.
Slumping Vidro now up:
.226 at home.
.275 with the bases empty.
Vidro Strikes-out.
Now it's Nick Johnson's turn:
.314 at home.
.257 with the bases empty.
First pitch - swung at a ball outside. 2nd: Swing at a high strike. 3rd: very low ball. 4th: Even lower ball. 5th: ball outside. 6th: foul ball (swung at a strike). 7th: Fly out to CF -swung at a strike.
Marquis - solid first inning, faced just three batters and needed just 14 pitches (9 strikes).
2nd Inning:
White pitching:
So Taguchi up first.
Taguchi is hitting .310 on the road, .299 against LHP and .259 when the bases are empty.
4 pitches so far, 2 strikes, 2 balls.
My time at the library is up . . .
Weather: 70 degress with rain.
Byrd is now leading off the bottom of the first:
Byrd is hitting .269 at RFK and .226 when the bases are empty.
He flies out to center.
Slumping Vidro now up:
.226 at home.
.275 with the bases empty.
Vidro Strikes-out.
Now it's Nick Johnson's turn:
.314 at home.
.257 with the bases empty.
First pitch - swung at a ball outside. 2nd: Swing at a high strike. 3rd: very low ball. 4th: Even lower ball. 5th: ball outside. 6th: foul ball (swung at a strike). 7th: Fly out to CF -swung at a strike.
Marquis - solid first inning, faced just three batters and needed just 14 pitches (9 strikes).
2nd Inning:
White pitching:
So Taguchi up first.
Taguchi is hitting .310 on the road, .299 against LHP and .259 when the bases are empty.
4 pitches so far, 2 strikes, 2 balls.
My time at the library is up . . .
Weather: 70 degress with rain.
Nationals Win 4-1; LHP White Starting Now, LHP Halama Starts Tomorrow; Includes Today's Line-up - Byrd Leading Off
Friday's game was a fun and exciting game to watch. A lot more people in attendence than I would expect, what with the Redskins playing that night also.
The Nationals dominated throughout, and the best team in baseball managed just 1 run off of the Loaiza. Wilkerson hit a home-run to lead off the first inning, and the Nationals lead the rest of the way.
Winning Line-Up:
Brad Wilkerson, LF 1 for 1, 1 HR (10) 1 R 1 RBI (47) 3 walks .248
Jose Vidro, 2B 0 for 4, .266
Nick Johnson, 1B 1 for 4, 1 2B (30) 1 SO .295
Jose Guillen, RF 2 for 3, 1 3B 1 BB .303
Preston Wilson, CF 1 for 3, 1 SF 1 R 1 RBI (69) .264
Brian Schneider, C 1 for 4, 1 RBI (40), .287
Vinny Castilla, 3B 1 for 4, 1 SO .250
Cristian Guzman, SS 0 for 2, 1 BB 1 SO .194
Esteban Loaiza, P 1 for 3, 1 RBI (4) 2 SO .211
CBS Recap.
Saturday's Game:
RHP Marquis (9-13, 4.67) vs. LHP White
Scouting Report:
Jason Marquis moves up a day in the rotation to take the place of Mark Mulder, who was scratched with a stiff neck.
White, who has Major League experience with the Red Sox and Mariners, is 8-5 with a 3.23 ERA for Triple-A New Orleans. White has never started in the big leagues. Ryan Drese was supposed to make this start, but he is on the disabled list because of a small tear in his labrum.
LHP White will be the first LHP to pitch for the Nationals this year, and John Halama will make it two in a row tomorrow - on Sunday.
Nationals.com preview. ESPN.com's preview and stat pack. CBS.com preview.
Sunday's Game:
LHP Mark Mulder (15-6, 3.74) vs. John Halama (1-1, 5.33)
Scouting Report:
After being scratched Saturday with a stiff neck, Mulder hopes to be able to pitch Sunday. Mulder has been a different pitcher during the day than when starting night games. He is 14-1 with a 1.90 ERA at night but 1-5 with a 7.57 ERA in day games. The Cardinals have won 10 of the last 11 games he has started. He allowed onlt one run on three hits in eight innings in a 3-1 defeat of Pittsburgh in his last outing Monday.
Halama makes just his second start of the season in place of Tony Armas Jr. In his last start, Halama -- then with the Red Sox -- allowed two runs on four hits over five innings to pick up a win over the Tigers on May 3. In his last outing, Aug. 23 against the Reds, he allowed one hit and no runs in two innings.
Today's Line-up:
Byrd LF .248
Vidro 2B .266
Johnson 1B .295
Guillen RF .303
Wilson CF .264
Castilla 3B .250
Scheidner C .287
Guzman SS .194
White P .000
Ken Wright's article "White, Halama picked as starters" in the Washington Times.
Travis Hughes demoted to make room for White.
Robinson had to revamp the rotation because Ryan Drese and Tony Armas Jr. are out with shoulder injuries. Drese was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday (retroactive to Aug. 19) with right shoulder tendinitis.
The Nationals do not intend to place Armas on the DL, as they hope rest will be the answer in dealing with his problematic shoulder.
White is 8-5 with a 3.23 ERA this season with the Zephyrs. White, 28, has appeared in just six big league games with the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners in 2003, when he went 0-1 with a 22.24 ERA. Robinson said he is pitching White today instead of tomorrow to keep White as close to his five-day schedule as possible.
White, it would appear, is just up for this one game, then Ryan Zimmerman will be promoted.
Byrd promoted:
"We're clear," Byrd said. "I had to explain that I was disappointed in myself. They got a read on me that I was very angry and had the attitude. I explained, 'Yeah, I was angry with myself.' I wasn't mad at anyone else. I understood the move and it made sense. It wasn't like I was hitting .300, had a couple home runs and I was the odd-man out. I wasn't getting the job done."
The Nationals dominated throughout, and the best team in baseball managed just 1 run off of the Loaiza. Wilkerson hit a home-run to lead off the first inning, and the Nationals lead the rest of the way.
Winning Line-Up:
Brad Wilkerson, LF 1 for 1, 1 HR (10) 1 R 1 RBI (47) 3 walks .248
Jose Vidro, 2B 0 for 4, .266
Nick Johnson, 1B 1 for 4, 1 2B (30) 1 SO .295
Jose Guillen, RF 2 for 3, 1 3B 1 BB .303
Preston Wilson, CF 1 for 3, 1 SF 1 R 1 RBI (69) .264
Brian Schneider, C 1 for 4, 1 RBI (40), .287
Vinny Castilla, 3B 1 for 4, 1 SO .250
Cristian Guzman, SS 0 for 2, 1 BB 1 SO .194
Esteban Loaiza, P 1 for 3, 1 RBI (4) 2 SO .211
CBS Recap.
Saturday's Game:
RHP Marquis (9-13, 4.67) vs. LHP White
Scouting Report:
Jason Marquis moves up a day in the rotation to take the place of Mark Mulder, who was scratched with a stiff neck.
White, who has Major League experience with the Red Sox and Mariners, is 8-5 with a 3.23 ERA for Triple-A New Orleans. White has never started in the big leagues. Ryan Drese was supposed to make this start, but he is on the disabled list because of a small tear in his labrum.
LHP White will be the first LHP to pitch for the Nationals this year, and John Halama will make it two in a row tomorrow - on Sunday.
Nationals.com preview. ESPN.com's preview and stat pack. CBS.com preview.
Sunday's Game:
LHP Mark Mulder (15-6, 3.74) vs. John Halama (1-1, 5.33)
Scouting Report:
After being scratched Saturday with a stiff neck, Mulder hopes to be able to pitch Sunday. Mulder has been a different pitcher during the day than when starting night games. He is 14-1 with a 1.90 ERA at night but 1-5 with a 7.57 ERA in day games. The Cardinals have won 10 of the last 11 games he has started. He allowed onlt one run on three hits in eight innings in a 3-1 defeat of Pittsburgh in his last outing Monday.
Halama makes just his second start of the season in place of Tony Armas Jr. In his last start, Halama -- then with the Red Sox -- allowed two runs on four hits over five innings to pick up a win over the Tigers on May 3. In his last outing, Aug. 23 against the Reds, he allowed one hit and no runs in two innings.
Today's Line-up:
Byrd LF .248
Vidro 2B .266
Johnson 1B .295
Guillen RF .303
Wilson CF .264
Castilla 3B .250
Scheidner C .287
Guzman SS .194
White P .000
Ken Wright's article "White, Halama picked as starters" in the Washington Times.
Travis Hughes demoted to make room for White.
Robinson had to revamp the rotation because Ryan Drese and Tony Armas Jr. are out with shoulder injuries. Drese was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday (retroactive to Aug. 19) with right shoulder tendinitis.
The Nationals do not intend to place Armas on the DL, as they hope rest will be the answer in dealing with his problematic shoulder.
White is 8-5 with a 3.23 ERA this season with the Zephyrs. White, 28, has appeared in just six big league games with the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners in 2003, when he went 0-1 with a 22.24 ERA. Robinson said he is pitching White today instead of tomorrow to keep White as close to his five-day schedule as possible.
White, it would appear, is just up for this one game, then Ryan Zimmerman will be promoted.
Byrd promoted:
"We're clear," Byrd said. "I had to explain that I was disappointed in myself. They got a read on me that I was very angry and had the attitude. I explained, 'Yeah, I was angry with myself.' I wasn't mad at anyone else. I understood the move and it made sense. It wasn't like I was hitting .300, had a couple home runs and I was the odd-man out. I wasn't getting the job done."
Friday, August 26, 2005
Nationals done? According to Mike Wise, they are; White is probable pitcher for Saturday's game
It is all over now, according to Mike Wise's newest column.
"Frank Robinson's club was merely something for the summer." After they lost to those very poor playing Reds, "it is time to finally let them go."
Wise acknowledges that the team is only 2 1/2 games back of the Wild Card leader with 35 games to play, but notes that the Nationals are "a light-hitting club with a wafer-thin starting rotation that has been stuck in the same malaise since the all-star break."
This season seemingly over, what to do? Look to next year and "ask three seminal questions that will help new ownership build a pennant-contending club a year from now:"
1 - Robinson - should he return? - Wise - Yes.
2 - Bowden - should he return? - Wise - No. Because of the team he built (and the players he let go).
3 - Guzman isn't going anywhere due to his salary, "how can the organization get him to hit?"
Um, apparently it's all Rick Shorts fault because he took Guzman's extra baseball bats. "Guzman needs to demand that good wood back. Now."
Ok, so you didn't have an answer, but blame Rick Short?
Marlon Byrd was supposed to be promoted when Church went on the DL. Church is now on the DL, but I do not see Byrd's name on the transactions page as being promoted. Byrd is still on the New Orleans roster according to the Minor League website (and specifically the New Orleans roster) and according to the Nationals website.
Boswell - did he retire? His last column on Washington Post.com is from August 5th and is about Sam Perlozzo. His last Nationals column was from August 4th and about having a Nationals team at all is better than none at all, even if it is slumping. Maybe there isn't anything else to say, but nothing on any subject since August 5th?
Mark Zuckerman: "Nats facing a 'gut check'" - As they sit around wondering whether to catch the playoff games on television while they lounge around a bar somewhere, the Nationals will think back on their season and realize that they really should have won those games against teams like the Reds.
"These are the clubs you have to win ballgames against," manager Frank Robinson said. "And I don't mean one ballgame. I'm talking about at least two ballgames."
Had they won four of those six games instead of one, the Nationals now would lead the National League wild-card race instead of trailing the Philadelphia Phillies by 21/2 games. They certainly wouldn't be in sole possession of fifth place, where they sat before the New York Mets' late game in Arizona.
The Mets won 3-1 and the Nationals are, in fact, in sole possession of that fifth place.
Nice how the team never is out of it, how if they just pick up the pace, win 2 lose 1 instead of win 1 lose 2 they will magically be back in control, magically back into a plausible playoff team -
"It's going to be a gut check for this team," outfielder Brad Wilkerson said. "It's going to be one of these series where you cash it in or bounce back and show some heart and play some good baseball. We have to come out with a better attitude, take it to teams and not wait until late in the game. We have to come out with a sense of urgency right from the get-go."
Sure has been a lot of series where some Nationals player or coach noted that it was make-or break time . . . One of these days, the players will find themselves outside looking in when the playoffs roll around and they will realize, oops, that was that.
There was no sense of urgency in the Nationals' dugout yesterday.
. . .
The Nationals had better start doing it soon. If not for the equally maddening struggles of every team in the wild-card race, they might well be out of contention by now. Somehow, though, they remain in the running with 35 games to go. And that seems to be the only thing keeping the club from imploding.
"Nobody's grabbed the bull by the horns and run away with it yet," Bennett said. "There's five teams left, and it's pretty much in the air for the five of us."
Just for fun, let's check the minors -
AAA- New Orleans - 60-71 and in last place in the American South division.
AA - Harrisburg - 59-73 and in last place in the Southern division.
A - Potomac - 27-32 and in 3rd place in the four team Northern division.
A - Vermont - 21-41 and in last place in the Stedler division.
A - Savannah - 25-33 and in last place in the Southern division.
R - Gulf Coast - 22-32 and in last place in the South division.
Well, that was inspiring. Nationals major league team down to it's rookie team are all in last place except that Potomac team, and their trying hard to keep from falling into that spot.
Yahoo.com's preview of tonights game.
Oh, right, don't forget that game tonight where the St. Louis Cardinals will play the Washington Nationals . . . Loaiza vs. Suppan, and White is listed as the probable starter for Saturday against Mark Mulder. Oh, good, first career major league start (apparently) and it will be against 15-6, 3.76 era, Mark Mulder. Good luck fellow.
Scouting Report:
Mulder has been a different pitcher during the day than when starting night games. He is 14-1 with a 1.90 ERA at night but 1-5 with a 7.57 ERA in day games. The Cardinals have won 10 of the last 11 games he has started. He allowed onlt one run on three hits in eight innings in a 3-1 defeat of Pittsburgh in his last outing Monday.
White, who has Major League experience with the Red Sox and Mariners, is 8-5 with a 3.23 ERA for Triple-A New Orleans. White has never started in the big leagues. Ryan Drese was supposed to make this start, but he is on the disabled list because of a small tear in his labrum.
Oh, and apparently that's a 1:20 game, not a 1:05 game.
Well, I always have football to fall back on, right, when the team doesn't make the playoffs?
Um, right. Redskins. Those Nationals better win three in a row!
Can't rely on my college football team. They went and won the I-AA championship, so their games are basically sold out now for the 2005 season. Just like the Nationals, can't catch their games on the television set.
Just less than two weeks before its Sept. 3 season-opener with Lock Haven, JMU easily has surpassed its previous record for season ticket sales, and the Family Weekend sellout is the earliest sellout in the football program’s history.
"Frank Robinson's club was merely something for the summer." After they lost to those very poor playing Reds, "it is time to finally let them go."
Wise acknowledges that the team is only 2 1/2 games back of the Wild Card leader with 35 games to play, but notes that the Nationals are "a light-hitting club with a wafer-thin starting rotation that has been stuck in the same malaise since the all-star break."
This season seemingly over, what to do? Look to next year and "ask three seminal questions that will help new ownership build a pennant-contending club a year from now:"
1 - Robinson - should he return? - Wise - Yes.
2 - Bowden - should he return? - Wise - No. Because of the team he built (and the players he let go).
3 - Guzman isn't going anywhere due to his salary, "how can the organization get him to hit?"
Um, apparently it's all Rick Shorts fault because he took Guzman's extra baseball bats. "Guzman needs to demand that good wood back. Now."
Ok, so you didn't have an answer, but blame Rick Short?
Marlon Byrd was supposed to be promoted when Church went on the DL. Church is now on the DL, but I do not see Byrd's name on the transactions page as being promoted. Byrd is still on the New Orleans roster according to the Minor League website (and specifically the New Orleans roster) and according to the Nationals website.
Boswell - did he retire? His last column on Washington Post.com is from August 5th and is about Sam Perlozzo. His last Nationals column was from August 4th and about having a Nationals team at all is better than none at all, even if it is slumping. Maybe there isn't anything else to say, but nothing on any subject since August 5th?
Mark Zuckerman: "Nats facing a 'gut check'" - As they sit around wondering whether to catch the playoff games on television while they lounge around a bar somewhere, the Nationals will think back on their season and realize that they really should have won those games against teams like the Reds.
"These are the clubs you have to win ballgames against," manager Frank Robinson said. "And I don't mean one ballgame. I'm talking about at least two ballgames."
Had they won four of those six games instead of one, the Nationals now would lead the National League wild-card race instead of trailing the Philadelphia Phillies by 21/2 games. They certainly wouldn't be in sole possession of fifth place, where they sat before the New York Mets' late game in Arizona.
The Mets won 3-1 and the Nationals are, in fact, in sole possession of that fifth place.
Nice how the team never is out of it, how if they just pick up the pace, win 2 lose 1 instead of win 1 lose 2 they will magically be back in control, magically back into a plausible playoff team -
"It's going to be a gut check for this team," outfielder Brad Wilkerson said. "It's going to be one of these series where you cash it in or bounce back and show some heart and play some good baseball. We have to come out with a better attitude, take it to teams and not wait until late in the game. We have to come out with a sense of urgency right from the get-go."
Sure has been a lot of series where some Nationals player or coach noted that it was make-or break time . . . One of these days, the players will find themselves outside looking in when the playoffs roll around and they will realize, oops, that was that.
There was no sense of urgency in the Nationals' dugout yesterday.
. . .
The Nationals had better start doing it soon. If not for the equally maddening struggles of every team in the wild-card race, they might well be out of contention by now. Somehow, though, they remain in the running with 35 games to go. And that seems to be the only thing keeping the club from imploding.
"Nobody's grabbed the bull by the horns and run away with it yet," Bennett said. "There's five teams left, and it's pretty much in the air for the five of us."
Just for fun, let's check the minors -
AAA- New Orleans - 60-71 and in last place in the American South division.
AA - Harrisburg - 59-73 and in last place in the Southern division.
A - Potomac - 27-32 and in 3rd place in the four team Northern division.
A - Vermont - 21-41 and in last place in the Stedler division.
A - Savannah - 25-33 and in last place in the Southern division.
R - Gulf Coast - 22-32 and in last place in the South division.
Well, that was inspiring. Nationals major league team down to it's rookie team are all in last place except that Potomac team, and their trying hard to keep from falling into that spot.
Yahoo.com's preview of tonights game.
Oh, right, don't forget that game tonight where the St. Louis Cardinals will play the Washington Nationals . . . Loaiza vs. Suppan, and White is listed as the probable starter for Saturday against Mark Mulder. Oh, good, first career major league start (apparently) and it will be against 15-6, 3.76 era, Mark Mulder. Good luck fellow.
Scouting Report:
Mulder has been a different pitcher during the day than when starting night games. He is 14-1 with a 1.90 ERA at night but 1-5 with a 7.57 ERA in day games. The Cardinals have won 10 of the last 11 games he has started. He allowed onlt one run on three hits in eight innings in a 3-1 defeat of Pittsburgh in his last outing Monday.
White, who has Major League experience with the Red Sox and Mariners, is 8-5 with a 3.23 ERA for Triple-A New Orleans. White has never started in the big leagues. Ryan Drese was supposed to make this start, but he is on the disabled list because of a small tear in his labrum.
Oh, and apparently that's a 1:20 game, not a 1:05 game.
Well, I always have football to fall back on, right, when the team doesn't make the playoffs?
Um, right. Redskins. Those Nationals better win three in a row!
Can't rely on my college football team. They went and won the I-AA championship, so their games are basically sold out now for the 2005 season. Just like the Nationals, can't catch their games on the television set.
Just less than two weeks before its Sept. 3 season-opener with Lock Haven, JMU easily has surpassed its previous record for season ticket sales, and the Family Weekend sellout is the earliest sellout in the football program’s history.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Nationals Lose 5-3; Church on DL; LHP Matt White starting Saturday? Zimmerman Up on Sunday?
The Reds scored first in the top of the 1st inning. Lopez singled to open the game. Aurilia then walked. Griffey then hits into a FC - Lopez to 3rd and Griffey to 1st. Then Dunn popped out and Casey walked. Then Hernandez walked in the first run of the game - Lopez scores - Kearns walked. And then Hernandez ended the inning by strike-out LaRue.
The Nationals were kept off the board in the bottom of the first, and Hernandez kept the Reds from scoring in the top of the second . . .
Nationals tie the game when Carroll hits a 2-out single and Castilla scores.
The Reds get the lead back in the top of the 5th when Kearns hits a 2-out single and Griffey scores.
Hernandez makes it to the seventh inning, with the score 2-1 Reds. He faces just two batters and gets neither out. The first batter up, Griffey, hits his 30th home-run of the year and the second batter up is hit-by-pitch. Eischen then relieves Hernandez. The scoring is not yet done, though. Eischen gives up a single to the first batter he faces and is in turn relieved by Carrasco. Carrasco strikes out Kearns. Then Carrasco allows a run to score after throwing a wild pitch. LaRue, who had been batting when the wild pitch was thrown, then hits a double which scores Casey. The half of the inning is finally over when Encarnacion and Cruz (pinch hitting for Belisle) pops out. Score: 5-1.
Carrasco is replaced by Blanco who leads off the bottom of the seventh inning. I'm not sure, but I do not think that Blanco has a hit, yet, in the second half.
Travis Hughes makes his first appearance since the recall from AAA New Orleans and pitches to just two batters, Lopez and Aurilla. He gives up a single to Lopez and gets Aurilla to hit a foul ball near Johnson, who obliges by making the catch. Stanton then relieves Hughes and pitches the final 1.2 innings.
Bottom of the ninth. Score 5-1:
Guzman grounds out to open the inning. Schneider then hits for Stanton. And is promptly put on base after getting hit by pitch. Wilkerson then comes up. Wilkerson is 1 for 3 with 1 walk and 1 strike-out when he steps into the batters box. HOME RUN TO CF! 2 RUNS SCORE - Score now: 5-3. Then Vidro singles. Johnson to first after a FC gets Vidro out at 2B. 2 OUT, Johnson on FIRST: Guillen then strikes out to end the inning and the game.
I watched/used the Nationals.com Gamecast or GameDay or whatever their service is called to watch the game.
Here is CBS.com's recap and box score. ESPN.com's recap, box score. Fox recap/box score. SI.com recap.
Church to DL:
At 3:08 pm Bill Ladson's article appeared on Nationals.com: "Notes: Church hits the disabled list: Byrd likely to be recalled from Triple-A; White to start Saturday"
The Nationals placed outfielder Ryan Church on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a fractured right pinkie toe. Church is expected to miss two to three weeks of action.
Church: "I'm frustrated, disappointed," Church said. "There's nothing I could do except let it heal. You can't put a cast on it. ... Hopefully, I'll get back in two weeks, we'll make the playoffs and I'll contribute. [Nationals general manager Jim] Bowden told me to stay positive."
Byrd, 27, batted .243 with 16 RBIs in 51 games for the Nationals before being sent down to New Orleans on July 31.
See my earlier entry on the minors: Byrd "Currently hitting .416 with New Orleans in 20 games, 77 AB. 32 hits, 6 doubles, 5 home-runs, 11 RBI, 9 walks, 7 strike-outs, 4 stolen bases, and 1 caught-stealing."
Starting Saturday: LHP Matt White? (same Ladson article).
According to a club source, left-hander Matt White will get the start against the Cardinals on Saturday. White, who has Major League experience with the Red Sox and Mariners, has compiled an 8-5 record for New Orleans with a 3.23 ERA. White has never started in the big leagues.
If White starts, he will be the first LHP pitcher to start for the Nationals this year, and if he doesn't start, LHP John Halama might start, and he might be . . .. OR:
The Nationals are still hoping that Tony Armas Jr. will be able to make the start on Sunday. Armas is currently nursing a sore right shoulder.
Zimmerman:
Expect the Nationals to make some moves by the end of the week. Don't be surprised if third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is called up to the big leagues on Sunday. (still that Ladson article)
Nationals now in last place in NL East for moment. Hopefully the Marlins and Mets will also lose, allowing the Nationals to return to the third place slot (and be tied with them).
Friday:
Loaiza vs. Suppan
I'll repost here what I wrote earlier today:
First Place St. Louis Cardinals (80-47) at RFK:
Jeff Suppan (12-9, 3.94) vs. Esteban Loaiza (8-9, 3.66)
Scouting Report:
Suppan lost in his last outing despite allowing only one earned run in six innings of work. Despite that setback to the Giants Sunday, he has won five of his last seven decisions. Suppan is 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA lifetime against the franchise formerly known as the Expos.
Suppan: In August: 4 GS - 2-2, 2.36 26.2 IP 26 H 7 ER 2 HR 1 HBP 7 BB 18 SO
Started 1 game against the Nationals in May: 1-0, 1.29 7 IP 4 H 1 ER 1 HBP 3 BB 2 SO
Loaiza pitched on short rest in his last start, but he went 6 1/3 innings and gave up three runs on seven hits against the Mets. All three runs were scored in the fifth inning, when pinch-hitter Mike Jacobs, making his Major League debut, hit a three-run home run.
Loaiza: In August: 5 GS - 2-3, 4.18 32.1 IP 33 H 15 ER 6 HR 1 HBP 8 BB 23 SOStarted 1 game against the Cardinals: 0-1, 4.50 6 IP 8 H 3 ER 2 HR 1 BB 6 SO
Saturday: Day Game. Mark Mulder (15-6, 3.74) against someone, maybe the batboy.
Fox preview.
The Nationals were kept off the board in the bottom of the first, and Hernandez kept the Reds from scoring in the top of the second . . .
Nationals tie the game when Carroll hits a 2-out single and Castilla scores.
The Reds get the lead back in the top of the 5th when Kearns hits a 2-out single and Griffey scores.
Hernandez makes it to the seventh inning, with the score 2-1 Reds. He faces just two batters and gets neither out. The first batter up, Griffey, hits his 30th home-run of the year and the second batter up is hit-by-pitch. Eischen then relieves Hernandez. The scoring is not yet done, though. Eischen gives up a single to the first batter he faces and is in turn relieved by Carrasco. Carrasco strikes out Kearns. Then Carrasco allows a run to score after throwing a wild pitch. LaRue, who had been batting when the wild pitch was thrown, then hits a double which scores Casey. The half of the inning is finally over when Encarnacion and Cruz (pinch hitting for Belisle) pops out. Score: 5-1.
Carrasco is replaced by Blanco who leads off the bottom of the seventh inning. I'm not sure, but I do not think that Blanco has a hit, yet, in the second half.
Travis Hughes makes his first appearance since the recall from AAA New Orleans and pitches to just two batters, Lopez and Aurilla. He gives up a single to Lopez and gets Aurilla to hit a foul ball near Johnson, who obliges by making the catch. Stanton then relieves Hughes and pitches the final 1.2 innings.
Bottom of the ninth. Score 5-1:
Guzman grounds out to open the inning. Schneider then hits for Stanton. And is promptly put on base after getting hit by pitch. Wilkerson then comes up. Wilkerson is 1 for 3 with 1 walk and 1 strike-out when he steps into the batters box. HOME RUN TO CF! 2 RUNS SCORE - Score now: 5-3. Then Vidro singles. Johnson to first after a FC gets Vidro out at 2B. 2 OUT, Johnson on FIRST: Guillen then strikes out to end the inning and the game.
I watched/used the Nationals.com Gamecast or GameDay or whatever their service is called to watch the game.
Here is CBS.com's recap and box score. ESPN.com's recap, box score. Fox recap/box score. SI.com recap.
Church to DL:
At 3:08 pm Bill Ladson's article appeared on Nationals.com: "Notes: Church hits the disabled list: Byrd likely to be recalled from Triple-A; White to start Saturday"
The Nationals placed outfielder Ryan Church on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a fractured right pinkie toe. Church is expected to miss two to three weeks of action.
Church: "I'm frustrated, disappointed," Church said. "There's nothing I could do except let it heal. You can't put a cast on it. ... Hopefully, I'll get back in two weeks, we'll make the playoffs and I'll contribute. [Nationals general manager Jim] Bowden told me to stay positive."
Byrd, 27, batted .243 with 16 RBIs in 51 games for the Nationals before being sent down to New Orleans on July 31.
See my earlier entry on the minors: Byrd "Currently hitting .416 with New Orleans in 20 games, 77 AB. 32 hits, 6 doubles, 5 home-runs, 11 RBI, 9 walks, 7 strike-outs, 4 stolen bases, and 1 caught-stealing."
Starting Saturday: LHP Matt White? (same Ladson article).
According to a club source, left-hander Matt White will get the start against the Cardinals on Saturday. White, who has Major League experience with the Red Sox and Mariners, has compiled an 8-5 record for New Orleans with a 3.23 ERA. White has never started in the big leagues.
If White starts, he will be the first LHP pitcher to start for the Nationals this year, and if he doesn't start, LHP John Halama might start, and he might be . . .. OR:
The Nationals are still hoping that Tony Armas Jr. will be able to make the start on Sunday. Armas is currently nursing a sore right shoulder.
Zimmerman:
Expect the Nationals to make some moves by the end of the week. Don't be surprised if third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is called up to the big leagues on Sunday. (still that Ladson article)
Nationals now in last place in NL East for moment. Hopefully the Marlins and Mets will also lose, allowing the Nationals to return to the third place slot (and be tied with them).
Friday:
Loaiza vs. Suppan
I'll repost here what I wrote earlier today:
First Place St. Louis Cardinals (80-47) at RFK:
Jeff Suppan (12-9, 3.94) vs. Esteban Loaiza (8-9, 3.66)
Scouting Report:
Suppan lost in his last outing despite allowing only one earned run in six innings of work. Despite that setback to the Giants Sunday, he has won five of his last seven decisions. Suppan is 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA lifetime against the franchise formerly known as the Expos.
Suppan: In August: 4 GS - 2-2, 2.36 26.2 IP 26 H 7 ER 2 HR 1 HBP 7 BB 18 SO
Started 1 game against the Nationals in May: 1-0, 1.29 7 IP 4 H 1 ER 1 HBP 3 BB 2 SO
Loaiza pitched on short rest in his last start, but he went 6 1/3 innings and gave up three runs on seven hits against the Mets. All three runs were scored in the fifth inning, when pinch-hitter Mike Jacobs, making his Major League debut, hit a three-run home run.
Loaiza: In August: 5 GS - 2-3, 4.18 32.1 IP 33 H 15 ER 6 HR 1 HBP 8 BB 23 SOStarted 1 game against the Cardinals: 0-1, 4.50 6 IP 8 H 3 ER 2 HR 1 BB 6 SO
Saturday: Day Game. Mark Mulder (15-6, 3.74) against someone, maybe the batboy.
Fox preview.
Nationals win 5-3; Church - Broken Toe?; Wilbon Column
Patterson pitched another great dominate game last night at RFK Stadium. He pitched so well, and the cushion was wide enough, that Robinson allowed Patterson to attempt to get his second complete game of the year. Unfortunately, after getting one batter out, he proceeded to give up a very long hit double to the next batter, and immediately thereafter a home-run to Javier Valentin. Cordero then came in and got two quick outs, picking up his 40th save. Patterson increased his win total to 8.
The Nationals started off strong, with Patterson facing just three batters in the top of the first (one, the lead-off, got a single, but was caught stealing), and with Church scoring in the bottom of the first. Church lead-off with a single, then Vidro, who has been having trouble hitting lately, struck out, then Johnson doubled, Church moved to third, and then Church scored when Wilson grounded out (Johnson moved to third), Schneider then fouled out to end the inning.
Both sides then went scoreless in the 2nd and third innings, and then the Reds tied the game in the top of the fourth. Lopez singled to lead off the inning, then Aurilia doubled and Lopez scored.
The Nationals were not able to answer immediately in the bottom of the fourth, but were able to pull to a 2-1 lead after picking up another run in the bottom of the fifth when Guillen hit a towering home-run to lead off the fifth inning.
Three more runs were added by the Nationals in the seventh inning. With two outs, Schneider hit a single that allowed Vidro to score and Wilson to move to second. Castilla then doubled, which scored both Schneider and Wilson. Score: 5-1.
As mentioned, Patterson attempted to acquire his second complete game of the season, but came within 2 outs of securing that accomplishment. He struck out Sean Casey to open the ninth inning, but gave up a towering double to Kearns and then a home-run to Valentin.
Winning Line-up:
Guzman had a root canal, and Wilkerson was still out with sinusitis, so Carroll started for Guzman and Wilkerson stayed on the bench.
Ryan Church, LF 1 for 3, 1 R 1 BB .295
Jose Vidro, 2B 1 for 4, 1 R 1 BB 1 SO .271
Nick Johnson, 1B 1 for 5, 1 2B (29) .298
Jose Guillen, RF 2 for 3, 1 HR (23) 1 RBI (67) 1 R 1 SO .302
Preston Wilson, CF 1 for 4, 1 2B (24) 1 RBI (68) 1 R 1 SO .263
Brian Schneider, C 1 for 4, 1 RBI (39) 1 R .288
Vinny Castilla, 3B 1 for 4, 1 2B (31) 2 RBI (57) .248
Jamey Carroll, SS 0 for 2, 2 walks .238
John Patterson, P 1 for 3, 1 2B (2 - any other runner, & it would have been a triple) 1 SH .067
Robinson: "We have to put it together now. We can't win one, lose one, win one, lose two."
Notes from the Game:
A: Players and coaches
- Ryan Church injured in the game.
X-rays will be taken today to see if Ryan Church broke his toe in the second inning.
Bottom of the Zimmerman story "Zimmerman's Call-Up Is Up in the Air" by Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post (that story: basically: injuries to pitchers are delaying the call-up of Zimmerman, because of the need to call up pitchers: "Absolutely," Bowden said. "If we didn't have the injuries, he'd probably be here today. But you got to be Tom Brady at the line of scrimmage and be able to adjust").
- The first base coach was not able to take his position on the field last night, due to back problems.
"First-base coach Don Buford had a steroid injection in his lower back, and hitting coach Tom McCraw filled in." - CBS Nationals page
B: Two fights, one witnessed by me, one reported to me.
1) In front of me:
During the game two men shoved each other over a seat, apparently one had been sitting in the other's seat. The situation was somewhat unclear, especially the part where a woman that was also present left with, or trailed after the man that left, but returned latter to sit next to the other man.
2) Reported to me:
As the fans rushed out of the stadium, two ended up entangled in a strange situation: Apparently two women were walking along together and a man, who appeared to have no prior involvement with the women, walked up and slammed his fist the face of one of the women. An older gentleman grabbed the man to hold him back and the women moved away from the attacker.
Both incidents were illegal, and both situations could have ended with arrests for assault and battery.
CBS recap (and box score). Washington Post recap: "Patterson Lifts Nats." Washington Times recap: "Nats Ace Provides Key Win At Rfk." ESPN.com recap. FOX box score, and recap: " Patterson gives Nationals what they needed." Nationals.com recap.
Column: Wilbon: Wild Card Is Possible
Basically: The Nationals are just 1 1/2 games out of the wild card and the other teams chasing this playoff berth are as flawed as the Nationals. Loaiza - Hernandez - and Patterson stand up well in comparisons to the other WC contender's starting three, and Cordero is the best closer in baseball.
Since when did people around here grow so accustomed to winning they can turn their nose up at being 1 1/2 games out of a playoff spot? Since when did 1 1/2 games back with 36 remaining become the worst place in the world to be?
The Rotation: "Club Plays Rotation Roulette" by Mark Zuckerman of the Washington Times:
With two-fifths of their starting rotation suddenly suffering shoulder injuries, the Washington Nationals might have to dig deep into their farm system just to get through the week.
Drese was put on the DL this week, and Armas might join him.
Armas received an injection yesterday, and the club won't have a clearer idea of his status for two or three days.
Ayala also has a shoulder injury - An MRI on reliever Luis Ayala's right elbow confirmed he has tendinitis. Ayala, who has not pitched since Sunday, remains day-to-day
Rick Short: "Minor Leaguer Eyes Elusive .400" by Scott Boeck of USA Today
Briefly: Short, who is batting .397 (140-for-353) for the New Orleans Zephyrs of the Pacific Coast League (Class AAA), could become the first batter in 44 years to hit .400 in a U.S. full-season professional league since Aaron Pointer batted .402 in 1961 for the Salisbury (N.C.) Braves of the South Atlantic League (Class A).
NL East:
The Braves won early, 3-1 over the Cubs. The Mets crushed the Diamondbacks 18-4. Phillies defeated the Giants 7-4. And Florida lost to the Brewers 4-6.
Nationals now tied for third with the Marlins and the Mets.
Braves 72-55
Phillies 69-59, 3.5 GB
Marlins 66-60, 5.5 GB
Mets 66-60, 5.5 GB
Nationals 66-60, 5.5 GB
Wild Card:
See above plus: The Astros lost to the Padres 4-7.
Phillies 69-59
Astros 67-60, 1.5 GB
Marlins 66-60, 2.0 GB
Mets 66-60, 2.0 GB
Nationals 66-60, 2.0 GB
Brewers 63-64, 5.5 GB
Today:
Businessman's special or whatever the phrase is - day game.
Livan Hernandez (14-5, 3.80) vs. Brandon Claussen (8-8, 4.50)
Scouting Report:
Claussen is in the midst of a four-game winning streak, and with it, he's leveled his record at 8-8. The left-hander has gone 33 1/3 innings in that stretch and has allowed 12 earned runs, an ERA of 3.26. Look for Claussen to continue that streak of solid outings as he already has one good start against the Nationals this year.
Claussen: In August: 3-0, 3.76 ERA in 4 GS - 26.1 IP 19 H 11 ER 1 HR 2 HBP 10 BB 18 SO.
Started 1 game against the Nationals in May at night - 6 IP 7 H 2 ER 4 BB 4 SO - 3.00 ERA.
Day games: 6 games started: 3-1, 2.65 37.1 IP 33 H 11 ER 3 HR 2 HBP 10 BB 25 SO
Hernandez last faced the Reds on May 24, when he pitched seven solid innings. He gave up three runs on six hits, struck out eight batters and walked three. He didn't figure in the decision as the Reds won the game, 4-3, in extra innings.
As previously mentioned by me in an earlier entry: Hernandez is 6-3 at home with an era of 3.59 in 11 games started (77.2 IP, 82 H, 31 ER, 5 HR, 8 HBP, 28 walks, 43 SO). Hernandez has pitched one game this year against the Reds, in Cincinnati. He lasted 7 innings, gave up 6 hits, 3 walks, hit two batters and allowed 3 runners to score while also striking out 8. His era for the game: 3.86.
Day - 6 games started: 5-1, 3.98 40.2 IP 52 H 18 ER 4 HR 12 BB 23 SO
ESPN.com stat pack. Nationals.com preview.
Friday: First Place St. Louis Cardinals (80-47) at RFK:
Jeff Suppan (12-9, 3.94) vs. Esteban Loaiza (8-9, 3.66)
Scouting Report:
Suppan lost in his last outing despite allowing only one earned run in six innings of work. Despite that setback to the Giants Sunday, he has won five of his last seven decisions. Suppan is 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA lifetime against the franchise formerly known as the Expos.
Suppan: In August: 4 GS - 2-2, 2.36 26.2 IP 26 H 7 ER 2 HR 1 HBP 7 BB 18 SO
Started 1 game against the Nationals in May: 1-0, 1.29 7 IP 4 H 1 ER 1 HBP 3 BB 2 SO
Loaiza pitched on short rest in his last start, but he went 6 1/3 innings and gave up three runs on seven hits against the Mets. All three runs were scored in the fifth inning, when pinch-hitter Mike Jacobs, making his Major League debut, hit a three-run home run.
Loaiza: In August: 5 GS - 2-3, 4.18 32.1 IP 33 H 15 ER 6 HR 1 HBP 8 BB 23 SO
Started 1 game against the Cardinals: 0-1, 4.50 6 IP 8 H 3 ER 2 HR 1 BB 6 SO
Saturday:
Mark Mulder (15-6, 3.74) vs. TBA (John Halama?)
Scouting Report:
Mulder has been a different pitcher during the day than when starting night games. He is 14-1 with a 1.90 ERA at night but 1-5 with a 7.57 ERA in day games. The Cardinals have won 10 of the last 11 games he has started. He allowed onl[y] one run on three hits in eight innings in a 3-1 defeat of Pittsburgh in his last outing Monday.
Started 4 Games in August: 3-1, 2.89 28 IP 24 H 9 ER 1 HR 9 BB 12 SO
Has not pitched against the Nationals.
The Nationals started off strong, with Patterson facing just three batters in the top of the first (one, the lead-off, got a single, but was caught stealing), and with Church scoring in the bottom of the first. Church lead-off with a single, then Vidro, who has been having trouble hitting lately, struck out, then Johnson doubled, Church moved to third, and then Church scored when Wilson grounded out (Johnson moved to third), Schneider then fouled out to end the inning.
Both sides then went scoreless in the 2nd and third innings, and then the Reds tied the game in the top of the fourth. Lopez singled to lead off the inning, then Aurilia doubled and Lopez scored.
The Nationals were not able to answer immediately in the bottom of the fourth, but were able to pull to a 2-1 lead after picking up another run in the bottom of the fifth when Guillen hit a towering home-run to lead off the fifth inning.
Three more runs were added by the Nationals in the seventh inning. With two outs, Schneider hit a single that allowed Vidro to score and Wilson to move to second. Castilla then doubled, which scored both Schneider and Wilson. Score: 5-1.
As mentioned, Patterson attempted to acquire his second complete game of the season, but came within 2 outs of securing that accomplishment. He struck out Sean Casey to open the ninth inning, but gave up a towering double to Kearns and then a home-run to Valentin.
Winning Line-up:
Guzman had a root canal, and Wilkerson was still out with sinusitis, so Carroll started for Guzman and Wilkerson stayed on the bench.
Ryan Church, LF 1 for 3, 1 R 1 BB .295
Jose Vidro, 2B 1 for 4, 1 R 1 BB 1 SO .271
Nick Johnson, 1B 1 for 5, 1 2B (29) .298
Jose Guillen, RF 2 for 3, 1 HR (23) 1 RBI (67) 1 R 1 SO .302
Preston Wilson, CF 1 for 4, 1 2B (24) 1 RBI (68) 1 R 1 SO .263
Brian Schneider, C 1 for 4, 1 RBI (39) 1 R .288
Vinny Castilla, 3B 1 for 4, 1 2B (31) 2 RBI (57) .248
Jamey Carroll, SS 0 for 2, 2 walks .238
John Patterson, P 1 for 3, 1 2B (2 - any other runner, & it would have been a triple) 1 SH .067
Robinson: "We have to put it together now. We can't win one, lose one, win one, lose two."
Notes from the Game:
A: Players and coaches
- Ryan Church injured in the game.
X-rays will be taken today to see if Ryan Church broke his toe in the second inning.
Bottom of the Zimmerman story "Zimmerman's Call-Up Is Up in the Air" by Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post (that story: basically: injuries to pitchers are delaying the call-up of Zimmerman, because of the need to call up pitchers: "Absolutely," Bowden said. "If we didn't have the injuries, he'd probably be here today. But you got to be Tom Brady at the line of scrimmage and be able to adjust").
- The first base coach was not able to take his position on the field last night, due to back problems.
"First-base coach Don Buford had a steroid injection in his lower back, and hitting coach Tom McCraw filled in." - CBS Nationals page
B: Two fights, one witnessed by me, one reported to me.
1) In front of me:
During the game two men shoved each other over a seat, apparently one had been sitting in the other's seat. The situation was somewhat unclear, especially the part where a woman that was also present left with, or trailed after the man that left, but returned latter to sit next to the other man.
2) Reported to me:
As the fans rushed out of the stadium, two ended up entangled in a strange situation: Apparently two women were walking along together and a man, who appeared to have no prior involvement with the women, walked up and slammed his fist the face of one of the women. An older gentleman grabbed the man to hold him back and the women moved away from the attacker.
Both incidents were illegal, and both situations could have ended with arrests for assault and battery.
CBS recap (and box score). Washington Post recap: "Patterson Lifts Nats." Washington Times recap: "Nats Ace Provides Key Win At Rfk." ESPN.com recap. FOX box score, and recap: " Patterson gives Nationals what they needed." Nationals.com recap.
Column: Wilbon: Wild Card Is Possible
Basically: The Nationals are just 1 1/2 games out of the wild card and the other teams chasing this playoff berth are as flawed as the Nationals. Loaiza - Hernandez - and Patterson stand up well in comparisons to the other WC contender's starting three, and Cordero is the best closer in baseball.
Since when did people around here grow so accustomed to winning they can turn their nose up at being 1 1/2 games out of a playoff spot? Since when did 1 1/2 games back with 36 remaining become the worst place in the world to be?
The Rotation: "Club Plays Rotation Roulette" by Mark Zuckerman of the Washington Times:
With two-fifths of their starting rotation suddenly suffering shoulder injuries, the Washington Nationals might have to dig deep into their farm system just to get through the week.
Drese was put on the DL this week, and Armas might join him.
Armas received an injection yesterday, and the club won't have a clearer idea of his status for two or three days.
Ayala also has a shoulder injury - An MRI on reliever Luis Ayala's right elbow confirmed he has tendinitis. Ayala, who has not pitched since Sunday, remains day-to-day
Rick Short: "Minor Leaguer Eyes Elusive .400" by Scott Boeck of USA Today
Briefly: Short, who is batting .397 (140-for-353) for the New Orleans Zephyrs of the Pacific Coast League (Class AAA), could become the first batter in 44 years to hit .400 in a U.S. full-season professional league since Aaron Pointer batted .402 in 1961 for the Salisbury (N.C.) Braves of the South Atlantic League (Class A).
NL East:
The Braves won early, 3-1 over the Cubs. The Mets crushed the Diamondbacks 18-4. Phillies defeated the Giants 7-4. And Florida lost to the Brewers 4-6.
Nationals now tied for third with the Marlins and the Mets.
Braves 72-55
Phillies 69-59, 3.5 GB
Marlins 66-60, 5.5 GB
Mets 66-60, 5.5 GB
Nationals 66-60, 5.5 GB
Wild Card:
See above plus: The Astros lost to the Padres 4-7.
Phillies 69-59
Astros 67-60, 1.5 GB
Marlins 66-60, 2.0 GB
Mets 66-60, 2.0 GB
Nationals 66-60, 2.0 GB
Brewers 63-64, 5.5 GB
Today:
Businessman's special or whatever the phrase is - day game.
Livan Hernandez (14-5, 3.80) vs. Brandon Claussen (8-8, 4.50)
Scouting Report:
Claussen is in the midst of a four-game winning streak, and with it, he's leveled his record at 8-8. The left-hander has gone 33 1/3 innings in that stretch and has allowed 12 earned runs, an ERA of 3.26. Look for Claussen to continue that streak of solid outings as he already has one good start against the Nationals this year.
Claussen: In August: 3-0, 3.76 ERA in 4 GS - 26.1 IP 19 H 11 ER 1 HR 2 HBP 10 BB 18 SO.
Started 1 game against the Nationals in May at night - 6 IP 7 H 2 ER 4 BB 4 SO - 3.00 ERA.
Day games: 6 games started: 3-1, 2.65 37.1 IP 33 H 11 ER 3 HR 2 HBP 10 BB 25 SO
Hernandez last faced the Reds on May 24, when he pitched seven solid innings. He gave up three runs on six hits, struck out eight batters and walked three. He didn't figure in the decision as the Reds won the game, 4-3, in extra innings.
As previously mentioned by me in an earlier entry: Hernandez is 6-3 at home with an era of 3.59 in 11 games started (77.2 IP, 82 H, 31 ER, 5 HR, 8 HBP, 28 walks, 43 SO). Hernandez has pitched one game this year against the Reds, in Cincinnati. He lasted 7 innings, gave up 6 hits, 3 walks, hit two batters and allowed 3 runners to score while also striking out 8. His era for the game: 3.86.
Day - 6 games started: 5-1, 3.98 40.2 IP 52 H 18 ER 4 HR 12 BB 23 SO
ESPN.com stat pack. Nationals.com preview.
Friday: First Place St. Louis Cardinals (80-47) at RFK:
Jeff Suppan (12-9, 3.94) vs. Esteban Loaiza (8-9, 3.66)
Scouting Report:
Suppan lost in his last outing despite allowing only one earned run in six innings of work. Despite that setback to the Giants Sunday, he has won five of his last seven decisions. Suppan is 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA lifetime against the franchise formerly known as the Expos.
Suppan: In August: 4 GS - 2-2, 2.36 26.2 IP 26 H 7 ER 2 HR 1 HBP 7 BB 18 SO
Started 1 game against the Nationals in May: 1-0, 1.29 7 IP 4 H 1 ER 1 HBP 3 BB 2 SO
Loaiza pitched on short rest in his last start, but he went 6 1/3 innings and gave up three runs on seven hits against the Mets. All three runs were scored in the fifth inning, when pinch-hitter Mike Jacobs, making his Major League debut, hit a three-run home run.
Loaiza: In August: 5 GS - 2-3, 4.18 32.1 IP 33 H 15 ER 6 HR 1 HBP 8 BB 23 SO
Started 1 game against the Cardinals: 0-1, 4.50 6 IP 8 H 3 ER 2 HR 1 BB 6 SO
Saturday:
Mark Mulder (15-6, 3.74) vs. TBA (John Halama?)
Scouting Report:
Mulder has been a different pitcher during the day than when starting night games. He is 14-1 with a 1.90 ERA at night but 1-5 with a 7.57 ERA in day games. The Cardinals have won 10 of the last 11 games he has started. He allowed onl[y] one run on three hits in eight innings in a 3-1 defeat of Pittsburgh in his last outing Monday.
Started 4 Games in August: 3-1, 2.89 28 IP 24 H 9 ER 1 HR 9 BB 12 SO
Has not pitched against the Nationals.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Nationals Lose 6-2; Drese - DL; Zimmerman Rushing to the Majors?
The Game:
Vinny Castilla and Jose Guillen provided two runs by hitting the ball out of the park. Guillen's home-run was right down the middle and almost if not in the upper deck and cut the lead in half in the 4th inning. Castilla's home-run came in the 2nd inning and gave the Nationals the brief lead. Those two runs, unfortunately, was all the Nationals were able to produce off of the formerly 7.35 ERA Luke Hudson, and I believe, if the radio recap that I heard on the way home from RFK was correct, the Nationals failed to get a hit in the last four innings.
Tony Armas was chased early, lasting just 3 innings and giving up 4 of the Reds eventual 6 runs in the third inning when all the Reds had a crack at him (including Encarncion, who answered Castilla's home-run with one of his own in the 3rd inning). Hector Carrasco shut down the Reds offense for two innings, and John Halama shut them down for the next two innings. Stanton relieved Halama in the 8th inning and gave up 2 more runs. Eischen relieved Stanton and pitched a solid 9th inning.
The line-up was similar to Sunday's, except that Schneider played instead of Bennett, and Schneider played higher up in the batting order than Bennett.
ESPN.com recap. CBS recap. Nationals.com recap. FOX box score. SI.com recap. Washington Post recap.
Notes:
Robinson quote, after the game (from the CBS recap): "Each game that we're playing here now we have to try to win that ballgame," manager Frank Robinson said, "and we just didn't give ourselves a fair shake tonight."
Hudson after the game: "It's just a matter of getting to know yourself," he said. "The more you pitch the more you get to know your body."
The CBS recap ends with a note section which bluntly notes: "Drese's roster spot will go to RHP Travis Hughes, who's being recalled from Triple-A New Orleans."
Found out what's going on: article on Nationals.com: "Armas exits early with shoulder soreness: Drese goes on 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 19" by Bill Ladson.
- Armas said that he couldn't get loose . . . The Nationals knew something was wrong when Armas' fastball was clocked in the low 80s.
That home-run by Encarnacion?: "I thought Encarnacion hit a slider for the home run," said manager Frank Robinson. "It was clocked at 83 miles per hour. And then I was told, after the inning was over, it was a fastball. He had one pitch before that, and it was clocked at 82 piles per hour. I thought that was a breaking ball. I found out it was a fastball."
- Drese: As for Drese, he has pain in the front of the shoulder. He admitted that he couldn't lift his arm all the way up while throwing his sinkers in his last start, on Aug. 18, and left his pitches up in the strike zone.
Drese was scheduled to pitch against the Cardinals on Thursday, but left-hander John Halama most likely will get the start.
ESPN thought that it was Hernandez was supposed to start Thursday, which is why I included him against Brandon Claussen in an earlier post.
Travis Hughes, then, will be taking Drese's roster spot, not place in the rotation. Well, if Halama actually starts, then he will be the first LHP to start for the Nationals this year.
Washington Post article on the Drese to DL issue can be found here.
Notes from the Minors:
Travis Hughes:
Hughes is 6'5", 235 pounds and born 5/25/78. The Minor League.com website notes that he appeared in 4 games earlier in the year for the Nationals, pitching 4.1 IP, giving up 2 hits and striking out 3, and picking up 1 win.
His stats with the New Orleans Zephyrs:
2-5, 2.97 ERA, 50 games 0 GS 12 saves 57.2 IP 44 H 24 R 19 ER 3 HR 22 BB 70 SO
Marlon Byrd:
Currently hitting .416 with New Orleans in 20 games, 77 AB. 32 hits, 6 doubles, 5 home-runs, 11 RBI, 9 walks, 7 strike-outs, 4 stolen bases, and 1 caught-stealing.
Rick Short:
Currently: .397 AVG 140 hits in 353 at-bats. 34 doubles, 1 triple, 11 home-runs, 68 RBI's.
Brandon Watson:
Currently: .354 AVG 121 hits in 342 AB. 14 doubles, 2 triples, 1 home-run, 23 RBI, 31 SB, 12 CS.
Ryan Zimmerman:
A: Savanah: .471 AVG, 4 Gs, 17 AB, 8 H, 5 R, 2 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI. 0 BB, 3 SO
AA: Harrisburg: .313 AVG, 56 Gs, 208 AB, 65 H, 37 R, 17 2B, 9 HR, 31 RBI, 11 BB, 32 SO
Washington Times article: "Zimmerman's call-up soon" by Ken Wright:
Ryan Zimmerman's meteoric rise from the University of Virginia to the Washington Nationals could be completed as early as today.
Zimmerman was picked up by the Nationals in this year's amateur draft, and has only been a professional ball-player since June.
"We'll announce it when he's coming up," Bowden said. "He's not going to be here [last night]."
Last week, Bowden instructed Senators manager Keith Bodie to move Zimmerman from third base. . . . Zimmerman has played seven games at shortstop, where he had four errors. . . . Zimmerman would have to join the Nationals by next Wednesday to be eligible for the postseason roster.
"He's played well at shortstop. He's a Gold Glove at third. He's going to be a good player, and he's a player we think can help us in this pennant race. He will be here," Bowden said.
NL EAST:
Nationals lost, Atlanta lost 10-1 to the Cubs, the Phillies overwhelmed the Giants 10-2, the Mets dominated the Diamondbacks 14-1 and the Marlins lost 11-2 against the Brewers. The Nationals are now in last place, for, I believe, the first time this year. Of course, it might be mildly more informative to point out that they are tied for fourth place with the Mets.
Braves 71-55
Phillies 68-59, 3.5 GB
Marlins 66-59, 4.5 GB
Mets 65-60, 5.5 GB
Nationals 65-60, 5.5 GB
Wild Card:
See above, plus: Houston lost 2-0 to the Padres.
Phillies 68-59
Astros 67-59, 0.5 GB
Marlins 66-59, 1.0 GB
Mets 65-60, 2.0 GB
Nationals 65-60, 2.0 GB
Brewers 62-64, 5.5 GB
Tonight:
John Patterson (7-4) vs. Ramon Ortiz (8-8, 5.44)
From earlier post:
Scouting Report:
Ortiz is in the midst of his best stretch this season. The right-hander is 2-1 in his last three starts, and he's given up three earned runs in 20 2/3 innings pitched in those contests. In his last outing, Ortiz went a season-high 7 2/3 innings against the Giants, picking up the win.
Patterson is 5-0 at home with an era of 1.67 in 13 games started (86.1 IP, 59 H, 16 ER, 1 HR, 2 HBP, 26 BB, 85 SO). Apparently, Patterson has not faced the Reds in 2005.
Nationals.com game preview. ESNP.com stat pack. SI.com preview.
Other News:
Toronoto Sun Article: " Nationals Manager Robinson Says Wipe Out Palmeiro's Statistics " by AP.
"Where do you go back, stop and say, 'OK, when did he start using steroids?' To eliminate all that, and get the players' attention, you wipe the whole thing out," Robinson told MLB.com in a story posted on the website Tuesday night. "Why put the burden on baseball to try and figure out where to go, and maybe put an asterisk? Just wipe the whole thing out."
Vinny Castilla and Jose Guillen provided two runs by hitting the ball out of the park. Guillen's home-run was right down the middle and almost if not in the upper deck and cut the lead in half in the 4th inning. Castilla's home-run came in the 2nd inning and gave the Nationals the brief lead. Those two runs, unfortunately, was all the Nationals were able to produce off of the formerly 7.35 ERA Luke Hudson, and I believe, if the radio recap that I heard on the way home from RFK was correct, the Nationals failed to get a hit in the last four innings.
Tony Armas was chased early, lasting just 3 innings and giving up 4 of the Reds eventual 6 runs in the third inning when all the Reds had a crack at him (including Encarncion, who answered Castilla's home-run with one of his own in the 3rd inning). Hector Carrasco shut down the Reds offense for two innings, and John Halama shut them down for the next two innings. Stanton relieved Halama in the 8th inning and gave up 2 more runs. Eischen relieved Stanton and pitched a solid 9th inning.
The line-up was similar to Sunday's, except that Schneider played instead of Bennett, and Schneider played higher up in the batting order than Bennett.
ESPN.com recap. CBS recap. Nationals.com recap. FOX box score. SI.com recap. Washington Post recap.
Notes:
Robinson quote, after the game (from the CBS recap): "Each game that we're playing here now we have to try to win that ballgame," manager Frank Robinson said, "and we just didn't give ourselves a fair shake tonight."
Hudson after the game: "It's just a matter of getting to know yourself," he said. "The more you pitch the more you get to know your body."
The CBS recap ends with a note section which bluntly notes: "Drese's roster spot will go to RHP Travis Hughes, who's being recalled from Triple-A New Orleans."
Found out what's going on: article on Nationals.com: "Armas exits early with shoulder soreness: Drese goes on 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 19" by Bill Ladson.
- Armas said that he couldn't get loose . . . The Nationals knew something was wrong when Armas' fastball was clocked in the low 80s.
That home-run by Encarnacion?: "I thought Encarnacion hit a slider for the home run," said manager Frank Robinson. "It was clocked at 83 miles per hour. And then I was told, after the inning was over, it was a fastball. He had one pitch before that, and it was clocked at 82 piles per hour. I thought that was a breaking ball. I found out it was a fastball."
- Drese: As for Drese, he has pain in the front of the shoulder. He admitted that he couldn't lift his arm all the way up while throwing his sinkers in his last start, on Aug. 18, and left his pitches up in the strike zone.
Drese was scheduled to pitch against the Cardinals on Thursday, but left-hander John Halama most likely will get the start.
ESPN thought that it was Hernandez was supposed to start Thursday, which is why I included him against Brandon Claussen in an earlier post.
Travis Hughes, then, will be taking Drese's roster spot, not place in the rotation. Well, if Halama actually starts, then he will be the first LHP to start for the Nationals this year.
Washington Post article on the Drese to DL issue can be found here.
Notes from the Minors:
Travis Hughes:
Hughes is 6'5", 235 pounds and born 5/25/78. The Minor League.com website notes that he appeared in 4 games earlier in the year for the Nationals, pitching 4.1 IP, giving up 2 hits and striking out 3, and picking up 1 win.
His stats with the New Orleans Zephyrs:
2-5, 2.97 ERA, 50 games 0 GS 12 saves 57.2 IP 44 H 24 R 19 ER 3 HR 22 BB 70 SO
Marlon Byrd:
Currently hitting .416 with New Orleans in 20 games, 77 AB. 32 hits, 6 doubles, 5 home-runs, 11 RBI, 9 walks, 7 strike-outs, 4 stolen bases, and 1 caught-stealing.
Rick Short:
Currently: .397 AVG 140 hits in 353 at-bats. 34 doubles, 1 triple, 11 home-runs, 68 RBI's.
Brandon Watson:
Currently: .354 AVG 121 hits in 342 AB. 14 doubles, 2 triples, 1 home-run, 23 RBI, 31 SB, 12 CS.
Ryan Zimmerman:
A: Savanah: .471 AVG, 4 Gs, 17 AB, 8 H, 5 R, 2 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI. 0 BB, 3 SO
AA: Harrisburg: .313 AVG, 56 Gs, 208 AB, 65 H, 37 R, 17 2B, 9 HR, 31 RBI, 11 BB, 32 SO
Washington Times article: "Zimmerman's call-up soon" by Ken Wright:
Ryan Zimmerman's meteoric rise from the University of Virginia to the Washington Nationals could be completed as early as today.
Zimmerman was picked up by the Nationals in this year's amateur draft, and has only been a professional ball-player since June.
"We'll announce it when he's coming up," Bowden said. "He's not going to be here [last night]."
Last week, Bowden instructed Senators manager Keith Bodie to move Zimmerman from third base. . . . Zimmerman has played seven games at shortstop, where he had four errors. . . . Zimmerman would have to join the Nationals by next Wednesday to be eligible for the postseason roster.
"He's played well at shortstop. He's a Gold Glove at third. He's going to be a good player, and he's a player we think can help us in this pennant race. He will be here," Bowden said.
NL EAST:
Nationals lost, Atlanta lost 10-1 to the Cubs, the Phillies overwhelmed the Giants 10-2, the Mets dominated the Diamondbacks 14-1 and the Marlins lost 11-2 against the Brewers. The Nationals are now in last place, for, I believe, the first time this year. Of course, it might be mildly more informative to point out that they are tied for fourth place with the Mets.
Braves 71-55
Phillies 68-59, 3.5 GB
Marlins 66-59, 4.5 GB
Mets 65-60, 5.5 GB
Nationals 65-60, 5.5 GB
Wild Card:
See above, plus: Houston lost 2-0 to the Padres.
Phillies 68-59
Astros 67-59, 0.5 GB
Marlins 66-59, 1.0 GB
Mets 65-60, 2.0 GB
Nationals 65-60, 2.0 GB
Brewers 62-64, 5.5 GB
Tonight:
John Patterson (7-4) vs. Ramon Ortiz (8-8, 5.44)
From earlier post:
Scouting Report:
Ortiz is in the midst of his best stretch this season. The right-hander is 2-1 in his last three starts, and he's given up three earned runs in 20 2/3 innings pitched in those contests. In his last outing, Ortiz went a season-high 7 2/3 innings against the Giants, picking up the win.
Patterson is 5-0 at home with an era of 1.67 in 13 games started (86.1 IP, 59 H, 16 ER, 1 HR, 2 HBP, 26 BB, 85 SO). Apparently, Patterson has not faced the Reds in 2005.
Nationals.com game preview. ESNP.com stat pack. SI.com preview.
Other News:
Toronoto Sun Article: " Nationals Manager Robinson Says Wipe Out Palmeiro's Statistics " by AP.
"Where do you go back, stop and say, 'OK, when did he start using steroids?' To eliminate all that, and get the players' attention, you wipe the whole thing out," Robinson told MLB.com in a story posted on the website Tuesday night. "Why put the burden on baseball to try and figure out where to go, and maybe put an asterisk? Just wipe the whole thing out."
