Navigation: Jump to content areas:

Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire Vow To Fit In With Lin

Game Thread: Washington Nationals at Florida Marlins- 2008 Game 85 of 162. "The Balester Era Begins..."

Rizzo__kasten_and_chigliak_tiny by Patrick Reddington on

Washington Nationals at Miami Marlins, Jul 1, 2008 7:10 PM EDT


The Nationals look to rebound from a tough late-inning loss to the Marlins' last night that saw them blo...

Awww...Who am I kidding? It's all about Collin Balester tonight, as the Washington Nationals' 22-year old right-hander, an Expos' selection in the 4th Round of the 2004 Draft, 144th Overall, makes his Major League debut under the Curly "W". 

Before being called to DC, Balester was having his best season in the Nationals' system, posting a (9-3) record and 4.00 ERA in 15 starts and 78.2 IP, with wins in 8 of his last 10 starts and a (4-0) record through four starts in June, in which he's allowed 22 hits, 7 ER's and 6 walks, while collecting 19 K's in 22.1 innings. 

DC GM Jim Bowden reportedly challenged Balester this Spring, telling the young right-hander, according to Washington Post writer Chico Harlan's article entitled, "Injuries Force Teams to Rely on Youngsters":

"'If you want to get to us," he told Balester, 'you have to win. I don't want to see .500 down there with great stuff. What does that do for me?'"

Tough talk from the GM, is Bowden a .500 -GM thus far with his trades and acquisitions? Well the talking's done, let's see what the kid can do? Balester opposes the Marlins' 34-year old lefty, who makes his 153rd Major League start, and 197th overall appearance. Show'em what ya got, Balester...I'm late, let's go...

Comment 112 comments  |  0 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

DC Starting Lineup...

Bernadina CF
The Guzzz SS
DUKES!! RF
DY 1B
Ronnie B. 3B
PLoD C
WMP LF
FLop 2B
Collin, Collin, Balester, Balester…

Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...

by Patrick Reddington on Jul 1, 2008 7:04 PM EDT reply actions  

95 mph heaters, a 76 mph curve, Lo Duca gets a full-count curve out of Balester, who throws an eventful 1st MLB inning...

Balester breaks his first bat, has the first error commited with him on the mound, a Nationals’ right of passage, and then he hits his first batter, smacking Willingham in theback with a curve…0-0 after one.

Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...

by Patrick Reddington on Jul 1, 2008 7:32 PM EDT reply actions  

According to ESPN.com's team split stats...

The Nationals are batting .248 as a team against left-handers…1 for 10 through three tonight…

Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...

by Patrick Reddington on Jul 1, 2008 7:54 PM EDT reply actions  

PLoD, WMP-E, and FLop...some bottom of the order...

...sometimes it sounds like I hate the Nationals…But I love DC’s Nationals…

Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...

by Patrick Reddington on Jul 1, 2008 8:20 PM EDT reply actions  

RBI single Lopez!

The ESPN K zone shows the single was WAY outta the zone.. and PLoD scores…from 2B?!

by CptChaosSidekick on Jul 1, 2008 8:20 PM EDT reply actions  

Lot of MLB Firsts for Balester...

First pitch.
First Hit Batter.
First K.
First Error While On the Mound.
First run allowed.
First walk.
First Sac Bunt.
First Wild Pitch.
First Time Working out of a tough spot.

Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...

by Patrick Reddington on Jul 1, 2008 8:44 PM EDT reply actions  

2 on, 0 outs for the Marlins in the 7th...

AAWWWWW! This is all my fault…

Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...

by Patrick Reddington on Jul 1, 2008 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm sorry, Mystical Fates. I've obviously offended you. I sincerely apologize.

Hanley Ramirez destroys a full-count fastball…DEEEEEP to left for a three-run blast. 6-4 DC in the 7th.

Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...

by Patrick Reddington on Jul 1, 2008 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Belliard walks. Lo Duca singles. Bases loaded for pinch hitter Kory Casto!! (clapclap)...

Casto grounds to first, Jacobs throws…wide of home plate!! Dukes scores. Everyone safe.

Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...

by Patrick Reddington on Jul 1, 2008 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

7-4 DC.

Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...

by Patrick Reddington on Jul 1, 2008 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

MANNING!!!

When in doubt, blame PLoD

by Doghouse on Jul 1, 2008 9:55 PM EDT reply actions  

Love that Belliard.

Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...

by Patrick Reddington on Jul 1, 2008 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

Being let down by the bullpen is another rite of passage for a Nats starter...

...just like the errors. All this offense this game is to break him in gently.

When in doubt, blame PLoD

by Doghouse on Jul 1, 2008 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

AYALA!

You had to get tempting the Fates, didn’t you? If they lose, this is YOUR fault for bringing on the hoodoo.

When in doubt, blame PLoD

by Doghouse on Jul 1, 2008 9:59 PM EDT reply actions  

C'mon Ayala!!! Hermida chases strike three!! I avoid...

BLAME!!!! For one more inning, c’mon!!!

Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...

by Patrick Reddington on Jul 1, 2008 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

C'mon, we need 4 or 5 insurance runs!

You think about what you did last night, Mr. Rauch, and you do better this time!

When in doubt, blame PLoD

by Doghouse on Jul 1, 2008 10:07 PM EDT reply actions  

Barring pinchers...

It’s Cantu, The Hammer, and Jacobs.

Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...

by Patrick Reddington on Jul 1, 2008 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Belliyard is on fire!

At this rate his OPS+ is going to be over 100 by the next Tuesday Nats Stats.

When in doubt, blame PLoD

by Doghouse on Jul 1, 2008 10:09 PM EDT reply actions  

No Whammy, No Whammy, No Whammy...STOP!!!

Wah, wah, wahhhh…Flores K’s.

Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...

by Patrick Reddington on Jul 1, 2008 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

We Press Our Luck every night with the Nats...

Nice outing by Balester, though.

When in doubt, blame PLoD

by Doghouse on Jul 1, 2008 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well played.

Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...

by Patrick Reddington on Jul 1, 2008 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

HOW DO THEY KEEP HITTING?!

Now it’s 1-2…

When in doubt, blame PLoD

by Doghouse on Jul 1, 2008 10:19 PM EDT reply actions  

I'm glad Balester got his win first time out.

I just hope he doesn’t start to expect it…

When in doubt, blame PLoD

by Doghouse on Jul 1, 2008 10:23 PM EDT reply actions  

In the words of the smuggler Han Solo:

“Great kid, Don’t get cocky!!”

Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...

by Patrick Reddington on Jul 1, 2008 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's a trap!

No, wait, that’s not applicable…

When in doubt, blame PLoD

by Doghouse on Jul 1, 2008 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Later, Ed.

Let’s Go Nats Go!

When in doubt, blame PLoD

by Doghouse on Jul 1, 2008 10:28 PM EDT reply actions  

I like compromise.

Everything I say is a "little" sarcastic...

by Patrick Reddington on Jul 1, 2008 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed

Search

User Tools

Welcome to the SB Nation's blog about the Washington Nationals. Federalbaseball.com Trying To Make Every Fan A Nationals' Fan.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Small
Federal Baseball Singers?

by d_c_guy 7 days ago

36 comments | 4 recs

Recent FanPosts

Meh_small
Stringing together paragraphs on the Lannan dilemma

by Pig.Pen about 21 hours ago

7 comments

Small
A Fan's Take of the Offense

by Dizzy_Dean 4 days ago

4 comments

Img_0257_small
Getting set for the season some questions from a new fan..

by rwells87 5 days ago

7 comments

Lombardozzi_small
An interest in a NL only auction/keeper fantasy league?

by jeff550 7 days ago

12 comments

Screen_shot_2010-06-09_at_11
What was wrong with Jayson Werth?

by Nationalpastime9 7 days ago

80 comments

Small
Mr Jackson goes to Washington

by Baseballs_econ 8 days ago

1 comments

Small
Potential CF trade targets

by chubias 11 days ago

62 comments

Coverphoenix_small
Stupidly Early Projections for 2012 Playoffs

by Jorgath 11 days ago

21 comments

Stan_frown_small
19 Year Olds Stink

by Avar 15 days ago

111 comments | 2 recs

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Recent Posts

GAMETHREAD SPONSOR

Masn_medium

In Association With

Baseball Nation Recent Stories

PHILADELPHIA , PA: Roy Oswalt #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Braves 3-2. (Photo by Len Redkoles/Getty Images)

Do Royals Have The Rotation To Compete With Tigers?

Former Boston Red Sox Josh Reddick follows through on a double against the Texas Rangers during the second inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park. Reddick had four hits in the game. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

The Oakland Athletics' Crowded Outfield

Manager Joe Maddon of the Tampa Bay Rays directs his team against the Detroit Tigers during the game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) +1 updates

Rays Manager Joe Maddon Nears Contract Extension

More from Baseball Nation >

Ministry of Peace

Rizzo__kasten_and_chigliak_small Patrick Reddington

Ministry of Truth: Records Department (Editor)

Ws1_small Winston Smith

Ministry of Plenty

Teddy_clip_small Doghouse

Banner_small Dave at District Sports Page

Youppi_040618_mon_a_small bluelineswinger