Stephenom! Washington Nationals' Stephen Strasburg Hits Triple Digits In Arizona.
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 10:15 AM EST
76 comments
Strasburg LIVE in Surprise, Arizona...
At the end of a long strip mall, palm tree and box car lined stretch of Arizona asphalt, tucked away behind shopping centers, restaurants and car washes galore is the only lush green grass to be seen for miles around, on the field at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona. Stephen Strasburg made his fourth AFL start there Monday afternoon in front of 400-500 fans, scouts and even one MLB team President, or as one local fan described it to me, "More people than I've ever seen at one of these games." "Why are there so many people here?" a nearby fan asked as he overheard our conversation, "That's why," the local gentlemen said, pointing to the triple-digit speed readings flashing on the scoreboard, "People still get excited about seeing someone throw over 100 mph."
(cont.)...
Four of Stephen Strasburg's first 6 pitches hit triple digits, and in the first inning, Strasburg, who was ahead 3-0 before even taking the mound, topped out at 101 mph as he struck out leadoff batter, gave up a one-out single and then got a DP grounder to bring a scoreless first frame to a close. The crowd watched, oohed and aahed as Strasburg delivered one buzzing fastball after another, most of which were in the high '90's with a few dropping as low as 92.
Strasburg's heater hit a hundred twice in the second inning, once for strike three and a swinging K from Mets' IF/OF Nick Evans, who's already played 80 major league games, and again as he walked Rangers' catcher Taylor Teagarden, who has 76 MLB games under his belt. Another swinging K from the Kansas City Royals' top-rated prospect, (according to Baseball America), Mike Moustakas, was followed by a two-out single, and then a weak groundout as Strasburg retired the final batter of his second scoreless frame.
The Nationals' '09 No. 1 overall pick hit 100 just once in the third as he retired the Rafters' batters in order, but all but one of his fastballs came in at 98 or 99, and he remained in the high 90's as he retired three of the four batters he faced in the fourth with only Teagarden's two-out single disrupting Strasburg's flow. A leadoff double in the fifth by Yankees' first base prospect Brandon Laird was the only extra base hit Strasburg allowed, and he might have been held to a long single if Desert Dogs' left fielder Corey Brown hadn't made an ill-advised dive at the liner. Two groundouts later Laird scored the only run Strasburg surrendered, and he was still in the high-90's as his outing came to a close.
• Strasburg's Line: (W, 3-1), 5.28 ERA, 5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's, 68 pitches, 43 strikes, 9 groundouts, 0 flyouts, 19 batters faced.
After Strasburg, the Nationals' pitching prospects filed out one after another, since, as I mentioned in the opening paragraph, Washington's team President, Stan Kasten, was in attendance to see how the Nationals' prospects were progressing. Brad Wilk...I mean, Josh Wilkie, threw a scoreless sixth, and Jeff Mandel pitched the eighth, surrendering a run on two hits after giving up a leadoff triple that scored on an RBI groundout, and then the Nationals' closer of the future Drew Storen, Washington's second 1st Round pick, pitched a 1-2-3 ninth which saw the former Stanford Cardinal closer dial his fastball up as high as 97 mph and mix in some brutal 83-89 mph benders and sliders as he retired the Rafters in order to end Strasburg's third win.
• Final Score - Desert Dogs 10, Rafters 2. - MLB.com GameDay (w/ Pitch FX!!)
Desert Dogs now 12-6.
(ed. note - "I'll be reporting LIVE from Phoenix Municipal Stadium for the next two days, but rather than set up a GameThread, I'll just put the comments in this post since all the Nationals' pitchers threw today and it'll be just the fielders (if they play) in the lineup tomorrow.")
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I wonder ...
What does a 101 mph pitch SOUND like LOL
by d_c_guy on Nov 3, 2009 11:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
In the time I spent sitting behind home, you could hear it, i'd be frightened as a batter....
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 12:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
nice game wrap
did you say hi to Stan for me?
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com
by Dave at Nats News Network on Nov 3, 2009 11:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
No, when he was out in the promenade he was mobbed and he was seated in a section...
…that was roped off for MLB and AFL scouts only…Boo! I was going to ask him to just let me know who the next manager will be and promise I wouldn’t tell anyone…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 11:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Latest from Bowden:
JimBowdenIV: The Los Angeles Dodgers have declined the Nationals permission to talk with Don Mattingly as he does not have interest in the Nats Opening
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 1:58 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
All that Donnie talk for nothing......
I wonder if Kasten and Rizzo are going to call a huge press conference to announce Riggler?
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."
by cat daddy3000 on Nov 3, 2009 4:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
GIBSON!!
[fist pump]
"And everybody lived happily ever after. Except the Phillies and the Mets. The End." --Sasskuash
Friend of Dukes and Desmond #3
by Doghouse on Nov 3, 2009 4:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
not mentioned anywhere lately.........sigh...
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."
by cat daddy3000 on Nov 3, 2009 5:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He hasn't been mentioned anyhwhere...
Oh, except his extension with AZ…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 5:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
You gotta BELIEVE!
Coffee helps.
"And everybody lived happily ever after. Except the Phillies and the Mets. The End." --Sasskuash
Friend of Dukes and Desmond #3
by Doghouse on Nov 3, 2009 5:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There's always the dark horse...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 5:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Marrero at first, Espinosa at short...
Espinosa just missed a sharp grounder and the batter (Dyson KC) took second on a lazy play by the LFer…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 2:41 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Espinosa just erased Dyson, throwing to third when...
Dyson ran on a grounder to short…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 2:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Crow just got Espinosa swinging...
…but Marrero beat the Rafters’ 2nd baseman to the hole with a two-out single.
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 2:56 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Espinosa's got one heck of an arm on him...
Can already see a little evidence of the footwork issues people have mentioned with Marrero…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 3:02 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Heh, Marrero just Belliarded a grounder to first....
The old field, drop and field again!! Got the out though…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 3:22 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
This has to be the best baseball site dedicated to one team in the country
Live coverage from the AFL! Thanks ED.
"What you know is often the enemy of what you can learn" Bill James
by PhDBrian on Nov 3, 2009 3:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, Brian.
Missed dive on a line drive just cost Crow two more runs…and he’s done for the day…4-2 D-Dogs…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 3:46 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Yaaay, D-Dawgs!
Boo, Crow!
"And everybody lived happily ever after. Except the Phillies and the Mets. The End." --Sasskuash
Friend of Dukes and Desmond #3
by Doghouse on Nov 3, 2009 4:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Big HR out of park onto highway and a passed ball with a runner on 3rd...
…and it’s 4-4 in the 5th…
Now do I check out early and do some sightseeing or stay for end???
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 4:06 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Doesn't sound like it's as well played a game as yesterday.......with a bunch of nobodys...
I’d go for sightseeing…..
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."
by cat daddy3000 on Nov 3, 2009 4:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Casa Grande is an hour away, have to leave soon to make it...
Or i’m going to check out a desert botanical garden across highway from park…
Still 4-4 after 5 and a 1/2…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 4:26 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Well, Marrero left two on base and it's still tied.......
I have errands to run, so enjoy whatever you choose…….
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."
by cat daddy3000 on Nov 3, 2009 4:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There's a nice botanical park around the Biltmore, but
the truly spectacular sight is the Canyon de Chelly…many miles away…out beyond Chinle and Ganado, out on the Res.
You could go up to Sedona, but it’s overrun by trust babies and the crystal people, and just too precious. Pretty scenery, though.
Or you could go up to Flagstaff and probably see snow and breathe the crispest, freshest air around. Very old West flavor. Ditto for Tucson if you
re heading south.
Have fun!
F.O.D. & D. #1(Friend of Dukes and Desmond)
by MissB on Nov 3, 2009 4:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the ideas Miss B.
Jardin du Chine in Montreal was one of my favorite stops in Montreal back in Expos days, got all afternoon and tomorrow to drive around, have to see something other than ballparks and highways…
Rafters take 5-4 lead in 7th…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 4:49 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Scratch one 2B option off the list....... per MLBTR
Rays are on the verge of trading Akinori Iwamura to the Pirates. $4.85MM option for the 30-year-old with a career line of .281/.354/.393 and plays a solid second base
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."
by cat daddy3000 on Nov 3, 2009 4:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Nationals today named Ron Schueler special adviser to the general manager and promoted Bill Singer to director of professional scouting.
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/
Schueler joins the Nationals after serving the previous two seasons as Senior Advisor of Player Personnel for the San Francisco Giants. Schueler is perhaps best known for an 11-year stint (1990-2000) as General Manager of the Chicago White Sox,
Singer’s new duties will include coordinating, scheduling and administering all Nationals major league, minor league and winter league scouting efforts.
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."
by cat daddy3000 on Nov 3, 2009 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
At least on the scouting end...
…people are finally willing to come to DC…now we’ll just have to see about free agents…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 4:58 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Exciting indeed
At least now we can say we’ve got 1 MPH for every Loss in the season.
I know it’s probably not the wisest idea, but I’d love to see Stras in the rotation as soon as opening day 2010.
by Andrew Davidson on Nov 3, 2009 4:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
2 on, 1 out for D-Dogs in the 7th...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 4:59 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
D-Dogs tie it in 7th on hustle single with runners on 2nd and 3rd by ???
Should’ve picked up the lineups…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 5:05 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Rays prospect Shawn O'Malley was teh her0, there.
"And everybody lived happily ever after. Except the Phillies and the Mets. The End." --Sasskuash
Friend of Dukes and Desmond #3
by Doghouse on Nov 3, 2009 5:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Marrero just made a sweet pick on a throw to first on a sac bunt...
Just like Adam Dunn does it!!!
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 5:29 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Still tied after 8, I can't leave now...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 5:31 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
This is a great read, thanks Ed!
Put in Storen!
by John Quinn on Nov 3, 2009 5:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No DC pitchers even in pen, been in dugout all day...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 5:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Marrero just made another sweet pic on a low throw...
Fell down face first in stretch but still made play…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 5:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Do they sell Desert Dog caps down there?
This is completely off topic, but I was wondering if there were any Desert Dog caps (or other AFL caps) for sale in Arizona?
I’ve searched the internet and found nothing in stock… it seems New Era used to sell them a year or two ago but stopped.
by cassander on Nov 3, 2009 5:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
They do...in fact...I bought one for a future trivia contest...
…and one for myself of course…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 5:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Cool!
Any idea who I should call if I’d like to order one by phone?
I’d really like to get a DD cap for myself and a Sagueros cap for my brother the Braves fan.
by cassander on Nov 3, 2009 5:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll ask the lady at the stand and get back to you...
Seems like they’re only available at parks…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 5:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Bottom of 10th...they only play 11...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 5:44 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Marrero will mash one before the game ends...
You heard it here first
by cassander on Nov 3, 2009 5:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What is this, tee ball!?
There is BASEBALL to be played, gentlemen!
by John Quinn on Nov 3, 2009 5:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Heh, Not one GM in baseball will agree with you when it comes to prospects' arms...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 5:56 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Espinosa and Marrero due up in 11th then it's over if still tied...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 5:49 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Rangers' prospect Lemon doubles on go ahead run...
Be up to DC boys to tie it…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 5:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Espinosa flies out on first pitch...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 6:04 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Marrero flies to center...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 6:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Cassander...Caps only available at Parks...
Rafters win…one more game for me tomorrow then it’s back to NJ and work…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 6:16 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Los Tigres down 6-1 in the 4th to Los Estrellas
Daniel Cabrera gives up 5 runs on 8 hits to 11 batters, including a 2-run homer to Fernando Tatis in 1.1 innings of “work”………
Ian Desmond (.171) is 0-3 after grounding out in the 5th…….
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."
by cat daddy3000 on Nov 3, 2009 8:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
6-2 final as Desmond (.167) grounds out to drive in a run...........
DWL doesn’t compare to AFL Strasburg…
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."
by cat daddy3000 on Nov 3, 2009 9:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Why would they even let DC back in the country?
You’d think his picture would be up in the airport in Santo Domingo with ¡No Pasaran! next to it… He could bring an epidemic of suck with him that could devastate an entire nation of prospects.
"And everybody lived happily ever after. Except the Phillies and the Mets. The End." --Sasskuash
Friend of Dukes and Desmond #3
by Doghouse on Nov 3, 2009 11:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think this is called softening up the beach for the big announcement.... New laptop for Riggles!!!
http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/chatter/2009/nov/03/mattingly-out-of-the-running/
Washington ownership also is reluctant to spend top dollar on its manager, according to club sources, which would likely eliminate any high-profile candidates like Bobby Valentine or Buck Showalter, despite interest from both former managers in the job.
Besides Riggleman, the only other known candidate is former Mariners and Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin, who has spoken to Rizzo in recent weeks but could be more attractive as a bench coach.
Within the Nationals organization, the move seems to be toward the status quo. Club sources expect a decision to come shortly after the World Series, and one said none of the coaches from last season’s staff are pursuing other openings, having been told by Rizzo they were all assured of jobs somewhere within the organization.
All members of the coaching staff, including Riggleman, were without contracts as of Oct. 31. But the team recently supplied Riggleman with new electronic equipment, and club sources also said Riggleman has identified potential staff members who, combined with holdovers from last season, could fill out a coaching staff relatively soon.
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."
by cat daddy3000 on Nov 3, 2009 9:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Right, the status quo....
…because that’s been working pretty well.
"And everybody lived happily ever after. Except the Phillies and the Mets. The End." --Sasskuash
Friend of Dukes and Desmond #3
by Doghouse on Nov 3, 2009 11:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This is the part that kills me...
“Washington ownership also is reluctant to spend top dollar on its manager, according to club sources, which would likely eliminate any high-profile candidates like Bobby Valentine or Buck Showalter, despite interest from both former managers in the job.”
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 3, 2009 11:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That's really the first I've seen reported that Bobby V. was interested in the job.
CHEAP!!!………..Lerners are CHEAP!!!!
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."
by cat daddy3000 on Nov 3, 2009 11:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Grr
Im more annoyed that the fantastic coaches…who did so much to improve the Nats defense will be staying on. Riggles…I can probably accept is a caretaker for a year or 2…but some of those guys coaching needed a kick in the butt to improve some of the defensive skills.
I think we all knew it would come down to Riggles… I would have liked to have a manager called Buck.
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
by Mezza on Nov 3, 2009 11:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
One of my favourite managers was named Buck........
Remember in ST where the coaches were bemoaning that the kids wouldn’t listen………. Grissom especially……..
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."
by cat daddy3000 on Nov 4, 2009 12:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Vividly CD3k!
That Grissom comment sticks with me! I’ve never forgotten the article (and was more horrified that no one made the connection that kids werent listening to coaches and were then booting routine defensive plays).
While I dont blame the coaches always – Im annoyed that more isnt done to ensure that the defense is improved. We’ve got about a dozen ground ball pitchers…it’s not rocket science to know that having a decent defensive unit would make a big difference across the board.
More Buck! Less…ok…the rhyming thing not working so well.
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
by Mezza on Nov 4, 2009 12:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What did Grissom have to teach Lasto? C'mon...(ughs)...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 4, 2009 1:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd have paid money to have Grissom teach me...
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
by Mezza on Nov 4, 2009 5:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And it wasn't rocket science to me that the starters rarely played together as a unit until the last week of ST
Even the home game lineups had too many scrubs being “evaluated” ……
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."
by cat daddy3000 on Nov 4, 2009 8:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Kasten's waiting for the Phillies to get old, then he'll make his move.........
In the meantime, he’s working on a new helmet sundae…more sprinkles should do it!!!
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."
by cat daddy3000 on Nov 3, 2009 11:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Rainbow or just chocolate? The sprinkles that is?
I just wish I knew the process, how do you look at all the manager options and decided that Jim Riggleman and his career 555-694 record as a Manager is just what the Nationals need? He managed the ‘93 Padres to a 61-101 record…and the Cubs to records of 76-86, 68-94, 90-73 (in his one playoff year, and I’m not mentioning K. Wood) and 67-95 from ‘96-99 in his only full-seasons at the helm of a team…what about that says that he’s the guy who can turn the Nationals around? Are there some intangibles that I’m missing? His one trip to the postseason in ’93 ended in an NLDS loss to the Braves…in 3-straight…
And about the 7-game win streak to end the season? Yeah, statistical anomalies like losing 7 to start, winning 7 to finish are amusing, but the last 7 games were played against the god-awful Mets and a Braves team that had just been officially eliminated from playoff contention…
Riggleman managed DC to a 33-42 record in 75 games…Manny Acta’s record in the last 75 games of 2008? Acta won 25-49 of the last 75…add a seven game win streak…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 4, 2009 12:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fair point.
I think that his sole positive is more in terms of experience. I dont deny that the record doesnt send the message that we’re shooting for the stars next season (im not entirely sure we’re shooting for anything other than the Arizona Fall League)… but I do think that Riggles has some XP to share and has a fair degree of longevity. My sole reason I’d take Riggles over someone like Mattingly (which isnt interested) is that he HAS a MLB managers record (and well over a 1000 games at that).
No doubt that I would have preferred a Bobby V and Buck to manage instead – given they could signal a sense of ambition and impatience from the FO in bringing some success to DC.
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
by Mezza on Nov 4, 2009 12:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure that Mattingly was the best option either, though I admit being excited by the idea at one point....
…then I looked into his history and started to wonder myself if another novice manager was exactly what the team needed…just the idea of another season aiming for .500 like Manny said going into the ’09 campaign drives me crazy…how many times can I be told to “Just wait for it to happen”…I see the makings of a competitive roster here and just want someone who knows what to do with it…
Will Riggleman inspire confidence and turn a team into overachievers? I just don’t know…
As for experience, how about experience + success?
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 4, 2009 1:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe they value the company guy that does what he's told.......
Maybe they view the job as just a placeholder position while the real team develops. Lots of emphasis on FO scouting jobs first, so far……
What’s one more year of excuses at this point….Or, they do see giving the guy a full season to see if his post-game talks and pre-game practicing make a difference…
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."
by cat daddy3000 on Nov 4, 2009 8:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
"Maybe they view the job as just a placeholder position"
That’s exactly what I’m afraid of…have two years of Riggleman and then another new manager, or Riggleman fails to inspire, and the Nationals fire him mid-season and another new regime, coaches, approach to hitting, pitching, everything starts all over again…can’t keep doing that and hope to have any sort of stability…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Ed Chigliak on Nov 4, 2009 10:42 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Washington Nationals Groundhogs…….
Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"Freakish things are happening."
by cat daddy3000 on Nov 4, 2009 2:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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