WBC Game Thread...U.S. vs The Netherlands - Elimination Game....Will Adam Dunn And Joel Hanrahan Be Back With DC On Monday?
Dustin Pedroia's out. The Orioles' Brian Roberts is in. The U.S. team got mercy-ruled last night, and will no doubt be looking for redemption. If the US can't beat the Netherlands tonight at 7:30 pm EST, however, it'll be the end of the WBC for Adam Dunn and "Wild" Joel Hanrahan...Do you want to see these Nationals go on in the WBC, or do you want them back in Spring Training?
Game time: 7:30 pm EST...Can Adam Dunn Save The United States?
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Definitely...
If the only concerns are injury or adjusting to new team mates then you have to want these guys to keep the WBC train rolling. The chance for injury exists whether you’re swinging in a cage, taking ground balls in practice or facing big game situations. Why wouldn’t you want to up the intensity and get Dunn facing tough competition early so he can bring that intensity back to the Nats club house. He’ll have 162 games to gel with his new team mates and I’m sure they’ll want to hear all about what it took to compete at a championship level.
As a baseball fan, I just want to see a great ball game, great pitching, a couple long-balls and some old-school small ball. And maybe another huge win by the underdogs. Let’s be honest, the mercy rule doesn’t exist for the players, it’s there to prevent the fans from having to endure the slow torture of a lop-sided game, which seems to be happening to the star-laden teams as frequently as the cannon-fodder.
This will be Dunn's first real big ballgame of '09...
I wonder if the MLB players will experience what NHL players did after the World Cup of Hockey as they return to their regular old teams…Dunn will be coming back from World-Class-competition and a “playoff atmosphere” as he described it, to a team expected to have to fight to stay out of the NL East basement…
Should be fun…
And nice cap, OKD.
eMb!!!!
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions
tough to say...
How do you measure motivation? Malcom Gladwell makes some pretty sound arguments in “Outliers” giving credence to experience. The more time spent doing something or the more exposure one has to certain situations allows one to gain an edge over someone who doesn’t have the opportunities. A good hockey example would be my hometown hero Ryan Smyth. Now with the Avalanche he has probably never been a household name in the lower 48 but for seven years in a row he Captained more Team Canada teams than most Canadian players could have even dreamt of playing for. And that leadership experience was profoundly evident in ‘06 when he sacrificed teeth and limbs to drag an otherwise hapless Edmonton Oiler team to within one game of Lord Stanley’s cup. Media types pointed to Chris Pronger as the catalyst of that run (he did after all take the Ducks to their first and likely only Stanley Cup the following season), but a lot of the players on that team and every Oiler fan pointed to Ryan Smyth as the dressing room leader that almost lifted the team out of the shadows of the dynastic team of the eighties and early nineties.
Does this mean that Dunn’s presence in the WBC will guarantee a new world order dominated by the Wahington Nationals? Probably not. But it will certainly give him the tools to recognize that success comes from bringing your A game every game, even (especially) if, the opponent is a team with absolutely nothing to lose.
Haven't read Gladwell...
…but you’re probably the third person to reference him in “conversation” recently, so I’ll have to look into his work…Smyth’s a household name in this house…granted I also stay home on Saturday nights to watch HNIC and I still get The Hockey News delivered, so…
There are other precedents for the type of influence someone who has “been there” can have…and though I hate to admit it, the first one that comes to mind is Pedro “Former Expo” Martinez’s influence on the Modern Mets, who changed noticeably when the World Series-winning free agent signed on…
Dunn didn’t bring that sort of edge with him when he came from Cincy, but I imagine that if he came back to DC later this week after having conquered the baseball world with the US team, it might rub off on some of the young Nationals…
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions
NASA
Charlie and Dave would want for us to watch. They talked about it all day. Seven minutes to liftoff.
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." George Carlin.
U.S. bats unload on Florida's Rick Van Den Hurk...3-0 U.S.
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 8:17 PM EDT reply actions
That E9 with 2 outs killed the Nethers.
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." George Carlin.
That was Wily Mo in the outfield bad by the Nether's RF...
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions
After the U.S.'s embarrassing "MERCY RULE" loss
I can’t bare to watch anymore of the U.S. in action. Go Cuba! Wait…
" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 15, 2009 8:22 PM EDT reply actions
The Japanese gave Cuba a whippin'...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions
The glove (defensive) play was a thing of beauty by Japan
That lazy a$$ catcher for Cuba has a thing or two to learn. And he was a “grizzled” veteran.
" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 15, 2009 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Going from that sweet park in San Diego to this dump in Miami is quite a downer.
Small crowd…but still outdrawing the fish.
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." George Carlin.
Petco Park is a beautiful establishment
Hell, all of San Diego is gorgeous. I’ve seen many a Padres / Mets game at Petco.
" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 15, 2009 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Best I ever did was eat at Lou & Mickey's while a game was going on at the Park.
Was with baseball hating girlfriend.
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." George Carlin.
Never frequented Lou and Mickey's
My "ex"girlfriend (from Germany) didn’t know a thing about baseball. But she loved it. ..Or did she just love those seats behind home plate that I shelled out for? Ha! Maybe she was just happy to be hangin w/her man!?
" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 15, 2009 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions
The crowd there at the game in San Diego (today) was pretty into it.
" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 15, 2009 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Dunn AB #2 coming up in 3rd...
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 8:33 PM EDT reply actions
Dunn up with D. Wright at first...
…grounds weakly into a force at second…weak enough even slow Dunn can beat it out…
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Look at those WHEELS. Dunn is a speedster. Steal second.
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." George Carlin.
Don't!
That’s the last thing the Nats need. Dunn with an injured hammy.
" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 15, 2009 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought Dunn would go through the wall after his good catch a couple innings ago in foul territory.
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." George Carlin.
I bet Roy Oswalt can gut a fish like nobody's business.
" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 15, 2009 8:49 PM EDT reply actions
That Oswalt's a l'il bulldog!!
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Down right 'gritty' / 'gutzy'
" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 15, 2009 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Zimm is so much better than Wright at 3B. Period.
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." George Carlin.
So sayeth the Washington Post as well.
" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 15, 2009 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I got into a heated argument with a friend over this just cause he showed Zim no respect....
Granted I was complaigning about Wright winning a Gold Glove with his bat!
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions
If lovin' David is wrong, I don't want to be Wright.
D. Wright has a damn good glove! Accuracy to 1st base..Meh. That’s something else entirely.
" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 15, 2009 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions
It is wrong...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions
hope that bat comes alive and the injuries are minimal this yeay...
My Fantasy Ball team’s success is riding on it.
Nasty bender gets Oswalt through another frame...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 8:54 PM EDT reply actions
Are tickets expensive?
Has the WBC priced it’s spectators out of the park? Seems like they’d be interested in filling seats. But in Toronto and now San Diego it doesn’t appear that people are coming out to see the action live.
San Diego has had more of a showing than any other venue that I've seen so far.
" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 15, 2009 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Man! This instant action reminds me of my rookie year (posting last year).
Lookin forward to the season to start!
" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 15, 2009 8:55 PM EDT reply actions
This is a darn great commercial.
Hard not to like Lincecum.
" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 15, 2009 8:56 PM EDT reply actions
And the Big Unit. Hilarious. Wang Chung...not so much
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." George Carlin.
C'mon!
Why you no likey Wang Chung? :-)
" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 15, 2009 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Jake's a class act.
" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 15, 2009 8:57 PM EDT reply actions
New Family Guy in one minute. DVR DVR DVR
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." George Carlin.
SEE YA!
" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 15, 2009 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions
"Dial It Up"
New catch phrase for the 09 season.
" (Stewie) Wait a minute. Germany is building WMD's? Then, why doesn't America go in there and kick their a$$e$? (Brian) I don't know. Maybe it's because they don't have any oil? (Stewie) Ohhhhhhh. Clap, clap, clap, clap, claaaaap. "
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Mar 15, 2009 8:59 PM EDT reply actions
I prefer...
GET’R’DUNN
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions
5-0 U.S. I guess Dunn won't have to do it himself...
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 9:10 PM EDT reply actions
True. After bottom 4 I am recording the rest and watching some non-baseball programming.
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." George Carlin.
Later...
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Dunn leads off the U.S. 5th...
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 9:24 PM EDT reply actions
Single to right...but...
Dunn gets forced out at home on a Granderson grounder…
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions
The U.S. wants to win this one early...7-0 in 5th.
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 9:37 PM EDT reply actions
Think the lead is safe...punching out...
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 9:44 PM EDT reply actions
DUNNNNNNNNNN!!!!! GOES DEEP TO STRAIGHTAWAY CENTER!! Towering HR, 8-0 USA!!
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 9:56 PM EDT reply actions
Tell me this doesn't count...Matt Lindstrom just threw behind a Netherlands' batter...
…after the previous batter stared at a HR…
There might be an international incident coming up…
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 10:27 PM EDT reply actions
Surely...
Lindstrom has thicker skin than that. Though I’m sure he’s figuring out that it’s tough to rattle the Dutch.
Apparently not, Lindstrom threw right at the guy's backside...
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Do they wear wooden spikes? Tulips? Windmills?
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." George Carlin.
That's pretty much the extent of my Netherlands repertoire, or I'd love to add something...
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Now Lindstrom's injured...
Ugh, I know they’re gonna bring Hanrahan into this mess…
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I forgot about Amsterdam. I hear that's pretty good.
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." George Carlin.
Phew, John Grabow instead of Hanny...
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope this new pitcher's not dumb enough to throw at Youkilis...
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Someone just poured water down Dunn's back while he's being interviewed...
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 10:42 PM EDT reply actions
Dunn didn't flinch, a true pro, that Dunn...
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Someone = LaTroy Hawkins...
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Guess Dunn won't be in camp with DC tomorrow...
…neither will Josh Towers or Justin Maxwell acc. to MLB.com’s Bill Ladson.
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 10:47 PM EDT reply actions
The Jesus Flores bit at the end sort of worries me...
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." George Carlin.
Looks pretty much over.
Thanks for the fun thread ed. I hope to be around during the regular season as well if you’ll have me. Dropped you an email earlier today about Dukes. Hope to hear back if you have a chance. Have a great night and GO NATS!
I'll have a response for you tonight, thinking about it...
…and the official team cheer is…
Let’s Go Nats Go!! (a combination of Let’s Go Nats, and Go Habs Go! to pay tribute to the Montreal roots of the franchise!)
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 Patrick Reddington on Mar 15, 2009 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Terrific, thanks.
The wife is a huge Habs fan. She’s cousins with Brian Bellows from the ’93 Cup team.
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