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Spring Training - Game Thread: Houston At Washington. Nationals Make Cuts, Set '09 Starting Rotation.

A Tale Of Three Starters...

Last night, at Port St. Lucie, Florida's Tradition Field, New York Mets' ace Johan Santana threw 7.0 innings against the Washington Nationals in which he allowed just 4 hits and 1 ER, going up against the Nationals' Opening Day starter John Lannan, who held it close at 2-1 NY through five, but got in trouble the sixth when he issued a leadoff walk to Luis Castillo:

"Luis Castillo takes a high 3-1 pitch for a leadoff walk in the sixth. Castillo’s running as David Wright lines a single to left. Carlos Delgado flies to Josh Willingham in left, who starts back and charges in to make the grab. Carlos Beltran skies a fly ball to Lastings Milledge in center. Two down, Fernando Tatis takes a fastball back up the middle for a two-out RBI single. 3-1 Mets..."

Lannan was out after the sixth, giving up 7 hits,1 BB and 3 ER, with 2 K's, 12 ground ball outs, and 4 fly outs from the 26 batters he faced. Santana, in only his third start of the Spring, retired the last 10 batters he faced and probably could've pitched a complete game, but Francisco Rodriguez and Pedro Feliciano needed some work...

Meanwhile...

In Fort Worth, Texas' Fulton Stadium, San Diego State University starter Stephen Strasburg surrendered 2 ER on 3 H, (1 a HR) in 8.0 IP against the nationally ranked TCU Horned Frogs. Strasburg struck out 14 Horned Frogs in his fifth win, and is now (5-0) in six starts and 42.1 IP this season, over which he's now allowed 24 hits, 9 R, 8 earned and 8 walks while collecting 88 K's and posting a 1.70 ERA, holding opponents to a .161 AVG. (ed.  note - "I'll not mention who else is pitching in Ft. Worth these days, for those of you who don't remember or have chosen to forget...")

John Lannan Learns Who His Opening Day Opponent On The Mound Will Be...

Florida Marlins' Manager Fredi Gonzalez announced Friday that Ricky Nolasco would take the mound in Dolphin Stadium next Monday, April the 6th, to face John Lannan and the Washington Nationals in the first game of each team's 2009 season. According to MLB.com writer Joe Frisaro's article entitled, "Marlins give Nolasco nod in opener", the Marlins' Manager saw the start as a way to repay Nolasco, who, "...was outstanding for us last year, 200-something innings...He earned that, for me." 

When the Washington Nationals announced that John Lannan would get the Opening Day start, it was the "Acting" GM Mike Rizzo who explained the decision to MLB.com's Bill Ladson in an article entitled, "Nats tap Lannan for Opening Day start", in which Mr. Rizzo praised Lannan's:

"...command of all his pitches, the poise on the mound beyond his years and his competitiveness of the mound."

Lannan told Washington Post writer Chico Harlan last night, in a post game Nationals Journal post entitled, "The Mets Feel Like The Mets", that he was ready for Opening Day, which is now just over a week away, and the 24-year-old lefty, thinks he's peaking at just the right time:

"All my pitches were working. I only threw one curveball, but change-up felt good, fastball, I was able to locate it, and -- did I say change-up already? My slider was working, too."

But before Lannan and Nolasco and the Nationals and Marlins meet on April 6th...

Stephen Strasburg's next start...is April 3rd at Petco Park...

But Before Any of That...

The Washington National welcome the Houston Astros to Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Florida for a 1:05 pm EST start this afternoon. DC lefty Scott Olsen is expected to pitch for the home team against the Astros' Jose Capellan. 

Breaking News: Nationals Make Cuts...

According to Washington Post writer Chico Harlan, in a Nationals Journal post entitled, "Martis, Zimmerman Make Rotation, Pena Place On Waivers", the Washington Nationals have officially announced that Shairon Martis and Jordan Zimmermann will fill in the fourth and fifth spots in the Nationals' '09 rotation, with Zimmermann to start the season in Triple-A and return when the 5th starter is needed in several weeks.

The Nationals also announced that they had placed Wily Mo Pena on waivers, and assigned Collin Balester to Triple-A Syracuse. Jose Castillo and Corey Patterson were assigned to Minor League camp, while one of the three catchers who was battling for a backup spot behind Jesus Flores (who is scheduled to return today), Javier Valentin opted for free agency rather that accept his demotion. 

More on the moves when it's avaiable...

Who's Watching/Listening To/Or Otherwise Following The Nationals? 

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I’ll be on the road all day. Looks like Houston is broadcasting on radio so you XM folks should be in luck.

I wish I had one of those fancy iPhones. I’ll catch up with all the excitement tonight. You smart fellers have a good day.

by ROSCOEtheNATSfan on Mar 28, 2009 11:48 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

NO XM Either...

I’ll follow along on the box score…for anyone looking to see what’s happening…

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 Mar 28, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bally-STAR!!!! NO!!!!!

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 Mar 28, 2009 11:53 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

If this makes you feel any better....... "the annual "Good grief, Daniel Cabrera sucks!" replacement starter."

From: http://nats3play.blogspot.com/

New Look Nats Take Shape
4. Collin Balester was not born in Syracuse, did not choose Syracuse, but rather had Syracuse thrust upon him.

Analysis: Collin is pretty much the sum total of the Nationals pitching depth. (I do not count Kip Wells, and neither should you.) We’ll be seeing him again, either as a replacement for one of his fellow struggling youngsters or as the annual “Good grief, Daniel Cabrera sucks!” replacement starter.

by cat daddy3000 on Mar 28, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Today's Lineup

Harris — 8
Guzman — 6
Zimmerman — 5
Dunn — 7
Dukes — 9
Johnson — 3
Flores — 2
Cintron — 4
Olsen — 1

Scheduled pitchers
Olsen
Tavarez
Beimel
Colome

by cat daddy3000 on Mar 28, 2009 12:03 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

#3, aka Scott Olsen's on the mound...

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 Mar 28, 2009 1:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Should be fighting for a roster spot.......

Singles, wild pitch, stolen base……. #6!!!

by cat daddy3000 on Mar 28, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

2 singles, a stolen base, a wild pitch, a fun 1st for Olsen, 1-0 Astros.

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 Mar 28, 2009 1:29 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I do like the look of 3-6 in Ds order...

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 Mar 28, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

D's = DC's 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 Mar 28, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can't wait to get home and put the roster on paper...

…so I can really look at what today’s moves mean…

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 Mar 28, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

1-2-3 2nd for Olsen...

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 Mar 28, 2009 1:36 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Dunn doubles, Nick Johnson singles, Alex "I'm Still Here" Cintron triples both it, 2-1 DC after two...

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 Mar 28, 2009 1:48 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

You're right, how'd I miss Jesus!!! 2-1 DV

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 Mar 28, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

And by DV I of course mean DC...

Stupid iPhone

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 Mar 28, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

No new DY news was there?

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 Mar 28, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oops, Harlan just reported, "D. Young Added To 40-Man Roster"

Young takes Wily Mo Pena’s spot on the 40-man roster. “…chances of cracking the Opening Day roster "less than 50-50,” Rizzo said."

by cat daddy3000 on Mar 28, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Casto? That's the name I expected to see this morning...

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 Mar 28, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm thinking they'll wait until that last day, so he'll clear waivers...

Because it would be a shame not to give him the week to latch on somewhere else.

by cat daddy3000 on Mar 28, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Read that yesterday...

…thought maybe they’d thought twice…

DY for ’09 Comeback POY!!!

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 Mar 28, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Guzman with 2 errors 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 Ed Chigliak on Mar 28, 2009 2:01 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Man, the General's D gets me excited...

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 Mar 28, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

When does Dunn start being Awesome?

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 Mar 28, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, that's the Big White Donkey in the Room, now isn't it?

What’d he not do now? Gameday hasn’t unfrozen yet………….

Yikes, another E-6……. that’s 3, so far…

by cat daddy3000 on Mar 28, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

What's up with Guzman???

…not even NJ at first can help…

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 Mar 28, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Big Donkey likes being taunted...

Adam Dunn – “Shake n Bake!!!”

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 Mar 28, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cintron's 2nd triple comes with bases loaded, clears'em, 5-3 DC

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 Mar 28, 2009 2:36 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Think AK and Hammer will accept bench roles?

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 Mar 28, 2009 2:41 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Those Hammer quotes had a play me or move me undertone...

…that’s how I read it at least…this young kid Bonifacio? Or something like that…looks really good, maybe the Fish like Hammer??

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 Mar 28, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Honestly, I'd be pissed too...if I were him...

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 Mar 28, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just read that again...that's the funniest line of the day by far...

I think my new comment signature is going to be:

“A Jim Bowden Handshake Gets You In the Door.”

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 Mar 28, 2009 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Joshua David Willingham does not think it is funny.

A handshake? He gotta handshake? I didn’t get a handshake. Why didn’t I get a handshake??? I didn’t know you had to have a handshake…….
********
"A Jimbo handshake is better than a Valerie Berti…………… D’Oh!!!

by cat daddy3000 on Mar 29, 2009 1:11 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Olsen after 5.0 IP...4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2K's, 0 BB.

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 Mar 28, 2009 2:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

And Julian replaces him in the 6th after a walk with 2 out..........

Defensive subs….. WH to 2nd, Dukes to CF, Dunn to 1B, and Hammer and Kearns to their corners….

by cat daddy3000 on Mar 28, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wonder what analogy Tavarez will come up with to describe first appearance?

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 Mar 28, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dunn at first...please no?

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 Mar 28, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

He made the play unassisted........

Grounders to SS for the rest of the game now scare me…….

by cat daddy3000 on Mar 28, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Guzz has the yips...

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 Mar 28, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Take out Cintron? Where will the O-ffense come from...

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 Mar 28, 2009 3:15 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

C'mon Kearnsie?

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 Mar 28, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Walks after the Hammer single........ Willie singles and Guz flies out with the bases loaded.

Tavarez K’s on a bunt attempt, and is in trouble in the 7th….. But gets out of it. Two singles and two K’s and another grounder scooped up by 1B Adam Dunn…………

by cat daddy3000 on Mar 28, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Long 6th as usual...must be a lunch time for scoreboard gremlins...

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 Mar 28, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lotsa defensive changes kept the hamsters busy typing with their paws.....

Then, lunch and a nap……….. all in a pile…….. under their wheel…….

by cat daddy3000 on Mar 28, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sorry edited the Tavarez analogy after laughing for 5 minutes...

Just trying to keep it PG…that’s why I avoided original Tavarez quotes…

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 Mar 28, 2009 3:28 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hokay........... I guess I'll see the edit after I refresh..........

It better be good with a happy finish pleasant ending uh,…….. nice result……

by cat daddy3000 on Mar 28, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Aw, deleted........

How about…….. Getting a peck on the cheek at the Sunday afternoon ice cream social from Miss Valerie Bertinelli before realizing she was eating a diet sherbert and is now in bikini-shape?

by cat daddy3000 on Mar 28, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dukes steals second in 7th, 2 on, 2 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 Ed Chigliak on Mar 28, 2009 3:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

WWJD?

Grounds 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 Ed Chigliak on Mar 28, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sorry, Dukes scored on error...on Hammer's hit...6-3 DC.

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 Mar 28, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Beimel gives up 1 hit in scoreless frame...bring on Hanrahan!!!

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 Mar 28, 2009 3:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Wait, DUNN to 1B is defensive sub?

And Hammer to LF? Well, he’s not as bad as Dunn, I guess, and TAWH was already playing somewhere else…

"We’re all neighbors in NatsTown™!" --NNN

by Doghouse on Mar 28, 2009 3:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Sorry, threw up a little when I saw the words "Dunn" and "defensive replacement" combined...

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 Mar 28, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for the updates, Cat Daddy! Gotta check in at work before I leave...

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 Mar 28, 2009 4:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Wish I'd created it...it was created long before me...

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 Mar 28, 2009 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bloody coup d'etat?

Thanks for running the place…… and sweeping up.

by cat daddy3000 on Mar 29, 2009 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

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