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Around SBN: Jeremy Lin's Game-Winner Was Incredible, Worth Remembering

Bases Loaded Wild Pitch Leads To Washington's 7th Straight Loss, Pirates 2 Nationals 1.

HEADLINES:

Lannan Does All He Can...

Pirates' third baseman Andy LaRoche hit a two-out single in the fourth and then scored when Jack Wilson doubled to left off Nationals' lefty John Lannan to make it 1-0 Pittsburgh after four, but the Nationals tied it in the bottom of the fifth when Cristian Guzman tripled and scored on Nick Johnson's single. Lannan pitched 7.0 innings and gave up just the 1 run on 7 hits and 2 walks with 5 K's collected when he was pulled for lefty Ron Villone, who worked a scoreless top of the eighth...

Hanrahan Again...

For the ninth, Nationals' Manager Manny Acta called on "Wild" Joel Hanrahan. A 1-2 pitch to pinch hitter Delwyn Young lands in front of Adam Dunn in left. Nyjer Morgan's trying to bunt, but can't and ends up lining to right on a 1-2 slider in on the fists. Freddy Sanchez  gets his bat on a 95 mph fastball and singles in front of Pirates' center fielder Nate McLouth, who singles on a 1-1 slider over the middle of the plate. Bases loaded. Pinch hitter Brandon Moss grounds a full-count pitch to first, Nick Johnson throws home for the force. Two down. Bases loaded for Adam LaRoche, Hanrahan throws a slider in the dirt, and it gets by the Nationals' catcher Wil Nieves, Freddy Sanchez scores from third. 2-1 Pirates. Hanrahan issues another walk before ending the Pittsburgh ninth. Matt Capps comes on for Pittsburgh in the Nationals' ninth and earns a save in the 2-1 win.

Hanrahan's Line:

Hanrahan, Joel - (L, 0-2) - 1.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6.87 ERA.

Fun With Adam Dunn...(ed. note - "Just in case you don't read the game report..."):

Andy LaRoche hits a two-out single to right. Jack Wilson lines to left and Adam Dunn gets shortwalled, as the liner hits off the stands which stick out halfway to the corner in foul territory, LaRoche rounds third, and Dunn throws some odd rushed sidearm flip which is awful, and so is the relay attempt, LaRoche scores, 1-0 Pirates.

Ahhh...That was fun.

Pirates win, 2-1 Final. 

Missed The Game? The DC Faithful Were Watching...(And Making Awful Awful Jinx Jokes All Night)...In Tonight's Pirates/Nationals GameJinxThread.

For The Completists, Full Game Report After The Jump...

Nationals now 11-28.

Star-divide

Pittsburgh Pirates at Washington Nationals. Game 39 or 40 of 162. 

John Lannan throws an 89 mph 1-2 fastball by Nyjer Morgan for the first out of the game. Freddy Sanchez sends a line drive to right center for a one-out single. A one-out walk to Nate McLouth puts two on in front of Craig Monroe, who pops out to Nick Johnson at first. Lannan drops a two-strike slider away from Adam LaRoche and gets a swinging K to end the first...Cristian Guzman pops out to Nate McLouth. Nick Johnson has a Discerning Eye, and he uses it to draw a one-out walk from Pirates’ starter Paul Maholm. Ryan Zimmerman lines a fastball inside to right where Craig Monroe catches it. Maholm gets Adam Dunn swinging over a two-strike curve. 

 

Ryan Zimmerman has a grounder from Robinzon Diaz jump into his gut, and he picks up and throws off line and late. Justin Maxwell makes the catch on a long fly ball to center from Andy LaRoche. Jack Wilson’s swinging bunt drops in front of Wil Nieves who’s out of the crouch and firing to first for the second out. Lannan’s throws some cruel curves to Maholm for a swinging K...Austin Kearns lines toward the out-of-town scoreboard for a leadoff single. Ronnie Belliard K’s swinging, failing to advances Kearns into scoring position. Justin Maxwell walks in front of Wil Nieves. Andy LaRoche charges in on Nieves’ grounder and throws to first in time. Lannan gets the same curves he threw and K’s.

 

Nyjer Morgan rips a liner over Kearns’ head in right. Freddy Sanchez’s bunt puts Morgan on third. Nate McLouth grounds to first, Nick Johnson bobbles it and takes out McLouth, Morgan stays at third. Lannan gets a fly ball to right from Craig Monroe, Kearns catches it coming in...Cristian Guzman chops one to third that avoids Andy LaRoche’s glove. Nick Johnson gets a two-strike curve he’s not expecting. Ryan Zimmerman’s a step ahead of Freddy Sanchez’s throw from his back. Instead of pitching around Dunn, Maholm throws a full-count fastball right by him. Kearns grounds out to end the threat. 

 

Adam LaRoche hits a soft line drive to short for the first out of the fourth. Robinzon Diaz grounds to Belliard. Andy LaRoche hits a two-out single to right. Jack Wilson lines to left and Adam Dunn gets shortwalled, LaRoche rounds third, and the throw in from Dunn is awful and so is the relay attempt, 1-0 Pirates. Lannan strikes out Maholm...Ronnie Belliard lines right to Nyjer Morgan in right. Justin Maxwell makes Freddy Sanchez defend himself with a liner for the second out. Wil Nieves grounds to Jack Wilson at short to end the fourth. 

 

Nyjer Morgan’s line drive almost confuses Kearns, who recovers to make the catch. Freddy Sanchez flies to right center where Maxwell grabs it. Nate McLouth gets hit on the arm. Craig Monroe rips a grounder off Zimmerman’s arm, for an infield single. Adam LaRoche grounds to second, Belliard throws him out...Lannan down swinging for the first out of the Nationals’ fifth. Cristian Guzman takes a slider to left, and into the corner, Guzman speeds around to third. Nick Johnson waits for an 0-2 change and lifts it over the infield for an RBI single. 1-1 game. Nyjer Morgan is perfectly positioned to catch Ryan Zimmerman’s line drive. Adam Dunn pops out to end the threat. 

 

Lannan vs Robinzon Diaz to start the sixth. Diaz singles to center. Andy LaRoche beats Belliard with a single to center. Jack Wilson flies to Maxwell, who catches it coming in and hits the cutoff man when Diaz breaks for third, Guzman cuts and nails LaRoche at second!! Double play the easy way!!! Lannan gets Maholm swinging!!...Austin Kearns pops out to McLouth. Ronnie Belliard goes 12 pitches deep to draw a one-out walk. Justin Maxwell pops out behind second. Wil Nieves goes down swinging...

 

Nyjer Morgan works the count full, and walks to start the seventh. Freddy Sanchez hustles to first to beat out the backend of a DP attempt. Nate McLouth splits Lannan’s wickets with a grounder, Cristian Guzman fields and tosses to Belliard, who barehands and fires to first late. Ryan Zimmerman dives and slides a side arm throw to first for the third out...Jesse Chavez on for Pittsburgh. Anderson Hernandez K’s in a pinch hit appearance. Cristian Guzman sends a fastball skipping over the infield for a single to center. Nick “Two-Spot” Johnson up, a passed ball moves Guzman to second. Nick Johnson gets jammed and pops out to short. Ryan Zimmerman lines right into Nyjer Morgan’s glove. 

 

Ron Villone gets a fly ball to left center out of Adam LaRoche. Robinzon Diaz swings through a high two-strike fastball. Andy LaRoche shoots a laser over short for a single. Jack Wilson grounds out to Johnson at first, scoreless frame for Villone...Sean Burnett has his cap twisted and he’s back out again tonight. Adam Dunn works a leadoff walk. John Grabow gets a DP grounder from Kearns and a line drive to Nyjer Morgan to end the eighth.

 

Joel Hanrahan vs Delwyn Young. Young hits a 1-2 pitch to left for a leadoff single. Nyjger Morgan fails at two bunt attempts, and flies out to right. Freddy Sanchez shoots a single under a diving Zimmerman and into left. Another single by Nate McLouth loads the bases for Brandon Moss. Moss grounds to first, Nick Johnson throws home for the force. Two down. 0-2 to Adam LaRoche, 1-2 on a pitch in the dirt, and then throws a wild pitch to let the go-ahead run score. 2-1 Pirates. Hanrahan walks LaRoche to reload the bases. Robinzon Diaz grounds out to second...Willie Harris drops a single down the right field line. Pirates’ reliever Matt Capps gets a DP grounder from Wil Nieves. Two down. Josh Willingham goes deeeep to center...McLouth backs up to the wall and makes the grab. Pirates win. 2-1 final. 

 

Nationals now 11-28. 

 

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Good news is we ended the streak of losing games while scoring 5+ runs.......

That’s something……

"We can’t get any worse." ...-Lyin' Joe Beimel
"What's in the flask, Egg......magic potion?"

by cat daddy3000 on May 20, 2009 11:09 PM EDT reply actions  

Just saw the replay of the Dunn throw.......

I was wondering how you skip a throw past three infielders? No I know…

"We can’t get any worse." ...-Lyin' Joe Beimel
"What's in the flask, Egg......magic potion?"

by cat daddy3000 on May 21, 2009 12:15 AM EDT reply actions  

Who calls the pitch selection? Now I know...

“After Hanrahan loaded the bases, he threw sliders almost exclusively. Manager Manny Acta wasn’t impressed with that pitch selection — which is dictated by the catcher. “There, they just didn’t mix it very well,” Acta said."

“Nieves said he was calling for all those low sliders because he wanted to force a groundout.”

"We can’t get any worse." ...-Lyin' Joe Beimel
"What's in the flask, Egg......magic potion?"

by cat daddy3000 on May 21, 2009 12:20 AM EDT reply actions  

Ah, Wild Joel and the game-losing WP... how I've missed it...

…how? Not at all, that’s how…

"We are all jinxers in NatsTown™." --cat daddy3000

by Doghouse on May 21, 2009 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions  

Never would have guessed it.

"Baseball is like church. Many attend; few understand."

by Mezza on May 21, 2009 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions  

Slider not working? What to do? Throw more sliders!!!!!!!

Transcript from Joel at Nats Journal…
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2009/05/some_thoughts_on_sliders_in_th.html

"We can’t get any worse." ...-Lyin' Joe Beimel
"What's in the flask, Egg......magic potion?"

by cat daddy3000 on May 21, 2009 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions  

All good and well from Nieves.

But if he cant get it anywhere near the zone its pointless. I think catchers need to know their pitchers and know what their limitations are.

"Baseball is like church. Many attend; few understand."

by Mezza on May 21, 2009 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions  

Maybe there's a flaw in the game plan. Maybe there should be a hand signal from the dugout, "No More Sliders"

“Wil came out when LaRoche was up and he said, ’You’re not finishing on your slider.’ Because I threw one or two that were up. He said, trust me, you know I can block it, and Wil blocks that ball probably 99-percent of the time.”

"We can’t get any worse." ...-Lyin' Joe Beimel
"What's in the flask, Egg......magic potion?"

by cat daddy3000 on May 21, 2009 12:35 AM EDT up reply actions  

Ugh...

Let me get this right. He says “your slider is cr@p”. But trust me and keep throwing it – I’ll save you from wild pitching us to a loss. What the hell happened to “only get beaten on your best pitch”?? The kid has big issues throwing strikes – find out what is on for the night and make it happen.

Frustrated. Makes you now appreciate the guys who can call a game like Schneider (even if he didn’t hit much in the end).

"Baseball is like church. Many attend; few understand."

by Mezza on May 21, 2009 12:45 AM EDT up reply actions  

More...

bq Q: It’s your out pitch, and the one you like to throw the most. What happened there with that wild pitch slider?

Yeah, it’s a good out pitch for me. It’s my strikeout pitch. Right now I’m just not giving it a chance. They’re not swinging at it, and I’m not getting it close to the strike zone. Every one I’m throwing is 60 feet, and that’s not going to cut it.

What a debarcle. He has clearly admitted to it not working…so keep throwing it. These guys dont need training – they need a brain implant.

"Baseball is like church. Many attend; few understand."

by Mezza on May 21, 2009 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions  

And his fastball was topping out at 97mph........ no need to throw that...

"We can’t get any worse." ...-Lyin' Joe Beimel
"What's in the flask, Egg......magic potion?"

by cat daddy3000 on May 21, 2009 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions  

Another one.

“Never throw the same pitch 3 times”…

I think he’s broken 2 of the unwritten rules of pitching…3, if you include “throw strikes”.

RANDY!!

"Baseball is like church. Many attend; few understand."

by Mezza on May 21, 2009 1:11 AM EDT up reply actions  

Even after sleeping on it, I am still mystified how, at this late stage, Manny and Randy put Hanrahan in, leave him in to hang, trust the game calling to the "career minor league back up catcher" as if they were observers in the stands,...

…and then comment how disappointed they were with the outcome…

Actually, observers in the stands were probably more engaged and offering suggestions to Joel……..

"We can’t get any worse." ...-Lyin' Joe Beimel
"What's in the flask, Egg......magic potion?"

by cat daddy3000 on May 21, 2009 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions  

I heard Manny place the blame on Dunn's defense and the pitch selection in the ninth inning.

I’d love to have a transcript of Manny’s presser after the game. He got on a roll by saying the many ways in which Donkey’s defense is horrible. I think Manny went a little too far and Dunn’s not really gonna put up with much more of the Nats BS. He’s been on well coached teams and he knows this team isn’t well coached.

by RoscoeNats on May 21, 2009 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

I read Manny blamed us fans.... "they want the 40 homers...", "they" get the Donkey Defence...

I don’t think Dunn has much room to complain, “I didn’t want it to sail on me and go off, so I made sure I got it down,” Dunn said. “It wasn’t a great throw.”

"We can’t get any worse." ...-Lyin' Joe Beimel
"No. I don’t manage like that" -Frank Robinson

by cat daddy3000 on May 21, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions  

I don't know, it short-hopped Guz and took a bounce off line...

And, why was Belliard there? Who covers second with a runner on base? I suppose he covers 3B, as Guz is in the OF, and Zim is the cut-off man between 3rd and home. But they all bunched up.. Maybe in anticipation of a “sailed” throw, so you position yourselves every 20 ft.?

"We can’t get any worse." ...-Lyin' Joe Beimel
"No. I don’t manage like that" -Frank Robinson

by cat daddy3000 on May 21, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions  

I don't think it's pitch selection as much as the pitcher...

Stammen will save us…

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 May 21, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions  

Upon further review....

Ronnie trailed the lead runner, and Nick was covering 2B. Zim was on the 3B bag, instead of down the line….. Bad throw, curious defensive alignment, circus music…

"We can’t get any worse." ...-Lyin' Joe Beimel
"No. I don’t manage like that" -Frank Robinson

by cat daddy3000 on May 21, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions  

I didn't want the 40 HR, because I knew what came with 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 Patrick Reddington on May 21, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions  

I was also against the signing because of the glove, but could live with it if he wasn't put and kept in every game.

Shouldn’t have started against Maholm, and should not be in the game late, no matter the loss of his bat…

"We can’t get any worse." ...-Lyin' Joe Beimel
"No. I don’t manage like that" -Frank Robinson

by cat daddy3000 on May 21, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions  

Manny can't whine about pitch selection ever. It's his own fault...

…his management model is faulty. He should call the pitches from the dugout to take the pressure off the pitcher and catcher.

I know you guys love Manny, but his style doesn’t work for this team. The total lack of fundamental soundness is on the manager. Time for the Riggleman audition to begin.

Fix what you can fix. Manny alone could have decided to call pitches, but he didn’t. Manny alone could have decided to make our team learn how to bunt, but he didn’t. Manny alone could have addressed the defensive issues before the problem snowballed, but he didn’t.

by RoscoeNats on May 21, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions  

"Acta found himself defending the team's coaching and the effort his staff puts into teaching technique."

“Acta said. “If we’re not doing anything, it should go on me and our coaching staff, but I think you guys come to the ballpark early enough. These guys, they work hard on everything. It’s just too bad, because it reflects on us, the coaching staff…” from Nats Journal

"It's just too bad, because it reflects on us, the coaching staff." -Manny Acta
"No. I don’t manage like that" -Frank Robinson

by cat daddy3000 on May 21, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah...well Manny...maybe you're doing it all wrong. Surprise.

There are three parts to baseball. Here I go again. Pitching. Offense. Defense.

The Nats are worst in defense and pitching.

You could maybe hide a bad pitching staff with good hitting and defense. But man, this is just ugly. It’s a train wreck in Famous Dave’s X-MO slow motion and it’s not gonna stop anytime soon.

by RoscoeNats on May 21, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions  

If it makes us feel any better...

…figure Hanny gets out of it with no runs…we scored nothing in bottom nine…Villone is already used. It’e better to lose 2-1 than 6-1.

Our offense finally took a night off and it turned out to be the one night we needed them.

by RoscoeNats on May 21, 2009 7:34 AM EDT reply actions  

Thanks for keeping the positive perspective, Roscoe...

“Less Painful Losing is Progress” -coming soon to billboards all over NatsTown (Brazil?)

We’re all in this together…

"We can’t get any worse." ...-Lyin' Joe Beimel
"What's in the flask, Egg......magic potion?"

by cat daddy3000 on May 21, 2009 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions  

Keith Foulke is available...

…says Loverro in the Times. Basically, he says this isn’t the time to build the bullpen. Check out some of the classic names available in a local bus league.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/21/in-may-no-way-to-salvage-nats-bullpen/

by RoscoeNats on May 21, 2009 9:12 AM EDT reply actions  

Ah, the memories... I do miss Frank Robinson...

John Halama – Halama will forever be known in Nationals lore as the pitcher manager Frank Robinson pulled after just two-thirds of the first inning of a start in 2005 after giving up one run. It was classic – something angry fans would love to see these days at Nationals Park.

“I’m not going to sit there and have him go ball one and ball two, ball three, ball four,” Robinson told reporters. “I don’t care if it was two outs. He was one hit away from disaster. … What am I supposed to do? Let him stand out there and give up the runs and let it go? No. I don’t manage like that.”

"We can’t get any worse." ...-Lyin' Joe Beimel
"What's in the flask, Egg......magic potion?"

by cat daddy3000 on May 21, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions  

Yep, Thom's got some points, right...

My 2 cents ain’t worth beans, but I think what Thom says about the bullpen being the problem makes sense to me. I think all other aspects of the team are pushing to much to compensate for the lack of presence in the bullpen.

by Berndaddy on May 21, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

Alright, so there was a hint of inevitability in the Johnson trade talk last night...

…so I’m going on record saying that a big “look we’re doing stuff to get better” trade will happen…soon.

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 May 21, 2009 11:49 AM EDT reply actions  

+1 on keeping Nick, the Nationals have to do something...

…no one is going to games and they’re on pace to lose more than last year…with no end in sight…

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 May 21, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

On paper they were supposed to be better...Doghouse had numbers to prove the same...

Neither the paper or the #‘s accounted for an entire bullpen full
of pitchers that can’t throw a dern STRIKE!!? How did you get all the way to the major leagues without being able to throw a STRIKE!!!!!!!

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 May 21, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nick Johnson's trade value will NEVER be higher!

he even stole a base last night. TRADE NICK!!!

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on May 21, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

I said last night that steal sealed the deal...

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 May 21, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

the "Nick Cycle"!

it will forever be known that when a lumbering player hits a triple and steals a base in the same week it will be known as a “Nick Cycle”.

of course, we probably just saw the only instance of it in history.

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on May 21, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

Here what I'm worried about. They trade Nick and get the temporary fixes needed...

…for this year and not solid players back to help this team in the future. I’m all for trading Nick and than signing him back, but I think the way Eldred is playing at AAA he might and mean just might bridge the gap for a Marrero 1st base appearance in 2011. 1 1/2 years is all we need or by 2011 we determine that we need to go out and get a 1st baseman… In either case the way the team is playing I don’’t see Nick Johnson being a part of this team in the future. I hate saying that cause I love this guy’s moxie and guts…but is he in the future plans.

by Berndaddy on May 21, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oh you said it...the word...the person...SMOAK...

Doesn’t Bowden suck that much more for hearing that word..

by Berndaddy on May 21, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

as i counseled all summer to anyone that would listen.

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on May 21, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nah, go back and try to lowball Crow even more...

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 May 21, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

BOWDEN!!

"We are all jinxers in NatsTown™." --cat daddy3000

by Doghouse on May 21, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

Johnson and the future

Johnson is not in the team’s long-term plans…he just can’t be. the team is too young to re-sign a soon to be 31-year old first baseman with a ridiculous accumulation of injury.

that said, i don’t think Rizzo trades him for a bag of magic beans.

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on May 21, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

Who plays 1st if you deal him right 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 Patrick Reddington on May 21, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Willingham

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on May 21, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

agreed

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on May 21, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

+2 and that throw fro left last night...let's just say I censored myself...really censored...

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 May 21, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

That's what I assume too, but he is as they say "untested"...

…if you throw a bunch of errors into the mix, and Zim loses his OBP blanket it could get even worse which might be hard to believe…

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 May 21, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

you have to tear down to build up...

if Zim falls apart because Johnson is traded, you have to know that too.

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on May 21, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

I thoyghtvthw tear down started in 05, or '06, the fact that that is still the talk is infuriating...

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 May 21, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wow, what is that second word, 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 Patrick Reddington on May 21, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

yup. thanks Jim Bowden.

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on May 21, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

Let's make it official then so we know for future reference...

THE PLAN STARTS 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 Patrick Reddington on May 21, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

Fun with the calculator...

The Nats can go 81 – 81…….if they go 70-53 from here on out.

More realistically, if we win 42.2% of games from tonight through the end of the season, we’ll end up with 99 losses. As of now, we’re winning 28.2% of games played. So, let’s aim low and win 52 of our last 123 games.

by RoscoeNats on May 21, 2009 1:02 PM EDT reply actions  

Yes.

To me, losing with a bad team is way easier than losing with a decent team.

by RoscoeNats on May 21, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

who has a decent team?

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on May 21, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

thanks.

but it’s offense only. this is a bad defensive team and has a lousy bullpen, and we knew that going in.

so on paper, they are 1/3 of a decent team.

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on May 21, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

it's because the Nats guys arent' very good defensively

by the time you’re a major leaguer, you either play good defense or you dont. it’s really that simple. if you haven’t figured out how to play defense in HS, colelge and minors, then you’re just not going to cut it.

look at it this way, defense is three things: quickness, coordination and desire.

if any one of those three are lost along the way, you aren’t going to be a good defender. if two of the three are missing, you will be a bad fielder. if all three are missing, you’re Ronnie Belliard.

except for that one play at RFK. i’ve never seen a better defensive play from a lousy defensive player in my life.

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on May 21, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

agreed, but...

but because of Jim Bowden, the Nats are just a collection of cruddy ballplayers right now, save for a few.

i mean, look around. Belliard was waived from his last gig. NO ONE wanted Guzman. Dukes was GIVEN AWAY by Tampa. Kearns and Willingham were throw-ins essentially. practically the entire bullpen were minor league free agents. Dunn couldn’t get a contract from ANYONE except us this off-season.

the only homegrown parts of this team: Zimmerman and the starters. that’s it. period, end of subject.

this organization will continue to be hampered by Jim Bowden’s incompetence for another 2-4 years.

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on May 21, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

and the chorus said amen !!! but

as I see it they need to moved Guzzy to 2nd and get a strong SS. If Maxwell doesn’t work out here then find a CF who can leadoff. Wrap it up with a RF. That three position players. Oh yeah, 1st base, too. Wow that’s a lot… Rizzo’s got to get cracking.

by Berndaddy on May 21, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

this is waht i'm talking about

you can’t just go out and get these parts all at once, unless you’re the Yankees or Red Sox. some of it has to get homegrown.

the Nats have some talent in the minors, but not nearly enough quality or quantity. that’s why i’m so adament on trading Johnson—for minor leaguers, not for bullpen help!

if three out of five of Johnson, Willingham, Belliard, Guzman, and Dunn aren’t traded for minor leaguers this season, Rizzo isn’t doing part of his job.

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on May 21, 2009 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

Trade Dunn wa-wa-wa-WHAT??? But the homers???

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 May 21, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

i know...

but he’s not going to be part of the “First Good Nats Team”.

i listed him last cause he’s the last i’d like to see go. but if he hits .275 up until the trade deadline, he could return a very nice little package.

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on May 21, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm on record since Nov/Dec saying that the Dunn money could've been better spent...

…but everyone loves the big bopper!! Dunn’s really drawing the crowds, right!! I

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 May 21, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

A couple weeks back I think Johnny H. said Zimm was an incredible SS in college.

Is it harder to find a SS or a 3B?

Guzi’s making $8m a year thru next season and he hits the cover off the ball.

Just sayin’

by RoscoeNats on May 21, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

shortstop

it’s harder to find a shortstop. but Guzman is barely average in the field and has zero range, as evidenced by that error the other night behind Detwiler.

and yes, he’s on a tear hitting, but it’s completely unsustainable. his BABIP (batting average on balls in play) is an almost historic .426 right now. league average is around .295-.305. when some of these liners stop falling, his average will fall, and it’s an empty average at that.

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on May 21, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

I heard a lot a people talking about him a better fit at 2nd base

The idea of moving Zimm’n to SS doesn’t feel right. Why mess up two bases, right. He hits fine for a third baseman..

by Berndaddy on May 21, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

JIM BOWDEN ...

I know you google your name every half hour. Listen read above you’re to blame for all of this. I second rate radio show is all you’re bound to get for here on out, so have a nice life and thanks for all the fishes….

Urgh !!!#$#$@#

Now I feel better. We should I try that…

by Berndaddy on May 21, 2009 1:22 PM EDT reply actions  

That's no news; he's always been a tool.

"...and remember, hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier." -M. Acta, May 2009

"And also remember, when you point at someone(Manny), 4 fingers are pointing back at you." - MissB, always

by MissB on May 21, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

ROFL, seroiusly!

"...and remember, hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier." -M. Acta, May 2009

"And also remember, when you point at someone(Manny), 4 fingers are pointing back at you." - MissB, always

by MissB on May 21, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

See? laughing too hard to even spell.

Seriously.

"...and remember, hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier." -M. Acta, May 2009

"And also remember, when you point at someone(Manny), 4 fingers are pointing back at you." - MissB, always

by MissB on May 21, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

I like your Manny quote.

Experiment below…

If the Nats ever win, it will be interesting to see if Manny calls them “my guys” or “our guys.” When the bullpen or defense causes a loss, it’s always “those guys” or “those guys out there.”

by RoscoeNats on May 21, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ain't that the truth.

And thanks to Berndaddy for providing the Acta quote which is just perfect for a T-Ball manager, not, i repeat, a Major League manager.

Berndaddy: a Hammer because he has no subtly and pretty much smashes things. A screwdriver on the other hand, puts things together.

"...and remember, hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier." -M. Acta, May 2009

"And also remember, when you point at someone(Manny), 4 fingers are pointing back at you." - MissB, always

by MissB on May 21, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

Good luck to your guys...

Hope all our guys play on Sunday.

"...and remember, hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier." -M. Acta, May 2009

"And also remember, when you point at someone(Manny), 4 fingers are pointing back at you." - MissB, always

by MissB on May 21, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

Back in the 20's, there was a Carolina guy known as the Battering Ram...

…and the head cheerleader decided UNC needed an animal mascot like the GA Bulldog or the NC State Wolf. He decided on a ram for the “Battering Ram.” When said ram arrived fresh from Texas, it was named Ramses and taken to the football game. UNC won its 1st game in quite a while.
Since then, there’s always been a real live Ramses at each home football game for good luck.

"...and remember, hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier." -M. Acta, May 2009

"And also remember, when you point at someone(Manny), 4 fingers are pointing back at you." - MissB, always

by MissB on May 21, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

Correction: Cat Daddy3000 foud the Acta quote about hope...

…need to give credit where it’s due.

"...and remember, hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier." -M. Acta, May 2009

"And also remember, when you point at someone(Manny), 4 fingers are pointing back at you." - MissB, always

by MissB on May 21, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ooooo, good find. Thanks.

I wondered where Cat Daddy3000 found that.

It seems to be his mantra.
Me? I like Frank Robinson’s approach.

"...and remember, hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier." -M. Acta, May 2009

"And also remember, when you point at someone(Manny), 4 fingers are pointing back at you." - MissB, always

by MissB on May 21, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

I wasn't fond of Frank Robinson as a manager either.

I was always in the CONVINCE DAVEY JOHNSON TO MANAGE AGAIN group.

by RoscoeNats on May 21, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

Thanks I was wondering how I remembered that when I....

..oh just ask my wife she’ll let y’all know I’d forget my name if it weren’t on my neck….what?
oh nevermind….that’s Nirvana right. Oh look there’s a bunny…

by Berndaddy on May 21, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hope is exhausted; faith was never here...so...

i say it’s goona be a good night for the Circus!

"...and remember, hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier." -M. Acta, May 2009

"And also remember, when you point at someone(Manny), 4 fingers are pointing back at you." - MissB, always

by MissB on May 21, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

Stammen

i’m real nervous about tonight’s game. “pitch-to-contact” guys are great when you’ve got a good defense behind you, but…

i think you all see where i might be going with this.

plus, the kid can’t break glass with his fastball. i hope he’s not just going to throw batting practice out there.

i’ll be willing to eat my words post-game, but i’m real nervous with this one.

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on May 21, 2009 4:16 PM EDT reply actions  

Who's the catcher tonight?

After last night’s faulty reasoning from Nieves, I’m even more nervous.

"...and remember, hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier." -M. Acta, May 2009

"And also remember, when you point at someone(Manny), 4 fingers are pointing back at you." - MissB, always

by MissB on May 21, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

I agree with NNN.

I hope we take extra infield today and have a film strip about who stands where in cutoff man situaions. Who backs up the throws….and so on. I’m sort of worried Manny doesn’t know, so that’s why he doesn’t teach it.

by RoscoeNats on May 21, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'll be watching the game behind a blanket...

BTW MissB I like the Circus idea. Let’s hope Stammen not into the High wire act. I like him to be a lion tamer. Yes, tame those Bucs, if you will now Mr.Stammen…

by Berndaddy on May 21, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hey, come on in to the Big Top...

…where’s the problem if a few lions get loose?

"...and remember, hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier." -M. Acta, 5/20/09 [http://masnsports.com/2009/05/tough-times-in-natstown.html Manny Mantra]

"And also remember, when you point at someone(Manny), 4 fingers are pointing back at you." - MissB, always

by MissB on May 21, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

Bard is starting

he of the 3 passed balls in 7 starts.

Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com

by Dave at District Sports Page on May 21, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

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