Nationals News, "Best Win of the Season" Edition

  Last night's win (the "best," according to Adam Dunn) came in an exciting fashion, and couldn't have happened at a better time for the Nationals. The Marlins had won ten in a row against the Nationals, and 23 of their last 26. The Nationals have played just 20 games under a new manager, had recently traded their popular first baseman to the Marlins, were playing without Ryan Zimmerman and hadn't defeated a team with a winning record since June 25. This win is a huge confidence boost, and only serves to build momentum going into tonight's game led by their "ace," John Lannan.

  Austin Kearns was sent to the disabled list with a thumb issue, making room for the call up of Jorge Padilla (whom I saw at the Syracuse/Norfolk game on Sunday!). Kearns does have a history of... thumb problems... but I'm not sure how much of this is actual injury and how much is Kearns stepping aside with dignity.

  Jordan Zimmerman, making a rehab start for the Potomac Nationals, struck out six in 3 1/3 innings, but left early after being hit by a comebacker. The injury doesn't sound too serious, but he left after 47 pitches instead of the 65 he was scheduled to throw.

    Dugout Central thinks that the Nick Johnson trade was a benefit to both teams involved.

  Prince Fielder, angry that he was thrown at in the 9th with two outs in a 17-4 game, charged the Dodgers' clubhouse door, but was stopped by security.

  Hank Aaron has come out and said that he thinks the list of players who tested positive in 2003 should be released. This is an incredibly complex issue, one that deserves its own post, but I'll just say I disagree (unless the MLB reaches an agreement with the players' union) and leave it at that for now.