Nationals News: The Late Late Show Edition

by John Quinn on Sep 22, 2009 12:15 PM EDT

Nationals News

Chico Harlan has written a history of Elijah Dukes, and it seems that both Jim Riggleman and Mike Rizzo think he should be around for the long haul. The Post also has bonus coverage of Dukes, for those of us who don't love slash-and-burn.

The Times goes in depth on the Nats' starting pitchers.

Bill Ladson checks his spam folder and answers a few questions about Guzman and the Nationals. Here's OMG's take on Ladson's responses.

For the Nationals' final homestand, select tickets can be had for half off using coupon code "TEDDY".

In Mock's start on Sunday, he threw 115 pitches, a first for any rookie in Nationals history.

Non-Nationals News

When Jim Tracy took over the Rockies on May 29, they were 18-28, the second worst team in baseball (one ahead of the Nationals, of course). Now they've got a good shot at making the playoffs, and the team largely has Tracy to thank.

Angel Villalona, who recently turned himself in to police, has been officially charged with murder -- and he wore a bulletproof vest to his arraignment. That sounds pretty serious!

With 13 games left in the season, the Astros fired their manager, Cecil Cooper. What?!

MLB Players Association is debating filing a grievance on behalf of recently suspended Cub Milton Bradley.

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Great job on Dukes by Harlan...

I guess they were keeping the reporters away from his past earlier in the season, but this sure shows how personable he can be, as well as dedicated.
It really also calls the question how much Acta might have wanted him to fail…..

Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"I did not want to take Pete Orr's bat out of the lineup."

by cat daddy3000 on Sep 22, 2009 12:58 PM EDT reply actions

Easy to forget as big and developed as he is that he's still just 25...

The best years are ahead..just figure out that curve in the DWL and come back and demand that RF spot next year. Kearns is most likely gone, and I don’t think anyone in the system has half his talent…

And I know it’s broken-recordish with me, but way-to-go Chico for skipping the obligatory rehash of Dukes’ personal problems…

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 Sep 22, 2009 2:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Exactly.......who was it that said are we to give up on 25 year-olds now?

The long season has also obliterated the concept that this was a development season for many of these guys……… as well as playing guys to up their trade value or see if they have any value.
The mish-mash of strategy and panic and lineup disarray is what really did in this season.

Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"I did not want to take Pete Orr's bat out of the lineup."

by cat daddy3000 on Sep 22, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

ME!

Dukes deserves at least another season of MLB ball to work the kinks out and develop. I think deep down he’s a good kid who has had his fair share of downs.

If we have a settled line up next season, a bit better defense…and much better pitching – Dukes wont be under as much pressure and can be left to perform. I think some of his silly mistakes on the bases would go with experience.

Padilla walked into the Nats' clubhouse for the first time and said, "My God. I'm in heaven."

by Mezza on Sep 22, 2009 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd like to see a stable lineup, who've worked together in ST, like other teams have...

Let Dukes play RF and keep it….

His10-pitch AB in the 9th tonight, down 12, speaks volumes…

Mezza: ''Are we there yet?'' ...Roscoe: "In baseball hell? Yes we are."
"I did not want to take Pete Orr's bat out of the lineup."

by cat daddy3000 on Sep 22, 2009 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Speaking of giving up...this is very sad.

The Cardinals voided the contract of top prospect Wagner Mateo, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The 16-year-old Dominican signed a $3.1MM deal with the Cards in July, but failed to meet the club’s physical standards. They discovered “pre-existing injuries and physical defects” and voided the deal.

(apparently the kid has an eye condition that will greatly affect his vision)

by RoscoeNats on Sep 22, 2009 3:56 PM EDT reply actions