Nationals News: Frowny Face Lincecum

by John Quinn on May 27, 2010 11:30 AM EDT

Stephen Strasburg will likely not pitch on June 4, as was speculated, but could instead start against the Pirates on that same homestand. Jim Riggleman says that there are "too many reasons" not to announce Strasburg's debut, and he's right. But seriously, just tell us already.

Hall of Famer Bob Feller says that Strasburg is "quite impressive ... but expectations are far too high at this point."

J.D. Martin will likely start in place of the injured Scott Olsen on Saturday.

The Nats were able to beat Tim Lincecum by making good at-bats, forcing him to throw 42 pitches through two innings.

The Sports Bog has a list of all bobblehead promotions in the D.C. area.

The 1/1 2010 Bowman Chrome Superfractor Stephen Strasburg card has passed $16,000 on eBay.

Around the league...

Thomas Boswell has penned a good general baseball article instructing us to pay attention to the count, the key to the game.

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I don't get it

Why use more of his precious innings down in AAA? Screw Syracuse, we want him throwing in the majors!

Rob

"Winfield goes back to the wall. He hits his head on the wall and it rolls off! It's rolling all the way back to second base! This is a terrible thing for the Padres!" -- Jerry Coleman

by RobBobS on May 27, 2010 12:23 PM EDT reply actions

I think Riggleman knows the date is likely 6/8-6/10

I think the FO knows it too. But if he’s lights out on Saturday and JD Martin gets lit up in a softball game they are going to look like some fools if he’s not brought it.

Which raises an interesting issue: 6/4 speculators, how hard should we be rooting for JD Martin this weekend?

Ian Desmond...because the future starts now for the Washington Nationals.

by souldrummer on May 27, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions

What is even more annoying is that they won't specifiy which date in the window that they are considering.

That is where the coy part comes in and that’s where they are just trying to build the hype.

Of course, were they to go out and just win a bunch of games on this road trip they would deserve sellouts for the entire homestand regardless. Hopefully, the players can earn the goodwill that the front office seems determine to avoid.

Ian Desmond...because the future starts now for the Washington Nationals.

by souldrummer on May 27, 2010 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Rain could change the date

But NFA’s Brian retweeted Yahoo’s Tim Brown this morning:

“Source close to Strasburg on debut: It looks like June 8, but that could change. "

That source, of course, could be mistaken.

by cassander on May 27, 2010 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Good look.

Not f’ing around this time. I’m off to the ball park to take care of business for 6/8 with a free weekday ticket. Victimized round one. The souldrummer strikes back round 2.

All I can say is that it would be in their best interests to have a bangup job marketing for 6/4 and a home win.

Ian Desmond...because the future starts now for the Washington Nationals.

by souldrummer on May 27, 2010 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Thank you much Cassander.

Cashed in my free ticket for a seat in the Section 305. Bought 1 for my Dad too who is likely to come down from Jersey for the game. Fitting because he was with me for both my first game at RFK and my first game at Nats Park, the infamous FLop Grand Slam vs. the Mets Game.

Ian Desmond...because the future starts now for the Washington Nationals.

by souldrummer on May 27, 2010 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions

You're welcome

I bought tickets for the 8th and 9th myself today, though just upper deck, trying to minimize the pain on my wallet while still trying to get decent seats.

It’s tricky cause I can’t get to many games, but I must be at this one.

by cassander on May 27, 2010 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Ditto.

At this point, I can’t afford to speculate on other games. Trying to work on seeing if my connection can help me with free singletons for the other games.

Ian Desmond...because the future starts now for the Washington Nationals.

by souldrummer on May 27, 2010 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't think Marin will affect things

It’ll all be on Strasburg. Plus, Martin’s set to pitch again on the 3rd, an away game, so they wouldn’t want Strasburg to pitch then.To get Strasburg on the 4th, they’d either have to pitch Livan on short rest on the 3rd or bump Livan to the 5th and let Marin start on the 3rd.

If Stras picthes another no-hitter, that might get him up on the 4th, but I seriously doubt it at this point. Martin’s performance will have no bearing, I think.

by cassander on May 27, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions