Nationals News: Twin killings me softly

by John Quinn on Aug 4, 2010 11:01 AM EDT

The Nationals grounded into three double plays last night, including Pudge Rodriguez' 20th twin-killing of the season.

It's official -- if all goes well with Strasburg's simulated game tomorrow and his bullpen session on Saturday, he'll be activated from the DL and will face the Marlins at home on Tuesday.

Garrett Mock will make his first rehab start with the Hagerstown Suns tonight, his first rehab start since having neck surgery in April.

Adam Kennedy has benefited from increased playing time following Cristian Guzman's trade to the Texas Rangers.

Though Adam Dunn was placed on waivers, there is no reason to be concerned: Rizzo was not satisfied with what he was offered before the trading deadline (and the likelihood of being offered more is slim to none), and the Nats scored points in the clubhouse and among their fans in keeping him, so it wouldn't make sense to turn around and deal him.

While there wasn't one single thing that went wrong in last night's loss, there were three larger issues -- Scott Olsen's problems getting lefties out, Joe Saunder's dominance and Collin Balester's lack of control. Oh, and the fact that the Nats have scored just four runs in two games in what is undeniably a hitter's ballpark.

Balester has made four relief appearances in the majors, and has plunked a hitter in the head in two of them. Neither Rickie Weeks nor Mark Reynolds were seriously injured, but his confidence has to have taken a hit.

Yunesky Maya, the Nationals' big Cuban signing, has been optioned to the rookie-level Gulf Coast League.

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Good look on the Mock article.

I knew he was pitching tonight but I didn’t know the projected innings count or pitch totals. Strongly considering going to Hagerstown tonight because the stars have aligned with car issues, quiet on the work front, family coverage, and a Nats late night game.

On a desperate search for Sunshine at Nats Park. In Rizzo and Ramos we trust.

by souldrummer on Aug 4, 2010 12:50 PM EDT reply actions

Getting there

Seems like it would be a major undertaking. My guess is an hour with no traffic, nearly two if leaving in late rush hour. Is this true?

Rob

"Ninety feet between home plate and first base may be the closest man has ever come to perfection." -- Red Smith

by RobBobS on Aug 4, 2010 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Mock

It will be a long while before I forgive and forget the incident at that April start in which Mock came to the dugout and told McCatty that he wasn’t getting a good grip on the ball, to which McCatty reportedly retorted that Mock should just get over it and figure out a way to make it through the start. What an arse. So now we find that Mock was suffering from a potentially serious health issue which was causing him the numbness in his hands.

Sometimes I really doubt the competence of the Nationals’ management.

Rob

"Ninety feet between home plate and first base may be the closest man has ever come to perfection." -- Red Smith

by RobBobS on Aug 4, 2010 1:25 PM EDT reply actions

Suppose this lack of competence may also be behind the recent rash of starting pitcher breakdowns and wavering stability of quality in the bullpen? When so many people start having problems, it makes you wonder if there’s a common denominator.

heal, Lulu, heal!

by sweetpearacer on Aug 4, 2010 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Hanrahan got the save last night for Pitt

1 hit, 2 strikeouts and he was throwing 97

Aim for the head baby Jesus

by Doncosmic on Aug 4, 2010 1:45 PM EDT reply actions

He threw 97 here too. It just was to the backstop.

I would be more than happy if he and Milledge figured it out, but they just weren’t going to figure it out here. Maybe the trade is what he needed to wake him up.

by David Huzzard on Aug 4, 2010 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions

He got saves here, too ...

Possibly even more saves than blown saves, and he did throw hard.

I wonder if the Pittsburgh blogs lit up when Burnett got the save the other night LOL

by d_c_guy on Aug 4, 2010 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions

GIDP

I am about tired of those things. Three more last night. I’m not sure IROD shouldn’t start sac bunting and move the guy over rather than swinging away and doing the old twin killing.

Why not us? Why not now?

by Expos4 on Aug 4, 2010 5:19 PM EDT reply actions