Washington Nationals Swept By Milwaukee Brewers, Finish Eight-Game Road Trip 1-7.
by Patrick Reddington on May 25, 2011 4:45 PM EDT
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5. No-Trade Clause Snub: New Brewers' right-hander Zack Greinke was injured this Spring, so he's making just the fifth start of his first season in Milwaukee after a trade this winter from the Kansas City Royals club that drafted and developed the former Cy-Young-Award-winning right-hander. Greinke made a decision this past offseason to turn down what was reportedly a 5-year/$90-$100 million dollar extension offer from the Nationals, using his partial no-trade clause to block a deal the Nats and Royals had brewing (ed. note - "Pun intended."). The 27-year-old starter later told Washington Post writer Dave Sheinin, in an article entitled, "Desire to win now kept Greinke from joining Nationals", that he wanted to go somewhere he could win now. "'Not saying [the Nationals] don’t have a chance,'" Greinke told the WaPost reporter, "but I was trying to get to a team that was looking really good at the moment. And I believe [the Nationals] will be good eventually.'" The Brewers enter today's game at 26-23 to the Nats 21-27.
4. Not Hart, Not Braun, But Prince: Jason Marquis is careful, pitching Corey Hart inside throughout a seven-pitch AB that ends in a one-out walk in the Brewers' first. Ryan Braun connects with a 2-1 slider and drives it to left for a single. Another 2-1 slider to Prince Fielder ends up at the wall in right-center, two runs score as the Milwaukee Brewers get out to an early lead in the matinee series finale. 2-0 Milwaukee after one. Zack Greinke strikes out three of the first six batters and retires six of the first seven Nats he sees. 26 pitches through two for Greinke, Marquis responds with a nine-pitch 1-2-3 bottom of the second after a 24-pitch first.
3. Not Again: Rickie Weeks starts the Brewers' third with a leadoff double to left field. Marquis has a 1-1 change crushed by the Milwaukee infielder, who takes third on a productive flyout to center by Corey Hart. Marquis and Braun battle to a full count and the Brewers' outfielder takes a one-out walk to put two on for Prince Fielder. A sac fly to left scores Weeks from third, and Laynce Nix's throw home allows Braun to take second. The throw from Nix doesn't cost the Nats, but aesthetically speaking...uh...3-0 Brewers, two down.
2. The People's Champion: Jayson Werth singles off Zack Greinke to start the Nats' fourth. Laynce Nix drives a 1-1 fastball to right field and over the wall on a bounce for a ground rule double. Second and third. Greinke's in trouble in the fourth, and it's about to get worse as Michael Morse steps to the plate and launches a 79 mph first-pitch curve to left-center for a three-run HR, his third of the three-game series with Milwaukee. 3-3 ballgame in the fourth. After the HR, Morse is now 5 for 11 in the series with 3 HR's, 8 RBI's. 10 for 20 with 5 HR's, 12 RBI's on his career in Miller Park.
1. No.2 Of His Career: When Zack Greinke struck Jason Marquis out in the Nats' third, the Brewers' right-hander dropped three consecutive curves on the Nationals' pitcher to get a swinging K. Marquis first chance to return the favor comes in the fifth and he starts the Milwaukee right-hander, a career-AL pitcher with just one HR on his resume, six years ago, with a belt-high fastball inside. Supposed to sink, but it doesn't and Greinke destroys it. High fly ball to left and GONE!! Solo HR to start the fifth, 4-3 Brewers on Greinke's second hit of the season. Greinke's last HR came in Interleague play: June 10, 2005 vs ARI off Russ Ortiz.
0. GreinKe: After setting the Nats down in order in the top of the seventh, Greinke's up to 100 pitches even and 10 K's after he gets Jerry Hairston swinging to end the frame. Eight straight Nats go down following Roger Bernadina's one-out single in the fifth. Cole Kimball takes the mound for the Nats in the Brewers' seventh, and issues a one-out walk to Rickie Weeks. A wild pitch moves Weeks into scoring position and after an odd pitch-count controversy and walk to Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder drives Weeks in with an RBI single to left that makes it 5-3 Milwaukee.
-1. Comebac---: Roger Bernadina reaches first safely on an error by Rickie Weeks. A Jayson Werth single sends Bernadina from first to third, and he scores the Nats' fourth run on a sac fly to left by Laynce Nix. 5-4 game in the eighth. LaTroy Hawkins, who replaced Greinke, is replaced by Kameron Loe. Michael Morse is looking for his fourth HR in three games, but he gets a nasty 0-2 slider outside instead, and chases it. Werth stranded, Nats trail by one. Make that two. Brewers' catcher Jonathan Lucroy reaches on an "error" at third by Jerry Hairston. One out later he scores from first on a double to left by Yuniesky Betancourt. 6-4 Brewers. That's how it ends three outs later when the Nats hits three groundouts in the ninth.
The Nationals end the eigth game road trip 1-7 with five straight losses following the big 17-5 win over Baltimore.
• Miss The Game? The DC Faithful Are Starting To Turn Away...Or Maybe It Was Just A Day Game Crowd...
• Doghouse's Post Game WPA Graph: "Game 49: Don't worry, the home series will be a snap.":
- If you pitch like this, you can't o-fer: Jason Marquis (-12.7%) gets through 6 IP with 4 ER on 4 walks and 1 K, giving up the go-behind run on a solo HR hit by the opposing pitcher (-13.7%).
- MOARSE CRUSH RIGHTY! Michael Morse (+5.5%) hits a three-run bomb to tie the game in the 4th (+16.5%).
- Not keeping it close: Sean Burnett (-10.2%) faces one batter and gives up the margin-of-loss RBI.
- No help up the middle: Ian Desmond (-14.2%), Danny Espinosa (-10.3%), and Ivan Rodriguez (-10.1%) go 0-12 with 2 Ks.
Nationals now 21-28.
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Pathetic +1
2nd game sucsessfully boycotted………….
To continue yesterdays discussion, For the third year in a row this team is snake bitten “karma” wise. I know no one can predict ZIMM going down, or even DUNN if he was still here going down, but after two years of pitching woes there is no way that this team offensively can be acceptable…………..
Two years in a row this ORG has now pretty muched lied to this fan base. “We have a plan”? A plan where you finally bring in a “third” allstar type yet cut one of the others still leaving the team with a hole in the middle.
To put in an offense that has lost two LIVO 1run games and countless JZIMM starts. We have a plan.
While accepting a second year of DEZ, a 1st year of ESPI and RAMOS WITH ALL questionable returns, someone had the bright idea of getting rid of MORGAN, DUNN and WILLINGHAM in the same year………….the replacements complete jokes and not even long term answers.
THESE THREE MOVES SET THIS TEAM BACK AGAIN!!!
Highlighting those red uniforms instead of the 2008 grey/blue. Allowing this MASN Oriole/NATS travesty to continue. Having that EXPO history live in Washington??? Letting Dibble go. Hanging Morgan out to dry. Letting DUNN go. OBPS !!!!………. HELLO!!!!………..This is a FOOTBALL town. Our baseball has to be tough.
In another time this city would physically lose this sorry team.
Bottom line, until this team can beat the Orioles 4/5 out of 6 they will lose this fan every year. Its totally unacceptable to lose to Baltimore and have our announcers sit there and take it like school girls.
Complete mismanagment.
I get the frustration and venting, and you are well within your rights to boycott
My view is that no plan survives contact with the enemy (with a tip o’ the hat to von Moltke). I feel that losing Morgan, Dunn and Willingham isn’t the problem here. Morgan is on the DL, Dunn has been a complete disaster for Chicago (four years and $60 million, leading the league in strikeouts and not hitting – he’s 0 for 30 something against lefties this year!) and Willingham has been no better than OK in Oakland (Nix is outplaying the Hammer by a pretty fair margin).
The fact that the “replacements” for them (LaRoche, Bernadina/Morse/Nix) aren’t part of the long term answer is part of their point. They are placeholders, with some slight potential that someone may emerge to become more than that. Committing to Dunn would have made him part of the long term, with real risks associated with that. Willingham wasn’t going to be part of the long term future here either. The Nationals got two first round choices for Dunn (#23 and #34 overall in a deep draft) and two players for Willingham that have a chance to be a part of the future. Morgan … well, he was one of the worst players in MLB last year, and other than his magical two month stretch in 2009 hasn’t never been much more than OK. I don’t miss him (and I certainly don’t miss Dibble, who I regard as more of a loudmouthed jerk than anything else).
Just because I see things differently doesn’t mean that I don’t get your anger. The 1-7 road trip was tough to watch, and losing to the O’s is galling. I actually agree with Boswell on this, though – I view the Nationals’ future as being better than the O’s. The O’s have three young starting pitchers and two good young players (Jones and Markakis). They don’t have a lot on the farm, they don’t have the financial resources that the Nationals do, and they aren’t going to the playoffs this year or for the foreseeable future. They may well take 4 of 6 from the Nats this year and finish with a better record. But I like the Nats’ longer term better.
Everyone's future is better than the
O’s and Jays and Rays because of their division. I feel bad for fans of those teams that have such small margin for error.
The 2010 Offense.........
Worked……….and we were going to add WERTH, ESPI and 50% Ramos. Why dump all three, Including DUNN who was going to play the least important posistion on the field?….. I wanted Willingham “THeFraud” gone for sure but not all three.
The idea that we need 8 “great” defensive players is not only wrong but a dream especially if DEZ continues to prove he should be playing LF. ESPI, Werth and Bernie would have improved the defense enough.
ZIMM going down is a big deal. But we are still short that third superstar in the middle.
FWIW, Desmond has made one error in the past month - maybe we should cut him some slack on his fielding
Adding one player that is injured (Morgan) and one player who is really struggling (Dunn) to an offense that already has players that are injured (Zimmerman, LaRoche) and really struggling (Espinosa, Desmond, Morse until recently, Ankiel, Stairs) does not seem to me to be a recipe for improvement.
Last year’s offense worked? Really? The Nationals finished 25th in runs scored last year. So far this year they are 23rd – yes, they are ranked slightly higher even with Zimmerman out and a one-shouldered first baseman. The 2010 offense worked OK in April and May, before Zimmerman swooned in June and Willingham (inevitably) got injured. Let’s not let Dunn/Hammer/Nyjer nostalgia lead us to pine for what wasn’t all that good in the first place.
None of which, sadly, makes this year’s offense any easier to watch …
I agree with you, d_c_guy.
Losing Plush, Dunner, and Hammer isn’t what is currently hurting this team. Waiting for our system to gather any kind of depth is. We’ve only recently started to fill the farm system with decent prospects, most of whom are at least a year – if not more – away from being at all useful in MLB. Investing in too many older players for the long term would be foolish because we’d end up blocking some of our younger talent with people who may or may not be working out. Using halfway decent placeholders for now is the most economical way to assure that the team is set for the future, but it doesn’t leave any margin for error. Toss in the major injuries we’ve already had (Zimmy, Roachie, Stras) and a mediocre coaching and medical staff, and, well, this is what happens.
I’m irritated about the whole situation myself. I hate watching the Nats lose. Even though it’s been par for the course, I truly believe that this team is better than what they seem. Knowing that circumstances and management are keeping these guys from reaching their full potential kills me. Still, if the problems that can be taken care of are taken care of (*ahem*Riggleman*cough*Eckstein*ahem*), only time will allow the team system to build up and provide the Nats with the players they need. I’m not ready to give up yet. But, like they say, if you can’t take the heat…
optimism or GTFO.
washington nationals official unofficial special assistant for team and fan morale
by sweetpearacer on May 26, 2011 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
There always better then they seem............
Same story every single year…………Yet
Morgan, ZIMM, DUNN Werth, is better then Ankiel ZIMM, Laroache, Werth……….
Its just the truth………..
2012 is going to be no better. STRAS is going to take all next year just to get back to normal……….Were probably findiing out right now that Lannen and Detwiller are not going to cut it………….Harper is probably not ready till 2014.
There is no telling if DEZ and ESPI don’t fall to .190.
LIVO= one year older
Marquis is going to talk his way right off this team.
DUNN…………..Still plays in another city.
Your "this" is better than "that" observation, after taking Zimm and Werth out of the equation
Amounts to Morgan & Dunn are better than Ankiel & LaRoche. Assuming for the sake of argument that is true, it’s not the whole story. For example, are Morgan & Dunn better than Nix & LaRoche? Maybe they will be eventually, but right now on the strength of Nix’s bat and LaRoche’s glove, from where I’m sitting the nod goes to Rizzo so far.
ZIMM and Werth are better..............With DUNN
A line up is a collection…….Laraoche hits his 25 HRS and then just cashes his check……….DUNN gets people pitches………..
Enough Captain Hindsight
LaRoche is leading NL 1B at 4.20 pitches per plate appearance (more than Dunn). He was intended as a placeholder until Marerro or the loser of the Ramos/Norris battle was ready for 1B. A torn rotator & labrum tends to sap your power.
From what I’ve read, signing Werth AND Dunn was not an option fiscally (take that as you will). This comes down to which player you’d rather have on a long-term contract.
Willingham was traded for a fireballer everyone is drooling over, and an outfielder who may or may not be the CF of the future. Meanwhile, he’s hitting .229 and isn’t guaranteed a starting job in Oakland.
Morgan had one half-season of good play (after being essentially dumped by Pittsburgh), was among the worst players in MLB last year, and had worn out his welcome. Ankiel has been acknowledged to be a placeholder until Brown and Harper’s ready (or until Bernadina proves he can hit and play CF).
Stepping down off the stump now.
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, but isn't a cucumber that small called a gherkin?"
I'm not drooling over Rodriguez
Far from it. I am not convinced about his ability to pitch at the major league level at all.
Rob
-- In baseball we trust.
True
I’ve said it before. Using examples from the town to the north, best case scenario is he becomes Armando Benitez; worst case is he’s Daniel Cabrera.
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, but isn't a cucumber that small called a gherkin?"
Fact of the matter is
Dunn is a better player than LaRoche. Miles better. They may both have struggled out of the gate, but that’s not the point. Dunn projected to produce 2.8 wins, LaRoche projected 1.2 wins (PECOTA). 1.2 wins is worth about 3M, not the 7 he’s getting paid. Whether or not they actually produce that amount is not particularly relevant, because Rizzo can’t see the future.
Rob
-- In baseball we trust.
By that math
Dunn is worth 7M. Nats offered him 11.7M (3/35). CHX offered 14M (4/56). If Dunn would be satisfied with NL money he would still be here.
I am glad Rizzo didn’t offer him 4/56.
I like how you left out all the posatives, like Peacock, Milone, and Meyers proving themselfs
and that Harper will be here before 2014, and that we have Lombardozzi, Norris TMoore in AA, and Perez, Hood, Kobernus, J.P. ramirez in A+
None of this.......
is fact………..Not even STRAS……..We got rid of 3 proven players and replaced them with three bums who fit “our” style…….A style of loserville.
Two years ago this team was supposed to be .500………..Two years ago. Heads should role if this team loses 93 games.
I don't think Morgan was exactly a "proven" player.
Unless you mean, “proven not to be able to run the bases effectively or hit left-handed pitching.” Dunn and Hammer certainly qualified as known commodities, as much as any player in baseball can be—players with decent offensive production, average-to-below-average defense, and output that is likely to be in serious decline by the 2013 “compete” window. Losing them might hurt a bit this year and next, but these are years to find pieces for contention, not to overspend for two extra wins in a sub-.500 season.
"I don't believe in luck, but it was just one of those things where it wasn't really skill, either." --Jerry, jr.
by Doghouse on May 26, 2011 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Morgan was NOT a proven player, Dunn could barley play 1st, and got a lot of money
and your 3 “bums” Ankiel and LaRoche wont be here past next year or the year after, and Werth will turn it around with a good hitting coach or later this year
My guess:
Harper and Norris will be valuable major league players; Meyers will be a productive pitcher. Nobody else will make the cut.
Rob
-- In baseball we trust.
What do you base that on, you think Perez, Milone, Maya, Hood, and all our other prospects will be busts
I think not all of them will pan out, but more than 3 of them will IMO.
Same with Solis, Ray, and Cole.
but that is my opinion, and I am sticking to it
Heat.......
Its not heat………….Its lies…………
If you honestly believed everything that Rizzo sold you this off-season...
…you’re forgetting one important fact: He SOLD it to you. Baseball is a business. GMs, like any other advertiser, are going to do what it takes you get you to buy their product, even if it means embellishing and exaggerating. By taking Rizzo’s marketing at face value, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment because you’re not seeing the facts. The facts are in the stats and the changes. Look at them, not the ads. They may provide you some solace.
optimism or GTFO.
washington nationals official unofficial special assistant for team and fan morale
by sweetpearacer on May 26, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Remember that when it comes to MLB General Managers
Lying is part of the job description. Whether it’s playing up a free agent signing, boosting the team’s ballplayers (increases morale, makes them more valuable in a trade), masking a team’s trading or drafting strategy, hardballing an agent in arbitration/negotiations, or any other of the myriad aspects of the job.
More it changes, more it stays the same
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cottich01.shtml
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brinked01.shtml
Same same=Desi/Espi
Although Brinkman was a better fielder.
Let's not forget
the Senators’ second sacker at the time I became a fan (‘66-’67) – the redoubtable Bob Saverine!
really glad today is an off day...
Because I’d be taking the day off from the Nats anyway. My blood pressure needs a break. This has been the most miserable week of baseball I can remember. Losing games is bad enough but the way they did it is just so DAMN FRUSTRATING!!!
Seriously.
But it’s so freaking hard to stay away. I swore I’d take a “baseball break” for the Brewers series, but I was right in front of the stupid TV screen again on Monday night. I popped a Klonopin during the last game against the Os, but decided to reconsider my coping mechanisms. Becoming a tranquilizer addict isn’t good for me or the team. Hurr hurr.
optimism or GTFO.
washington nationals official unofficial special assistant for team and fan morale
by sweetpearacer on May 26, 2011 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions
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